MAYOR Tony Nicholson came under fire at tonight's Derwent Valley Council meeting, when two councillors alleged he had not informed them of legal action against the council.
Rising to his feet during questions without notice, Councillor Martyn Evans said he had recently been advised that a writ had been issued against the council, Valley Vision, and the former council-owned company Derwent Valley Investments. Cr Evans asked whether those councillors not implicated in the action should seek independent legal advice, and Mayor Nicholson said he would take the question on notice.
A short time later, Deputy Mayor Scott Shaw said he had recently been handed legal documents while shopping in the Woolworths supermarket at New Norfolk, and told that the council was under writ in the Supreme Court. "Why have you as mayor not kept us informed of this?" Cr Shaw asked. In reply, Cr Nicholson said he had only the same information as Cr Shaw.
Cr Evans interjected to say the writ had been filed on March 31, which was "adequate time" for the mayor to have advised councillors. General manager Stephen Mackey said: "We are dealing with it," and Cr Nicholson said he would address the matter after the meeting.
This writ has been the talk of the town for some time, such a shame the Council is so slow on picking up on these things. I'm really looking forward to the outcome.
ReplyDeleteWhy are these things kept so secret by the Mayor and General Manager particularly and obviously to the others named as well? Seems even the remaining elected Councillors are not being kept informed - if the DVC is being sued or whatever by anyone shouldn't the elected representatives be fully aware of any pending action? Oh well, another 'secret' meeting I expect
ReplyDeleteAlice
The council is elected to represent the people, not to hold secret meetings. Where is the process and how do ratepayers know what's really going on?
ReplyDeleteI think the mayor has lost the plot.There should be no secret meetings, workshops or whatever they'd like to call them. Maybe with all ratepayers knowing what is going on might make the whole lot of them more accountable for their actions (or inaction as it is quite plain)
ReplyDeleteOne can only liken last night’s meeting to a meeting of shareholders who are presented at an annual general meeting with the Chairman who is too unable to front the audience and hides in the back rows. The Business manager advising the shareholders they have failed to protect the assets of the company with no intention to do so, that they have no business plans.They dont have any idea what they are to do with the project and only now seeking help. They are spending money in the bank at an incredible rate with no accountability to anyone than themselves and set on exhausting that bank account in a few months while stalling for more time by glancing over their failures hoping that the creation of a new committee would distract people attention to the fact they have only have on offer excuses.
ReplyDeleteUnder normal circumstances the shareholders would riot.
More meetings were conveniently promised to pacify the audience desire for more transparency but with the existing desire to work in secret with Confidentiality agreements that reality if unlikely.
The persuasive talking of Ian Brown and Stephen Mackey may have saved their jobs in the short term but the impending disaster and full realisation of total collapse will hit in a few months. By then the bank will be empty, a derelict site will be left to sort out and a massive liability on the public purse.