Special General Committee
January 27, 2014
Meeting
Number 4
Alternate formats are available
upon request.
Attendance
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Andy
Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
Jim
Baird, Commissioner of Development Services
Trinela
Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services
Brenda
Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services
Catherine
Conrad, City Solicitor
Kimberley
Kitteringham, City Clerk
Martha
Pettit, Deputy City Clerk
Sharon Laing, Director of Human
Resources
Stephen Huycke, Public Services &
Records Coordinator
Alida
Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator
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The General Committee Education & Training session convened at the
hour of 1:09 PM. with Councillor Alex Chiu as Chair. Mayor Frank Scarpitti assumed the Chair at
1:11 PM.
1. DISCLOSURE OF PECUNIARY
INTEREST
None disclosed.
2. EDUCATION AND TRAINING FOR MEMBERS OF COUNCIL
ON THE COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT
(16.23)
D.
Cameron Presentation J.
Rosen Presentation Code
of Conduct
Kimberley Kitteringham, City Clerk
addressed the Committee and provided a very brief background with respect to
the Council Code of Conduct.
Justice Donald R. Cameron delivered a
presentation outlining the process for filing a Code of Conduct complaint.
Jenn Rosen, ADR Professional delivered a
brief presentation relative to the Council Code of Conduct Complaint Protocol.
The Committee enquired whether the
complainant's name is released publicly.
Justice Cameron advised that he would provide that information to the
Member of Council that the complaint was filed against, but not provide it in
the report.
There was considerable discussion relative to
when a request for investigation of a complaint may not be filed (within 90
days of the next general election). It
was noted that this Council Code of Conduct only applies to current Members of
Council. Staff advised that the Code of
Conduct only applies to Members of Council in their role as the Mayor or a Councillor
and not as candidate.
The Committee briefly discussed the
authority that the Integrity Commissioner has to exercise of the powers of a
commission under the Public Inquires Act.
There was discussion relative to the two
types of penalties that may be imposed if the Integrity Commissioner decides
that a Member of Council has contravened the Code of Conduct (reprimand the
Member or suspend the remuneration paid to the Member of Council in respect of
their services as a Member of Council for a period of up to 90 days). The Committee discussed whether Council should
limit its ability to impose a penalty greater than that recommended by the
Integrity Commissioner.
The Committee enquired when a Member of
Council discloses a pecuniary interest on an item whether this precludes
him/her hiring a lawyer on their behalf to represent them before Council or
Committee on that item? Staff advised
that they will look into this scenario.
The Committee suggested that staff report
back on the following with respect to the Council Code of Conduct:
·
Generalize Section 1 V under Investigation
Protocol and remove the words " respecting a member who is seeking
re-election"
·
Black out period (within 90 days of the next
general election) – whether the Code of Conduct should not apply to members
during the blackout period and whether complaints must be filed by the end of
the existing term
·
Penalties - Can/should Council limit its ability to
impose a penalty greater than that recommended by the Integrity Commissioner
·
Review the supplementary information that will be
posted to the website relative to the Council Code of Conduct
·
Ensure the Code of Conduct reflects all the revisions
previously required by Committee/Council
Moved by Councillor
Alex Chiu
Seconded by
Councillor Logan Kanapathi
That the presentation from Justice
Donald R. Cameron regarding the process for filing a Code of Conduct complaint
be received; and,
That the presentation from Jenn Rosen, ADR
Professional relative to the Council Code of Conduct Complaint Protocol be
received.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by Councillor Valerie
Burke
That the General Committee meeting adjourned at 3:10 PM
CARRIED