Port Clements is bringing some clarity to the sometimes confusing tradition of giving gifts to former council members and employees. Council approved a new policy Feb. 20 that sets out spending limits for gifts, based on years of service. “This has always been a sore issue for past councils because there were no guidelines,” said mayor Wally Cheer. According to the new policy, gifts can vary in value from $40 up to $300, depending how long the person worked for the village or served on council. In addition, anyone who leaves after more than five years of service will get a luncheon. The policy does not address exactly what kind of gifts will be bought. Councillor Kazamir Falconbridge suggested that any gifts purchased by the village should be carbon-neutral and not made in China. Travis O’Brien, a member of the public, suggested that the village also consider naming trees in the Shoreline Park in honour of departing employees and council members.
