Pleasantries before business at council’s last meeting

‘‘MAJOR items’’ will no longer be discussed at final Invercargill City Council meetings.

Mayor Sir Tim Shadbolt explained the decision at yesterday’s last meeting.

It was made after council received legal advice, he said.

‘‘It was raised that . . . it is unfair to a candidate who may not have access to that information and therefore, in a debate or discussion it puts them at a disadvantage, so the theory is no major significant items should be debated at the last meeting of council.’’

The Otago Daily Times understands matters including the Southlandwide recycling contract were held off until after local body elections.

While it was ‘‘unfortunate’’ the council had received ‘‘such a huge’’ agenda, it was a fair decision, he said.

‘‘I think generally in the past, councillors have tried to make this last meeting a friendly farewell to our colleagues,’’ Sir Tim said.

‘‘It’s certainly been interesting and I’m sure . . . we’ve all learnt a lot from the experience.

‘‘Every council I’ve been involved in is very different . . . but it’s democracy at work and for all its problems, as they say, democracy is the worst system in the world — except for all the others.’’

Crs Karen Arnold and Lloyd Esler, who are not standing for reelection, thanked colleagues for their work during their time in council.

Cr Esler gave Sir Tim an emasculator, used to castrate a ram lamb, as a parting gift.

He said it was given to him if he agreed to use it on the mayor — ‘‘instead I will pass it on to you.’’