CITY HALL – Mayor shooed from meeting over conflict-of-interest issue
(Image: Mel Rothenburger file photo.)
Mayor Reid Hamer-Jackson had to leave another City council meeting today (Nov. 5, 2024) after a heated disagreement with a staff member on whether or not he had a conflict of interest involving a council decision.
The issue was a proposal to create a 24-hour full-service facility for the homeless at the former Butler Auto property on Tranquille Road, which would be leased. Council was being asked to approve distribution of notice of intent for a temporary use permit.
The so-called “access hub” has long been sought in order to expand the city’s services for the homeless but it was slow in coming as a committee had difficulty finding land for it.
When the topic came up for discussion at today’s council meeting, corporate officer Maria Mazzotta informed the mayor he was in a conflict of interest and should leave council chambers because of a defamation lawsuit he has in process against developer Joshua Knaak, who owns the Butler property.
The fireworks began as council heard public input. Hamer-Jackson said declaring a conflict of interest is up to the affected member of council, and he had decided he wasn’t in a conflict.
“I’m not in a conflict. I’m going to tell you something. Just because somebody accuses you of something does not mean you’re in conflict. Alright, so I’ve made up my mind that I will be involved in this,” Hamer-Jackson told her, adding, “Just because if somebody accuses you of defamation, or accuses you of being a bully, or a racist, or they accuse you of being a sexual predator or anything like that, does not mean that’s fact. So I will wait until that proceeds, and I will be carrying on.”
Mazzotta, however, persisted. “I’m continuing on because the Community Charter prohibits you from participating in any aspect of any discussion related to Joshua Knaak until and unless you have received legal advice stating that you are no longer in conflict with this individual who you have sued.”
She didn’t explain specifically what part of the Charter she was relying on for her interpretation, but Section 100 covers various conflict-of-interest scenarios.
An exasperated Hamer-Jackson finally left chambers, saying, “It’ll come out.” Deputy mayor Dale Bass then took over the chair and discussion of the shelter continued.
A report from staff said the facility would operate for three years and provide accommodation for 44 people.
“This project aligns with the Kamloops Access Hub Leadership Group’s vision, which is to create a 24/7 location where unhoused individuals can access shelter services, meals, washrooms and shower facilities, culturally safe social and health services, amenity space and connections to housing, supportive employment, and wellness opportunities.”
It said a site identified earlier couldn’t be secured. BC Housing would take on the lease and ASK Wellness would operate it. Three staff members would be on site, and three meals per day would be provided along with storage space for belongings, as well as washroom and shower facilities, medical facilities and cultural programing by the Kamloops Aboriginal Friendship Society.
Council, with the mayor gone from chambers, approved a motion on issuance of the temporary use permit.
ArmchairMayor.ca 
Clearly the Mayor cannot preside over the decision that would affect the very person he has instigated a law suit with. The conflict of interest couldn’t be more clear. Perhaps, if he’d like to govern more effectively, he should stop suing people and do his job.
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“There is no legislated requirement for a locally elected official to obtain legal advice on the question of a conflict of interest prior to making a declaration”.
It seems the Community Charter applies to individuals based on which direction the wind blows at a given council meeting. It seems for the Mayor, it’s always a headwind. Funny thing that.
Imagine trying to govern in such an environment.
Meanwhile, council drops another crack shack in the business district. That’ll help.
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Reid already excused himself due to conflict, he doesn’t get to unexcuse himself without a note from a lawyer. You must have missed that part completely before smugly writing more of your fan fiction.
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The dynamics between RHJ and MM have been more than mind boggling at times.
I have often wondered how the wife of RHJ could have felt as she watched the pitiful display broadcast by the media on that fateful St. Paddy’s Day. Yes, to find out in that manner that her husband, RHJ, had “crossed personal boundaries” with the statement read by another woman. It must have been devastating.
Yet, was it not MM who shuffled the actors of the debacle into a closed meeting? Was it not MM who somehow approved the citizens of Kamloops would be paying the legal costs for the woman who had uttered such a statement that pretty much sealed the guilt of RHJ without trial, without a conviction or without any kind of explanation?
The dynamics between RHJ and MM have been more than mind boggling at times.
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Both the mayor and his wife have held themselves with great decorum under the circumstances, imo.
CO Mazzotta seems to me to be a bit over-diligent regarding the mayor at times, but I don’t think she can be blamed for the councilors using a bylaw clause created for use in exceptional circumstances in order to assume Coun. Neustaeter’s legal costs.
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As an elected official he should’ve being part of this important discussion. There is no financial gain to be had nor “waked influence” I am sure. Why is the City’s personnel allowed to interfere in pertinent discussions?
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“Hamer-Jackson said declaring a conflict of interest is up to the affected member of council, and he had decided he wasn’t in a conflict.”
*facepalm in abject Picard meme moment*
… all I got.
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