Township of Wellesley

Transcription

1 Strategic Plan

2 Table of Contents Introduction Page 3 Message from the Mayor Page 4 Our Communities & Services Page 5 Vision Statement Page 6 Mission Statement Page 6 Location of the Township of within the Region of Waterloo Page 7 Implementing our Plan Page 8 Proposed Strategic Initiatives Page 9 Customer Service Pages Growth Management/Sustainable Growth Pages Healthy Communities and Environments Pages Human Resources Page 18 Infrastructure Pages Public Engagement and Partnerships Pages 22 Appendix A Council Alignment Checklist Pages

3 Introduction The Township of undertook the task of developing the initial Strategic Plan through an open and transparent public engagement process in The Plan included an implementation strategy (Action Plan) that extended to the operations of the Township which aligned with the goals of Council and the respective departments that deliver municipal services. The Strategic Plan aligns itself to planning documents and budget processes to ensure that resources are allocated appropriately and reported upon annually to identify progress, measure success and establish future goals where needed. The Township s Strategic Plan provides a roadmap for success and the framework for what the Corporation intends to accomplish over the next four years. It represents a set of prioritized corporate objectives. Feedback from the community on whether or not the plan meets its needs and expectations is instrumental in measuring the success of the plan. The plan is necessary to align available financial and staff resources to meet Council and community objectives. 3

4 Message from the Mayor I am excited to present the Township of s Corporate Strategic Plan on behalf of Council and staff. The strategic planning process is a vital tool in proactively guiding the Township s vision, future development, investment and decision-making. Strategic Planning is a process of determining a local government s vision and goals, and developing an action plan to achieve those goals. In 2012, through the Township s first Strategic Plan, Council laid out a strong vision for a vibrant, welcoming community with a thriving economy. The Strategic Plan provides a roadmap of the actions Council intends to implement in the future and are actions that we hope will strengthen the Township s economic future and increase local opportunities, protect our assets for the long term, and continue our commitment to exceptional public service. Council Back Row: Councillor Peter van der Maas (Ward 3); Councillor Carl Smit (Ward 4) Front Row: Councillor Herb Neher (Ward 2); Mayor Joe Nowak; Councillor Shelley Wagner (Ward 1) 4

5 Our Communities & Services The Township of is a lower tier municipality situated in the north west corner within the Regional Municipality of Waterloo. The Township is made up of a mix of settlements and rural areas. Settlement areas include Bamberg, Crosshill, Dorking, Hawkesville, Heidelberg, Kingwood, Linwood, Macton, Paradise Lake, St. Clements, Wallenstein and. The Township of is rich with green space and prime agricultural lands and is home to a population of diverse cultural backgrounds. Today, the Township is predominately rural with remnants of the early settlement patterns in the form of churches, cemeteries, schools and family farms that remind us of the rich culture and heritage of the Township. The Township of municipal services are coordinated between the Region of Waterloo and the Township. The Region of Waterloo provides services including public health, social services, policing, water treatment and waste management services. The Township provides planning and development services, maintenance of roads for all residents and the travelling public, fire prevention education and emergency response, recreation facilities, parks, municipal by-law enforcement and animal control. 5

6 Vision Statement The Township of is a sustainable community that preserves its heritage and culture while shaping its future. Mission Statement To deliver quality services through leadership, innovation, partnership and community engagement in a fair and cost effective manner. 6

7 Location of the Township of within the Regional Municipality of Waterloo 7

8 Annual Budget Process Implementing our Plan The Actions identified in the Strategic Plan will be incorporated into the annual budget discussions which are developed by Senior Management in collaboration with the CAO and presented to Council for their consideration. For the broader community, the work programs will continue to be presented online. When developing potential actions for any given work program, there are key questions that should be considered: 1. Does it move us towards our Vision? 2. Is it consistent with our Mission and Vision? 3. Is it a stepping stone toward future improvements? 4. Is the action already underway or is it a new action that should be discussed? Consideration of these questions will allow senior staff to develop a range of potential priority actions within the annual work programs. In the annual work programs, individual staff members will be assigned responsibility for overseeing the implementation of specific actions. Engagement and Awareness The development of the Strategic Plan was based on community participation and input. Keeping Township residents informed and involved in the Plan s implementation is critical to maintaining both interest and transparency. Annual Reporting A report on how the Strategic Plan is moving forward should be developed annually. This report will be tied to Department work programs. This progress report will help in developing the work programs for the following year. Reports to Council To maintain momentum in implementation, and keep the Strategic Plan top of mind, all Staff Reports to Council should demonstrate alignment with the Strategic Plan. As such, an alignment checklist has been prepared and is included as Appendix A of this document. Plan Review The Plan will be reviewed in

9 Proposed Strategic Initiatives Customer Service To ensure quality and accountability in providing effective and efficient customer services that match or exceed expectations. Growth Management / Sustainable Growth To ensure the Township of is carefully planned and that Township policies provide for well managed balanced sustainable growth. Healthy Communities and Environments Maintain our community s healthy lifestyle and safe environment. Human Resources Create a strong corporate environment that supports retention and succession planning for municipal staff. Infrastructure To strengthen the culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the development and delivery of Township programs, services and infrastructure. Public Engagement & Partnerships Encourage communication with Township residents by keeping them informed connected and engaged. 9

10 Customer Service Township of To ensure quality and accountability in providing effective and efficient customer services that match or exceed expectations. Strategic Objective: To ensure appropriate recreation opportunities for the Township Development of a Community Parks, Recreation and Culture Strategic Master Plan to address Township wide recreation requirements Implementation of the recommendations of the Community Parks, Recreation and Culture Strategic Master Plan Recreation Recreation Director of Recreation Director of Recreation Complete Ongoing Strategic Objective: To effectively communicate to our residents on the services provided and their related costs Provide information to the public on how tax dollars are used to effectively provide services All Departments CAO Ongoing Strategic Objective: To review and prioritize new services and existing service levels during budget review process Assess the impact of proposed new services through the budget process All Departments CAO Ongoing Determine the sustainability of existing levels of services All Departments CAO Ongoing 10

11 Customer Service Township of To ensure quality and accountability in providing effective and efficient customer services that match or exceed expectations. Strategic Objective: To minimize the risks associated with Township facilities and activities Investigate the merits of licensing Municipal facilities under the Alcohol & Gaming Commission of Ontario Recreation Director of Recreation Ongoing Consult with insurers to determine appropriate measures are taken to minimize risk All Departments CAO Ongoing Strategic Objective: To provide online services for customers Investigate the opportunity for online Facility Bookings All Departments CAO Ongoing Investigate the opportunity for online payment option All Departments CAO Ongoing 11

12 To ensure the Township of is carefully planned and that Township policies provide for well managed balanced sustainable growth. Strategic Objective: To develop strong, appropriate, local land use policies and guiding principles in the context of an Official Plan that concurs with Provincial and Regional policy Complete a conformity exercise to ensure compliance with the Regional Official Plan Planning Planner Complete Review of Official Plan Planning Planner 2016 Review of Zoning By-law Planning Planner 2017 Complete Residential Growth Strategy to contribute to the Official Plan policy development Growth Management/ Sustainable Growth Planning Planner 2016 Update the employment land strategy Planning Planner 2016 Provide for the Settlement area expansion Planning Planner

13 Growth Management/ Sustainable Growth To ensure the Township of is carefully planned and that Township policies provide for well managed balanced sustainable growth. Strategic Objective: To focus attention on achieving Economic Development that is responsive to the local condition Support and participate with the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation Planning CAO Ongoing Explore economic developments for the Township Planning CAO Ongoing Work with current entrepreneurs to promote business expansion and retention. Strategic Objective: To protect and preserve natural habitats Planning CAO Ongoing Update zoning bylaw to protect and preserve core environmental features Planning Planner 2017 Strategic Objective: To explore ways of creating vibrant communities to attract and maintain local business and housing opportunities Actions Lead/Supporting Departments Manager Timeline Revitalize core areas through programs and partnerships with Township and upper tier government agencies Preparation of a community improvement plan for & St. Clements Planning/Finance CAO Ongoing Planning CAO

14 Growth Management/ Sustainable Growth To ensure the Township of is carefully planned and that Township policies provide for well managed balanced sustainable growth. Strategic Objective: To protect and preserve agricultural resources while achieving balanced growth that is sustainable and addresses both urban and rural needs Maintain policies in OP to protect and preserve agricultural resources Maintain policies in OP to recognize need for residential, commercial and industrial growth in appropriate areas Planning Planner Ongoing Planning Planner Ongoing 14

15 Healthy Communities and Environments Maintain our community s healthy lifestyle and safe environment. Strategic Objective: To plan and prepare for emergency responses to meet the community needs or requirements Conduct an Emergency Management Exercise Fire Department Fire Chief Annually Ensure compliance with the Emergency Management Act Fire Department Fire Chief Annually Strategic Objective: To ensure the appropriate level of public education, prevention and emergency response Completion of the Fire Master Plan Fire Department Fire Chief 2016 Implementation of the recommendations included in the Fire Master Plan Fire Department Fire Chief Ongoing Strategic Objective: To continue to budget tax dollars to preserve the diversity of both the urban and rural needs within the Township Monitor annual budget review and prioritization process to determine equitable distribution of projects Finance Treasurer Ongoing 15

16 Healthy Communities and Environments Maintain our community s healthy lifestyle and safe environment. Strategic Objective: To evaluate the merits of Municipal debt for critical/major/necessary capital projects Investigate various sources of funding for projects including possible debentures and the implications of utilizing debenture financing. Strategic Objective: To strive to be environmentally responsible in our decision making Finance Treasurer Ongoing Consider all appropriate environmental issues in our decision making. All Departments CAO Ongoing Strategic Objective: To ensure long-term and short term financial sustainability of the Township Develop financial plans that maximize development charges to finance growth, establish equitable rates and fees, identify opportunities for savings, maintain highly-valued programs and services and consider the rights of taxpayers. All Departments Treasurer Ongoing 16

17 Healthy Communities and Environments Maintain our communities healthy lifestyle and safe environment. Strategic Objective: To be compliant with the Green Energy Act Development of a system to measure and track energy use to reduce or sustain minimize our carbon footprint Recreation and Public Works CAO Completed Continue to measure and track energy use Recreation and Public Works CAO Ongoing Explore energy saving alternatives All Departments CAO Ongoing Explore possibilities of paving additional roads to reduce carbon footprint Public Works Director of Public Works Ongoing 17

18 Human Resources Township of Create a strong corporate environment that supports retention and succession planning for municipal staff. Strategic Objective: To provide for staff training and certification and succession planning Ensure staff receive the training and certification required to perform their work effectively & efficiently To develop and implement a plan for future retirements and vacancies Strategic Objective: To maintain policies that support an appropriate workforce All Departments CAO Ongoing All Departments CAO Ongoing Review and update Employee Manual to reflect our current structure. Strategic Objective: To provide for a continued equitable workplace All Departments CAO First Half 2016 Completion of a job evaluation process including pay equity and market salary comparisons All Departments CAO Complete Maintain pay equity All Department CAO Ongoing Revise performance review form to obtain optimal feedback and accountability Clerk CAO

19 To strengthen the culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the development and delivery of Township programs, services and infrastructure. Strategic Objective: To identify our infrastructure requirements and establish priorities and implementation of projects Continue to prioritize projects identified in the Master Plans and projects that benefit the Township Infrastructure All Departments CAO Ongoing Continue to monitor the condition of our facilities and recommend improvements as required All Departments CAO Ongoing Strategic Objective: To ensure adequate fleet to maintain the level of service required Maintain our existing fleet in optimal operating condition and continue fleet replacement program in accordance with 10 year capital plan All Departments CAO Ongoing Review capital plans annually All Departments CAO Ongoing 19

20 Infrastructure To strengthen the culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the development and delivery of Township programs, services and infrastructure. Strategic Objective: To provide appropriate Information Technology infrastructure and services Determine the appropriate equipment and resources in order to maximize technology that will support timely, relevant and accurate information Optimize technology solutions that will enhance our ability to interact and communicate more effectively with our internal and external clients Strategic Objective: To maintain an asset management plan Information Technology Clerk Ongoing Information Technology Clerk Ongoing Collect all asset data in anticipation of funding opportunities All Departments Treasurer Ongoing Expand existing asset management plan to include fleet, facilities, street lights and sidewalks All Departments Treasurer

21 Infrastructure To strengthen the culture of innovation and continuous improvement in the development and delivery of Township programs, services and infrastructure. Strategic Objective: To continue to pursue grants and funding opportunities Actively seek out and apply for applicable grant opportunities All Departments CAO/ Treasurer Ongoing Prepare preliminary cost estimates and plans for projects prioritized in Master Plans All Departments CAO/ Treasurer Ongoing 21

22 Public Engagement and Partnerships Encourage communication with Township residents by keeping them informed connected and engaged. Strategic Objective: To create and sustain strong relationship and partnerships that will benefit the Township of Continue to develop and maintain relationships with the various levels of government, businesses, rate payers and community Continue to encourage volunteers, students, co-op programs and internships All Departments CAO Ongoing All Departments CAO Ongoing Strategic Objective: To provide avenues and forums for public input into prospective To explore social media options and opportunities All Departments CAO Ongoing To provide for an open forum with Mayor and Ward Councillor All Departments CAO Ongoing 22