A St. Albert resident is suggesting the mayor should resign over an alleged pecuniary interest.
A St. Albert resident is suggesting the mayor should resign over an alleged pecuniary interest.
Craig Skarupa told council on Monday that Mayor Nolan Crouse contravened Section 172 of the Municipal Government Act by voting on a matter in which he had a pecuniary interest.
Skarupa said the Act requires the mayor to resign, and if he does not, requires council to apply to the courts to have him removed.
The accusation relates to a complaint Skarupa made about potential contamination on a Sturgeon property. Skarupa claims the mayor should have excused himself from the in camera discussion on this matter, given that he owns a property three doors down from the one in question.
A pecuniary interest as defined by the MGA is something that could monetarily affect a council member, their spouse, their family or their business.
A land title certificate obtained by Skarupa and provided to the Gazette shows that Crouse Developments Inc., owned by Nolan and Gwen Crouse, bought the property located at 86 Salisbury Rd. in 2003.
Meeting minutes show that Crouse voted against a recommendation regarding 80 Salisbury that was made in camera March 7, 2016.
“It seems clear that the mayor voted on a matter in which he has a pecuniary interest,” said Skarupa.
When dealing with the allegations, Coun. Sheena Hughes suggested the discussion be moved in camera, given the serious nature of the statements. Crouse said that wasn't necessary, since the accusation is already public.
“I don't have a pecuniary interest at all, whatsoever. Period. Case closed for me. I've said it publicly, and I don't have any issue saying it over and over again,” he said.
Coun. Cam MacKay disagreed, saying that if he had been in a similar situation he would have recused himself.
“This is the third time that a pecuniary interest has come to council that you've been involved in,” he said.
The meeting concluded without any resolution on the matter, but Hughes said she would like to discuss it further at the Sept. 26 meeting.
— With files from Doug Neuman
