Final council meeting a sombre affair

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 20/09/2010 (5854 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

WINNIPEG – The final council meeting of the current legislative session turned out to be a sombre affair, as council said goodbye to five colleagues – two deceased and three retiring.

This morning’s 65-minute council meeting marked the last appearances at council by 30-year Old Kildonan Coun. Mike O’Shaughnessy and 21-year Elmwood Coun. Lillian Thomas, who are retiring. Thirty-year Mynarski Coun. Harry Lazarenko, who remains hospitalized following an aneurysm in May, is also retiring. Councillors greeted him via the Shaw TV cable broadcast.

Mayor Sam Katz also remembered the passing of former River Heights-Fort Garry Coun. Brenda Leipsic, and the death of Charleswood-Tuxedo Coun. Bill Clement in May. Both died of cancer.

Transcona Coun. Russ Wyatt’s desire to see a referendum about a new municipal sales tax went nowhere, as councillors voted 11-3 against a plan to debate the possibility of a ballot question. Wyatt needed 10 votes to suspend council’s rules and discuss the idea. Only Daniel McIntyre Coun. Harvey Smith and Thomas supported him.

Councillors spent more time on a golf-course spa lease, which passed. A plan to add staff to the city’s 911 call centre was approved unanimously, with no debate.

Council’s next regular meeting is scheduled for Dec. 15. Winnipeggers will elect a mayor and councillors on Oct. 27.

Free Press city hall reporter Bartley Kives was at the final city council meeting of this council term.

It marked the final council meetings for Old Kildonan Coun. Mike O’Shaughnessy and Elmwood-East Kildonan Coun. Lillian Thomas, as well as Mynarski Coun. Harry Lazarenko, in absentia. All three are retiring.

View a replay of his Twitter posts below.