PORT Stephens Council has for a second time postponed discussion of Cr Geoff Dingle who is alleged to have breached code of conduct.
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Cr Dingle was absent from the council meeting on September 13 on medical grounds and provided another doctors certificate on Tuesday night which again explained his absence.
The council’s code of conduct previsions give the accused the chance to speak against the accusations in a session that is usually closed to the public.
Cr Ken Jordan sought to push ahead with discussion of a report prepared by the external investigator into the matter.
“There’s another code of conduct that I’m involved in that’s being held up by this,” Cr Jordan said.
“He’s happy to serve it up but he won’t take it.”
The mayor, Cr Bruce MacKenzie, sought advice from the general manager Wayne Wallis.
“These are unusual circumstances,” Mr Wallis said of the absences.
“On a third occasion the council can seek a written submission if the councillor is unable to attend and give a verbal submission.”
Cr Dingle has publicly refuted harassment claims brought against him that he had photographed a man and his family at the site of a firewood business – a business that Cr Dingle said he’d received complaints about.
The council is next due to meet on October 11.
