Clearwater County will be hosting a new event for residents to voice any questions or concerns to a Clearwater County council member.

Officials say Councillor Drop in Sessions are intended to be an informal opportunity for councillors to reconnect with residents, or meet new ones, and hear their feedback, ideas and concerns. Officials add the goal is to encourage face-to-face meetings with councillors, in a relaxed and safe setting, in the newly established office at the County’s Main Administration building.

At the June 14, 2022 regular council meeting, council made notice of motion that directed administration to schedule councillors, on a weekly rotation, for a three hour ‘drop in’ session with residents in the councillors office, beginning September 2022, to allow councillors and residents the opportunity to additionally engage and discuss matters of interest.

This item was brought to the June 28, 2022 regular council meeting for discussion where council made the following motion:

Motion by councillor Gennifer Mehlhaff that council directs administration to schedule councillors, on a weekly rotation for a trial period of one year from start, at a salary basis, for a three-hour ‘drop-in’ session with residents in the councillors’ office, beginning September 2022, to allow councillors and residents the opportunity to additionally engage and discuss matters of interest. The motion was unanimously carried.

Councillor Michelle Swanson is set to begin the Councillor Drop in Sessions on Friday, Sept 2, at the County’s Main Administration Building from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

Clearwater County officials say they are committed to establishing and maintaining a respectful workplace. In addition, staff, elected officials, volunteers, contractors, and business partners have a right to a workplace where they are treated fairly and with dignity, respect, and honesty. Behaviours not in alignment with Clearwater County’s respectful workplace policy will not be tolerated, add County officials.