Midland having special council meeting to discuss council vacancy
An upcoming special meeting of Midland council will address the vacancy left by the sudden death of Coun. Jim Downer, as well as other matters for the municipality.
Downer, a former town mayor and community leader, passed away on June 27.
Midland council had concluded their regular meetings in mid-June with the option to return over the summer for special meetings of council if needed.
As per the Municipal Act, Downer’s seat will be declared vacant at the upcoming special meeting on Wednesday, July 10 (starting at 4 p.m.) with a requirement to fill the seat within 60 days.
"Our community has experienced a great loss following the passing of Coun. Downer," Midland CAO Rhonda Bunn told MidlandToday:
"His legacy, leadership and love for Midland will never be forgotten. Sadly, the town must now declare his seat vacant as required under the Municipal Act."
Bunn added that the timing seemed appropriate to address the matter at the July special meeting rather than wait until the regular council meeting in September.
Town staff and council faced a similar situation earlier this year after the death of Deputy Mayor Jack Contin prompted the need to fill the councillor seat left vacant by Beth Prost who accepted the Deputy Mayor role.
Given the costs to run a by-election, council instead opted to provide applicants the opportunity to bid for the seat through an in-chamber public interview session, which was won by Jaz Patel, ultimately, in a drawn-by-fishbowl decision.
Within the upcoming agenda of the special meeting, staff has recommended that Downer’s vacant seat be chosen among the six remaining applicants from the March selection process, with a further recommendation that another special meeting of council be held on Aug. 7, 2024.
The matter is expected to be discussed by council in the upcoming meeting following the motion to declare a council vacancy.
"Making council whole again this summer supports not only our residents but also our members of council as they continue to heal through these difficult circumstances," said Bunn.
Other items listed in the meeting's agenda include: a public meeting regarding a building permit fee increase; a presentation to council from One Community Solutions and members of community services from Simcoe County, and a development charges presentation; and various reports for the Boys and Girls Club lease and grant agreement, an EV charging station agreement, and the town 2024 asset management plan.
The council vacancy report with staff recommendations is available in the council agenda on the town of Midland website.
Council meetings are held every third Wednesday, and can be viewed on Rogers TV cable channel 53 when available, or through the livestream on the Rogers TV website. Archives of council meetings are available through Rogers TV and on the Town of Midland’s YouTube channel.
Derek Howard, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, MidlandToday.ca
