Chatham-Kent council has directed administration to bring a report to the new term of council outlining options for addressing council members’ attendance at committee and board meetings to which they have been appointed.
The motion, brought forward by Councillor Carmen McGregor and approved Monday, notes that while the Municipal Act establishes attendance requirements for council meetings, it does not provide equivalent consequences for non-attendance at committee or board meetings. The motion states that consistent attendance supports transparency to residents, respect for the work of committees and boards, and the effective use of municipal and volunteer time.
The report will outline options, considerations and potential implications related to council members’ attendance, including any recommended policy, procedural, reporting or compensation-related measures.
According to a staff response, the review will require administration to consider procedural fairness, privacy implications associated with reporting attendance, and consistency with existing bylaws and policies. The report is expected to return to council in early 2027.
