Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCAO-006-17CAO Report If this information is required in an alternate accessible format, please contact the Accessibility Coordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131. Report To: General Government Committee Date of Meeting: March 27, 2017 Report Number: CAO-006-17 Resolution: File Number: By-law Number: Report Subject: MID-TERM REPORT ON THE STATUS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE 2015-2018 STRATEGIC PLAN Recommendations: 1.That Report CAO-006-17 and the attached Progress Report (Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17) be received for information. Municipality of Clarington Report CAO-00-1 7 Page 2 Report Overview The Municipality’s 2015-2018 Strategic Plan established six (6) strategic priorities to guide the Municipality: Facilitate the Creation of Jobs, Attraction of New Businesses and Expansion of Existing Businesses Demonstrate Good Governance and Value for the Tax Dollar Manage Growth to Maintain Our “Small Town” Feel Enable Safe, Efficient Traffic Flow and Active Transportation Promote Resident Engagement in our Community Enhance Access to our Unique Natural Environment Implementation of the Plan is proceeding well and this report shows the specific status as of March 2017 of the 32 actions to implement this plan. 1. Background 1.1 32 specific actions were developed and adopted by Council in 2015 to implement the six strategic objectives for 2015-2018. The purpose of this report is to provide a progress report on the status of each of the 32 action items. 1.2 This report updates a more detailed administrative level report discussed with Council at the Special Council Meeting on December 9, 2016. It also now reflects Council’s 2017 Budget decisions. 2.Recommendations 2.1 It is respectfully recommended that Report CAO-006-17 and the attached Progress Report (Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17) be received for information. 3. Strategic Plan Application The recommendations contained in this report are all about the implementation of the Strategic Plan. Municipality of Clarington Report CAO-00-1 7 Page 3 Submitted by: Curry Clifford, MPA, CMO, CAO Staff Contact: Curry Clifford, Interim CAO, 905-623-3379 ext. 2002 or cclifford@clarington.net Attachments: Attachment 1 – Progress Report There are no interested parties to be notified of Council's decision. Mid-term Report on Status of Implementing the 2015-18 Strategic Plan – March 27th New Actions Assigned Department Task Resources Required Completion Date Status 1. FACILITATE THE CREATION OF JOBS, ATTRACTION OF NEW BUSINESSES AND EXPANSION OF EXISTING BUSINESSES 1.1 Work with the Clarington Board of Trade to update our economic development strategy to advance our considerable strength and competitive advantage in nuclear energy and in agriculture. Lead: CBOT CBOT develop draft Economic Development Strategy (as part of CBOT business planning process) Majority of work to be executed by dedicated volunteers from local business community potential resource implications may arise as discussion progresses 3rd ¼ of 2016 COMPLETED - Economic Development Plan 2021 with 63 activities, performance measures and accompanying 5 year contract approved by Council October 31, 2016 1.2 Identify, in consultation with the business community, key projects such as the GO Train extension, improved fibre optic service and serviced land that will encourage business retention, expansion and attraction and then collaborate with other orders of government, businesses and community organizations to advance these projects. Lead: CAO Office Assisted By: CBOT and Other Departments Roundtable discussions with businesses (as part of CBOT business planning process) Partnerships with other affected parties, e.g., neighbouring municipalities, Regional Government, college, university to develop and implement government relations strategy to influence provincial government Additional Staff time Potential resource implications as discussion progresses Continuous ongoing task ONGOING - CBOT investigating broadband solutions including participating in a regional working group - CAO Office co-ordinating early GO Train extension implementation matters with Metrolinx, Oshawa, Whitby and Region to enable optimal local benefits and for 2023/24 timelines for GO Train service to Courtice and Bowmanville. - CAO Office co-ordinating with CBOT, Planning and Engineering an inventory of detailed servicing plans and strategies for all developable industrial lands. Goal is to set priorities and influence Regional and in some instances Provincial government to partner with the Municipality and businesses to service lands 1.3 Continue with process improvements that streamline development approvals, including approvals by other government agencies and effectively communicate the improvements. Lead: Planning/Engine ering Process Improvement Team comprising Planning and Engineering to develop ideas for ongoing improvements with consultation with the industry and agencies. Work with neighbouring lower tier municipalities to develop common requests to other governments for process improvements Develop materials identifying changes and brand the improvements Continue with the successful pre-consultation process Additional Staff time and other resource implications Continuous improvement as an ongoing task ONGOING Process Enhancement Project underway with Planning and Engineering staff assisted by business process expert facilitating review of process used for: Site plan approval Subdivision approval Building permit approval - Created JET (Joint Economic Development Team) process for expediting/responding to significant job creation development opportunities. Activated for two projects to date - Successful Pre-consultations process has been active. Specific improvements implemented to date include: -Delegated Apartments in House and Oak Ridge Moraine Site Plans to Manager of Dev. Review -Improvements to temporary sign permitting process Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17 Mid-term Report on Status of Implementing the 2015-18 Strategic Plan – March 27th New Actions Assigned Department Task Resources Required Completion Date Status -New circulation distance standards for rural applications - Met with Regional staff regarding their requirements for application 1.4 Explore innovative approaches to Development Charges on industrial and commercial property that balances the cost of servicing with economic gains for the community. Lead: Finance Assisted by: Planning Services and Engineering Update to Development Charges By-law Ongoing monitoring of uptake of incentives to ensure appropriateness and determine future modifications Ongoing scanning of other municipalities’ actions for new approaches Communication of incentives to generate market interest Additional Staff time Incentives may have Budget implications Mid 2015 Ongoing with Annual Reporting/ Tracking COMPLETED -Development charges by-law updated July 1, 2015 including industrial exemptions and small business exemptions. -Tracking quarterly through Financial Update to Council. Budget allocation of $250,000 approved in 2017 budget due to successful uptake. - Marketing through Planning, Engineering (Building) and CBOT. -Courtice CIP approved by Planning Committee November 2016. Incentives approved in the 2017 budget of $100,000 for mixed use developments (among others). Next step is marketing plan through Planning and CBOT. 1.5 Review and implement the best option for the delivery of the tourism function. Lead: Tourism Council report COD-016-15 considered by Council and referred back to entertain proposals for delivery of this function Pending decision of Council 4th ¼ of 2015 COMPLETED Council decided in Fall 2015 to enhance the service and deliver it in-house. 1.6 Collaborate with local organizations to enable arts and culture to make a strong contribution, directly and indirectly, to business expansion in the community. Lead: CAO Office Report to Council after consultation with organizations on the findings of the discussion Allocation required in 2016 Budget for 3rd party facilitator and arts and culture expert to engage the Arts and Culture community Unknown at this time scale of resourcing to pursue findings of discussion 1st ¼ 2018 Interim CAO will recommend in 2nd ¼ of 2017 process for proceeding. 2.DEMONSTRATE GOOD GOVERNANCE AND VALUE FOR THE TAX DOLLAR 2.1 Communicate widely, frequently and through various channels how good governance and value for the Clarington tax dollar are being provided. Lead: Communications Assisted By: All Departments Continue to explore and develop good news stories promoting the Corporation and related initiatives Leverage social media to its fullest extent All Departments Continuous Ongoing Effort ONGOING -New budget brochures designed in 2016, new Q&A on website, videos and new commentary under development. Budget survey software approved with implementation planned in 2017. -Continued communication through press releases on various corporate initiatives with explanation of dollar impact on the community and service results for residents and businesses. -Social media engagement continuously increasing Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17 Mid-term Report on Status of Implementing the 2015-18 Strategic Plan – March 27th New Actions Assigned Department Task Resources Required Completion Date Status 2.2 Investigate putting in place an ongoing evaluation process in which specific services are identified and systematically reviewed to determine the most effective and efficient way to provide them. Lead: CAO Office Assisted By: All Departments Review Best Practices by municipalities on service delivery reviews Develop evaluation process including criteria for selecting services for review, questions to be answered by reviews, frequency of reviews, number of reviews per year, who to undertake them Determine priorities for services to be reviewed Additional Staff time Independent reviews will require funding with scale of funding based on evaluation process chosen and complexity, scale, number and nature of services being reviewed, 2017 INVESTIGATION COMPLETED Council decided on March 20, 2017 to adopt an evaluation process based on best practices that will mean that the Audit Committee will select services for review. Council allocated $40,000 for this purpose in 2017. Learnings from the experience will then be brought forward to shape a policy of Annual Service Delivery Review. Review opportunities for joint capital and/or operations with School Boards, Regional Government and other public agencies. Lead: CAO Office Assisted by: All Departments Identify potential capital and operations projects hold discussions with School Board and Region and other agencies and report to Council on findings Additional Staff time 2017 TO BE SCHEDULED -Position to undertake work (Corporate Initiatives Officer) is unfunded so abbreviated outreach will be undertaken in 2017. - Incremental gains to date include partnership with OCACL for use of Baseline Community Centre. 3.MANAGE GROWTH TO MAINTAIN OUR “SMALL TOWN” FEEL 3.1 Provide for walkable mixed-use neighbourhoods and encourage a “small town” feel in the Official Plan and neighbourhood plans. Lead: Planning Assisted by: Engineering Underlying framework will be in the Official Plan Update Through Priority Green Neighbourhood standards, develop walkability criteria for new neighbourhoods Implement recommendations contained in the Transportation Master Plan Update Engineering Standards to reflect changes to neighbourhood plans and address accessibility Include walkability and mixed use development in neighbourhood plans Additional Staff time and other resource implications leading up to implementation Implementing features for walkability and accessibility will have budget implications 2017 PARTIALLY COMPLETED -Official Plan policies on walkable communities adopted by Council on November 1, 2016. -Priority Green Implementation Framework developed. - Further work through Secondary plan to be undertaken in 2017-2018. - Transportation Master Plan adopted by Council in December 2016. Engineering standards to be developed in 2017. 3.2 Support a variety of affordable mixed housing types and community design attributes that support our residents at every stage of life and across all abilities. Lead: Planning Recommend to Council where appropriate approval of affordable housing projects Council to consider affordable mixed housing in new developments Existing Staff time Ongoing ONGOING -Support for higher density housing projects provided in context of applications and incentives. - Assisted Developer and Durham Region in a successful bid for 75 supportive housing unit project at 50 Martin Road - Currently assisting Parkview Lodge’s application for 91 supportive housing unit project in Newcastle Village. Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17 Mid-term Report on Status of Implementing the 2015-18 Strategic Plan – March 27th New Actions Assigned Department Task Resources Required Completion Date Status - Courtice CIP/Development Charges incentives address affordable housing. 3.3 Investigate, with the Clarington Board of Trade, the interest of each BIA in additional downtown revitalization programs. Lead: Clarington Board of Trade CBOT to discuss with BIAs None 2017 COMPLETED CBOT completed final report on the BR+E Main Street Survey and presented findings to representatives from all BIA’s in the study area on January 24, 2017. Planning and implementation of actions is underway. 3.4 Reinforce our "small town" feel through tourism initiatives that showcase our agriculture and small town attributes. Lead: Tourism Subject to Council decision in item 1.5, tasks here could include: Continue to expand upon existing partnerships and relationships with CBOT, CTMB, Central Counties, Durham Tourism and other Tourism partners Ramp up marketing, create way-finding signage and map to highlight Clarington's attributes Continue to participate at and promote special events Additional Staff time Ongoing ONGOING - Tourism plan refresh completed, working on way- finding signage, getting people to our towns and local farms and businesses. Continued promotion with refreshed campaigns to draw attention to Clarington and all its attributes. 3.5 Educate and promote how growth needs to be managed to maintain and sustain our "small town" feel. Lead: Planning and Communications /Tourism Develop a series of brochures and website materials on growth management topics Examine Best Practices Reallocation of Staff time 2017 and forward UNDER DEVELOPMENT - Incremental steps taken including, Press release regarding the OPA, directing media inquiries, answering questions to explain growth management. Continue discussion on how to improve and educate. 3.6 Advocate to the Provincial and Regional governments the need to reflect the significance of this Clarington priority in updates to the Growth Plan for the Greater Horseshoe, the Greenbelt Plan and the Oak Ridges Moraine Conservation Plan. Lead: Planning Support through submissions to the Four Plan Provincial Review the expansion of the Greenbelt into the urban separators and policies that provide more flexibility to interpretation of targets, uses in Greenbelt etc. Existing Staff time 2016 UNDERWAY -Reports approved by Council setting out Clarington position. - Discussion with Regional staff. - Additional discussion and advocacy with province re: Greenbelt boundaries including meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs in March 2017. 4.ENABLE SAFE, EFFICIENT TRAFFIC FLOW AND ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION 4.1 Determine transportation projects, including active transportation projects, to be given priority through the completion of Clarington’s Transportation Master Plan and implement the decisions. Lead: Engineering Council review and approval of Transportation Masterplan Develop a 10 year capital Transportation plan Additional Staff time 2017 FRAMEWORK FOR PRIORITY SETTING COMPLETED- Transportation Master Plan - priorities identified in the plan were approved in the 2017 Capital Budget and Forecast. - A 10 year Capital Transportation Improvement Plan will be finalized and released in 2017. Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17 Mid-term Report on Status of Implementing the 2015-18 Strategic Plan – March 27th New Actions Assigned Department Task Resources Required Completion Date Status 4.2 Refine and update the Asset Management plan to efficiently manage and prioritize maintenance of roads, bridges and sidewalks and expand to a comprehensive plan incorporating all municipal assets. Lead: Finance Assisted by: All Departments Develop Asset Management Plan showing: State of Local Infrastructure, Expected Levels of Service, Asset Management Strategy, and Financing Strategy. Additional Staff time 4th ¼ 2016 UNDERWAY Comprehensive Asset Management Plan to be provided to Council April, 2017. 4.3 Create a dedicated rural road levy to address our rural road infrastructure deficit Lead: Finance Assisted by Engineering and Operations Provide dedicated funding through the 2016 budget Additional Staff time 1st ¼ 2016 Council decision to meet commitment by approving a 0.63% dedicated rural road level in 2016 Budget and a 0.50% dedicated rural road levy in 2017 Budget. 4.4 Work with and influence the Ministry of Transportation to address community concerns with their services, including but not limited to: Improvements to Hwy 401 interchanges Hwy 407 extension Extension of GO Train Service to Courtice and Bowmanville Lead: Engineering Assisted by: CAO Office Partnerships with other affected parties, e.g., CBOT, neighbouring municipalities and Regional Government, college, university to develop and implement government relations strategy to influence provincial government Additional Staff time Potential resource implications as discussion progresses Ongoing ONGOING -Active discussions with MTO and the Region on improvements to Waverley Rd Interchange -ongoing discussions with MTO on other priorities including building understanding of the wide public benefits of a Lambs Road interchange and other interchange improvements. - working with the MTO and Blackbird construction regarding challenges in the construction of the 407 such as traffic detours, well interferences, road impacts relating to our road network and specifically Trulls Road. - Gained commitment for GO extension plus: acquired lands for Courtice GO Rail Station and collector road and currently in process of transferring title for station property to Metrolinx; Active discussions with Metrolinx on implementation; Planning Services undertaking Mobility Hub Design Study in Spring 2017 to influence the EA Update for GO Rail and to provide input for Secondary Planning 5.PROMOTE RESIDENT ENGAGEMENT IN OUR COMMUNITY 5.1 Leverage technology to effectively communicate to residents the range of community organizations in Clarington and their events and activities. Lead: CAO Assisted by: Community Services Use existing new website and calendar to promote events and activities Additional Staff time Ongoing ONGOING Continue to leverage and build social media following. Working on new ways to convey information including videos. Tourism promotes all events and activities, using website, social media. Communications assists with local community groups by advertising smaller local events on screens at the MAC. Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17 Mid-term Report on Status of Implementing the 2015-18 Strategic Plan – March 27th New Actions Assigned Department Task Resources Required Completion Date Status 5.2 Actively promote volunteerism, including helping Clarington residents interested in volunteering to be matched with organizations needing volunteers through such services as United Way’s volunteer registry. Lead: Community Services Assisted by: Operations Investigate volunteer registry options to determine best fit for Clarington and its community volunteer needs Continue to support volunteers as they plan and implement community special events Continue to engage the volunteer community in Community Services Department events Develop a volunteer resource package for community organizations Additional Staff time 4th ¼ of 2017 UNDERWAY -In process of investigating volunteer registry options - Ongoing support of volunteers as they plan and implement community special events -Ongoing engagement of the volunteer community in Department events -In (3rd ¼ of 2017) will develop a volunteer resource package for community organizations 5.3 Assess the needs for training in leadership, governance, volunteer retention and recruitment for community organizations and jointly develop a means to address these needs. Lead: Community Services Assisted by: Operations and Clerks Support volunteer agencies and community organizations with training and learning opportunities Coordinate an annual volunteer roundtable (networking opportunity) for representatives of local community organizations Develop a new Community Group Affiliation program that supports new, emerging and more established community groups Continue Volunteer Recognition Program Reallocation of Staff time 2017 UNDERWAY -Ongoing support to volunteer agencies and community organizations with training and learning opportunities -Co-ordinate an annual volunteer roundtable -For 4th ¼ of 2017 Department to develop a new Community Group Affiliation program Program review of Volunteer Recognition Event will be undertaken in 2017 for implementation in 2019 for which may require additional resources in 2018 Budget. Related matters: development of operation manuals for volunteer hall boards and co-oordinating training opportunities in 2017. 5.4 Support and enhance youth and older adult services Lead: Community Services Continue to deliver and enhance camps, and recreation programs for children, youth and adults Maintain current service partnerships and investigate new partnerships Assume responsibility for community wide older adult programming as of January 2016 Additional Staff time 2016 and ongoing UNDERWAY -Ongoing delivery and enhancement of camps and recreation programs for children, youth and adults -Ongoing service partnerships and investigating new partnerships - Department has completed assuming responsibility for community wide older adult programming - The Facilities Development Strategy came before Council in January 2017 and is being refined based on Council input with subsequent reports for implementation of Strategy recommendations Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17 Mid-term Report on Status of Implementing the 2015-18 Strategic Plan – March 27th New Actions Assigned Department Task Resources Required Completion Date Status Facilities Development Strategy will investigate future facility expansion to accommodate growth in youth and adult services 5.5 Pursue the “Youth Friendly” community designation and enable our community’s youth to contribute to the community’s zest and future. Lead: Community Services Collaborate with and bring interested parties together, i.e. Boards of Education, Police, Municipality, Firehouse Youth Centre, Youth Leading Youth Committee, Durham Youth Council, and other community organization i.e. Visual Arts Centre, etc. Review all Best Practices and Programs Meet with representatives from Parks and Recreation Ontario, and neighbouring Youth Friendly Communities Submit application to the Province Reallocation of Staff time 4th ¼ 2017 ON TRACK TO ADDRESS By the end of 2017 Department will: - collaborate and bring interested parties together; review best practices and programs; meet with representatives from Parks and Recreation Ontario; report to Council about application to Province 5.6 Enhance Council and corporate communications. All Departments Conduct regular Citizen Survey to obtain citizen feedback Continue engagement methods such as Public Information Open Houses Regular meetings with our stakeholders Develop community engagement policy based on best practices Develop criteria and policy for determining when to provide comprehensive communications of an initiative Reallocation of Staff time Ongoing ONGOING -Completed and presented to Council on December 9th survey by pollster of random sample of residents on satisfaction with municipal services and Municipal administered survey on customer service experience. Updated Public Meeting signs or development applications. - By first ¼ of 2018, will develop policies on community engagement and when to provide comprehensive communications for an initiative Additional Initiatives include: - Improved format for Council and Standing Committee Agendas/Minutes. Easier access and easier readability for the public. - Currently working to improve complaint page on the website and to develop a Transparency and Accountability page. - Finalized Corporate Complaint Policy and supporting Departmental procedures and executed contract with ADR Chambers for Ombudsman Services. Working with Durham Region regarding Integrity Commissioner contract. Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17 Mid-term Report on Status of Implementing the 2015-18 Strategic Plan – March 27th New Actions Assigned Department Task Resources Required Completion Date Status 6. ENHANCE ACCESS TO OUR UNIQUE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT 6.1 Adopt updated natural heritage preservation policies in the Official Plan. Lead: Planning Adopt new policies that support natural heritage preservation Existing Staff time 1st ¼ 2016 COMPLETED Updated natural heritage policies included in Official Plan adopted by Council on November 1, 2016. 6.2 Collaborate with community organizations and other stakeholders and partners wishing to advance this priority through events. Lead: Communications and Tourism Promoting access to the Community Event Calendar for community groups to post their events Existing Staff time Ongoing ONGOING - Ongoing tourism promotion of natural environment, trails and cycling through new website - Continued promotion through social media and blog 6.3 Integrate the promotion of our unique natural environment into tourism initiatives. Lead: Tourism Assisted by: Other Departments Pending Council decision regarding provision of Tourism services To be determined Ongoing through publications, social media etc. 4th ¼ 2015 COMPLETED - Working with Central Counties Tourism on a regional trails strategy, from which a local sub-strategy would be created. This would include an app for residents. -New tourism website promotes the natural environment, has Adventure seekers, boating, cycling, trail area promoting different sports outdoor activities. -Blog promotes country drives -Central Counties Trails strategy underway, to help create both regional and Clarington-based strategy for promotion - working to create a promotional tourism video - working with Tourism Industry Association of Ontario to further Clarington’s tourism reach and promotional goals. 6.4 Continue the development of parkland along the waterfront. Lead: Planning and Engineering Assisted by: Operations Develop a 10 year capital Waterfront plan for the entire Clarington waterfront incorporating recreational, cultural, land use and natural heritage matters Update Land Acquisition Strategy and prioritize acquisition Existing Staff time and other resource implications Significant Capital Funding Plan: 2017 Implementation : Annual Budget Process UNDERWAY - Waterfront Plan preparation delayed due to other priorities placed on Planning Department -Land Acquisition Study update delayed due to other priorities but expected to be completed 4 1/4. Additional Initiatives include: -Commenced the construction of Bond Head Waterfront Park in fall 2016 for completion in June 2017 -Acquired 30 ha of land in Courtice from Region and Durham Radio -Negotiated transfer of 8.5 ha of land in Graham Creek Valley and additional 0.5 ha on Newcastle waterfront. Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17 Mid-term Report on Status of Implementing the 2015-18 Strategic Plan – March 27th New Actions Assigned Department Task Resources Required Completion Date Status 6.5 Prioritize and build additional trails including trails to connect our community to the waterfront. Lead: Engineering Assisted by: Planning and Operations Develop a 10 year capital Trails plan with standards, priorities, opportunities for public involvement, promotion and marketing Apply for funding available for trails from other orders of government Existing Staff Time and other resource implications 2017 GROUND WORK COMPLETED - Long term trails plan identified in Official Plan - 10 year Active Transportation Plan Capital Trails Improvement Plan utilized for the preparation of the 2017 Capital Budget. -Specific trail building underway in 2017 will include: - constructing the Farewell Creek Trail - completing the trail through Camp 30 - connecting of sidewalks on Concession Street. A 10 year capital trails plan will be finalized and released in 2017. 6.6 Investigate putting in place a Trails Council or similar body as a means of community engagement on promotion, location and maintenance of trails. Lead: Planning and Engineering Assisted by: Operations Review experiences of other municipalities Develop Terms of Reference Select members and ongoing meetings to develop short and long term plans, community involvement, marketing, etc. Consult Trails Council on 10 year plan noted in 6.5 Reallocation of Staff time 2017 UNDER REVIEW Council decision will be sought on incorporating the responsibilities of a Trail Council in an Active Transportation Committee. Attachment #1 to Report CAO-006-17