...Title
Introduction of Bylaw 2026-07 - Meeting Procedures Bylaw
Proposed Motion
That Council direct administration to present Bylaw 2026-07 - Meeting Procedures Bylaw at the March 10, 2026 Council Meeting for first reading.
Body
Administration Recommendation
That the Governance and Priorities Committee receive the information presented and direct administration to present Bylaw 2026-07 - Meeting Procedures Bylaw at the March 10, 2026 Council meeting for first reading.
Purpose
To introduce Bylaw 2026-07 - Meeting Procedures Bylaw to Council for information prior to first reading.
Summary
The changes administration recommends to Parkland County's Meeting Procedures Bylaw are focused the following:
- simplifying the wording to make the bylaw easier to read and understand,
- adding additional information to provide clarity in processes,
- removing terms that are no longer applicable or in compliance with current legislation or practices, and
- adding terms as required by changes to the Municipal Government Act.
Attachment # 2 - Meeting Procedures Summary - details each section of the bylaw, the changes proposed and rationale for the change proposed.
Following this report to the Governance Committee, the draft Procedure Bylaw will be presented to Council for consideration at the March 10, 2026 regular meeting of Council.
Background
Meeting procedure bylaws provide for orderly meetings by incorporating elements of parliamentary procedure to ensure that decisions are made in a procedurally fair manner. Procedural fairness, also known as natural justice, is a fundamental part of administrative law, which is the body of law governing how decisions are made by public and regulatory bodies. Decisions made with procedural fairness are better protected from legal challenges. Parkland County's Meeting Procedures Bylaw establishes the precedent of rules governing the procedure of meets as:
1. the Municipal Government Act;
2. other provincial legislation;
3. Parkland County's Meeting Procedures Bylaw; and
4. the current edition of Robert's Rules of Order.
History
Parkland County's current Meeting Procedures Bylaw, Bylaw 2015-06, has not been reviewed or updated since it came into force on March 3, 2015.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Financial - Administration does not foresee significant financial implications with the adoption of the proposed Procedure Bylaw; however, Parkland County is now required maintain and invest in technology resources to support electronic participation in public hearings.
Financial Impact:
Cost: No Change
Source of Funds: Debt