MUNICIPAL ORIENTATION IT’S SOONER THAN YOU THINK

The Basics: Roles

Role: Mayor According to the Municipalities Act 36(1) and 36(2)……the Mayor shall: Preside at all meetings of the council Provide leadership to the council Communicate information and recommend actions to council for the improvement of the municipality’s finances, administration and government Speak on issues of concern to the City on behalf of Council The Mayor is subject to the direction and control of council and shall abide by the decisions of council

What are Additional Roles of the Mayor? The Mayor has additional roles: Serves as ex-officio member of Council committees Acts as spokesperson for the municipality Provides main liaison with Clerk/CAO Provides main liaison with other levels of Government Performs various community and ceremonial duties

Role - Councillor The Role of the Councillor – according to the Municipalities Act 36(2.1) the Councillor shall: Consider the welfare and interests of the entire municipality/rural community when making decisions Bring to the attention of Council matters that may promote the welfare or interests of the municipality Participate in developing and evaluating policies and programs of the municipality Participate in meetings of Council, Council committees and any other body to which he or she is appointed to Council Perform any other duties conferred upon him or her by this or any other Act or by Council

Role - Council Making the best decisions for the benefit of the whole community Reflecting and considering community views Being open and accountable to the public Ensuring local services are being effectively and efficiently delivered Ensuring by-laws and policies continue to meet the needs of the community and its citizens, and Being a voice for the community with other levels of government

Role: Decision-Making Council makes all decisions not one individual Councillor All decisions are made by resolutions and/or by-laws in an open meeting of Regular Session of City Council. ( M.A. 10.2(2.1)) The municipality’s Procedural by-law and the Municipalities Act sets the legal requirements All legal documents (agreement, contract, deed or document to which the municipality is a party) shall be signed by the Mayor and the City Clerk and sealed with the corporate seal of the municipality (M.A. 5(2)(a)(b))

Role: Administration Council is the policy maker and oversees the administration of the municipality Day to day business operations are administration’s responsibility Staff advises Council and Council provides direction Council should respect and value the role that administration plays Administration respects the decision-making role and public accountability that Council represents

Role: Public All meetings of Council shall be open to the public. 10.2(3) The meetings can only be closed for reasons specified in the Municipalities Act 10.2(4). In general, these are matters dealing with land transactions, personnel matters and legal matters The Procedural By-law should dictate how the public will be allowed to present at Council meetings.

Example of Swearing-in Ceremony Find out whether Council-elect wishes to affirm or swear on the Bible – Oaths of Office prepared beforehand Scenario where a Swearing-in takes place before a Council meeting Where Council-Elect will be seated before the Swearing-in Oaths of Office are taken by Members of Council, signed by the Clerk Members take their seat in the Chamber Mayor calls the Meeting to Order Mayor addresses Council Councillors make remarks Adjournment First Regular Session of Council commences

DO’S AND DON’TS Panel Discussion Best Practices Try to Stay Away From…………………………….