Cathy Dobson/The Independent

Sarnia City/County Councillor Bill Dennis calls his contentious motion to consider OPP policing in the city a “wake up call for an arrogant police board.”

Applause broke out in city council chambers Monday when Dennis withdrew his request. Dennis admitted he did not expect there to be a seconder for his motion, something that is required before a matter can be discussed by council.

Dennis tried to have a discussion anyway despite Mayor Mike Bradley’s attempts to stick with the rules of the meeting.

“When I brought my motion forward, it was to raise legitimate concerns about the affordability of a proposed capital project estimated at approximately $120 million” said Dennis, alluding to possible costs associated with a new police headquarters approved by the Sarnia Police Services (SPS) board.

But before Dennis could elaborate, Bradley reminded him that a seconder was required before any debate. Either that, or Dennis could ask questions of a delegate who spoke to council about the motion.

Dennis asked for special consideration. He pushed ahead with his opinion without asking a question and without a seconder.

“Sir, please give me some leeway,” he said to Bradley.  “…This is a serious matter. I am not going to fall for your pitches in the dirt.”

When Bradley insisted a seconder was needed first, Dennis pleaded: “Show some kindness,” and tried to continue with his comments.

But Bradley and Councillor Chrissy McRoberts reminded him of the rules again.

“Here’s the deal,” answered Dennis,  “I am going to withdraw my motion. The whole purpose of the motion in the first place was to send a message to the police board.”

“Why are you in such a rush, Mike?  Happy hour doesn’t start for another three hours,” Dennis pushed back suggesting the Mayor was trying to rush the discussion.  

The mayor said he chose to ignore the personal attack.

Prior to Dennis withdrawing his motion, the vice-president of the Sarnia Police Association spoke to council and described the anxiety that the motion has caused the 180 civilian and sworn members that she represents. 

Karen Kinart said transitioning from the Sarnia Police Service to the OPP is a threat to SPS jobs and would have a ripple effect “to the very heart of the community.”

“The unrest and uncertainty caused by this motion has already been felt across Sarnia,” she said.  “It has deeply unsettled our membership and leaves our people feeling unsupported at a time when stability is needed the most.”

Kinart urged council to “look beyond the numbers” and consider the men and women with SPS, which has served the city since 1857.

As she left the podium, Bradley commented that city council considered OPP policing in 2004 and again in 2010.

At that time, it was determined transitioning to OPP would cost too much, he said. 

“I support you,” he told Kinart.  “I wish we weren’t going through this again.”

Following the meeting, Dennis told The Independent that all along his intention was “to pull” the motion and not move forward with any debate.

“My motion was a wake up call to an arrogant police board,” he said. “But, like I said, this issue isn’t over. This will be a massive issue during the fall election campaign.” 

Dennis has repeatedly said he intends to run for mayor in the municipal election this October.