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HomeMy Public PortalAboutBy-Law 2008-02 Adopt a Policy with Respect to Manner Which Municipality will Ensure Accountability to PublicCORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF TWEED BY-LAW NO. 2008-02 Being a By -Law to adopt a policy with respect to the manner in which the municipality will ensure accountability to the public. WHEREAS Section 270 of the Municipal Act, 2001 as amended requires municipalities to adopt and maintain a policy in respect of the manner in which the municipality will ensure that it'is accountable to the public for its actions and that its actions are transparent to the public; NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Tweed enacts as follows: 1. That the Policy for Accountability and Transparency attached hereto as Schedule "A" to this by-law is hereby adopted as the policy for ensuring accountability and transparency to the public. 2. That this by-law shall come into force and take effect immediately upon the passing thereof by the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Tweed. Read a first and second time this 8th day of January, 2008. Read a third and final time, passed, signed and sealed in open Council this 8th day of January, 2008. kL44vE a_Ad 0 CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF TWEED 0 POLICY for ACCOUNTABILITY and TRANSPARENCY This Policy for the accountability and transparency to the public is issued under the authority of the Council of the Corporation of the Municipality of Tweed in accordance with By -Law No. 2008-02 dated January 8, 2008. MUNICIPALITY OF TWEED ACCOUNTABILITY and TRANSPARENCY POLICY Purpose 0 The Municipal Act, 2001 requires that all municipalities adopt and maintain a policy with respect to the manner in which the municipality will try to ensure that it is accountable to the public for its actions, and the manner in which the municipality will try to ensure that its actions are transparent to the public. The purpose of this policy is to provide guidance for the delivery of the municipality's activities and services in accordance with the principles as outlined herein. This policy has been developed in accordance with the Act to comply with Section 270. Definitions Accountability The principle that the municipality will be responsible to its stakeholders for decisions made and policies implemented, as well as its actions or inactions. Transparency The principle that the municipality actively encourages and fosters stakeholder participation and openness in its decision making processes. Additionally, transparency means that the municipality's decision making process is open and clear to the public. Policy Statement The Council of the Municipality of Tweed acknowledges that it is responsible to provide good government for its stakeholders in an accountable and transparent manner by: • • Encouraging public access and participation to ensure that decision making is responsive to the needs of its constituents and receptive to their opinions. Delivering high quality services to its citizens. • Promoting the efficient use of public resources. Accountability, transparency and openness are standards of good government that enhance public trust. They are achieved through the municipality adopting measures ensuring, to the best of its ability, that all activities and services are undertaken utilizing a process that is open and C Page 2 Accountability and Transparency Policy accessible to its stakeholders. In addition, wherever possible, the municipality will engage its stakeholders throughout its decision making process which will be open, visible and transparent to the public. Policy Requirements 0 The principles of accountability and transparency shall apply equally to the political process and decision making and to the administrative management of the municipality. Financial Matters The municipality will be open, accountable and transparent to its stakeholders in its financial dealings as required under the Act. Some examples of how the municipality provides such accountability and transparency are as follows. • internal / external audits. • reporting / statements. • long term financial planning. • asset management. • purchasing / procurement. • sale of land. • budget process. Internal Governance The Municipality's administrative practices ensure specific accountability on the part of its employees through the following initiatives. hiring policy. performance evaluation. orientation / continuing education. health and safety. work / life balance. compensation / benefits. responsibility for ensuring that administrative practices and procedures recognize Council's commitment to accountability and transparency. 0 Page 3 Accountability and Transparency Policy Public Participation and Information Sharing The Municipality ensures that it is open and accountable to its stakeholders through implementing processes outlining how, when and under what rules meetings will take place. The Municipality's meetings are open to the public when and as required under the Act. Members of the public have the opportunity to make delegations or written comments on specific items at these meetings. In addition, the Municipality has adopted policies which ensure that participation by the public can be meaningful and effective, through timely disclosure of information by various means including print media, the municipal website, municipal newsletters, etc. Some specific examples include the following. • procedure by-law. • strategic / long term plan. • delegation rules. records retention. planning processes. • public notice by-law.