MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - County council has considered a number of amendments to Bylaw No. 21/23 Procedure and Conduct of Council Meetings, including regarding the adding of emergent items to the agenda if deemed by council to require immediate attention.
The matter was considered at a recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held in person and online, with all council members in attendance.
On July 12, council provide direction to administration on a variety of amendments to procedure and conduction of council meeting bylaw, including regarding appeal provisions, notices of motion, speaking order, and business arising out of the minutes.
Key legislation governing the conduct of council meetings, the bylaw sets out rules for meetings of council, conduct of those meetings, delegations, agendas and orders of business, public hearings, and other items.
The proposed updated agenda and order of business section reads in part: “A councillor may provide a notice of motion as to an item they intend to raise at a future council meeting during the councillor reports section of the meeting proceedings.
“A councillor may be permitted to add an emergency item to the agenda during the acceptance of the agenda if council is satisfied that the item requires immediate attention.”
The updated bylaw also proposes additions to the agenda and order of business section stating: “Once a motion has been laid on the table by a councillor, the following guidelines should facilitate council debate:
• The councillor that makes the motion shall be permitted the first opportunity to speak to the motion.
• Following that councillor, any other councillor shall be permitted an opportunity to speak to the motion or request any clarification on the motion or agenda item.
The proposed General section update states: “The reeve, or other presiding officers, has been delegated authority to make necessary rulings on procedural matters. These rulings may be questioned by the remainder of council by a councillor raising an appeal, followed by a vote of the member to render a decision on the ruling.”
During the Aug. 9 council meeting, council discussed possible changes to the bylaw regarding second opportunities to speak to motions and the procedure for alternating speakers from each side of debates.
Council passed first reading of the bylaw and instructed administration to bring the matter back to a future council meeting.
