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A proposal to restructure the Nelson City Council committees has been approved 9-4 at a highly debated meeting at Civic House.
The changes will reduce the number of full council committees from five to three, and several councilors will lose their positions as chairmen in the reorganization.
While supporters said the changes were necessary to improve the council’s efficiency in the challenging environment created by Covid-19, some of those who spoke out said the removal of several councilors from their presidential positions was politically motivated.
The vote was carried out in two stages: first to agree on the restructuring of the committees and, secondly, to appoint the new chairmen of the functions.
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The first part of the bill passed 9-4, with Council Members Rachel Sanson, Matt Lawrey, Pete Rainey and Rohan O’Neill-Stevens voting against.
The second part passed 9-0, with the aforementioned councilors abstaining instead of voting against the motion.
BRADEN FASTIER / STUFF / Nelson Mail
Mayor Rachel Reese said the “easiest thing” to do would have been to maintain the status quo.
Before the proposal was put to a vote, there was a lengthy and at times emotionally charged debate within the council chamber.
In describing the proposal, Mayor Rachel Reese emphasized that the motivation was to allow the council to react more quickly and efficiently to the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Through the process of looking at our priorities, the increased pressure on our community regarding housing … it was time we made some changes, and I think these are some really positive changes.”
Reese said it was “critically important” to respond to the current situation created by Covid-19, and also to move quickly on the issue of affordability and housing choice.
“The easiest thing for me as mayor is not to make changes. [But] I don’t think it’s the right thing to do for our community. “
However, there was a contingent of councilors who spoke out strongly against the proposal.
Braden Fastier / Stuff
Councilors Rachel Sanson and Pete Rainey were willing to lose their positions as committee chairs in the restructuring.
Sanson said that while he would “absolutely support” a review of the governance structure, the proposed proposal was “a flawed and false process.”
“I think the community should be concerned that three hard-working and effective councilors are being completely marginalized.”
She said she had been “shocked” by what she said was the control of information and the shutdown of robust interrogations within the council.
O’Neill-Stevens also said that he was not opposed to a possible restructuring, but did not support the process by which the proposal had been made.
“I have not been assured that the process we have followed will unite us as a team, which is ultimately what we need if we are to meet the Nelson people.
Braden Fastier / Stuff
Councilwoman Kate Fulton spoke in support of the restructuring at the council meeting.
“I think we should reject this, get together as a team and discuss what the problems are, discuss with the staff and brainstorm as a team how we can get the best possible result, without risking the work that we have already done.”
Rainey said he did not feel that the changes were serving democracy as well as they could, and that “alternative voices” were being punished with removal.
“Send a clear message that embraces austerity and conservatism … I think those are attributes that have absolutely no place in a post-Covid recovery.”
Lawrey said it was “ridiculous” to pretend that the marginalization of councilors was not political, and using Covid-19 as an excuse was “quite tragic.”
“This structure was delivered from above and there has been nothing collaborative about it.
Braden Fastier / Stuff
Councilmember Rohan O’Neill-Stevens said he was not convinced the changes would improve efficiency and bring the council together.
“If we have learned anything from the response to Covid, it is the need to collaborate and work together, not that leaders take steps to divide and conquer.”
However, there were also strong opinions from those who voted in favor of the restructuring.
Councilor Kate Fulton said she supported the changes and had not seen any signs of marginalization or intimidation within the council.
“For me personally, in this period of the council, I have not experienced any harassment nor have I witnessed any harassment.
“I think we have been a very collaborative, open-minded and supportive council. The staff has also made every effort to answer questions and support the new councilors in their duties. “
Councilman Brian McGurk said it had become apparent that the current committee structure was “unworkable”, putting too much pressure on board members and staff.
Braden Fastier / Stuff
Supporters of underserved councilors attend the kickoff of the extraordinary council meeting at Nelson City Hall.
“I have no doubt that each and every one of the members of this City Council is totally committed to the city and its people.
“Restructuring and change invariably involve personalities, and I think we must make it very clear that we must take personalities and put them aside.”
Deputy Mayor Judene Edgar said that as “one of the most legislature-driven organizations imaginable,” it was not easy for councils to move quickly, but the new proposal is expected to help accelerate that process.
“I hope that this less rigid historical structure allows us to be more receptive and innovate more.
“Pivot and rapid are not often used in reference to local government. Change is difficult, but our community needs and deserves something different. “
Councilwoman Trudie Brand said that under the current structure, the key issues presented at the beginning of the term were not being addressed as well as they should be.
Braden Fastier / Stuff
Cr Rachel Sanson talks to her followers before the start of the meeting.
He said that people were suffering financially and with the wage subsidy about to stop, it was urgent that the council react faster.
“After a few months… I felt it was time to change, because we had established strategic priorities and those visions were not going to be achieved if we stayed. [in council’s current form]. “
Before the meeting, a crowd of protesters greeted councilors as they prepared to vote, and about 50 people turned out in front of Civic House in support of councilors Sanson, Lawrey and Rainey.
Following the start of the meeting, the group broke into song in response to one of the protesters, Evey McAuliffe, being denied the right to speak in the public forum, which was rejected by standing order.
Protest organizer Sarah Sharp said the group “could not remain silent” on the proposed changes.
“The community voted for representation on the entire council. It is not for a mayor who received less than 30 percent of the mayoral vote to restructure effective and experienced councilors out of decision-making roles.
“It’s important that the best people are selected for the job for the roles, rather than the people who follow the party line and don’t ask questions.”
