A rarely - if ever - enforced procedural bylaw is putting Welland councillors on the clock at committee and council meetings.

Mayor Frank Campion recently used the five-minute speaking rule, catching at least one councillor off-guard as they went over the limit.

Campion said some councillors complained to him about not being able to get through agendas because meetings consistently timed out.

"We're busier than we have been before, and there's more business to do . it's why our agendas are packed," the mayor said.

He said there are mandated timelines for certain issues as well, and they need to be met.

The way to get through the heavy agendas is to enforce the procedural bylaw on the speaking time limit, Campion said.

"It's not meant to be punitive or target any particular individual . it's to keep the meeting moving forward properly."

The limit has never really been enforced before and the mayor was allowing some leeway.

Ward 5 Coun. Graham Speck didn't recall being notified the time limit would be enforced. He was the first councillor to be hit by the rule, at a meeting a few weeks ago.

During a presentation, the councillor spent 20 minutes asking questions.

"I am making a concerted effort to come well-organized . ask questions and stay to the point," he said.

Speck said the time limit could help councillors be more concise when it comes to questioning delegations or city staff during meetings.

He doesn't have a major issue with it, if it is used fairly in council and doesn't limit good discussion

"Five minutes does go by fast," Speck said.

Ward 4 Coun. Bryan Green said the time limit is useful to keep council on track and will keep it moving forward.

"We often time out at council member motions, which can become frustrating as these often deal with specific issues or initiatives a council member wishes to advance."

He agreed with Speck that the rule needed to be consistently enforced, but added some leeway should be given.

Ward 2 Coun. Leo Van Vliet said too often speakers repeat themselves, wasting limited time and resources, and that their questions are often addressed in the agenda.

"In all my years on council, I have yet to see a time where so many agendas were not completed."

Ward 6 Coun. Jim Larouche said the five-minute rule is a tool available to the mayor or chair of the meeting.

"As a courtesy, if I have any issues with staff . I will call the author in the afternoon before the meeting for further clarification or additional information," he said.

Ward 3 Coun. Lucas Spinosa said it is a common tool used in municipalities to keep meetings concise and to the point.

"I knew that this rule was in place, but it wasn't strictly enforced. I don't think that this will stifle debate," the first-term councillor said.

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He agreed leeway could be granted, but said it might be better to play by the rules.

Ward 1 Coun. Mary Ann Grimaldi has rarely seen the time limit used, but said it does have a purpose.

"Whether or not we have a packed agenda, councillors, including myself, should be precise in our debate so that all councillors can speak to their concerns as well," she said,

Ward 1 Coun. Adam Moote felt the rule was acceptable and believed someone should be able to get their point across in five minutes

"However, I think the chair should exercise discretion over the argument at hand and provide leeway when warranted," Moote said, adding if used consistently it could help speed up meetings.

He wouldn't support a longer time limit, but said leeway could be given and councillors could ask their fellow members, through a vote, for more time.

Ward 2 Coun. David McLeod said the rule is needed as at times councillors are not mindful of the amount of time they are speaking.

"The five-minute rule worked effectively under Mayor (Barry) Sharpe. Councillors learned to sharpen their questions and use their time wisely," he said, adding it helps improves the debate as councillors come with more concise questions

Ward 6 Coun. Bonnie Fokkens felt the rule could be useful in some discussions but said it is limiting for items that weigh more regarding finances or impact to the residents or budget.

She said while it could speed up meetings, it may not necessarily provide clarity to issues. She felt it could stifle debate or see councillors cut themselves short.

Ward 3 Coun. John Chiocchio said the issue is all about meeting management, which should be controlled by the mayor.

"Our meeting agendas have been too long, and items of specific priorities and importance should be dealt with first.

"There should be some better organization on meeting agenda, so we have ample time to debate issues and good conversation," he said.

Ward 4 Coun. Tony DiMarco and Ward 5 Coun. Claudette Richard did not respond to The Tribune.