you mean in chamber?
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Only matters that require confidentiality should be debated in camera and the Municipal Act clearly states what those matters are.
Matters concerning the security of property of the municipality. We don’t want everyone to know where we keep valuable equipment or how we protect our computer systems. A municipality might hire a firm to test its security systems or emergency measures without alerting staff or the public so that the test would truly reflect its state of readiness.
Personal matters about an identifiable individual including our employees or members of our boards should be discussed in camera. This section prevents us from discussing in public who owes taxes and who does not. It allows individuals to come to council in camera with plans for investments in the community without any competitors learning details. It prevents us from revealing any information about the suspension of employees, reasons for employee absences, such as illness or family crisis, in order to protect their privacy.
If the municipality is acquiring or disposing of property those discussions and negotiations can take place in camera.
Labour relation issues and employee negotiations are considered confidential.
Legal matters or potential litigation and advice from our lawyers are discussed in camera.
Any matter that is covered by another act such as the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act must be discussed in camera.
These are the only matters that may be kept from the public and they are the only matters that were by the outgoing council. Many seem unaware that we hold regular working meetings to discuss matters before we vote on them at regular meetings.
For example, at our working meeting, two weeks ago, we had an interesting presentation on replacing our street lights for a potential savings of one million dollars or more over the next fifteen to twenty years. We also discussed our project to install solar panels on municipal buildings to generate electricity to sell to the province for the next twenty years. Staff brought in samples for new street signs. Down the road, these topics will come to council for resolution having already been discussed . In policy meetings which are open to the public we review new by-laws and policies. During these less formal meetings, taxpayers are invited to ask questions or give pertinent information.
The next council needs to find more ways to make citizens aware of how it operates. Citizens must make an effort to inform themselves. As mayor, I would welcome phone calls and be ready to meet with you to answer your questions or resolve your concerns
