An in-camera decision by some members of Sechelt council has sparked debate and ill feelings around who is representing Sechelt at the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD).
Mayor Darren Inkster said that at an in-camera meeting June 8, it was decided Coun. Keith Thirkell should leave his appointment as District liaison at the SCRD.
"I spoke with the council member who brought the issue forward and they indicated that it was a loss of confidence [in Thirkell]," Inkster said. "I can't give you much on record because it was in-camera."
But Thirkell denies any vote of non-confidence was ever made in-camera because he says there were not enough council members present to have quorum for the vote June 8.
"I'm really not at liberty to talk about what Darren did in-camera, but put it this way, he didn't have a quorum when it happened and I can't say anything else. I can't say who was there and who wasn't, but that's why it had to come out into open [council] and the rest of council didn't agree with him [Inkster]," Thirkell said.
The in-camera motion about the appointment suggested Inkster take up the position, but he declined during the regular council meeting June 15.
"I was elected, and the issue then goes out of in-camera to the public for further discussion and an actual public vote. At that point, because it was not an easy decision for council to make middle of the year for team building, I stepped back," Inkster said.
He then moved to have Coun. Alice Lutes take on the role, but the motion failed.
Instead a motion to reaffirm Thirkell was passed with councillors Fred Taylor, Alice Janisch and Warren Allan in support.
Thirkell said he believes he has been doing a good job as Sechelt's SCRD representative and he plans to continue to fight for Sechelt to be treated fairly in all SCRD decisions affecting district taxpayers.
Inkster said he expects Thirkell to stay in the position until the end of the term, but notes the issue may come up for more discussion at another in-camera meeting.
