Amanda Levy, of Positive Workplace Inc., is more than pleased with the recent Puslinch community forum.
In a debriefing to councillors on June 15, she reminded them of the objectives, said went well, and gave her recommendations.
She said the name was changed to community forum from town hall meeting – “given that the objective of a community forum would be solutions-focussed and to give the ratepayers and the residents an opportunity to share opinions and ideas.”
She said the idea was council would take information represented in the community ideas presented into their own deliberations.
Her report said for elected officials, it was a chance to “walk their talk” and let an residents have their voices heard.
The first meeting was May 18.
Levy estimated 50 people participated, and all but one councillor.
She said, “I’d like to say it was wonderful that council members did a meet and greet. For a facilitator of any similar event, when the participants are genuinely hosted, it makes a completely different atmosphere.”
She thanked council for taking a genuine, sincere approach to the residents. “It made a significant difference as to how the meeting went.”
She said where there were a couple of individuals genuinely concerned and upset about a specific issue, the mayor was able to tell them the appropriate avenue to deal with the situation.
From there, she said, the suggestions and ideas that came from the residents “very quickly were refrained from concerns to interests.”
As a result, she said the ambiance of the meeting “became one where people appreciated that the fact that while they may be ticked at the moment, but really they were not there to bleed publicly, but to suggest solutions.”
Levy said about eight people finally spoke.
Wherever an answer could not be made definitively, Levy said there were good responses by council as to what it was doing and where individuals could find more information.
She added meeting minutes were posted on the township website – for others to view the questions.
Levy believes the “modus operandi” for the meeting was good for what council was seeking in terms of a respectable and constructive event.
In her recommendations, Levy said the 60 minute time frame was “very, very tight.”
While they were able to accommodate eight speakers, she said that is because the process was new. Once people get settled she anticipated residents will be better equipped to provide more detailed explanation of their ideas.
She said, “Some of the questions might be asked quite differently.”
Levy anticipates that would take more meeting time.
She asked if council knows enough about local demographics to determine what issues may be of interest to its residents – or should be of interest.
She cited a range of potential issues including the whole concept of community.
“One of the things which became apparent to me as an outsider, that there seems to be interest in creating a greater sense of community than there already is.”
Her perception “is that Puslinch is a community of people who have been there forever – and people from away.”
Those people are looking for that sense of connection, Levy said.
She said the recently opened Farmers Market in Aberfoyle is one of those things that add to the sense of community.
Levy also recommended council bring issues forward to create themes at coming forums. She stressed it did not mean everything had to remain within that topic, only that people know in advance what the main issue will be.
She recommended those issues and themes be promoted well in advance – “so that it is not as much a shotgun approach to some of these topics.”
She sees opportunities for improvement in how the notice is sent, and that there was some confusion between the name “town hall meeting” and “community forum”.
Levy recommended if ideas come up that provide an opportunity for people to become involved as special interest groups, people should be encouraged to take part.
While unsure of the protocol, she is certain there are methods to accomplish that.
Councillor Jerry Schmidt felt the forum was a total success. He agreed the first meeting of any type is always the most difficult.
Councillor Ken Roth missed the meeting because he was out of the country, but said he looks forward to the next one.
Councillor Susan Fielding encouraged the idea of people taking a more active role in the community.
“I really want this to be seen as a grass roots thing. Council can’t do it all,” she said.
Councillor Wayne Stokley said he would like to see ideas come from future table discussion – make it a community focus with ideas going back to the facilitator. In turn, those ideas would come back to council.
“As far as the process, I’d like them to become items at the council meetings [at some point],” he added.
He said some of the items brought up at the meeting have come up, while he anticipates other items will be coming.
“I’d like to see all of them addressed at some point,” Stokley added.
He again noted the three dates booked for the forum, which are Sept. 15, Nov. 10, and Jan. 12.
The meetings will be on Thursdays at the community centre from 7 to 8:30pm.
“At this point we’ll be thinking about what will be discussed at the next meeting.”
Mayor Dennis Lever said the night went well.
“We were there to listen.”
