STRATEGIC PLAN
Councillors are not expected to be experts in every area, but I can lend my lifetime of business experience and commitment to you by helping to work constructively towards the goals, objectives and priorities of the community.
The municipality is currently being guided by an outdated and expired strategic plan that was based on public feedback collected in 2018. This plan MUST be updated for the next term of council to provide both council and staff with direction and and accountability to the priorities of residents. It's time to go back to the public to better understand where they want to be going forward.
An updated strategic plan not only sets a benchmark but builds in measurement of progress along the way to those goals and strategic priorities.
Ever notice the "strategic priority" check box at the top of a staff report? They are there for a reason. The work of staff and direction of council should fall inline with those priorities as dictated by the public.
Reference: Marmora and Lake Strategic Plan
While the the Marmora and Lake 2020 report was extremely detailed (45 pages), many municipalities simplify this document into a concise list to set those guiding. This document should not be static - it is meant to evolve.
I have highlighted below how my experience and decisions made over the past term aligns with the areas of focus for the municipality in the existing plan.
Permits & Inspections - "Increase awareness of
building process."
Having a customer-centric business background, I highly value the importance of superior customer service. I consider this to be essential to ensuring citizens are being best served. It should be easy to build and invest in this municipality. I have supported more in office hours for the Building dept to assist residents. I also support the opening of a local Hastings County planning office in Centre Hastings.
Road Maintenance - "Develop a 5- to 10-year
forecast for transportation needs to help outline budgeting requirements year to year."
With an aging and extensive road system, having a clear plan is necessary to distribute road rehabilitation costs year to year. I have the skills to assist in the development and the execution of those plans.
Land Use Planning - "Increase revenue or cost recovery initiatives."
Revenues that are generated need to cover costs if we are to keep some services in house. While in times of boom revenue can be generated, in slower times it important that these costs not end up on the tax levy to those not using the service. It is also important to explore every opportunity to leverage available provincial and federal funds and neighbour/county partnerships.
Citizen involvement in municipal decision making. - "Improve the balance of three levels of public
involvement: Public Communication, Public
Consultation, and Public Participation."
Like me, those who care about the community want to be able to have a say and be heard. Listening to the public through current opinion polls is an integral part to meeting needs and allowing the public to help shape policy, direction and decisions. I have tabled several motions and initiatives directing staff to survey the public over the past 4 years.
Land Use Planning - "Update the Comprehensive Zoning
Bylaw."
The next council will be faced with many new considerations for updates to our bylaws and residential, retail, commercial and industrial land usages. I can work for solutions that work for everyone so the community is best served and not held back.
Economic Growth & Prosperity - "Focus on local business
retention, attraction, and development."
As a business and industrial property owner in the municipality, I speak to and address the barriers that exist here by proposing solutions to those obstacles. I highlight opportunities and be an ambassador to encourage new and existing businesses to make and keep Marmora and Lake home, as I have.
Road Snow Clearing - "Ensure staff can operate effectively with available equipment."
Through experience, I have learned that to get the results you want, you need the right tools, equipment and know-how to get it done.
Economic Growth & Prosperity - "Improve housing opportunities"
As a newer homeowner in this municipality, I too found it challenging to find a home for my family. While some of the barriers rest with higher levels of government, I can assist in identifying the barriers at the municipal level. To make informed choices for the community that make development easier, in effort to make housing attainable. We work in partnership with provincial and federal governments and programs that are/will be available.
Financial Responsibility & Sustainability - "Make the Asset Management Plan a priority"
Our roads, water, and sewer are an essential part of the municipalities growth and a healthy community - they can not be neglected or endlessly pushed off. I will provide responsible decision making towards these both short and long term investment needs.
Transparency & Accountability - "Be more proactive in
communicating policy updates."
I'm effective at simplifying policy and finding concise ways to communicate how they will affect you. No one wants to read a 30 page bylaw to tell you what you need to know.
Financial Responsibility & Sustainability - "Improve revenue generating or cost recovery opportunities in each department."
User fees are increasingly becoming the solution for many cities and towns. I can identify the unique needs of this municipality and listen to your feedback on when they are and are not appropriate for the services you use. I use curbside garbage collection, the boat launch, have a dog that requires a permit, just like you.