Meaford Council voted Monday night to engage a new law firm in the ongoing lawsuit with regard to the Georgian Beach Road issue.
Though it was not on the agenda released prior to the November 23 council meeting, a resolution was brought forward to secure the services of a Guelph based law firm as the case moves on to the next stage.
As he has done in recent* “in camera” meetings relating to the issue, Mayor Francis Richardson declared a conflict of interest and removed himself from discussion of the resolution.
At issue is debate over the existence of a shoreline road allowance, and ownership of property to the waterfront.
Councillor Jim McPherson expressed concern about the costs that would be associated with handing the case over to a new solicitor. He indicated that the costs would be significant for the current law firm to brief a new firm.
McPherson then requested a recorded vote.
The resolution was passed with a 4-2 vote with Councillor's Shortt and McPherson voting against, and Mayor Richardson abstaining.
After the meeting Councillor McPherson told The Independent that the reason cited for hiring new legal representation is that the case is moving to a stage that is beyond the current capacity of the municipal lawyers that have been working on the case to date. The case is expected to go to trial in Owen Sound.
“Our current lawyer would need to bring on a new partner to continue with the case beyond this stage,” said McPherson.
*Editor's note: This article has been edited on November 26, 8:05 p.m. to correct a mis-statement. Previously this article stated that Mayor Richardson had declared a conflict for all previous "in camera meetings" relating to the Goergian Beach issue. We have been reminded that Mayor Richardson has only recently been declaring a conflict and removing himself from these discussions. We apologise for any confusion caused by this error.
