By Robert Washburn
Proposed changes to the town’s planning committee will mean fewer members will serve longer terms and citizens will not be paid to attend, according to a report.
Deputy Mayor Stan Frost said recently he wants to review all town committees are part of a major review of the town’s system of advisory bodies.
In the proposal, the number of committee members drops by two, to seven from nine. There will be one less representative from town council and one less person from the public. Qualified people apply and are appointed by council.
Citizen members will be limited to four years and may be reappointed to a second term or a maximum of eight continuous years.
The document also adds wording surrounding the committee’s mandate, providing more specific tasks. Besides being responsible to advise council on planning matters, it will look at applications for amendments to the official plan and zoning bylaws, subdivision plan approvals and act as a steering committee for special planning projects.
Citizens will no longer be paid. The clause dealing with honorariums for serving is removed.
The chairman and vice-chairman of the committees will be elected each year.