Tina Comi’s council seat has been officially declared vacant, but how it will be filled is still to be decided.
Comi resigned on Friday in writing to the clerk's office and with a letter addressed to the community.
During Monday night’s (Jan. 24) regular meeting of Collingwood councillors, council acknowledged they received notice of Comi’s resignation on Friday afternoon when it was received by the deputy clerk.
They voted unanimously in favour of declaring her seat vacant, and directing staff to prepare a report regarding how the seat should be filled.
During the community-announcements portion of Monday night’s council meeting, Coun. Yvonne Hamlin spoke about Comi’s contributions to council over the past three years.
“It was quite a surprise to me that she resigned last week,” said Hamlin. “Tina spoke so often to the hearts of our residents. She was there for them when it was needed. I would like to acknowledge that for many, her leaving is a huge loss.”
“On a personal note, if I’m allowed, I’d just like to say that I’m so sad that neither Tina or Keith are sitting with us at this council table as we continue to work through the thorny issues on behalf of our community,” she said.
Comi sent a letter via email to CollingwoodToday on Jan. 21 and posted it on her social media, referring to it as her statement to the community regarding her resignation from town council.
The letter praises Collingwood for "bringing light" into darkness, listing examples of community spirit, help for people in need, and support for local organizations.
SEE MORE: Collingwood Councillor Tina Comi resigns in letter addressed to community
Comi's seat could be one of three council positions that may need to be filled this year.
Deputy Mayor Keith Hull has been on a leave of absence from his council seat since the end of November. Mayor Brian Saunderson is running in the June 2022 provincial election for the Conservatives and will be required to vacate his council seat if elected as an MPP.
During Monday’s council meeting, Coun. Kathy Jeffery also put forward a notice of motion asking for staff to prepare amendments to the procedural bylaw on how to address the absence of a mayor and deputy mayor at the same time. The notice of motion suggests that the member of council with the highest number of votes should be appointed to the acting mayor’s seat, and should appoint the acting deputy mayor and alternate(s) from the remaining members of council.
The motion would be considered during the Jan. 31 council meeting and if approved, changes to the procedural bylaw would be considered at the Feb. 21 council meeting.
The next municipal election will take place Oct. 24, 2022.
Comi has not returned multiple requests for comment sent by CollingwoodToday.ca.
Staff will now prepare a report on options for filling the vacant council seat, to be presented and discussed during their Jan. 31 meeting.
