Priority 04 of 04
We need to get out there, meet with residents and hear their concerns. Council can get its business done and still make proper time for public input.
My position
I believe a council meeting should be a business meeting. Keep it focused and get the work done. We also need a proper opportunity for people to come forward with the issues that matter to them.
Committee of the Whole is a good place for that. So is a table at a local coffee shop, where residents can sit down with councillors and have a conversation. We need to hear those concerns before decisions are made.
I support setting aside time near the beginning of these meetings for residents who have written in ahead of time. Four or five speakers, with about five minutes each, is a reasonable starting point. It gives people a chance to raise an issue and gives Council time to listen.
I like the idea of quarterly roundtables with councillors in local coffee shops or other familiar places. Get out there, meet with residents and hear their concerns. People should have a way to ask a question without turning every council meeting into an open-mic debate.
I have not seen widespread misuse of closed council meetings. There are matters we have to discuss in confidence. But on supportive housing and public safety, we need much better communication. Public engagement from two years ago does not settle the questions people are asking today. Explain what can be shared, hear the concerns and keep residents informed.
Get out there and meet with residents. Hear their concerns, talk through the issues and come back with an answer.Explore the other priorities