HomeMy WebLinkAboutPOL-001-22 Policy Development, Approval & Updates Thereto
COUNTY OF NEWELL - POLICY HANDBOOK
POLICY NO: POL-001-22
TITLE: POLICY DEVELOPMENT, APPROVAL & UPDATES THERETO
ADOPTED: September 22, 2022 (C-280/22)
SUPERCEDES NO: 2014-PIN-002, 2014-PIN-003, PAGE NO: 1 of 2
2014-PIN-004
The County of Newell Council acknowledges that effective policy is a pillar of the
Council governance function. This policy formalizes the manner in which policies are
developed, approved and updated from time to time in response to evolving
community needs.
Written policies are the primary means by which Council exercises its leadership over
County operations.
In formulating policy, careful analysis of the subject will be undertaken, alternatives
will be considered, and input requested from relevant groups or segments of the
County electorate in accordance with Council approved public participation processes
1. The development and adoption of new policies and revision of existing policies
are the responsibility of County Council. Requests for new policies, or updates
to existing policy, may be submitted by any individual or group. Once the
need for a policy has been raised, the matter will be referred to and reviewed
by the appropriate Board or Committee to determine whether an additional
policy, or revision of an existing policy is required. While policies pertaining to
the Agricultural Service Board or Committees that are comprised of all
Councillors, are the responsibility of the respective Board or Committee, this
Council approved Policy also applies to the policy change process for those
bodies.
2. Council may delegate the analysis of existing policies or alternatives and the
drafting of policy, regulatory and procedural statements.
3. If a policy pertains to the Agricultural Service Board, Municipal Planning
Commission or any Committee of Council, the proposed Policy should be
circulated to the relevant Committee for review and comments prior to its
adoption.
4. When policies are required, the C.A.O. shall provide Council with a statement
of need and possible alternatives to fulfill the need.
5. A statement of need, the policy alternatives and their analysis, and Council's
initial policy decision may be circulated to concerned individuals and groups
for comment if deemed appropriate.
POL-001-22
POLICY DEVELOPMENT, APPROVAL & UPDATES THERETO Page 2 of 2
6. Council may entertain delegations and submissions prior to final approval of a
policy.
7. The C.A.O., with whatever consultation deemed appropriate, shall provide
regulatory and procedural provisions to Council.
8. The process applied for revising policies shall be the same as those undertaken
for the development of a new policy.
9. The formal adoption of policies shall be recorded in the minutes of the regular
meetings of Council. Only such written statements shall constitute the policies
of Council.
10. All Council approved policies will be classified with a policy number and date
when Council approval was granted.
11. All active policies, including new or revised, shall be available for virtual
viewing (24/7) or physical copies obtained from the County Office during
regular office hours.
12. Recognizing that policy development is a continuous, on-going process,
Council approved policies will be reviewed during each four year Council term
and if necessary, revised in accordance with this policy, in response to
changing needs.