Council voted to meet bi-weekly
Posted Nov 13, 2013 06:38:08 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HRM Regional Council has voted in favor of meeting on a bi-weekly basis starting in the New Year.
Council spent about 45 minutes debating the motion that will see councillors meet 24 times a year, instead of the current 34.
Many councillors brought up transparency and accountability when it comes broadcasting their weekly public meetings.
Councillor Brad Johns said no matter how much work a councillor does in their constituency, residents are able to tune into the broadcast and see their councillors at work, doing their job.
“To hear debate and to be able to watch council even though some may comment we put them to sleep,” said Johns, “I think it’s important so I’m certainly not going to support going to every two weeks.”
Councillor Darren Fisher said over the last few years council has been able to streamline how they operate and cut down on the hours they meet by the use of standing committees.
“10 to 12 hour days were the norm,” said Fisher, “Through efficiencies, through finding different models to do our business, is there any work that doesn’t get done? Not that I’m aware of.”
The new schedule will go into effect January 14, 2013
