Drumheller's Town Council invited members of a local forum to appear at a Council meeting after turning down the group's request for a private meeting.
The Forum for the Future of a better Drumheller, a group of residents who took out ads in this paper to gain support for their cause, were turned down by Town Council for a private meeting.
Forum for the Future of a Better Drumheller has the stated goals of holding Town Hall accountable, proposing constructive solutions, and acting as a critical advisor. So far, Chip Aiello and Michael Stefanishion have been identified in an ad as being part of that group. They invited town council to a private meeting at Badlands Community Facility on December 16.
Aiello stated that he had confirmation from a number of councillors to attend, but learned that afternoon that council would not be attending. Howeever, the meeting went ahead anyway.
Drumheller Council released a statement to The Mail indicating that it has no trouble meeting with residents to hear concerns or suggestions, however it has concerns about meeting behind closed doors, outside the realm of public scrutiny.
“Council’s authority flows from the Municipal Government Act, and to adhere to the spirit of the Act, must not actually -nor even appear to - hold meetings and make decisions anywhere but properly advertised, regular meetings of Council that are open to the public,” it states. “We are duty bound in this regard. All of our citizens are entitled to that level of transparency from their elected officials.”
Prior to the meeting, the Forum was extended an invitation to attend a regular town council meeting as a delegation, which was turned down. Council’s statement indicates that the invitation stills stands.
“Council again invites the Forum to attend a council meeting as a delegation,” it states. “That is the proper procedure for council to follow. Questions can be still be asked, grievances can still be aired, good ideas shared-and ultimately that’s he point isn’t it?”
Aiello states that plans have been made by the Forum for a meeting open to the general public sometime in the new year.
