Having first encouraged Citizens to submit questions in advance and in writing, this Council has now spent $21,000.00 in Nelson to upgrade a Web Site, that since at least December 17^th, has not been able to process written questions.

Further, it is impossible for Taxpayers and Voter to prepare for Council Meetings without access to the Agendas and Background documents.

As of today’s date there were no Agenda Documents available to the Public through the City’s $21,000.00, out-of-town produced, web site relating to this evening’s meeting.

Previously, printed copies were made available to the Public.

I would like to thank the Director of Corporate Services, for making a printed copy of more than 180 pages available to me just minutes prior to tonight’s meeting. Obviously, Citizens who hope to follow Council’s activities, would now be well-advised to take a speed reading course.

It appears to some, that ‘saving trees’ is a higher priority to this Council, than ‘transparency’ and sharing information with the Public.

Perhaps when the $21,000.00, out-of-town web site, is working, those residents who do have access to the Internet, won’t have to wrestle with a page numbering system where the PDF Documents, are not numbered in a manner consistent with the paper copies of the Agenda, …making printing out of excerpts of interest, extremely difficult.

Again, Question One is: What is Council’s long-term strategy around encouraging Community Involvement in Decision-Making?

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SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION ONE

Since September 2007, how much Public Taxpayer Money has been, or will be, paid out, with this Council’s approval, by the City of Castlegar, to former Councillor Binnie (Stipend/Honorarium and Expenses)?

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SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION TWO

… Is intended for EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER of Council, and relates to your INDIVIDUAL POSITIONS regarding the legitimacy of the current Public Voting process for Councillors taking part in Official Public City Meetings & the DEMOCRATIC Public Political Processes of the City of Castlegar.

On December 17^th, 2007 former Councillor Binnie, (who like ALL Members of City Council), was elected to represent myself, my Partner, my Business, and ALL Residents of Castlegar), ... was ABSENT from the Public, regularly scheduled, meeting of Castlegar City Council.

On December 17^th, 2007 former Councillor Binnie DID NOT PARTICIPATE in EITHER the Public Discussion of issues of the day, OR Council’s Public Voting Process, either by being personally present, or by the use of electronic means.

On December 19^th 2007 The Castlegar News reported that former Councillor Binnie HAD IN FACT VOTED with the Councillors,( who were actually present at the Council Meeting), to support three specific Motions.

HOW THIS WAS POSSIBLE, when former Councillor Binnie was NOT PRESENT AT THE PUBLIC MEETING (EITHER personally or electronically), IS A VERY SERIOUS MATTER INDEED.

MY QUESTION TO EACH INDIVIDUAL MEMBER OF COUNCIL IS: whether the absence of former Councillor Binnie on December 17th, 2007 and the published voting record of former Councillor Binnie on December 19th, 2007 presents each of you with any ethical, moral, financial, procedural or other concerns?

... and ...

SUPPLEMENTARY QUESTION THREE

Since Council has assigned responsibility for the erroneous news report to the Castlegar News, will the City of Castlegar request that a Correction Notice be published in the paper?

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According to this Council’s direction of December 2005, I have submitted my questions in writing.

I look forward to Council’s written reply.

Raymond Koehler

Castlegar

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ANSWERS: (as of 03 - 19 - 08) None