Township staff Christmas party nixed for now

Luke Edwards, Post Contributor

Spreading Christmas cheer among Norwich Township staff won’t include breaking bread, at least not yet.

Councillors altered a staff recommendation presented at the Nov. 11 council meeting, removing a section that authorized staff to plan a Christmas meal for Friday, Dec. 19. Instead, councillors opted for the traditional holiday bonus and directed staff to look at options for the future.

In the past, CAO Matt Smith said the township has traditionally held a holiday lunch with councillors and senior staff following the last council meeting of the year.

“We’d like to share that out and have a meal with more of township staff,” Smith said.

In light of that, the report recommended a staff wide meal on Dec. 19, with municipal buildings like town hall closing for the afternoon. Staff estimated it would cost about $2,750 for the catered meal.

However, councillors were uneasy with the plan on a few fronts, mostly around the idea of holding it on a Friday afternoon.

“I’m going to be the Grinch I guess, but is this going to be paid for staff, that’s a whole afternoon of staff,” said Coun. Adrian Couwenberg.

“I have no problem with acknowledging staff and the hard work they do throughout the year. I just question closing all the offices,” added Coun. Shawn Gear.

Ultimately, council only voted to approve $6,500 to pay for holiday gifts. Smith said staff have been looking at employee engagement and could bring forward a report in the coming months that looks at that, including possible staff events.

“I think important to promote a good community spirit,” said Smith, adding at present they have no events that bring all of staff together.