Hall work builder upset over sacking secrecy
THE man ousted from the redevelopment of the Balclutha War Memorial Hall says the reasons for his sacking are deliberately being kept from him and the public eye by the Clutha District Council, something the council disputes.
Balcluthaborn but Christchurchbased builder Kevin Barron was removed as the leader of the hall coordinating group during a publicexcluded district council meeting on May 31.
Mr Barron said he had no communication with council staff or councillors before council chief executive Steve Hill informed him of the council’s decision.
‘‘Two hours later I got an email saying it was because of a lack of communication and issues with transparency which had never been discussed with me.’’
An advertisement has been placed by Mr Barron on page 22 of the Otago Daily Times today outlining events around the sacking, from his perspective.
Mr Barron said some members of the group had resigned since the decision and others had said they were unhappy with the decision.
‘‘All I’ve been trying to do is work for the community and get the project under way and this has come out of the blue.’’
Clutha district ratepayers deserved to know how the council operated and treated people willing to work for the community, he said.
Mayor Bryan Cadogan said the council was forced to act when other members of the group contacted him and council staff with concerns about the process.
The cumulative effect of concerns about Mr Barron’s communication, transparency and process had led to the vote, Mr Cadogan said.
‘‘I know on two occasions I’ve had meetings with staff and councillors with Kevin where I’ve expressed my concerns, so it’s not like we haven’t had discussions in the past.’’
Mr Cadogan said he excluded himself from the vote so there was no perception of bias. Cr Ken Payne was voted as chairman during the meeting.
It is not the first time the actions of Mr Barron have come into conflict with the council. He was asked to cease work on a ‘‘hole’’ in the wall of the memorial hall next to the roll of honour, part of a planned entranceway into an exhibition.
At the time, Mr Cadogan said there were concerns over sensitivity and respect issues in regards to the roll of honour and monument next to the hole or entranceway.