Region CAO to have final say — in private
MARYANNE FIRTH
POSTMEDIA NETWORK
Before heading out the door, Niagara Region CAO Harry Schlange will have an opportunity to give council his two cents — behind closed doors.
Councillors agreed Thursday night that an in-camera session is needed to hear comments from the Region’s top bureaucrat, who resigned from his position April 8.
In a confidential resignation letter to council, obtained by Postmedia Network, Schlange said that while “great strides” were made toward achieving some goals for Niagara, he faced serious roadblocks during his time at the Region. He cited problems with the leadership and behav- iour of regional council, but made no mention of any particular incident nor specific members.
It was Fort Erie Mayor Wayne Redekop who recommended that an exit interview be conducted with all of council present, but in closed session as it concerns a “personnel matter,” he said.
He feels that discussion would allow the Region to learn where areas for improvement exist and would assist in development of the profile for the new CAO.
St. Catharines Coun. Andy Petrowski questioned what would be accomplished with an exit interview, which he feels has little value. He also drew issue with the proposed interview taking place in closed session.
“I don’t think this is something that should be secret,” he said, add- ing taxpayers who pay Schlange’s salary have a right to hear what he has to say.
“The public will never know why he’s not happy about certain things,” Petrowski said, calling it a “disservice” to residents.
Fiona Peacefull, director of people services and organizational development, said regional practice is to have exit interviews conducted in closed session, as the information presented may include experiences regarding specific personnel. Exit interviews are extended to all employees by human resources, she said.
It was determined a formal exit interview would be a difficult process with 31 councillors in attendance. It was instead agreed upon by council that Schlange will have an opportunity to express his views on the Region during the in-camera portion of the May 19 council meeting.
Schlange accepted a job as CAO for the City of Brampton. His resignation is effective May 27.
The recruitment process for Schlange’s replacement was also discussed Thursday, with membership of the five-member selection committee determined.
It will include Lincoln Mayor Sandra Easton, Welland Mayor Frank Campion, Grimsby Coun. Tony Quirk and Niagara Falls Coun. Bob Gale, in addition to Regional Chairman Alan Caslin, who will chair the committee.
A third-party recruitment firm will be used to help develop a profile and locate appropriate candidates for the position.
Lincoln Coun. Bill Hodgson made a successful amendment that the firm consult not only with the committee, but also with all members of council in developing the profile for the next CAO. Key external stakeholders, to be determined with assistance from the firm, will also be consulted.
It’s the best way to ensure the new hire best serves the representatives around the table, he said.
“It is not the job of five members of council to decide what next CAO will look like and what qualifications they will have.”
Council must approve the profile prior to the search phase getting underway.
The hiring process is expected to take four to six months and council will have final approval of the selected candidate.
Fireworks to light the Niagara skyline again
Canada’s longest-running fireworks series resumes Sunday.
A total of 85 fireworks displays over Niagara Falls are planned for 2016, up from the 42 shows last year.
The shows will take place at 10 p.m. every Sunday, Wednesday, Friday and holidays from May 1 to Oct. 31, weather permitting.
The Niagara Parks Commission’s Coca-Cola concert series resumes May 20 and will run each fireworks evening until Sept. 5. The free concerts will be held at 8 p.m. at Queen Victoria Park.
For more information, visit www. niagaraparks.com/fireworks.
Arrest in hotel break-ins
A man wanted by Niagara police following break-ins earlier this month at two Niagara establishments has been arrested in Hamilton.
On April 8 between 2:20 a.m. and 3:20 a.m., a male entered the Myst Lounge and Watermark Restaurant, both on the 33rd floor of the Hilton Hotel on Fallsview Boulevard in Niagara Falls.
Video surveillance obtained by police shows a man going behind a bar where he forces open a number of locked liquor cabinets and removes several bottles of various brands.
A suspect was arrested Thursday in Hamilton. Charged with two counts of break and enter and two counts of failing to comply with probation is 57-year-old Daniel Wang. He was held in custody pending a bail hearing.