Two councillors voted against the minutes of Clearview Township’s August 10 meeting this week.
At the meeting last month, council passed a bylaw authorizing the signing and execution of specific forms and agreements relating to the Edenvale Solar Project.
Councillor Kevin Elwood said he believes the bylaw was passed in violation of the municipal act.
In a recorded vote, requested by Elwood, he and councillor Thom Paterson both opposed the minutes.
Councillor Shawn Davidson questioned the motives of voting in opposition instead of attempting to correct or amend the minutes if they felt there was an error.
“You can’t oppose the minutes because you don’t agree with the outcome of the meeting,” he said.
Elwood also gave notice that he will be bringing forward a motion to rescind the bylaw.
“It is my opinion and it has been supported by a legal opinion that the bylaw is inoperative and the results are based on nothing,” he said.
Clerk Pamela Fettes said according to the township’s procedure bylaw an issue cannot be discussed again after a resolution for six months unless a majority of council is willing to reconsider the decision.
At this week’s meeting there were a number of people from the public holding up neon signs that read, ‘No to Clearview solar.’
Although there hasn’t been much in the way of public opposition to the Edenvale solar project, residents have been vocal with concerns about the Clearview Sun Solar Project near New Lowell.
“Clearview has not shown support for that application,” said township CAO Steve Sage.
Elwood said the New Lowell application was submitted without support from the township.
Both solar projects were submitted to the provincial government’s Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO) under the large renewable procurement (LRP) request for proposals, due Sept. 1.
In the procurement process, more points are awarded to applications that have consulted with the community and have the support of local government.