Where are you calling from?

Times Contributor 

 

The possibility of video conference participation for council meetings got a wait-and-see response from Wheatland Council, with most preferring to be present for meetings if possible.

The idea was part of the Procedural Bylaw that came up for first reading on Sept. 17, 2013.

“I have a problem with councillors missing two or three meetings and attending council while they are in Hawaii or something,” said Councillor Brenda Knight.

Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Alan Parkin shared that other municipalities used the option; however the practise isn’t currently wide spread. He said he was aware of one municipality where a councillor who worked shifts in Fort McMurray, and another that was a snowbird and travelled in the winter, had used the technology successfully. In the past, telephone-connected discussions had many technical problems, but with new technology offsite participation links can be quite good. 

“The times are changing folks,” said Councillor Ken Sauve. “The communication system is key. If I had the choice of attending this way or not, I would take the opportunity that allowed me to participate in the meetings. If someone represented me, I would want them there.” 

With new technology being installed in the council chambers upgrade, the option might allow councillors to save mileage and increase possibilities for meetings where travel time was a factor in postponing meetings. Councillor Ben Armstrong could see the option had practical uses in multi-membered committee meetings such as SAEWA. There was discussion that it may be practical when road conditions prohibited travel.

“Participants don’t get engaged the same way,” said Councillor Alice Booth, who had experienced the video conferencing within the Canadian Badlands meetings. “When they vote me in, they expect me to be here physically doing my job.”

“My job is to be here. You get better communication face-to-face,” said Councillor Don Vander Velde.

Reeve Glenn Koester said that some municipalities require a physical quorum of members present for the option to be used. He thought discussing the idea is premature now, but once the new electronic system was installed, the option could be reviewed again. Councillor Berniece Bland suggested it be left until after the election in October. 

Another procedure of the bylaw was discussed, concerning whether the council chair should have the right to close public hearings early and set a later date to reopen the public hearing. 

“It is used in case the hearing goes into later hours. Sometimes people can’t concentrate and it allows you to recess and set it at a later date,” said Parkin.

Reeve Glenn Koester suggested that giving one person the power to make that decision puts a lot of pressure on them. He also wanted the public to know that decisions were made by council as a whole. In the past, council has taken a break during public hearings for more information or clarification. 

Councillor Ben Armstrong suggested council use the Municipal Government Act as a reference, which provides structures for council to use. It also gives the public knowledge of council processes and protects councils from missing something or dealing with challenge situations.

Council directed staff to revise the Procedural bylaw and bring it back for their review.