It seems West Nipissing council meetings may once again be delayed.
In a recent letter to mayor and council, Jay Barbeau, Chief Administrative Officer, writes town staff will no longer be attending regular or budget meetings.
In the letter, Barbeau writes staff won’t be attending until such a time as there are ‘necessary changes at the meetings which will ensure staff can perform their duties free of the toxicity and conflict that has been the norm rather than the exception’.
Barbeau writes he sent copies of the letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs as well as the Minister of Labour so they may take corrective action ‘at the earliest possible opportunity’.
“Given that the issue is with our elected body, I would hope that the Ontario Government intercede at a level that can ensure decorum and respect,” reads the letter.
The news comes mere months after Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Steve Clark, wrote to council stating West Nipissing residents deserve a council that is willing to work together in their best interest and move business forward.
Council has been in a deadlock on a number of issues since Ward 7’s seat was declared vacant in the summer of 2020.
Barbeau finishes the letter by stating once he has been contacted by the province, he will share developments with mayor and council, adding “I hope to be able to provide options that will satisfy our moral obligation to a workplace free of potential harm to our employees.”