MUNICIPAL ADVISORY COMMITTEES
Each municipal council works with several boards and committees that contribute to the
provision of services to the community. The membership of these boards and committees
generally consists of volunteers that rely on the good will of each other, and a common
sense of direction to assist in community development. Most boards and committees in the
community are beyond the responsibility of the Council, yet often have an impact on the
decision making of Council. The
ASB Act
provides for council to appoint one or more
advisory committees with respect to any matter related to agriculture. Any advisory
committee appointed shall act in an advisory capacity to the board and council. The
purpose of an advisory committee is to utilize the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of the
public in the development and delivery of policies, programs and services to the public. In
general, advisory committees assist the ASB in fulfilling their roles and responsibilities in
the following ways:
·
Establishing priorities
·
Program planning
·
Policy development
·
Program promotion
·
Public relations
·
Program evaluation
It is important to keep in mind that an advisory committee is just that, it advises the board
and Council. Often advisory committee members expect their advice to become policy;
however, advice is taken under consideration, but not necessarily implemented or acted
upon.
In order for advisory committees to be effective, Council must provide them with a
mandate or terms of reference. If no direction or focus is provided, expectations are
unlikely to be met, and the value of the advisory committee diminishes. Establishment of
an advisory committee can also become repetitive in that the members on the advisory
committee are often members of the ASB or Council. Generally, council meetings are held
to adopt resolutions of the advisory committee in addition to meetings to adopt resolutions
of the ASB. This duplication of time and effort translates into an additional drain on the
budget. To alleviate this problem the advisory committee may report to the ASB. However,
regardless of reporting requirements, the governance structure for the advisory committee
must be identified in the terms of reference.
The credibility of an advisory committee is enhanced if the membership represents a cross-
section of the agricultural community. An assumption is generally made that the advisory
committee represents the majority and therefore it should be able to provide a broader
perspective. In doing so, advisory committees often function as the informal liaison
between the ASB and the community.
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