Yellowknife (Jun 07/06) - City council is potentially in danger of becoming unethical, according to Coun. Kevin O'Reilly.

A new bylaw that would change the procedure of public hearings was passed May 30 after much debate.

How they voted: Who voted yes: Blake Lyons, Doug Witty, Allan Woytuik, Bob Brooks Who voted no:Wendy Bisaro, Mark Heyck, Kevin O'Reilly Absent: Dave McCann

"It is fundamentally the most undemocratic move I have seen made in nine years," said O'Reilly.

"That's not the kind of government I've always run on."

The new bylaw amends the process in which the council members respond to presentations made by residents at public hearings.

Council will not be required to write a written detailed response to every single presentation on how and why they arrived at their conclusion.

Instead, they would only have to summarize their decision, which would be made behind closed doors.

O'Reilly feels that making decisions in that manner is "dishonest" and unfair to Yellowknifers.

"It is extremely important that council hear submissions from residents," O'Reilly said.

"I feel strongly that we should not consider the submissions in the same meetings, but have separate ones to consider each one properly."

O'Reilly brought forward an amendment to the bylaw to require council to take a break before meeting to consider the proposals, but it was quickly shot down by the rest of council members.

Coun. Allan Woytuik completely disagreed that the new bylaw was in any way dishonest.

He said it is a procedural difference, not a question of honesty.

"We already have a system of checks and balances on the council," Woytuik said.

"We just passed millions of dollars - council is already accountable.

Woytuik doesn't believe a longer process in dealing with proposals from the public will make it any more effective.