A council discussion turned into the latest chapter in an ongoing feud between Mayor Steve Black and Councillor Rick Dubeau on Monday night at city hall.
Dubeau put forth a motion that would allow any interested members of council to be present during the mayor's various meetings.
Everything from meetings with the Timmins Chamber of Commerce, to meetings with representatives from other communities during conferences such as AMO(Association of Municipalities Ontario).
Black made it clear that he would not be supporting the motion.
Dubeau suggested that the mayor should step down from his chair in order to participate in the debate.
That's when the discussion took a somewhat hostile turn due to a perceived grin from the mayor.
“That's the second time that you've laughed in my face. That is totally out of order. That is totally disrespectful. So let's move forward and have a nice, respectful debate of the issues and wipe that smile off your face,” Dubeau said sternly.
Black temporarily stepped down from the mayor's chair to reply to Dubeau's comments.
Current Deputy Mayor Noella Rinaldo took the reigns over the proceedings in his place.
Councillor Pat Bamford briefly made his position on the matter clear.
“I trust the mayor as spokesperson. I personally don't think we (councillors) should be involved in these meetings,” he said.
Bamford's apprehensions stemmed from the idea that having too many representatives in meetings with provincial and federal officials could become distracting and slow the entire process down.
Councillor Andre Grzela asked Dubeau about what his, or another councillor's role would be during such a meeting.
“It's an advantage to have more people in the room going forward and develop relationships in that way. It's definitely not to participate. It's to have input going into the meeting, and to have feedback afterwards. That's what's it's all about,” replied Dubeau.
Councillor Mike Doody said that he understands the possible curiosity of how these meetings work but cautioned the idea of a large group attending.
It was then time for the mayor to speak.
“In terms of 'the smile on my face', very early in this term Councillor Dubeau you raised concerns about Point of Order and asking me to step down from the chair. So I stepped down from the chair several times in the next few weeks. Then I got an email from you saying 'Mayor Black I think you're stepping down from the chair too often.' So in my opinion you need to make up your mind,” said Black.
The mayor's voice then got noticeably louder.
“You're the one that's been showing a lack of respect for the last six months on this council. In terms of the content you send in emails, in terms of requesting to be present at all meetings I had,” said Black.
The mayor said Dubeau had been bombarding his inbox with nuisance emails and inquiries, including how often the mayor meets with the Chamber of Commerce.
“Whenever I want to, I'm the Mayor of the City of Timmins, show some respect. I will meet with whoever, whenever I feel is needed to conduct city business in my role as mayor,” said Black.
He said he was 'happy' the motion was put forward by Dubeau, and hoped that council would vote against it, so he would no longer have to occupy his time responding to Dubeau's emails.
“It's the role of the mayor to carry out these meetings. I attend many meetings. It's all part of the role. Show some respect for the Mayor of the City of Timmins and his position, and how it does differ from council. Yes, we are all one of nine votes around the table, but there is a difference in the roles,” said Black.
It did not end there.
Dubeau was allowed to reply to the mayor's comments.
“Yes, I have called Point of Order many times, rightfully so. The first time I did, you laughed your way through my comments and you did not step down. I emailed you about this issue several months ago and never got a response. Just ignored until the time I put it on the agenda. And now you say that I'm wasting your time and you're not going to respond to my emails,” said Dubeau.
Dubeau said he feels that it is his responsibility as a councillor to be as well informed as possible.
“I want to be informed. I want to be more effective as a councillor going forward. I respect your opinion and I hope you'll respect mine” said Dubeau.
When it was time for the vote, Councillors Dubeau, Joe Campbell, Walter Wawrzaszek and Doody voted in favour of the motion.
Bamford, Grzela, Rinaldo, Andrew Marks and Black voted against it.
The motion was defeated 5-4.
(PHOTOS: Andrew Autio for TimminsToday.)
