Aurora council nixes audio recording its closed-door meetings

YorkRegion.com
May 21, 2015
Teresa Latchford

Closed-door meetings will not be recorded at the Town of Aurora after council turned down the move.

The issue was discussed five years ago by the previous council, which did not allow audio recordings of closed-door meetings.

The subject made headlines in September 2010, when council-of-the-day approved legal action be taken against residents who questioned the context of its private meetings.

A new report by Ontario ombudsman Andre Marin prompted new discussion this week. Marin wants audio and video recordings of closed sessions in case he is called on to investigate following a citizen complaint.

“This doesn’t make the town’s job any easier and it’s not the town’s job to make the Ombudsman’s life easier,” town solicitor Warren Mar said, after recommending council not opt for recordings because it puts the town at risk.

Mar explained the province has yet to put in place rules and regulations to spell out who could legally get access to the recordings, leaving nothing to stop the opposing side of a legal matter from obtaining the recordings.

Currently, detailed notes are taken by the town clerk and are secured with the minutes of any sessions held behind closed doors, a requirement of the Municipal Act.

“Written notes are subject to discussion but don’t carry the same weight as an audio recording,” Mar added.

While the solicitor convinced Mayor Geoff Dawe and other members of council, some still wanted to implement the recording.

“Some people think something different happens behind closed doors and there is this perception we don’t behave ourselves,” Councillor Michael Thompson said. “This just isn’t the case.”

Fellow Councillor Wendy Gaertner agreed, pointing out some notes taken aren’t substantial enough and only tell part of the story.

Coun. Tom Mrakas’ attempt to approve audio recordings was voted down and council supported the opinion of the solicitor.

However, council plans to send a letter to Premier Kathleen Wynne, requesting the province introduce legislative safeguards to protect municipalities that want to record closed-session meetings.