Will a Greater Napanee Councillor be facing consequences for his actions?
Tonight’s council meeting will address a code of conduct complaint against Councillor Michael Schenk. The complaint alleges that he violated two sections of the Code. Specifically, it claims that he implied a senior Town employee was responsible for “toxicity” between Town administration and downtown merchants. Additionally, he made a comment during the meeting suggesting that the same Town employee was sleeping.
In response to the sleeping comment, Schenk said “At the end of the meeting on May 23, 2023 the heat in council chambers was intense. I requested that the installation of ceiling fans be considered as I felt that it was so hot that those conditions led to [the Town Employee] falling asleep as he appeared to be sleeping from my point of view. My concern was that conditions in the chamber were not appropriate for the comfort of all as it is quite possible that at the end of a long meeting in hot conditions people may nod off.”
According to the integrity commissioner report, these actions were deemed disrespectful, unprofessional, and discourteous, as they aimed to undermine the Town Employee. The report recommends a reprimand for Councillor Schenk and a suspension of his remuneration for a period of up to ninety days. But, in their opinion, “it would be appropriate for Council to reprimand the Member for his conduct at the Meeting as it relates to the Town Employee. The Member has not previously contravened the Code and we do not believe that a monetary penalty is required as a general or specific deterrent.”
You can find the full report on the Agenda for tonight’s meeting, to take place in council chambers at 7pm. It will also be streamed live to their YouTube Channel.
Written by Emily Chatwood
