Cochrane council was nearly unanimous on whether its regular meetings should all be moved back to 6 p.m. start times, but the amendment was held up by lone wolf councillor Ross Watson.
Brought forward Nov. 25 by councillor Tara McFadden, the debate on when to hold council meetings has been a persistent one over the past few months.
Some councillors have argued that holding meetings at 6 p.m. give Cochrane residents a more doable timeslot to attend if they so choose, while the alternative, a 1 p.m. start, does not, as most are at work.
Other current and former councillors have countered with the contention that 6 p.m. meetings are too late in the day, particularly since most councillors and Town of Cochrane administration have already put in a full workday, and with decision-making of the utmost of importance, holding a meeting that at times goes three hours or more can be wearisome.
The amendment to the bylaw required unanimous consent to proceed to third and final reading, but with Watson voting against, the matter will be revisited during the next council meeting, Jan. 27.
The Municipal Government Act stipulates that every proposed bylaw must be given three separate readings and limit those readings to no more than two at any given council meeting, unless the councillors present unanimously agree to consider giving the bylaw third reading. In the case of Cochrane council’s meeting times, all councillors did not agree, which is why the amendment must be revisited at the next meeting.
Council established March 1 to be the day members will review the town’s 10-Year Financial Strategy.
The annual strategic planning session was also scheduled for shortly after, and will fall on March 28.
The strategic planning session provides the new council an opportunity to set its list of priorities going into the future. The session provides guidance to administration for its day-to-day operations.
In years past, both the 10-Year Financial Strategy and strategic planning session was held at the same time for two consecutive days, but administration recommended the two be separated, as this will be the first planning session for the current council.
