At the regular meeting of city council Monday, council voted on a motion to rescind the resolution that appoint Mayor Fenske to the cities grant-in-lieu negotiating team for negotiations with Vale.
The motion, which was brought forward at the last meeting by councilor Wong, claims that Mayor Fenske would be in conflict of interest since he is a Vale employee and should be removed from the negotiations.
Councilor Foley voiced his opinion on the issue and did not mince his words. He said that this is only happening because a few member of council didn’t get their way in the original vote and that the only reason for the motion was to make a scene in front of the cameras.
Deputy Mayor Valentino said that it’s been 28 months of the same issue and it’s a never-ending cycling that she doesn’t want to see continue for the last 20 months of councils’ term.
Councilor Wong responded to his colleagues, saying that the law was set in stone and the fact is clear that it is a conflict of interest since the Mayor is an employee of Vale.
Councilor Byer responded to the remarks saying that in the past employees in management positions have negotiated with their companies on behalf of the city meaning there is precedent for Mayor Fenske to be on the committee negotiating with Vale.
After remarks had been made by every councilor, the motion was defeated 6-3 in a record vote.
Councilors Kolada, Matechuk and Wong voted in support while Mayor Fenske, Deputy Mayor Valentino, and Councilors Smook, Foley, Ellis and Byer voted against the motion.
The next meeting of council is on March 27th.
