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McKiel's list

A Yellowknife taxpayer is challenging the City of Yellowknife to re-think its spending when it comes to public works. Lauren McKiel says by privatizing certain city services, benefits would be plenty for both the city and local businesses

Jorge Barrera
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Nov 24/00) - Lauren McKiel says Yellowknife residents need to stand up and voice their opinions on the direction council should take in finalizing this year's budget.

The longtime Yellowknife resident is critical the way city administration spends its money.

"There seems to be a tendency here to throw money at things," said McKiel, adding, "There's been so many debacles it's time we stand up and are counted."

McKiel walked the talk on Monday when he presented council with eight suggestions to save taxpayers some money.

McKiel recommended the city privatize grounds maintenance. He says the city hires too many students in the summer for not enough work.

"Maintenance can be done cheaper by a private firm who can employ students -- all be it at a lower hourly rate," said McKiel in the statement he delivered to the city.

He also goes on to say that the city should tender snow removal and the sanding of streets to private firms.

McKiel argues that wintertime is a slow season for contractors and they have the equipment to do it for a lot cheaper.

"The city is not in the employment business, nor should it be in competition with private enterprise. The city provides services to the taxpayers," said McKiel in his statement.

As was reported in Wednesday's Yellowknifer he also proposes the city sell their Niven Lake lots for $60,000 each and pay the difference to people who've already purchased the lots for higher prices.

McKiel says Niven Lake has cost the taxpayers too much money and it's time to cut the losses.

"I strongly suggest that land development for residential construction be carried out not by the city in the future."

McKiel suggests the city abolish the development permit fee in respect to improvement on private homes and he suggest the city take a hard look at their Municipal Enforcement division which has overlapping duties with the RCMP.

McKiel also suggested the city either scrap their Skyline newsletter or cut it back to once a month because it provides information already found in the newspapers.

Some city councillors rejected McKiel's suggestions for the privatization of services.

Coun. Kevin O'Reilly said he would never support privatization of city services.

"I don't support it in principle," said O'Reilly, adding that there is no proof privatization saves money.

Deputy mayor Dave McCann said he took McKiel's suggestions seriously and said he was encouraged to see a Yellowknife citizen take an active interest in the governance of the city.

"It like to have them (taxpayer) involved more in the discussion," said McCann, "it makes our job easier."

Mayor Gord Van Tighem also said he was pleased that McKiel came forward. "His suggestions might not have an immediate impact but they will become part of the process."

Van Tighem also said he'd like to see more public involvement and said next year's budget process will actively include the public. The new budget will be up for discussion from Nov. 29-30 at 6 p.m. in City Hall.