Does the Sault need a deputy mayor?

Resolution states city council ‘has experienced regular occasions where the mayor has been unable to participate in council proceedings, both open and closed, due to declared conflicts of interest, absences or other circumstances’

For the first time in 13 years, city council will consider whether we need a deputy mayor to help out with mayoral duties. Until now, the Sault has had no official acting mayor, but the city has allowed councillors to lend a hand on a rotating, monthly basis. The following is the full text of the resolution to be presented to city council on Monday night.

The meeting will be live-streamed on SooToday starting at 5 p.m. Deputy mayor Mover: Coun. S. Kinach Seconder: Coun R. Zagordo

Whereas Section 242 of the Municipal Act, 2001 authorizes municipalities to appoint a deputy mayor to exercise the powers and perform the duties of the mayor when the mayor is absent, refuses to act, is unable to act, or the office is vacant; and Whereas council recognizes the importance of ensuring continuity of leadership, effective governance, integrity, transparency, and the uninterrupted conduct of municipal business; and Whereas council has experienced regular occasions where the mayor has been unable to participate in council proceedings, both open and closed, due to declared conflicts of interest, absences, or other circumstances, resulting in the need for alternate leadership during those matters; and Whereas the current acting mayor rotation provides for temporary chairing of meetings but was not designed to serve as a permanent governance support mechanism where recurring conflicts or other circumstances require regular delegation of the mayor's duties; and Whereas a number of Ontario municipalities have established appointed deputy mayor positions to strengthen governance, provide continuity of leadership, and support the efficient conduct of council business; Now Therefore, be it resolved that that staff be requested to report back to council on the of establishment of a council-appointed chair committee deputy mayor position to be implemented following the next election.