Council will review how often it meets

By Nicole Kleinsteuber
The way Prince Edward County council does business was up for discussion Tuesday night.

Council requested staff to review a section of the procedural bylaw focusing on council and committee meeting lengths and times.

“This review will help council become more effective and more efficient,” said mayor Peter Mertens.  “We may find we can do it in one meeting.”

Councillor Barry Turpin agrees.

“In the last two or three months we have had at least two council meetings cancelled,” said Turpin.  “We have had another two or three that were extremely short. Looking at the bylaw may determine we don’t need two council meetings per month.”

Councillor Brian Marisett said he doesn’t disagree with methods to improve efficiencies, but he is concerned with council’s desire to reduce meeting times.

“Meetings are the few opportunities we have as a group to discuss and share points of view,” said Marisett.  “I think we should look at ways to increase community activity and involvement, instead of putting up blocks to the opportunities that do exist.”

Councillor Terry Shortt said council should take some ownership in the review.

“We seem to be looking at staff for all of the answers lately,” said Shortt.  “This is a job for council and for the public.”

Prince Edward County CAO Merlin J. Dewing said he would submit a report by the end of September.