Changes at Victoria County council meeting cause confusion

Victoria County's recently elected council has created some confusion after altering the format of some meetings and suggesting that it would no longer entertain questions during public council sessions. 

The two topics at a council session on Monday caught the attention of at least three residents who sent the CBC messages expressing concern about council transparency, accountability and inclusivity.

Donna Matheson-Lefort, who represents District 1, said she and other councillors decided to stop livestreaming the municipality's committee of the whole meetings because the process was impeding rapid-fire discussion and debate. 

Matheson-Lefort said moving those meetings offline helps the five new councillors who are still adjusting to their roles since being elected in October.

"The design of it is to be informal discussion without strict rules," Matheson-Lefort said.

"The issue with having that livestreamed basically had to do with technology. In order to discuss anything, you have to make sure that you're officially in the audio stream. You have to physically click a mic."

Warden Jackie Organ said people can attend these informal meetings in person at the Baddeck courthouse.

Minutes posted online

Organ received phone calls and emails from people who are upset about the decision. But she said the move will have no impact on council transparency since their meeting minutes are posted online.

Some residents who reached out to CBC complained those minutes are not posted in a timely manner. The municipality's website says it may take a couple of weeks because they first must be approved by council.

"We're trying new things, a new format, and we want those new councillors to be comfortable around the table," said Organ.

She said residents with concerns should contact their local councillor.

"That's what you voted them in for."

Livestreaming

During Monday's meeting, one councillor also said they would no longer be taking questions from the public during their regular council sessions, which remain available for viewing on YouTube.

Members of council say they were advised to streamline the question-and-answer process as other municipalities have.

Matheson-Lefort said discussions are ongoing, but nothing has been set in stone.