Some months ago, I suggested to Mayor and Council a shared leadership model for Committee of the Whole (COW) meetings. In an effort to build leadership skills, chairing skills and capacity among all Council members, I asked that during the Acting Mayor rotation (occurs throughout the year when each Council member serves as Acting Mayor two months of the year), Acting Mayors chair the Committee of the Whole meeting. Mayor and Council agreed to this change and the new format will be introduced at this week’s Committee of the Whole meeting.
As Acting Mayor for January, I am first up to chair the COW meeting on January 20. Hopefully, you will find this new format both informative and a good opportunity for Council members to practice their facilitation and chairing skills. I am pleased that Mayor and Council agreed to this change.