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Council investigates governance review
Chris Clegg
for South Peace News
The cost of a complete municipal governance review is being investigated by High Prairie town council as part of a proposal to examine operations.
Council, which refused to consider a similar review less than four months ago, discussed the matter behind closed doors Sept. 23. After the in-camera session, they passed a motion to ask for prices on the governance review, advertising for a new manager and conducting a strategic plan (sustainability study) for the future.
Some councillors wanted the governance review in June but a motion to proceed was turned down by council. Since that time, manager Lonny Miller and treasurer Hermann Minderlein have both resigned. Their last day is Oct. 9.
“I am aware of one other management employee that is presently interviewing and will likely be leaving the town’s employ in the near future,” Miller wrote in his report to council Sept. 23.
It wasn’t all Miller had to say.
“I would like to recommend that council reconsider its earlier (June 2009) decision not to proceed with a governance review,” he wrote. “I have experienced the quality reviews completed by George Cuff and would recommend council investigate whether he would be available and interested.”
Miller adds many other qualified consultants are available. He estimates the cost to be anywhere from $30,000 to $50,000 with money coming from council’s annual Municipal Sustainability Initiative Grant or the Municipal Sponsorship Program.
However, council wanted no part of discussing the matter in public, not even advertising for Miller’s replacement or the sustainability study.
Cuff, owner of GBC Management and Consultants, has gained a Canada-wide reputation in his field for the work he completes. He is a self-professed expert in the art and principles of governance and the elements of effective organizations.
He formed GBC in 1984 and has since provided advice to rural and urban governments. On his website, he says the following in regard to government: “If the top doesn’t work well, the bottom won’t either.”
Cuff has written books and served four terms as mayor of Spruce Grove. He has also served as president of the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, which the Town of High Prairie is a member.
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