General policy
In the light of article L1123-27 of the Local Democracy and Decentralization Code,
The following programme of general policy is proposed for the approval of the Municipal Council for the period from 2007 to 2012:
Preliminary comment: the order in which the points are presented does not relate to any hierarchical level or order of priority.
WELFARE, LIVING ENVIRONMENT, SECURITY, MOBILITY
CPAS
The presence of the chairwoman of the CPAS in the College is important - She can pass on information. Actions can thus be concerted and economies of scale achieved.
Housing
Each citizen has the right to housing.
Creation in our municipality of housing accessible to everyone according to their means.
Different operators work in our area: The social housing agency, Habitations Sociales de la Région de et à Bastogne, the CPAS, the ASBL Gestion Logement Gouvy, ACRF, Périple en la Demeure,…
Municipal role: to coordinate the work of these different operators and give them the means to diversify the types of housing.
We lack housing accessible to the most deprived.
Creation of housing of this type while ensuring good integration of the social housing in our rural environment.
Security - Mobility
We want to maintain a feeling of security for property and people by insisting on a greater police presence on the ground.
Road safety is a priority. Implementation of well-thought-out solutions which are not likely to create new problems.
On the basis of the work of the "quality - safety" groups, planning and performance of safety work at the entrances to the villages, approaches to the schools, etc.
In association with Vielsalm municipality, the police, dance organizers,… performance of actions aimed at making festive events safe (e.g. setting up a "Good Evening" charter).
Living environment
Definition of an overall policy to develop the villages and make them flourish.
Raising the awareness of the population about cleanliness and respect for our environment.
Senior citizens
Creation of a consultation body for the elderly.
Partnerships between local associations will be encouraged with the aim of encouraging inter-generational relations.
Carrying out of a feasibility study on the construction and exploitation of one or more "legal structures" making it possible to welcome and support elderly people.
Actions will be carried out in accordance with the results and in consultation with the consultation body for the elderly.
Childcare
With the help of the childcare coordinator, organization of school clubs before and after school hours. The "Gare de Rire" held on Wednesday afternoons is also an important response to certain needs of parents.
Offering children a welcoming and secure setting, in premises which make it possible to exploit the material acquired, is one of our priorities.
Some time periods are still not covered by clubs, reflection is ongoing.
For the school holidays, sports and cultural courses have been set up and the clubs are open on certain days.
Reflection also on whether it is right or not to set up a joint care structure, respecting the existing structure of "la Bambinière" (survey amongst the public - actions carried out according to results).
Youth.
The "Adolescence … and what if we talked about it" project led by our socio-cultural coordinator is an important meeting place. The actions carried out by this working group allow the different people involved - parents, teachers, teenagers, … - to share their experiences, be enriched by others' experiences, acquire tools,… The municipality acts as facilitator in this.
People with disabilities.
Appointment and training of a municipal officer with the role of "handicontact". The latter will be a local resource person making it possible to create a local information, help and support network for the people concerned and those around them.
ECONOMY, TOURISM, TOWN PLANNING, HIGHWAYS, ENERGIES
Trade, economy, agriculture
Membership of the economic promotion office of eastern Belgium, a kind of single office for our SMEs and VSEs.
Creation of conditions favourable to economic activity, improvement of partnerships with tradesmen, businesses and support for setting up specialist and craft shops.
Monitoring of our economic area dossiers.
Agriculture: setting up an agricultural committee.
Town Planning - Land Use
Town planning is one of the keys for the harmonious development of our municipality.
To help us to make decisions, we are hoping to hire a land use advisor.
The implementation of certain ZACCs (concerted municipal development zones) is also under consideration.
Water
Our municipality has decided to preserve its own water supply network. Our investment policy must make it possible to meet European standards.
Major work is in progress and we are going to start the studies for the Montleban-Langlire project so that it can be carried out in stages.
Tourism
Drawing up a strategic plan for tourist development.
According to the results of the study, and on the basis of the strategy adopted, support for tourist operators and exploitation of our assets.
Energy
Energy, and thus energy savings, is becoming one of the issues facing future generations.
We will carry out in-depth reflection on the subject: renewable energies, information and awareness-raising, grouped contracts, cost control, adapting our subsidy policy, energy audits of certain buildings…
Forests
The municipal forest extends over approximately 1000 ha and has been managed sustainably for generations. It is part of our heritage and we must preserve its roles which are in order of importance: wood production and carbon storage, recreation (walks, mountain biking, hunting) and the landscape aspect.
Highways
Generally, our highways are in good condition and we plan to include fairly large amounts for their maintenance in the budget each year.
A big effort will be made to put in water channels.
Agricultural roads will be maintained regularly to avoid repairs which are too large.
We will also be very vigilant about drawing up the specifications for roads to be built in housing developments as subsequently these will become the property of the municipality.
The different triennial-plan dossiers will be monitored on a day-to-day basis to avoid wasting too much time.
Heritage
Our municipality has a very diverse heritage (churches, chapels, various buildings, monuments, landscapes,…).
It requires attention at all times. We will ensure its upkeep but will also ensure it is all listed and exploited to make it known.
EDUCATION, CULTURE, SPORT
Education and arts education.
Previous councils have provided our municipality with 4 municipal schools with quality facilities. We will endeavour to maintain this quality to offer a work environment in which our children and our teachers can thrive.
Maintenance of buildings, equipment and special attention to security in the facilities.
Regarding the education given. Close partnership with management and close links to teaching staff so that we can listen to plans and needs.
For arts education, the partnership with Malmédy music academy makes it possible for the young people of our municipality to have a musical education from a very young age. We have already reaffirmed our support for the academy, and financial support from the municipality for the registration fees allowing access to this art for all children wanting to develop through learning music.
Culture - Associations
Networking of artists and cultural associations.
Major support for association movements.
Putting synergies in place with neighbouring municipalities, tourist, cultural and institutional operators.
Sport
Monitoring and support of the "Sports Centre" dossier.
Development of small decentralized facilities in the villages (fitness course, multi-sport spaces) and help to maintain the existing facilities.
Promotion of sport amongst children and young people by all possible means.
Support for quality supervision.
Partnership with Bastogne and Houffalize municipalities to promote a pre-Ravel (converted railway track) circuit between Gouvy and Bastogne.
INFORMATION AND CITIZENSHIP
We will continue to inform people through the municipal magazine.
Overhaul of the website to make it effective and encourage direct information. Training of an administrative officer responsible for updating the site.
We will pay particular attention to listening to citizens, for example, by organizing meeting places for the exchange of clear information.
We will also organize information meetings on topical subjects.