Written By David Gomez, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
SOUTHWEST MIDDLESEX - Council considered two significant matters at its September 3 meeting: the Community School Alliance agreement and the adoption of an updated Social Media Policy.
CAO Amanda Gubbels, presenting on behalf of the clerk, outlined the background of the Community School Alliance (CSA) Administrative Services Agreement. She noted that while the municipality had been providing administrative support since 2021, the agreement officially expired in 2023. “Our review internally of the amount of hours and time spent to support the group does show that it is above the cost… in the Administrative Agreement itself,” Gubbels explained. She added that no Southwest Middlesex councillors currently sit on the CSA board, making it an appropriate time for another municipality to take on the support role.
Deputy Mayor Mike Sholdice moved to maintain the agreement, citing the importance of safeguarding local schools from potential closures. “Supporting the Community School Alliance in an effort to safeguard our local schools from closures is a core municipal responsibility,” Sholdice said. Councillor Myers seconded the motion.
Councillor Marjorie Emery urged caution, reporting that she had spoken with CSA Chair Doug Reycraft, who expressed concern about the risks facing local schools once the provincial moratorium on closures is lifted. Emery relayed his request for council to defer the decision until he could make a delegation.
Mayor Allan Mayhew acknowledged the value of Reycraft’s perspective but stressed that council also needed to address the financial realities of the arrangement. “I think contract has to be rewritten, a little more careful,” he said. “We have to continue to show our support, but it has to be formulated in the real world and closer to cost recovery.”
Council ultimately voted unanimously to maintain its administrative support for the CSA while seeking adjustments to improve cost recovery. Mayor Mayhew confirmed that Reycraft would be invited to address council at a future meeting.
The second major item addressed was the updated social media policy. Gubbels explained that council had directed staff in 2024 to review and modernize the municipality’s approach to online communications. The new policy formalizes current practices and centralizes oversight under the CAO and clerk. It applies to both official and personal use of social media by councillors, staff, and volunteers, and establishes a “one-way communication model” where comments on municipal posts are disabled.
“The purpose of this report is to provide a revised policy that strengthens oversight, sets clear expectations… and reduces reputational and legal risk,” Gubbels said.
The updated policy emphasizes consistency, professionalism, and responsible online engagement. It sets out standards for conduct, privacy, and content, while allowing staff to respond directly to concerns when necessary.
Deputy Mayor Sholdice expressed his appreciation for the thoroughness of the report and moved to adopt the policy. Councillor Haggith seconded the motion, and council approved the recommendation without opposition.
