A number of changes to the way public deputations are submitted to Chatham-Kent council have been approved.
The post-pandemic adjustments mean the deadline for submissions has been moved to Mondays at noon rather than 3 p.m., to ensure the deputation is part of that day’s council meeting.
According to a municipal media release, deputations may still be presented in-person in council chambers by the person who submitted it.
If that individual cannot attend the council meeting in person, there are other options. A resident may submit the deputation by the deadline to have it reviewed by council prior to the meeting, or the person may attend the council meeting virtually to present their deputation.
The current bylaw states deputations will be accepted in written or video format by the noon deadline, but these will not be read or shown during the meeting. The name of the person who authored the deputation will be recorded in council minutes as part of deputations received.
The bylaw also says the deputation may be read in-person by the individual who submitted it, or read aloud via electronic participation. The author’s name will also be included in the council minutes.
