MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – Mountain View County councillors have given second reading to an amendment to the municipality’s bylaw for the conduct of public hearings to allow those hearings to take place though electronic means such as videoconference and teleconference.
Made in response to social distancing measures in place during the COVID-19 pandemic, the proposed change was considered during the April 8 council meeting, which itself took place via teleconference.
The updated bylaw would include provisions for registration, making comments and providing information at hearings.
Under the change, the CAO would provide notice to the public that the public hearing is to be conducted by electronic means and provide for the method in which the public can view the meeting.
Individuals who are unable to join the meeting through videoconference could do so through teleconference.
Individuals wishing to take part in a meeting would have to register by 4 p.m. on the day before the hearing.
“Individuals will be required to provide their contact information to be used in the event that they are disconnected for the public hearing and to identify them in the hearing process,” the proposed bylaw states.
During the hearing the applicant would be invited to provide new or additional information (in addition to written information included in the application) for council’s consideration.
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“After the applicant’s presentation, individuals who would like to speak in the public hearing, and that have pre-registered to speak, will be invited to provide their presentation to council. They will be provided five minutes for their presentation unless an extension is granted by the chair.”
After the pre-registered individuals are provided with an opportunity to address the hearing, the chair would inquire if anyone else wishes to comment.
Council will then be given an opportunity to ask questions followed by closing remarks by the CAO and the applicant.
“The applicant may (at that time) speak in rebuttal to those in opposition providing no new information is provided.”
Council is scheduled to consider third reading of the bylaw on April 22.
Work is underway to see if municipal planning commission approving authority public meetings could also be conducted by electronic means, council heard.
