During a special council committee meeting held on Monday, October 22^nd, Colchester Council discussed several matters concerning Strategic Priorities. Minutes from the special October 22^nd meeting, included in the council package for monthly committee meeting scheduled for November 15th, indicated the purpose of the purpose of the meeting was to review the Municipality’s Strategic Priorities.

A check of incoming emails from the municipal office revealed notification of the October 22^nd and a subsequent meeting on October 29^th was not forthcoming. (Normally, council staff have been very diligent in advising of upcoming meetings).

Since the meeting was held to discuss council’s Strategic Priorities, Mr. Rob Simonds, CAO, provided a brief introduction which included a review of the list of priorities as previously approved by Council, as well as a brief overview of the process for the meeting. Directors and staff would provide updates on their operational priorities, removing items that have been completed and providing opportunity to bring forward new items.

In his overview, Simonds said "it is important to keep in mind organizational capacity, such as
core/fundamental services, when adding items to the list of priorities. Once this process is completed, there will no longer be the one-page update included in the monthly Council package. The intent is to distribute a varied form of updates, most likely on a quarterly basis, with a written synopsis on
progresses to date".

Discussion was held on having flexibility to change the priorities, either by adding and removing items. The CAO advised that Council would have flexibility, possibly during the annual or bi-annual review rather than during the quarterly update reports.

One item on the agenda included Community Engagement which included Building a Municipal Brand that residents and communities want to engage with; Developing new channels of engagement such as E-Newsletter, website and social media; and, Promoting engagement options.

On another matter, minutes from the meeting revealed council discussed the lack of media attention on ‘good news’ stories such as the recent trip to Jordan for the Jordan Municipal Support Project; opportunities to self-promote; and, mechanisms to handle social media during adverse matters. CAO Simonds indicated "Staff are investigating options for promoting ourselves rather than relying on media, and having processes in place to have one spokesperson for media relations and Facebook and Twitter
platforms".

Other items discussed included:

Economic Development
• Secure and build on strengths including Debert Business, diverse economy with key sectors, location, excellent amenities and events, collaboration with Truro & Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity (TCPEP); • Strive to improve on weaknesses such as internet and transportation, healthy communities, environmental protection, and policy advocacy; and, • Attraction and Placemaking such as smart marketing, tourism with intent, and welcoming and inclusive places and events.

Community Engagement
• Building a Municipal Brand that residents and communities want to engage with; • Developing new channels of engagement such as E-Newsletter, website and social media; and, • Promoting engagement options.

Debert Airport
• Listed as one of the top five priorities of Council; • Community asset with potential for economic benefits;
• Compliment Debert as a whole; • Need to reignite the development of new hangars; • Reports commissioned – Land Use Plan and Airfield Pavement Assessment; • Events held – Mud Hero and Car Show; and,• Future possibilities such as monthly drive-in during summer months and large music festivals.

Debert Business Park (DBP) – Marketing / Business Relations / Land Development
• Completion of branding, website development and refacing existing signage; NSTIR to redo highway signs this Fall; Directional signage and highway billboard – project tentatively scheduled to take place during the Winter; • Continue to receive business inquiries on a regular basis; explore options for warehouse and small business start-up space; expansion of Kohltech and Tim Hortons; and new business, Lumina, on Ventura Drive; and, • Continue to clear and prepare land for development; and time to consider a Land Use By-law for DBP.

Fundy Discovery Site
• Washroom building, landscaping at washroom and VIC, phase 1 of playground, upgraded highway signage, and raised dyke with trail completed; • Entrance signage, security audit, and website development underway; • Next phase of development includes playground phase 2, amphi-theatre,
road improvements, power and communication line management, interpretation planning and bridge design.

Possible amenities for the Fundy Discovery Site were discussed including a quality restaurant. Concern was raised regarding the issue of security at the site, specifically sufficient lighting. It was noted that timing is of the essence for proper security. The CAO advised that the building is wired for high resolution cameras, conversations have taken place with the RCMP to do walk-abouts on the property. Also, staff would look into having Commissionaires available for security on Halloween night.

Additional items under review are included in a separate story elsewhere in this issue.