With three residents looking on from the public gallery, my first full Council meeting was a pleasant transition. Council members were respectful of one another, seemed relaxed and Mayor Jensen efficiently moved the agenda along, which was relatively brief.
I voted in favour of all agenda items, many of which were previous or new bylaws for heritage, finance, water and sewer and parks and recreation. I was pleased to support, in particular, the creation of a new Heritage Commission that consolidates into one entity, the former Heritage Committee and Heritage Panel.
In my experience, the Commission structure should be an effective advisory body to Mayor and Council on heritage issues. As new Council Liaison, I look forward to meeting members in the new year and supporting their work.
Mayor Jensen also raised New Business items related to:
- proposed revisions to Council’s procedural bylaw (how Council conducts its meetings), to allow for greater public input at meetings.
- suggestion for ability of Council members to submit regular written/verbal reports in brief on their Council Liaison and committee work.
- proposed facilitated one-day workshop for Mayor and Council and senior staff to develop a Council Strategic Priorities’ Plan (this work could also help guide the Official Community Plan review).
The remainder of my week involves:
- initial meeting with Councilor Murdoch to talk about terms of reference for new Community Engagement initiative
- meeting of Greater Victoria Labour Relations Board
- CRD Arts Committee meeting
- Orientation tour of Municipal Hall
My understanding is that there will be no further formal Council meetings until after the Christmas/New Year break.