June 15, 2009 - District of Mission

56
MDISTRICT OF
ON THE FRASER
Corporate Administration
Memorandum
File Category:
File Folder:
ADM.POL.PRO
COU.22
To: Chief Administrative Officer
From: Director of Corporate Administration
Date: May 15, 2009
Subject: Policy COU.22 - Role of Council Liaison
Recommendations:
1. That council review draft policy COU.22 - Role of Council Liaison and then
forward the policy to an open council meeting for adoption.
2. That council reconsiders the practice of appointing an alternate councillor in the
role of liaison, other than for other governmental boards and committees.
3. That council not enter into the practice of appointing a liaison to fee-for-service
organizations.
Summary:
Appointments to External Boards and Committees
Council has previously had interrupted discussions regarding the role of a councillor
that is appointed as a liaison to a board or committee. In order to resolve any
confusion over the role, council has asked that staff provide a "job description" for
the role of liaison. Attached policy COU.22 is intended to assist in this question.
Historically council liaisons have been appointed to external boards or committees,
at the request of the organizations. Council does not seek out appointments, and
not all requests have resulted in the appointment of a liaison.
When council does appoint a liaison, the role is intended to be a neutral
communication channel between council and the board or committee. The liaison is
not intended to advocate, or be an activist for, the external board or committee.
The liaison is also not intended to actively participate in the operation of the
external board or committee.
Council Appointed Committees
There are 3 types of committees appointed by council - task force, select
committee and commission.
Council does not appoint "liaisons" to either task force committees or select
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