City committee reviews new policy to formally recognize passing of council members

calgaryherald.com
April 4, 2016
By Trevor Howell

City hall has a spotty track record when it comes to recognizing the accomplishments and contributions of deceased council members, says the vice-chair of the legislative governance task force.

On Tuesday, administration will present a new policy that recommends formalizing procedures - such as flying flags at half-mast - following the death of a sitting or former councillor or mayor.

The city’s ad hoc approach has evolved in recent years following the deaths of notable municipal leaders like former aldermen Sue Higgins, Jon Lord and Barb Scott, as well as past mayor Ralph Klein. But lesser known council members have gotten the short shrift, says Coun. Ray Jones, vice-chair of the legislative governance task force.

“There’s been members of council who have passed away and didn’t get recognition or got very little recognition because nobody remembered them,” said the Ward 5 councillor. “Some of them were councillors in the 1950s, so those of us that are here now you just wouldn’t remember who they were.”

The proposed policy would ensure condolences are consistent, offered equally, and implemented in a way that respects the wishes of surviving family members and would apply to former and current council members.

It recommends the city acknowledge the death of a sitting council member by lowering flags to half-mast at city facilities, notify the public, draping a city flag over his or her desk in council chambers, have the mayor and city manager offer condolences and floral arrangements to the family and provide a Book of Condolences online and at the municipal complex.

The death of a sitting mayor would see the city and Calgary police provide additional services, such as traffic control, an escort for family to and from commemorative services, and up to $10,000 toward venue and catering costs.

Expenses have typically been covered by the city clerk’s operating budget. That practice will continue under the new policy because “most expenses...are not substantial.” If higher costs are projected, the city would explore the financial impact and look at other funding options at the time. 

“They should be shown the respect that is due to them because they did serve time and it took time away from their families,” said Jones. “Not everybody is a good alderman but you still deserve the respect.”