A COUNCILLOR conduct panel hearing held in April cost ratepayers $15,000 but one of the two councillors questioned by the panel feels it is money well spent.
Cr Darrel Taylor, who had allegations of misconduct dismissed by the panel, says he wanted misbehaviour by councillors at Frankston Council to be made public after becoming frustrated by a lack of consequences for “unacceptable” conduct.
“I’ve witnessed behaviour from some councillors that I personally regard to be totally unacceptable and no action has been taken,” Cr Taylor said.
“Some councillors believe they can behave in an inappropriate manner and get away with it.”
Deputy mayor Cr Colin Hampton was ordered by the panel, facilitated by the Municipal Association of Victoria, to formally apologise to two council employees due to “objectively threatening behaviour” witnessed by bystanders at a Allure Bayside apartment development launch in November last year.
Cr Hampton demanded to know who had “authorised” Cr Taylor to speak at the event after mayor Cr James Dooley had addressed attendees.
Council CEO Dennis Hovenden, who was also at the evening event, told the hearing he was “disappointed and uncomfortable about having to give evidence to the panel” in his evidence at the councillor conduct panel hearing.
The two-man panel, barrister Peter Harris and MAV governance member Matt Evans, noted Mr Hovenden “was disappointed that the parties could not resolve the matter through mediation, particularly that one councillor went directly to a councillor conduct panel without accessing mediation”.
Cr Taylor made no apologies for insisting misconduct allegations be heard by the independent panel.
“I thought it was time that someone stood up against this type of behaviour and if cost 15 grand to do that and councillors are now put on notice, it’s been worth it.”
The current Frankston Council term has been volatile, especially in the past 12 months, amid complaints of “bullying” between councillors.
Some of the accusations have been made at public council meetings.
Frankston’s nine councillors face voters for re-election in October.
