Some tense moments, a lengthy debate with numerous motions marked Belleville city council’s debate about a new committee Monday night.
The new committee is the Economic and Destination Development committee, aimed at developing a strategic plan for economic development and it will handle the new Municipal Accommodation Tax.
That tax is expected to bring in about $400,000 a year.
Councillor Ryan Williams challenged Mayor Mitch Panciuk when the mayor pointed out that Councillor Sean Kelly was appointed chair because Williams had a conflict of interest.
The mayor said it was public record but Williams said he had sought advice.
Raising his voice Williams said, “You’re talking about an assumed conflict, taking my integrity through the mud. I’ve sought advice. I have a business which I take seriously.”
Mayor Panciuk answered “I’m not trying to impugn anyone. I just pointed out the public record.”
Williams added “Tourism is one of the reasons I got on council…this work is important to the city.”
Then came motions and amending motions.
Williams introduced a motion naming himself as chair and added another public member that he wanted on the committee, Chad Guziewicz.
This dropped former councillor Egerton Boyce from the list.
Councillor Kelly had no problem giving up the chair’s position. “There’s no “I” in Kelly,” he said with a smile.
It passed on a vote of five to four with councillors McCaw, Sandison, Culhane and Mayor Panciuk voting No.
Another amendment had Councillor Pat Culhane added to the committee.
Councillor Carr said “It is astounding we are going through this today. He expressed concern the new committee “would suddenly become tourist focussed.”
The debate continued for about an hour or more.
Following the meeting, Mayor Panciuk told Quinte News it was a good debate.
“A good animated discussion. They’re going to move forward. A lot of different ideas around the table and everybody had a chance to have their say. Sometimes they said it twice, and three times, and four times.”
Councillor Williams said committees usually choose their own chair and called the lengthy debate a “bump in the road.”
The 10-member committee also includes Councillor Kelly McCaw, Karla Brennan, Blair Gamble. Stephanie Stickler, Emily Leneveu a Loyalist College student, and a Chamber of Commerce member.
