Members of the Kent Federation of Agriculture say they are pleased with council following through to bring in a mediator to oversee the woodlot strategy.
A mediator is exactly what the KFA had hoped for because "both sides" now have an opportunity to speak through the process as it moves forward.
"This is exactly what's needed because you simply can't rely on deputations," said KFA President Jay Cunningham. "Deputations are great but they are one-sided. There is no conversation. There is no questioning. It is just a statement."
The decision to hire a mediator came down to the wire Monday after a motion made by Councillor Aaron Hall to not go ahead with the move failed in a 9-9 vote.
The initial motion passed after Councillors Joe Faas, Carmen McGregor, and Doug Sulman changed their vote.
Hall felt strongly that hiring a consultant would be redundant in helping the municipality create a framework for woodlot preservation.
"I was surprised," said Cunningham. "I was surprised he [Councillor Hall] would try to circumvent what had been agreed to in the committee. I found it quite interesting, considering the direction that it went."
Cunningham said he believes everyone should be happy with the end result of Monday night's meeting, including those that are for the clear-cutting bylaw.
He said the issue deserved an interactive and organic platform to discuss the topic further.
Local environmentalist Ken Bell called the move a delay tactic because plenty of public consultation has already been done.
However, Cunningham felt that was not the case.
"We're [the KFA] not delaying anything," said Cunningham. "We are simply trying to make sure that all of the relative information on both sides has an opportunity to be presented and recorded in a format that can be used and referenced for those that are making this important decision."
Moving forward, Cunningham said he hopes the next decisions that are made, are fair and balanced.
'This should not be made as an impulse decision," said Cunningham. "This should not be made as an emotional decision."
