the OMAA Observer

8 August 2024

 

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Coming Events

OMAA is pleased to announce that our keynote speaker for the Fall Workshop is renowned evolutionary biologist, award-winning television presenter, and bestselling author, Dan Riskin. Whether he’s inspiring viewers as the co-host of Discovery Canada's flagship science program, Daily Planet; terrifying them as the host of Animal Planet's docu-horror show, Monsters Inside Me; or covering the latest news as CTV's Science and Technology Specialist, Riskin's passion and curiosity have made him an unparalleled source of science inspiration for all.

 

The updated Fall Workshop Program-at-a-Glance is now available. 

 

And we've just added an incredibly fun networking event for Wednesday afternoon: Treetop Trekking.

Spend the afternoon zipping and trekking through the forest with your colleagues and friends. With pro tips from encouraging instructors, this rewarding, customizable experience will help boost confidence for both beginner and expert explorers. 
Note: You do not need to be an athlete in training for this activity and it is very safe. TTT Huntsville is located at 11180 Highway 60 -- just across the road from Deerhurst. Special OMAA rate = $50. Add this event to your registration on the OMAA registration system.

 

Anyone looking to book a room should call Deerhurst Resort at 800-461-4393 and identify as part of the OMAA group.

Register for the Fall Workshop
 

Open-House Webinar #2: Mastering the Art of Managing Difficult Direct Reports

23 August 12:15--1:15

 

Overview:
In the dynamic and often complex environment of municipal governance, CAOs face unique challenges in managing direct reports. This open-house webinar is designed to provide a forum for CAOs to have a frank discussion on strategies and insights for optimizing team performance, enhancing communication, and fostering a collaborative work culture.

 

What to Expect:
Join us for an engaging and interactive session where you will have the opportunity to share experiences with peers and explore practical solutions to common challenges faced when managing direct reports. This session will not be recorded and is only available to OMAA members.

 

Format:
1. Welcome and Topic Overview
2. A case study or question will be posed
3, Breakout groups will be utilized (depending on numbers) so that people can share their experiences more readily. 
4. Report back
5. Repeat steps 2-4 if time allows

Possible Topics:

Building Trust and Accountability:

Techniques to establish and maintain trust with your direct reports.

Strategies for setting clear expectations and holding team members accountable.

 

Effective Communication:

Best practices for transparent and constructive communication.

Tips for navigating difficult conversations and providing feedback.

 

Motivation and Engagement:

Approaches to inspire and motivate your team.

 

Conflict Resolution:

Methods for addressing and resolving conflicts efficiently.

Tools to create a harmonious and productive work environment.

 

If anyone has a case study or helpful information that can be (anonymously) shared with the group in advance please email it to scott@omaa.on.ca before 16 August

Register for the Webinar

Member Request --  Unclaimed Deposits

Do you have an existing practice or policy in regards to dealing with unclaimed deposits, in particular unclaimed site plan deposits?

 

Perth East CAO Mike Givens is dealing with some deposits that are 10+ years old, related to work that has been completed but for whatever reason the balance of deposit went unclaimed or was not reimbursed. In many instances there has been multiple ownership changes or other activities that make finding the original owner untenable.

 

Please email Mike directly by clicking on the button below.

Email Mike

Job Board

CAO

Township of Scugog

 
The Township of Scugog is within the Durham Region and part of the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). It is a growing community of approximately 21,580 people on the shores of Lake Scugog with a vibrant rural agricultural sector and tourism focused small-town charm. The Township of Scugog provides opportunities for businesses and employers to flourish professionally, while establishing a quality of life through a four-seasons lifestyle. Access to Lake Scugog, historic downtown Port Perry, and a world-class local health-care system are all reasons to call Scugog home.
 
Reporting to Mayor and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer has overall accountability to ensure and oversee the effective administration of the Corporation. The CAO will be responsible for providing corporate vision and leadership for administering, planning, organizing, directing and controlling all municipal operations and services in accordance with municipality policies and relevant legislation. Delivering on the strategic vision, the CAO is responsible for the management and stewardship of assets, administration, human resources, communications, business and the financial health of the corporation. Operating in a public profile environment, the CAO provides high level representation to provincial government, media, community and public organizations. A strategic leader, the CAO will provide direction to the long-term strategic planning process to ensure the effective and efficient delivery of corporate services for the betterment of the community.

 

Closes: 12 September 2024
 

More Info

CAO

Township of Ramara

The Township of Ramara is a rural gem nestled in Central Ontario just 90 minutes from the GTA. Positioned on the breathtaking northeastern shores of Lakes Simcoe and Couchiching, Ramara is the gateway to natural beauty with access to two provincial parks, pristine beaches, and scenic trails. Ramara is home to just over 10,000 full-time residents, a number that swells in the summer months with seasonal residents and visitors.  Whether it is the rural, small-town lifestyle, the friendly people, the beautiful scenery or infinite outdoor adventures, there are many reasons people from near and far choose Ramara as their home.

 

The CAO plays a pivotal role in steering the municipality’s administration, with a focus on service excellence! We are looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking leader, who wants to make an impact on our organization and our community! The team in Ramara is comprised of a staff who thrives on being creative and coming up with new and innovative ways to meet the ever changing needs of our community! Reporting to and advising a Council consisting of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and five Councillors, the CAO oversees the administration and operations of the Township and its $37M+ budget by providing strategic leadership and direction to a talented municipal leadership team to develop and deliver excellence in programs and services that align with Council’s direction and the Township’s Strategic Plan. 


The ideal candidate should have strong leadership skills and be able to effectively manage the unique challenges faced by the Township. The candidate will need to establish and nurture positive relationships with staff, elected officials, neighboring municipalities, upper-tier government, and the community to achieve the organization's strategic objectives. As a visionary leader, the CAO will be responsible for inspiring teams, fostering innovation, and creating an environment that supports success while keeping up with public administration trends. The ideal candidate should excel in change management, effectively communicate with stakeholders, and possess exceptional decision-making skills. It is important for the candidate to align tasks and initiatives with the organization's long-term vision and goals to drive sustainable growth and success.

 

The Township offers a comprehensive benefits package, enrollment in the OMERS pension plan and a salary ranging from $174,124 - $203,700.

Closes: 25 August 2024 

More Info

Director of Development and Infrastructure Planning

City of Orillia

The Corporation of the City of Orillia has an opening for a full-time position of Director of Development and Infrastructure Planning in the Development Services and Engineering Department reporting to the General Manager.

Oversee a team of Planners, Engineers, and other staff to direct, manage, track progress, evaluate priorities and execute the operations of the division, including budgeting and designing capital projects, in consultation with the General Manager of Development Services and Engineering.. Prepare, review and make recommendations for annual division operating and capital budgets; monitor/administer approved budgets.

 

Compensation is $134,465 to $157,305 with a comprehensive benefits package

 

Closes: 19 August 2024.

More Info

Director of Corporate Services

City of Quinte West

The Corporate Services Department is responsible for providing administrative support services, as needed, to Council and to all City departments. The Department carries out the statutory duties of the City’s Clerk’s Office, and is responsible for telecommunications, information technology and strategic initiatives of the City. The department is also responsible for providing support and advice to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and Council on all statutory, operations and custodial matters affecting the Corporate Services of the City.

 

This position participates on the Senior Management Team (SMT) and is a key advisor to the CAO and Council, recommending policies, plans and programs that will benefit Quinte West by being strategic, innovative, practical and fiscally sound. Leading a talented team of staff, this position guides and inspires a dedicated workforce in their efficient delivery of these municipal services and helps shape a workplace culture founded on trust and transparency. Reporting to the CAO, the Director of Corporate Services will assist in the development of corporate and departmental policies. The position is responsible to the CAO and Council on all statutory, operational and custodial matters affecting the corporate services of the municipality. Matters of a confidential nature shall be treated with due regard for the best interests of the municipality and its staff.

 

Closes: 23 August 2024

More Info

CAO

Municipality of Lakeshore

The Municipality of Lakeshore is in Southwestern Ontario along Lake St. Clair. With a population of over 40,000 residents, it is one of the fastest-growing communities in the region. Lakeshore enjoys a temperate climate year-round. Lakeshore’s affordable lakefront community enjoys over 35 kilometres of waterfront, low taxes, high quality of life and abundant recreational opportunities with many family-friendly parks, recreation programs, and multi-use recreation centres.

The CAO is responsible and accountable to the Council of the Municipality for the day-to-day management of the municipality and leadership to the Administration. As the leader of the Municipality’s Corporate Leadership Team, the CAO is responsible for ensuring that Council’s directives are carried out in an effective and efficient manner, establishing administrative practices and procedures, overseeing capital projects and budget administration, and other duties as prescribed under the Municipal Act. Under Council’s direction, the CAO will be responsible for managing the human, financial and physical resources of the municipality.

 

Closes: 19 August 2024 

More Info

CAO/Clerk

Municipality of Whitestone (Dunchurch, ON)

Located on the Canadian Shield within the District of Parry Sound, the Municipality of Whitestone is a sparsely populated community with a number of settlement areas, numerous lakes with rocky/rugged shorelines and a significant amount of Crown lands.  Whitestone is anchored by the communities of Dunchurch, Maple Island, Whitestone and Ardbeg, and is the permanent home to approximately 1,100 residents.  This number grows to over 5,000 seasonally between May and October.
 
Formed in 2000, Whitestone features a strong rural / agricultural community, as well as outstanding volunteer support for community programs and activities. Due to an impending retirement, the Municipality of Whitestone offers an attractive employment opportunity for a CAO/Clerk.  The CAO/Clerk role will report directly to the five-member Council. The CAO/Clerk will provide effective advice and support to Council, implementing their decisions efficiently, and effectively in conjunction with the Senior Management Team. The CAO will provide energetic and creative leadership to ensure alignment of operations with the Municipality’s strategic priorities within the $6.7 Million municipal budget.

 

Closes: 23 August 2024 

More Info

New Webpages

A new Aspiring CAO page is up on the public facing side of the OMAA website.  Full of great tips and resources for those thinking about becoming a CAO one day, this page is meant to provide a warm welcome for those new to OMAA  and to show the value of belonging to the association. Please share with any connections you think might benefit. Many thanks to the Aspiring CAO Committee for their great ideas.

 

An Interim CAO page that includes the benefits of hiring an interim and a link to our 2024 list of those providing such a service is now up and running. Please note that while we provide this list for your convenience, OMAA is not responsible for the services provided by these individuals.   

Members in the News

Merrickville-Wolford appoints Darlene Plumley as permanent CAO.

 

Niagara Regional Council approves procedural changes recommended by integrity commissioner following clash over Gaza conflict.

 

Mattawa public library will reopen, says CAO Paul Laperriere.

 

Aaron Gullins named the new CAO of the Township of Ignace. 

Skipperism

Last week's hostage swap had me thinking about the importance of building alliances.

 

Achieving significant goals, whether in personal endeavors or municipal government, rarely happens in isolation. The path to success is often paved with the support, collaboration, and insights of others. Cultivating allies and partners is not merely beneficial but essential for realizing major ambitions.

 

One of the fundamental reasons for forming alliances is the amplification of strength and resources. As Aristotle put it, "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts." This concept illustrates how the collective efforts of a group can surpass what individuals could achieve on their own. By pooling together diverse skills, knowledge, and resources, allies can tackle challenges more effectively and innovate solutions that might otherwise be unattainable.

 

Cultivating allies and partners is also about building trust and reciprocity. Strong alliances are founded on mutual respect and a shared commitment to common goals. This not only facilitates collaboration but also creates a network of support that can be relied upon in future endeavors. The relationships we build while working toward a goal can become valuable assets, fostering an environment where cooperation and mutual benefit thrive.

Awards

The Maureen McCauley Bursary offers $5,000 annually to support the education of future municipal government leaders.
The Bursary is available to any student in a post secondary program meeting the following criteria:

(1) Is a student residing in Ontario
(2) Is a student that has completed at least one year of an Ontario university or an Ontario community college program that has the potential to lead to a municipal government career.
(3) Has submitted the completed Application Form, accompanied by the noted requirements

The OMAA Awards Committee will assess all submissions under approved evaluation criteria. The successful candidate will be advised of their award in October. Bursary funds will be made available to the successful applicant shortly thereafter. Although not mandatory successful candidates will be invited to attend the OMAA Fall Workshop virtually or in person to receive their Bursary award.

Applicants must complete the application form and also develop a 2-3 minute video which would outline the significance of municipal government service delivery and the value of professional management thereof. Examples are included on our website. Applications close on 30 September 2024.

Apply for the Bursary
 

The Robert Baldwin Award is Ontario's highest award for municipal public service. Winners must demonstrate significant and lasting contributions to municipal and local government plus service to the community, the province, and the country.

The award was inspired by the achievements of Robert Baldwin: a principled political figure active in the mid-1800s. Baldwin wrote the first Municipal Act, supported religious tolerance and women's rights, was one of the first proponents of a bi-cultural nation and popularized the idea of "responsible government".

The Robert Baldwin Award is presented at the Fall Workshop when suitable candidates are identified. Nominations are accepted by the Awards Committee, with the name of the selected candidate tabled for Board approval.  Nominations will be accepted until 30 September 2024

Nomination Form

OMAA Picks

AMO has released a Municipal Workforce Development Project Roadmap. The Roadmap discusses the project work to date and identifies priority areas and future actions for AMO and its partners as well as best practices for municipalities to support employee recruitment and retention.

 

OMAA is pleased to partner with AMO on this initiative and to continue to provide representation on the Municipal Workforce Development Advisory Group.  The Municipal Workforce Development Project helps Ontario municipalities to better understand the municipal sector’s workforce needs (i.e. human resources) and to develop our current workforce and prepare the next generation of community builders for careers in the municipal sector.

 

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