Procedural By-Law

2.18 Hours – Means consecutive hours, that follow each other, during the course of  24 hours  on a seven day period.

2.19 Local Board – Means a municipal service board, transportation commission, public library board, board of health, police services board, planning board, or any other board, commission, committee, body or local authority established or exercising any power under any Act with respect to the affairs or purposes of one or more municipalities, excluding a school board and a conservation authority.

2.20 Majority  – Means “more than half”; meaning more than half of the votes cast by persons entitled to vote, excluding blanks or abstentions, at a regular or properly called meeting. For example if 5 votes are cast, a majority (more than 2 ½) is 3.

2.21 Mayor – Means the Head of Council and Chief Executive Officer of The Corporation of the Township of Russell or the Acting Mayor in his/her absence.

2.22 Meeting – Means any regular, special or other meeting of a Council, of a local board or of a committee of either of them, where:

• (a) a quorum of  members is present, and
• (b) members discuss or otherwise deal with any matter in a way that materially advances the business or decision-making of the Council, local board or committee.

2.23 Member – Means a Member of The Council of The Township of Russell.

2.24 Municipal Office – Means the Municipal office located at 717 Notre-Dame Street in Embrun, Ontario.

2.25 Municipality – Means The Corporation of the Township of Russell.

2.26 Notice of Motion – Means a written notice, including the names of the mover and seconder, advising Council that the motion described therein is to be brought at the next  meeting of Council.

2.27 Personal Privilege – Means the raising of a question, which concerns a Member of Council, or the Council collectively, when a Member believes that their rights, immunities or integrity or the rights, immunities or integrity of the Council as a whole have been impugned.

2.28 Point of Information – Means a request directed to the Mayor or through the Mayor to another Member or to Members of Administration for information relevant to the business at hand, but not related to a point of procedure.

2.29 Point of Order – Means a matter that a Member considers to be a departure from or contravention of the rules, procedures or generally accepted practices of Council.

2.30 Position or opinion – Means something believed or accepted as true by a person.

2.31 Presiding Member – Means the Mayor or Acting Mayor or Chair of the meeting.

2.32 Question of Privilege – Means a matter that a Member considers to question their integrity or the integrity of Council, which relates to the rights and privileges of the Assembly or any of its Members to be brought up for possible immediate consideration because of its urgency.

2.33 Quorum – Means a majority of Members of Council or Committee present at the meeting for business to be validly transacted.

2.34 Recorded Vote – Means the recording of the name and vote of every Member voting on any matter or question.

2.35 Resolution – Means a formal determination made by the Council or a Committee on the basis of a motion, duly placed before a regularly constituted meeting of the Council or a Committee for debate and decision, and duly passed.

2.36 Rule or Rules of Procedure – Means the rules and special rules and regulations as provided for within this Procedural By-law.

2.37 Special Committee – Means Special Committees of the Council of The Township of Russell, where one or more Members of the Council participate, but not all Members of the Council, as well as the appointment of non-Members and who assemble to discuss a particular subject matter of interest to the Council.

2.38 Standing Committee – Means a committee constituted to perform a continuing function, and remain in existence permanently or for the life of the Council that establishes them and are appointed by Bylaw or Resolution.

2.39 Time – Means that the “Time Act” shall govern the time within this Procedural By-law.

2.40 Two-Thirds Vote – Means that a motion of 2/3’s of Members present and voting should be required and where the votes cast are in the Affirmative – meaning that the affirmative votes are at least twice the negative votes. (see 3.2).

Article III General Provisions

3.1 Suspension – Rules Regulations – applicable – two-thirds vote  

The rules and regulations contained within this By-law shall be observed in all proceedings of the Council and shall be the rules and regulations for the order and dispatch of business of all Council meetings and in Committees, provided that the rules and regulations contained herein may be suspended by two-thirds (2/3) vote of Members of the Council in any case for which provision is not made herein and shall not be debatable or amendable.

3.1.1 Suspension – Rules Regulations – not permissible  – The suspension of rules and regulations shall not apply to a Notice of Motion.

3.2 Calculation – Two-thirds vote (2/3)  

A two-thirds vote, shall be deemed to have been accomplished with the following voting in the affirmative:

• Four of five Members
• Three of four Members
• Two of three Members

Two thirds of the votes cast in the Affirmative, shall be at least two times more than the negative votes and the votes shall be rounded upwards to the next highest decimal.

3.3 Parliamentary Authority

The governing legislation, the Procedural By-law, or any standing or special rules of order adopted by The Township of Russell shall govern the procedures of Council.  Where inconsistencies exist, the current edition of “Robert’s Rules of Order, latest edition” shall be the parliamentary authority, which governs the proceedings of The Township of Russell.

3.4 Official Languages of Business

Any person participating in a meeting of the Council or Committee may address themselves in English or French after the Chair has recognized them.

3.5 Seating of Council Members – Chambers

The seating of elected Members of Council, at the Council table, shall be selected as follows:

The Councillor having received the most votes at the most recent election, shall be seated to the immediate right of the Mayor, the Councillor having received the second most votes at the most recent election, shall be seated to the immediate left of the Mayor; the Councillor having received the third most votes at the most recent election, shall be seated to the far right of the Mayor; and the Councillor having received the fourth most votes at the most recent election, shall be seated to the far left of the Mayor.

A member of Council can make a request for a seating change at any meeting for any duration period.

In the event of a vacant seat during a Council term, the Mayor shall have the deciding voice as to the seating arrangements.

3.6 Severability of By-law  

If a court or tribunal of competent jurisdiction declares any portion of this By-law to be illegal or unenforceable, that portion of this By-law shall be considered to be severed from the balance of the By-law, which shall continue to operate in full force and effect.

Article IV Meetings

4.1 Inaugural – time – place – location  

The Inaugural Meeting of a new Council after a regular election and after a by-election, shall be considered the Council’s first meeting and shall be held no later than 31 days after its term commences. Following a regular election, the Inaugural Meeting will be held in the Council Chambers of The Township of Russell Municipal Office on November 15, commencing at 6:00 p.m. In the event November 15 is on a weekend or on a public or civic holiday, the meeting shall be held at the same hour on the next following day.

4.1.1 Inaugural Meeting – The Clerk shall be responsible for the content of the agenda of the Inaugural Meeting and the arrangements for the Inaugural Proceedings.  The contents of the Agenda shall be as follows:

• a) Opening of the Meeting  (opening ceremonies)
• b) Mayor’s Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance
• c) Councillors’ Declaration of Office and Oath of Allegiance
• d) Councillors’ Inaugural Address
• e) Mayor’s Inaugural Address
• g) Adjournment

4.1.2 Declaration of Office – At the first meeting of a new Council after a regular election and after a by-election, pursuant to Section 232(1) of The Municipal Act, 2001, a Member of Council shall not take a seat on the Council, until the person takes the Declaration of Office in  the English or French version of the form established by the Minister for that purpose.

4.2 Meetings – location

Unless extenuating circumstances dictates otherwise (section 4.4), all meetings of the Council of The Township of Russell shall be held in the Council Chambers of The Township of Russell Municipal Office.

4.3 Regular - schedule - designated – time

Regular meetings of council shall be held on the second (2nd) and fourth (4th) Mondays of every month, commencing at 6:00 p.m. With the exceptions of the month of January, where there will be one (1) regular meeting held on the  last Monday of the month, the month of July, when there will be no regular meeting, the month of august where there will be one (1) regular meeting held on the last Monday of the month, and the month of December, where there will be one (1) regular meeting held on the second (2) Monday of the month.

4.4 Extenuating Circumstances - changes to meeting times   

In the event of extenuating (emergency) circumstances, the date, place and time of any meeting may be changed by the Mayor or by a majority vote of the Members of Council.

4.5 Statutory Holidays

In the event that a meeting is scheduled on a public or civic holiday, Council shall meet at the same hour on the next following day, which is not a public or civic holiday.

4.6 Notice – Public Meeting   

Notice shall be given of all public meetings of the Council on the previous Agenda detailing the order of business, immediately following the “Confirming Bylaw” unless the day of meeting is other than that provided by this By-law as identified under Sections 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3. 

4.7 Special Meetings

4.7.1 Special Meeting– Mayor – In addition to Public Meetings, the Mayor, in consultation with the CAO and Clerk, may at any time summon a Special Meeting of Council by giving direction to the Clerk stating the date, time and purpose of the Special Meeting.

4.7.2 Special Meeting – Members of Council – Upon receipt of the petition of the majority of the Members of Council, the Clerk shall summon a Special meeting for the purpose and at the date and time mentioned in the petition.

4.7.3 Notice by Clerk – The Clerk shall give all Members notice of a Special Meeting of Council not less than forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the appointed time for such a meeting.

4.7.4 Delivery – Notice – Notice of the meeting shall be provided to Members of Council, by electronic mail and attempt to contact the Members by telephone or as otherwise practical within the circumstances.  In addition, notice of all Special Meetings of Council shall be posted on the Township’s website and posted on the information board in the main lobby of the municipal office not less than forty-eight (48) hours in advance of the time fixed for the meeting.  Notice shall also be given to the local media by electronic mail.

4.7.5 Nature of Business – Notice – The written or verbal notice shall indicate the nature of the business to be considered, date, time and place of the Special Meeting.

4.7.6 No Other Business – No business other than that indicated in the written or verbal notice shall be considered at the Special Meeting. Therefore, all items listed under the General Order of Business (Article X) not required will be removed from the Agenda, such as Opening ceremonies – including Territorial Land Acknowledgement Statement, National Anthem and Moment of Reflexion, Minutes, Presentations-Delegations, Public Meetings/Consultations – Hearings, Closed Session, etc. except for the Question Period – on – Meeting of the Day. The Question Period - on - Meeting of the Day is to be removed from the Agenda for the budget working sessions. The Question Period - on - Meeting of the Day is to be removed from the Agenda for the budget working sessions.

4.7.7 Special Meeting – Place – All Special Meetings of Council shall be held in the Council Chambers, unless an alternative location is specified in the notice of meeting as provided for under section 4.4.

4.8 Emergency Meeting – notice not required

Notwithstanding any other provision of this By-law, an Emergency Meeting may be held, without written notice, to deal with an emergency or extraordinary situation, provided that an attempt has been made by the Clerk or her/his designate to notify the Members about the Meeting as soon as possible and in the most expedient manner available.

4.9 Location – Emergency Council Meetings

In the event of an emergency declared by the head of Council or any other Lead Agency, as identified in the “Emergency Management Act” within the confines of a declared emergency, where The Township of Russell Municipal Office is not accessible, the Municipal Office may be relocated and Council Meetings may be held at any other convenient location, within or outside the geographical boundaries of the municipality, which is accessible to Members of Council and staff.

5.5 Clerk 

It is the role of the Clerk to:

• a. Record, without note or comment, all resolutions, decisions and other proceedings of the Council
• b. If required by any Member present at a vote, to record the name and vote of every Member voting on any matter or question
• c. To keep the originals or copies of all By-laws and of all minutes of the proceedings of the Council
• d. Perform the other duties required under this Act or under any other Act; and
• e. Perform such other duties as are assigned by the municipality.

5.6 Chief Administrative Officer

It is the role of the Chief Administrative Officer to:

• a. Exercise general control and management of the affairs of the municipality for the purpose of ensuring the efficient and effective operation of the municipality; and
• b. Perform such other duties as assigned by the municipality.

Article VI Duties

6.1 Council

6.1.1 Preparation of Members to Council Meeting – It is the responsibility of every Member of Council to come prepared to every meeting by having read all the material supplied, including agendas and staff reports, to facilitate discussion and the determination of action at the meeting.  Wherever possible, the Member(s) shall make inquiries of staff regarding materials supplied in advance of the meeting.

6.1.2 Requests for substantive reports – All requests for substantive reports shall be by Council Resolution, which shall identify the appropriate Department or Manager and objectives of the report.

6.1.3 Interference – direct – No Member(s) shall have the authority to direct or interfere with the performance of any work by Administration of The Township of Russell.  All inquiries shall be directed through the office of the Chief Administrator.

6.2 Mayor and Committee Chair

6.2.1 Public Meeting – call to order – The Mayor or Committee Chair shall preside over the conduct of meetings, including the preservation of good order and decorum, ruling on points of order and deciding all questions relating to the orderly procedure of the meeting, subject to an appeal to the Council or Committee, as the case may be.

6.2.2 Recognize speakers – The Mayor or Committee Chair shall recognize any Member of Council or Committee (as the case may be) who wishes to speak and determine the order of the speakers.

7.9 Breach – seat vacated 

Where a Member has been called to order by the Mayor for failing to observe the provisions of the Rules of Procedure and the Member persists in any such disobedience after having been called to order by the Mayor, the Mayor may immediately put the question, no amendment, adjournment or debate being allowed, that such Member be ordered to leave his/her seat for the duration of the meeting of the Council.  But if the Member apologizes he/she may, by vote of the Council, be permitted to retake his/her seat.

7.10 Dress Code – Regular meeting Council  

All Members of Council shall wear proper business attire (ties optional) during regularly scheduled meetings.

7.11 Members of the Public - Code of Conduct

Shall:

• 7.11.1 remain seated, except for the person who has been given permission to speak, through the Chair

• 7.11.2 refrain from making noise or engage in a conversation between one another

• 7.11.3 listen to the person who is speaking and shall not interrupt said person

• 7.11.4 respect the fact that no person shall address Council without having been recognized by the Chair

• 7.11.5 Address questions and remarks to the Chair

• 7.11.6 Any Member of the public, found to be disrespecting the code of conduct during a meeting, shall be removed from the ongoing meeting.

7.12 Members of Committees of Council - Code of Conduct

Committee members are always to conduct themselves in an ethical and professional manner and agree to adhere and conform to the Code of Conduct for Members of Council in effect.

Article VIII Rules of Debate

8.1 Chair Preserve Order  

The Mayor/Chair shall preserve order and decorum and decide questions of order subject to an appeal to The Council/Committee by any Member.

8.2 Addressing the Chair  

Any Member previous to speaking on any motion shall indicate his/her desire to speak by the raised hand and shall not speak until recognized by the Chair.

8.3 Order of Speakers  

When two or more Members wish to address the Chair, the Mayor shall recognize the Member, who in his/her opinion, was first recognized followed by the second Member.

8.4 Disturbance by Member

No Member shall disturb another Member, or the Council itself, by any disorderly behavior disconcerting to any Member speaking.

8.5 Offensive Words

No Member shall use offensive words during any meeting of Council or Committee meeting against any Member of Council or staff.

8.6 Voting – Members – seated  

When the Chair calls for the vote on a motion, each Member shall occupy his/her seat and shall remain there until the Chair has declared the result of the vote, and during such time no Member shall walk across the room to speak to any other Member or make any noise or disturbance.

8.7 Speaking Interruption  

When a Member is speaking, no Member shall pass between the speaker and the Chair or interrupt the speaker except to raise a question of privilege, appeal from the decision of the Chair, or raise a point of order.

8.8 Speaking – motion read upon request

Any Member may require a motion under discussion to be read at any time during the debate but not so as to interrupt a Member while speaking.

8.9 Speaking - Duration Time Limit – five (5) minutes

No Member shall speak to the same question or in reply for longer than five (5) minutes and no Member shall speak more than once to the main question without approval of the Council, except, in explanation of a material part of his speech which may have been misunderstood, but they may not introduce new matter.  A right of reply shall be allowed to a Member who has made a substantive motion to Council.

8.10 Question – motion under discussion

A Member may concisely ask a question through the Chair only for the purpose of obtaining information relating to the motion under discussion.

8.11 Question Integrity of Staff  

A Member, while asking questions through the Chair, shall at no time put into question the Municipal Employee’s personal or professional integrity.

8.12 Chair Participation - step down - other designated  

If the Chair desires to leave the Chair for the purpose of debate or moving a motion, the Chair shall designate another Member to Chair the meeting until such time as the motion(s) and any subsidiary motion(s) applicable to the main motion are disposed.

8.13 Motion – seconded – before debate

All motions shall be seconded before they are debated or voted on.

8.14 Motion – stated by the Chair

After the Mayor/Chair puts any question, no Member shall speak to the question, nor shall any other motion be introduced until the result of the question has been declared, and the Chair has stated as to whether the question has been adopted or defeated.

Article IX Code of Ethic - Confidentiality

9.1 Closed meetings - subjects – public interest

Upon completion of Council meetings that are closed to the public, the decisions of the Council with respect to any of the enumerated items listed in Section 4.11, and directions to Township Administration in accordance therewith, shall then be reported publicly by Council to the extent that the public interest permits.

9.2 Council response – Closed Meeting enquiries

The response of Council Members to enquiries about any matter dealt with during a closed meeting, prior to it being reported publicly, shall be “this matter is still under advisement”, “no comment”, or words to that affect.

9.2.1 Violation of regulation – Any violation of order to this regulation, may result in exclusion of the offending Council Member, requiring a two-thirds vote from future closed meetings of Council and that Member shall no longer be provided with correspondence, materials or information proposed to be dealt with Members of Council at a closed meeting.

9.2.2 Exclusion – closed meetings – The determination of whether or not a violation of orders to the closed meeting provisions of this By-law and the length of the exclusion from closed meetings, if so determined, shall be made by Council at a closed meeting and the issues shall be considered by Council prior to the affected Member being excluded from any closed meeting by a two-thirds vote.  The results of Council’s deliberation shall be reported out publicly.

9.2.3 Separate Resolution – per Member – If the purported violation of the order to the closed meeting provisions of this By-law by more than one Member is to be considered, a separate resolution of Council with respect to each affected Member is to be considered.

9.2.4 Member not permitted to vote – Notwithstanding Section 9.2.1 the Member affected shall be permitted to vote on a motion respecting his purported violation of the closed meeting provision of the Procedural By-law, his exclusion from closed meetings, or the length of any such exclusion.

9.2.5 Release of Information – The release of any information about matters dealt with by Council at a closed meeting shall be by the Mayor or his delegate only upon direction of the majority of Council.

9.2.6 Member – expresses – personal position – Notwithstanding Section 9.2.2 unless Council by vote determines otherwise, upon the public disclosure of any confidential report discussed during a Council meeting closed to the public, any individual Member, may express their own personal position on the item, but shall not refer to or discuss the specific positions or opinions (written or verbal) of other Members or of Township staff.

9.2.7 No release – public – Agendas or any items thereon for consideration by Council at a closed meeting shall not be released to the public.

9.2.8 Obligation – confidentiality – It is the obligation of each Member of Council to keep information confidential and this obligation continues even after the Member ceases to be a Member of Council.  A Member of Council absent at a closed meeting is not to be provided with the information or details of the discussion; only the minutes, however, the Member of Council has the option to contact the CAO and Mayor to discuss or bring him/her up to speed if necessary.

Article X General Order of Business 

10.1 Agenda – content  

The business of the Council shall be considered in the order set forth on the Agenda however, the Presiding Officer, with the approval of the majority of the Members of Council present, may vary the order in which the items are presented, prior to approval, to better deal with matters before the Council.

10.2 Additions to Agenda  

By exception, the Clerk, at the request or consent of the Mayor, shall add such business items to the Agenda beyond the deadline schedule but not beyond Monday preceding the final preparation of Agenda.

10.3 Modifications to Agenda  

Agendas shall be generally formatted in the following manner, however modifications to the business items to be included on the Agenda or the order of business may be temporarily modified without requiring an amendment to the Procedural By-law.

10.3.1 Roll Call

The Clerk shall record and include in the minutes, all Members of Council, present or absent as well as Members of Administration who are present at all Council meetings.

10.3.2 Opening Ceremonies – including Territorial Land Acknowledgement Statement, National Anthem and Moment of Reflexion

•  i. Played and recited at every Regular Council Meeting

10.3.3 Adoption of the Agenda including amendments and/or additions

The Agenda, in its original presentation or its amended state, shall be approved by majority vote of Members of Council present and voting.

10.3.4 Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest

• i. Members of Council shall disclose any possible conflict of interest, and its general nature dealing with any business item on the agenda or with a matter discussed at a previous meeting from which a Member was absent. The Member shall also file a written statement of pecuniary interest and its general nature with the Clerk or the secretary of the committee. (Conflict of Interest Act) (REFER TO ARTICLE XX)

10.3.5 Adoption of Council Minutes

 The minutes of the preceding meeting shall be submitted to Council in order that any errors therein may be corrected by Council, and when adopted, such minutes shall be signed by the Mayor or Acting Mayor and the Clerk or Deputy Clerk. (REFER TOARTICLE XII).

10.3.6 Presentations - Delegations  - Petitions – Deadline  

Schedule A1 and A2, forming part of this By-law provides the Template form detailing the manner in which requests for Presentations/Delegations/Petitions shall be filed with The Township in order to have such matter included to the Agenda for Council’s review and/or debate.

10.3.6.1  Submission of Application – Every request submitted, shall be filed with the Clerk no later than 4:00 P.M. on the Thursday (7 days prior) of the week preceding the printing of the Agenda; shall be legibly written or printed; shall not contain any defamatory allegations, or impertinent or improper matter, shall be dated and signed by at least one person and shall include his/her name with appropriate contact information such as a current municipal and e-mail address and shall include any material that is to be distributed or displayed to the Council.

10.3.7 Consent Items (includes but not limited to – caption) – The following note shall be added on the Agenda for Consent Items: All items listed under the Consent Agenda will be enacted by one motion.  A majority vote is required for the adoption of Consent Items.  There will be no separate discussion of these items unless a request is made prior to the time Council votes on the motion that a consent item is to be separated from the motion.  The separated item(s) shall be considered immediately thereafter.

10.3.7.1 – Consent items included but not necessarily limited to are as follows:

• i. Proclamations and Flag Raising Requests
• ii. Routine matters
• iii. Minutes from Council Committees and Boards
• iv. Minutes from the United Counties of Prescott and Russell
• v. Community Grants Requests
• vi. Paylist

10.3.7.2 Proclamations – Deadline – Schedule A4, forming part of this By-law provides the Template form detailing the manner in which requests for Proclamations shall be filed with the Township in order to have such matter included to the Agenda for Council’s review and/or debate.

10.3.8 Reports from Departments and Council Committees – Reports, shall be presented to Members of Council by Department Heads, at the request of the Mayor or the Chief Administrative Officer.  Committee recommendations, with the exception of the Committee of Adjustment, shall be brought to Council by the Chair following a Committee meeting, any resolutions and By-laws contained in the report shall be submitted to Council for adoption under the headings of “Resolutions and/or By-laws”.

10.3.8.1 Reports – with By-law – Any report requiring additional endorsement by By-law – the By-laws shall be separate from the report and listed under Section dealing with By-laws.

10.3.8.2 Reports – Official Resolution – Any report requesting endorsement by Official Resolution - the Official Resolution shall be prepared and provided for approval under separate document and added to the Resolution Section of the Agenda.

10.3.9 Reports from an Investigator or the Ombudsman – Reports, shall be presented to Members of Council by the Clerk, at the request of the Mayor or the Chief Administrative Officer. Any resolution and By-law contained in the report shall be submitted to Council for adoption under the headings of “Resolutions and/or By-laws”. Pursuant to subsection 239.2 (12) of the Municipal Act, a municipality or a local board is required to pass a resolution stating how it intends to address a report from an Investigator or from the Ombudsman.

10.3.10 Notices of Motions (Article XVI)

10.3.11 Question Period – on – Meeting of the Day – Residents, owners of a property, business owners (or their official representative) in the Township may for a period not exceeding 3 minutes each, ask questions, without debate or criticism, regarding any matter on the agenda except in regard to a Notice of Motion being introduced or an item added at section 18 Other Business – Business Presented by Council Members. This portion of the Agenda, should not exceed a total of 15 minutes.

10.3.12  Resolutions (Article XVI)

10.3.13  By-laws (Article XVIII)

10.3.14  New Business Reports (Article XIX)

10.3.15 Other Business  - Business presented by Council Members – Any other business brought forward by Members of Council, shall be channeled through the Chair.

10.3.16  Public Consultations - Hearings – Public Meetings are to be held in accordance with The Planning Act, or other relevant legislation or By-law and followed by a question period as required.

10.3.17 Announcements – A round table is proposed by the Mayor allowing Members in attendance to announce activities or events in the municipality.

10.3.18 Strategic Discussion – Topics brought forward by administration for discussion.

10.3.19 Closed Session – Refer to Article IV “Meetings” at sections 4.11 to 4.15 for further details on the procedures of closed session meetings and note the time the meeting was adjourned.

10.3.20 Report out of Closed Session – Refer to Article IV “Meetings” at sections 4.11 to 4.15 for further details on the procedures of closed session meetings. Note the time at which the open session reconvened, report in public out of closed session about what transpired in closed session and record it in the open minutes.

10.3.21 Confirming By-law – At the conclusion of all Regular and Special Council Meetings and prior to adjournment, a By-law shall be brought forward to confirm the proceedings of the Council at that meeting in respect of each motion, resolution and other action taken.  A Confirming By-law then introduced, shall be taken as read a first, second and third time and finally adopted without debate.

10.3.22 Next Meeting – The next regular public meeting of Council shall be noted. At the meeting, the Mayor will ask Council members if there are any special request to have the next meeting held by electronic participation. If there is, Council will vote on the request and the Clerk will record and include this in the minutes and to prepare the next Agenda and post on the website.

10.3.23 Adjournment – When all business listed on the Agenda has been completed and disposed of, the Mayor may declare the meeting Adjourned, until the next regular meeting, without motion.

10.4 Delivery of Agenda  

The Clerk or her/his delegate shall prepare and make available by 4:30 p.m. on the Wednesday preceding a regularly scheduled Council Meeting (insofar as is practicable) an agenda package for Members of Council.  The agenda packages shall be distributed by e-mail with a link to the Township’s web-site to all Members of Council and heads of departments. 

10.4.1 Public availability – Where practicable, agenda packages are to be made available for public viewing by 4:30 p.m. on the Wednesday before each regularly scheduled meeting, at the Clerk’s office and on the Township’s website at www.russell.ca and/or https://russell.civicweb.net.  Public notification shall be deemed to have been given by the posting of the Council Agenda on the Township’s website as noted above.

10.4.2 Delivery of Special Agenda – The Agenda package for a Special Meeting, where practicable, shall be sent to all Members of Council at least 48 hours prior to the scheduled meeting by e-mail with a link to the Township’s web-site.

10.4.3 Preparation of Special Agenda – For Special Meetings, called by the Mayor or by a petition of the majority of the Members of Council, the Agenda shall be prepared by the Clerk for the purpose stated by the Mayor or within the petition.

10.4.4 Preparation of Regular Agenda – For Regular Meetings, the Agenda shall be prepared by the Clerk and the subjects approved by at least two (2) of the following three (3) persons:  Clerk/CAO/Mayor.

Article XI Quorum

11.1 Call to Order – Quorum Present

As soon after the hour fixed for holding the meeting of the Council, as there is a quorum present, the Chair shall call the Members to order.

11.2 Quorum  

A majority of Members of the Council, shall constitute a quorum.

11.3 Quorum – not present - time limit

If there is no quorum present within fifteen (15) minutes after the time fixed for holding the meeting of the Council, the Clerk shall call the roll and take down the names of the Members present, and the meeting shall stand adjourned until the next regular meeting, or at the call of the Chair.

11.4 Rescheduled Meeting   

Where required, the Clerk shall attempt to provide notice of any re-scheduled meeting to Members of Council by telephone, e-mail, or as is otherwise practical within the time available.  The media and public at large shall also be notified as detailed within section 10.4.1.

11.5 Unfinished Business – resume  

All business listed on the Agenda, where the meeting has been adjourned for lack of a quorum, shall be added to the adjourned meeting, or to the next regularly scheduled meeting, whichever is first.

11.6 Mayor – absent  

In the case of the Mayor not attending within fifteen (15) minutes after the hour fixed for holding the meeting of the Council, and provided that a quorum is present, the Acting Mayor shall take the Chair and call the Members to order; and he/she shall preside until the arrival of the Mayor.

11.7 Mayor – Acting Mayor – absent  

In the absence of the Mayor and Acting Mayor, and if a quorum is present, the Clerk shall call the Members to order.  A Chairperson shall be chosen from among the Members present, who shall preside over the meeting until the arrival of the Mayor or Acting Mayor.

11.8 Quorum – Municipal Conflict of Interest – remedy for lack  

Where the number of Members who, by reason of the provisions of The Municipal Conflict of Interest Act, are disabled from participating in a meeting is such that at that meeting the remaining Members are not of sufficient number to constitute a quorum, then, despite any other General or Special Act, the remaining number of Members shall be deemed to constitute a quorum, provided such number is not less than two (2).

Article XII Minutes

12.1 Contents – recorded by Clerk  

The Clerk shall prepare and cause the minutes to be taken of each meeting of Council, which shall include:

• a) The place, date and time of the meeting(s)
• b) The name(s) of the presiding officer or officers and the record of the attending Members of Council and Administration.  Should a Member enter after the commencement of a meeting or leave prior to adjournment, the time shall be noted by the Member’s name
• c) Every declaration of interest and the general nature thereof
• d) Every declaration of interest made, but not the general nature of that interest, shall where the meeting is not open to the public, be recorded in the minutes of the next meeting that is open to the public
• e) The reading, if requested, correction and adoption of the minutes of prior meetings
• f) All other proceedings of Council without note or comment.
• g) The time that the meeting is adjourned.

12.2 Included in Agenda   

Minutes of the last regular meeting(s) of Council and of all Special Council Meetings held subsequent to the last regular meeting, shall be included in the agenda and may be adopted by Council without having been read at the meeting at which the question of their adoption is considered.

12.2.1 Minutes – Special meetings – Should a special meeting be held during or after final preparations of an agenda for an upcoming regular meeting, the minutes of those special meetings shall be scheduled at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

12.3 Adoption - without reading    

The Council may adopt the Council minutes without being read.

12.4 Closed Meeting - minutes – adoption   

All minutes generated by a meeting closed to the public shall be presented to Council Members for adoption at the next scheduled meeting closed to the public.

12.5 Minutes – confirmation – signing  

When the minutes have been adopted, the Mayor, or Elected Official who presided the meeting, and the Clerk or designate who recorded the minutes of the meeting shall sign them, and in their absence, the Acting Mayor and/or Clerk’s designate.

Article XIII Presentations - Delegations - Petitions

13.1 Heard – request submitted – deadline    

Persons desiring to address Council for the purpose of making a Presentation or Delegation/Petition with respect to items for Council consideration that fall under the Council’s mandate shall be heard during a Regular meeting.

13.1.1 Form submission and deadline – Individuals wishing to submit a request shall complete a Delegation/Petition Form (Schedule A1) (or) Presentation Form (Schedule A2) and return the form, with supporting documentation to the Clerk, no later than 4:00 p.m. on the Thursday (7 days prior) preceding the preparation and distribution of the printed Agenda for the next Regular Meeting of Council.

13.1.2 Late submissions – All requests received after the deadline date of 4:00 p.m. on Thursday as provided for in Article 13.1.1 above or if the agenda is deemed full, the request shall be considered at the next scheduled Regular meeting.

13.1.3 Requests Denied – Requests for Delegation, who have previously addressed Council on a topic already dealt with, shall not be granted, unless they can prove that they have new information, not previously presented to Council.

13.2 Presentations defined  

A request made for a presentation may be made by the Council to an individual, group or organization or it may be made to the Council by individuals, groups or organizations for matters that fall under the Council’s mandate.  Should the request for presentation be made where it requires that the Council take action, the request shall be made under “Delegations”.

13.2.1 Presentations – time limit – Council shall hear any presentation for information purposes only, and presentations shall be limited to a maximum of ten (10) minutes.

13.3 Delegations defined  

A request made for a delegation may be made to the Council by individuals, groups or organizations for matters that fall under the Council’s mandate. Delegations that request action to be taken by the Council shall be referred to Administration, by majority vote, for a report that shall be dealt with at an ensuing Council meeting.

13.3.1 Delegations or Petitions – time limit – Council shall hear Delegations for information purposes only, and the delegation shall be limited to a maximum of ten (10) minutes.

13.4 Delegations – previously heard by – Planning Advisory Committee

A request made for a delegation regarding any aspect of an Official Plan Amendment, Zoning By-law Amendment or Plans of Subdivisions or Condominiums will not be accepted between the conclusion of a public meeting that was conducted in accordance with the Planning Act and final reading of the By-law.

15.7 Commit or Refer - Motion to

A motion to Commit or Refer may be introduced to send a pending question to a relatively small group of selected persons – a committee – so that the question may be carefully investigated and put into better condition for the assembly to consider. 

15.7.1 Debate on Motion to Commit or Refer – The debate can extend only to the desirability of committing the main question and to the appropriate details of the motion to commit, not to the merits of the main questions.

15.8 Postpone to a Certain Time – Definitely (motion to Defer)

The motion to Postpone is the motion by which action on a pending question can be put off, within limits, to a definite day, meeting, or hour, or until after a certain event.  A motion to postpone is applied to a question either so that it may be considered at a more convenient time, or because debate has shown reasons for holding off a decision until later.

15.9 Call the Question – Put – Previous Question - Motion to

The motion to call the previous question is used to bring the assembly to an immediate vote on one or more pending questions.  This motion requires a mover and seconder and requires 2/3’s of the assembly for its adoption.  This motion, immediately closes the debate on, and stops amendments to the immediately pending question and such other pending motions as the motion may specify.

15.10 Lay on the Table - Motion to

The motion to Lay on the Table is used to interrupt the pending business so as to permit doing something else immediately.  It enables the assembly to lay the pending question aside temporarily when something else of immediate urgency has arisen or when something else needs to be addressed before consideration of the pending question is resumed.  

15.11 Take from the Table - Motion to

After a question has been Laid on the Table it can be taken from the table by a majority vote, as soon as the interrupting business is disposed of and whenever no question is pending.  Any Member can move to take a question from the table.

15.12 Recess - Motion to

A motion to recess is made when a Member (s) wish to have a short intermission of the assembly’s proceedings, commonly of only a few minutes.  A recess does not close or adjourn the meeting.  Once the recess is completed, business resumes at exactly the point where it was interrupted.

15.13 Adjourn - Motion to

The motion to adjourn means to close the meeting.  This motion is generally used at the end of a detailed and prepared Agenda when business has been completed.

15.14 Reconsideration – Motion to

The motion to reconsider enables the majority of Council, within a limited time and without notice, to bring back for further consideration a motion that has already been voted on.  The purpose of reconsideration a vote is to permit correction of a hasty decision, or to take into account added information or changed situation that has developed since the taking of the vote.

15.14.1 When can Reconsideration be moved – A motion to reconsider has time limits and can only be made on the same day and in the same meeting      the vote to be reconsidered was taken. The motion to reconsider can be debated.  Time limits on a motion do not apply to Standing or Special Committees.

15.14.2 Member – move to reconsider – A motion to reconsider can only be made by a Member who voted on the prevailing side or a Member who did not vote.

15.14.3 Reconsider Adopted – If a motion to reconsider has been adopted, it temporarily nullifies the previous decision and places the meeting back at the point prior to taking the vote on the original motion, and consideration of the original matter shall become the next order of business.

15.14.4 Discussion on Motion of Reconsideration – There shall be no discussion on the main question permitted until the motion for reconsideration is adopted.

15.14.5 Reconsideration only once – No motion or report shall be reconsidered more than once at any meeting.

15.14.6  Reconsideration – not permissible – A motion to reconsider a motion shall be out of order under the following conditions:

• a) When the provisions of the motion has been partially carried out
• b) When a vote has caused something to be done that cannot be undone
• c) When a contract has been made and the other party has been notified of the vote
• d) At an ensuing meeting of Council, unless the Member asked that the motion for Reconsideration be included to the minutes and that the motion was to be reconsidered at the next regular meeting.[7]

15.15 Amend Something Previously Adopted or Rescind

A motion to reconsider any matter already disposed of by the current Council at a previous meeting, shall require a motion to Amend Something Previously Adopted or a motion to Rescind, provided by Notice at one meeting to be dealt with at the following meeting.  With notice, this motion requires majority vote.  Without notice, this motion requires 2/3’s of the Members of Council, present and voting.

15.16 Notice of Motion  

A Notice of Motion may be introduced by a Member at a meeting regarding a matter that would not otherwise be considered by Council at such meeting, by delivering a written copy of the motion, signed by the mover and seconder to the Clerk, who shall read it during the segment on the Agenda reserved for Notices of Motion.

15.16.1 Notice of Motion – Consideration – Notice of Motion, of which notice was given, shall be considered at the Council’s next meeting.

15.16.2 Administration – Introduction – A Notice of Motion may be introduced by a Member of the Administration, without the requirement of a mover and seconder.

15.16.3 Notice of Motion – no debate – Notice of Motions introduced at a public meeting of Council shall not be debated and shall be recorded on the next meeting of Council under Resolution.

15.16.4 Consideration – Mover absent – A Notice of Motion shall not be considered or otherwise disposed of by the council unless the mover of the motion is in attendance at the meeting, where the Notice is being considered.

15.16.5 Seconded – by any Member – seconder not present – Any Member may agree to second a notice of motion if the originating seconder is absent from the meeting when the notice of motion is called for by the Chair.

15.16.6 Notice – delivered - time – A Notice of Motion may be delivered to the clerk no later than 12:00 p.m.  (noon) on the  Monday preceding the date of the next regular meeting in order to be included to the final agenda, at which time the motion is to be introduced, or be read during the Notice of Motion segment of the Agenda of a regularly scheduled meeting of the Council.

Article XVI Resolutions   

16.1 Resolutions – Notice of Motions – Debated Separately

Every matter listed under Resolution or Notice of Motions introduced at a previous meeting shall be dealt with individually.

16.2 Notice – received by Clerk – included in Agenda

Notice of Motions introduced at a public meeting of Council shall not be debated and shall be recorded on the next regular meeting of Council under the heading “Resolutions”.

16.3 Consideration – disposal – deferred to other meeting

A Notice of Motion shall not be considered or otherwise disposed of by the Council unless the mover of the motion is in attendance at the meeting.  Any Member may second the motion.

16.4 Notice – delivered  

Notice of Motions may be delivered to the Clerk no later than 12:00 p.m.  (noon on the Monday preceding the date of the next regular meeting, in order to be included to the final printing of the Agenda, at which time the motion is to be introduced, or be read at the end of a regularly scheduled meeting of the Council.

Article XVII Voting

17.1 Motion – simple majority – required – exception

The vote required to pass a motion shall be a simple majority which is 50% plus 1 with the exception as otherwise provided for within this By-law, by Statute or by your Parliamentary Authority of “Robert’s Rules of Order, newly revised”.

17.2 Absent from Seat

When the Chair calls for the vote on any question, each Member shall occupy their seat until such time as the result of the vote has been declared, and during such time, no Member shall walk across the room, speak to any other Member, or make any noise or disturbance.  A Member who is absent from his/her seat does not have the right to vote.

17.3 Tie Vote – motion deemed negative  

In the case where a resolution on which the voting results are equal, the motion shall be deemed   defeated or lost for want of a majority.

17.4 Failure to vote – deemed negative

Failure to vote by a Member, who is not disqualified, shall be deemed to be a negative vote.

17.5 Un-recorded vote

The manner of determining the decision of the Council on a vote to a motion, shall be at the discretion of the Chair and may be by voice vote, by show of hands, by standing or otherwise.

17.6 Recorded Vote - Request

Any Member, prior to or immediately subsequent to the taking of the vote, may require that the vote be recorded.  Recorded votes are recorded within the minutes.

17.7 Vote Taken – Unanimous 

When an un-recorded vote has been taken, and the vote has been adopted, the vote is deemed to be unanimously in favor of the question approved.

17.8 Secret Ballot – forbidden

No vote shall be taken during a meeting of the Council by secret ballot or other form of secret vote, unless it is for the appointment to the position of Mayor.

17.9 Division of a Question

17.9.1 Independent Motion - Separate Vote – When a motion relating to a single subject contains several parts, each of which is capable of standing as a complete proposition if the others are removed, the parts can be separated to be considered and voted on as if they were distinct questions – by adoption of the motion for “Division of a Question” (or divide the question).

17.9.2 Motions to Divide – A motion made by a single Member may be made to request that the motion be separated when a series of independent resolutions or main motions dealing with different subjects, is offered in one motion and where one more resolutions must receive separate consideration.

• 17.9.2.1 – Upon a majority vote, the vote on each recommendation or proposition shall be taken separately and no vote shall be required to be taken on the matter as a whole.

17.10 Disputed Vote

Should a Member disagree with the announcement of the Mayor that a question is carried or defeated, the Member may, but only immediately after the declaration of the vote by the Mayor, object to the Mayor’s decision and may request a recorded vote be taken.

17.11 Mayor (Chair) need not vote   

The Chair has the choice to participate in any vote, however he/she must vote when the vote is to be recorded. (By-law 2019-032).

Article XVIII By-Laws

18.1 Description – number of readings – listed on Agenda   

All By-laws, together with a brief description and the notation of the number of readings required, shall be listed on the agenda for the meeting at which they are to be read.

18.2 Form – typewritten compliance – relevant Act  

Every By-law when introduced shall be in typewritten form and shall comply with the provisions of any relevant Act.

18.3 Reading– By-laws   

It shall not be necessary to have the By-laws read in their entirety unless a majority vote by the Council requires that the By-laws be read or a particular By-law be read.

18.4 Debate– By-laws – Third Reading   

Any By-law may be debated at the Third Reading and is subject to amendments or referred for future consideration and re-introduced in the same manner or in an amended matter at a future meeting within a three month period.

18.5 By-law adoption – one motion  

One motion shall be in order to give all By-laws first, second and third readings.  If a Member of Council has a question on a particular By-law, he/she may move that Council exempt a particular By-law from the main motion to allow for further debate.  After all By-laws have passed, the Clerk shall be responsible for their correctness to ensure they reflect the will of the Council.

18.6 Endorsement and enactment – By-laws   

The Clerk shall indicate on all By-laws enacted by the Council, the dates of all readings and shall include the consecutive number and annual date.  All By-laws shall be maintained and kept by the office of the Clerk for archival purposes.

Article XIX New Business

19.1 New Business – routine nature

Any item of business that is of a routine nature that has been introduced to Members of Council requiring a formal resolution that was not previously placed on the Agenda shall be considered as a New Business Motion.

19.2 New Business – in writing – mover and seconder – filed

All New Business motions shall be introduced in writing, with a mover and seconder and filed with the Clerk.

19.3 New Business – filing time – inclusion on agenda

New Business motions, submitted by a Member of Council, that are filed prior to noon on the Monday preceding a regular meeting shall be included to the printing of the Agenda.

19.4 New Business – voted on individually

All New Business motions shall be voted on individually.

19.5 New Business – Non-routine – Notice of Motion

New Business motions that are not of a routine matter, shall be received and read by the Clerk as a “Notice of Motion” and re-introduced at the next regularly scheduled meeting of Council under Resolution for Council discussion, such as but not limited to expenditures, changes in policy etc.

19.6 New Business – introduced – regular meeting

Motions of a new business nature may be filed with the Clerk during the regular meeting of Council and shall be read during the New Business section of the Agenda.  The mover of the motion shall provide copies of the proposed New Business motion to the Clerk and all Members of Council prior to the meeting at which the motion is being introduced.

19.7 Matters not under council jurisdiction

Any matter not considered to be matters under the Municipal Council’s jurisdiction, after consultation with the Mayor, Chief Administrative Officer and Township Clerk, shall not be accepted.

Article XX Disclosure of Interest

20.1 Conflict of Interest

At all times and under all circumstances, Members shall be guided by and shall have regard to the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act.

20.2 Declaration of Interest

Where a Member, either on his or her own behalf or while acting for, by, with or through another, has any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any matter and is present at a meeting at which the matter is the subject of consideration, the Member:

• a) Shall, prior to any consideration of the matter at the meeting, disclose the interest and the general nature thereof;
• b) Shall not take part in the discussion of, or vote on any question in respect of the matter; and
• c) Shall not attempt in any way before, during or after the meeting to influence the voting on any such question.

20.2.1 Closed Meeting Declaration – When a meeting is not opened to the public, in addition to complying with the requirements of Section 20.2 above, the Member shall forthwith leave the meeting for the part of the meeting during which the matter is under consideration.

20.3 Pecuniary Interest When Absent

Where the interest of a Member has not been disclosed by reason of the Member’s absence from a particular meeting, the Member shall disclose the interest and otherwise comply with the requirements of Section 20.2 at the first meeting of the Committee or Local Board as the case may be, attended by the Member after the particular meeting.

20.4 Written Statement re Disclosure and Influence

20.4.1 Written Statement re disclosure

At a meeting at which a Member discloses a pecuniary interest, or as soon as possible afterwards, the Member shall file a written statement of the interest and its general nature with the Clerk of the Municipality or the Secretary of the Committee or Local Board, as the case may be; and

20.4.2 Influence

Where a Member, either on his or her own behalf or while acting for, by, with or through another, has any pecuniary interest, direct or indirect, in any matter that is being considered by an officer or employee of the Municipality or Local Board, or by a person or body to which the Municipality or Committee or Local Board has delegated a power or duty, the Member shall not use his or her office in any way to attempt to influence any decision or recommendation that results from consideration of the matter.

20.5 Record of Disclosure

• a) Every declaration of interest and the general nature thereof shall be recorded in the minutes of the meeting by the Clerk of the Municipality or Secretary of the Committee or Local Board, as the case may be.
• b) Every declaration of interest made, but not the general nature of that interest, shall, where the meeting is not open to the public, be recorded in the minutes of the next meeting that is open to the public.

20.6 Registry

20.6.1 Requirement to Establish Registry – Every Municipality and Local Board shall establish and maintain a registry in which shall be kept:

• a) a copy of each statement filed under Section 20.4; and
• b) a copy of each declaration recorded under Section 20.2.

20.6.2 Access to Registry – The registry shall be available for public inspection in the manner and during the time that the Municipality or Local Board, as the case may be, may determine.

20.7 Failure by any Member of Council to comply with 

The failure of one or more Members to comply with the declaration, shall not affect the validity of the meeting in regard to the said matter.

Article XXI Committees

21.1 Procedure

Except as otherwise provided for herein, a Committee of Council shall conform to the rules governing protocol and procedures as detailed within this Procedural By-law and within the By-law establishing various Committees for The Township of Russell, but all items listed under the General Order of Business (Article X) not required may be removed from the Agenda, such as Opening ceremonies – including Territorial Land Acknowledgement Statement, National Anthem and Moment of Reflexion, Presentations-Delegations, etc.

21.2 Committee

Committee means a Standing, Statutory, Sub-Committee or Ad Hoc Committee established by Council.

21.3 Ad Hoc Committee of Council

Council may, at any time, appoint an Advisory or Ad Hoc Committee to enquire into and report on any matter specific to one subject matter and that does not have a continuous nature.  It is a Committee established for the purpose of dealing with a special project with a clear mandate and a start and finish date.

21.4 Standing Committee

A Standing Committee is an advisory body to Council to consider policy matters regarding Administration, Finance, Planning, Environmental, Public Works, Parks Recreation, Police and Fire Services and on any other matter that Council deems it necessary.

21.4.1 Sub-Committee – A Sub-Committee means a Committee established by a Standing Committee with a clear mandate that has a beginning and end and reports directly to the creating Standing Committee.

21.5 Statutory Committee

A Statutory Committee means committees established pursuant to a specific enabling statute such as a Committee of Adjustment established pursuant to the Planning Act, a Property Standards Committee established pursuant to the Building Code Act, a Municipal Election Compliance Audit Committee established pursuant to the Municipal Elections Act and any other body established pursuant to enabling legislation which services in an arms-length (quasi judicial) capacity on behalf of or in cooperation with the municipality.

Article XXII General Provisions - Council and Committees of Council 

22.1 Recording Equipment

Audio and video recording equipment may be used by staff, the public and the media to record all or any portions of a meeting that is open to the public, provided that it is not disruptive to the conduct of the meeting.  The location and use of such recording equipment shall be at the discretion of the Clerk of The Township of Russell.

22.2 General Notice Requirements

The Corporation of the Township of Russell will provide notice of Council Meetings, Committee Meetings, Budget Meetings, financial statements, committee schedules, and changes to the Rules of Procedure by posting such notices via The Township’s website at www.russell.ca and/or https://russell.civicweb.net .

22.2.1 Notices on Social Media – Upon the Township’s participation in social media such as Facebook, Twitter etc., notices of meetings may also be posted thereon.

22.3 Execution of Documents

Whenever the execution of any document, endorsed by Council is required, to give effect to any Resolution or By-law of the municipality, duly endorsed by motion of Council, the Mayor and Clerk shall have general authority for and in the name of the municipality to execute and to affix the Corporate Seal of the Municipality to such documents.

Article XXIII Repeal - Enactment

23.1 By-laws – previous

That By-law 2019-020 known as the Township of Russell Procedural By-law, previously approved on February 4, 2019 and its amendment by-laws 2019-032, 2020-039, 2020-056 & 2021-087 be and the same is hereby repealed.

23.2 Amendment or repeal

No amendment or repeal of this By-law or any part thereof shall be considered at any meeting of the Council, unless notice of the proposed amendment or repeal has been given at a Regular Meeting of the Council with a vote of approval of two-thirds vote of Members of Council, present and eligible to vote.  The waiving of the notice is prohibited.

23.3 Effective date

This By-law shall come into full force and effect upon final reading thereof.

READ A FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 6TH DAY OF DECEMBER 2021.