On December 9 Council agenda There is a staff report addressing public conduct and video surveillance policies. The staff report and its appendices our comprehensive reviewing why such policies are necessary and how they will be implemented. I think it’s unfortunate that such is required but I do believe it would be “putting our heads in the sand” to not approve the necessary bylaws that are proposed. To see both the a report and the appendices go to the evening’s agenda and scroll to 9.2.
As always, if you want to make a deputation please register with clerks@king.ca by noon Dec. 9. If you want to send an email to Council please send to clerks@king.ca an email by noon Dec.9.. .
I do not see any examples of “frivolous or vexatious” behaviour. The report mentions that the Ombudsman suggests that there should be examples of circumstances that could result in notice or restriction. I do not see examples of this kind of behaviour. Without examples, anyone objecting to anything might be deemed (incorrectly, in my view) to have committed a frivolous or vexatious behaviour.
I would like to see clear examples of this type of behaviour.
Please do not pass this without some clear examples so that no one who is raising legitimate concerns gets banned from the Township.
Hi Nancy, I really appreciate your comment as I had noticed the comment that examples were recommended by Ombudsman and then couldn’t find them; and then I forgot about it. Will follow up.
Debbie: Would the policy cover the use of drones by the Township?
Hi Ian, interesting…good question. I will ask this evening.
Inappropriate public negative behaviour is generally routed in prior events or encounters with someone or something. A child’s or adult’s outburst is almost always connected to a prior event. Engagement with the public is not always pretty but this policy statement is definitely an overreach and a threat to our sometimes very colourful deputations at Council.
Hello Sheila, I do not anticipate that this Policy is going to need to less “colourful deputations” at Council. Your Interpretationcertainly reinforce the need for more information and specifically examples to be provided. The policy is just the first step in providing information and throughout 2025 there will be more presented.
It’s unfortunate that we have had to introduce such a policy, but I do feel it’s necessary as from time to time there are behaviours which require a response and I think it far better that it be defined how such will be dealt with upfront.