Sarnia council has superseded Mayor Mike Bradley and voted in favour of holding a regular meeting in August.
Council usually breaks for the summer after its July meeting, unless a meeting is called by the chair.
Councillor Terry Burrell moved the motion, which was seconded by city/county councillor Chrissy McRoberts.
"I think we have too many things on our plate, especially with Rainbow Park and other things happening," said Burrell.
Council had been asked to delegate powers to staff for the time period between July 9, 2024 and September 7, 2024.
The move would have allowed staff to award contracts related to goods and services with values exceeding $250,000.
"When I see the ask here for delegations of some expenditures up to $4 million dollars, I think that kind of thing should come to council. So, I think we probably should be having a meeting in August," Burrell said.
In the report recommending the temporary delegation of authority, staff reported on three tenders expected to close in July, and said the projects would see significant benefit if they were awarded before the September 9 council meeting.
They included; $1 million budgeted for Ferry Dock Hill shoreline work, $2.1 million budgeted for the Bayside Terminal, and over $4.6 million for construction of the Vidal Street watermain.
Mayor Mike Bradley recorded the vote after calling the motion ironic because Lambton County Council just decided not to meet in August.
"It's unanimous, well except for my vote because I think you've taken away some of the power I have to look at the schedule and to implement it to your benefit. But, that's fine, we will work that out," Bradley said.
Bradley also rejected a request from Councillor George Vandenberg to resume meetings in council chambers, after they've been held virtually since May.
"Councillor Vandenberg, I have received strong advice that council should not meet until you get that occupational health and safety report back. It is my hope it will be back before September, and then we can meet again in person without any concern once we've implemented that report," Bradley said.
Council later directed staff to explore the possibility of allowing the public to view a broadcast of virtual meetings from council chambers.
The regular meeting will be held August 12 at 1 p.m.