Title
Approval of Sturgeon Watershed Alliance Terms of References
Proposed Motions:
a) That Council approve the Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance Steering Committee Terms of Reference as presented.
b) That Council approve the Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Terms of Reference as presented.
Body
Administration Recommendation
Administration supports both motions as proposed.
Purpose
Administration is requesting that Council approve the Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance Steering Committee Terms of Reference, and the Technical Advisory Committee Terms of Reference.
Summary
On February 11, 2014, Council confirmed Parkland County's participation on the Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance (formerly Sturgeon River Watershed Partnership). At this meeting, Council also appointed Councillor Jensen as the elected representative for the Watershed Alliance, and Councillor Kobasiuk elected representative (alternate). The original Terms of Reference (TOR) for the Watershed Partnership was also circulated to Council at this time.
Elected Alliance representatives from participating municipalities met to discuss the Committee's draft Terms of Reference on March 27, 2014. At this meeting, elected representatives directed that the original Terms of Reference be split into two (2) separate Terms of Reference:
The Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance Steering Committee Terms of Reference (Attachment 1) outlines the roles of elected representatives on the Watershed Alliance. The Steering Committee consists of elected representatives who "oversee" all work of the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC).
The Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) Terms of Reference (Attachment 2) outlines the roles of the municipal administrative staff from participating municipalities on the Watershed Alliance. The TAC is responsible to provide technical advice to the Steering Committee, and for the completion of Sturgeon River Watershed Management Plan. Staff from the North Saskatchewan Watershed Alliance (NSWA) provide on-going advice to both committees.
Additional information on the committees and the Terms of References is found in Attachment 3 - Administrative Report.
The Watershed Alliance Steering Committee approved both Terms of References in late June 2014 through e-mail voting. Attachment 3 includes the March 27, 2014 Steering Committee minutes and the draft May 22, 2014 minutes.
Administration supports the approval of both Terms of References. By creating two (2) separate Terms of Reference, Administration feels that the Watershed Alliance will be more effective in completing the Sturgeon River Watershed Management Plan.
Strategic Plan/Policy/Legal/Staff Implications
Council approval of the Steering Committee and Technical Advisory Committee Terms of References will reinforce the County's regional participation on the Sturgeon River Waterhsed Alliance. Continued participation on the Watershed Alliance also supports the completion of the County's Environmental Conservation Master Plan (ECMP) project, and the Community Sustainability and Development Plan (CSDP). Participation in the Watershed Alliance also aligns with Council's commitment to the Environment as identified in the Council Strategic Plan.
Parkland County maintains an "active" versus "informed" role on both committees (active membership includes regular participation at meetings and voting privileges at both committee levels).
Financial Impact:
There are no current financial impacts to Parkland County for participating on the Watershed Alliance Steering Committee or Technical Advisory Committee. Future Watershed Alliance projects may be funded primarily through grant funding and secondary through municipal contributions. When future funds may be requested from Parkland County, requests will be forwarded to Council for final approval.
Cost:
N/A
Source of Funding:
N/A
Attachments:
1. Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance - Steering Committee Terms of Reference
2. Sturgeon River Watershed Alliance - Technical Advisory Committee Terms of Reference
3. Administrative Report
4. March 27, 2014 Steering Committee minutes (final) and May 22, 2014 Steering Committee minutes (draft)