Council agrees to a meeting with the federal and provincial governments to be organized by the MultiPlex Builders.

The Moose Jaw MultiPlex was on the agenda at Moose Jaw City Council Monday night and again a heated debate ensued over a group meeting with the federal and provincial governments.

The MultiPlex Builders requested the meeting since they are required to inform council of all of their plans for the project.

Councilor Brian Swanson immediately attacked the request saying it didn't follow procedures. "How does one get on the list where verbal requests become reports for council with recommendations for action? Mr. Boughen and Mr. Beesley get to go to the City Manager and say 'we want a meeting with the federal and provincial governments' and next thing you know we have a report on our table recommending we do that."

Mayor Al Schwinghamer defended the report saying the MultiPlex Builders are simply following a procedure that council implemented earlier this year. That procedure is for the Builders to keep council informed and to make a request before approaching higher levels of government for funding.

"I do think we have to get together with our senior levels of government and talk to them about what is in the offing in the future and what are the programs that may be coming down the pipe."

Despite Councilor Swanson's opposition, Council voted 6-1 in favour of going a head saying this is simply a meeting to discuss the project and nothing more.