St. John’s city council shuffles assignments, changes committee structures

ST. JOHN'S, N.L. — During Monday’s city council meeting, council voted to revise committee assignments for the next two years. 

Council usually shuffles responsibilities halfway through terms to “improve efficiency at the committee level and enhance overall governance and accountability,” according to a news release from a city spokesperson.

Some noteworthy changes include Coun. Jamie Korab taking over as chair of St. John’s Sports and Entertainment from Coun. Sandy Hickman; Hickman taking over as transportation lead from Coun. Debbie Hanlon; and Coun. Ian Froude taking over as chair of the St. John’s Transportation Commission from Coun. Wally Collins.

There were also changes to some committee structures. 

Regulatory Services was added to Transportation. Economic Development is now under the mayor’s office. A new Business Support Initiative was added to the finance portfolio of Coun. Dave Lane. 

Tourism, Culture, and Immigration was created to “focus on the increased importance of immigration to the city,” according to the city’s news release.

The Environmental Advisory Committee is replaced with an Environment and Sustainability Experts Panel. A direction note to council says given council’s new direction with a focus on sustainability, it was determined that an experts panel would better serve the city. The city will advertise for members of the panel.

As previously reported by The Telegram, a new graffiti task force headed by Coun. Deanne Stapleton was also created.