The mystery surrounding Clarence Valley Council’s (CVC) extraordinary and confidential meeting last Friday, March 3, to discuss general manager (GM) Scott Greensill’s contract of employment, is likely to be solved in the near future, says the mayor, Jim Simmons. Mr Greensill is on sick leave until March 13; he advised the mayor of this on Friday, February 24, three days after councillors adopted a position on his performance review, which required the GM’s agreement before proceeding. Local Government NSW Industrial Relations advisor Ross Nassif attended the meeting – Cr Simmons said this was at no cost to CVC, as it is a member of Local Government NSW, which “councils have an option of joining”. The confidential meeting and resolution was conducted and resolved in accordance with 10A 2(a) of the Local Government Act, as it “contains information on personnel matters concerning particular individuals (other than councillors)”, the meeting’s minutes state. The council’s directors, Ashley Lindsay, Troy Anderson and Des Schroder were not present due to their pecuniary interests, because they are contracted employees who report to the GM. Kristian Enevoldson, council’s executive manager of Organisation Performance & Governance, declared a significant non pecuniary interest but remained at the meeting, which took one hour and 21 minutes. Councillor Arthur Lysaught apologised for his absence. Councillor Richie Williamson left the meeting before it moved back into public session; however, he did participate in the confidential debate and voting. Mayor Simmons said Mr Greensill’s performance review “has been put on hold”.