The discussion about how council here will conduct business remains a major issue that will need more discussion.
Council received a report at its Dec. 2 meeting, from CAO Mike Givens on its standing committees and whether they should continue to operate or be eliminated.
At the centre of the discussion is whether some committees, such as administration and finance and works-roads should be eliminated as recommended by Givens in his report.
At present the committees have two councillors as members. Council receives reports from the committees which it deals with.
The change would see councillors present at the committee meetings in a bid to keep them informed of what issues are being discussed.
Among his recommendation Givens is proposing to increase council meetings from twice a month to every two weeks when the calendar permits, with the second meeting of the month to begin at 2pm.
Staff will make every effort to ensure that planning matters take place at the evening meetings and that delegations are made aware of the meeting schedule so that their appearance can be scheduled when it is most convenient to the delegation.
Councillor Sherry Burke opposed day meetings, saying it could prove difficult for some councillors and members of the public to attend because of other work commitments.
Burke agreed some committees could be abolished, but suggested the committee structure could be streamlined.
Councillor Dan Yake, a veteran Wellington North councillor, welcomed discussion on the committee structure.
“I agree the committee structure hasn’t worked as well,” he said.
Yake said the committee structure discussion was needed.
He also raised concern that the changes, which Givens recommends should be in place by the beginning of the year, are coming in the final term of council.
Councillor Mark Goetz said the current committee structure allows closer contact with the public and would give the public an opportunity to have a committee member champion their cause.
“People do like a champion,” Goetz said.
In his report to council, Givens said, “I believe that eliminating some the standing committees and encouraging the senior management team to prepare and present reports directly to council will increase transparency to the public and focus council and staff on strategic items.
“Council’s role is to provide direction on township policy and eliminate council’s involvement with township issues normally reviewed at those committee meetings. Councillors will be encouraged to raise any concerns or questions directly with the CAO so that they may be dealt with by staff in a timely manner, as opposed to waiting until a committee meeting to raise the issue.
“The onus will fall to the senior management team to ensure that operations are efficient, effective and meeting the needs of the public that council represents.”
The restructuring is based on recommendations made by consultant Nigel Bellchamber, who was hired by council during its job recruitment for a new CAO.
The job eventually went to Givens, who was previously the township’s treasurer and is now in the process of finding a new treasurer.
Councillor Andy Lennox said discussing the changes is valuable for council and residents. With Mayor Ray Tout absent from Monday’s meeting, council decided to continue the discussions.
