Moose Jaw dissolves recreation board over ‘conflict of interest’
MOOSE JAW City council has dissolved the board that runs Moose Jaw ’s hockey arena and field house, with the mayor citing a “personnel investigation” and a “potential conflict of interest.”
Mayor Fraser Tolmie is staying silent on what the investigation is focusing on, or who might be in a conflict of interest. But he noted that the city has brought in outside legal advice over the matter.
The board is being dissolved due to the potential conflict of interest and perceived influence on a current DFFH personnel investigation.
The matter came up at a special meeting on Wednesday, where councillors voted to dissolve the Downtown Facility and Field House (DFFH) board, which is responsible for Mosaic Place, the Yaracentre and the Moose Jaw Ford Curling Club.
Coun. Scott Mcmann called the process that led to the decision a “miscarriage of justice,” before recusing himself due to a conflict of interest. Mcmann sits on the DFFH board, as do councillors Crystal Froese and Brian Swanson.
“I don’t believe the conflict of interest guidelines were ever intended to limit or stifle debate,” he said, after asking whether board members would be advised why the move was being made. He said it was not done “in an open and transparent way.”
Tolmie did not provide any information on the investigation itself during the special meeting, beyond providing a single statement, which he repeated almost word for word when contacted by the Leader-post.
“This decision was not made lightly,” said Tolmie. “However the board is being dissolved due to the potential conflict of interest and perceived influence on a current DFFH personnel investigation.”
He added in a brief interview that council is taking “appropriate steps” but must protect the integrity of the investigation.
Froese also recused herself from the vote, while Swanson was not present at the meeting.
Moose Jaw’s city manager will take over responsibility for running the organization in place of the board. Tolmie said he could not be sure how long that situation will continue.
“We don’t have a timeline as of yet, but we will keep the public informed,” he told the Leader-post.
Mcmann also stayed silent on the issue during a phone conversation. He said he does not know why the board was dissolved, beyond the information Tolmie provided.
He said he could not comment on the nature of the personnel issues.