Tensions within the WMA have been high since the controversial acclamation of de Maisonneuve Boul. resident Stan Grossman as president following the WMA's annual general meeting last month.

At Monday's meeting, Grossman was declared interim chair for the meeting and new board members were acclaimed by the existing board. Vice-president Rosalind Davis refused to be acclaimed, while Patricia Dumais stayed on as corresponding secretary. Helen Rainville stayed on as treasurer, and past-president Henry Olders remained in place as membership secretary.

No new candidate for president was nominated.

The meeting was attended by WMA past-president and long-time city councillor Tom Thompson, as well as current city councillors Patrick Martin and Kathleen Duncan, who served as WMA president prior to Dr. Olders.

The new board spent the rest of the meeting discussing various issues that directly affect Westmount, such as the bicycle paths in Westmount Park and on the Summit, as well as the proposed construction of the Turcot Interchange and how it will affect the city in terms of the environment and fair market values of the 16 homes scheduled for expropriation. Board member John Johnson also led a detailed discussion on what is happening with the MUHC project as it affects Westmount.

New business included looking into tenants’ rights in Westmount.

With so much to consider, it was agreed that the WMA would meet throughout the summer months. The next meeting will take place at 7 p.m. on Monday, July 20, location to be announced.