Tensions flared over newspapers and scrapbooks as Sarnia Council considered a number of motions from Cindy Scholten Monday.
While Mayor Mike Bradley will keep his newspaper subscriptions, staff in his office have been directed to conduct an inventory of cabinets and closets housing scrapbooks at city hall.
After speaking with many residents, Councillor Mike Kelch said he sensed most didn't care about either issue.
"This is one of those things where we spend a lot of time discussing things that don't really move the needle, at all, on the budget," said Kelch.
He says he wants the mayor to be informed and continue to do his research.
"I think we are getting an archiving service for darn cheap. We've got a big week this week, with serious issues to deal with. This is not one of them," said Kelch.
Councillor Cindy Scholten defended her motions.
"I'm 39-years-old. I think this is the first time in 30-years that the mayor/council's budget has been questioned or looked at," said Scholten. "Council needs to be accountable for it's budget and I'm putting forward questions regarding our budget and that's what this is about."
Scholten says it's their job to care as councillors.
"To make a generalization saying that 'most people don't care' or 'it doesn't get the needle up' because we aren't talking about kumbaya things? It's our role to be fiscally responsible and to look at these questions," said Scholten. "As a new councillor to be told 'this is the hill you might die on,' I have to go and prepare for war? Because I want to bring some budget questions to my council? That's ridiculous. This is why people don't run for politics."
Councillors will now receive an email from the Mayor's office advising of all community requests for mayor/council representation at ribbon cuttings, flag raisings and other significant events.
Public meetings from any city department are to be posted in timely manner on the city website.
Reports will be done on activities and expenses of the Economic Development and Corporate Planning Department and the Sarnia Lambton Economic Partnership and city staff will now host the annual volunteer appreciation reception, with a capped budget of $3,000.
Councillor Scholten withdrew her motion to cap the Mayors Honours List Reception budget at $3,000 and her motion for staff to explain the "Photos/Framing/Hadfield" budget was defeated.
