Sitting up at the Council table does take some time to become “comfortable.” And then there are rules and protocols. I still can’t say smoothly: “Through you Madame Chair to Mr. xxxx.” The rules are required; without them there would be mayhem, and at worst the intended democratic processes would not be allowed to unfold. On the other hand, such rules can be used to suppress those same democratic processes by intimidating those who have less understanding of them or by eliminating opportunities to participate because precise steps have not been followed.
I am very pleased with how this Council is not being overly bureaucratic and rigid. In fact, on more than one occasion I have observed the Mayor, in his capacity as Chair, allowing a member of public to spontaneously ask a question or to make a comment without having registered as a deputant.
At the April 18th Council a new standard for engaging Public, Staff and Council in an issue was achieved.
An agenda item of the Committee of the Whole included an opportunity for some form of collaboration between a developer and Township re: a small strip of land. Several neighbours of the strip of land were in the chamber but none had registered to speak. The Mayor urged them to stand up and express any concerns. One person did. It was then evident that they did not understand the options being discussed. Spontaneously the Planner got up and went back to the members of the public to review the map and to make some drawings; all the interested members of the public stood up and huddled around. (See photo). So, at that point the Mayor suggested to the Chair to have a recess period so that the session could continue and members of Council could participate. After about 10 minutes, Committee of Whole reconvened.
The day after I received an email from a constituent commenting on the Council session; she was in the Chamber but not was not one of the neighbours interested in the strip of land. “…Particularly noteworthy was the manner in which the Nobleton residents, Mr. Kitchen and Mr. Grandilli helped the residents make a compromise about the easement. I have never seen a council take an impromptu break to get the job done there and now. The consultation going on between councillors, mayor and staff demonstrated a team approach to getting business done rather than the former days of putting items off. I even sensed a change in the attitude on the part of the developer, Mr. Brutto. Respect for the neighbors and respect for the “new” council. While not every meeting will be a success story I left feeling an effort was being made to include the taxpayer and act on any concerns they might have. The transition to a larger village has a lot of challenges but making the public feel included in decisions will ease some of the anxieties people might be feeling about the growth.”
Is this a trend? A new “normal” for Council meetings? Likely not; but it’s an example of a refreshing change of wind direction for King’s local government, and it certainly reinforces my decision to be a part of it.
Hi Debbie,
While not present at the April 18th Council Meeting, I am very encouraged by the observer’s comments. The goal of nurturing respect for all parties and providing opportunities for discussion and collaboration are marvelous whether these discussions take place in a break at a Council Meeting or afterwards at an appropriate time. I’m grateful for the Mayor’s sensitivity and strong commitment to respectful problem solving, giving all a voice. It’s also encouraging to read members of Council and and the staff are participating in these positive opportunities.