Stone sacked

Council went into confidential committee to discuss an “urgent staff matter” at the request of Cr Shirlee Burge just after the start of the meeting.

All staff were asked to leave the room.

We believe Mayor Peta Betts declared a conflict of interest and was also absent.

The meeting was then chaired by Deputy Mayor Marc Petersen, who read a statement advising of council’s decision when the public council meeting resumed about two hours later.

Director of operations Mark Dalzell has been appointed Acting CEO, less than a week after he tendered his resignation to council.

Full details will appear in Friday’s Pastoral Times.