I n order to deliver more time-efficient and effective Council meetings, a public forum will be held before every meeting, and debate times will be limited, in a new Code of Meeting Practice adopted on Monday, September 24.
Members of the public will no longer be able to address full meetings of Council. Instead, a public forum will be held at 6pm, before the meeting commences at 6:30pm, during which time registered community members will have three minutes to have their say. Members of the public will need to register with Council by 10am on the day of the meeting if they wish to speak on an item.
Council can also resolve to delay the start of the meeting by 30 minutes to accommodate more speakers and debate times, as well as extending the finishing time of a meeting, ensuring all forums and meetings have both structure and flexibility.
Debate in Council meetings on individual items will be time-limited to 30 minutes, which will assist in ensuring meetings end at the agreed meeting finishing time of 10:30pm. Mayor Jane Smith said the public had been consulted over the changes which make Council meetings more efficient and focused on decision-making. “We are committed to open and transparent decision-making in the best interests of our community, that has not changed,” Mayor Smith said.
“Meetings are still too often exceeding the agreed finishing time of 10:30pm which is putting a strain on Councillors, staff and those members of the community interested in seeing our decision-making firsthand. “These changes will ensure we can strike the right balance between the community and Councillors having their say, while ensuring meetings are efficient and timely.” All changes comply with the Office of Local Government’s draft Code of Meeting Practice currently on consultation.
Source: Agenda item 4.2, Sep 24 Central Coast Council ordinary meeting Media release, Sep 24 Central Coast Council media