Darren Jones is the new acting chief building inspector for the Township of Wellington North.
Although the bylaw was passed early at the Nov. 23 Wellington North council meeting, an explanation of the move did not come until much later when reporters had a chance to ask for the reasons behind the move.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said Jones would replace Harold Knox, who had been the township’s Chief Building Official, property standards, and bylaw enforcement officer.
He was originally hired by Wellington North in 2005. Building inspector Jones was hired the same year.
Broomhead noted that Jones has also been working on planning and zoning issues for the township for the past several months.
When asked what happened to Knox, Broomhead said “Harold’s not working with us anymore.”
When asked if Knox resigned, Broomhead said “yeah.”
He said Knox’s employment with the township ended on Nov. 17.
During the public portion of the meeting, no reason was given for Knox’s departure.
Following the meeting, as reporters were leaving the building, the mayor stopped to inform them he had had a slip of the tongue.
He explained that Knox had been terminated from his position with the township.
When contacted by the Wellington Advertiser about why he was let go, Knox said, “If I knew that, I’d tell you.”
He said he was released and told by the township that he was no longer needed.
Knox said he was getting his work done, but as to the decision itself, “It’s up to council.”
