Hamilton

PURPOSE 

The Ward 10 Advisory Council has been established to give community members the opportunity to express their needs, their opinions on issues that affect their lives and to have them heard at the municipal level via the Ward Councillor. The Ward 10 Advisory Council will assist the Ward Councillor in carrying out his or her mandate in the most democratic manner possible. In this way, Council members will play an important link between the Councillor and the neighbourhoods within Ward 10 that they are representing. 

MEMBERSHIP

The Ward 10 Advisory Council will be established based on a call for volunteers representing various geographical regions and/or businesses within the ward. The council will be comprised of:

• No more than 9 members in total 
• Members should represent a diversity of interests in the ward and be equitably representative of the ward 10 neighbourhoods. 
• Each member must currently reside in Ward 10 or own a business with a current address in Ward 10. 
• The Ward Councillor will be the chairperson of the advisory council. 

The Ward 10 Advisory Council will be encouraged to review the process at their first meeting, and if necessary put in place ward plans to improve the credibility and public awareness of the Advisory Council.

It is expected that Advisory Council members will communicate, engage, and consult with the Ward 10 community as appropriate.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

The primary roles and responsibilities of the Ward 10 Advisory Council members are the following: 

• Raise issues of concern about the local ward to the ward Councillor.
• Have a voice in decisions, planning and projects that the council or municipality undertakes which have an impact on the ward.
• Be representative of the local ward, and not politically aligned.
• Create formal unbiased communication channels and co-operative partnerships between the Councillor and the Ward 10 community.
• Work to create harmonious relationships between residents of a ward, the ward Councillor, and the municipality.
• Act as an advisory body on matters affecting any and all neighbourhoods in the ward.
• May record complaints from the community within the ward and provide feedback on the Advisory Council’s response.
• May serve as a mobilising agent for community action or help with Ward 10 community awareness campaigns/events.
• May make recommendations on any matter affecting the ward to the ward Councillor or the local council, and the Mayor.

STRUCTURE

Meetings: Virtual meetings will be held via zoom every 2 months. If feasible, an in-person meeting will be held 2x/year. 

Support: The Advisory Council will identify a secretary at the first meeting to provide secretariat and logistical support for the Advisory Council. The secretary will assist the councillor to arrange meetings and to record meeting notes. Meeting notes will be posted on the councillors website to maintain transparency with all residents of the ward.

DECISION MAKING

The group will strive to reach consensus in developing its advice.

QUOROM

A majority of group members (50% plus one) is required for the group to be called to order.

TERM LIMITS

All terms will be for one year. Members can apply for an additional term to a maximum of two (2) terms, or a total of two (2) years. 

AMENDMENT

Amendments to this Terms of Reference can be recommended by any member of the Advisory Council but must be approved by the ward councillor.

Maps of Ward 10 Regions