*PICKERING -- The City of Pickering acted fairly when it held meetings behind closed doors regarding a local Mr. Fix-It, says a representative of the Ontario Ombudsman.

Pickering resident and handyman John Tennant since June has been battling a charge by the City's bylaw department since June for running a lawnmower business out of his home in an area of Pickering where the zoning does not allow it. The 81-year-old says he does not run a business and only accepts coffees for repairing small engines for locals. He pleaded guilty to a similar charge in the past, but claims he didn't understand the charges at the time.

In September, Council chose to discuss matters regarding the case during two closed meetings, and complaints were sent to the Office of the Ontario Ombudsman, saying those items should have been discussed in public. Complaints also said improper public notice was given for one of those sessions.

But, after reviewing the matter, Laura C. Boujoff, an early resolution officer, found that the meetings were closed in compliance with the relevant exception under the Municipal Act and the Ombudsman will not have to investigate. The Municipal Act, she wrote in a letter to the City, allows advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege to be held in private and noted that there was in fact enough notice given regarding the closed meeting in question.

Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson said at the meeting that Ms. Boujoff's decision shows the City is run openly, transparently and accountably.

"(I'm pleased to see they) found absolutely nothing, but nothing wrong with the way the City has run its business," he said.

Mr. Tennant will be back in court in the new year.

Community activist Maurice Brenner is fully supporting Mr. Tennant and feels he and his wife are enduring unnecessary stress dealing with the matter