HORSHAM Rural City Council will meet once a month.
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Chief executive Sunil Bhalla, in a report to the council’s latest meeting on Monday, recommended the council reduce its meetings from twice to once a month.
While its ordinary meetings are currently scheduled for the first and third Monday of each month at 5.30pm in Horsham, Mr Bhalla suggested the council meet on the fourth Monday of each month, with briefing meetings on the first and second Monday of the month.
In a separate report to the council, Mr Bhalla also recommended a change to the council’s meeting procedure, which removed councillor reports.
Cr David Grimble moved two motions, calling to defer discussion about both agenda items until the community was consulted.
Cr Grimble won his first motion to defer the discussion around meeting procedure changes. His second motion regarding the frequency of meetings was lost
“We need transparency in the way we conduct our business,” he said. “I see this as less accountability and transparency and it removes debate and timely and effective representation.”
Cr Josh Koenig said there was more to being a councillor than sitting in council’s chambers once a fortnight.
“Most of the time, we are speaking to each other with the media sitting in the background – and I don’t get quoted much,” he said.
“Instead of council staff scrambling to put up reports of substance on the agenda, let’s take a step back and get these strategic directions worked out.”
Cr Alethea Gulvin said she had discussed the change with the “forefathers” of Horsham council, who gave their support.
We need transparency in the way we conduct our business.
- David Grimble
Cr John Robinson said results of a community satisfaction survey showed the council was “not ready” to reduce its fortnightly meetings.
“The survey showed that community engagement is down, lobbying on behalf of the community is down, decisions made in the interests of the community is down. It’s a Coles ad,” he said.
“If the community don’t see us making decisions, how can we regain their confidence?”
Cr Radford said monthly meetings would allow councillors to be more informed before they debated issues.
If the community don’t see us making decisions, how can we regain their confidence?
- John Robinson
Mayor Pam Clarke said the time to debate the issues within the meeting would remain the same. She said the only change was that agenda items would be confined to one meeting.
Crs Radford, Clarke, Koenig, Les Power and Alethea Gulvin supported the change to the meetings while Crs Grimble and Robinson voted against.
The change begins next month. Its next meeting is scheduled for August 27.