Governance Committee

That the following items were approved under the consent agenda: 10.4 Status of the Governance Committee Work Plan

That the letter dated December 12, 2024 from the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing to Heads of Council, with respect to the proposed Municipal Accountability Act, 2024, be received. Received 10.2 Clarification on difference between Notice of Motions VS Council Direction Councillor A. Tedjo requested clarification at the November 27, 2024 Council meeting. Members of the Committee engaged in a discussion and spoke to the following: The need for clarity between staff direction and Council direction. The establishment of a threshold for providing direction, particularly in time-consuming matters. Updating the Council Procedure By-law to clarify the distinction between motions and direction. Educating citizens and Council on proper procedures and documentation. Diana Rusnov, Director, Legislative Services and City Clerk, responded to questions and clarified that direction is less formal than motions, with motions requiring staff work and being recorded. Geoff Wright, City Manager, noted that Members of Council should be consulting staff before drafting motions. RECOMMENDATION GOV-0003-2025 Moved By Deputy Mayor and Councillor Matt Mahoney That the Council Procedure By-law 0044-2022, as amended, be amended to include a definition for “direction” and provide greater clarity when a formal motion is required. Approved 10.3 Chair and Vice Chair Roles at Advisory Committees Councillor Alvin Tedjo requested discussion on this matter Members of the Committee engaged in a discussio

That the status of the Governance Committee Work Plan items, updated for the January 27, 2025 Governance meeting, be approved.