OMBUD 2013

The Ombudsman investigated complaints that members of the Township of Leeds and the Thousand Islands council held illegal closed meetings.

The Ombudsman found that a November 2012 gathering of a majority of council to decorate a float evolved into an illegal closed meeting where senior staff compensation was discussed.

The Ombudsman also found that a February 2013 Personnel Committee meeting was appropriately closed to discuss employee negotiations, but violated the Municipal Act because no public notice was given.

The Ombudsman recommended the Township adopt a written policy on open meetings, refrain from conducting business at social gatherings, and record all in camera meetings.

The Ombudsman investigated 60 complaints alleging that seven members of the City of London council held an improper closed meeting at a restaurant five days before a key budget vote.

The Ombudsman found that the gathering was purposeful and planned, and that discussions occurred regarding city business, including a Trillium Foundation grant.

The Ombudsman concluded that the gathering constituted an illegal closed meeting in violation of the open meeting requirements of the Municipal Act, 2001, and recommended that the city adopt a clear policy to discourage such conduct.

The Ombudsman investigated a complaint regarding closed meetings held by the council of the Municipality of Central Huron in May, June, and July 2012.

The investigation found that the council contravened the open meeting requirements of the Municipal Act during the May and July meetings by discussing matters that did not fit within the statutory exceptions, such as a councillor's appointment and a letter from a solar energy company.

However, the closed meeting in June regarding an employee's salary was justified under the personal matters exception.

The Ombudsman made several recommendations to improve the municipality's closed meeting practices, including audio/video recording of in camera sessions and better adherence to procedural by-laws.

The Ombudsman investigated complaints regarding closed meetings held by the Niagara District Airport Commission on May 3 and May 17, 2012.

The investigation found that the Commission contravened the Municipal Act by holding improper in camera discussions under the exceptions for 'personal matters' and 'legal/financial matters', which did not apply to the subjects discussed.

The Commission also improperly voted during these closed sessions.

The Ombudsman made several recommendations to improve the Commission's closed meeting practices, which the Commission accepted.