The Village of Tahsis has gone to court seeking an order vacating the seat of a councillor who failed to attend four consecutive council meetings and was not ill or injured and or on a leave of absence.
The village wants Coun. Doug Elliot to be disqualified from holding office until the next general election.
Tahsis filed its petition on Dec. 1 in the Supreme Court of B.C.’s Victoria registry, asking for an order under B.C.’s Community Charter.
In its petition, the village said Elliot verbally told council on May 2 and July 4 that he intended to resign effective Sept. 18, 2023.
He did not attend council meetings on Aug. 1, Sept. 12, Sept. 25, Oct. 3, Oct. 17 and Nov. 7, it said.
The village unsuccessfully tried to obtain a written resignation from Elliot, according to the petition.
Elliot could not be reached for comment on Wednesday.
The community of about 400 people west of Campbell River made headlines in May when Elliot took the gavel from the deputy mayor during a heated meeting. Council is made up of a mayor and four councillors.
The village’s website has posted a public notification of censure and related sanctions for Elliot, citing actions he is alleged to have taken, including breaching confidentiality of city materials and making derogatory comments about other council members and senior staff.
Council voted in favour of deeming Elliot’s conduct unbecoming of a member of council and approved a motion of censure.
He was subjected to sanctions include restricted access to closed meeting agendas, which he was allowed to view on paper only in the village office, under supervision. He was also required to issue written apologies to the village and to individuals.
On Oct. 10, the village sent Elliot a letter asking him to provide a written resignation in accordance with the Community Charter, which says a council member can resign in writing.
An email was sent to Elliot on Oct. 24 again asking for a written notice.
As of Dec. 1, Elliot had not provided a written resignation to council at a meeting or to city hall.
Council then voted in favour of a resolution saying Elliot was disqualified from holding office on council because of his absences.
