REQUEST FOR DECISION
DATE: August 1, 2019 Report No. ADM-19-022
TO: Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Anja Nurvo, Director of Corporate Services
SUBJECT:
Title
Amendment to Council Policy ADMIN-38 ‘Conference Attendance by Elected Officials’
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
That Council approve the amended Council Policy ADMIN-38 ‘Conference Attendance by Elected Officials’ as attached to Staff Report ADM-19-022.
Body
RELEVANT POLICY:
Council Policy ADMIN-38
STRATEGIC RELEVANCE:
This Request for Decision does not directly relate to a specific Council Priority.
BACKGROUND:
A copy of existing Council Policy ADMIN-38 is attached. The Policy was last reviewed at the May 6, 2019 Council meeting and subsequently at the June 17, 2019 Committee of the Whole meeting.
At the May 6, 2019 Council meeting, Council passed the following Motion:
WHEREAS: Council wishes to ensure a level of taxation that is fair and appropriate for Esquimalt residents, it is necessary to reduce expenses for the 2019 budget
AND WHEREAS: It is necessary for Council to pursue professional development to improve governance skills and facilitate relationship with other municipalities
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: That Council establish a professional development schedule and budget for each member of council extending a two year time period.
At the COTW meeting on June 17, 2019, Council reviewed the revised draft Policy and directed a further revision to clause 2, to clarify that members of Council may attend the annual FCM conferences twice during the four year term “at the Township’s expense,” and noted that additional attendances could be allowed at a councillor’s personal expense.
Attached is a revised draft Policy, with the proposed revisions highlighted in yellow. Clause 6 has been added to provide for the establishment of a professional development schedule for a two year period.
ISSUES:
1. Rationale for Selected Option
The attached revised draft Policy contains the proposed revisions as directed at the May 6th Council and June 17th COTW meetings.
2. Organizational Implications
There are no organizational implications.
3. Financial Implications
Any financial implications will be determined during budget deliberations, when Council is establishing a professional development schedule for each member of Council for a two year period.
4. Sustainability & Environmental Implications
There are no sustainability or environmental implications.
5. Communication & Engagement
Once approved by Council, the revised Policy will be distributed to relevant staff and posted to The Bridge for staff’s information.
ALTERNATIVES:
1. That Council approve the amended Council Policy ADMIN-38 ‘Conference Attendance by Elected Officials’ as attached to Staff Report ADM-19-022.
2. That Council direct further revisions to Council Policy ADMIN-38 and approve the Policy as amended.