City/County Councillor Bill Dennis is asking Sarnia council to reconsider a previous decision and allow him return to in-person meetings once they resume, even though it's unknown when sessions will return to city hall.
Councillor Terry Burrell presented a motion on Tuesday to return to in-person meetings with the option of virtual participation, beginning in May.
Council returned to virtual meetings last spring because of workplace health and safety concerns related to Dennis.
In a separate incident in November 2024, Dennis was expelled from budget deliberations following an outburst. As a result of an investigation, he was barred from city hall and from attending in-person council meetings.
During Tuesday's virtual meeting, Dennis asked council to reconsider.
"I do dearly apologize for the things I said to you personally (Mayor Mike Bradley), that was just awful and terrible; and to Councillor Kilner," said Dennis. "I can't even watch the videotapes, the various videotapes that I'm in. I'm just too embarrassed and humiliated with those tapes. I can't believe that I acted in that manner."
Dennis said he's asking for a third chance.
"If you folks would be kind enough to reconsider that decision, I can assure you, it will not happen again," said Dennis.
Councillor Adam Kilner told Dennis he appreciated his comments.
"I will pledge to you that we will work together," said Kilner.
Mayor Bradley recommended tabling Burrell's motion until after a special in-camera meeting can be held, as he alluded to something that happened at a county level.
"I understand that there's going to be some sensitive information shared so as long as we can have that special meeting ASAP, I'd like to be back next month," said City/County Councillor Brian White. "I echo that sentiment, conversations with my colleagues all indicate that we want to be back."
Bradley said the meeting would be scheduled within the week.
"All this is doing is tabling this to a special meeting because there's some other issues in play you need to hear about under the Occupational Safety Act, and that is not in front of us today," Bradley said.
Initially, the vote was tied.
Bradley, Kilner, White, and Councillor Anne Marie Gillis voted in favour of tabling the matter, while Councillors Terry Burrell, Chrissy McRoberts, Dave Boushy, and George Vandenberg voted against the motion.
Dennis later voted in favour of tabling the matter.