CITY of Whittlesea councillors were bemoaning a waste of their time at a Special Council Meeting last Wednesday night (November 7).
Councillors Ricky Kirkham, Alahna Desiato and Caz Monteleone called the urgent meeting on two days’ notice to discuss a leave of absence request for Cr Mary Lalios.
However, the meeting was over in just a matter of minutes when Crs Kirkham, Desiato and Monteleone failed to attend and a quorum was barely achieved.
The motion was for council to resolve to not the medical certificate provided by Cr Lalios and grant a leave of absence for Cr Lalios ‘for the period detailed by her suitably qualified medical practitioner’.
The meeting was called on two days’ notice to allow the ability to consider information provided by Cr Lalios prior to tonight’s ordinary council meeting, at which Cr Lalios would be disqualified if her leave is not granted.
Other reasons outlined include giving Cr Lalios a buffer and allow her to consider her position before tonight’s council meeting.
CEO Simon Overland was informed earlier in the day that the three councillors no longer wished to proceed with the motion.
Mr Overland said there is no course of action to cancel a council meeting after it has been called and councillors alerted.
Cr Sam Alessi said the people who brought councillors and officers were brought to the council meeting at the ratepayers’ expense were playing an unfair game with the community.
With no movers present, the motion lapsed and the meeting was closed with no resolution.
Cr Monteleone said advice and discussion after the meeting was called meant the three councillors felt the matter could be heard at the ordinary council meeting.
“I don’t think a meeting should’ve been held. If the meeting can’t be reversed, it is what it is.”