Last Of The Mohicans

Would this be the same well-paid staff that seem to be unable to deal with Aurora's birthday celebration? It shouldn't have been such a surprise. I guess we should lower our expectations if they cannot handle what is needed now - before the new soft-ware system kicks in. Silly me. I thought it was Council who called the shots. 
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Yesterday's post title came to mind as I dwelt on  tomorrow night's  general committee agenda  and another item that came to hand. 
Readers may note at this time, decisions are made by Council. Council is accountable.
Whether or not they called the shots is neither here nor there.
I am no longer confident  this Council understands the authority invested in them by the electorate.
Or has an interest in exercising it even if they understand it. .
Last Wednesday I was a guest on Alison's show. Tim Jones was also.
The topic was the Hydro Sale Asset. How and why the sale
happened  and  intention of the Council after  the deal closed.
Mr. Jones took advantage of the opportunity to introduce an idea that has no legs.
A few weeks ago, I mentioned  an investment scheme being floated in Historical Society  quarters since disposition of the Hydro Reserve Fund came back to the fore.
Councillors were invited individually, by Suzanne  Reiner, President of the Historical Society,  to meet privately with a group of three to discuss the scheme. 
A real estate operator was one of the trio.  He owns a property for sale for the past seven years.  Obviously not priced right.
A recent new member of the  Historical Society executive was the third entrepreneur.
The Historical Society appoints its executive. Like the Culture Centre Board.
Applications are invited, candidates are interviewed  and a selection is made.Membership it seems, has little to say.
Apparently all but three Councillors have met with the real estate dynamo, the Society President and the unelected  Executive Member. 
 It was reported the scheme received support from Mayor and Councillors. 
A five page outline,entitled The Hillary-McIntyre Park has been issued complete with pictures 
Presented  last Wednesday to the Historical Society Executive as "A Vision and Opportunity" .
No authors  identified.
Five  pages are filled with glowing descriptions of the two properties for sale ,Hillary House  and their "national " status..
The last part of the document identifies " Next Steps". 
Number two is " to approach town officials to float the concept starting with heritage friendly Councillors and the Mayor.
A meeting  for the following morning had already been scheduled . with the  Mayor, the CAO  and the Director of Parks and Recreation. 
It is understood Councillors Gallo, Ballard and myself were  Councillors  who did not meet with  the schemes promoters. 
It may be assumed ,we three have not been deemed 
"heritage friendly".
It might also  be  presumed  "heritage friendly" Councillors are  a party to  goings on thus far. 
Open and transparent ? I don't think so.
As a matter of fact, no member of Council , including the Mayor, has authority to direct staff to undertake any action.
That would include holding meetings and discussions not directed by a resolution of Council. 
Such action can only be directed  by resolution of Council. 
Policies are written to that effect. 
Similarities between this and  the last Council are becoming  increasingly uncanny. 
Rules mattered not a whit, so long as there was  a gelatinous blob willing to support whatever happens with a vote after the fact. 
We shall see.