'I am extremely disappointed in the words and actions of some, but even more disappointed in the few that spread nasty rumours and grand assumptions, especially when some of those have former council experience and know how and why things work the way they do' - Mayor Dan Marchisella

In a strongly worded social media posting a few hours after a fractious City of Elliot Lake Special Council meeting Wednesday afternoon, Elliot Lake Mayor Dan Marchisella took strong objection to statements and actions of some current and former members of council.

In the Mayor's words: "I am extremely disappointed in the words and actions of some, but even more disappointed in the few that spread nasty rumours and grand assumptions, especially when some of those have former council experience and know how and why things work the way they do."

Mayor Marchisella continued in his social media posting; "All elected officials have the best interest of the community at heart. We will not always see eye to eye on how to get there, but spreading miss-information and grand standing is not professional nor is it how to get what you want personally."

The Elliot Lake mayor wrote: "I must make a few points about yesterday’s Council meeting and am not looking for any replies or online debate, but after what took place by a few members of Council, I am quite disappointed and something must be said. All negotiations of this type (purchase or sales of property) must take place in “closed session” whether we like it or not. It’s impossible to negotiate in a price range or in any detail publically. That being said, any final decision once negotiations are complete will come to an open, recorded meeting for the public to view."

He continued with the online post; "Three Councillors questioned both the ethics and integrity of myself and a majority of Council also claiming an illegal meeting was taking place, before two stood up and left the chambers (Councillors Norman Mann and Sandy Finamore)."

The Mayor continued, "Councillor Patrie took part in the meeting via phone, which is allowed. The comments and actions that were made may also be a violation of the Code of Conduct for some members of Council. As far as notice, all members had been notified that something to this effect was coming very soon and would be time sensitive. The meeting was also called as per our Procedural By-Law giving 24-hour notice, no laws or rules broken."

Adding to his post Mayor Marchisella wrote; "Additionally a member of Council had a long winded spew of past information but also confidential information that had been provided in a confidential memo in regards to the meeting details, this is a Violation of the Code of Conduct and also a breach of confidentiality."

The Mayor went on to write in his posting that he will not be personally filing for an investigation with the City of Elliot Lake Integrity Commissioner, but he believes complaints will come forward.

Summing up, he added, "I know that this has been a contentious item, but did not expect to see this level of grand standing or insult, we all act in the best interest of the community and the performances are not necessary."

The Elliot Lake Mayor's posting appeared a few hours after a special CIty Council meeting which went into closed session to discuss property acquisition by the City of Elliot.

Four Elliot Lake Council Members, Mayor Marchisella and Councillors Luc Cyr, Ed Pearce and Tom Turner, voted to go into closed session during Wednesday's special meeting. Voting against was Councillor Sandy Finamore.

No public disclosure has been made by the Mayor or any City of Elliot Lake staff member about the property acquisition being discussed at City Hall. The next meeting of City Council Is scheduled for Monday, March 11 at 7:00 p.m.