02/20/2012

Town Council's 2012 goals focus on communication

The Town Council's goals for 2012 focus on communication.

A list of 10 initiatives that build on new guidelines for citizen participation and transparency head the council's goals and work plan for the coming year, adopted at the Feb. 13, 2012 meeting.

These initiatives include training for the heads of all boards and commissions on enhancing public participation at meetings; inviting known interested parties to provide early input on policy issues; and, fostering regular, ongoing dialogue with community groups.

In addition, the council adopted a list of municipal projects it hopes to complete during the coming year, including dedicating a completed Shore Road Pathway; adopting a completed update for the Fort Williams Park master plan; and, scheduling a citizen vote on a new vision and facility for the Thomas Memorial Library and Cultural Center.

Sara Lennon, council chairman, said the council discussed the goals at two prior workshops. "We were happy to check off a few of these already," Lennon said. Two goals: Extending the charge to the Alternative Energy Committee through the end of 2012; and, developing guidelines for reviewing requests for poverty tax abatements, have been met.

Here is the text of the adopted goals and workplan:

Cape Elizabeth Town Council
Goals and Work Plan for 2012

Citizen Participation and Effective Policy Development

In recent years, the Town Council and other boards and committees have implemented new guidelines for citizen participation and transparency.

In 2012, the Town will build on these measures though the following initiatives:

• Conduct training for all board and commission chairs on running effective meetings and on enhancing public participation
• Invite known interested parties to provide early input on policy issues
• Foster regular ongoing dialogue with community groups including the Cape Elizabeth Education Foundation, the Cape Elizabeth Business Alliance, the Cape Farm Alliance, the Cape Elizabeth Land Trust, the new arts group, the Thomas Memorial Library Foundation and the Fort Williams Charitable Foundation
• Continue to collaborate with the Cape Elizabeth School Board on issues of mutual interest
• Develop a plan for Town Hall meeting room space to better accommodate citizens
• Review the current policy for the availability of municipal space for community groups and meetings
• Schedule public meetings at times that are convenient for citizens to attend
• Provide time for reflection on citizen input, and when possible delay voting after a public hearing until the following Town Council meeting
• Post supporting documents for agenda items on the town website
• Offer monthly financial updates at Town Council meetings
• Appoint Council liaisons to boards and commissions 
  

Municipal Services and Projects

In 2012, the Town Council will:

• Dedicate the completed Shore Road Pathway
• Adopt an updated master plan for Fort Williams Park 
• Schedule a citizen vote on a new vision and facility for the Thomas Memorial Library and Cultural Center
• Adopt a revised master plan for the Riverside Memorial Cemetery
• Adopt policies relating to the management of the Town’s open space and greenbelt
• Request the Planning Board to continue implementing the Comprehensive Plan by reviewing updates to the subdivision ordinance
• Encourage the Future Open Space Preservation Committee to complete its work by December 31, 2012
• Extend the charge to the Alternative Energy Committee through the end of 2012
• Consider a revised organizational structure that would place the Donald Richards Pool in the Community Services Department
• Develop guidelines for reviewing requests for poverty tax abatements
• Collaborate with the Cape Elizabeth School Department on  recycling and composting
• Review fundraising policies for municipal property projects and programs
• Complete ordinance provisions on short term rental properties and roosters