With the deadline looming, Ponoka town council has approved a policy that outlines how the public can take part in the process.
When the provincial government approved the new Municipal Government Act (MGA) late last year, it introduced a requirement that all municipalities have a public participation policy passed by July 23, 2018.
Town administration began the process earlier this year, which administration feels encompasses much of the work it is already doing.
Sandra Smith, town communications manager, outlined the many ways that are currently in place to reach out for opinions, comments and ideas from the public on various town plans and issues at council’s meeting July 10.
Smith noted a draft of the policy was posted on the town’s website and in other areas where feedback from citizens could be garnered.
“The town’s commitment is evident in all of the ways we already engage citizens in the decision making process,” Smith stated, adding the numerous open houses and Coffee with Council events plus council advisory committees that have been put in place recently.
“The proposed policy meets all the requirements laid out in the MGA, essentially what the town already does to engage its citizens.”
This new policy doesn’t replace or set aside any of the mandatory public input requirements that cover other sections of the MGA such as the need to hold public hearings.
Coun. Carla Prediger noted certain matters — subjects that involve legal issues, land and labour — can be discussed behind closed doors (in-camera) and wanted to ensure that was clearly stated in the policy.
She was also concerned that decisions of council could be open to negotiation despite council being elected to represent citizens and make those decisions.
In response, Smith did point out two sections of the policy cover the specific questions Prediger had.
“Under section 11, it does state that all public participation shall be undertaken in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FOIPP),” she said, which the MGA follows with some exceptions that align with in-camera discussions.
In addition, Smith explained the policy also outlines not all decisions of council will warrant public participation.
Briefs
Council passed the final two readings of its code of conduct bylaw at the meeting, which had to be ratified and in place by July 23 as mandated by the province.
However, there were slight differences of opinion between administration’s interpretation and that of Coun. Teri Underhill and Prediger regarding the need of councillors to take training. The issue will be returned to council once more information has been gathered and it was noted that council can review the bylaw at any time.
Also, council approved two sponsorship donations — $3,500 to sponsor the Breakfast with Santa at the 2018 Ponoka Festival of Trees and $150 hole sponsorship for the Lacoka Rotary Golf Challenge. Also passed was a proclamation declaring July 15 to 21 National Drowning Prevention Week.
