#governance
🚪 Council Goes Behind Closed Doors
Should your city council be allowed to discuss land deals in secret? Tonight's meeting will move to a closed, in-camera session to discuss potential land acquisition, disposition, or expropriation matters that could affect our community.
🔒 In-camera meetings are legally permitted under the Community Charter
🏛️ Council can close meetings when disclosure could harm municipal interests
⚖️ Section 90(1)(e) covers land acquisition, disposition or expropriation matters
📋 Protects the municipality's position in potential land negotiations
🔓 Some in-camera matters can be declassified and made public later
🏠 Land acquisition - purchasing property for municipal needs
💰 Land disposition - selling or transferring city-owned property
🚧 Expropriation - taking property for public use with compensation
🏢 Land improvements - modifications or developments on properties
🤝 Strategic negotiations that could be harmed by public disclosure
Meeting: Monday, October 20, 2025 - immediately following the Public Hearing at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue)
What happens next: Some in-camera matters can be declassified and made public through future council meetings and municipal reports.
Council Going Behind Closed Doors 🚪
Tonight's Rossland Council meeting will pause public viewing to discuss confidential land matters. This closed session is legally required when discussing property deals that could harm the city's negotiating position if made public.
Why the Secrecy is Necessary
🏢 Acquisition - City considering buying land or buildings
💰 Disposition - City considering selling municipal property
⚖️ Expropriation - Forced purchase for public projects
Why the Secrecy is Necessary
🤐 Public discussion could drive up prices or harm negotiations
📋 Community Charter legally requires these discussions be private
What questions do you have about closed Council sessions?
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📅 October 20, 2025 - Council meeting at Rossland Council Chambers (1920 Third Avenue), immediately following Public Hearing
What happens next:
- Council will return to public session after land discussions
- Any decisions made may be announced when legally possible
- Watch for future agenda items related to land transactions
Who's representing you in 2026?
Council is finalizing committee appointments that determine which councillors will advocate for different community interests and oversee key services throughout 2026.
🏛️ Committee appointments determine council oversight of city services
📚 Library liaison provides direct council representation for library users
🌲 Regional district appointments affect decisions on rural services and environmental issues
👥 Appointments influence which community groups get dedicated council support
⚖️ Distribution of roles affects workload balance and expertise matching
📋 2026 council appointments approved as presented by staff
📚 Councillor Provencal appointed as Rossland Public Library liaison
🏔️ Mayor Morel confirmed as Regional District of Kootenay Boundary representative
🔄 Councillor Weaver confirmed as regional district alternate
📅 Appointments effective for full 2026 calendar year
Do you have feedback about these council appointments?
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Official Votes
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Appointments were approved at the October 6, 2025 council meeting. Next regular council meeting is Monday, January 12, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers, 1920 Third Avenue.
Who's Running Rossland? 🏛️
When Mayor steps away, who takes charge? 🤔
Council is voting on a transparent rotation schedule for 2026 - so residents always know exactly who's accountable for city decisions when the mayor is unavailable.
No surprises, no confusion. Just clear democratic leadership! ✨
📋 Monthly rotation system keeps leadership fresh and fair
⚖️ Required by law - Community Charter Section 130
📊 Schedule based on councillors' availability survey
🗳️ November & December left open due to October 2026 election
💰 Zero cost to taxpayers - just better organization
2026 Acting Mayor Schedule
🌲 January: Councillor Weaver
❤️ February: Councillor Humpherys
🌸 March: Councillor Spooner
🌷 April: Councillor Provençal
🌼 May: Councillor Kwiatkowski
2026 Acting Mayor Schedule
☀️ June: Councillor Weaver
🌞 July: Councillor Provençal
🌊 August: Councillor Boyce
🍂 September: Councillor Spooner
🎃 October: Councillor Humpherys
Do you think this rotating Acting Mayor schedule provides good accountability and transparency for Rossland residents?
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Official Votes
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🗺️ What's Next:
Council will vote on this schedule at their next meeting. This administrative decision ensures residents always know who's in charge when needed.
🗣️ Have Questions? Contact City Hall or attend council meetings to learn more about municipal governance.
Bookmark this schedule - you might need to know who's Acting Mayor throughout 2026!
🚪 Council Going Behind Closed Doors
September 15th Council Meeting Alert 🏛️
Council is voting to close part of their meeting to the public for confidential discussions. While sometimes necessary, these "in-camera" sessions limit public oversight of your local government.
The Question: When should your elected officials be allowed to meet without you? 🤔
What Are In-Camera Meetings?
🔒 "In-camera" means council meets privately without public or media
📋 Only allowed for specific reasons outlined in the Community Charter
⚖️ Protects sensitive information that could harm municipal interests if public
What Are In-Camera Meetings?
🕐 Used sparingly - most council business must remain public
📝 General topics discussed are usually announced, but not details
What's Being Discussed Privately
💼 Municipal Service Negotiations - Early-stage talks about providing new town services
⚖️ Legal Matters - Discussions about current or potential litigation involving the municipality
🕰️ Both topics are considered too sensitive for public discussion at this preliminary stage
🏛️ Council believes public knowledge could harm the town's negotiating position
Your Voice on Government Transparency
How do you feel about council holding confidential meetings for service negotiations and legal matters? Should there be stricter limits on in-camera sessions, or do you trust council to use them appropriately?
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Official Votes
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Stay Engaged & Informed
📅 September 15, 2025 Regular Council Meeting
How to Stay Involved: • Attend public portion of meetings • Review published council minutes • Ask questions during public comment • Contact councillors about concerns
📋 Note: Council must report general outcomes when appropriate.
Democracy works best when residents stay engaged! 🗳️