The Town of Collingwood has dropped $9,147 to get councillors back in chambers.
During Monday’s (Feb. 8) strategic initiatives standing committee meeting, councillors received an update on preparations underway for a return to in-person council meetings, which is expected to start up again as of March 1 under a hybrid model.
“I think a lot of us are looking forward to getting back together in person again,” said Clerk Sara Almas.
Under the new model, all council members will be participating in person in the town hall council chambers. Chief administrative officer Sonya Skinner and Almas will also be present.
Department heads and staff will be participating remotely unless authorized by the CAO, and for the time being, deputations and delegations would continue to occur remotely, unless authorized by the clerk and CAO to participate in-person. Additional support staff, Rogers personnel, and other managers or staff may be present in the council chambers as required.
According to the report, the capacity of council chambers is 20 people in order to maintain physical distancing of two metres. At this time, the public is not permitted to attend in-person until capacity restrictions are eased or eliminated, however meetings can still be viewed via the town’s YouTube channel where they are streamed live and archived.
To streamline remote participation, additional cameras and tripods have been set up in the chambers. Air filters have been replaced with higher-quality filters, and the room will be sanitized prior to and following every meeting. Staff and council in council chambers will also be actively screened daily.
Face coverings will be required for anyone in council chambers and are only allowed to be removed when a person is speaking or while consuming food or drink.
Council voted unanimously in favour of receiving the report and delegating authority to the clerk, in consultation with the mayor and CAO, to amend meeting participation as deemed appropriate.
