LETTER – Councillors’ walkout during Mayor’s Report was disrespectful

Good afternoon City Council,

Today I am writing in regard to the regular City Council Meeting on Dec 10th, 2024.

Once again, citizens were deprived of the 2nd Public Inquiry section of the meeting due to the disrespectful actions of councillors during the Mayor’s Report.

Early in the meeting, Councillor Middleton made a motion to swap the order of 2 agenda items, which resulted in the Mayor’s Report appearing just before the 2nd Public Inquiry section at the end of the afternoon agenda.

Since we have already witnessed inappropriate and disrespectful behaviour by councillors during the Mayor’s Report, I asked during the 1st Public Inquiry portion: “Was the motion to swap the order because there is a likelihood of Councillor Bass moving to adjourn during the Mayor’s Report?”

This time, instead of interrupting with a motion to adjourn, Councillors Neustaeter and Bass got up and left the room during the Mayor’s Report, followed shortly afterwards by Councillors Sarai, Hall, and Bepple. This resulted in not having a quorum, and the mayor being told “We’re recessing to public hearing”.

This behaviour is incredibly disrespectful and violates the council’s Code of Conduct. Reflecting back on Councillor Middleton’s motion to change the order of items on the agenda, I am led to believe this was an intentional and premeditated act.

In addition, during the 1st Public Inquiries portion of the meeting I had asked “When are councillors going to be held accountable for their disrespectful and disruptive behaviour?”. As I noted then:

• I have witnessed several occasions where Councillor Neustaeter has interrupted the mayor with her outbursts.
• I have witnessed several occasions where Councillor Bass has interrupted the mayor with her outbursts and motions to adjourn.
• I have witnessed occasions where Councillor Sarai has engaged in distracting sidebar conversation while the mayor or others are speaking. I also call into question Councillor Sarai’s motives for initially motioning to suppress public inquiry. As of today 1477 (now 1498) citizens are petitioning for Councillor Sarai to resign.

I also asked that a code of conduct complaint be submitted on behalf of citizens, against those councillors who have repeatedly shown public disrespect to the mayor within chambers. As I was told I could submit my request to citycouncil@kamloops.ca, I am doing so now, and I repeat my request.

Further, I request that another complaint be submitted in regards to councillors Neustaeter, Bass, Sarai, Middleton, Hall, and Bepple for orchestrating and participating in the shameful and inexcusable acts of disrespect by walking out during the Mayor’s Report. Local news reported that councillors participated in a similar act during the evening agenda with Councillors Hall and Sarai walking out of the meeting and Councillor Bass logging off while attending via Zoom.

I find it ironic that Councillor Middleton is the Deputy Mayor this month due to Councillor Sarai’s malicious conduct towards the mayor, and as a result will be receiving this email and determining what to do with its contents.

Thank you for your attention to this matter, and please advise on the status of my requests,

RICHARD WILBUR
Concerned Kamloops Citizen and Taxpayer