Kawartha Lakes council enters lame duck phase

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: City of Kawartha Lakes council is now in lame duck position, following the closing of municipal election nominations.

City Clerk Cathie Ritchie made the announcement, at a council meeting, on Tuesday, August 23rd.

In the Municipal Act, a lame duck council is declared when less than three quarters of the outgoing council members are expected to be a part of the new council. When this is declared, the current council is restricted from certain actions. Ms. Ritchie provided council with a list of the things they cannot do now.

“The appointment or removal from office of any officer of the municipality, including an integrity commissioner. The disposition of any real or personal property of the municipality which has a value exceeding $50,000 at the time of disposal. Or making any expenditures or incurring any other liability which exceeds $50,000,” she listed.

However, Ms. Ritchie noted this does not keep the municipality from making decisions “in the event of an emergency.”

Delegated authority for the restricted actions has been given to the City’s Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Ron Taylor, in order to maintain the municipality’s business.

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