County to test Committee of the Whole structure
Changes are coming to County Council.
In order to create efficiencies and provide a more inclusive structure, County Council will be implementing a Committee of the Whole meeting structure starting in September.
Implemented on a trial basis, the Committee of the Whole structure will replace the current standing committees, resulting in the County conducting two Council meetings each month (second and fourth Tuesdays) immediately followed by a Committee of the Whole meeting. All members of Council will convene as Committee of the Whole to consider items previously debated by the Human Services, Corporate Services, and Performance Management committees. Recommendations arising from Committee of the Whole will be considered at the next regular meeting of Council.
Switching to Committee of the Whole structure will provide councillors an opportunity to be present for the same presentations, discussions, and debates, thereby eliminating duplication and facilitating more timely reporting and approvals for time sensitive matters. It will also give members the opportunity to acquire greater expertise in the various areas of the Corporation’s business, fostering engagement and unity. With two meetings per month, this model also provides for timely decision-making and better utilization of staff time, as days spent on agenda compilation and meeting attendance will be reduced.
At its regular County Council meeting on Tuesday, August 27, County Council approved the following schedule for the pilot of the new Committee of the Whole meeting structure. Under this new structure, there will not be separate meetings held for Human Services, Corporate Services, and Performance Management Committees.
Tuesday September 10, 2013 10 am Committee of the Whole
Tuesday September 24, 2013 9 am Council – 10 am Committee of the Whole
Tuesday October 8, 2013 9 am Council – 10 am Committee of the Whole
Tuesday October 22, 2013 9 am Council – 10 am Committee of the Whole
Tuesday November 12, 2013 9 am Council – 10 am Committee of the Whole
Tuesday November 26, 2013 9am Council
Tuesday January 14, 2014 10 am Committee of the Whole
Tuesday January 28, 2014 9 am Council – 10 am Committee of the Whole
The Governance Committee will be seeking feedback from Councillors throughout the trial period in order to provide a further recommendation to Council in January 2014.
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