The City of Saint John could shut down a controversial motocross track on the city's west side, pending the findings of a late report from the city manager. 

City council debated Monday whether to begin moving towards closing the track, despite a plea from city manager Terry Totten to wait for the facts after track owner Al Williams failed to make a presentation. 

People opposed to the motocross track on Ocean Westway made a formal presentation to council at the last meeting, complete with audio recording of what they consider unrelenting dirt bike noises.

This week, councillors thought Totten would be bringing forward a report and recommendations on the track, but the city manager thought the track's owner would be making his own presentation at the meeting.

Coun. Bill Farren critized the delay.

"When we're asking for reports, we expect and want reports," he said.

Totten suggested council adopt a motion Monday night if it wanted staff to start the closure process that evening.

As Mayor Norm McFarlane began asking who was in favour and who was opposed, some councillors, including Farren, said they were all jumping the gun.

The report wasn't ready, and Coun. John Ferguson suggested councillors amend that motion to make sure the process is carried out correctly.

Mike McGovern, an opponent of the track, said he knew what that meant.

"It will probably be two more weeks of motocrossing on Ocean Westway," he said.

In the end, council asked the city manager to proceed with the report and have it ready for the next meeting in two weeks.