No full-time deputy for Stouffville mayor

Yorkregion.com
June 3, 2015
By Sandra Bolan

There will not be one specific deputy mayor assigned to pitch-hit for Mayor Justin Altmann.

Council, without any discussion Tuesday night, voted to maintain the status quo of elected councillors stepping in as the acting mayor on a rotating basis.

The acting mayor assumes the duties, rights, powers and authority of the mayor in circumstances set out by the Municipal Act.

There were, however, some changes made.

The title of “acting mayor” is now “deputy mayor” and the title of “alternate acting mayor” is now “vice-deputy mayor.”

The deputy mayor’s job description provides more details and includes: chairing council meetings; calling special council meetings; carrying out duties of the mayor in emergencies and acting as a signing authority on behalf of the corporation.

As well, concurrently with the mayor, the deputy mayor would represent the municipality at official functions as well as the mayor in meetings, according to the June 2 staff recommendations.

Altmann wanted to appoint Councillor Rob Hargrave as deputy mayor during the April 21 council meeting. The motion could not get a seconder and it died on the floor.

Altmann said, at the time, he wanted a deputy mayor for guidance and to help him when he’s busy.