Municipal councils can hold secret meetings, but they have to have at least some documentation, a secret meeting investigator has said.
Norm Gamble has revised his report on secret meetings handed down to Wellington North council after it was found in violation of the Municipal Act for four secret meetings held in 2012.
In that report Gamble pointed out “the mayor and CAO also contend that is difficult for a meeting to be called without staff in attendance as this raises alarm bells as to the council/staff relationship. While this my be delicate, it can easily be overcome by council having a process of a meeting “legitimately” without staff in attendance at least annually.
Gamble said “this develops a routine which eases the anxiety of staff and the uncomfortable feeling of council. Naturally due process needs to be followed including the appointment of a recording secretary during that portion of the session.”
In a letter to council, Gamble clarified his original finding. “The additional comment is that the appointed secretary cannot be a member of council. In reality the process should have a third party (auditor, solicitor, county official, human resources consultant etc.) delegated the role.”
Gamble added, “The intent of my comments remains solid in encouraging council to follow the rules but also meet without staff when and if it is appropriate.”
