Municipal Orientation 2004

1
Municipal Orientation 2004

• Roles, Responsibilities and Relationships of
  Elected and Appointed Municipal Officers

2
Workshop Objectives

• To further develop an appreciation of the role of
  an elected municipal official.
• To further develop an understanding of municipal
  staff and how staff members support the role of
  elected officials.
• To help in the building of positive relationships
  between Council and municipal staff.
• To understand the nature of governing and
  conflict resolution.
• To recognize that learning is a life-long
  pursuit.

3
Exercise

• In your own group please take a few minutes and
  answer the following question
• What is local government?

4
Structure

• Council
• Mayor
• Committees
• Boards/Commissions
• Staff

5
Process

• Elections
• Meetings
• Budgeting
• Public Consultation

6
Services

• Garbage
• Recreation
• Streets and Sidewalks
• Police

7
Purposes

• Deliver Local Services
• Respond to Local Needs
• Protection of People and Property
• Foster Democratic Principles

8
The Political Process and the Role of Council

• Decision / Action of Council
• Council Deliberation
•   Issues Before Council 
• Community Values
•  
•  

9
Roles of Elected Municipals Officials

• Advocates
• Ombudsperson
• Policy Makers

10
Roles continued

• Resolve Conflict
• Custodian of Democratic Values

11
The Administration as Advisors/Managers
Municipal Staff

• CITIZENS INTEREST GROUP PERSONAL
  EXPERIENCE
  OTHER GOVT

Municipal Council
Municipal Staff
Services and Programs
12
Questions to Consider

• Which of the following represent the Political
  role of Council?
• to understand and reflect the needs and
  wishes of constituents
• to provide political leadership
• to resolve conflict between competing needs,
  usage's and desires
• to develop a vision for the municipality
• to provide a supportive environment for
  municipal staff
• all of the above
• none of the above

13
Questions Continued

• 2. Which of the following represent the
  Management / Administrative Role of Staff?
• to provide timely, quality research and
  information to Council
• to respect and carry out the will of Council
• to provide management and administrative
  leadership
• to speak on behalf of the municipality
• all of the above
• none of the above

14
Questions Continued

• 3. Where should the information come from where
  Council needs to make a decision?
• from the municipalitys constituents
• from the local newspaper
• from previous council decisions
• from the municipal staff
• from Service Nova Scotia and Municipal
  Relations
• from the Internet
• from all of the above

15
Questions Continued

• 4. Which group or groups have overall
  responsibility for establishing a municipalitys
  policy?
• the municipal council
• Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations
• the municipalitys staff
• the community
• all of the above
• none of the above