PUSLINCH – A notice of motion by Puslinch Mayor James Seeley to alter council’s meeting schedule was met with stiff resistance on Jan. 23.
Ultimately, the mayor withdrew the motion.
Prior to the discussion near the end of the meeting, Seeley handed over the gavel, allowing councillor Matthew Bulmer to chair that portion of the meeting.
Seeley asked for an amendment to the procedural bylaw to shift meetings in April and May to the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month (currently meetings are set for the first Wednesday at 1pm and the third Wednesday at 7pm).
In addition, Seeley requested the Oct. 16 meeting to be moved to Oct. 23, which would put an evening council meeting following a daytime operating budget meeting on Oct. 23.
Councillor Jessica Goyda seconded the motion and Bulmer asked if the mayor had excused himself from the discussion.
“I don’t believe so,” responded Seeley.
Goyda said she spoke with the mayor “and understood he had made a lot of effort to try to adhere to the schedule as best he could – using vacation and holidays and shift changes.”
Goyda said she originally wondered if it might make sense to keep the evening meetings unchanged, as they are more public-oriented.
However Goyda said she didn’t realize that aproach would mean two council meetings in back-to-back weeks – and potentially put a strain on staff.
As a result, she said she is okay with the mayor’s suggested meeting schedule.
Councillor John Sepulis stated, “I struggle with this one … the more I looked into it and went online to see if there were other councils which had changed dates because one member of council could not attend.”
He added, “We are setting a precedent to allow one member of council this latitude” and suggested the meetings remain as originally scheduled.
Councillor Ken Roth said Seeley’s request “raises some concerns.” He noted “all candidates received the meeting schedule prior to the election … which should have helped with their commitment to run for office.”
Roth said the current set up provides staff proper preparation time and the public a consistent schedule.
Noting Seeley’s proposed changes could cause confusion and increased costs, Roth explained they would also prevent him personally from attending three meetings in the proposed new schedule.
He said Puslinch has a process in place for alternate council members to chair meetings in the mayor’s absence.
Seeley explained the basis of his request was trying to ensure his attendance at meetings.
“I can understand councillor Roth’s position, but I have exhausted vacation days, and other options for the first year of this term of council,” he said.
“Unfortunately I did not consult with councillor Roth about the conflicts.”
Seeley said one of his biggest concerns is being able to attend discussions on the township operating budget.
“I think the mayor should be in attendance for that,” said Seeley, adding he could amend the motion to remove changes to the April and May schedule. The amended motion then before council was to switch just the Oct. 16 meeting (to Oct. 23).
Sepulis maintained even this move would set a precedent.
Roth said, “I would have been willing to change the date of the budget meeting, but I think we are heading down the wrong path changing the dates of council meetings.” He added, “As long as I have lived in the township, council meetings have remained the same … I cannot support the change.”
Bulmer asked the mayor if he had any final thoughts.
“With what is going around the table … and to alleviate any further turmoil … I’ll remove the motion from the table,” Seeley said.
“I appreciate council’s input on the matter.”
