An Elliot Lake councilor walked out of a special meeting of council believing he did not have an enough information to make an informed choice.
Elliot Lake councilors got a 24-hour notice to attend a special meeting last week to consider a land acquisition, but Councillor Norman Mann believe he had enough disclosure on the matter and would not take part in the meeting or the vote.
Several councilors also raised concerns about going into the closed session including Councillor Sandy Finamore who believed it did not meet the criteria.
After council returned to the open session, Mayor Dan Marchisella explained the special meeting was not a breach of procedural bylaw and all negotiations of this type must take place in “closed session” whether council likes it or not.
He pointed out it is impossible to negotiate in a price range or in any detail publically, but once negotiations are complete, the information will be made public.
He added the land acquisition item was time sensitive and staff has been directed to further look into the matter.