SENIORS ADVISORY COMMITTEE

TERMS OF REFERENCE

(Revised June 2010 by Committee)

The following terms of reference outline the operation of a steering committee to oversee Seniors’ issues in support of the Town of Markham’s Diversity Strategy.  The Steering Committee will be responsible for providing advice and input into the Town’s Diversity strategies on an ongoing basis.

Mission

To provide advice recommendations to Council on Seniors’ issues, solicit input from the Seniors’ community and promote awareness of Seniors’ needs within the Town of Markham.

Committee Composition

The Advisory Committee shall be comprised of a total of twelve (12) members of the public appointed by Council.  At least 50% (6) of the membership shall be individuals 55 years of age or older.  Members are to be selected for their knowledge, expertise, community experience and ability to attend meetings.  One (1) member shall be chosen from three of the Executive Seniors Clubs in Markham. Five (5) members shall be chosen from not-for-profit community agencies servicing the needs of the Seniors’ community.  Five (5) members shall be representative members of the Seniors’ community at large in Markham.  A Regional Council member shall also be appointed to facilitate issues which are governed by the Region.

All appointments to the Seniors Advisory Committee shall follow the Town of Markham Appointment to Advisory Boards and Committee process.

Term of Office

Staggered terms of office of 1, 2, and 3 years in duration.

Meetings

Meetings will occur quarterly and as needed. Meetings will occur on the second Tuesday of the month from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. for the next six months. Frequency will be reassessed at that time.

Committee Operation

Meeting minutes and recommendations shall be received by General Committee and Council following each meeting.

Action Plan

An annual action plan will be prepared.  The Committee will also report on its accomplishments from the previous year to Council.

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Municipal Staff Roles

One (1) Clerk for administrative support.

One (1) Seniors Coordinator from the Recreation Services and the Community and Fire Services Commission, shall provide advisory support to the Committee.

Mandate

The Seniors Advisory Committee will act as a liaison to enrich and enhance the lives of seniors within Markham, identify barriers, form partnerships with the community and act as a public forum for issues affecting seniors.  The committee will reflect the diversity of Markham and in so doing will enhance the overall sustainability of the Markham community.

Responsibilities

The Seniors Advisory Committee will be responsible for the following:

1. Providing advice recommendations based on input received from the community and Markham staff to improve the effectiveness of the programs and services at the Town.

2. Identify barriers to access by seniors to Town services and programs.

3. Forming partnerships within the community to educate, and improve the quality of life for seniors.

4. To add further responsibilities as the role of the Committee develops.

Financial considerations

It is recommended that the Seniors Advisory Committee be eligible for an annual grant under the Seniors Grant program.

To eliminate barriers to participation it is recommended that $5,000 be allocated to this Committee for the purposes of transportation.

General Conduct and Conflict of Interest

All employees and volunteers will be guided by the Town of Markham’s Workplace Anti-discrimination and Anti-Harassment policy and Code of Ethics and Conduct Policies.

Further recognizing the importance of ethical conduct to the community and the Corporation, a Committee member shall:

o Put public interest above individual, group or social interests and consider the position as an opportunity to serve society;

o Treat other Committee members and Town staff with respect and courtesy at all times;

o Recognize that government service is a public trust that imposes responsibility to conserve resources, funds and materials;

o Never offer, give, or accept gifts, favours, or services that might tend to influence, or be perceived to influence, the discharge of duties;

o Never use the position to secure personal and/or political advantage;

o Never disclose confidential information;

o Declare conflict of interest and withdraw from committee participation on any matter that involves a direct or indirect personal financial interest