Good Governance on trial
14 Apr 09
Council votes to hear the community.
Cr Kris Bolam shows "wisdom beyond his years" in gaining unanimous support for this groundbreaking trial.
Residents have only been allowed to speak at Ordinary Meetings under a suspension of standing orders. Councillors have voted to trial a 30 minute period to allow the full Council to hear members of the community on issues arising in the meeting agenda.
The decision is below;
NOM623 - Residents' Submissions Sessions
On Wednesday, 25 March, 2009, Cr. Kris Bolam gave notice of his intention to move the
following Motion:
" A three month trial be undertaken of the following opportunities for public participation at Ordinary Council Meetings:
1. Submission of written questions up to the commencement time of the meeting with the option of the submitter reading his/her question at the meeting, any one person will be limited to no more than three questions at any one meeting.
2. A maximum of (unless extended by Council resolution) 30 minutes be allocated to hear submissions from members of the public on items listed on the agenda for that meeting. Speaking times are to be limited to no more then three (3) minutes, where speakers wish to express competing views on the same agenda item, priority will be given to hear both views whenever possible. Councillors shall not ask questions of the submitter."
Comments from General Manager Corporate
Arrangements will be put into place to publicise these amended processes should Council adopt the Motion.
COUNCIL DECISION
MOVED: CR. BOLAM SECONDED: CR. WARDLE
THAT THE NOTICE OF MOTION AS WRITTEN BE ADOPTED.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY