Council questions mayor on town hall meetings
Clearview council aired concerns about the mayor’s town hall meetings at its Sept. 26 meeting.
The first mayor’s town hall meetings report to council was on the agenda that night. The mayor has been holding town hall meeting in the various communities of Clearview since late last year.
On July 18, Councillor Deborah Bronée brought forward a motion, which carried, directing staff to compile a summary of each town hall meeting and report to Council for consideration and consultation.
She said the intention was to have a record of what issues are being raised and what follow up occurs, to know how to shape policies and procedures.
“We are really good at gathering information but we are not doing anything,” said Bronée.
Mayor Chris Vanderkruys said some concerns are directed to staff and some end up at the council table. Resident input at a town hall meeting did result in a council decision to install a three-way stop in Nottawa this summer after it was brought to the table by Deputy Mayor Barry Burton.
Councillor Thom Paterson questioned the process.
“It’s starting to look like a little bit of executive management by the mayor,” he said.
Councillor Kevin Elwood took the opportunity to voice his concerns.
“Seeing that we are doing the laundry, I am not in support of the mayor’s meetings,” he said, adding things should be addressed at regular council meetings.
“The mayor never asked council if they supported it or wanted to participate,” said Elwood. “I don’t see any need for it and it’s not a good use of staff resources.”
“I disagree,” said Vanderkruys, “I promised it through my election campaign and I was elected mayor and they are going to continue.”
The mayor held a town hall meeting in Avening the following night, which had four members of the public in attendance, in addition to four other council members and two staffers. Staff reported the other meetings have been better attended with a dozen or so people.
The next meeting is at the Duntroon Hall on Oct. 18, followed by one in Singhampton on Nov. 15, in Stayner on Nov. 29 and in Creemore on Dec. 14. They start at 7 p.m.
Trina Berlo photo: Mayor Chris Vanderkruys presents information and takes questions at a town hall meeting in Avening on Sept. 27.
Seems Elwood doesn’t like interacting with his constituents. So much for open transparency touted by all at last election.He’s a one term councilor whose only agenda was getting the Township to help fight the wpd Canada wind turbine issue. Not an effective way of interacting with constituents? Really Kevin? Not cost effective? Really Kevin? How much was wasted on the chickens in backyards silliness?