Belleville city council cut its regular meeting Monday to a matter of minutes, and paid tribute to Councillor Pat Culhane who died Sunday evening.
With members of council still reeling from the sudden death of their colleague, the idea was to have a moment during which they could say goodbye to Councillor Culhane.
Mayor Mitch Panciuk tells Quinte News some of the business on the agenda had to be taken care of but other items were left to the next meeting.
He announced a book of condolences will be in the main entrance of City Hall for the public to sign.
Panciuk emphasized the Monday meeting was a chance to say goodbye.
The mayor read the statement he had issued earlier in the day regarding Councillor Culhane, the work she accomplished and her commitment to the community.
At her seat at council, there was a picture of Culhane, flowers, a rosary, a water bottle…
Councillors place single stem roses at the desk of Councillor Pat Culhane who died Sunday evening, November 9, 2020 (ScreenGrab)
Panciuk added it’s important to take time to mourn a great person.
At the next council meeting, council will declare the seat vacant.
A decision on how to fill the seat will be made December 14.
Mayor Panciuk continued, “We only have two choices. One is to have a special election. Or to fill it by appointment. So. we’ll leave that for the future. Right now I think it’s important for us to come together as a community and heal. This is a sudden loss that we were really not expecting. It’ll shake up some people. I think you’re already seeing now a lot of people in the community that are struggling with the fact that they didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to her. That she won’t be here anymore. I’m really grateful to neighbouring municipalities. I got a number of calls from mayors and reeves. The city of Quinte West has lowered its flag, as well, as what we’ve done here in Belleville. She was well regarded , not just here in Belleville but in the entire region.”
