On September 7 council met in camera to discuss a personnel issue. At the end of the closed-door discussion the following motions were made.
Councillor Dean Ward moved, “ to eliminate the position of Field Superintendent immediately”.
Ward then withdrew the motion and followed it with another motion, “that the position be eliminated and that the employee in the department position be offered a severance package in line with legal advice received”. It is to be effective immediately.
The motion was passed 4-3 with Councillors Ward, Cole, MacLeod and Salus in favour, Mayor Irwin, Councillors Taje and Mitchell opposed.
Mahieux has worked for the town for 25 years, starting as a unionized worker in the field and eventually working his way to Field Foreman/Lead Hand.
Six years ago, Mahieux took on the intern position as acting Public Works Superintendent when Jack Bowers left. The town began a hiring process for the position and when no applications came forth on the first round, Mahieux applied and was awarded the job.
In a statement from Mayor John Irwin, “Council made a motion to effectively eliminate the position of Field Superintended they just created a couple of months ago.” He further notes, “Council can’t fire Ray Mahieux, but can force the CAO to do it”. Council has effectively forced Lundy into eliminating the position.
According to Gordon Lundy, CAO for the municipality, Mayor Irwin’s statement is indeed true. “Mr. Mahieux has been provided with a severance package by administration and has been given his options regarding the elimination of his position”. The Pass Herald has filled out the required FOIP forms to ascertain the dollar value of the severance package.