HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-19 Agreement - Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (Bassano)INTERMUNICIPAL COLLABORATION FRAMEWORK AGREEMENT
With municipal partners - the County of Newell & the Town of Bassano
"Moving Forward in providing services and opportunities for the future"
FORWARD
The County of Newell and the Town of Bassano share a common history. Both have worked very well
together to provide services for their respective ratepayers and the region. Most people understand
that increasing the level of collaboration to do things more efficiently brings better service levels to their
municipality. Sharing services, improving or expanding on service delivery always improves the quality
of life for residents & visitors. In efforts to continually improve on service delivery and work together
better in the future while respecting the uniqueness and individual characteristics that is evident for both
municipalities in providing services to their ratepayers, the Councils for the Town of Bassano and the
County of Newell hereby adopt this Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement.
The purpose of this agreement is to identify matters of shared interest and come to a consensus of
how future service levels will be delivered and funded. Both municipalities are committed to identify
current and future issues where mutual benefits may be realized through more formalized and rigorous
processes and cooperation. Examples are evident in servicing areas such as fire, recreation, airport
operations, economic development and tourism in helping the region be attractive for people to visit,
live, work and play.
As the Provincial Government seeks to encourage regional thinking, the Town of Bassano and the
County of Newell are well placed to lead proactively through the creation of this Intermunicipal
Collaboration Framework Agreement.
Goals of the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement
The Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework has four main purposes:
1, To meet the requirements of provincial legislation.
2. To promote the principles of collaboration between neighboring municipalities
with a common border.
3. To ensure municipalities consult and communicate on intermunicipal matters.
4. To clearly lay out a process that enables the partners to this agreement to review service
levels and decide if the service would benefit from being regionally operated & funded.
5. To consider appropriate fair funding mechanisms and deal with differences which may occur
from time to time.
The ICF Agreement between the County of Newell and the Town of Bassano
will:
Sharing the vision and recognizing respective priorities is key while assisting each in providing effective
and efficient service levels to their ratepayers: Where feasible and practical — each municipality will
work together to assess how commonly utilized services will be provided and funded for the benefit
of ratepayers.
Strengthening the region while maintaining local autonomy: Each Council maintains the right to make
individual decisions for their ratepayers, but each agree that they will always consider a regional perspective
in the decision -making process.
Promote networks and linkages: Developing positive joint approaches where practical to create
efficiencies by sharing opportunities, connections, goals, knowledge and experience to promote the
greater good between all municipalities.
Embrace differences in respective municipalities: The distinct characteristics of the individual
municipalities provide choice and diversity.
Cooperation not Competition: Although each municipality is responsible to its citizens, there is
recognition that the citizens and businesses of the region share similar needs and interests.
Foster an environment of openness and trust: Cooperation and collaboration requires communication,
effort and cohesionthat will in turn result in higher standards of service delivery.
Commitment to Consultation & Cooperation — Consultation Protocol:
The fundamental basis of this agreement is communication and consultation and as such both
municipalities agree to consult on projects which have neighboring impact. By recognizing the
requirement to consult, each municipality will include the other in their project circulations and all agree
to meet and work through matters as they arise. If administrative issues arise, they will be handled through
the regular meetings held by the CAO's. If political issues arise the matters will be addressed through the
local IDP Committee. The purpose of this regular consultation protocol is to ensure that the
municipalities leverage opportunities and develop common solutions to any challenges that affect the
region.
It is understood that this agreement will encourage communication at all levels of the organization to
ensure opportunities are recognized, information is passed through the respective organization and
decision makers are informed, not just about their own municipality but about neighboring issues and
concerns. Cooperation, collaboration and commitment to consult are not meant to constrain or restrict
the authority or the ability of individual Councils or to homogenize the unique culture and identity of
each municipality. It is likely that there will be instances of differences in values, goals, beliefs,
perspectives and decisions which are not common to the municipalities. In these instances, where
differences remain, the commitment to communicate will enable the communities to develop proactive
and positive solutions to issues that may arise.
Roles in Managing the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement:
The Role of the Councils:
Each Council retains the ability and responsibility to make decisions on behalf of their residents. As
the public is at the center of any governance initiative their voice needs to be taken in to account to
insure the impacts of services and actions taken in the region have the desired results and support the
sustainability of the region. By signing onto the agreement each Council affirms the commitment
to increased cooperation at the council and administration levels.
This agreement signals a shift towards maximizing regional benefit through collaborative decision
making. Each Council member will demonstrate leadership to act strategically as they formulate
plans for each of their organizations which will bring value to the citizens of both communities.
The Role of the CAOs and Administration:
The CAOs have been identified as the principals responsible for maintaining the agreement, its
delivery and dealing with intermunicipal operations that surface from time to time during the term of
this agreement. Future decisions and recommendations for operations that will benefit the region will
be routed through the IDP Committee for recommendations to each respective council as required.
The CAO's will foster increased communication and will act as conduits for facilitating the sharing
of information, identifying opportunities and prioritizing municipal actions.
The Role of Staff -
Staff at all levels will be responsible to ensure the principles of the agreement are carried out
operationally. This means that staff will work cooperatively with their municipal counterparts to
address issues that arise within the scope of their authority and mandate. Staff will also bring to the
attention of their respective CAO any issues that arise which require their attention with respect to
meeting the commitment and intent of this agreement. Disputes among staff or municipal contractors
between the municipalities will be dealt with by the CAOs.
The Framework Protocols
Development of an .Intermunicipal Communication Protocol:
The success of this agreement will depend upon respectful dialogue between the municipalities and
a shared commitment to ensure that information is handled in a transparent and honest manner. To
foster the longevity and durability of this agreement both municipalities should jointly develop and
abide by the principles of a communication protocol which should include the following principles:
1. The protocol should recognize that cooperative communication is the key to a successful
relationship. At all times and through all levels of each organization the following
principles should apply:
a. Seek to understand
b. Avoid personal attacks either privately or publicly
c. Asking for clarification on policies adopted by the other municipality to ensure
understanding
d, Address issues as being of a joint nature meant to be resolved together
e, Seek to maximize the benefits for each party
2. The Protocol should seek to ingrain collaboration and cooperation in each municipal
organization
a. The organizations agree to ensure proper training takes place on intermunicipal
collaboration following a municipal election
b. The organizations agree to provide additional training as required following any
change in elected officials or senior administration
3. The protocol should ensure that each municipality provides to the other information
pertaining to:
a. Major capital projects which may impact the other municipality
b. Lobby efforts to higher levels of government with respect to issues which may
impact regional services
c. Adopted strategic plans
d. Funding, aid or support to other organizations within the other municipality when
requested
e. Ceremonies, celebrations, events of regional impact
f. Promotion of collaborative successes
Conflict Resolution:
The municipalities recognized that the development of this agreement is the start — not the end of
the process. Recognizing that not all issues may be agreed upon, the municipalities recognize the
need to establish a conflict resolution process based upon the following principles:
1. At the earliest opportunity and at the point closest to where the issues originate, the Chief
Administrative Officers will seek to address matters of conflict.
2. If such problems are not addressed to the satisfaction of a respective municipality, the issue
shall be given to the IDP Committee to render a decision on the matter at hand. If the issue
has budget implications, it must go through each municipal budget process for final
approval.
3. All matters of conflict should be sought to be resolved swiftly, inexpensively and in an
uncomplicated way.
4. All matters of conflict should be resolved using a clear procedural pathway.
5. At all times maintain the essence of collaboration even though conflicts may exist on some
issues.
Process:
If a municipality believes an obligation under the agreement has been breached the matter should be
immediately brought to the attention of their CAO. The CAO will investigate and if it appears as if
a `breach' of the agreement has occurred the matter will be immediately brought to the attention of
the other affected municipality CAO. Once that has occurred, an effort to resolve the matter
through informal problem -solving discussions is to be initiated.
If differences occur outside of an outright `breach' of an agreement, which may include differing
expectations on a joint service delivery, the CAO's agree to bring the matter up for an informal
discussion as soon as reasonably possible. If this does not resolve the issue, the matter will be
forwarded to the IDP Committee to negotiate an effective solution, Disputes or disagreements
between individual municipalities will be dealt with by holding a full Council to Council meeting
where all decisions can be reached by consensus. If that is not successful, a mediated process will
be initiated using the services of a jointly agreed upon mediator with costs shared equally between
municipalities. The mediator will be solely responsible for the governance of the mediation process,
If the process cannot be resolved through mediation the municipalities will select an arbitrator,
sharing all costs in doing so, and will have the matter resolved through the process defined by
Section 708.35 of the Municipal Government Act. The arbitrator is governed by the principles of
natural justice and fairness.
Inventory of Municipality Services
The chart shown on the following page illustrates an inventory of municipal services available to
ratepayers in each municipality. The inventory is a consideration of who provides a service, who
has funded a service and where such services exist within the boundaries of a municipality. The
services listed below are a representation of key services, but it is not an exhaustive list of all
services provided by each municipality.
ICF Agreement — Statutory Provisions:
Amendments to the Municipal Government have revised the purpose of municipalities. The Act now
requires municipalities to work collaboratively with neighboring municipalities to plan, deliver and
fund intermunicipal services. The act requires municipalities with common borders to develop an
Intermunicipal Collaborative Framework Agreement. This agreement must address services related
to transportation, water, wastewater, solid waste, emergency services and recreation. The discussion
on the aforementioned topics is prescribed by the act, however the outcomes are not, and this
agreement takes that to the next level in regional coordination and cooperation.
Inventory of Services
Town of Bassano = B & County of Newell = N
Type of Service
Mun
Inter
Mun.
Third
Part Y
Type of Service
Mun
Inter
Mun.
Third
Party
Transportation
I Water
_
_
Road Grading & Gravelling
N B
B N
I Water Treatment
N B
`Road Calcium
N
B N
I Water Distribution
N B
N
N
IGravel Crushing
N
Service Installs
N B
Road Construction
B N
Meter Reading
N B
Culvert Installation
B N
Utility Billing
N 8
Bridge Maintenance
N
N
Truck Fill Station
N B
Drainage Maintenance
B N
B N
Waste Water
Snow Plowing
B N
N
Certified Operators
N B
B
I Shop -Vehicle. Maint.
B N
B N
I WW Collection System
N B
N
N
(Surveying
N
B N
(Lagoons
B
N
N
ISign Installation & Maint.
B N
N
I Irrigation of Effluent
N
Paved Road Repairs
N
B N
I Installation of Utilities
B
N B
Rural Addressing Signs
N
N
Recvcline & Waste Man.
(Airport Operation
B N
B N
Landfill
N B
(Recreation
Collection
B
N
,Skating Rinks
B
B N
B N
Recycling
N B
(Curling Rinks
B
B N
B N
As Services & Parks
IShooting Ranges/Gun Club
B
B N
Tree Planting
N B
I Riding Arenas
N
(Tree Spraying
N B
B
IOutdoor Rodeo Grounds
B N
B N
(Tree Pruning
N B
B
(Baseball Diamonds
B N
B N
B
(Mowing
N B
Golf Courses
B
B N
B N
Weed Identification
N
8
I Indoor Athletic Fields
N
Weed Act Enforcement
N
B
(Swimming Pools
B
B N
Weed Spraying
N
B
I Outdoor Soccer Fields
B
N
B
Raw Water Irrigation
N _
ITennis Courts
B
N
N
Cemetery Maintenance
B
N
ISenior Centres
B
B N
B N
IPest Control
N B
N
I Motocross Track
N
I Park Maintenance
N B
I Bowling Alleys
B
B
B N
I Sprinkler Installation
N B
(Water Park
N
Equip. Maintenance
N B
B
(Skateboard Park
N
Equipment Rentals
N B
B
(Gyms & Workout Centres
B
N
B N
Building Maintenance
N B
B
Beach Volleyball
Park Operations
N B
}
Campground Operation
N B
N
Municipality or Community Halls
B
N B
N B
Museums
N
N
Visitor Centre
N
N
Services
Playgrounds
N B
N
4Other
FCSS
N B
Emerge ncvServices
ORRSC - Planning
N
N B
EMS Coordination
N B
N
Planning & Development
N B
N
N B
Fire Department
N
N B
(Economic Development
N B
N B
N B
Community Peace Officer
N
N B
Information Technology
N B
N B
N
Safety Code Officer
N
N
N B
General Administration
N B
Safety Code Inspections
N
N
N B
(Economic Development
B
N B
Disaster Management
N B
N B
Libraries
N B
N B
Mutual Aid Agreements
N B
N B
(Playgrounds
B
Services addressed:
Emerizencv & Disaster Services
The Town of Bassano & the County of Newell have entered into mutual aid & fire agreements and
no changes are required at this time. Both partners agree to work on a regional disaster service
delivery model to ensure the needs of each partner can be met for both preparations/training for
disasters and the service execution during a large- scale disaster. Each partner agrees to assist one
and the other in the event of a disaster.
Polieiniz/Bylaw Enforcement/CPO Services
The partners are happy with the current arrangement and agree to work together on expanding
enforcement services when desired. Cost for services provided will continue to be on a fee for service
basis.
Water
Both partners have an agreement to receive potable water from Newell Regional Service Corporation.
All partners have representation on the NRSC Board and the Board is currently all municipal elected
officials. Distribution services are provided on a fee for service basis with NRSC as required by a
partner municipality. No changes are required at this time.
Waste Water
Each municipality handles their own Waste Water. No changes to Waste Water Services are required
at this time. The partners agree to work together on run off drainage as needed.
Solid Waste
Newell Regional Solid Waste Authority is funded by all the municipalities and accepts all generated
waste for the region. The Board of Directors for NRSWA is made up of elected officials from each
municipality in the region. Each municipality handles their own waste pickup at this time. The County
of Newell and Town of Bassano is requesting that the VETO clause for NRSWA be changed to a
simple majority and the partners agree to have their councils each address this request.
Transportation
No agreements exist or are currently required in the area of transportation. The County can assist in
road maintenance on a fee for service basis as required.
The Partners will agree to track their expenses as it relates to the Airport and each partner will pay
50%. This will not apply to internal transfers or non -cash items. The Town will be responsible for
accounting that relates to the Airport. Both parties are to report on their cost details after their annual
audit is completed. If the Town and County decide to jointly run the Airport, both partners agree to
set up a committee for that purpose.
Recreation
A Recreation Board has been established and is to be funded 50150. Recreation Agreements are in
place but may require updating. Recreation will be funded 50150 in 2019 and thereafter as per
approved operational budgets. The 50/50 cost share will not apply to internal transfers or non -cash
items. The 50/50 cost share shall include all recreation and culture facilities in Bassano. Specifically,
the Joint Use Facility, Recreation Complex, Community Hall, and THRIVE Fitness Centre or similar
type recreation facilities. Capital recreation costs will be considered by the Partners on a case -by -case
basis. The Town will be responsible for accounting as it relates to recreation. Both parties are to report
on their cost details after their annual audit is completed. The Partners further agree to update the
outdated recreation agreement and that each Partner will contribute equally to recreation as defined
within the agreement.
Planning/Development/Permitting/SDAB
The partners completed a service capacity assessment on the planning and development functions
which included contracted services for safety codes as well. No changes will be proposed at this time
and each municipality will continue to handle their own service.
Copies of each agreement:
Each municipality has been provided a copy of all agreements covered in this ICF Agreement.
Commitment to Collaboration:
The Town of Bassano and the County of Newell acknowledge and affirm that they will seek to
fulfill both the intent and the spirit of this agreement by seeking opportunities to collaborate where
practical as well as to honor all applicable legislation with respect to intermunicipal collaboration
within the Province of Alberta.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF the parties have hereunto set their hands and affixed their corporate seals
as witnessed by the hand or hands of its proper signing officers duly authorized in that behalf as of
the date set out herein.
Town of Bassano
(or, Mayor Wickson
Interim CAO Davis
County of Newell
H orCh f 9 , a0(9
Date
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Date