BOWDEN — A rural Bowden resident has suggested council is too secretive when it discusses matters around the sale or development of land.
Joyce Merritt hinted at that position during town council's June 24 meeting.
"I just want to know why every time you discuss a land matter it goes into camera (is discussed behind closed doors)," Merritt said.
"Why is that?" she asked. "Don't you think you might be overdoing it? It's a default position that you're taking."
Merritt said "a few years back" council made a decision that "affected me greatly."
She didn't say what that decision was. Later, she noted council approved a proposal for a peat moss company that was supposed to create about 40 jobs in the area. However, after stripping off some soil, it was gone. Merritt said "a big lake" was left behind.
"It's better to err on the side of caution," Mayor Robb Stuart said, adding by doing so, council is only following rules set out in the province's Municipal Government Act, which oversees town and city councils throughout Alberta.
"I can't see that every land issue has to be that secret. There should be some transparency," Merritt said.
"I think that if we're in negotiations with someone wanting to purchase some property or whatever, we don't want to lay that out for other people to be a competitor for that person," Coun. Kerry Kelm said.
"No, but it can be done so that there is a bit of an idea, so a person can have a bit of a heads-up so they can be aware that there might be something going on later -— and be around — don't take a trip somewhere and be away," Merritt said.
Stuart said although land matters may be discussed in camera, no decisions can be made at that time. Any action arising from them, such as a motion of some sort, must be taken in open council.
Merritt said minutes of discussions held in camera can be recorded but councillors weren't so sure.
Stuart noted any residents who have any concerns about the town can write a letter to the mayor and council and get a chance to air their concerns with council.
Merritt said she tried that tack some years ago, but nothing came of it.
"I don't intend to be a thorn in your side," she said.
