A rookie city councillor is calling for sanctions, imposed on Sarnia's mayor in 2016, to be lifted when council meets on Monday.
Bill Dennis said he drafted the motion after Mayor Mike Bradley and the rest of council met this week for harassment and respectful workplace training.
The sanctions against Bradley were in response to a workplace investigation report that found he bullied and harassed four senior staff members, including former CAO Margaret Misek-Evans.
The actions included building a wall between his office and staff, appointing an intermediary for communication with employees, and limiting his city hall access after hours.
Councillor Dennis said it's time to move on.
"I think that the city desperately needs to move forward, and I think we need to put this ugly chapter behind us," said Dennis. "I think everyone has learned lessons, and I think we learn from our mistakes. We've all made mistakes, and I think forgiveness is important."
Dennis wants the mayor to be able to communicate directly with staff, be given free access to city hall, and he wants the wall removed.
He said city hall has always been an open, welcoming place, and he doesn't think the actions were necessary.
"That was something that was presented to the public back in October [in the election], and to be honest with you, I think the wasteful spending was done when they were put up in the first place," said Dennis.
A $75,000 security upgrade at city hall, approved in 2016, included keycard access in some areas, and walls separating staff work areas from politicians.
The former council took the action after a workplace investigation report, in October 2016, found Bradley violated provisions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Human Resources Lawyer Lauren Bernardi received over 70 different allegations and volumes of documents and emails.
