Procedural By-law Review

The Procedural By-law is a set structure that guides processes for Council and Committee meetings. The By-law outlines: how Council members cast their votes, how late Council meetings can run, conduct for Council, how and when residents can speak at meetings and interact with Council, and how public meetings are communicated to the public.

The Procedural By-law is important because it:

1. Ensures fairness and consistency in the decision making process
2. Fosters respectful conduct and collaborative approaches to decision making
3. Supports an open, accountable, transparent governance process so that the public, Council and staff understand how decisions are made and what to expect at meetings

The City will be seeking feedback from the public on items including, but not limited to the following:

• Participation in Council and Committee meetings such as delegations, presentations, and electronic participation in meetings
• Dates, times and locations of meetings
• Timing for publishing of agendas
• If an open question period or open comment section for the public would be beneficial
• Any other parts of the By-law you think can be improved

Results from the community engagement will be considered alongside an analysis of best practices from comparator communities and guided by the expertise of municipal staff with the goals of:

• Creating effective and efficient meetings that work for the City of Stratford
• Providing clarity and ease of participation for the public

Following a review of community feedback, a new Procedural By-law will be drafted and presented to Council and the community for further review.

1. Management Report dated June 12, 2023
2. Current Council Procedural By-law 140-2007
3. Information on Council and three-step decision making process
4. Information on Advisory Committees and Boards