Approaching Council

Approaching Council

At one time or another, you may wish to approach Town Council at a Council Meeting to present your opinion regarding an issue Council is discussing, or to introduce an issue that you feel Council should consider. This section is designed to assist you in your approach to Council as a delegation. 

All persons wishing to be a delegation before Council are asked to submit a written request to the Corporate Administration Officer (CAO). This written request should include the name(s) of the person(s) who would be making the report or presentation if approved (referred to as a "delegation"), and a copy of the report or presentation in written form.  The written submission must clearly state any requests being made of Council and any recommended Council resolutions. 

Please keep in mind that all written requests must be received by 12:00 noon on the Wednesday, two full business days prior to the Monday Council Meeting. This time restriction exists to permit enough time to prepare the upcoming Council Agenda.

Each delegation may speak for a maximum of 10 minutes to make their presentation, unless the Mayor, or Council by resolution, extends the time allotted. After the presentation is made, time will be given for Council members to ask questions of the delegation. For more information on how to approach Council, please consult the Council Procedure Bylaw.

Please submit your request to info@osoyoos.ca.  Questions contact the Town Office at 250.495.6515.
 

Addressing Council

The Mayor will invite members of the public to speak according to the Agenda.  Only the speaker at the podium will be recognized, and if there is a delegation, one person should be identified as the representative to speak on behalf of the delegation.

When speaking to Council, you will use “Mayor _______” to directly address the Mayor and "Councillor _______" when directly addressing a Council member. 

State your full name clearly for the record, and indicate any related professional affiliation "My name is ..............".  State the purpose of your address, "I would like to ...............".  Speak within the time allotted, and ensure the information you provide is related to the item on the Agenda.  "This concludes my comments Mayor (Surname)", this advises Council that you are finished your presentation.

Questions from Council

The Mayor will invite Council members individually to ask any questions of the speaker.

Again, you will direct your response to the Mayor, not individual Council members, with "Thank you, Mayor________".  If referring to a Council member, use their title, "Councillor", followed by their last name.

Please ensure you answer the question as directed by Council and do not engage in a debate.

If there are no further questions, the Mayor will thank you for your presentation and you may then step down from the podium.