Amherstburg mayor asking for more time away to recover from illness
Municipal Act says seat can be vacated if mayor is absent for more than three months
After announcing he is under the care of a doctor, Amherstburg's mayor will ask town council if he can step away from his seat for an extended period without being formally replaced.
"The office of a member of Council" can be vacated if the person is absent from council meetings for three consecutive months, according to the Municipal Act.
DiCarlo's first absence from council came during the April 23 meeting — which means he has already been away for two months. On Monday night, council will be asked to authorize his leave beyond the third month.
"In order for Amherstburg to maintain its current representation on County Council, it is recommended that Council appoint an alternate member to County Council for the 2018-2022 term," reads the report, which will be presented to council.
This "alternate member" would not sit on behalf of the mayor or deputy mayor.
If council does not authorize the extended absence, the mayor's seat would become vacant and the town could appoint a new mayor.