A city committee has asked staffers to review a list of more than 30 bylaws and policies which may require updates and provide a list of priorities to council for consideration.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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A city committee has asked staffers to review and revisit 34 bylaws and policies, some dating back to 1984, and prioritize required updates.
These bylaws and policies – under control of the Administrative and Legislative Review and Government Relations Committee – include items like the ‘Official Legend of the City’s Name,’ updated in 1985, or the ‘Flags and Proclamations Policy,’ updated in 2023.
The unique committee also handles city vacation, maternity leave and drug and alcohol policies for staff, as well as the conflict of interest, whistleblower and respectful workplace policies.
During a public meeting Tuesday, members asked city staff to begin prioritizing policies and bylaws and provide recommendations on their urgency.
“And then we could debate amongst the committee which ones we think should be dealt with first to last,” said Mayor Linnsie Clark.
“I do think it’s a good piece of work to go through these and update or change or delete where it’s needed as long as we’re not doing a make work project,” said Coun. Stuart Young.
Coun. Yusuf Mohammed said once staff return with a list of priorities, committee members will then be able to present any changes for council’s consideration for adoption.
“Then we are moving through it, let’s get it out of the way as time goes on,” said Mohammed.
Clark requested an update on records management policy, last updated in 2014, which ensures corporate documents and records are managed efficiently and effectively by establishing a standard information based on the international standard for organization.
“I’m mostly concerned about the deletion of things now, just making sure that we’re actually adhering to the existing policy,” said Clark.
Staff say they have been “diligently” working on changes to records management policy but that focus has shifted due to a privacy program that must be implemented this summer.
The city’s whistleblower policy, created in 2024, is also being updated to include third-party reporting as well as fraud.
The committee also asked staff to bring forward suggested changes to the graffiti bylaw and to schedule council employee committee meetings to run concurrently with the Administrative and Legislative Review and Government Relations Committee moving forward.
