Officials with the Town of Gibbons announced Tuesday that Town Council had decided to impose sanctions on the mayor.
Town officials said Town Council unanimously passed a number of motions to limit the powers of Mayor Doug Horner.
Under the sanctions, Mayor Horner retains the ceremonial title of mayor, and his place as a voting member of council – but his responsibilities within council have been limited for at least six months.
In a press release, Town Council said the motions were adopted after officials sought legal advice, and gave Horner time to prepare, along with two chances – on June 25 and July 23 - to respond to specific allegations on his conduct during an ‘In Camera’ session.
“Mayor Horner did meet with Council during an ‘In Camera’ session on July 23 during which time he made it abundantly clear that he was not prepared to accept responsibility for his actions nor is capable of realigning his behaviours with what is expected of an elected official or serve as a true leader of a municipal organization,” the press release stated.
The release went on to outline some of the issues council had faced, including Horner’s quick temper, how the mayor attended meetings on council’s behalf, without council’s knowledge, and didn’t report back, and by being involved in ‘physical and verbal altercations at a local pub’.
Officials said the action won’t affect day-to-day workings of the community, which is managed by the Chief Administrative Officer and more than a dozen employees.
A Deputy Mayor will be appointed by Council, to fulfill official obligations, and administrative responsibilities of the Mayor.
