On Tuesday night (November 27th), mayor, council and CAO are heading to Calgary on a Northern Air charter to attend the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) conference and trade show (Wednesday to Friday) at the Telus Conference Centre, returning Saturday morning. Previous councils found that chartering a flight is the most cost-effective way (saving time and money) to get a group from Peace River to Calgary and back again.
I'll be attending a variety of sessions at the conference, including a day-long one for new councillors called "So I've Been Elected, Now What Do I Do?" It will be a good opportunity to meet other newcomers and also become acquainted with the AUMA's Elected Officials Training modules that are in development and scheduled for release in 2008. I've signed up for other sessions on Thursday and Friday but am not sure which ones I'll actually get to attend, so will save the descriptions until I'm back.
On December 10, I'll attend the Medical Student Training Symposium in Grande Prairie on behalf of Peace River Council. The symposium is "designed to bring community stakeholders and regional organizations together with the important purpose of helping to establish goals and direction to aid the Health Care Workforce Education Partnership Committee with its efforts to create capacity for medical student training in Northern Alberta."
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Council Portfolio
I missed the council meeting on Tuesday (Nov. 13) due to a commitment in Edmonton for that week. At the meeting, the committees and boards on which we'll serve were decided and here is what I'll be doing, based on the draft minutes (to be confirmed on the 26th):
- Aboriginal Interagency Committee (I have no details on the frequency of meetings, likely monthly)
- Assessment Review Board (all councillors serve on this; it meets annually and makes decisions on complaints relating to all assessments other than linear assessments. Since I don't what what a linear assessment IS, I'll need to learn more about this)
- Peace Country Health Community Health Council (the council provides advice to the Peace Country Health Board; facilitates two-way communication with the community; acts as a forum for public input on health needs; and promotes awareness of health resources, programs and services)
- East Peace Landfill Authority (alternate for Jim Hancock, Don Good and Neil Martin)
- Health & Safety/Risk Management Committee (meets monthly to discuss health and safety issues of the Town)
- Intermunicipal Mutual Aid Committee (meets as necessary to discuss proposed projects, etc.)
- Land of the Mighty Peace Tourist Association (alternate for Wanda Laurin)
- Peace River Centennial Museum Board (alternate for Neil Martin)
- Peace River Municipal Library Board (meets monthly)
- Subdivision & Development Appeal Committee (meets as necessary to hear appeals relating to subdivision and/or development application decisions)
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Workshop: Relationships, Roles & Responsibilities for Council, Councillors & Administrators
On Friday, November 2, our mayor, Iris Callioux, and the four new councillors (Jim Hancock, Wanda Laurin, Berry Heinen, and myself) attended an all-day workshop hosted by the Town of Grimshaw and presented by Alberta Municipal Affairs & Housing. Councillors and administrators from Grimshaw and the MD of Peace (#135) were also in attendance.
Through lectures and activities, we were educated about a wide variety of topics and reviewed relevant sections of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) (available online at: http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/Documents/acts/M26.CFM).
It was interesting to learn that a municipality is a corporation with the same powers as a "natural person," except where those powers are limited by the MGA or other legislation. What these "natural person" powers do is give councils flexibility in how the municipality is organized and administered, what services are provided, and the delivery of those services.
We looked at the roles and responsibilities of councillors (section 153 of the MGA), of which there are many! The Chief Elected Official (CEO), who is called a mayor or reeve, has duties in addition to those of a councillor, and those were reviewed as well.
There was considerable time spent on the concept of "pecuniary interest," which is what most people think of as conflict of interest (section 170). The MGA sets out the procedure we need to follow if we have a pecuniary interest in an item that comes up at a meeting, and we did an exercise to give us practice in distinguishing situations where a person would need to exclude him/herself from discussion and decision-making.
The MGA describes pecuniary interest as something that could monetarily affect the councillor, his/her spouse, adult interdependent partners or children, the councillor's or councillor's spouse's/adult interdependent partner's parents, or a business that employs the councillor or one in which the councillor has an interest.
We found out how a councillor can be disqualified (section 174 of the MGA), for instance, by not voting at meetings, by missing all council meetings in an 8-week period, or by being convicted or an offense punishable for five or more years. These are just some of the ways to be disqualified.
Council decision-making processes were discussed in some detail, as were the procedures used at meetings, agenda formats, minutes, etc.
It was a day well-spent in meeting councillors from other municipalities, spending time with members of Peace River Town Council, and in learning a great deal about our new roles and responsibilities. Many thanks to the Town of Grimshaw for scheduling this session and inviting us to participate.
When we attend the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) conference in Calgary at the end of the month (November 28-30), we'll have the opportunity to spend another day on orientation activities for new councillors, which should reinforce what we've already learned and perhaps also introduce new information. It will also be an excellent opportunity to meet new councillors from around the province. The full conference program is available at: http://www.auma.ab.ca/live/MuniLink/Convention/2007+Convention
Through lectures and activities, we were educated about a wide variety of topics and reviewed relevant sections of the Municipal Government Act (MGA) (available online at: http://www.qp.gov.ab.ca/Documents/acts/M26.CFM).
It was interesting to learn that a municipality is a corporation with the same powers as a "natural person," except where those powers are limited by the MGA or other legislation. What these "natural person" powers do is give councils flexibility in how the municipality is organized and administered, what services are provided, and the delivery of those services.
We looked at the roles and responsibilities of councillors (section 153 of the MGA), of which there are many! The Chief Elected Official (CEO), who is called a mayor or reeve, has duties in addition to those of a councillor, and those were reviewed as well.
There was considerable time spent on the concept of "pecuniary interest," which is what most people think of as conflict of interest (section 170). The MGA sets out the procedure we need to follow if we have a pecuniary interest in an item that comes up at a meeting, and we did an exercise to give us practice in distinguishing situations where a person would need to exclude him/herself from discussion and decision-making.
The MGA describes pecuniary interest as something that could monetarily affect the councillor, his/her spouse, adult interdependent partners or children, the councillor's or councillor's spouse's/adult interdependent partner's parents, or a business that employs the councillor or one in which the councillor has an interest.
We found out how a councillor can be disqualified (section 174 of the MGA), for instance, by not voting at meetings, by missing all council meetings in an 8-week period, or by being convicted or an offense punishable for five or more years. These are just some of the ways to be disqualified.
Council decision-making processes were discussed in some detail, as were the procedures used at meetings, agenda formats, minutes, etc.
It was a day well-spent in meeting councillors from other municipalities, spending time with members of Peace River Town Council, and in learning a great deal about our new roles and responsibilities. Many thanks to the Town of Grimshaw for scheduling this session and inviting us to participate.
When we attend the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) conference in Calgary at the end of the month (November 28-30), we'll have the opportunity to spend another day on orientation activities for new councillors, which should reinforce what we've already learned and perhaps also introduce new information. It will also be an excellent opportunity to meet new councillors from around the province. The full conference program is available at: http://www.auma.ab.ca/live/MuniLink/Convention/2007+Convention
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Community Health Council Forum: October 26-27, 2007
This Forum is held annually by Peace Country Health (PCH) for members of the Community Health Councils (CHCs) and I was pleased to be able to attend on behalf of Peace River Town Council. This was the first year that municipal officials (other than those already active on the CHCs) were invited.
Following the afternoon Trade Fair, with displays by community organizations and PCH programs and services, there was a dinner and welcoming remarks from Peace Country Health Board Chair Marvin Moore. Following this, verbal reports were given by CHC representatives, with the level of activity for councils varying. Julie Gour reported on behalf of the Peace River CHC, which has a fairly low level of activity and is experiencing difficulties recruiting members.
PEACE COUNTRY HEALTH UPDATE
On Friday night and Saturday there were updates on PCH activities in areas such as workforce recruitment and retention, funding, deficit-combating initiatives, capital planning, strategic planning, primary health network development in the region and the upcoming year.
We also received a detailed update on the new Peace Country Regional Health Centre, which will be constructed just outside
PANEL: INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AND ITS IMPACT ON HEALTH
The afternoon panel featured five experts who provided different perspectives on how industrial development affects human health. Speakers included:
- Dr. Albert de Villiers, Peace Country Health Medical Officer of Health.
- Jim Meagher, Peace Country Health’s Director of Environmental Public Health and a co-founder of the Peace Air Shed Zone Association.
- Dr. Warren Kindzierski, Associate Professor of Environmental Health Services in the University of Alberta School of Public Health.
- Dr. Stephan Gabos, Senior Science Advisor, Surveillance and Environmental Health, Public Health Division in
- Douglas Haines, Manager of the Environmental Health Surveillance Division in Health
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Swearing in and first Council meeting
Monday was the first formal get-together for the new mayor and Council. At 5:00, we gathered in Council Chambers, before the public portion of the meeting, to get settled into the spot where we'll sit for the next three years and to learn how to use the computer at that station.
Once we were settled into our new spots, Mayor Callioux welcomed us with a few remarks. Then Kelly Bunn, CAO (Chief Administrative Officer), did a PowerPoint presentation on the realities of life as a councillor. This is a presentation he has done with each new Council since joining the Town of Peace River. The main points that I took away, which are consistent with what I have learned from board development workshops, were:
Berry Heinen was appointed Deputy Mayor for one year, with the full support of Council, based on his receiving the highest number of votes in the election. Next year Council will nominate and elect the Deputy Mayor.
At 6:00, which was the start of the public portion of the meeting, we were joined by the media and sworn in/affirmed by Judge Rick McIntosh, who also offered remarks on the responsibilities we have undertaken.
Mayor Callioux effectively guided the meeting and we worked our way through a fairly lengthy agenda. I was impressed with the level of discussion and thoughtful questions and comments. The CAO and experienced council members answered questions and provided background, which certainly helped me, as a newcomer, to feel comfortable.
Following the public portion of the meeting, we moved in camera for discussion about a personnel issue, and then back out in order to make a motion.
I'm grateful for the board experience I had before being elected to Town Council, which enabled me to feel less overwhelmed than I might otherwise have been, and I enjoyed this first meeting. We next meet on Monday, November 5, for a planning session (this is not open to the public), and the following week is our second Council meeting.
Once we were settled into our new spots, Mayor Callioux welcomed us with a few remarks. Then Kelly Bunn, CAO (Chief Administrative Officer), did a PowerPoint presentation on the realities of life as a councillor. This is a presentation he has done with each new Council since joining the Town of Peace River. The main points that I took away, which are consistent with what I have learned from board development workshops, were:
- the CAO is the only employee of Council. All Town staff report to and are directed by the CAO, therefore Council members may not direct staff but may make issues or concerns known to the CAO. This keeps the lines of responsibility and accountability clear and avoids the confusion that could arise if a staff member was receiving instructions or requests from a councillor and the CAO.
- Council sets the direction of the Town through policy that is articulated by resolutions/motions.
- We're not expected to agree all the time, but to come to decisions through respectful discussion and debate. An effective Council is more likely to result if we all listen well to the points of views of others as well as express our own.
Berry Heinen was appointed Deputy Mayor for one year, with the full support of Council, based on his receiving the highest number of votes in the election. Next year Council will nominate and elect the Deputy Mayor.
At 6:00, which was the start of the public portion of the meeting, we were joined by the media and sworn in/affirmed by Judge Rick McIntosh, who also offered remarks on the responsibilities we have undertaken.
Mayor Callioux effectively guided the meeting and we worked our way through a fairly lengthy agenda. I was impressed with the level of discussion and thoughtful questions and comments. The CAO and experienced council members answered questions and provided background, which certainly helped me, as a newcomer, to feel comfortable.
Following the public portion of the meeting, we moved in camera for discussion about a personnel issue, and then back out in order to make a motion.
I'm grateful for the board experience I had before being elected to Town Council, which enabled me to feel less overwhelmed than I might otherwise have been, and I enjoyed this first meeting. We next meet on Monday, November 5, for a planning session (this is not open to the public), and the following week is our second Council meeting.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Getting Right Into It!
With the election over, we are now getting right into our new role. On Friday we picked up our Town Council orientation binders and on Saturday the new mayor and council attended the Chamber of Commerce Davis Awards on Saturday night--our first public event since being elected. It felt a little odd to be a local "celebrity" all of a sudden! The evening was a lot of fun and I was very impressed with the talents of the local residents who did such a great job of bringing a Grammy Awards feel to the evening.
Tonight the serious stuff starts--we'll learn how to use the computers in the Council Chambers, and then get sworn in before participating in our first council meeting. The agenda and supporting documents are available on the Town's website at: http://www.peaceriver.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={18E34156-0336-40DA-8043-979F6075210E}
On Friday, November 2, we will attend a full-day orientation session done by Alberta Municipal Affairs in Grimshaw on "Relationships, Roles and Responsibilities." This will give us a great opportunity to meet other new councillors in the region along with receiving training in our new role.
Later in November (28-30), we'll attend the AUMA (Alberta Urban Municipalities Association) annual convention and AMSC Trade Show in Calgary. New councillors can attend a full day session on Wednesday called "So I've Been Elected, Now What Do I Do?" I'm looking forward to meeting new councillors from all over Alberta and learning more about this new job I've taken on.
Sessions on Thursday include a wide variety topics that I'm interested in. We can choose from sessions on sustainable community infrastructure, partnering, risk assessment, reducing energy costs, climate change adaptation, a small communities symposium and increasing women's participation in municipal government.
On Friday, we can choose from sessions on regional challenges, sustaining the land resource, the Rural Alberta Development Fund, working effectively with Aboriginal groups, affordable housing, and being a good councillor. The full program can be viewed on the AUMA website at: http://www.auma.ab.ca/live/MuniLink/Convention/2007+Convention
Tonight the serious stuff starts--we'll learn how to use the computers in the Council Chambers, and then get sworn in before participating in our first council meeting. The agenda and supporting documents are available on the Town's website at: http://www.peaceriver.govoffice.com/index.asp?Type=B_BASIC&SEC={18E34156-0336-40DA-8043-979F6075210E}
On Friday, November 2, we will attend a full-day orientation session done by Alberta Municipal Affairs in Grimshaw on "Relationships, Roles and Responsibilities." This will give us a great opportunity to meet other new councillors in the region along with receiving training in our new role.
Later in November (28-30), we'll attend the AUMA (Alberta Urban Municipalities Association) annual convention and AMSC Trade Show in Calgary. New councillors can attend a full day session on Wednesday called "So I've Been Elected, Now What Do I Do?" I'm looking forward to meeting new councillors from all over Alberta and learning more about this new job I've taken on.
Sessions on Thursday include a wide variety topics that I'm interested in. We can choose from sessions on sustainable community infrastructure, partnering, risk assessment, reducing energy costs, climate change adaptation, a small communities symposium and increasing women's participation in municipal government.
On Friday, we can choose from sessions on regional challenges, sustaining the land resource, the Rural Alberta Development Fund, working effectively with Aboriginal groups, affordable housing, and being a good councillor. The full program can be viewed on the AUMA website at: http://www.auma.ab.ca/live/MuniLink/Convention/2007+Convention
Thursday, October 18, 2007
Blog Action Day Results
The results of the 2007 Blog Action Day on the environment are available at this website: http://blogactionday.org/ Bloggers registered for the day and Technorati tracked the action.
Be sure to check out the graph showing the impact on the blogosphere for Monday--impressive!
Here are some of the stats:
Be sure to check out the graph showing the impact on the blogosphere for Monday--impressive!
Here are some of the stats:
- 20,603 Blogs Participated
- 23,327 Blog Posts
- 14,631,038 RSS Readers (this indicates only a small number of readers)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)