(Today’s Northumberland file photo)
“At Wednesday’s meeting of County Council, a member of Council requested to participate electronically. Under the Council Procedural By-law, in-person attendance is required for all Council members, with limited exceptions including a declared emergency, severe weather, personal illness or injury, quarantine, or capacity restrictions as identified by Public Health. Council members are also able to attend Emergency Special Meetings of Council electronically.
The Council Procedural By-law recognizes that there may be times when a Council member is unable to attend a Council meeting. In such cases, the By-law allows for an alternate representative, appointed by the lower-tier council, to attend in the member’s place, to ensure continued representation at the County level.
To allow electronic participation outside of the defined exceptions—as in Wednesday’s case—Council would need to pass a motion to suspend the rules of the Procedural By-law. While I read such a motion at the request of the member, the motion did not receive a mover or seconder and therefore did not proceed to a vote. As a result, the member was unable to participate in the meeting.
Residents who follow monthly committee meetings may have noted members periodically attending virtually. Committees are comprised of two representatives of County Council and the Warden.
Generally, those attending virtually are Council representatives who are not official members of the committee, and therefore have no vote. In limited cases of both committee and Council, members have voted to approve a member’s virtual attendance.
The rules currently governing participation in meetings were approved by Council 2023, and apply equally to all members of Council. They reflect County Council’s long-standing view that face-to-face meetings are the most effective way to support collaboration, build a strong sense of team, and ensure informed decision-making.”
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
