Investigation Report: Ombudsman Act – Town of Neepawa
investigations & monitoring
municipal / local body
Summary
A complainant alleged that on September 6, 2011, Neepawa town council discussed certain matters at a meeting closed to the public (in-camera), which he believed were not eligible for in-camera discussion under section 152 of The Municipal Act. The complainant also expressed concern about the posted notice of the meeting, asserting that that posted start times for the regular meeting and in-camera portion of the meeting were unclear to the public and could result in people missing part of the regular meeting.
Based on the evidence obtained through our investigation, we concluded that council did not breach the act when it closed the meeting to the public and discussed items in-camera at the September 6, 2011, meeting of council. In response to the concern about the posted start times for regular meetings of council, Manitoba Ombudsman suggested an administrative improvement, which the town accepted. The town committed to make changes to the meeting agendas to ensure clarity and to enhance transparency.
Case 2012-0080