On council's agenda

Update Video

GEORGE NEWS - A Special Council Meeting held on Thursday 24 August dealt primarily with the approval of the integrated development plan (IDP), municipal spatial development framework and the time schedule of the key deadlines applicable to the review of the budget process.

PBI cllr Virgil Gericke tabled a motion for council to deal with the unsatisfactory level of service regarding the chemical toilets in Syferfontein and Rosedale.

Steven Erasmus of the Directorate of Human Settlements opined that these problems can be attributed to the service provider.

"The new contractor seems to be struggling to adhere to the conditions of the contract and has been placed on terms for the second time."

The motion by Sac cllr Bazil Petrus that council reintroduces monthly meetings was unanimously carried.

Currently council meets once a quarter, with special council meetings called to deal with matters that need urgent attention.

An item dealing with the appointment of new directors for the next five years was discussed during the confidential section of the meeting that was closed to the public.

The procedure to appoint the directors will first have to run its course before an official announcement will be made by council.

The rather mundane meeting had its lighter moments, though, with councillors jumping at the opportunity to fling jabs at each other.

Junior city council member Gerhard Ackerman from Outeniqua High School who was in the public gallery with his fellow junior councillors, enjoyed the comic moments of the meeting. Ackerman said he was surprised at how informally the meeting was handled.

"At one time a councillor was talking on her phone. The Speaker, Cllr Iona Kritzinger, had to ask her fellow DA councillor who was addressing council on an issue under discussion to halt his address.

"Wait, please wait Councillor. Cllr Mercia Draghoender is on the phone and I want her to finish her phone call before we continue. This is the last time someone will use their phone in my meeting," Kritzinger said.

Watch a video below.