Governance Update

One of the commitments made by Council, and mandated by the Policy Manual, is to regularly review the policy manual. We have learning about municipal governance and reviewing our policy manual on a regular basis with a governance coach. The discussions have been interesting and sometimes are very precise about language.

Here are some of the changes we have been making.

·         Policy AL.2. Chief Administrative Officer Limitations, Treatment of Staff

Further, without limiting the scope of the foregoing by this enumeration, the Chief Administrative Officer shall not:

5. Prevent staff from appealing to the Council in writing when: (a) internal grievance procedures have been exhausted, and (b) the employee alleges either that Council policy has been violated to the employee's detriment. or that Council policy does not adequately protect the employee's legislated human rights.

·         The change was made to ensure that the relevant legislation is the first standard to be met.

Further, without limiting the scope of the foregoing by this enumeration, the Chief Administrative Officer shall not:

7. Fail to develop and foster means to recognize employee achievements.

·         This addition was made to ensure that excellence is recognized.

·         Policy AL.3. Chief Administrative Officer Limitations, Financial Condition and Activities

Further, without limiting the scope of the foregoing by this enumeration, the Chief Administrative Officer shall not:

5.  Make a single non-budgeted purchase over $10,000, with 1% of operating budget.

·         This was clarified to ensure that proper fiscal controls are in place and that both Council and the CAO are comfortable with this amount.

This review is ongoing and I will provide updates as we move along. The process is slow these changes are the result of an hour and half of discussions.