Petrolia’s mayor says the changes he’s suggesting to the way council meetings work will not silence the public.

Brad Loosley defended his proposals at Monday’s council meeting after several people voiced concern council was trying to stifle public input.

Among the changes Loosley wanted was to only have a meeting in August if necessary, to approve hearing each delegation by a vote of council, and remove one of two opportunities for the public to speak directly to council. A similar suggestion in 2018 was met with howls of protest. This time around, two residents worried it would remove public input. Former councillor, Liz Welsh, said in a social media post on the weekend some of the changes “created a barrier for participation.”

Resident Norm Sutherland voiced his concerns at the meeting. “Our present council promoted a platform of transparency, openness, and good communication. I would say that these proposals are totally contrary to what was promised to us,” he said.

But before council could even discuss the mayor’s ideas, Loosley dropped the plan to end one of the two opportunities for the public to speak and the requirement for delegations to be approved.

“At no time are these proposed amendments directed to remove public engagement. They are in fact to provide the public with strengthened engagement to council. If we are prepared in advance, we will be better situated to speak to their concerns,” says Loosley.

And he admonished those who spoke out on social media against the changes prior to the meeting, saying they should have approached him to ask about his suggestions.

Members of council had some concerns about the mayor’s proposals particularly going back to in-person council meetings only.

Councillor Wade Deighton says the electronic meetings have allowed more people to participate in local government.

“I believe we still should continue with the Zoom meetings, regardless whether we go back into council chambers or not. I believe it has allowed opportunities for people to take part when they’re not able to come.”

Councillors Joel Field and Don Welton agreed, with Welton adding it was nice to be able to be at a council meeting without coming home from his cottage.

Councillors asked for time to review the changes and plan to discuss the issue again later this year.