Updates to strategic plan

strategic plan text in front of image of tree

On Monday, February 24, members of Pelham Town Council and senior staff met to discuss updates and priorities for the corporate strategic plan.

Guided by David Cribbs, chief administrative officer, Council outlined 30 – outstanding and new – initiatives to include in the strategic plan. Ranked in clusters of five, though not in a particular order of completion or attention, those in the one through five category were deemed more pressing than those in the 11-15 category, for example.

The first five items came into clarity quickly, with Council agreeing that a new zoning bylaw, short-term rental policy, negotiating a collective agreement, passing bylaws related to cannabis, and developing an invasive species policy and plan are all worthy of being in the top-five.

Other priorities generated thoughtful discussion and debate amongst Councillors, each emphasizing what they believe is a priority for the Town to tackle sooner than later. Staff also had an opportunity to respond to Council’s question of what they thought of the direction that was being outline before them.

With Council and staff in agreement, the remaining priorities are:

6-10: Future of library, renew and enhance PSR system, proactive communications protocol (added new), parking initiatives and masterplan, bylaw enforcement policy;

11-15: Succession plan, heritage advisory committee, whistleblower protection, capital asset management plan, delegation of authority;

16-20: Review and possibly expand AMPs, update purchasing policy & issue joint RFPs/cultural and operating change for purchasing/procurement, joint initiatives: purchasing, building inspection, drainage, and legal, new procedural bylaw, sign bylaw;

21-25: traffic safety and calming measures, climate change best practice and community education, compensation and performance management system/performance management and staff recognition, Grants, Future of Pelham transit (added new);

26-30: risk management framework, mass notification system, voice activation for customer service, East Fenwick secondary plan, bylaw upgrades and introductions.

The prioritized work items were then categorized into the existing pillars of the strategic plan: support a strong organization, ensure financial sustainability, enhance communication and engagement, develop a risk management framework to prioritize decisions, build strong communities and cultural assets, and grow revenue by promoting our cultural assets while protecting our environmental assets.

Many items that were to be completed in 2019 have been checked off the list and staff and Council look forward to achieving the new goals and priorities set forth in the strategic plan update.

Previous Strategic Plans (website)

View the strategic plan (pdf)