Policy committee
Mayor Decoux made the motion that a standing policy committee be struck, consisting of the Mayor, CAO, Director of Legislative Services, and additional members, on an ad hoc basis, relative to the specific policy under consideration.
The committee would meet no less than once per month and provide a regular report to council.
“Some wonder why I am so concerned over our lack of policy,” said Mayor Decoux. “We experienced what a lack of inappropriate policy and understanding can do to Council and people’s time this evening.”
“We have been looking at this advertising policy for far, far too long,” he said. “if we had a process in place and a better understanding, the issue would have come and gone.”
Mayor Decoux explained that a “policy” is a statement of purpose and one or more broad guidelines as to how that purpose is to be achieved, which taken together, provide a framework for the operation of the institution.
He went on to say that one of the benefits of having clearly defined policies is that it demonstrates the municipality is being operated in an efficient and businesslike manner.
“Policies help ensure meetings are orderly, and that time is saved when a new problem can be handled quickly and effectively, because of its relationship to a policy.”
“Councils come and go, but well written and constantly updated policies remain forever,” he said.
For all these reasons and more, Mayor Decoux said he wanted to establish a functional and aggressive policy committee to deal with these issues.
Councillors Lonsbury, Saindon, Saje, and Mitchell each voiced their support of the motion, stating frustration with the amount of time that has already been invested in the municipal advertising review.
Councillor Saje said he had been in contact with other communities, and found that they were having similar issues.
Councillor Mitchell moved to accept the motion as written, which was approved unanimously.

Office protocol
Councillor Mitchell voiced concern about members of the public at large wandering through the municipal offices and coming in and out without speaking with reception.
Mitchell said he had been informed that this was distracting to the business, and that some staff was quite uncomfortable with this action.
While no motion was made, Councillor Mitchell encouraged administration to develop an internal policy to that affect.