A press release signed by half of the Thompson city council is imploring City of Thompson administration to “immediately return to the committee tables, resume direct communication and information sharing with council and the public”.

 

The statement was signed by Councillors Jeff Fountain, Duncan Wong, Les Ellsworth, and Earl Colbourne.

 

The release claims a number of issues have cropped up that have resulted in what’s being described as a “complete breakdown” in communication and cooperation between administration and council, with allegations of harassment and disrespectful conduct directed at some councillors by admin staff.

 

The councillors state they don’t believe disagreements and tough questions constitute harassment or disrespect, and that they shouldn’t be expected to “blindly accept the whims of administration and a few influential council members”.

 

When asked for comment, the city says council is regularly briefed and connected to administration by the city manager, who’s the council’s sole direct employee.

 

It adds committee meetings had been on hold as mayor and council considered a structure change from multiple standing committees to a “committee of the whole” format, and council will provide direction to admin to resume committee meetings.

 

The city says there are currently a number of active workplace misconduct investigations, however HR matters are confidential and can’t be further commented on.