A petition of 89 signatures was presented to council during delegations on Sept. 26, requesting the issue be revisited.

The document asks that council dissolve the three existing wards in order to eliminate the ward system within the Town of Kearney, and change the composition of council from seven members to five, including the mayor.

Jim Skelton, representing the citizens of Kearney, fronted the delegation.

“We believe that this is the right step moving forward,” he said. “We sincerely believe in the future of Kearney.”

A letter that accompanied the petition stated that the dissolution of the existing wards would encourage greater attention to town-wide issues moving into the decade following the 2010 election. It also stated the move would implement greater fairness in representation of electors throughout the municipality.

During the Sept. 11 ruling mayor Jeff Johnston said the issue was closed after council had ruled and could not be addressed again.

According to the letter, the ad hoc committee recommendation in accordance with the town’s procedural bylaw would require a motion for reconsideration, however the petition of electors is an entirely separate matter, even if the petition deals with related subject matter or issues.

When asked by councillor Paul Tomlinson how long they had to respond to the letter Skelton replied, “Once the petition has been delivered there are 90 days for council to act.”

He continued,“Failure to act allows any members on the petition to file with the Ontario Municipal Board (OMB).”

The municipal advisor for Parry Sound District, Chaz Anselmo has confirmed that Skelton’s instruction to council is correct under the municipal act section 223, subsections four and five.

“The public has initiated the petition,” said Anselmo commenting if council fails to act within the allotted time period any elector who has signed the position can take the matter to the OMB.

“If council does not pass a bylaw within 90 days in accordance with the petition any elector can file with the OMB,” said Anselmo. “Council ultimately has to make the decision.”

Dependant upon how the council rules two very different outcomes are possible.

If council rules in accordance with the petition the ward system will be dissolved and the number of members on council decreased.

If council fails to respond within the 90 days or rules against the petition any elector who signed the position can take the matter to the OMB to review the process.

“After that I’m unable to comment because it becomes an OMB matter,” said Anselmo.

The letter also states that council will be required to hold a public meeting in accordance with the municipal act.