The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake has enacted a bylaw to allow Lord Mayor Betty Disero and interim CAO Sheldon Randall to make decisions on council’s behalf during the COVID-19 crisis.

The decision was made at a special meeting of council Tuesday night, and is in essence the same bylaw used during election times, Disero said during a phone interview Wednesday.

She said she thinks most municipalities are doing the same and the Region of Niagara was meeting Wednesday to discuss implementing the same bylaw.

With council meetings cancelled, the town might have issues, such as moving money around, that need a decision, Disero said.

“There were only eight people in the room, seven members of council, one member of staff,” Disero said.

Two councillors, Stuart McCormack and Clare Cameron joined the meeting by phone.

“I know the procedural bylaw doesn’t allow that for council, but I did it anyway because I thought they should at least hear it and be part of the conversation,” Disero said.