Before you request to have an item placed on the council agenda, please read through all of the information provided below.
What types of issues does Council consider?
Items brought to council meetings vary. Issues may include requests to change bylaws or land zoning, petitions, or a variety of other concerns.
If I want an item placed on a council agenda what do I do? To have an item placed on a council agenda, e-mail your request to legislativeservices@reddeer.ca
or write a letter and address it to:
Mayor & City Council
c/o Legislative & Governance Services
P.O. Box 5008
Red Deer, AB T4N 3T4
Or you can deliver your request to the Legislative & Governance Services Department, 2nd floor, City Hall.
What should I include in my letter or e-mail to Council?
- Letters to Council should include the date, your first and last name, your mailing address, daytime phone and fax number and/or e-mail address (if applicable).
- Outline the details of your request providing background information or any other details you feel will be helpful in presenting your information to Council.
- Attach documents that may assist Council in making a decision. If your issue is land or building related, please include the street address and legal description of the property in question. Attach maps, sketches or drawings where applicable.
- The Legislative & Governance Services Manager must receive your letter prior to 4:30 p.m., two Wednesdays (10 days) before the council meeting at which you would like your item discussed. This gives the Legislative & Governance Services Manager time to collect comments and additional information from city administration.
When are council meetings held?
Council meetings are held every second Monday at 3:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers of City Hall. Shaw Cable broadcasts all regular council meetings.
Are council meetings open to the public? Yes. You are welcome to attend all regular council meetings. You may choose to stay for the entire regular council meeting or just for the items that interest you.
When attending a council meeting, please use the west (park side) doors of City Hall. A Commissioner will direct you to the Council Chambers on the second floor.
When will my issue be discussed?
The Legislative & Governance Services Manager will advise you by letter of the date your item will be considered.
Are all requests to have an item discussed at a council meeting granted?
Depending on the nature of the item you would like discussed, city administration may be able to handle your request and it may not need to proceed to Council. There are also cases where a request will not be granted if a similar item has appeared on the council agenda in the last six months.
Will I get a copy of the council agenda and administrative comments before I attend the council meeting?
Copies of agenda items, administrative comments and the approximate time that Council will be discussing a specific item will be available to you on the Friday before the council meeting. This information may be picked up from Legislative & Governance Services, 2nd floor, City Hall. Depending on the length of the item, you may request that it be faxed to you.
Will my item still be discussed if I don't attend the meeting?
Yes.
Do I have to speak at the council meeting?
No. However, if you wish you may speak to your item please indicate your desire to speak in your letter, or contact the Legislative & Governance Services Manager prior to the meeting. If you don't wish to make a presentation you may choose to be available to answer any questions that the Mayor or Councillors may have.
Can I use audio-visual equipment for my presentation?
Yes. Contact Legislative & Governance Services on the Friday prior to the council Meeting to reserve the equipment. A computer, screen, DVD, and VCR, flip charts, overhead and slide projectors, are all available for your use. Arrange a time to set up and test the equipment prior to the council meeting.
How will I know when it is my turn to speak?
If the Legislative & Governance Services Manager has been notified that you wish to speak, the Mayor will invite you to come forward to the microphone at the appropriate time.
How do I begin?
Begin by stating your name and, if applicable, the name of the company or group you are representing. If several members of a group are present, one person should be appointed to act as a spokesperson for the entire group. When addressing Council remember to keep your comments brief (5 - 10 minutes) and confined to the topic.
How do I address the Mayor?
The Mayor, or the Mayor's delegate, is the Chairman of the meeting and should be addressed as "Your Worship."
How do I address a Councillor?
When addressing a Councillor, the Chairman should be addressed first and then the Councillor, "Your Worship, Councillor...."
Can I ask Council or the administration a question during my presentation?
If, while addressing Council, you wish to ask a question of someone in the Council Chambers, such as an individual member of Council or the city administration, please direct your question to the Chairman. The Chairman will then direct the individual concerned to respond to the question if felt it is appropriate to do so.
What do I do after my presentation?
Council may wish to ask you questions. Please remain standing until excused by the Chairman.
When will a decision be made?
A decision will normally be made at the council meeting. However, there are occasions when additional information is required before Council can make an informed decision. In this event, the item will be tabled to a future council meeting until the additional information is received. In any case, the Legislative & Governance Services Manager will advise you via a letter of Council's decision with respect to your item.
Where can I get more information on this process?
Legislative & Governance Services is your direct link to Council. Staff will provide you with as much assistance and current information as possible to ensure that your issue is brought to Council in a timely and impartial manner.
