Big problems exposed at small council

A REPORT has laid bare a breakdown in relationships between councillors, staff and the public at one of Tasmania’s smallest councils.

Following the death of former mayor Deirdre Flint and the resignation of ex-deputy mayor Andrew Downie, the Central Highlands Council carried out an independent internal review of the council.

Looking at the roles and functions of the mayor, deputy mayor, councillors and the general manager, the review recommends that: CURRENT Mayor Lou Triffitt and general manager Lyn Eyles commit to mediation to restore an effective working relationship. THE Mayor and Deputy Mayor Lana Benson also engage in mediation to restore a working relationship. This includes ensuring Cr Benson’s activities are consistent with council decisions or any delegations from Cr Triffitt. CR BENSON’S involvement in council-related business be limited to any matter specifically delegated in writing by the Mayor, any other duties and responsibilities authorised by the council and any committee to which she has been appointed by the council. INCREASED communication between Cr Triffitt and Ms Eyles, including a recommendation that they consult each other before issuing memos or other advice regarding council decisions.

After 14 years as mayor and 20 years as a councillor, Mrs Flint resigned from her role with the council last year because of ill-health and passed away earlier this year.

Mr Downie resigned from his role earlier this year also because of ill health.

When contacted by the Mercury yesterday, Cr Triffitt said she had been in a council meeting all day and was not yet in a position to comment.

Cr Benson said the mayor was the spokeswoman for the council.

Mr calls.

The breakdown in relationships at the council and with the community is also exposed in numerous code-of-conduct determination reports in this month’s council agenda.

Cr Triffitt has been cautioned by the code-of-conduct panel and told to apologise to members of the public.

This is regarding allegations made by members of the public that she breached the code by not meeting with them regarding issues they had with the council and for forbidding other councillors to discuss the matters with them.

The panel determined Cr Triffitt breached part of the code in that she failed to treat the complainants with courtesy and caused them offence and embarrassment.

A complaint made by Cr Triffitt regarding Cr Robert Cassidy allegedly sending inappropriate emails to employees was dismissed by the panel while a complaint by members of the public claiming that Cr Triffitt breached the code of conduct during public question time was also dismissed. Eyles did not return