Kearney council to take further action to remove Mayor Tomlinson

A Special Council Meeting has been called by Council for 9:30 AM on Friday, September 21, 2012. Item #5 on the agenda caught our eye:

5.  Council Reports

(a)  Resolution 5(a)/21/09/2012

WHEREAS Mayor Paul Tomlinson has been found in contravention of By-law 2010-31 being a By-law regarding Violence and Harassment in the Workplace, specifically in this instance, Harassment and Bullying;

AND FURTHER this Council believes the Mayors conduct has fallen below the standards of conduct which are expected of a member of Council;

AND FURTHER this Council believes that the operation of the workplace should be free from harassment and bullying;

AND FURTHER this Council does not accept the Mayor decision to ignore Councils request for his resignation;

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Council of the Corporation of the Town of Kearney

1.  Authorize Council to request a delegation with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; formally requesting her assistance in utilizing her legislative authority to commence action to remove the Mayor of the Town of Kearney from office.

2.  Authorize Councillor Steve Sainsbury to contact the Towns Municipal lawyer to develop a series of actions for Council consideration that will result in the Mayors current powers and authority being eliminated and or minimized.

3.  Rescind the portions of Resolutions 12(a)/07/09/2012 and 12(b)/07/09/2012 approving the Mayor’s attendance as an official representative of the Town of Kearney at the District of Parry Sound Municipal Association Fall Meeting and the Almaguin Highlands OPP Detachment Grand Opening

AND FURTHER directs staff to identify all other existing resolutions and by laws approving the Mayor’s attendance as an official representative of the Town of Kearney. Once compiled a motion to remove all official representative duties will be presented to council for approval.

AND FURTHER consistent with Councils objective of openness and transparency, a report identifying current remedial actions concerning the Mayor that have been put in place and the cost for both the investigation and legal fees (year to date) be made public.

Are you surprised?