MINTO – Public participation in council meetings has become more challenging as councils move to teleconference or video-conference formats due to COVID-19 restrictions.
For public meetings in Minto, notices normally go out to the public advising them that they can provide written comments to the clerk or register to speak during the meetings.
“By registering we can then make sure that we have their contact information for further follow up,” explained clerk Annilene McRobb.
“This is a bit different from our in-person meetings, as those in attendance in-person had to sign in providing their contact information so we could provide follow up as required.”
McRobb stated the notice that went out for a Feb. 16 public meeting on urban boundary adjustments “did not make the registration process clear.”
She said the individuals who asked questions through a chat function of Zoom have been contacted to provide them with answers to their questions.