Improvements to Meeting Transparency

Changes have been made to how voting at Council meetings is recorded after a decision at last week’s Ordinary Council meeting.

‘From now on the community will be able to see in the minutes how every Councillor voted on every motion,’ said Mayor Rod Marti.

‘This is a simple change that’s a win for transparency.

‘Our Standing Orders provide direction on procedures for Council meetings including order of business, agenda, confirmation of minutes, deputations, mayoral minutes, etc.

‘Previously our Standing Orders only required us to record the number of votes for and against a motion in the minutes.

‘Councillors who voted against a motion then had a choice if they wanted their names recorded.

‘This meant the community couldn’t tell who voted for and against a motion unless they attended the meeting or watched the live stream.

‘We’ve updated the Standing Orders to ensure the names of the Councillors who vote against a motion are now recorded for all decisions.

‘This will ensure our decision-making processes are more transparent and that our decisions are made openly and with accountability.

‘It’s only fair that the community is fully informed and are confident in the integrity of the process,’ Mayor Marti said.