2007-100 To Establish a Technical Support Group entitled Oro-Medonte Environmental Group of Advisors(OMEGA)THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO- MEDONTE
BY -LAW NO. 2007 -100
A By -law to Establish a Technical Support Group
entitled Oro - Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA)
WHEREAS Section 224 of the Municipal Act, 2001, S.O. 2001, c. 25, as amended,
provides that the role of Council is to ensure that the administrative practices are in
place to implement the decisions of Council;
AND WHEREAS Council deems it expedient to establish a Technical Support Group
entitled Oro - Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA);
NOW THEREFORE the Council of the Township of Oro - Medonte hereby enacts as
follows:
That the mandate of the Oro - Medonte Environmental Group Advisors shall be:
Educate, Advise and Assist Council by:
• Identifying issues and opportunities for Council's consideration;
• Acting as a "sounding board" for Council initiatives;
• Researching and providing information requested by Council;
• Volunteer work to carry out established environmental strategies within the
framework approved by Council; and
• Fulfilling the role of ambassador in regards to the "bigger picture ".
In carrying out its mandate, OMEGA shall be governed by the following principles:
Collective and Individual Stewardship
Balanced Perspective
Sustainability
All recommendations shall be forwarded to Council for consideration.
2. That a minimum of eight (8) members of the public shall be appointed as
members of the Oro- Medonte Environmental Group Advisors.
2.1 Public members of OMEGA shall be either appointed for a specified term
or for a specific initiative.
2.1.1 If a public member is appointed for a specified term, the member shall
continue to sit for the term or until his /her successor(s) are appointed.
Where a member ceases to be a member before the expiration of his or
her term, Council may appoint another eligible person for the unexpired
portion of the term.
2.1.2 If a public member is appointed for a specific initiative, the member
shall sit for the duration of the initiative.
3. That two (2) members of Council shall be non - voting members of the Oro -
Medonte Environmental Group Advisors. In accordance with the Township of
Oro - Medonte's Procedural By -law, Council shall appoint one (1) of the two (2)
members of Council as Chairperson for OMEGA. The Mayor shall be ex- officio.
4. That Council may establish Working Groups for specific initiatives. If a Working
Group is established, Council shall appoint any number of public members, which
Council deems necessary, to the Working Group.
5. That public members appointed to the Oro- Medonte Environmental Group
Advisors shall sere on a volunteer basis, with no remuneration.
6. That the Township of Oro- Medonte's Procedural By -law shall govern the
proceedings and activities of OMEGA.
7. That the Terms of Reference attached hereto as Schedule "A" shall form part of
this by -law.
8. This by -law shall take effect on the final passing thereof.
BY -LAW READ A FIRST AND SECOND TIME THIS 26 DAY OF SEPTEMBER,
2007.
BY -LAW READ A THIRD TIME AND FINALLY PASSED THIS 26 DAY OF
SEPTEMBER, 2007.
THE CORPORATION OF THE TOWNSHIP OF ORO- MEDONTE
Schedule "A"
to By -law No. 2007 -100 for
The Corporation of the Township of Oro - Medonte
Oro - Medonte Environmental Group Advisors (OMEGA)
Terms of Reference
It is recognized that:
• The Council of the Township of Oro - Medonte is committed to lead by example to
serve as a model in fulfilling environmental responsibilities.
• Tapping into the expertise of volunteers has the potential to assist Council in
working in concert with residents to fulfil its role.
• It is essential that OMEGA work in harmony with existing structures and functions
in a manner that avoids duplications.
DEFINITIONS
a) Collective and Individual Stewardship
A responsibility to learn, convey and apply Environmental Protection Principles, as
individuals and as a municipality.
b) Balanced Perspective
Recognition that decisions taken in the present must consider present and future
generations and that considering input from all stakeholders can enhance balanced
decisions pertaining to development.
c) Sustainability
Use of land or a resource without having a negative impact on ecosystem integrity
and with regard for future generations.
2. Council of the Township of Oro - Medonte shall guide and define the activities of
OMEGA. Such activities shall include: research, education, and report
recommendations.
3. OMEGA shall formally report to Council of the Township of Oro - Medonte through
the minutes of meetings, an annual report, or as requested by Council.
4. In conjunction with the Township of Oro - Medonte's budget deliberations, a
budget for OMEGA shall be considered on an annual basis. All expenditures
shall require approval of the Council of the Township of Oro - Medonte.
5. COMPOSITION
a) Council
Council representation shall be shared and shall rotate through all members of
Council, dependent on subject matter. The Mayor shall be ex- officio.
b) Staff
The Staff component of OMEGA shall be as a resource, according to topics, and
issues. OMEGA activities may encompass a broad range of topics which will not be
specific to any particular department. The County of Simcoe shall be asked to
participate as required.
c) Public Members
To achieve balance and diversity within the membership, consideration may include
backgrounds in:
• Agriculture
• Business / Chamber of Commerce
• Conservancy connection
• Education system
• Ecology
• Health and wellness
• Hydro