A light night at council Tuesday evening saw the approvals of four policies that help govern the way the municipality operates over the course of the year both financially and as it works with members of the public.
A revamped plan for public-private partnerships and a longer-term investment policy were both approved, setting the framework for how administration makes decisions for major infrastructure projects and investments.
The Alternative Capital Financing Policy, which governs the rules for potential public-private partnerships, provides a governance framework to manage relationships between the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, non-profit organizations and the private sector in the provision of infrastructure and programs sponsored by the Municipality.
The policy outlines the way in which the RMWB would go about studying, procuring, and approving alternatives to traditional or conventional procurement and funding of Capital Projects.
There were no significant changes for the investment policy aside from extending the review period to three years, which brings it in line with other policies. The investment portfolio priorities remain intact following the unanimous approval of the update Tuesday night from the original policy, in priority order, as follows:
- Safety – Investments shall be undertaken in a manner that seeks to ensure the preservation of capital.
- Liquidity – The investment portfolio shall remain sufficiently liquid to meet all operating and capital cash requirements that may be reasonably anticipated.
- Return – The investments of the Fund shall be structured with the objective of attaining a market rate of return.
Council also approved a brand new social media policy, something the RMWB has never had before, and an update to the policy for public engagement.
Both of those policies put rules in place to make sure the public is well-informed in a reasonable time frame and that their opinions taken into account for decision making.
The social media policy will apply to all staff at the RMWB and provides a foundation for consistent use of social media across all platforms including the RMWB’s 19 Facebook pages, accounts on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Periscope and others and also establishes rules for employee use.
The policy includes guidelines for the use of social media to make sure it appropriate, effective and secure, and is in accordance with all applicable laws and regulations.
The approved Public Engagement Policy replaces the former Public Participation Policy and builds on the lessons learned in the last several months through recovery and prior to the wildfire through engagement activities working with members of the public not only to provide them with information but also to seek their feedback and to include them in the decision-making process.
The RMWB uses information sessions, direct engagement sessions, pamphlets, social media, door-knocking, traditional media and advertising, the website, to engage with the public and stakeholders and this policy outlines what kind of engagement should be used when to make sure people are informed and able to take part in making decisions about their own community.
Knowledge acquired from public engagement activities is a valuable resource that helps inform, support and drive decision-making across the Municipality. There is also meaning in the function of public engagement itself, as it demonstrates integrity, accountability and openness to Council and the public, and can build trust in the Municipality in the public and with stakeholders.
