Council has been split on whether to privatize garbage service and is far from unanimous on making amendments to a smoking bylaw. Therefore public input was sought.

Norm Prevost told the councillors that privatizing garbage won't save the village any money if the two employees currently designated to garbage duty are retained.

"To me, to privatize doesn't make any sense," Prevost said.

Pat Rowe and Lyall Gill, who have each submitted proposals to take over the garbage service (Gill on behalf of the Liidlii Kue First Nation) were present at last Thursday's meeting. They said the figures that the village provided were incomplete and misleading.

"Any proposal is far cheaper than what you've got now," said Rowe who, along with Gill, argued that a private contractor would provide superior service.

Resident Ken Lambert contended that privatizing the service is only a "temporary fix" that will redistribute costs and revenues. The real issue, he suggested, is that a new landfill will be needed in five years and a recycling program is required. Most people in the room agreed that the dump is an environmental liability.

Lambert also advocated creating a true user-pay system by charging residents per bag of garbage they generate.

Deputy Mayor Bob Hanna, who voted against privatization earlier this year, said, "It's obvious the costs are going to go up no matter which way go."

Prevost summed up the discussion, stating, "I don't think there's much input we can give you.

"It's something you guys (councillors) have to make a decision on."

Where to light up?

Amendments to the village's smoking bylaw could prohibit smoking in all municipal buildings. The possibility of smoking being banned during dances at the recreation centre sparked extensive debate at the public meeting.

Ken Lambert agreed with deputy Mayor Hanna that when facilities are rented, the function is private, so a no-smoking bylaw should not apply.

Pat Rowe urged council to improve ventilation in the gymnasium to allow smoking to continue.

"You're just looking for a war. Don't go it, guys," said Rowe as he warned council against a possible ban.

Senior administrative officer Bernice Swanson said recreation staff, some of whom are non-smokers, cannot be forced to work in a smoky environment.

Ron McCagg noted that smoking isn't allowed in most workplaces.

Therefore people go outside to have a cigarette. Gerard Fradsham, a smoker, said he would be willing to go outside for a cigarette at dances. Roger Pilling and Norm Prevost said they agree with a smoking prohibition in municipal buildings.

Council meets again Monday to tackle the issues on.