In an effort to speed things along at city hall, Merritt’s city council agreed to grant staff the authority to call certain shots on their own, without having to wait for council’s approval.
The decision was made at a vote of six to one at a regular meeting on April 23. Coun. Mike Bhangu was opposed.
The bylaw mostly affects development applications, explained Sean Smith, the city’s manager of corporate services. For example, city staff will now be able to independently issue development permits where no variances are required.
“This will significantly speed up the development permit process, as staff reports and waiting for the next council meeting will no longer be necessary,” he wrote in a report to council.
Staff will also be able to ask developers to hold public meetings before the application formally comes to council.
This step is “an excellent opportunity to improve community engagement around issues that will have significant impact on a substantial portion of the community,” Smith wrote.
Other responsibilities being delegated are the authority to issue sign permits, purchasing and contract authorization authority, and delegation to city committees, which may be reinstated in the coming months.
A reconsideration clause is included in the bylaw to ensure that anybody who feels that a member of staff has made an incorrect decision has the option to appear before council.
“Some of us campaign on this kind of stuff,” said Coun Tony Luck. “This is really exciting to see us moving into the 21st century with some of our bylaws and the way things should be done. This should make it easier for council, for staff, and for the developers that are coming. This is a major step for us.”
