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By David Lea OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF New rules of engagement at Town Hall effective · legislative requirements define public engagement Greater input is appropriate when: · a decision is to be made that requires feedback · issues are high priority, controversial or have a health and public safety impact · public comments can have an impact on the design and development of a project · public buy-in is important for project success · it's important to build partnerships and strengthen relationships between the community and the Town on a project · issues place final decision-making with citizens or other stakeholders · legislative requirements define public engagement requirements Once the `how much' is determined, the question turns to `how'. The new policy offers a range from television and radio ads to e-mail, interviews, information kiosks, telephone hotlines and more. Method choice depends on the Town's intended goal. For example, newspaper, television and radio ads can get information to a broad audience while a Town Hall meeting lets participants hear information, ask questions and comment. With the launch of the its new website and social media, the Town will also be exploring more opportunities to engage the online community. For example, the Town held a Twitter event to discuss the budget on Monday, Jan. 30. A report submitted by Oakville Mayor Rob Burton stated the advisory committees were eliminated because they were deemed not to be the most effective forum to obtain public input. Town staff continues to have the benefit of seniors and youth liaison groups. The Office of the Mayor and Council also hosts monthly meetings for leaders of all local residents associations and citizens groups. 11 · Wednesday, February 1, 2012 OAKVILLE BEAVER · www.insideHALTON.com There are now more ways of communicating between the Town of Oakville and residents. Almost a year ago, Town of Oakville council voted to discontinue nearly all advisory committees in order to save the Town $50,000 a year. Some, mandated by legislation, such as the accessibility advisory committee, will remain. Last week, the public got a look at what will replace the discontinued committees as council okayed a new Public Engagement Guide. "This approach recognizes collaboration and public input in decision-making is critical to effective local government decision-making, and that the Town has an obligation to provide information to citizens about how they can become engaged," reported Jane Courtemanche, head of strategy, policy and communications, to council. "The guide identifies a variety of approaches beyond the traditional techniques such as public meetings, advisory committees and formal delegations, and provides a process to ensure the right technique is used to reach the right audience on any given issue." The guide answers questions such as how much public engagement is necessary? Less is needed when: · no decision is to be made · issues are routine in nature · providing information to the public is more The report also said public and information meetings, open houses and forums on specific issues have increased. "These provide direct access between the Town and residents directly interested in or concerned with specific subjects," stated Burton in the report. "Where the former advisory committees were unelected groups occupying positions between the public and the Town staff and council, there now are multiple avenues of direct access for a greater variety and diversity of public engagement." If You Earn In Excess Of $20,000 Per Year And Are Not Incorporated, You Are Paying Too Much Income Tax. THE FOLLOWING TABLE SHOWS JUST HOW MUCH MONEY YOU CAN SAVE THROUGH INCORPORATION.... 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