A marathon long meeting, a clash between mayor and a councillor, that was Belleville city council Monday night.
At issue was a motion and an amendment regarding affordable rental secondary suites put forward by Councillor Ryan Williams.
There were two issues in contention – the amendment brought forward at the last minute and the idea of providing $25,000 loans to private citizens to develop the units.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk ruled against allowing the amendment saying it was against the municipal act procedural rules.
Council voted 6 to 2 in a recorded vote against providing loans to private citizens.
Councillor Paul Carr was absent.
Mayor Panciuk spoke to Quinte News following the meeting.
Councillor Williams said “More and more you see tents popping up.” He said it’s “imperative” to get more housing.
Williams objected to the mayor’s tone and said he should not have to be “chided” and said “I’m not going to take that.”
Following the meeting he spoke to Quinte News.
Belleville Mayor Mitch Panciuk at city council, August 12, 2019 (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
As the council meeting wrapped up, Mayor Panciuk spoke about the tenor of debate in council, and how he felt it should be more collaborative.
Panciuk told Quinte News that after nine months, including training sessions, a councilllor should know he can go to the mayor or to staff members and get information on how to present a motion properly.
