29-10-2024, 10:09 PM
Before the change to online, Council meetings were open to all with the proviso that they were not allowed to participate in proceeding of the Council meetings. Their role was simply as observers and allowed the transparency of the meetings, and I myself sat in as an observer in previous meetings.
There is no constitutional reason where observers are not allowed and in fact this would greatly increase the openness and awareness of the membership.
Where sensitive, confidential issues are raised the observers asked to leave the room any particular issue. I can quote actual real instances it so reqiuired
For example
Council meeting 16th March 2014 (extract of minutes)
Council Members
Douglas Bryson David G Congalton Daniel C Deary David M Deary Hamish Glen - Chairman Dick Heathwood - Secretary Andy Howie June Underwood Jim J Webster
Observers
Andrew McCulloch David Archibald
Apologies
Alan Borwell Ian G Brownlee + others
There is no constitutional reason where observers are not allowed and in fact this would greatly increase the openness and awareness of the membership.
Where sensitive, confidential issues are raised the observers asked to leave the room any particular issue. I can quote actual real instances it so reqiuired
For example
Council meeting 16th March 2014 (extract of minutes)
Council Members
Douglas Bryson David G Congalton Daniel C Deary David M Deary Hamish Glen - Chairman Dick Heathwood - Secretary Andy Howie June Underwood Jim J Webster
Observers
Andrew McCulloch David Archibald
Apologies
Alan Borwell Ian G Brownlee + others