Deputy to take reins

Sir Tim Shadbolt’s deputy will take the reins at meetings as the Invercargill City Council encourages its 73-year-old mayor to remain in isolation.

The Invercargill City Council held an extraordinary meeting on Tuesday where it discussed plans to get through the nation-wide lockdown in place to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

The Government has already asked people over 70 years of age to remain at home, as well as people who have any pre-existing health conditions and might put them at risk. Council chief executive Clare Hadley presented a report which highlighted ways the councillors could continue to operate during the lockdown.

The report suggested a Committee of Council be set up, which will include all councillors and the mayor.

The committee will have most of the powers of council, but it will require fewer councillors for a quorum. Just two members need to be physically present, and others being present by video.

Hadley suggested deputy mayor Toni Biddle take on the chairperson role for the committee, given she would likely be physically present at meetings.

‘‘I’m aware that we have councillors in the age bracket that the Government is urging, I don’t want to use the word instructing, but it seeks that you role model the appropriate behaviours,’’ Hadley said.

Another recommendation, as part of the council’s Covid-19 response, was that council delegates to the chief executive all of the council’s powers, duties, and responsibilities the council can lawfully delegate to officers.

It is in place, in case for whatever reason during the coming weeks, the council can not meet.

It was also proposed that there is an increase of delegation to the chief executive for unbudgeted expenditure of up to $500,000.

‘‘Do I believe it will be necessary, I severely hope not. But I’m endeavouring to provide the flexibility for the Invercargill City Council to provide the essential services and keep things going that need to be kept going,’’ Hadley said.