Friday, 26 April 2019 14:36
Council members at today's plenary assembly gave cross-party support to the first draft of an ethics code for the local administration. Transparency councillor Sònia Cardona described the measure, which plots an integrated policy stance incorporating the principles and values of public sector ethics, as a “model for our political leaders, management staff and public servants” and “a standard for proper conduct over and above existing legal mechanisms”.
Cardona described the move as “creating a tool for self-regulation,” and underscored the potential to improve voters' confidence in institutions by building ethical mechanisms geared towards prevention and based in rules, procedures and agencies that permeate the Council's administrative structure and prevent unethical behaviour.
Waste management plan
Despite PP abstention, “yes” votes from Gent per Formentera, PSOE and Compromís party members meant the session also brought final approval for the island's Pla de Residus. Environment councillor Daisee Aguilera described the “Waste Plan”, the first of its kind in the archipelago, as a way to turbocharge recycling and move Formentera closer to zero waste production.
The plan calls for construction of a composting site and a treatment plant for construction and demolition waste as well as a “reuse zone” at the treatment plant in es Cap. It also includes provisions to expand the island's rubbish drop-off spot (Deixalleria), study measures to encourage smart waste management strategies, and promote new and innovative programmes like deposit-refund container recycling.
A first phase will be aimed at consolidation of the current scheme for door-to-door organic matter pick-up from medium-sized and large waste generators, followed by, from 2022, a second phase of expansion and installation of a new fifth container for organic waste at collection sites. According to Aguilera, the measure also includes emerging tech-based upgrades to the waste collection and management strategy, and “harnesses sustainable mobility for rubbish pick-up and other measures specially tuned to preserving the local landscape”. The plan was agreed by the environment section of the Consell d'Entitats.
Professional career path
Unanimous support also came for a cross-party measure to create a career path for Council employees. Assembly members agreed to sit down with the unions of the Formentera Council and come up with a system of legal compliance that is valid for administrative career paths and employee compensation and be applied according to existing legislation and rules which will be mapped out according to the budget availabilities of the Council.
Report from Alejandra Ferrer
Territory and tourism councillor Alejandra Ferrer gave an overview of the previous year's efforts under her direction. She underscored the Govern's hand-off of authority over tourism promotion, describing it as the first step towards improvements like a ground-breaking tourism observatory with island-specific information. Ferrer also reviewed the island's list of recently attended promotional expos and pointed up this season's focus on Formentera's unique identity.
Ferrer also gave an overview of changes to tourism by-laws. She described overarching goals like taking aim at unfair competition and illegal exercise of professions affiliated with tourism, but, “in particular”, said the councillor, “delivering stable, year-round housing options”.
Ferrer spoke to efforts with the commerce and activities departments as well, highlighting the Pimef-backed Compra a Casa campaign to support local businesses, particularly at Christmas. She also pointed up collaboration between the administration and the Eivissa-Formentera chamber of commerce.
Lastly, Councillor Ferrer took a moment to speak about the decision making within her departments: “all about making sure the island remains unique, different and sustainable and stays focused on nature, land and identity while advocating for the quality of life of islanders”.
Official proclamation
Assembly members were united in making a municipal proclamation concerning forty years of democracy in Spain.
April 26, 2019
Àrea de Comunicació
Formentera Council
Today in the Formentera Council Sala de Plens a drawing was held to call islanders to serve as table representatives and back-ups at local polling stations for municipal, regional and European elections on May 26, 2019.
This Saturday brings the opening of Backway: d'Àfrica a Europa, per la porta del darrera, a show by the group Ruido Photo that is aimed at unpicking the whys and wherefores of migration and calling attention to human rights violations.
On Monday, representatives of Escola Balear d'Administration Pública, Jaime Tovar among them, met on the island with members of 40th class of local police in the Balearic Islands and CiF law enforcement leaders such as Bartomeu Escandell. Participants must successfully complete the course to confirm their position on the force.