NOKOMIS - Mayor Don Sangster, Councillor Kyle Klevgaard and Administrator Kimberly Downing have resigned from the Village of Kannata Valley.
The resignations announced at a June 9th special meeting will leave the Village of Kannata Valley with only three Councillors and no Administrator or Mayor at the end of June.
It was clarified that if one of the remaining Councillors decided to run for Mayor, they would be required to resign their position from Council. And because they wouldn’t have a quorum, the Ministry of Government Relations would step in. If there is no interim Administrator in place by July 1st, the office will be closed.
The resignations came after a special meeting on May 25 validated a petition by residents to force a referendum - stopping the process of the annexation of Rock Ridge into the RV.
Before the resignations were announced, Councillor Tom Fink, a previous proponent of the annexation, put forward a motion agreeing with the petition’s intent. He said the annexation had divided the community, and it was time for healing.
Council passed the motion. As a result, the referendum will not be held. While the council voted to discontinue negotiations, it wouldn’t mean that future councils couldn’t pick it back up again.
In reading his letter of resignation, Sangster said it was “with much regret and considerable relief” that he was resigning.
He continued to say the Village had become mired in division, and the unsubstantiated criticism and rumours had been hard to put up with, “Especially when you believe it is your role to take the high road”
He appeared to speak earnestly about the stress that it had caused him. He said he wanted to ensure he takes care of his health for his family and grandchildren for the years to come. “Finally I am sad because I have never quit something like this in my life.”
He acknowledged it will be a challenge for the council to find a replacement Administrator because of a shortage of municipal administrators. “I wish the remaining council wisdom and success as they work their way through this period of time. Finally, my hope is that good people of integrity will come forward to fill the two vacancies on the Kannata Valley Council.”
The race to find an interim administrator begins before July 1. By-elections are scheduled for the September long weekend.
