The fourth was to direct administration that all advertising be advertised in both local papers effective immediately. Administration would negotiate ad placement rates with both papers and look for options for the promotion of municipal information such as the municipal website.
The last was for mandatory advertising the be advertised in both papers effective January 1, 2011.
Council originally intended to present its final decision at the November 16th meeting.
However, prior to the meeting, Council was informed that the Promoter had an exclusive contract until the end of the year, eliminating one of the options, and prompting further consideration, with the issue to be tabled until the next meeting.
At the December 7th meeting, Councillors voiced further concerns before voting on a solution.
“I feel it would be appropriate to say we have a limit that we’re willing to spend per week,” said Councillor Brian Gallant. “If we cannot meet our budget, we should not be forced to advertise there.”
Councillor Emile Saindon also voiced concern over which part of the 2011 operating budget would be used for this purpose.
“I’m concerned about where it will come out of the budget and how it will be managed,” he said.
Mayor Decoux assured both councillors that these issues would be addressed by administration once a policy was drafted with regard to advertising.
Ultimately, Mayor Decoux moved that “in order to facilitate Council’s duty to inform the public, that a draft policy relative to Municipal advertising be prepared forthwith, and further, that Council will honour its current obligation to the Crowsnest Pass Promoter until December 31, 2010. Thereafter, administration will manage advertising through a policy which will ensure advertising in all local media (including radio).”
The motion was passed unanimously.