During debate at Council on Feb. 15th, developer James Spratley rose to contest deliberations and previous speaker comments in support his housing project.
Spratley was permitted by the Chair to participate in Council’s debate after the speaker period had ended.
Breaking Procedural By-Law 7.9.d: All registered Delegates and Speakers shall be heard before Council enters into discussion or debate.
Spratley appeared to contest concerns expressed by members of Council and a previous speaker.
In possible conflict with Procedural By-Law 7.9.c.iv: When addressing Council, the Speaker shall refrain from entering into cross debate with other delegates or presenters, Town staff, Members, or the Chair.
A vote was not taken to suspend procedure and allow Spratley’s participation.
Ignoring Procedural By-Law 2.5.a: Rules and regulations contained in this by-law may be suspended by a two-third majority vote of the Members present at the Meeting.
The Chair permitted Spratley to speak and did not enforce procedural by-laws.
Procedural By-Law 3.5.viii states: The Chair is responsible for enforcing rules of order in this Procedural By-law and decorum among the Members and meeting attendees.
No Councillors rose on a point of order to contest this breach.
Procedural By-Law 2.13.a explains that a Member may interrupt the person who has the floor to raise a Point of Order when such Member feels that there has been a deviation or departure from the rules of order.
Mr. Spratley’s proposal to dig wells for water access against existing policy in the Musselman’s Lake area was then approved by Council.
The Clerk’s office stated: “The Mayor, as the Chair of the Council Meeting, is in charge of managing the meeting. The interpretation of the procedural by-law is at the discretion of the Chair to determine what is best for the overall intent of Council.
Mayor Lovatt has not responded to a request for comment.
Click on the image below to listen to excerpts from the Feb. 15, 2023 Council meeting
