BLACK RIVER-MATHESON - After the township's office was closed today, tonight’s regular council meeting was cancelled because members didn't show up to the meeting.
The Matheson meeting was supposed to take place virtually beginning at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday (Feb. 27), however around 6:46 p.m. — 16 minutes after the meeting was supposed to start — it began live-streaming on the town’s YouTube channel. Mayor Doug Bender talked briefly, saying that there weren't enough members present for the meeting to take place.
“Unfortunately we're 16 minutes past our official time for starting our meeting, which was at 6:30. It's now presently 6:46 and, unfortunately, we don't have quorum … so that officially makes the meeting adjourned,” Bender said.
Matheson council is made up of seven members, the mayor and six councillors.
For a meeting to happen, at least four members of council need to be in attendance. Along with Bender, the other members there tonight were Ward 4 Coun. Allan Schmidt and Ward 1 Coun. Chantal Rondeau.
Tuesday morning, the town closed its office for the day.
Its offices were also closed last Thursday (Feb. 22) and Friday (Feb. 23). At the time, Mayor Doug Bender said it was due to staffing issues.
On Feb. 13, the town cancelled its council meeting and closed its office due to a CUPE rally taking place in the afternoon.
The union hosted an event on Tuesday from 3:30 to 6 p.m. on the corner of 4th Avenue and Railway Street.
