The City of Welland did nothing wrong using an in-camera meeting to select residents for two city committees.

That was the ruling handed down by Paul Dube, Ontario's ombudsman, after a complaint was raised about the September 2019 meeting.

In a letter provided to city council, Dube said it was entitled to go into closed session to discuss the matter under exceptions to open meeting rules.

"We're compliant," Ward 2 Coun. David McLeod said Tuesday night during a discussion on Dube's letter, which had to be made public.

In-camera meetings are allowed for issues such as personnel matters, labour relations and contract negotiations, plans to buy or sell property, and legal advice.

The city used the personnel matters section to discuss the committee appointments. The complainant, who is not named, felt it did fall under that section.

Dube's investigation showed city councillors talked about potential appointees' qualifications including their work history, education and volunteer experience, all of which could be considered personal matters.

"My office was also informed that the discussion about the applications to the city committees lasted approximately five minutes," said the ombudsman in his letter.

Dube did make made suggestions for city staff regarding in-camera meetings. He said a more descriptive reason as to why the city was holding the meeting, without undermining the closed-door process, could have been provided.

Ward 4 Coun. Bryan Green asked about the investigation process and whether the city is notified. He also wanted to know if councillors had to be made aware of an investigation.

City clerk Tara Stephens said Dube's office contacted city staff and let them know it had questions about the meeting.

"We provided them with information. We don't know the full extent of the details of the complaint until the ombudsman comes forward with a report," she said.

Stephens said the Ombudsman's Office doesn't want staff to notify city council of an investigation unless something needs to be dealt with immediately.

"They advise us how to proceed and what steps to take."

Stephens said city staff will implement Dube's recommendation when it comes providing more information for going behind closed doors.

"We always provided the subject to why . but in our minutes we didn't identify the reason."

Nathaniel.Johnson@niagaradailies.com

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