To help clarify any grey areas or potential misunderstandings, Chatham-Kent councillors approved a motion Monday seeking further education regarding the integrity commissioner role and council’s code of conduct.
Council also received integrity commissioner Paul Watson’s final report that found a former municipal councillor in contravention of one code of conduct.
The report discussed former Chatham councillor Derek Robertson and his actions last year during a lengthy battle between Brent DeNure, owner of Ten-Seven Cafe and Lounge in Chatham, and Chatham-Kent’s building department, primarily chief building official Paul Lacina.
Outside council chambers Monday, Watson said he wouldn’t have done anything differently during the case, which sparked controversy and accusations of bias.
“I followed the process very carefully, right to the letter, as far as how it’s set out in the code,” he said.
Previously, Watson declined to comment on the matter until he released his findings.
According to published reports earlier this year, the municipality wanted to revoke a building permit initially granted to allow DeNure to operate a section of his St. Clair Street business as an events hall because Lacina believed it would be operated as a bar. This also created a dispute about the number of required washroom facilities required.
The integrity commissioner inquiry was prompted by a complaint from former mayor Randy Hope.
In his report, Watson said he found the councillor in contravention of Section 14 of the code, noting Robertson’s actions were “not respectful of the role of staff.”
However, he was unable to find the councillor in contravention of Section 10 of the code, which relates to improper use of influence.
Watson didn’t recommend any formal sanctions against Robertson, as he is no longer a member of council.
In an interview last week, when the report was released online as part of the council agenda, Robertson maintained he did nothing wrong and would have taken the same actions to support any constituent.
He also slammed the process, believing the original complaint was vindictive and the investigation biased.
Denying he had any bias, Watson said he wasn’t letting the criticism bother him, adding that taking the heat is part of the role.
“I understand as integrity commissioner I’m going to get some kicks if the report is not well-received,” he said. “Maybe the reason why most integrity commissioners tend to be lawyers is we tend to have rather thick skin. We’re prepared to take this sort of response.”
Watson called the code of conduct “rather lengthy” but said it comes down to respect for council colleagues, staff and the municipal corporation.
“You have to respect your constituents by making sure you don’t abuse your power,” Watson said, “and you have to respect the municipal employees, who are hard working and are working in a fishbowl along with the rest of the council.”
Watson said in March it became mandatory for Ontario municipalities to have an integrity commissioner or one on call.
He also said the scope of advice the integrity commissioner can offer has expanded to include such matters as conflicts of interest.
Earlier in the evening, Chatham Coun. Doug Sulman entered a successful motion asking that administration be directed to arrange an educational session this year.
After the meeting, Mayor Darrin Canniff said council will need to re-evaluate the process and eliminate any ambiguity.
“Certainly, there’s the A to Z of this going through and ensuring the clarity,” he said.
Canniff said he understands the public will have differing opinions of the process, adding it’s “not a black-and-white issue,” but called it crucial for councillors to have an outlined definition of what is or isn’t acceptable conduct.
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