| Code of Conduct |
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Formation of Vision Keepers Group:
Subsequent to the approval on October 17, 2006 of Mining the Future - A Vision of Canmore, Canmore’s Town Council approved the formation of the Vision Keepers Group (hereafter “VKG”) in February 2007. The Terms of Reference for the VKG were approved by Council and are incorporated by reference. The Terms of Reference stated that the VKG should draft its own Code of Conduct governing its operation and meetings. Reporting relationship: The VKG reports to Council through the Mayor or a member of Council designated for this purpose by Council, or through the VKG chair. Membership: Membership of the VKG shall consist of up to eight (8) citizens appointed by Council and one member of Council. Members shall represent the stakeholders of the community and its interests broadly but not the narrow interests of a special interest group nor any self-interest. Mandate and role: The VKG shall provide strategic guidance and advice to Council regarding the development and growth of Canmore, consistent with the core values and guiding principles contained in Mining the Future. Accordingly the VKG is an advisory body and does not dictate policy decisions. The VKG will assist administrative staff in the development of the Terms of Reference for the Municipal Development Plan (hereafter the “MDP”) and such other projects as designated by Council or administrative staff. Apart from assigned projects from Council or administration, VKG represents the interests of the community and accordingly can initiate projects independently. Meetings: Meetings of the VKG shall be called by the consent of the members of the Group and shall be chaired by a member by the Group. Attendance at meetings will be in-person or by telephone, and a quorum shall be needed to make binding decisions at any meeting. A quorum shall consist of one half – rounded up – of the appointed members of the group. Confidentiality: In the event that Council or administration, in good faith, deems a project assigned to the VKG to be of such nature that the analysis and deliberations should be treated as confidential, then such designation shall be made in writing at the time of the assignment of the project. Sources of new projects Town Council or Administrative staff New project requests shall be presented to the VKG at its next meeting. VKG will, on a timely basis, review the request, estimate resources required for its analysis and completion, consider any request for confidential treatment and provide a time line for completion considering its priority together with other projects under review. With the exception of the MDP, VKG has the right to accept or decline a project for proper cause. To the extent that financial expenditures are to be incurred for a project, written approval of a budget for such expenditures shall be obtained from the Chief Administrative Officer prior to the commitment to any such expenditures. VKG will follow the normal disbursement procedures of the Town for any such expenditures. The VKG will initiate analysis of the project utilizing administrative staff resources, input from community stakeholders, research on the issue in terms of best current practices and emerging thinking and/or external consultants. When a consensus is reached that sufficient analysis has been conducted, the chairperson will call for a discussion of the findings with a goal of making a recommendation on a course of action or position on the matter. Each member of the group shall deliberate the issues to be considered in good faith and shall represent the best interests of the community as a whole. Moreover, each member shall consider the guiding principles and values of the Town consistent with the Mining The Future – A Vision for Canmore document. Decision process Following appropriate analysis and evaluation of options, the group shall endeavor through its best efforts and good faith discussion to reach a consensus such that a course of action can be recommended to Council or administration. Recommendations and/or conclusions of VKG shall be made in writing and made available to the community. In the event a consensus opinion can not be reached, then the majority view together with dissenting view(s) shall be presented. VKG shall provide periodic progress reports of its deliberations. In the event of any conflict of interest or appearance of a conflict of interest on a matter under consideration of VKG, a member shall identify their conflict of interest at the time a matter is brought before the group and shall recuse himself/herself from decisions on that matter. The chairperson shall deliver a written position paper on the matter to Council via its designee or to the Chief Administrative Officer or designee. The position paper shall contain the consensus of the group or failing to reach consensus its majority and minority views. The final report will include:
Post Project activities |
