The walkthrough is not very thorough and even misleading for this set of 'quests' (the walkthrough designates them as 'events' since in most cases there is nothing for the player to do). It sounds like you are stuck on these 'councilor quests' that serve mostly to create atmosphere, although some do foreshadow the 'archmaster quests' that come later.
There is not much to the councilor quests except to do as Athyn Sarethi suggests (quest: House Redoran: Advise to a Councilor) and speak with other Redoran to learn about the sorts of concerns they have. The topic that carries the set of quasi quests is 'troubles for House Redoran'. As I wrote before, except in two instances there is nothing for the player to do but talk with House members in each of the Redoran settlements around Vvardenfell. Only Miner Arobar and Hlaren Ramoran will have a follow-up response at this time.
After the player is archmaster of House Redoran, the councilors will express their particular concerns about the House's direction (some will reflect the sentiments expressed by the Redoran the player spoke with before). These quests (the ones outlined in the walkthrough) are advanced through the topic 'council business'.