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‘Expanded comment’ rejected

Posted on June 18, 2008, 11:11am

Motions, who moved and seconded them and whether or not they were carried are the only things which should be recorded in meeting minutes, according to Wattle Range Mayor Mark Braes.

Speaking at a South East Local Government Association’s (SELGA’s) Kingston meeting, Mr Braes said the “commentary or summary of discussion is not helpful” in meeting minutes.

Mr Braes cited a passage from SELGA’s previous meeting minutes which referred to him “expressing anxiety” about a road safety initiative.

“All that should be recorded is that there is a motion, the mover, seconder and that there is a decision,” Mr Braes said.

Association president Steve Perryman agreed.

Tatiara chairman Richard Vickery said his council had recently debated the issue and decided not to have “expanded comment”.

Mr Braes said his view was not an attempt to censor or stop the community from knowing what was said at a meeting.

“I just think it (recording commentary in minutes) is very difficult to administer and places an unfair burden on staff,” Mr Braes said.

Regarding what was recorded in meeting minutes, Mr Perryman said he would not take a motion as he believed there was a “consensus of opinion” between delegates.

Association executive officer Rob Foggo — who recently moved to the position from the Limestone Coast Regional Development Board — is responsible for recording SELGA’s minutes.

CHRIS OLDFIELD

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