Agendas, Minutes and Live Meeting Video
The City of Belleville is represented by City Council that consists of the Mayor (who is elected at-large) and eight Councillors (six of whom are elected from the 'Belleville' Ward and two from the 'Thurlow' Ward).
Each Councillor, in addition to sitting on Council, is also appointed to numerous Committees and Boards whose duties range from providing advice to Council to carrying out policies or programs of the City. Some Committees consist solely of Members of Council, and others include representatives appointed from the community. Some Committees (such as the Library Board and the Belleville Police Services Board) do not operate under the direct control of Council, but do have representation from City Council.
Function:
A municipal Council is the ultimate authority, subject to provincial law, for all actions taken on behalf of the municipal corporation in that it exercises both executive and legislative roles. It fulfills its role by making policies in accordance with the wishes and concerns of the general public, subject to provincial laws, policies and directives. Council plays a managerial role by monitoring ongoing administrative performance and ensuring the best care of resources.
The Mayor is the ceremonial leader and spokesperson for the municipality, acts as presiding officer at meetings and has the authority to call special meetings and determine agenda items. The Mayor serves as an ex-officio member on many Boards and Committees, as well as the many Committees of Council.
The Ontario Municipal Act sets out the role of the Head of Council (Mayor) and Members of Council as follows:
Role of Head of Council
It is the role of the Head of Council:
(a) to act as chief executive officer of the municipality;
(b) to preside over council meetings;
(c) to provide leadership to the council;
(d) to represent the municipality at official functions; and
(e) to carry out the duties of the head of council under this or any other Act.
Role of Council
It is the role of Council:
(a) to represent the public and to consider the well-being and interests of the municipality;
(b) to develop and evaluate the policies and programs of the municipality;
(c) to determine which services the municipality provides;
(d) to ensure that administrative practices and procedures are in place to implement the decisions of council;
(e) to maintain the financial integrity of the municipality; and
(f) to carry out the duties of council under this or any other Act.