Councilors discussed the ordinance that requires professional service agreements expected to meet or exceed $5,000 to be brought before the council before a claim is paid.

Aberfanly, corporation counsel, said the ordinance requires that professional service agreements that "meet or exceed $5,000" should come before the council prior to payment and noted there are exceptions (for example, some infrastructure contracts). She said the executive branch may begin work and enter contracts as part of its authority, but the council can require that claims be presented and reviewed before payment. Counsel cited an example contract (NetLogix) that will be brought before the council because it might reach a not‑to‑exceed amount.

Councilors said they had observed the Board of Works approving items that later required council payment and that by the time the council sees them the work or expense is already done. One councilor suggested adding language requiring that the contract come to the council within 30 days of presentation to the Board of Works to limit delays and ensure transparency. Counsel agreed to help clarify language and to make materials available to council members for review.

No ordinance change was adopted on Dec. 17; the discussion resulted in an agreement to bring relevant contracts and to consider clearer timing language in the ordinance.