Cobourg Mayor Lucas Cleveland was not able to participate in the regular Northumberland County council meeting on April 16 due to a procedural bylaw.
Cleveland, who was in Ottawa attending a conference, joined the meeting but was unable to participate. The bylaw states that all members of the council must attend regular council meetings in person, unless there are exceptional circumstances. County councillors can send an alternate. In this meeting, Port Hope Councillor Todd Attridge attended on behalf of Port Hope Mayor Olena Hankivsky.
Cleveland did not send a designate.
However, the county council can grant an exception by a motion with a two-thirds majority in favour.
Warden Brian Ostrander read a motion, but no one moved it or seconded it.
Cleveland’s microphone was muted for the meeting as he listened in, but could not participate. At two points, his microphone became live. He requested recognition on a technicality in the procedural rules, known as a Point of Personal Privilege. The warden ignored his request and stated that if he interrupted the meeting again, he would be removed.
To hear the exchanges and the story unfold, here is a rendering of what happened. Listen and see what you think.
