Misuse of the “As Otherwise Provided for by Council” Idea When It Comes To Municipal Council and Staff By Lorri Matthewson Across the prairie provinces Councils involve themselves in hiring and firing, staff evaluations, raise decisions, disciplinary actions, staff direction, and operational decisions. They do this based on the assumption that they can, because they always have, or they feel entitled to, by virtue of their election. Here is the thing though. Council has O

By Lorri Matthewson A few months before the election, sometimes 5 or 6 months ahead of the election, Councils begin delaying their important decisions for the next Council. While Council is stalling at the conference table, the day-to-day decisions falls to the administration. They remain responsible for keeping the community compliant and managing risk. They prepare reports that people may not even read, and keep the wheels on the wagon until the new Council gets on its feet

In small population communities, the margin for error is small because the impact of every decision can be huge. Councils who understand that are willing to learn, ask questions, and build the skills the job demands. Training is simply part of doing the work well. By Lorri Matthewson Founder: Matthewson & Co www.smallplacesrock.com Every election cycle brings new people to the Council table—and with them, new energy, new ideas, and an enormous responsibility. Most of the pe

By Lorri Matthewson (Founder and Lead Consultant Matthewson & Co.) www.smallplacesrock.com Municipalities run on a combination of legislation, bylaws, policies, and day-to-day administrative practices. In theory, these elements work together to create a transparent, consistent, and legally compliant system of local governance. In reality, many municipalities rely far more on practice than on policy—and often don’t realize that there could be consequences. Across the muni

By Lorri Matthewson (Founder and Lead Consultant Matthewson & Co.) www.smallplacesrock.com “People just don’t care anymore.” I cannot count the number of times I’ve heard that around a Council table, or in an administrator’s office. It is the easiest explanation for the low turnout at the annual meeting, empty meetings, and quiet comment boxes. Also, “People just like to bitch.” Again, the easiest explanation for the popularity of rants and raves pages, the growing un

Every municipality has “that Councillor.” And if you haven’t yet, there is always the next election! You know which one I mean. They are the ones who cannot resist micromanaging staff. They are the ones who treat the CAO like their personal assistant. They are the ones who promise the residents something they cannot deliver, then stir up drama on the socials, or freelance their own agenda as if they were a one-person show. They boss the public works staff around, follow the g

It is amazing to me to see how people weigh in online on politics in the U.S., in Canada, and provincially, while patently ignoring the government closest to the people. Your municipality’s Council chamber is where decisions are made about roads, water, recreation, safety, and long-term community well-being. That is why the role of Councillor demands seriousness, preparation, and respect for the position. And yet, it happens too often in our small-population communities t