DIDSBURY - A proposed new Town of Didsbury bylaw that includes provisions to deal with council members who are ‘disruptive and disrespectful’ during council meetings has been given second reading.
Bylaw 2024-11 Council Procedural has already received first reading and was considered by council at a recent regularly scheduled meeting, held in person and online.
Since receiving first reading, the meeting decorum section of the bylaw now includes the following added wording: “Members who persist being disruptive or disrespectful to the chair’s ability to keep order will be asked to leave the meeting.
“If the member in question refuses to leave the meeting upon request, council may make a motion to request the council member leave the meeting; call a recess; or adjourn the meeting.”
Also since receiving first reading, the bylaw contains added new provisions regarding points of order:
• Any member of council, who is not acting as chair, may raise a point of order as it pertains to a perceived violation of any council procedures or meeting decorum.
• The mayor shall rule on any point of order that may arise.
• The mayor may consult with the chief administrative officer when reviewing a point of order.
• The member raising the point of order may appeal the ruling of the mayor to council who will render their decision by resolution of council.
The bylaw will now go to the policy and governance committee for review and recommendation before coming back to council for possible third reading.
The complete proposed bylaw is available for viewing on the town’s website.
