An item on next week's City Council agenda is already causing a stir.

Council will discuss the possibility of changing how public questions are handled during Council meetings.

In an report included with the upcoming meeting's agenda, staff expressed some concerns over the current format. From their perspective, the complexity and breadth of questions are growing, which they attribute to the growth of Airdrie.

The report highlights four areas of concern: That council might not always have accurate information available during public question period, leading to the possibility of inaccurate or incomplete information being spread; that some questions end up bypassing existing processes, which lead to inefficiencies; that questions may lead to Council being asked to make a decision without having all the information; and that questions may misuse Council time when they have to do with issues outside Council's jurisdiction, or no question is involved. The report cites examples for each of these concerns from recent meetings.

City staff have offered a number of alternatives, such as keeping the format status quo, requiring questions to be submitted prior to council meetings, not requiring answers to questions in the moment, or doing away with the public question period all together. Staff have recommended getting rid of public question period, opting instead for public information sessions to be used in greater number when dealing with contentious issues.

The issue has already caused a buzz on social media, and will be discussed on Monday.

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