Just how much money will taxpayers be on the hook for now that city manager Patrick Draper has discontinued his lawsuit against Gord Hennigar?
Draper launched the suit against Hennigar, identifying him as a contributor or somehow being involved with an anonymous blog calling itself the Third Floor News. Draper claimed comments published on that blog defamed him and other members of city staff.
From the outset of the legal action, the city was on shaky ground. The odds of Draper ever being able to prove who authored the blog were slim at best. That was proven last week when Draper halted the suit against Hennigar.
What a waste of city money and time. This lawsuit was frivolous, and council should have recognized that and not supported it in the first place. Before the lawsuit was launched, only a small percentage of the population was aware of the Third Floor News and an even smaller percentage cared. By seeking litigation, the city has in effect given the rantings of an inane, anonymous blogger public attention.
At last count, the city had spent nearly $30,000 on legal costs associated with Draper, money it might not get back depending on whether council is able to cap spending.
Here is what we know. Coun. Cam MacKay has a motion on the table – which was once again delayed – to allow councillors time to consider legal advice. That motion looks to cap the city’s spending on the lawsuit at $25,000 and indemnify the city from any damages or costs that arise from the lawsuit. That last point is important because the discontinuance entitles Hennigar to legal costs.
We are hopeful MacKay’s motion is passed. It should be Draper’s responsibility to take care of any remaining expenses.
Take action
We were surprised when city manager Patrick Draper told council on Monday to get over the hiring of former council Gilles Prefontaine to the head of the planning and engineering department or council can call for an inspection by Alberta Municipal Affairs. He essentially said if council does not believe Prefontaine’s hiring was above board, then council should call for the inspection, going as far to say he welcomed it.
Despite being told that legislation and bylaws prevent council interference in hiring and the disclosure of employee information, councillors decided to spend about an hour hammering administration for that information.
Like it or not, Draper is protected by legislation. He handed council an administration recommendation for an inspection. A provincial investigation will settle this matter once and for all. It is time to take action.
