Stolen master key prompts Stouffville council to pass divisive resolution
Councillor Hugo Kroon presented two resolutions which Mayor Justin Altmann claimed was an attack on him

YorkRegion.com
Dec. 21, 2016
Ali Raza

“Embarrassing” is how Whitchurch-Stouffville mayor and councillors described their last meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 20.

Near the end of the session, long after several items had been approved — including the 2017 draft budget — Coun. Hugo Kroon put forth two resolutions.

The first resolution outlined new security protocols for town facilities, directing staff to implement seven protocols that would limit access for employees and elected officials in town hall.

The second resolution outlined seven procedures for the use of the mayor’s chain of office.

Kroon presented these resolutions with justifying comments. For security protocols, he said “unfettered access” shouldn’t exist.

“A corporation of this size, for it to have loose security that we have in this facility is beyond my understanding,” he told council.

Councillor Rick Upton agreed saying the protocols “don’t restrict anyone from doing their job.”

For the mayor’s chain of office, Kroon mentioned the “histories and traditions” that the chain stems from, arguing that the chain deserved respect.

But it was one of his comments that hinted to a bigger problem.

“There have been allegations that certain materials in the planning department were removed and brought back,” Kroon said while speaking on the first resolution.

“Certain materials” was revealed to be town hall’s master key when Upton asked Coun. Rob Hargrave “who stole the master key?” in discussion.

Mayor Justin Altmann clarified in a phone call with the Sun-Tribune that the master key was taken from a staff member, who had received it from another staff member. In another phone call, Upton told the Sun-Tribune that the key was missing from Friday, Sept. 30 to Sunday, Oct. 2.

The master key is usually kept with the CAO or facilities manager.

The discussion over the proposed resolutions turned into what the mayor believed was an attack on him. Altmann told council that Upton sent an email to him and his wife “interrogating” them about a missing key.

Upton clarified with the Sun-Tribune that he nor anyone else at town hall knows who took the key.

“These accusations are extremely offensive,” Altmann said. “I’m far more worried that there are documents in here that have leaked. I’m more offended that emails from this council have been leaked.”

Altmann referenced classified documents and emails that had leaked to various residents in the community, the Sun-Tribune and the Toronto Star. Most recent of which was acting-CAO Rob Raycroft’s resignation letter which made rounds in the community.

“I’m not a thief, I have not stolen the key,” Altmann said. “I’m not a crook. Quit hiding behind seven points and direct it to the person you want to direct it to.”

The Sun-Tribune inquired about the missing key with town staff, to which staff responded with “no comment.”

It was after all councillors spoke on the first resolution that Altmann gave a lengthy speech on what he perceived as being “kicked in the teeth” by council.

“I know what you guys are really after,” he said. “It’s been going on for two years, and I’m tired of it. It’s embarrassing.”

While discussing the second resolution, Hargrave agreed with Altmann that the resolutions were an attack on the mayor. The councillor also asked why a staff report wasn’t prepared instead of what he called Kroon’s “seven opinions” regarding the first resolution.

The resolutions passed with councillors Ken Ferdinands, Maurice Smith, Upton and Kroon voting for, while the mayor and councillors Iain Lovatt and Hargrave voted against.