4.       rural summit – Health, recreation and social services Committee revised Terms of Reference

 

          sommet rural - Mandat rÉvisÉ du Comité de la santÉ, des loisirs et des services sociaux

 

 

 

Committee Recommendation

 

That Council approve the Committee’s Terms of Reference as outlined in

Document 1.

 

 

Recommandation du comitÉ

 

Que le Conseil municipal approuve le mandat du Comité décrit dans le document 1.

 

 

 

Committee Review Date / Date d’examen par le Comité

 

6 April 2006 / 6 avril 2006

 

Present / Présences :

 

Chair / Présidente :                         D. Holmes

Vice Chair/vice-président :             A. Cullen

 

Members / Membres :                    C. Doucet

                                                      D. Deans

                                                      P. Feltmate

                                                      J. Stavinga

 

 

 

 

Documentation

 

1.         Chief Corporate Services Officer’s report dated 20 March 2006 (ACS2006-CRS-CCB-0025)


Report to/Rapport au :

 

Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee

Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux

 

and Council / et au Conseil

 

20 March 2006 / le  20 mars 2006

 

Submitted by/Soumis par : Greg Geddes, Chief Corporate Services Officer/Chef des Services généraux

 

Contact Person/Personne ressource : M. Rick O’Connor, City Solicitor

Legal Services/ Contentieux

(613) 580-2424 x21215, Rick.Oconnor@ottawa.ca

 

City-wide

Ref N°: ACS2006-CRS-CCB-0025

 

 

SUBJECT:

RURAL SUMMIT - REVISED Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee TERMS OF REFERENCE

 

 

OBJET :

SOMMET RURAL - MANDAT RÉVISÉ du Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux

 

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

 

That the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee recommend Council approve the Committee’s Terms of Reference as outlined in Document 1.

 

RECOMMANDATION DU RAPPORT

 

Que le Comité de la santé, des loisirs et des services sociaux recommande au Conseil municipal d’approuver le mandat du Comité décrit dans le document 1.

 

 

BACKGROUND

 

In January 2005, Mayor Chiarelli announced that the City of Ottawa would host a Rural Summit to identify ways in which the City could improve how it delivers services to its rural constituents.  In preparation for the two-day event, six sub-committees were formed to research, investigate and develop options for solutions that could be considered by the participants attending on Day Two of the Rural Summit.  The Governance Sub-Committee was established to identify realistic and practical governance options including modifications to both the City of Ottawa’s political infrastructure and its administrative implementation of policy.  The Sub-Committee focused its efforts on identifying various options which recognized rural residents as valuable members of the City of Ottawa. 

 

Of great importance to the Governance Sub-Committee was the strengthening of the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee by enhancing its existing Terms of Reference.  In an effort to decentralize policy development for non city-wide issues in the rural areas and to improve consultation on any new or revised policies or services impacting the rural community, the Sub-Committee recommended that the Terms of Reference be expanded to include additional areas of policy development and service delivery that affect rural communities of the City of Ottawa.  On November 19, 2005, Day Two of the Rural Summit, participants endorsed the recommendation of the Governance Sub-Committee, indicating that a strengthened Agricultural and Rural Affairs Committee was a high priority for the participants.  In the aftermath of the Rural Summit, the Mayor announced the creation of a Rural Summit Task Force.  Briefly, one of the key functions of this group was to move forward the governance agenda and, in particular, the revisions to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee’s Terms of Reference.  In its budget report submitted to City Council on December 9, 2005, the Rural Summit Task Force identified the recommendation of the Governance Sub-Committee as a priority to be funded out of the $1.9 million allotted for Rural Summit initiatives.

 

As a consequence of the Rural Summit Task Force recommendations, enhancements to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee’s Terms of Reference have had a corresponding impact on the Terms of Reference of other Standing Committees of Council.  Generally speaking, the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee will be dealing with policy issues with a distinct rural component or impact in the rural areas as identified in Schedule A of the City of Ottawa’s Official Plan and defined as follows: that ‘part of the City not intended for urban development’, which ‘contains a number of important natural resources and is characterized by the dominance of the natural rather than the built environment’.  Language has been incorporated into the Terms of Reference to reflect the division of urban/suburban and rural planning and environment issues.

 

In addition to the impacts of enhancements to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, there are various housekeeping items that have been previously approved by Council and have been included in the revisions to the Terms of Reference for all Standing Committees including the following:

 

            Approval of the Annual Budget

           

On 28 September 2005, City Council enacted and passed the Procedure By-law, being By-law No. 2005-431, which stipulated that the annual budget shall be considered by the Committee of the Whole and not by the various Standing Committees of Council.  This specific amendment had originally been in place in December 2004 for Council’s debate on the 2005 Budget process.  As a result, the Terms of Reference provision respecting the authority and approval process for Standing Committees to review and recommend the annual operating and capital budgets for their respective departments/branches is no longer correct.  What remains within the purview of the Standing Committee is the ongoing authority to review and approve budget adjustments within existing funding envelopes for the relevant departments/branches.

 

Corporate Restructuring

 

At its meeting on 11 February 2004, City Council considered a report from the Acting City Manager entitled “Budget 2004 – Opportunity Log – Corporate Restructuring”, and approved a number of recommendations concerning the reorganization and realignment to the Corporate Structure.  Further, on 26 May 2004, City Council approved additional changes to the City’s organizational structure including the realignment of senior management (i.e. General Managers become “Deputy City Managers”).  As a result, the Terms of Reference for all Standing Committees have been revised in order to reflect the existing corporate structure.

 

DISCUSSION

 

As a result of the initiatives or amendments previously approved by Council, either through endorsing the recommendations of the Rural Summit Task Force or as part of the Corporate Restructuring in 2004, staff have undertaken a review of the Terms of Reference for each Standing Committee.  The Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee’s Terms of Reference have not been significantly impacted by the proposed enhancements to the Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee.  However, where possible, the Rural Issues Advisory Committee should be consulted to identify or evaluate rural implications on matters with a distinct rural component or impact on the rural areas.

 

It should also be noted that the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee’s Terms of Reference were not approved during the previous Terms of Reference review.  As a result, proposed amendments also include revisions based on direction from the Committee in January 2004.

 

Summary of Proposed Amendments

 

The proposed amendments that are summarized below have been highlighted in the attached document for ease of reference:

 

·        Revised Department and Branch titles; and

·        Revised Objective and service descriptions for Parks and Recreation Services.

 

 

CONSULTATION

 

The Chair of the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee was notified and consulted with respect to this Terms of Reference review.  Additional consultation took place with the City Solicitor, the City Clerk, the Financial Services Branch, and the Community and Protective Services Department. As this is an internal, administrative matter, public consultation was not conducted.

 

 

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

 

There are no financial implications with respect to this report.

 


SUPPORTING DOCUMENTATION

 

Document 1- Revised Terms of Reference (amendments in bold and italic font)

 

DISPOSITION

 

Upon approval of this report by City Council, the Terms of Reference will become the mandate and governing authority for the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee and the City Clerk’s office will implement same.

 

 


Document 1

HEALTH, RECREATION AND SOCIAL SERVICES COMMITTEE

 

Terms of Reference

 

 

Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee: 6 April 2006

City Council: 26 April 2006

 

 

The Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee is responsible for issues relating to the following Branches of the Community and Protective Services Department:  Housing Services, Public Health/Medical Officer of Health, Long Term Care, Employment and Financial Assistance, Parks and Recreation, Cultural Services and Community Funding, and the Ottawa Public Library.  The Committee will assist City Council in its efforts to support the Community and Protective Services Department’s mission to foster a healthy community that promotes and supports quality of life so citizens can fully participate in, and contribute to, the life of their community.

 

 

MEMBERSHIP

 

Membership of the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee shall consist of 9 members of City Council, appointed by the Nominating Committee and approved by City Council.  The Mayor is an ex-officio member.

 

 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

 

The Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee shall:

1.     Be responsible directly to Council for those items emanating from:

a)     the Housing Branch, the Ottawa Public Library Board, the Public Health Branch, the Cultural Services & Community Funding Branch, the Employment & Financial Assistance Branch, the Long Term Care Branch, and the Parks & Recreation Branch of the Community and Protective Services Department;

b)     the Surface Operations Branch of the Public Works and Services Department on items related to parks and sports fields; and

c)     advisory committees that are within the area of responsibility of the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee.

 

2.                 Provide overall guidance and direction to the Community and Protective Services Department, and the Surface Operations Branch of the Public Works and Services Department on items related to parks and sports fields.

 

3.         Monitor the associated activities and implementation of programs and projects of the applicable branches within the Community and Protective Services Department, and the Surface Operations Branch of the Public Works and Services Department on items related to parks and sports fields.

 

4.         Ensure active public participation by receiving delegations from the public, and holding public hearings as required by statute and Council.

 

5.                  Subsequent to the approval of the budget, review and approve all operating and capital budget adjustments that are within the existing funding envelopes for the applicable branches within the Community and Protective Services Department  (inclusive of fleet and real property (new, renovations, major rehabilitation) capital projects falling under the responsibility of this standing committee), (ii) the Surface Operations Branch (relating to parks and sports fields) of the Public Works and Services Department, (iii) the Public Works and Services capital projects related to parks growth, and (iv) the Ottawa Public Library Board approved operating and capital budgets.

 

6.         Subsequent to the approval of the budget, consider, for recommendation to Council:

                        a)      the policy direction and prioritization, but not the funding requirements, of new matters which are within a Committee’s mandate; and

                        b)      matters which were not previously approved, but can be accommodated within the applicable departmental existing capital or operating budgets.

 

7.         Pursuant to the Delegation of Authority By-law (Section – Conferences and Conventions), approve Councillors travel and attendance at conferences that are relative to the Committee’s mandate.

 

8.         Review and recommend to Council revisions to the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee Terms of Reference, as required.

 

9.         Review and recommend to Council matters related to Advisory Committees under the Standing Committee’s responsibility, such as but not limited to the Advisory Committee membership, the Terms of Reference, annual workplans and reporting, and funding requests.

 

10.       Recommend to Council proposed by-laws that are under the Committee’s jurisdiction.

 

11.       Review and recommend to Council the recommendations submitted by the Commemorative Naming Committee with respect to commemorative naming of City parks.

 

12.       Recommend to Council City of Ottawa participation in federal or provincial cost-sharing programs or employment incentive programs for matters within the mandate of the Committee.

 


SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES

 

Housing Services

 

Objectives

To enhance the quality of life of citizens of the City of Ottawa through direct management and community partnerships to provide cost-effective, social, affordable and supportive housing and to address the problems of homelessness.

 

Guidance and Direction

The Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee shall provide overall guidance and direction to staff, by reviewing and making recommendations to Council on reports dealing with affordable housing, social housing, supportive housing and homelessness, with the responsibility to:

·        monitor the activities and implementation of policies, programs and projects of the Housing Services Branch;

·        ensure the population of the City of Ottawa is adequately and affordably housed;

·        meet the needs of residents eligible for social housing, including those requiring support services (supportive housing) to live independently in the community;

·        promote options for increasing the supply of affordable housing;

·        ensure the delivery of emergency shelter and transitional housing services;

·        ability to receive reports from non-profit housing groups in the City, as required, including the Ottawa Community Housing Corporation; and

·        implement initiatives to address homelessness.

 

 

Public Health/Medical Officer of Health

 

Objectives

To enhance the health of the citizens of the City of Ottawa by carrying out its responsibilities under the Health Protection and Promotion Act and local by-laws, and through the provision of public health services responsive to changing needs, including the following:

 

·        to enforce applicable provincial legislation and municipal by-laws (excepting Tobacco Inspection);

·        to implement its mandated obligations for the family health programs in collaboration with the Ministry of Health;

·        to identify, monitor, and respond to evolving health needs;

·        to reduce and eliminate, if possible, preventable disease, disability and premature death;

·        to operate in a financially responsible manner;

·        to provide readily accessible services in all communities served;

·        to direct programs to areas of greatest need/benefit;

·        to advise local health professionals, decision-makers, community workers, and the public of the services and actions contributing to improved health;

·        to promote life-style practices leading to personal and community wellness;

·        to contribute a public health perspective to the planning and provision of services by other agencies; and

·        to promote and participate in the teaching of sound public health principles and practices to health professionals, students and the public.

 

Guidance and Direction

The Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee shall provide overall guidance and direction to staff, by reviewing and making recommendations to Council on reports dealing with the following topics:

 

·        Communicable Disease Control;

·        Environmental Health;

·        Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention;

·        Family Health;

·        Dental Services; and

·        Community Medicine and Epidemiology.

 

 

Long Term Care

 

Objectives

To manage the Homes for the Aged to accommodate aged City of Ottawa residents and enhance their quality of life, in accordance with the Homes for the Aged and Rest Homes Act, and its regulations, and other relevant long term care legislation. 

 

Guidance and Direction

With regard to the Long Term Care Branch, the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee shall:

 

·        bring forward all concerns arising from its mandate related to long term care that are of significance to the long-range strategic planning and policy development processes as well as any other matters originating in the Committee likely to have an impact on policy in social services or the health area in the City of Ottawa;

·        ensure adherence to Homes for the Aged and Rest Homes Act and its regulations, and other relevant long term care legislation;

·        ensure that the programs of the Long Term Care Branch are in keeping with the overall policy guidelines as developed by the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee; and

·        ensure that allocated monies are spent to meet the long term care needs of citizens in the community, whether through institutional care or outreach programs.


Employment and Financial Assistance

 

Objectives

To provide access to responsive and integrated employment and financial services, which support a citizen’s move toward self-reliance and enable them to participate in and contribute to the life of their community.

 

Guidance and Direction

The Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee shall provide overall guidance and direction to the Employment and Financial Assistance Branch by reviewing, revising where necessary, and submitting to Council, reports and recommendations of the Branch in regard to:

 

·        Financial Assistance;

·        Employment Services;

·        Home Help Training/Home Help Program;

·        Family Support Program;

·        Essential Health and Social Supports;

·        Workforce Development; and

·        Eligibility Review Program.

 

 
Parks and Recreation Services

 

Objectives

To focus on the development of a strong and healthy community by enhancing and overseeing the provision of efficient, cost effective parks planning and development, recreational programs and partnerships, and childcare services to enable the optimal physical, emotional and social well-being of citizens within the community.

 

Guidance and Direction

The Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee will receive, review and make recommendations to Council on reports received on the following topics:

 

·        Children’s services including licensed and subsidized child care;

·        Recreation and parks programs including aquatics, field sports, ice sports, fitness, special needs, and other instructional programs; and

·        Planning and maintenance of recreational facilities, parks, and sports fields.

 

The Committee will be responsible for ensuring the City of Ottawa meets or exceeds:

 

·        its mandated obligations for the Service System Management for Child Care;

·        the community’s expectations with respect to recreation and parks programming and facility use; and

·        the community’s expectations with respect to recreational facilities, parks and sports fields planning and maintenance.

 

 


Cultural Services and Community Funding

 

Objectives

To develop partnerships and to provide funding to community groups in the health, social services, recreation, arts and heritage and employment sectors for the delivery of innovative programs and services that respond to community need.  To develop policies and programs that respond to community need and to provide planning and strategic support to Departmental Branches.

 

Guidance and Direction

The Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee shall provide overall guidance and direction to the Cultural Services and Community Funding Branch by reviewing, revising where necessary, and submitting to Council, reports and recommendations of the Branch in regard to:

 

·        Arts and Cultural Affairs;

·        Museums and Archives; and

·        Community Funding and Development.

 

 

Ottawa Public Library

 

Objectives[1]

·        To deliver public library service for Ottawa residents of all ages in accordance with community needs for lifelong learning, education, culture and leisure;

·        To provide timely access to accurate and useful information in a variety of formats and technologies;

·        To support intellectual freedom as the prerequisite for an informed, democratic society;

·        To add to the sense of community within the City of Ottawa;

·        To provide an electronic gateway to the world of the Internet and beyond; and

·        To provide efficient, effective and equitable public library service.

 

Guidance and Direction

Subsequent to the approval of the budget, the Health, Recreation and Social Services Committee shall review any budget adjustments that are within the existing funding envelope of the Ottawa Public Library.

 

 



[1] Approved by the Ottawa Public Library Board on 24 April 2001