Public meeting minus the public

The public was missing from a public budget meeting Wednesday night at North Bay city council chambers. Photo by Bill Tremblay, Special to BayToday.ca.

North Bay council was stood-up Wednesday night when not a single resident showed up for a public budget meeting.

Although all meetings are open, the public was intentionally invited Wednesday night to make presentations on any part of the budget.

But no one had registered to speak beforehand nor did anyone drop in to make a presentation.

“I’m taking it as a good sign,” budget chief Peter Chirico said.

“I hope the public thinks we are doing a good job.”

At the same time, Chirico said, he was “somewhat disappointed” that no members of the public showed up.

The proceedings adjourned within about five minutes after starting, and the next meeting for public presentations will be held Feb. 8 at 7 p.m.