Central Saanich councillor Terry Siklenka officially resigned from his position following questionable circumstances that came to light after he was granted paid leave Nov. 5.
Staff received the official resignation letter from Siklenka Nov. 26 and Mayor Alastair Bryson announced it during their committee meeting later that evening.
Siklenka had been granted six-months paid leave from council at the beginning of the month following a request that was received from him by Bryson via email Sept. 29.
Documents reveal that Siklenka’s original request was for one full year of leave, although the details behind his request, which have been stated to be personal, have not been released Bryson said, due to limitations imposed by the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.
On Oct. 9 council considered Siklenka’s request at an in-camera meeting and resolved to ask him for additional information pertaining to his requested leave. On Oct. 18 Chief Administrative Officer Patrick Robins received that requested information and council made their Nov. 5 decision based on the correspondence from Siklenka.
On Nov. 20, Bryson noted that council members and staff became aware that Siklenka was out of the country and were able to confirm that Siklenka was indeed employed in Georgetown, Grand Cayman.
According to Polar Bear Air Conditioning’s website which operates out of the Grand Caymans, Siklenka is currently listed as the company’s Service Coordinator.
“We appreciate all the hard work Councillor Siklenka has done over the last four years and we wish him well,” said Bryson.
Prior to the leave being granted, Siklenka had been absent from regular council meetings since September. The last meeting he attended was a special meeting of council held Sept. 4.
Siklenka’s resignation is expected to be made official at the next regular council meeting scheduled for Dec. 3 at 7 p.m.
