Amberley Gavel Limited is now the Integrity Commissioner for Timmins.

City council passed it through via a 7-2 vote, after much discussion on why nobody else was considered.

Amberley will take on the role on a two-year term worth a $5,000 retainer.  Plus $300 per hour (+HST) for investigations.

Councillor Rick Dubeau suggested going out for an RFP and explore options, but city clerk Steph Palmateer defended the decision to sole-source as Amberley’s reputation spoke for itself.

He says much of it has to do with the history between Amberley and the city.

“They do represent AMO when it comes to things like councillor training.  I think their experience and knowledge in the field is above reproach,” he said, “It just made sense to go with them as opposed to going through the process of an RFP and waiting through people that’s unknown.”

Palmateer adds many councillors have had questions regarding the Code of Conduct that he himself can’t answer, so the sooner a Commissioner is in place, the better.

Dubeau clarified that he has no problem with the company whatsoever.  His only issue is with sole-sourcing.

There was even a deferral called on this item, but council voted that down.

Filed under: Local News