Oak Bay is leading the way with electronic meetings.
During its special council meeting to consider variances for the proposed redevelopment of the Oak Bay Lodge site Coun. Tara Ney participated via Skype.
While on vacation, her comments and vote were recorded during the June 27 meeting as part of a bylaw adopted just two days earlier.
B次元官网网址淚 think it worked very well,B次元官网网址� said Mayor Nils Jensen. B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e launching Oak Bay council into the electronic age on a number of fronts, this is one of them.B次元官网网址�
Oak Bay council asked staff to write the procedural bylaw at its May 28 meeting and outlined some parameters. The bylaw came before council June 11 and under direction from council to see that it was up for adoption prior to the special council meeting June 27, was adopted on June 25.
B次元官网网址淚t reflects the fact that many of our councillors have full-time jobs,B次元官网网址� Jensen said. B次元官网网址淚t recognizes the role of councillor and mayor as a part-time job on behalf of the community. This is a way that you can participate if you are travelling or away on business.B次元官网网址�
The use of Skype B次元官网网址� Microsoft software that allows users to communicate in real time via voice, video and instant messaging through the Internet B次元官网网址� during a public meeting is a first for the region.
Victoria has, on occasion, had councillors participate in meetings via telephone but not Skype. B次元官网网址淲e are considering webcasting, and I expect there may be further discussions in this regard at that time,B次元官网网址� said Katie Josephson, director of communications for the City of Victoria.
EsquimaltB次元官网网址檚 bylaw allows a council member to participate electronically because of illness or injury or with permission of council. While theyB次元官网网址檝e used the telephone conference call for in-camera sessions, itB次元官网网址檚 not been used during a public meeting of council.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 just for limited occasions,B次元官网网址� Jensen said of the new Oak Bay bylaw. B次元官网网址淭he limit is three times a year at this point. If this goes well we can think of extending it as we get used to Skype and teleconferencing.B次元官网网址�
Other elements of the electronic move for the municipality is a revamped website and electronic agendas.
B次元官网网址淲eB次元官网网址檙e going to try to go paperless,B次元官网网址� Jensen said.
