Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I attend a Council meeting and ask a question?

Yes, Council has a Public Question Period at every meeting. The time set aside for Question Period is a maximum of 30 minutes and it is requested that each speaker try to keep his or her questions to five minutes. Sometimes research is required before an answer can be provided and therefore your question may not be answered at the meeting. If you have a question for Council, we would encourage you to speak with the Legislative Services Unit at (403) 948-8816 prior to the meeting to discuss the process.

When are Council Meetings held?
First and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 400 Main Street. If Monday is a holiday, it will be held on Tuesday.

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2. How can I contact the Mayor or Aldermen?

By e-mail:

mayor@airdrie.ca
alderman@airdrie.ca

By phone:

(403) 948-8820

City offices:

Mayor Peter Brown (403) 948-8820
Alderman Kelly Hegg (403) 948-7667
Alderman Allan Hunter
Alderman Glenda Alexander (403) 912-2812
Alderman Fred Burley (403) 948-2778
Alderman Ron Chapman
Alderman Murray Buchanan

By mail or fax at the address below:

City of Airdrie
400 Main Street SE
Airdrie, AB T4B 3C3

Fax: (403) 948-6567

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3. Who is the Alderman for my Area?

The City of Airdrie does not have a ward system. Each alderman represents the community as a whole.

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4. How can I speak or be represented at a Public Hearing?

Information on Public Hearings are advertised in the City Connection section of the newspaper. If you wish to submit comments on an item, you may do so in the following ways:

1. Appear at the Council meeting and speak to the item.
The Chairman will invite people forward to speak either in support of or against the item. When this happens, please approach the presentation table and provide your name and address. Your comments should be directed to Council. As Council may have questions for you, please remain seated at the presentation table until the Chairman indicates that there are no further questions.

How do I address the Mayor?
The Mayor, or her delegate, is the Chairman of the meeting and should be addressed as "Your Worship".

How do I address a Councillor?
In Airdrie, Councillors are referred to as Aldermen. When addressing an Alderman, the Chairman should be addressed first and then the Alderman, "Your Worship, Alderman....".

Can I ask Council or the Administration a question during my presentation?
If, while addressing Council, you wish to ask a question of someone in the Council Chambers, such as an individual member of Council or the City Administration, please direct your question to the Chairman. The Chairman will then direct the individual concerned to respond to the question if she feels it is appropriate to do so.

Please note that oral presentations may be subject to a five minute time limit. If you are also bringing materials as part of your oral presentation, please ensure that you bring 12 copies of the material to the meeting. This material will be made available to Council, the media and public on request.

2. Have someone speak to Council on your behalf. Please see Item # 1 above.

3. Submit your comments in writing.
Written submissions should be typewritten and 12 copies must be provided to be distributed to Council members and the media. Submissions MUST be received at City Hall by 12 p.m., the day of the public hearing (or as stated in the advertisement).

Please note that information/correspondence presented at a Public Hearing becomes part of the public record. This means that your personal information will be available to both the public (at the meeting and possibly on the Internet) and the media.

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5. How can I apply to sit on one of Council’s Boards or Committees?

Application Process
Every fall, citizens are invited to apply for positions on various boards, committees and commissions. Advertisements are placed in the local newspaper and describe the number of members to be appointed, any special eligibility qualifications, terms of appointments, and meetings times, lengths and schedules. To apply, mail, fax or deliver a letter to the City Clerk’s Unit that includes the following information:

• The committee(s) you are applying for, in preference order. Please note that citizen representatives may serve on only one committee at a time.
• Your reason for applying and your eligibility qualifications. Please also attach a resume of no more than two pages stating your background and experience or a completed Volunteer Application Form. Your personal information will be used by City Council only in consideration of appointments. If you have questions about the use of this information, please contact the City Clerk’s Unit at (403) 948-8816.
• Any previous involvement with, employment affiliation and/or proceeding against the board, committee or commission you are applying for.

Applications may also be emailed to city.clerks@airdrie.ca. Your application will be considered at City Council’s annual organizational meeting in October and an interview may be requested.

For additional information about the appointment process, please contact the City Clerk’s Unit at 948-8816.

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6. What are the Boards, Committees and Commissions that Report to Council?

• Assessment Review Board
• Community Services Advisory Board
• Disaster Services Committee
• Environmental Advisory Board
• Finance Advisory Committee
• Airdrie Municipal Library Board
• Municipal Planning Commission
• Police Committee
• Subdivision and Development Appeal Board

A more detailed description is available here.

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7. Can I attend the Organizational meeting?

While the Organizational meeting is a public meeting, applications are discussed in camera (privately) and you will be asked to wait outside Council Chambers. As the in camera portion of the meeting can be quite lengthy, it is recommended that you call in the next day to see if you were appointed rather than attend the meeting.

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8. What are the expectations of the volunteers who sit on Council’s boards or committees?

The time requirement varies based on the board that you sit on. The Municipal Planning Commission, for example, usually meets twice a month while the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board meet as required. The length of each meeting can also vary significantly, but it is a good idea to anticipate an average of two hours per meeting. You will also need preparation time to review your agenda prior to the meeting. Your attendance at the meetings can be very important so when considering a board to apply for, please ensure it is one that will fit your schedule. You will be expected to participate in the meetings by offering views, voting and advising Council. Confidentiality must be respected and you must come to the meeting prepared so that you are able to make the best recommendations to Council that you can. Further information on the boards and committees can be found here.

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