Mapleton council not only followed proper procedure for a closed meeting Feb. 8, it went beyond legal requirements.
That is the ruling of Norm Gamble, who investigated a complaint against council about an improper meeting. He presented his report March 8 in a closed session, then released the report to the public.
The complaint was filed by Cathy Choma regarding an in camera session. Choma’s daughter, Michelle Choma, was fired from her crossing guard job by township Chief Administrative Officer Patty Sinnamon Jan. 31. Council later supported Sinnamon’s decision.
Several residents were upset council went into a closed session to discuss the matter, but Gamble said council followed proper meeting procedures.
“Proper process was used in having council move into and out of a closed portion of the meeting,” Gamble report said. “Council maintained its deliberations while in the closed portion, pursuant to the motion which authorized it to close the meeting.”
The discussion did not wander from the approved topic.
“I was pleased to find the lengths you and staff go to – to release as much information as possible … You took it one step further and named the subject,” Gamble told council.
Generally, for a closed meeting council can use “legal” or “personnel” reasons for the session.
Gamble, a former CAO of Owen Sound, is the meeting inspector for a majority of municipalities in Wellington County. He was initially named to the post several years ago, and last month Mapleton council renewed its agreement with him for the next four years.
As part of his investigation, Gamble interviewed Sinnamon and her administrative assistant Crystal Ellis on Feb. 16. He also met with Cathy Choma that day. Gamble noted Choma recommended he speak with a number of people, and he did that by telephone. He also spoke by phone with Mayor Bruce Whale.
Gamble said in his report all parties acknowledged there were other issues involved, but his investigation was confined to determining if the township followed legal policies and procedures regarding the closed session on Feb. 8. He added all parties agreed those other issues should not impact the investigation.
The township has not yet received a bill for Gamble’s work. He charges $350 a day plus $0.50 per kilometre for travel (he lives in Grey County).
Council accepted the report from Gamble. Councillor Andy Knetsch was absent.
