Chiarelli arrived at Ottawa city hall Wednesday morning in a wheelchair, his first appearance at council since his surgery.

No councillors representing wards in Ottawa's urban core have served on the city's powerful finance committee since the current council was elected in late 2018.

"We thought we had fully informed council, but obviously we did not. And for that, I sincerely apologize," John Manconi said.

Council also agreed to waive its solicitor-client privilege regarding the legal opinion that prompted city staff to keep SNC-Lavalin in the running for the Trillium Line extension.

Coun. Rick Chiarelli's laywers argued that the current investigative processes have been "irreparably damaged" by "an overwhelming demonstration of patent and palpable bias" by Mayor Jim Watson and other members of council.

The request comes after the city confirmed it did give Rideau Transit Group a full payment for September, when many thought the group wasn't getting paid amidst unreliable train service.

The city's finance and economic development committee supports holding a special levy vote so nearby property owners can decide whether they want foot a $4.5-million bill to acquire and renovate Kilmorie house.

Cumberland Coun. Stephen Blais said he's also giving up his salary while he vies for a seat in the Ontario legislature because he won't routinely be at city hall.

The city's manager says he stands by the Stage 2 LRT procurement process, after documents revealed why SNC-Lavalin failed part of the technical evaluation for the Trillium Line extension.

"We've been calling this a crisis for 15 years and nothing has changed," said Somerset Coun. Catherine McKenney, council's liaison for housing and homelessness.