Council divided between alternate approval process and referendum

City Council will turn to the alternate approval process when it comes to a $7 million loan.

The money would cover a million dollar overhaul on Foreman Road, and replacing certain vehicles in the City’s fleet.

A referendum works like a normal election, where voters turn out to vote yes or no.

With the alternate approval process, only those who aren’t in favour of the loan have to come forward.

If 10% of eligible voters petition against the loan and projects, the project will be shut down.

Administration at Monday’s council meeting said a referendum could cost $60-70 thousand, but Councillor Albert Koehler suggested lumping the projects into one referendum.

While other Councillors said a referendum wouldn’t be cost-effective, Koehler wasn’t budging.

“Doing that without getting out residents involved and having a referendum, for me, doesn’t make sense,” explained Koehler.

Corporate Officer Walter Babicz said the referendum would go beyond costing more money.

“There’s significant staff time required to plan and implement the referendum. In addition to the estimated cost, which is approximately $70,000, legislative services staff, as well as other staff within City Hall will have to immediately start to plan the process and implement it to meet the timeline. A referendum must be held within 80 says of Council giving the bylaw a third reading,” said Babicz.

Public input is needed on the matter because the loan stretches over more than five years.

Councillor Jillian Merrick briefly mentioned slashing the borrowing term to eliminate the need for public input, but decided it wasn’t the best idea.