Decision-making explanation

Council members need information; what role can you play in that?

To make a good decision, council members need (background) information. They actively seek it out. The agenda committee determines how the council can best form a picture of a subject that is put on the agenda. That is why we call this the image-forming phase. That picture can often be formed in writing, for example with a survey or by asking questions of the board. It can also be a site visit to get a good picture of the situation. Or a presentation by an expert. Some topics call for more, such as space for speakers to bring their opinions to the council. Or an exchange of views between council members, group followers and several residents. A table discussion is organized for this purpose. Table discussions are a great way for council members to hear what residents think about a topic or proposal. Information is exchanged, questions are asked and opinions are exchanged. Even if you only want to listen and not join in, you are welcome at the table talks. In fact, these are public meetings.

In the Aalten Actueel, we always mention one week before the meeting which topics will be discussed by the council and when. At aalten.bestuurlijkeinformatie.nl you can view council agendas and meeting documents. Topics that are the subject of a table discussion can also be viewed here. If you would like to discuss that topic with council members, you can register yourself with the registry(griffie@aalten.nl or (0543) 49 33 33. If you are directly involved you may also be invited to the table discussion. Even if you only want to listen and not join in the discussion, you are welcome to attend the table discussions. These meetings are open to the public.

Council members engage in debate

Once the council members have formed a good opinion on a topic, they engage in a debate at a subsequent judgment meeting. This is a public meeting and interested parties can attend as observers but no longer participate in the discussion. One representative from each political group is present. This allows several topics to be discussed simultaneously in one evening. The idea of this phase is that the pros and cons of a proposal are weighed against each other and discussed. Perhaps a "golden mean" can be found that everyone can agree on? At this meeting, no decision is made on the proposal under discussion. Possible amendments and motions (statements by the council) will be announced.

The final stage, the council decides

The final step is the formal council meeting. Because the council has already debated among itself in the opinion-forming meeting, many more proposals can be dealt with in the council meeting as 'hammer pieces'. That debate will then only be about the adjustments to the draft decision (amendment) and any additions to it (motion) and no longer about the proposal itself.

At the formal council meeting there will be no further opportunity to speak. However, you are then cordially invited to the public gallery.

Council meetings are recorded and broadcast online so you can follow the decision-making process from home. To do so, go to the video recording council meetings page.