Mountain View County (MVC) council has approved a number of changes regarding the conduct of public hearings, including rules for written submissions prior to hearing dates.
The move came during the recent regularly scheduled council meeting.
"On April 26 council reviewed the recommended change to Bylaw No. 56/05 establishing procedure and conduct of public hearings and requested that the suggested amendments be brought back to council for approval," CAO Tony Martens said in a briefing note to council.
The amendments were reviewed and recommended by the policies and priorities committee at a prior meeting.
Regarding written submissions to public hearings, the amended bylaw now reads: "Any person wishing to file a written submission to the public hearing shall file their submission with the planning department a minimum of two days prior to the date of the public hearing so that written material can be included in the revised agenda."
During June 14 council discussion of the proposed amendments, Coun. Al Kemmere said, in part, "I want to make sure we have a strong perception of being inclusive of all information."
Coun. Jeremy Sayer said the amended bylaw gives sufficient notification to individuals wishing to make written submissions prior to public hearings.
"It's out there in the newspaper and if you are a resident that is adjacent it has been circulated to you. If people cannot take the time to submit stuff prior to the public hearing I don't think we should accept it. Process is there for a reason and I think we need to stick to the process," said Sayer.
Coun. Patricia McKean said the amended bylaw provides "sufficient time for circulation and they (public) have adequate time to get the information in to us. I agree with not accepting any (written submission) on the day of the hearing."
Coun. Angela Aalbers noted that council could still receive written submissions on the day of the hearing through a motion by councillors.
"I think there is adequate opportunity to provide written submissions," said Reeve Bruce Beattie. "I think it is all very clear.
Other additions to the amended bylaw read, in part: "Unless authorized by motion of council, written material will not be accepted by council after the close of the revised agenda deadline and members of the public wishing to provide input into the hearing must do so verbally.
"Following the applicant's presentation, and after identifying themselves, any person wishing to speak in favour or opposition of the application may address council. All presenters will be allowed five minutes unless an extension is approved by the chair."
Also under the amended bylaw, "Council may receive updated information for clarification on subjects discussed as part of the public hearing, providing new information is not introduced that would create an unfair approval process by restricting the public's ability to provide input.
"The applicant may speak in rebuttal to those in opposition during closing comments providing no new information is provided."
The amended bylaw now also allows the CAO to be given the opportunity to provide closing remarks at the end of hearings.
Reeve Bruce Beattie called the amendments welcome.
"I think these are good changes that reflect the discussions that we've had at council and I think it will make it easier, certainly for the chair, to deal with hearings," said Beattie.
Public hearings are held as part of the county's legislative process, such as in the case of land use redesignations.
In other news from the recent council meeting, councillors gave first reading to a proposed amendment to the municipal development plan regarding concentrated confined feedlot operations (CCFO).
"The proposed amendment to policy 3.3.15 may allow applications for agricultural and farmstead redesignation and subdivision to be considered on the merits of information available on the status of a confined feeding operation within the CCFO area to the time of application," CAO Martens said in a briefing note.
"The amendment will not change the CCFO map layer in the municipal development plan."
Councillor also set a July 7 public hearing date for the proposed amendment.
Council had received information on options for municipal development plan amendments related to CCFO policy and map layer on May 10.
"I think these are good changes that reflect the discussions that we've had at council and I think it will make it easier, certainly for the chair, to deal with hearings."Bruce BeattieMVC reeve
