DIDSBURY - Coun. Erhard Poggemiller questioned the procedure regarding the mayor, Rhonda Hunter, being able to write a letter on behalf of council without council's permission at the regular council meeting on April 10.
The question came after Rhonalyn Carpenter, wife of developer James Carpenter, spoke to council about the letter her husband received telling him to direct further inquiries to the town administration.
The town is currently involved in an ongoing legal dispute involving six industrial lots (Plan 0714629, Lots 2-7) in the north end of Didsbury. The six lots were or are owned by James Carpenter's numbered company, 852016 Alberta Ltd.
Poggemiller told the Gazette he believes it should be a council decision on sending out a letter and it should be recorded in the minutes.
"I'm going by what I know from previous experience that whenever we had to write a letter to somebody there usually was a council motion to that effect then it was copied to everybody," said Poggemiller, the former mayor of Kerrobert, Sask. to the Gazette. "I had to do that when I was mayor, that was why I asked the question."
Poggemiller said council was told Hunter had legal counsel to send out the letter.
"She said she had legal counsel and was authorized to write the letter," he said. "There's not much I can say about it then."
The letter, dated March 28, was a response from Hunter to developer James Carpenter. The Gazette has received a copy of the letter, which states: "RE: Plan 0714629, Block 5, Lots 1,4,5,6 and 7."
"During our recent meeting you had requested council to consider some of the issues you have raised and requested in relation to the lands referenced above. I wish to advise that council does not intend to make any accommodations or continue to be involved in any direct discussions with you in relation to these issues. To the extent you have any further concerns, you should direct your correspondence to the town's administration. Sincerely, Rhonda Hunter, mayor."
Rhonalyn Carpenter, wife of James, appeared before council during question period at the same meeting and said that, "council and administration were not copied this letter. Madam mayor, did you discuss our issues and the resolution we offered with council? Was there a motion made in relation to this letter or our dispute? Are there any other voices here that are willing to stand up and to do the right thing?
"My husband, James, has been more than gracious and patient with this town and the actions of this council only discourages development and growth. You cannot blame past councils for the current poor decisions being made. Will you please provide the letter to build over your (allegedly) illegal sewer pipe so we can sell our land and leave Didsbury."
Hunter told the Gazette that she signed the letter and didn't carbon copy the letter to the rest of council.
"It was an oversight that I didn't cc council," said Hunter. "That was on me. I always cc council. I always cc council on things I send out. The letter was sent because it was the legal advice we had, was my answer."
As for whether or not the mayor needs to consult with the rest of council before sending out a letter, Hunter said, "council is a governing body as a whole. Letters that are sent on behalf of council are sent out with their knowledge."
Hunter said council knows when she is meeting with developers.
"They're aware that I'm meeting," she said. "We don't tell each other everything we do. When we're representing the town and it's not a committee we're on, definitely we have to know what each other is doing and how we're representing (the town)."
