The Horseshoe at Shire Hall (Photo: Jason Parks)
A motion requiring all meetings of Council to have a four-hour time limit has failed.
In the wake of December Planning meeting that ran past 1 am the next day — over six hours — Councillor Bill Roberts moved to put a limit on the length, but garnered only limited support. The motion lost 9-5.
“Getting home after 1 a.m., especially for our staff who have to come to work the next day, is not optimal,” Mr. Roberts said.
The Councillor suggested a three-hour limit, an extension of up to one extra hour, and a mandatory adjournment at the four-hour mark.
He also suggested Council initiate Special Council Meetings where hot-button, high-public-interest matters can be debated separately.
The dissenters pointed to the current bylaw, which has tools to adjourn overtime meetings at the will of Council.
Councillor Phil St-Jean said he took the day off following the six hour planning meeting and added the meeting was not at all fair to staff who had to work two full days as well as the meeting itself. He called for better agenda management on the part of staff.
County Clerk Catalina Blumenberg will be going on maternity leave February 14. She intends to return to full-time duties in March 2026.
Victoria Leskie will fill the clerk position for the year. Ms. Leskie began in the role on January 7, and will spend a few weeks shadowing Ms. Blumenberg.
Ms. Leskie brings extensive municipal experience. She served as the Clerk for Prince Edward County from 2002 to 2013.
Affordable Housing Committee meetings will now be livestreamed. All are invited to follow the proceedings from the comfort of home or in person.
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