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Councillor Carolyn Parrish - Ward 6

&

Councillor George Carlson - Ward 11

300 City Centre Drive
Mississauga, Ontario L5B 3C1

Dear Councillors:                                                                                                     Oct. 4, 2007

    It has been confirmed by Councillor Carolyn Parrish’s office that the City of Mississauga lacks a complaints system to deal with the public’s complaints about City security and that complaints about severe offences can be forwarded to the Mayor & Councillors. When it was asked that City of Mississauga Councillors give permission to communicate with me the only two who both respected and honoured our Democratic traditions to perform the duties of elected officials, were Councillor Carolyn Parrish and Councillor George Carlson. As such, they are asked to deal with this complaint and head its inquiry. This letter is just to start the process and more details of the complaint are to follow after a process and structure has been defined for how this complaint is to be handled. When dealing with the second element of this complaint - the City of Mississauga (6^th largest city in Canada), for its lack of a complaints system to deal with the public’s complaints about City security as well as the lack of adequate record keeping by City security to ensure quality and accountability to Mississauga’s taxpayers - other members of the public may wish to address this issue and in the name of fairness to all, it is requested that it be announced that any who feel that have been wronged by City security now have a chance to speak.

    As the charges involving the events in City Council chambers on June the 7^th have been withdrawn there is no reason they can’t be dealt with as they are not before the courts. It is asked that in order that this complaint be as just as it can be, that the City of Mississauga provide a copy of the its surveillance videos that recorded my entrance into City hall that day, all events in the Council chamber from when I first entered, left and to the end of the meeting.

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    When considering how to deal with this matter the key issues are these;

224. It is the role of council,

(a) to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;

    (d.1) to ensure the accountability and transparency of the operations of the municipality, including the activities of the senior
            management of the municipality;

Role of head of council

225. It is the role of the head of council,

    (b) to preside over council meetings so that its business can be carried out efficiently and effectively;

    (c) to provide leadership to the council;

Head of council as chief executive officer

226.1 As chief executive officer of a municipality, the head of council shall,

    (a) uphold and promote the purposes of the municipality;

    (b) promote public involvement in the municipality’s activities;

Meetings open to public

239. (1) Except as provided in this section, all meetings shall be open to the public.  2001, c. 25, s. 239 (1).

Head of council

241. (1) The head of council, except where otherwise provided, shall preside at all meetings of the council. 2001, c. 25, s. 241 (1).

Power to expel

(2) The head of council or other presiding officer may expel any person for improper conduct at a meeting. 2001, c. 25, s. 241 (2).
 

From the City of Mississauga’s own Council Procedure By-Law, 2003 - 421-03

PUBLIC AT COUNCIL AND COMMITTEE MEETINGS

24. Members of the public present in the Council Chamber shall maintain order and quiet and shall not address Council except with the
      permission of Council.

29. Any person, not being a member of Council, who contravenes any provision of this section may be expelled from the Meeting by
      the Chair.

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    In regard to the above noted items, I asked to address City Council on the date in question and was recognized by the Mayor to speak and did step aside so Mr. Willis could speak. I was not ordered to leave by the Mayor or even warned by her. Therefore - the actions of the City security were unlawful and wrong. That I was arrested because of their actions makes this a very serious matter that needs to be fully investigated by members of Council and not by members of City staff who may be biased, easily influenced or otherwise not impartial.

I am willing to discuss my letter with you. My phone number is (905) ***-**** & e-mail donbar@eol.ca.

Sincerely yours

___________________________________________
Donald Barber, President, FCB & Chair, CRRA.