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Council opted to refurbish the Ayr complex at a cost of up to $6 million, the ice pad at a cost of between $16 million and 18 million.

Deutschmann made a complaint in September to the integrity commissioner that Rolleman violated the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act because he lives in and owns a home within 140 metres of the Ayr Community Complex and could benefit or suffer from decisions on the future of the complex.

Deutschmann was mayor of North Dumfries from 2010 to 2014. He chaired the fundraising campaign for of the North Dumfries Community Complex, which opened in 2011.

Rolleman argued he was acting in the best interest of the community and “and any interest would be so remote or insignificant in its nature that it cannot reasonably be regarded as likely to influence him.�

In his Dec. 31 decision, integrity commissioner Guy Giorno said he was not convinced of Deutschmann’s arguments to the point of pursuing action against Rolleman.

For one, he said, most residents in the size of the Ayr settlement area of about 5.8 square kilometres live within one kilometre of the ACC and all residents of Ayr live within two kilometres of the facility.

“To the extent that motive is relevant, I accept and I find that on August 16 any possible impact on the value of Councillor’s Rolleman’s (home) never entered his mind, and that he was focused completely on doing the right thing and making the best decision he could to benefit the entire community,� the decision said.

Because council hasn’t discussed disposing of the ACC as a municipal asset so that the property could be used for some other use — for example selling the property for housing or other development that could increase or decrease the value of Rolleman’s home — Giorno was not convinced Rolleman stood to lose or benefit.

Council at this point intends to keep the ACC as a municipal facility.

Even if Rolleman did have a pecuniary interest, Giorno said it would be too insignificant to warrant disclosure and recusal.

Giorno did note that his decision on Rolleman’s pecuniary interest was limited to the Aug. 16 meeting.

“Just because the August 16 staff report, discussion and vote did not engage a pecuniary interest does not mean that a subsequent matter before council or a committee — perhaps different in some material respect — will be similarly treated.�