It was posted to my personal blog. I have spent an hour, copying and pasting it to the political blog.
It's a labour of love for sure.
Recently, here have been criticism about my disjointed style.
It is not really style. If I decided to take advantage of technology and put these blogs into a book. there would have to be a massive job of editing. I know that.
There comes a point when I have spent several hours on a post ,I have to stop and get other things done
Like showering and dressing and eating breakfast or whatever else is handy at maybe three in the afternoon.
So the finished product is constrained by the exigencies of time.It is what it is. My humble offering.
My contribution to communication of town affairs.
We have a communication department you know. I don't know how many bodies are on there now. We have a person on secondment from the region for twelve weeks managing the division now.
If my offering is not up to the standard expected by any commenter, there is an option.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
You Can Prove Anything With Statistics
To tell the truth, I am not exactly sure. Its existence was unknown to me until the Planning Director informed me a development application had been referred to the division during the application process.
I was aware there was one at the Region in the CAO's office . Aurora's CAO was its manager prior to appointment here.
But we all know the value of statistics. Anything can be argued ..
The town's last police chief was particularly fond of statistics.
We had a department fourteen strong. There was a murder one year. None the next. According to statistics, that was a hundred per cent reduction in the murder rate.Naturally reduction by one hundred per cent in the murder rate was attributed to excellent police work..
The murder was never solved. Naturally it meant we needed more detectives. Of course, you can't reduce manpower on the streets.That would lead to an increase in the murder rate and other mayhem. Which naturally meant we needed more manpower.
In 2010,water rates were increased by 12%. Water loss estimates were increased from 8% to !2% Which contributed to the increase in water rates.
I asked for numbers of breaks to support the rational for water loss. We spend millions in infrastructure maintenance presumably to avoid water breaks and other water loss. Water loss should therefore have gone down rather than up.. The directors refused to provide the numbers. I was informed they were afraid I would distort the figures.
Recently we received a graph showing numbers of water breaks; an average of eight a year..
We don't fix them ourselves. We contract them out.We contract out snow plowing, sidewalk snow plowing. street sweeping and street light maintenance
We retain consultants to design roads and sidewalks.We have policies we stick to as if they are cast in concrete or chiseled in stone.
Last night committee recommended approval to council ,to call for contracts for sewer uplift pumps and generators.
We buy fleets of vehicles.
In 2010, we bought a street sweeper for $150,000. or maybe it was $184,000 It's hard to keep track of the figures.
When the first snow fell, remains of the autumn leaf drop and other litter were still on the streets and around the catch basins and blowing into surrounding shrubbery.
School children will go out with the Mayor on a Spring day and pick up litter that wasn't removed by town's contracted street sweepers in their second and last sweep of the year.
It seems everything that can be contracted out by public works has been.
It should mean less yard space required. Fewer vehicles. Less shop space.
It doesn't.
A space needs consultant. was retained . He reports the need for additional space to accommodate our continuing burgeoning population of manpower,vehicles and equipment at an estimated cost of $17 million.
It appears contractors we retain to save on manpower, vehicles, equipment and supplies, store their vehicles, equipment and supplies in our yard and possibly use the building's amenities as well. Why wouldn't they?
Harry Fry's dismantled barn is also in the works yard. It was previously stored at the hydro building. We retained a contractor to move it to the works yard when we leased the hydro building to the Department of National Defence under a secret agreement for less rent than we will spend on the building in the first several years of the ten year lease.
There are no plans I know of to re-erect Harry Fry's barn .
We made a developer dismantle it and truck it to the hydro building because it was unique in Ontario, according to the heritage expert on our payroll.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Something New
Another budget meeting last night. Learned something . Yes indeedy. Us oldies can learn new stuff.
If we can do it when younger, we can do it when we are older as well. Maybe easier..Basic knowledge and understanding tends to expand with great age.
Of course, if aptitude was absent in youth, it won't likely magically appear in old age. That's just a sad fact of reality.
Last night we talked about a process for each to bring forward a list of items in the draft budget that could be struck from the budget without missing a beat.
In times past, budget estimates were a forecast of what might be required . It was not automatic approval for spending. Other than maintaining operations spending still required Council authority.
At the last Economic Development Committee a matter gave me pause.
The committee was asked to endorse a project requiring services of a contract person at a cost of $20,000 for six months work, with possibility to morph into full-time employment.
The Statistics Initiatives Manager advised the program was approved in 2009. He noted there is authority for staff to spend $20,000 without Council approval.
Last night I brought up the issue. There are items of $10,000 in the draft budget I do not support. I noted the CAO has independent authority to spend up to $50,000 and the directors have authority up to $30,000.
It seems, according to the Municipal Act, if an item was approved in a previous budget,staff have the authority to spend half the cost.
There's one for the books.
I see no benefit to taxpayers of a $10,000 membership in some cockamamie Institute for Excellence : $10,000 to the Smart Commute program:. $8,000, for a Platinum Award, a paper certificate in a frame, presented by the Chamber of Commerce, to a local business just for surviving, does not warm the cockles of my heart.
If the majority of Council share the view, we will move to strike these items and others from this budget by a Council with a year's experience under their belts.
Despite Council's determination, it could be, half the money could have already been handed over. by staff.
I'm not saying it has happened. I'm not saying these three items are all that should come out of the budget. I simply point out a change in my understanding of the process.Even as I note it, I do not believe there's intent to deny Council.'s authority.
Still, there it is. A staff person informed me. Staff have the authority.
Methinks this matter deserves attention.
We discovered something else last night. Purpose of the region's wholesale water rate increase is to create a reserve for infrastructure repairs and replacement.
So we pay a 10% increases for water every year from 2010 until 2015, to reduce the tax burden for repairs and replacement that might be needed twenty years from now.
The scary thing is not that we are paying people to sit around in front of computers, pulling off statistics from which to form conclusions twenty years ahead of time and make recommendations to elected bodies
Like that Professor McDiarmid fellow from York University.
But the real horror is holus bolus acceptance of the holus bolus modern concept that it is a fair and equitable concept of taxation.
If we can do it when younger, we can do it when we are older as well. Maybe easier..Basic knowledge and understanding tends to expand with great age.
Of course, if aptitude was absent in youth, it won't likely magically appear in old age. That's just a sad fact of reality.
Last night we talked about a process for each to bring forward a list of items in the draft budget that could be struck from the budget without missing a beat.
In times past, budget estimates were a forecast of what might be required . It was not automatic approval for spending. Other than maintaining operations spending still required Council authority.
At the last Economic Development Committee a matter gave me pause.
The committee was asked to endorse a project requiring services of a contract person at a cost of $20,000 for six months work, with possibility to morph into full-time employment.
The Statistics Initiatives Manager advised the program was approved in 2009. He noted there is authority for staff to spend $20,000 without Council approval.
Last night I brought up the issue. There are items of $10,000 in the draft budget I do not support. I noted the CAO has independent authority to spend up to $50,000 and the directors have authority up to $30,000.
It seems, according to the Municipal Act, if an item was approved in a previous budget,staff have the authority to spend half the cost.
There's one for the books.
I see no benefit to taxpayers of a $10,000 membership in some cockamamie Institute for Excellence : $10,000 to the Smart Commute program:. $8,000, for a Platinum Award, a paper certificate in a frame, presented by the Chamber of Commerce, to a local business just for surviving, does not warm the cockles of my heart.
If the majority of Council share the view, we will move to strike these items and others from this budget by a Council with a year's experience under their belts.
Despite Council's determination, it could be, half the money could have already been handed over. by staff.
I'm not saying it has happened. I'm not saying these three items are all that should come out of the budget. I simply point out a change in my understanding of the process.Even as I note it, I do not believe there's intent to deny Council.'s authority.
Still, there it is. A staff person informed me. Staff have the authority.
Methinks this matter deserves attention.
We discovered something else last night. Purpose of the region's wholesale water rate increase is to create a reserve for infrastructure repairs and replacement.
So we pay a 10% increases for water every year from 2010 until 2015, to reduce the tax burden for repairs and replacement that might be needed twenty years from now.
The scary thing is not that we are paying people to sit around in front of computers, pulling off statistics from which to form conclusions twenty years ahead of time and make recommendations to elected bodies
Like that Professor McDiarmid fellow from York University.
But the real horror is holus bolus acceptance of the holus bolus modern concept that it is a fair and equitable concept of taxation.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Thanks For Asking
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Here's A Thought...or Two":
Okay... I just paid my water bill last night. When will I see a DECREASE in the water bill? Anything short of that will not be considered a success of your cause.
It's fine to get other to pay their share (ie. parks) but unless it gives me a reduction, all you have done in increase the revenue to the Town.
***************
Water rates are fixed at an annual rate. The bill you paid last night would naturally be at last year's rate.The rate will not change until May 1st.
Next year's rates will be increased again because the region is responsible for the wholesale price of water. God Knows what they've included in the calculation. If all regional councillors were so easily persuaded as Aurora's Mayor that" water is a bargain" ain't nobody up there minding the store. .
The town determines how the money is raised to pay the region's bill. That's how all kinds of stuff gets thrown into the rates charged to meter users.
For example. meter users pay maintenance of the distribution system.
The system services the urban area. Vacant properties where meters are disconnected continue to
require servicing . But no bill is issued Cost of maintenance is not shared equally.
Many areas such as parks, wood lots, vacant industrial lots and miles of public frontage, receive infrastructure maintenance. No share is contributed to the cost.
Water and sewers create an urban municipality. All residents enjoy the amenities. All residents should share the common costs of providing them. Infrastructure maintenance is a common cost.
Currently only meter users pay.
That's not equitable.
It allows the tax rate to be artificially deflated by loading the water rate.
That's not competent.
Neither is it honest.
The same principle applies to maintenance of storm water ponds, which is the surcharge on the water bill. Meter users pay the whole cost .
I do not expect the commenter above to be persuaded by logic. The intent of the comment is clear.
But I'm glad the question was asked because the issue is not resolved.
Until it is, I too will consider the effort only partially successful.
Okay... I just paid my water bill last night. When will I see a DECREASE in the water bill? Anything short of that will not be considered a success of your cause.
It's fine to get other to pay their share (ie. parks) but unless it gives me a reduction, all you have done in increase the revenue to the Town.
***************
Water rates are fixed at an annual rate. The bill you paid last night would naturally be at last year's rate.The rate will not change until May 1st.
Next year's rates will be increased again because the region is responsible for the wholesale price of water. God Knows what they've included in the calculation. If all regional councillors were so easily persuaded as Aurora's Mayor that" water is a bargain" ain't nobody up there minding the store. .
The town determines how the money is raised to pay the region's bill. That's how all kinds of stuff gets thrown into the rates charged to meter users.
For example. meter users pay maintenance of the distribution system.
The system services the urban area. Vacant properties where meters are disconnected continue to
require servicing . But no bill is issued Cost of maintenance is not shared equally.
Many areas such as parks, wood lots, vacant industrial lots and miles of public frontage, receive infrastructure maintenance. No share is contributed to the cost.
Water and sewers create an urban municipality. All residents enjoy the amenities. All residents should share the common costs of providing them. Infrastructure maintenance is a common cost.
Currently only meter users pay.
That's not equitable.
It allows the tax rate to be artificially deflated by loading the water rate.
That's not competent.
Neither is it honest.
The same principle applies to maintenance of storm water ponds, which is the surcharge on the water bill. Meter users pay the whole cost .
I do not expect the commenter above to be persuaded by logic. The intent of the comment is clear.
But I'm glad the question was asked because the issue is not resolved.
Until it is, I too will consider the effort only partially successful.
Here's A Thought...or Two
Anonymous @ 15 January, 2012 12:19 PM said....
"There is no point nagging and repeating ourselves here."
You must be new to this blog.
=========================
No kidding. The water rates battle went no where so this is the new cause of the Ev-ites.
This is just another swipe at rubbing the MorMacs' nose in it. What everyone here forgets is that these deals were done withing the legal mandate that the council of the day had. When are we going to stop trying to reverse every MorMac initiative and start doing what needs to be done and govern this Town?
********************
I posted this and the last comment to illustrate:
I have related a first lesson on Council. I watched a veteran councillor relate inaccurate information to a resident and realised something profound.
The exchange was not about how poorly the councillor understood. It was about how well he understood, how little the resident understood and how easy it was to misinform.
It is the opposite of trust and respect.
The comment I've printed is in the same genre.
Despite everything said in the last three years about flawed methodology for calculating water rates. Despite that this year, water used by the parks department will be charged to the parks budget. instead of to meter users. The commenter above still insists nothing has changed. .
Yet change was accomplished. Community understanding and reaction made it happen..
For two years and more my arguments about water rates were dismissed as "semantics" by the administration.
The Mayor compounded disrespect by offering the comment, "water is the best bargain we have"
An accusation was made against me in public by a staff member and supported by others until the record was produced and proved it false.
It was aooarently considered acceptable because neither the Mayor nor fellow councilllors gave much sign of understanding the issue. There was no move to stay a second 12% increase in water rates in two years.
Though, it has not evolved as it should, the charge to parks for water used by that department , is acknowledgment of the fact the town has consistently overcharged meter users for untold years.
It is not yet fixed.
But that is no longer the main problem.
It took an unnecessary and entirely inappropriate public clash between an elected official and the appointed administration to compel the correction.
There was inefficiency. Disrespect. Arrogance. And a profound lack of judgement for all to witness.
A deficit was also in the chair, to see it coming and head it off.
Has it contributed to public trust, confidence and propriety ?
Though it is part of their legacy, we are not talking now about Mormac .
Ignorance prevails.
The more things change, the more they remain the same.
"There is no point nagging and repeating ourselves here."
You must be new to this blog.
=========================
No kidding. The water rates battle went no where so this is the new cause of the Ev-ites.
This is just another swipe at rubbing the MorMacs' nose in it. What everyone here forgets is that these deals were done withing the legal mandate that the council of the day had. When are we going to stop trying to reverse every MorMac initiative and start doing what needs to be done and govern this Town?
********************
I posted this and the last comment to illustrate:
I have related a first lesson on Council. I watched a veteran councillor relate inaccurate information to a resident and realised something profound.
The exchange was not about how poorly the councillor understood. It was about how well he understood, how little the resident understood and how easy it was to misinform.
It is the opposite of trust and respect.
The comment I've printed is in the same genre.
Despite everything said in the last three years about flawed methodology for calculating water rates. Despite that this year, water used by the parks department will be charged to the parks budget. instead of to meter users. The commenter above still insists nothing has changed. .
Yet change was accomplished. Community understanding and reaction made it happen..
For two years and more my arguments about water rates were dismissed as "semantics" by the administration.
The Mayor compounded disrespect by offering the comment, "water is the best bargain we have"
An accusation was made against me in public by a staff member and supported by others until the record was produced and proved it false.
It was aooarently considered acceptable because neither the Mayor nor fellow councilllors gave much sign of understanding the issue. There was no move to stay a second 12% increase in water rates in two years.
Though, it has not evolved as it should, the charge to parks for water used by that department , is acknowledgment of the fact the town has consistently overcharged meter users for untold years.
It is not yet fixed.
But that is no longer the main problem.
It took an unnecessary and entirely inappropriate public clash between an elected official and the appointed administration to compel the correction.
There was inefficiency. Disrespect. Arrogance. And a profound lack of judgement for all to witness.
A deficit was also in the chair, to see it coming and head it off.
Has it contributed to public trust, confidence and propriety ?
Though it is part of their legacy, we are not talking now about Mormac .
Ignorance prevails.
The more things change, the more they remain the same.
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Check This Out
Council received the following this week.
Newmarket wants input for a Culture Map
Newmarket wants input for a Culture Map
You can take survey online
Newmarket wants your opinion for its first cultural mapping project.
The town wants to know what you consider Newmarket’s most important cultural resources.
Cultural mapping is an important step in moving culture forward and following the cultural master plan, Mayor Tony Van Bynen said.
Identifying cultural assets will support economic and community development initiatives that will result in an extensive database of cultural assets and shape future economic development within the community, he added.
The survey will help the town identify and document its cultural assets, such as arts and heritage organizations, cultural occupations, industries, stories and traditions.
After the information is collected, a cultural database will be created and mapped out using an interactive mapping tool. Residents and visitors will have access to the tool.
Arts and culture are integral parts of creating a vibrant and prosperous community, Ward 7 Councillor Chris Emanuel said. “Community feedback is an essential component to help us identify our rich and lively cultural resources as a starting point for creating cultural capital.”
In May 2011, recreation director Ian McDougall explained the mapping project, also known as A Sense of Culture, will be built using a satellite map of the community and have layers built on top of the images. He predicted users will be able to see the past, present and future of culture in the town.
The project is intended to be integrated with social media for timely, interactive updates, become a one-stop-shop for local cultural resources, be the basis of a cultural report card and play a role in providing data to support decisions on how to best attract, encourage and support cultural activity, pushing further development of the town’s cultural master plan.
The entire project comes with a price tag of $120,000, with $43,935 being covered by a provincial creative communities prosperity fund grant. The remainder of the cost is allocated to the minor hardware upgrade and municipal staff hours that will be logged creating the map.
You can take an online survey to provide feedback.
The town plans to hold a public forum to gather more input Feb. 2 at town hall, 395 Mulock Dr.
The map is expected to hit the town’s website this summer.
The town wants to know what you consider Newmarket’s most important cultural resources.
Cultural mapping is an important step in moving culture forward and following the cultural master plan, Mayor Tony Van Bynen said.
Identifying cultural assets will support economic and community development initiatives that will result in an extensive database of cultural assets and shape future economic development within the community, he added.
The survey will help the town identify and document its cultural assets, such as arts and heritage organizations, cultural occupations, industries, stories and traditions.
After the information is collected, a cultural database will be created and mapped out using an interactive mapping tool. Residents and visitors will have access to the tool.
Arts and culture are integral parts of creating a vibrant and prosperous community, Ward 7 Councillor Chris Emanuel said. “Community feedback is an essential component to help us identify our rich and lively cultural resources as a starting point for creating cultural capital.”
In May 2011, recreation director Ian McDougall explained the mapping project, also known as A Sense of Culture, will be built using a satellite map of the community and have layers built on top of the images. He predicted users will be able to see the past, present and future of culture in the town.
The project is intended to be integrated with social media for timely, interactive updates, become a one-stop-shop for local cultural resources, be the basis of a cultural report card and play a role in providing data to support decisions on how to best attract, encourage and support cultural activity, pushing further development of the town’s cultural master plan.
The entire project comes with a price tag of $120,000, with $43,935 being covered by a provincial creative communities prosperity fund grant. The remainder of the cost is allocated to the minor hardware upgrade and municipal staff hours that will be logged creating the map.
You can take an online survey to provide feedback.
The town plans to hold a public forum to gather more input Feb. 2 at town hall, 395 Mulock Dr.
The map is expected to hit the town’s website this summer.
*********************************
I mentioned last week how Cathan Schonicker and Mabel Pearson started the Aurora Art Show. They went to Ernie Batson, recreation director and manager of the Aurora Community Centre.
He found space and gave them advice.
The Art Show was held in the auditorium at the community centre. Many months of work and organisation were needed before the Art Show became a reality. It was a labour of love.
We had a Recreation Commission at that time; non- elected citizens with a single representative from council. Who was moi for a term.
We also had an Arena Board of non-elected members. The Library Board was appointed by boards of education .The Mayor was the only. town representative on the Board. The Planning Board
was also appointed with a single councillor. Moi again ..
When the Region was created, boards and commissions were wiped out. Elected representatives were to be responsible for decisions. The library board stayed but eventually members were appointed by council and three members are councillors.
The Board used to be able to demand what they needed. If the town balked, the board could appeal to the Province.
The Arena Board could have continued to operate . The town didn't chose that.
We only had one park and no parks keeper. That changed and kept on changing. Leisure Services Department came being. More facilities were available. The town hall was built with a number of meeting rooms. A writers workshop. A camera club. An Art Gallery,
One night a band was playing . We couldn't hear ourselves in the council chamber.
A little cinder block building was turned over for a theatre.A musical society was formed but quickly amalgamated with Aurora Theatre.
Whatever group formed was fostered and encouraged. We didn't need a Culture Map . for culture to evolve.
Newmaarket was ahead of us with their museum. Our thespians and Newmarket's can hardly be told apart. King Township residents were vigorous participants intheatre productions. I think the Arts group also attracts people from beyond boundaries.
The culture community thrives. With support, not interference, from the town.. Plays. musicals, art shows, pottery sales and exhibitions are offered . Audiences come.
I'm not even talking about contributions of the Church community.
The private sector provides tuition in art, music, dance and whatever else the market demands. Leisure Services can organise that as well. at no cost to the treasury. A teacher or instructor comes forward with an idea. Space is provided ,sometimes a little, very little, seed money. If demand is there, the idea flies and energy grows
.
.
So how does it suddenly become the meat of a study. A political bonanza.
I suspect something like the Smart Commute arrangement. For fifty years people have been organising their own car-pools. Nothing original about it. Just plain economic necessity.
A couple of years ago it became "energy conservation" and brilliant innovation and a job opportunity
for its proponents.
for its proponents.
If only a couple of municipalities, the region and maybe the Province. could be persuaded to cough up $10,000 each to contribute to the payroll for such a worthy cause, everybody earns kudos.ad some pocket the mula.
At public expense.
What politician can afford to be against energy conservation and other noble stuff like Bullfrog Power.
If it costs money, it has to be worth more ...right?
Think how great it will look on a campaign leaflet.
If it costs money, it has to be worth more ...right?
Think how great it will look on a campaign leaflet.
Yeah! right.
After all, what's $10,000. here and there, for conservation, when you're doling out close to a million for "culture" without an accounting?
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Well, Y'know
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "What's Up Doc":
"It just requires some common sense to bring about the creation of a joint cultural/historical entity"
... and thank you for your common sense in expressing this. It makes such a change from the ill-informed throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bathwater, scorched earth, conspiratorial comments often found here.
Many of those Aurora Citizen refugee commenter seem to be motivated by a vestigial animosity towards the thankfully-defeated MorMac administration. Their opposition to the Cultural Centre is completely misdirected if they're making some spurious connection to that gratefully-ended era in our town's history.
An accommodation arrangement is the way forward, not always looking back and fighting old battles - especially ones that have nothing to do with current operations.
*****************
Those of us who have been around awhile fully realise the common sense of the joint operation concept for the Church Street School building. It is not only commonsense, it is the original concept.
I welcome the comment but let me say, there is no misdirection here and connection to the Mormac regime is by no means spurious.
I don't think commenters to this blog are refugees from the Aurora Citizen. Numbers indicate readers are increasing steadily and comments are directed to the posts.
Anger is justified. The fight is not over. Involvement in this cause and others is good for the state of democracy in Aurora. Politicians and bureaucracy ignore it at their peril.
At some point along the way I will illustrate how Aurora's government structure was re-organised with the effect of marginalising council and placing all power in the hands of Mormac through a hand-picked administration
A situation to his liking discovered by an incoming inexperienced Mayor,who knew no better.
******************.
I have an idea for pseudonyms to take the place of posting time of comments.
Instead of anonymous...how about bird names :
Bluebird,Redbird, Goldfinch Cardinal
Blackbird, Redwing, Chickadee, Hawk
Woodpecker, Bobolink, ,Sparrow, Oriole
Hummingbird, dragonfly,Butterfly, Monarch,
Cricket And Cicada
The names would serve a dual purpose. They would remind us during winter that Spring is just ahead.
"It just requires some common sense to bring about the creation of a joint cultural/historical entity"
... and thank you for your common sense in expressing this. It makes such a change from the ill-informed throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bathwater, scorched earth, conspiratorial comments often found here.
Many of those Aurora Citizen refugee commenter seem to be motivated by a vestigial animosity towards the thankfully-defeated MorMac administration. Their opposition to the Cultural Centre is completely misdirected if they're making some spurious connection to that gratefully-ended era in our town's history.
An accommodation arrangement is the way forward, not always looking back and fighting old battles - especially ones that have nothing to do with current operations.
*****************
Those of us who have been around awhile fully realise the common sense of the joint operation concept for the Church Street School building. It is not only commonsense, it is the original concept.
I welcome the comment but let me say, there is no misdirection here and connection to the Mormac regime is by no means spurious.
I don't think commenters to this blog are refugees from the Aurora Citizen. Numbers indicate readers are increasing steadily and comments are directed to the posts.
Anger is justified. The fight is not over. Involvement in this cause and others is good for the state of democracy in Aurora. Politicians and bureaucracy ignore it at their peril.
At some point along the way I will illustrate how Aurora's government structure was re-organised with the effect of marginalising council and placing all power in the hands of Mormac through a hand-picked administration
A situation to his liking discovered by an incoming inexperienced Mayor,who knew no better.
******************.
I have an idea for pseudonyms to take the place of posting time of comments.
Instead of anonymous...how about bird names :
Bluebird,Redbird, Goldfinch Cardinal
Blackbird, Redwing, Chickadee, Hawk
Woodpecker, Bobolink, ,Sparrow, Oriole
Hummingbird, dragonfly,Butterfly, Monarch,
Cricket And Cicada
The names would serve a dual purpose. They would remind us during winter that Spring is just ahead.
Friday, 13 January 2012
Never Fear...Evelyn's Here
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "What's Up Doc":
This is like shooting fish in a barrel. But a shiver of doubt drifts to the surface. Is it OK to become a part-time bully if your excuse is to take out full-time bullies ?
**********************
Nobody is being shot. Vigorous opinion is being expressed on a political issue.We do that too in Aurora. It's part of what makes the community real. One could say without risk of contradiction, it's part of Aurora's culture.
I've been doing it for half a century. Not myself alone. A succession of Aurora residents have put pen to paper and sent brusque letters to the editor expounding on every idea that beset them for more years than I can remember.
The difference now is modern technology. It makes communication and publication possible in an instant.
It allows free exchange without risking friendships, clients or jobs.
It might better if people identified themselves. But they don't and that's O.K. It's better than labouring under the delusion people don't care.
When jet flights were invented. The world became a smaller place. Distance became a question of time.
When the internet was developed, the community shrank to a keyboard and monitor. It continues to evolve.
Tell people what's going on, about taxes, fairness, being open and sensible, then we discover how much people care. They will talk and they will demand and when the moment arrives they will act.
I have never personally experienced a moment of fear in Aurora. I've been elected and I've been defeated. Being elected is better. But I've never been afraid to risk being defeated. I never had to pretend to be something I am not.
This is like shooting fish in a barrel. But a shiver of doubt drifts to the surface. Is it OK to become a part-time bully if your excuse is to take out full-time bullies ?
**********************
Nobody is being shot. Vigorous opinion is being expressed on a political issue.We do that too in Aurora. It's part of what makes the community real. One could say without risk of contradiction, it's part of Aurora's culture.
I've been doing it for half a century. Not myself alone. A succession of Aurora residents have put pen to paper and sent brusque letters to the editor expounding on every idea that beset them for more years than I can remember.
The difference now is modern technology. It makes communication and publication possible in an instant.
It allows free exchange without risking friendships, clients or jobs.
It might better if people identified themselves. But they don't and that's O.K. It's better than labouring under the delusion people don't care.
When jet flights were invented. The world became a smaller place. Distance became a question of time.
When the internet was developed, the community shrank to a keyboard and monitor. It continues to evolve.
Tell people what's going on, about taxes, fairness, being open and sensible, then we discover how much people care. They will talk and they will demand and when the moment arrives they will act.
I have never personally experienced a moment of fear in Aurora. I've been elected and I've been defeated. Being elected is better. But I've never been afraid to risk being defeated. I never had to pretend to be something I am not.
What's Up Doc
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Budget Is Crunch Time":
isn't there a legal contract that has years to go clr buck?
************
There is indeed a contract .
If Dalton MacGuinty, in the throes of an election , can cancel a multi-million dollar contract for construction of a hydro generating station already underway, the Town of Aurora can cancel a contract for use of a facility when its intended use is not fulfilled. .
What liability do we face?
Should we be required to pay for furniture, glass display cabinets and a grand piano already acquired with public funds ?
Are we in breach of trust.? Did we trust our museum would have its rightful place in the building?
Was the building designed and renovated for the purpose, at a cost of $2.3 million , a campaign to raise funds in the community for the community's museum , a bequest made from commitment toAurora's heritage, $750,000 heritage grant obtained from the federal government for purposes of a museum?
The facts speak for themselves.
If the museum had been located in the building as intended and as the public anticipated , there would not now be a question of whether or not the contract should be upheld.
Failure to uphold the agreement does not rest with the side that provided resources for a museum and culture to co-exist in a single facility.
It rests with the side that obstinately refused to realize that objective.
isn't there a legal contract that has years to go clr buck?
************
There is indeed a contract .
If Dalton MacGuinty, in the throes of an election , can cancel a multi-million dollar contract for construction of a hydro generating station already underway, the Town of Aurora can cancel a contract for use of a facility when its intended use is not fulfilled. .
What liability do we face?
Should we be required to pay for furniture, glass display cabinets and a grand piano already acquired with public funds ?
Are we in breach of trust.? Did we trust our museum would have its rightful place in the building?
Was the building designed and renovated for the purpose, at a cost of $2.3 million , a campaign to raise funds in the community for the community's museum , a bequest made from commitment toAurora's heritage, $750,000 heritage grant obtained from the federal government for purposes of a museum?
The facts speak for themselves.
If the museum had been located in the building as intended and as the public anticipated , there would not now be a question of whether or not the contract should be upheld.
Failure to uphold the agreement does not rest with the side that provided resources for a museum and culture to co-exist in a single facility.
It rests with the side that obstinately refused to realize that objective.
The Budget Is Crunch Time
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "No Skating On The Ponds":
I have a question about Council dynamics, Evelyn, Is it possible that there are enough Councillors trolling the Town and encountering what I am hearing that they could require the Mayor to take action ? He seems to prefer to pussy-foot and this is not a time for that type of behaviour. Nor is why my family supported his bid to become Mayor.We have never asked him for a thing and he seems to only heed those who demand things of him.
Think I'll stick with Anonymous for now.
*************
The 2012 budget will decide whether to continue funding the operation at Church Street School. A motion moved and seconded to remove the funds from the budget, puts the question on the table. Debate ensues. Councillors may or may not state a position but no-one can abstain from voting.
Councillors are not alone at the table. Every interested member of the community has a right to inform them and the Mayor how they want to see the matter proceed.
I think the Mayor is responsive. I also think most Councillors will state their position before they cast a vote.
The community has a part to play.
I have a question about Council dynamics, Evelyn, Is it possible that there are enough Councillors trolling the Town and encountering what I am hearing that they could require the Mayor to take action ? He seems to prefer to pussy-foot and this is not a time for that type of behaviour. Nor is why my family supported his bid to become Mayor.We have never asked him for a thing and he seems to only heed those who demand things of him.
Think I'll stick with Anonymous for now.
*************
The 2012 budget will decide whether to continue funding the operation at Church Street School. A motion moved and seconded to remove the funds from the budget, puts the question on the table. Debate ensues. Councillors may or may not state a position but no-one can abstain from voting.
Councillors are not alone at the table. Every interested member of the community has a right to inform them and the Mayor how they want to see the matter proceed.
I think the Mayor is responsive. I also think most Councillors will state their position before they cast a vote.
The community has a part to play.
The Museum Conversation Continues,,,and So It Should.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Look At The Whole PIcture":
To 10:15pm
Have you noticed that these talks pop up when the heat on the Cultural Center is hottest.
It dose not take a genius to see that long time members of the Historical society have sold out.
If they had not then they would have been screaming when their museum and funding disappeared..
*******
I don't think it's as simple as that. A few weeks ago a message was sent to Society members. It was after the Mayor's resolution ,after private talks he and the CAO had with Society spokespersons about surrendering the collection and possibly responsibility for Hillary House.
The message informed members the Society had been working for the past two years, without success, to restore the museum to its rightful place.
A few weeks after after the grand opening , I became aware the museum was still out of sight. I asked at the Council table when it would be up and running. The former Mayor's eyes slid uneasily from side to side in an amazing manner and my question was referred to the Chief Financial Officer.
Who offered no response.
I had to call the young curator who took Cathie Malloy's place to discover the door had been firmly closed on the museum. The discussion was at a staff level. Not being there when the deal went down, the curator was at a total disadvantage in the talks. Possession is nine-tenths of the law.
I clearly re-call the explanation.
A Museum doesn't make money. The Centre is charged with realizing revenue.
At the same time the new president, who is now the old president, informed Council the Society was withdrawing its commitment to operate the museum, a request for consideration of a budget similar to the Library Board was made.
That was before renovations were completed and after an executive change. The previous executive had negotiated a contract with the town to protect the Society's financial investment . They also demanded Leisure Services be excluded from any responsibility within the building. The contract gave them complete authority to operate the facility. They had held a fund-raising campaign and had a substantial investment in the building.Also abequest to the Historical Society had alredady been invested.
After they withdrew their commitment,they were apparently persuaded to abandon the contract that protected their investment.
Seems unlikely they consulted their lawyer before they agreed to that inexplicable decision. Who was the artful dodger who persuaded them is not known to me at this time.
There have been three presidents since the town resolved to put up the latest $2.3 million dollars to renovate the building. Previous millions had been spent to keep the building standing and the roof intact.
According to the president. who withdrew the commitment, reason for withdrawal was because Society membership was only fifty-nine. I remember being surprised.
Why on the one hand, there was an argument, the Society had insufficient members s to operate the museum but on the other hand, they should receive a budget like the Library Board. Why would there be a need for a budget if the Society wasn't going to operate the museum.
Not for a moment did it occur there had been an agreement there would be no museum.
That it was intended the Hillary House would become the jewel in the crown of the Aurora Historical Society.
It seems clear to me now, there had to have been previous discussion: a commitment made and a commitment withdrawn.But not everyone in on the plan on either side.
Considering how it all turned out, whatever that was thought to be an advantage is obviously long lost.
Les Oliver, probably the longest serving member of the Society, a former pupil of the school, also an original Culture Centre Board member. has written fulsome praise of the current arrangement in a letter to the editor of The Auroran.
I doubt however he was privy to the negotiations.I worked with Mr. Oliver almost fifty years ago on the Local Architecture Conservation Association. He would be the last person to sell out the town's museum.
We have a mystery and I think, a betrayal of trust. Neither is acceptable by anybody's standards.
Whatever the reason, the problem needs to be fixed.
To 10:15pm
Have you noticed that these talks pop up when the heat on the Cultural Center is hottest.
It dose not take a genius to see that long time members of the Historical society have sold out.
If they had not then they would have been screaming when their museum and funding disappeared..
*******
I don't think it's as simple as that. A few weeks ago a message was sent to Society members. It was after the Mayor's resolution ,after private talks he and the CAO had with Society spokespersons about surrendering the collection and possibly responsibility for Hillary House.
The message informed members the Society had been working for the past two years, without success, to restore the museum to its rightful place.
A few weeks after after the grand opening , I became aware the museum was still out of sight. I asked at the Council table when it would be up and running. The former Mayor's eyes slid uneasily from side to side in an amazing manner and my question was referred to the Chief Financial Officer.
Who offered no response.
I had to call the young curator who took Cathie Malloy's place to discover the door had been firmly closed on the museum. The discussion was at a staff level. Not being there when the deal went down, the curator was at a total disadvantage in the talks. Possession is nine-tenths of the law.
I clearly re-call the explanation.
A Museum doesn't make money. The Centre is charged with realizing revenue.
At the same time the new president, who is now the old president, informed Council the Society was withdrawing its commitment to operate the museum, a request for consideration of a budget similar to the Library Board was made.
That was before renovations were completed and after an executive change. The previous executive had negotiated a contract with the town to protect the Society's financial investment . They also demanded Leisure Services be excluded from any responsibility within the building. The contract gave them complete authority to operate the facility. They had held a fund-raising campaign and had a substantial investment in the building.Also abequest to the Historical Society had alredady been invested.
After they withdrew their commitment,they were apparently persuaded to abandon the contract that protected their investment.
Seems unlikely they consulted their lawyer before they agreed to that inexplicable decision. Who was the artful dodger who persuaded them is not known to me at this time.
There have been three presidents since the town resolved to put up the latest $2.3 million dollars to renovate the building. Previous millions had been spent to keep the building standing and the roof intact.
According to the president. who withdrew the commitment, reason for withdrawal was because Society membership was only fifty-nine. I remember being surprised.
Why on the one hand, there was an argument, the Society had insufficient members s to operate the museum but on the other hand, they should receive a budget like the Library Board. Why would there be a need for a budget if the Society wasn't going to operate the museum.
Not for a moment did it occur there had been an agreement there would be no museum.
That it was intended the Hillary House would become the jewel in the crown of the Aurora Historical Society.
It seems clear to me now, there had to have been previous discussion: a commitment made and a commitment withdrawn.But not everyone in on the plan on either side.
Considering how it all turned out, whatever that was thought to be an advantage is obviously long lost.
Les Oliver, probably the longest serving member of the Society, a former pupil of the school, also an original Culture Centre Board member. has written fulsome praise of the current arrangement in a letter to the editor of The Auroran.
I doubt however he was privy to the negotiations.I worked with Mr. Oliver almost fifty years ago on the Local Architecture Conservation Association. He would be the last person to sell out the town's museum.
We have a mystery and I think, a betrayal of trust. Neither is acceptable by anybody's standards.
Whatever the reason, the problem needs to be fixed.
Thursday, 12 January 2012
No Skating On The Ponds
Ice on various ponds is unpredictable and hazardous. Outdoor rinks will be made when temperature permits. For safety sake, don't let the kids skate on the ponds.
The growing conversation in the comment section is great. If I may suggest, it would be easier to follow the exchange if people identified themselves with monickers. I think it would fun to pick a name. Then we can all follow the thread of the discussion.
I don't think it's going to be possible to resolve the problem of having an independent group operating a public facility with public funds without offending the group.
I think we have to do it all the same.
I will not vote to maintain the status quo.
The growing conversation in the comment section is great. If I may suggest, it would be easier to follow the exchange if people identified themselves with monickers. I think it would fun to pick a name. Then we can all follow the thread of the discussion.
I don't think it's going to be possible to resolve the problem of having an independent group operating a public facility with public funds without offending the group.
I think we have to do it all the same.
I will not vote to maintain the status quo.
What You See Is Not What Was Intended
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Look At The Whole PIcture":
9:59 AM
So ? That's like rehashing old elections. It matters not how it happened. It matters how we set about fixing the situation so that it reflects the history. And the history is totally supportive of the Museum. The Culture Centre has no history and has given up earlier promises to work with the Historical Society.
So, as you correctly point out, you cannot support two in one building, the current tenant must vacate.
************
The true irony of this situation is that which was to be avoided like the plague became the ugly reality.
Original advice to Council was to set up an arm's length board to become self-sufficient in every aspect of operation and not become a sinkhole for tax resources. The principle was endorsed.
The financial officer giving the advice was on his way out when the pestilent agreement was contrived.
The town solicitor's recent report refrained from identifying responsible parties. Methinks they are not far.
It makes no never mind. The deed was done. There is nothing left to do now but fix it.
I sense no immediate intent to accomplish that.
The Mayor's recent resolution to work with the Historical Society,I suspect is a stalling device. The CAO indicated during discussion, finalisation of an arrangement will not be accomplished in 2012.
It means the current Culture Centre agreement will be allowed to run its course.
Two million dollars instead of the one already transferred will be siphoned from taxes paid by homeowners and business in the town.
Staff at the centre will still be in limbo.
The museum will not likely have a home until immediately prior to the next election
The boys will clasp hands in glee for smooth operations.
Another episode of Aurora's history will be locked in.
Meanwhile, facilities such as Church Street School in other Ontario municipalities are managed by Leisure Services departments with no additonal cost of administration. Users pay fees just as in other town facilities. Operational costs are covered.
Separate administration, accountable to no-one, draining huge resources directly out of taxpayers' pockets are not a burden.
The plan always was to have a state of the art museum and allow cultural activities to share the space.
It is still a good plan.
There's just a whole lot of useless baggage in the way, incredibly costing several per centage points in the budget increase last year and this.
While loud lamentations were heard about extra cost of fire service, not a whisper was heard about this boondoggle.
Keep that in mind during pious declarations of solemn striving by your council to keep taxes under control..
9:59 AM
So ? That's like rehashing old elections. It matters not how it happened. It matters how we set about fixing the situation so that it reflects the history. And the history is totally supportive of the Museum. The Culture Centre has no history and has given up earlier promises to work with the Historical Society.
So, as you correctly point out, you cannot support two in one building, the current tenant must vacate.
************
The true irony of this situation is that which was to be avoided like the plague became the ugly reality.
Original advice to Council was to set up an arm's length board to become self-sufficient in every aspect of operation and not become a sinkhole for tax resources. The principle was endorsed.
The financial officer giving the advice was on his way out when the pestilent agreement was contrived.
The town solicitor's recent report refrained from identifying responsible parties. Methinks they are not far.
It makes no never mind. The deed was done. There is nothing left to do now but fix it.
I sense no immediate intent to accomplish that.
The Mayor's recent resolution to work with the Historical Society,I suspect is a stalling device. The CAO indicated during discussion, finalisation of an arrangement will not be accomplished in 2012.
It means the current Culture Centre agreement will be allowed to run its course.
Two million dollars instead of the one already transferred will be siphoned from taxes paid by homeowners and business in the town.
Staff at the centre will still be in limbo.
The museum will not likely have a home until immediately prior to the next election
The boys will clasp hands in glee for smooth operations.
Another episode of Aurora's history will be locked in.
Meanwhile, facilities such as Church Street School in other Ontario municipalities are managed by Leisure Services departments with no additonal cost of administration. Users pay fees just as in other town facilities. Operational costs are covered.
Separate administration, accountable to no-one, draining huge resources directly out of taxpayers' pockets are not a burden.
The plan always was to have a state of the art museum and allow cultural activities to share the space.
It is still a good plan.
There's just a whole lot of useless baggage in the way, incredibly costing several per centage points in the budget increase last year and this.
While loud lamentations were heard about extra cost of fire service, not a whisper was heard about this boondoggle.
Keep that in mind during pious declarations of solemn striving by your council to keep taxes under control..
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Look At The Whole PIcture
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Check Out Provincial Government Statement on Econo...":
Snip that library budget, Ev!
**********
Every year there's anxiety about the library budget. I can't see why. It's the simplest, least complicated of all budgets.
Seventy-eight per cent is staff. They are out there in full view of the patrons, always busy, always at their service.
Library service is essentially books, technology, staff and a building. The service is governed by the Library Board Act. Three councillors serve on the board and council appoints the rest.
The town grows, revenues increase, use of service increases. I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the library abuzz with people. Especially children and students.
It's a beautiful facility full of cheerful ambience.
During hard times,library staff see a marked increase in demand for service.
Same as the police. In hard times.crime increases. Especially domestic occurrences. Hardship, and inability to provide, puts great stress on families.Dependence on food banks, inadequate housing cannot be anything but destructive to relationships. Children suffer most.
Every year of the last term, there was pressure on the library to decrease the budget.
At the same time, on Wednesday June 10th, 2009, a town media release marked signing of the agreement with the new Culture Centre Board to hand over a multi-million dollar facility for a dollar a year to a board which self-appointsand accounts to no-one for spending tax dollars. with annual increments of 3% with no questions asked.
The only requirement to receive the quarterly installment is to submit a quarterly financial statement to the town treasurer. He has no option but to release the next installment without obligation to report anything at all to his masters.
Town staff have provided guidance and support to the Culture Centre Board. Members have expressed their appreciation.
The full page ad in The Auroran recently was a salvo from this board in a political campaign to maintain the status quo. Their previous letter-writing campaign fizzled out with about four letters.
I'm not sure what the blue sign on Highway 400 , is about but it also costs money. How much I have no idea. Certainly it contributes nothing to "Aurora Culture".
Every year, notwithstanding the fact we have no museum, we have provided a grant of $50,000. to the Historical Society. Until last year, they had a membership of fifty-nine. One,I don't know who, persists in reminding us we do not own the museum collection.
There was no museum. We didn't own the collection. Why were we handing over $50,000 of taxpayers' money to an organisation with fifty-nine members who voluntarily withdrew from their commitment to operate a museum at a critical time and at the same time surrendered protection for their own substantial investment in the facility.
$50,000. is Aurora' s share of annual tax revenue from six; average homes.
At one time, at the same time they were withdrawing commitment to operate the museum ,the president suggested we should provide the Society with a budget like the Library.Lord only knos where that idea came from. But it was apparently well received.
The same individual was a member of the Culture Centre Board when we signed that sweet deal.
We pay Aurora Legion's share of regional; and education taxes,while forfeiting any contribution to our expenditures. They have two buildings on their property receiving all municipal services including fire protection and policing and they pay zilch. We pay their taxes for them.That's a regional decision.
We hand over $100,000 to the Aboretum group to spend as they will. If the parks department asked for $100,000 extra in their budget, imagine the hullabullo that would raise.
Councils have happily handed over your money in every direction, while nickeling and diming library service to look like they are protecting your interest.
I could extend the list of elite groups receiving free use of town facilities and services. They know who they are. There's no shortage. All of them prepared, at the drop of a hat, to engage politically if their special interest is threatened.
Right now, I'm defending the library.
On the side of the angels for a change.
Snip that library budget, Ev!
**********
Every year there's anxiety about the library budget. I can't see why. It's the simplest, least complicated of all budgets.
Seventy-eight per cent is staff. They are out there in full view of the patrons, always busy, always at their service.
Library service is essentially books, technology, staff and a building. The service is governed by the Library Board Act. Three councillors serve on the board and council appoints the rest.
The town grows, revenues increase, use of service increases. I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the library abuzz with people. Especially children and students.
It's a beautiful facility full of cheerful ambience.
During hard times,library staff see a marked increase in demand for service.
Same as the police. In hard times.crime increases. Especially domestic occurrences. Hardship, and inability to provide, puts great stress on families.Dependence on food banks, inadequate housing cannot be anything but destructive to relationships. Children suffer most.
Every year of the last term, there was pressure on the library to decrease the budget.
At the same time, on Wednesday June 10th, 2009, a town media release marked signing of the agreement with the new Culture Centre Board to hand over a multi-million dollar facility for a dollar a year to a board which self-appointsand accounts to no-one for spending tax dollars. with annual increments of 3% with no questions asked.
The only requirement to receive the quarterly installment is to submit a quarterly financial statement to the town treasurer. He has no option but to release the next installment without obligation to report anything at all to his masters.
Town staff have provided guidance and support to the Culture Centre Board. Members have expressed their appreciation.
The full page ad in The Auroran recently was a salvo from this board in a political campaign to maintain the status quo. Their previous letter-writing campaign fizzled out with about four letters.
I'm not sure what the blue sign on Highway 400 , is about but it also costs money. How much I have no idea. Certainly it contributes nothing to "Aurora Culture".
Every year, notwithstanding the fact we have no museum, we have provided a grant of $50,000. to the Historical Society. Until last year, they had a membership of fifty-nine. One,I don't know who, persists in reminding us we do not own the museum collection.
There was no museum. We didn't own the collection. Why were we handing over $50,000 of taxpayers' money to an organisation with fifty-nine members who voluntarily withdrew from their commitment to operate a museum at a critical time and at the same time surrendered protection for their own substantial investment in the facility.
$50,000. is Aurora' s share of annual tax revenue from six; average homes.
At one time, at the same time they were withdrawing commitment to operate the museum ,the president suggested we should provide the Society with a budget like the Library.Lord only knos where that idea came from. But it was apparently well received.
The same individual was a member of the Culture Centre Board when we signed that sweet deal.
We pay Aurora Legion's share of regional; and education taxes,while forfeiting any contribution to our expenditures. They have two buildings on their property receiving all municipal services including fire protection and policing and they pay zilch. We pay their taxes for them.That's a regional decision.
We hand over $100,000 to the Aboretum group to spend as they will. If the parks department asked for $100,000 extra in their budget, imagine the hullabullo that would raise.
Councils have happily handed over your money in every direction, while nickeling and diming library service to look like they are protecting your interest.
I could extend the list of elite groups receiving free use of town facilities and services. They know who they are. There's no shortage. All of them prepared, at the drop of a hat, to engage politically if their special interest is threatened.
Right now, I'm defending the library.
On the side of the angels for a change.
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Check Out Provincial Government Statement on Economy
TO THE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION OF THE CLERK AND COUNCIL
November 23, 2011
November 23, 2011
Provincial Government delivers 2011 Fall Economic Statement
Today Finance Minister Dwight Duncan delivered the fall economic statement. Key highlights included:
- The government is projecting a deficit of $16.0 billion for this fiscal year.
- The Commission on the Reform of Ontario’s Public Services (the Drummond Report) is expected to recommend that the target for spending growth be reduced to 1%. Current government spending growth is 1.4%.
- Real GDP growth is presently 2.0 per cent. This rate is down from the 2011 Budget projection of 2.6 per cent.
- Ontario’s October 2011 unemployment rate was 8.1%. This is down from a recessionary high of 9.4% in May 2009.
- The Healthy Homes Renovation Tax Credit is the only new spending program announced in the Fall Economic Statement. This $60 million program will support seniors living at home and will help with the costs of home renovations such as walk-in bathtubs or wheelchair ramps. The tax credit is worth up to $1,500 per year and is effective as of October 1, 2011.
- The Minister stated the there is a need, “to examine everything the government does, piece by piece, to find creative, efficient and effective ways to deliver public services.”
An Answer And A Correction
Sometimes, when the comments are coming fast,I may click the wrong button. Most comments are posted.
On Sunday, I posted one that made no sense. Anonymous asked me to tidy up anonymous. I trashed it this morning after I received a similarly senseless comment.
Glad to see Chris Watts is back after a silent spell . His post is about contradictory, meaningless and misguided messages from the municipality in the last term, related to energy conservation.
There is a misunderstanding.
Cathie Malloy , museum curator with us for a very short time, successfully processed an application and a generous grant of $750,000 was received, I think from a federal program, to use for purposes of a museum.
A new heating system was needed. Staff received prices for two.. One was geothermal the other natural gas.
Geothermal was a more expensive installation. It meant pumping heat from the ground to warm the facility. After installation , there was no cost for energy and no pollution produced.
We didn't choose to use the grant sensibly We bypassed geothermal and chose natural gas.
We did however create a controlled environment for protection of artifacts. We also installed interior storm windows. In the restoration, we had to install single diamond glass in windows without storms to maintain authenticity.
When Council received the presentation on the Green Bin program, I found aspects that gave me pause.
The region had been selling composting boxes at a reduced price to encourage composting in home gardens. They removed the program with the advent of green bins. They needed the composting material for the green bin program to work.
Green bins are distributed only to houses. Composting was only possible in gardens. Except for worm culture.
Green bins are not distributed to multiple residential buildings. Garbage down a chute is not separable.
Plastic bags were prohibited.in green bins. They stop the composting process.
I did not believe homeowners would accept the smell and the maggot infestations that entailed.
Council passed my motion to refer the presentation to the Environmental Advisory Committee. Morris.
MacEachern, Gaertner and Susan Walmer were variously chairmen of the committee.
The town approved adding an environmental engineer to the staff complement soon after creation of the committee. The move was recommended by the committee. Terms of reference were to "identify environmental initiatives". Annual cost, $100,000.
No report returned from the committee , identifying strengths or shortcomings of the Green Bin program. .
Soon after start of the program, plastic bags were allowed. Like I said, people did not tolerate smells and maggot infestations. Some changes to modernity are not acceptable.
I conclude therefore we live in an age of graduate degrees in bluster, blather, empty headed nincompoopery and deliberate plans to misguide the nation ,cost be damned. and may the devil take the hindmost
"It's not corruption we have to worry about. It's stupidity"
The snow-melt treatment facility in the capital construction budget of 2007, of $700,000 increased in 2011 to $800,000. is another one of these mind-boggling initiatives.
$168,000 has already been expended on a design.
The purpose is to remove salt from snow without explaining how salt and snow co-exist . Even if it was possible without snow being melted by salt, it suggests salt, soluble in water, can be removed from same by a treatment facility with a total price tab of $800,000.
Meanwhile,99.999 % of all snow or ice that falls on our roads ultimately melts where it falls. without aid or assistance of treatment of any kind.
Did I mention, a representative of the Environment Minister, forwarded approval of the cockamamie scheme for a period of five years.
No doubt ,the plan and its approval will be added to a data base and at some point in time, the Ministry will claim success in ongoing, earnest efforts towards diligence in protection of Ontario's environment.
Al Gore would be proud of us.
His Royal Highness, Charles, Prince of Wales , who treats effluent from his house, Highgrove. on his property and returns it to nourish his garden, might not be so easily persuaded. .
On Sunday, I posted one that made no sense. Anonymous asked me to tidy up anonymous. I trashed it this morning after I received a similarly senseless comment.
Glad to see Chris Watts is back after a silent spell . His post is about contradictory, meaningless and misguided messages from the municipality in the last term, related to energy conservation.
There is a misunderstanding.
Cathie Malloy , museum curator with us for a very short time, successfully processed an application and a generous grant of $750,000 was received, I think from a federal program, to use for purposes of a museum.
A new heating system was needed. Staff received prices for two.. One was geothermal the other natural gas.
Geothermal was a more expensive installation. It meant pumping heat from the ground to warm the facility. After installation , there was no cost for energy and no pollution produced.
We didn't choose to use the grant sensibly We bypassed geothermal and chose natural gas.
We did however create a controlled environment for protection of artifacts. We also installed interior storm windows. In the restoration, we had to install single diamond glass in windows without storms to maintain authenticity.
When Council received the presentation on the Green Bin program, I found aspects that gave me pause.
The region had been selling composting boxes at a reduced price to encourage composting in home gardens. They removed the program with the advent of green bins. They needed the composting material for the green bin program to work.
Green bins are distributed only to houses. Composting was only possible in gardens. Except for worm culture.
Green bins are not distributed to multiple residential buildings. Garbage down a chute is not separable.
Plastic bags were prohibited.in green bins. They stop the composting process.
I did not believe homeowners would accept the smell and the maggot infestations that entailed.
Council passed my motion to refer the presentation to the Environmental Advisory Committee. Morris.
MacEachern, Gaertner and Susan Walmer were variously chairmen of the committee.
The town approved adding an environmental engineer to the staff complement soon after creation of the committee. The move was recommended by the committee. Terms of reference were to "identify environmental initiatives". Annual cost, $100,000.
No report returned from the committee , identifying strengths or shortcomings of the Green Bin program. .
Soon after start of the program, plastic bags were allowed. Like I said, people did not tolerate smells and maggot infestations. Some changes to modernity are not acceptable.
I conclude therefore we live in an age of graduate degrees in bluster, blather, empty headed nincompoopery and deliberate plans to misguide the nation ,cost be damned. and may the devil take the hindmost
"It's not corruption we have to worry about. It's stupidity"
The snow-melt treatment facility in the capital construction budget of 2007, of $700,000 increased in 2011 to $800,000. is another one of these mind-boggling initiatives.
$168,000 has already been expended on a design.
The purpose is to remove salt from snow without explaining how salt and snow co-exist . Even if it was possible without snow being melted by salt, it suggests salt, soluble in water, can be removed from same by a treatment facility with a total price tab of $800,000.
Meanwhile,99.999 % of all snow or ice that falls on our roads ultimately melts where it falls. without aid or assistance of treatment of any kind.
Did I mention, a representative of the Environment Minister, forwarded approval of the cockamamie scheme for a period of five years.
No doubt ,the plan and its approval will be added to a data base and at some point in time, the Ministry will claim success in ongoing, earnest efforts towards diligence in protection of Ontario's environment.
Al Gore would be proud of us.
His Royal Highness, Charles, Prince of Wales , who treats effluent from his house, Highgrove. on his property and returns it to nourish his garden, might not be so easily persuaded. .
Monday, 9 January 2012
Pending Items
When Council returned after summer recess in September, several resolutions were passed.
Staff were directed to review the traffic calming plan in the North-East Quadrant.Original estimate for the plan was $100.000, then refined to $80,000. In 2007,we actually spent $211,000,plus $25,000 for consultant fees, created chaos for the neighbourhood and made the town a laughing stock.
A second resolution directed a review of the town's sign bylaw. A business can apply for a variance to the bylaw. Pay a fee for the process. Staff can do the work necessary, recommend the variance and council can decide after sitting at the council table trying to visualize which way is up or down, east or west and reject the staff recommendation.
The business owner doesn't get his application fee back. But he can pay another fee to appeal the decision, get a hearing and likely have to listen to a Councillor cite rectitude of the Bylaw.
A third resolution directed a review of fees charged for adaptive re-use of part of small, old, erstwhile residential buildings.. Fees are approximately $20,000. The re-use is so tightly defined,the space cannot be used for any other purpose. The building is unsellable without another $20,000 fee being paid and even then, the process is not adaptable.
A fourth resolution directed staff to create terms of reference for a curator with credentials to organise a museum and provide leadership and guidance to volunteers with an interest in the town's heritage.
A fifth was to review the efficacy of storm water ponds. Residents and business with water meters pay a surcharge on water bills for maintenance of storm water ponds. We know the theory about how the improve the quality of water flowing from urban areas to Lake Simcoe . We would like to know the theory is correct and understand the maintenance factor.
In response to the last resolution, staff invited an official from South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority to make a presentation to Council. He said Aurora has more storm water ponds than anyone. and they make an infinitesimal difference to the quality of water in Lake Simcoe .Considering the size of the lake, the number of municipalities on its shores, thousands of acres of farm land surrounding it, cottages with septic tanks,boats on the surface with zebra mussels clinging to their hulls, the information about storm water ponds was hardly surprising.
In response to the second resolution ,chaos in the heritage neighbourhood due to traffic calming, a recommendation came forward to pay the consultant $4,700 to review the plan. It was thought since he designed it, he would be impartial.
The recommendation was not accepted. Staff were directed to carry out the review ..
We have heard nothing since.
Nor on any of the other resolutions.
The year ended.The New year has begun.
Nothing. Nil. Nada. Zilch and Zero.
It's like the Council of Aurora has an ephemeral quality. We don't seem to fit into anybody's business plan. Residents responded with enthusiasm to initiatives brought to the front burner. But nothing happened.
We hear about Customer Service and the importance of clients and stakeholders.
We wonder who they are. They don't appear to be people suffering the intolerable inconvenience of a traffic calming plan that cost a cool quarter of a million dollars to implement.
Business with a need for signage to promote trade so they can employ people and pay taxes don't seem to make the list.
Property owners with a vision for adaptive re-use of heritage properties don't cut the mustard.
Water meter users who pay a surcharge for maintenance of ponds that don't appear to get any maintainance and don't count for much in the greater scheme of things anyway, they pay bills for water they use and more bsides, but does that make them clients to be served ? or just a golden fleece to be fleeced ?
I think the latter.
Staff were directed to review the traffic calming plan in the North-East Quadrant.Original estimate for the plan was $100.000, then refined to $80,000. In 2007,we actually spent $211,000,plus $25,000 for consultant fees, created chaos for the neighbourhood and made the town a laughing stock.
A second resolution directed a review of the town's sign bylaw. A business can apply for a variance to the bylaw. Pay a fee for the process. Staff can do the work necessary, recommend the variance and council can decide after sitting at the council table trying to visualize which way is up or down, east or west and reject the staff recommendation.
The business owner doesn't get his application fee back. But he can pay another fee to appeal the decision, get a hearing and likely have to listen to a Councillor cite rectitude of the Bylaw.
A third resolution directed a review of fees charged for adaptive re-use of part of small, old, erstwhile residential buildings.. Fees are approximately $20,000. The re-use is so tightly defined,the space cannot be used for any other purpose. The building is unsellable without another $20,000 fee being paid and even then, the process is not adaptable.
A fourth resolution directed staff to create terms of reference for a curator with credentials to organise a museum and provide leadership and guidance to volunteers with an interest in the town's heritage.
A fifth was to review the efficacy of storm water ponds. Residents and business with water meters pay a surcharge on water bills for maintenance of storm water ponds. We know the theory about how the improve the quality of water flowing from urban areas to Lake Simcoe . We would like to know the theory is correct and understand the maintenance factor.
In response to the last resolution, staff invited an official from South Lake Simcoe Conservation Authority to make a presentation to Council. He said Aurora has more storm water ponds than anyone. and they make an infinitesimal difference to the quality of water in Lake Simcoe .Considering the size of the lake, the number of municipalities on its shores, thousands of acres of farm land surrounding it, cottages with septic tanks,boats on the surface with zebra mussels clinging to their hulls, the information about storm water ponds was hardly surprising.
In response to the second resolution ,chaos in the heritage neighbourhood due to traffic calming, a recommendation came forward to pay the consultant $4,700 to review the plan. It was thought since he designed it, he would be impartial.
The recommendation was not accepted. Staff were directed to carry out the review ..
We have heard nothing since.
Nor on any of the other resolutions.
The year ended.The New year has begun.
Nothing. Nil. Nada. Zilch and Zero.
It's like the Council of Aurora has an ephemeral quality. We don't seem to fit into anybody's business plan. Residents responded with enthusiasm to initiatives brought to the front burner. But nothing happened.
We hear about Customer Service and the importance of clients and stakeholders.
We wonder who they are. They don't appear to be people suffering the intolerable inconvenience of a traffic calming plan that cost a cool quarter of a million dollars to implement.
Business with a need for signage to promote trade so they can employ people and pay taxes don't seem to make the list.
Property owners with a vision for adaptive re-use of heritage properties don't cut the mustard.
Water meter users who pay a surcharge for maintenance of ponds that don't appear to get any maintainance and don't count for much in the greater scheme of things anyway, they pay bills for water they use and more bsides, but does that make them clients to be served ? or just a golden fleece to be fleeced ?
I think the latter.
Sunday, 8 January 2012
YES Or NO
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Culture Centre/ Minus Museum Advertisement":
why don’t we just conduct another one of those informative and representative polls in the Auroran ,that Alison does so well, Keep it simple
DO YOU SUPPORT SPENDING $500,000 EA.YEAR OF TAX PAYERS $ ON THE CULTURAL CENTRE
YES:
NO:
***********
The question is not simple. Aurora has a myriad of organisations contributing to quality of life in the community. All begun with the initiative of an individual with a vision.
The Aurora Theatre started productions, building sets in basements and providing props from each other's homes. Opportunities were provided for amazingly talented actors, directors and producers to hone their skills. They have entertained the community for over fifty years with theatre that was and is as professional as any to be found, at a fraction of the cost.
The Aurora Art Community was organised by two young mothers with nothing but a God given talent, and a vision. Mabel Pearson and Cathan Schoniker, neighbours in Sunray Place and Jasper Drive, joined forces and made it happen.
The town's recreation director, Ernie Batson provided support, encouragement and found space for them to be and grow. Soon we had an annual Juried Art Show, an outstanding level of professional art
They asked for nothing but advice and they stood on their own feet. The community supported them and they never looked back.Neither have lived in Aurora for many years now. But their vision is with us still.
Service clubs exist with a sole mission to contribute one way or another to the quality of life in the community.
Aurora has always had a strong structure that provided for whatever shared vision presented itself.
Hand-outs from taxes were never necessary. Never even proposed.
St Maximillian Kolbe, our newest high school deserves a visit from every Aurora parent. Facilities to allow young people to achieve excellence in every field are incredible. They have to be seen.
Community support on all sides have made Aurora the place it has always striven to be.
There was never a need to burden taxpayers with the cost of providing cultural services at the Church Street School.
Any proposal to change the community structure to shift responsibility for every art, sport or leisure activity onto the backs of homeowners and business in the form of taxation is utterly ludicrous.
The question on a poll would have to be that.
Not whether the outfit currently occupying Church Street School should get 3 points of the tax burden to indulge their fancy, with an automatic 3% increase every year without accountability and enough money left over for a political advertising campaign to maintain the status quo.
With or without advice from Town of Aurora staff.
why don’t we just conduct another one of those informative and representative polls in the Auroran ,that Alison does so well, Keep it simple
DO YOU SUPPORT SPENDING $500,000 EA.YEAR OF TAX PAYERS $ ON THE CULTURAL CENTRE
YES:
NO:
***********
The question is not simple. Aurora has a myriad of organisations contributing to quality of life in the community. All begun with the initiative of an individual with a vision.
The Aurora Theatre started productions, building sets in basements and providing props from each other's homes. Opportunities were provided for amazingly talented actors, directors and producers to hone their skills. They have entertained the community for over fifty years with theatre that was and is as professional as any to be found, at a fraction of the cost.
The Aurora Art Community was organised by two young mothers with nothing but a God given talent, and a vision. Mabel Pearson and Cathan Schoniker, neighbours in Sunray Place and Jasper Drive, joined forces and made it happen.
The town's recreation director, Ernie Batson provided support, encouragement and found space for them to be and grow. Soon we had an annual Juried Art Show, an outstanding level of professional art
They asked for nothing but advice and they stood on their own feet. The community supported them and they never looked back.Neither have lived in Aurora for many years now. But their vision is with us still.
Service clubs exist with a sole mission to contribute one way or another to the quality of life in the community.
Aurora has always had a strong structure that provided for whatever shared vision presented itself.
Hand-outs from taxes were never necessary. Never even proposed.
St Maximillian Kolbe, our newest high school deserves a visit from every Aurora parent. Facilities to allow young people to achieve excellence in every field are incredible. They have to be seen.
Community support on all sides have made Aurora the place it has always striven to be.
There was never a need to burden taxpayers with the cost of providing cultural services at the Church Street School.
Any proposal to change the community structure to shift responsibility for every art, sport or leisure activity onto the backs of homeowners and business in the form of taxation is utterly ludicrous.
The question on a poll would have to be that.
Not whether the outfit currently occupying Church Street School should get 3 points of the tax burden to indulge their fancy, with an automatic 3% increase every year without accountability and enough money left over for a political advertising campaign to maintain the status quo.
With or without advice from Town of Aurora staff.
Culture Centre/ Minus Museum Advertisement
I put my glasses on to read it a second time. It was too hard to believe. I needed to be sure. I didn't count the names. That would have been tedious. I did notice a number repeated in the two categories. If I pointed that out, it could be said I'm picking on the Culture Centre Board and Staff. I would then become villain of the piece.
I'm talking about the full-page ad in this week's edition of The Auroran. Regular price about $1,300. No sponsor referenced. So none is assumed.
I guess since the Town transferred $347,000 in 2011 to the self-appointed board,the ad is financed with town funds.
It is a Thank you to supporters and those who used the facility in two years of operation. The list must have been a truly herculean task to assemble.
Mayor Dawe and Council are thanked. Town staff receive kudos as well. The Town of Markham is mentioned and Newmarket and Orillia.
The Town of Aurora, representing hard-working,some not-so-lucky but nonetheless, heavily-taxed families and businesses does not get a mention. Like the half million dollars and rent free facility comes from the pockets of Mayor, Council and town staff.
To be sure,they are the conduit. They picked taxpayers pockets again in 2011 to increase the handout without accountability.
It wasn't always the plan. But that's how it was contrived and how it continued even after an election.
Despite normal checks and balances devised to protect town interest.
Despite a recent scathing report from the town solicitor reflecting the agreement between the board and the town is an appallingly inadequate instrument.
Despite persistent discontent expressed within council and community.
Still,there isn't enough political acumen within the entire bunch to stay out of the fight.
The extravagant ad is the latest salvo to justify excess largesse from the town.
The Centre's CEO recently made a presentation to Council for the purpose of maintaining budget support. Staff were effusively thanked for support and guidance.
Did spending on advertising that cocks a snook at "those expected to pay for town operations" get the nod from town staff,I wonder.
Timing is priceless. Maybe they had $1,300 left lying about they didn't know how to dispose of otherwise.
I'm talking about the full-page ad in this week's edition of The Auroran. Regular price about $1,300. No sponsor referenced. So none is assumed.
I guess since the Town transferred $347,000 in 2011 to the self-appointed board,the ad is financed with town funds.
It is a Thank you to supporters and those who used the facility in two years of operation. The list must have been a truly herculean task to assemble.
Mayor Dawe and Council are thanked. Town staff receive kudos as well. The Town of Markham is mentioned and Newmarket and Orillia.
The Town of Aurora, representing hard-working,some not-so-lucky but nonetheless, heavily-taxed families and businesses does not get a mention. Like the half million dollars and rent free facility comes from the pockets of Mayor, Council and town staff.
To be sure,they are the conduit. They picked taxpayers pockets again in 2011 to increase the handout without accountability.
It wasn't always the plan. But that's how it was contrived and how it continued even after an election.
Despite normal checks and balances devised to protect town interest.
Despite a recent scathing report from the town solicitor reflecting the agreement between the board and the town is an appallingly inadequate instrument.
Despite persistent discontent expressed within council and community.
Still,there isn't enough political acumen within the entire bunch to stay out of the fight.
The extravagant ad is the latest salvo to justify excess largesse from the town.
The Centre's CEO recently made a presentation to Council for the purpose of maintaining budget support. Staff were effusively thanked for support and guidance.
Did spending on advertising that cocks a snook at "those expected to pay for town operations" get the nod from town staff,I wonder.
Timing is priceless. Maybe they had $1,300 left lying about they didn't know how to dispose of otherwise.
Saturday, 7 January 2012
Budget Talk
There's a lot of it. Brock Weir, The Auroran's reporter attends all the meetings. He uses a tape recorder and whatever quote he chooses to use from the meeting is precise.We assume he is equally meticulous on quotes made outside meetings.
On December 20th he reported a statement from the Mayor.
"I have challenged staff to cut their budgets even further to lower the impact to our residents. Our goal is to maintain services at the lowest cost to the community while maintaining the quality of our work."
It sounds positively on the side of the taxpayers. My problem with the statement is threefold:
1.I don't recall a challenge issued to staff during council's budget deliberations
2.I have seen no evidence of it.
3.It bespeaks staff are solely responsible for the tax burden..
The budget process has proceeded as follows;
Meetings were scheduled . Each meeting had an agenda. First a Director took the podium and presented a business plan for to support his 2012 budget.
The Mayor asked if there were any "meaningful", emphasis on the word, questions or comments to the presentations. At the start of each report a prepared resolution was provided .First clause to accept the presentation. Second, to approve the budget as presented.
Green pages of figures follow for perusal and another mayoralty request for comments or questions.
Well by Jove. It's a pretty damned efficient process Not too many questions and less conclusions reached but onward we marched, approving as we went....lickety split.
The only input I heard from the Mayor during the entire process was to increase the education grant. Now top students in each of six high schools will receive a higher amount. The figure has been increasing annually because high schools have increased.
It's not a large amount but students receiving them, generally, clean up on grants. For one reason or another, even if it's just being smarter than everybody else, they do seem to be the lucky ones.But I digress.
At the end of the managed process ,the budget was not finally approved. Councillor Paul Pirri said it for most I think when he stated he was not prepared to approve it as it stood. He needed more information . He cited a specific area.
Treasurer Elliott said timing was very important but acknowledged the process could have been improved by the inclusion of the information but he would strive to provide it.
Councillors were notified of another meeting before Christmas .It had been slotted "if needed". The stated purpose was to approve the budget.The focus was clear.
I had grown tired of the assigned role of inanimate object on a chess board to be checked and cross-checked until the game was played, the board cleared and the spoils to the victor.
I declared myself unavailable for meetings in the days before Christmas.
I dolefully contemplated budget approval as presented anyway.
But Lo.... A Star rose in the East and that is not what came to pass.
The Mayor publicised another statement. He said Council was holding back for approval of the new Strategic Plan in the NewYear.
I didn't vote for $85,000 in last year's budget for consultant services to strategise a new plan. I think it's a crock.
On December 20th he reported a statement from the Mayor.
"I have challenged staff to cut their budgets even further to lower the impact to our residents. Our goal is to maintain services at the lowest cost to the community while maintaining the quality of our work."
It sounds positively on the side of the taxpayers. My problem with the statement is threefold:
1.I don't recall a challenge issued to staff during council's budget deliberations
2.I have seen no evidence of it.
3.It bespeaks staff are solely responsible for the tax burden..
The budget process has proceeded as follows;
Meetings were scheduled . Each meeting had an agenda. First a Director took the podium and presented a business plan for to support his 2012 budget.
The Mayor asked if there were any "meaningful", emphasis on the word, questions or comments to the presentations. At the start of each report a prepared resolution was provided .First clause to accept the presentation. Second, to approve the budget as presented.
Green pages of figures follow for perusal and another mayoralty request for comments or questions.
Well by Jove. It's a pretty damned efficient process Not too many questions and less conclusions reached but onward we marched, approving as we went....lickety split.
The only input I heard from the Mayor during the entire process was to increase the education grant. Now top students in each of six high schools will receive a higher amount. The figure has been increasing annually because high schools have increased.
It's not a large amount but students receiving them, generally, clean up on grants. For one reason or another, even if it's just being smarter than everybody else, they do seem to be the lucky ones.But I digress.
At the end of the managed process ,the budget was not finally approved. Councillor Paul Pirri said it for most I think when he stated he was not prepared to approve it as it stood. He needed more information . He cited a specific area.
Treasurer Elliott said timing was very important but acknowledged the process could have been improved by the inclusion of the information but he would strive to provide it.
Councillors were notified of another meeting before Christmas .It had been slotted "if needed". The stated purpose was to approve the budget.The focus was clear.
I had grown tired of the assigned role of inanimate object on a chess board to be checked and cross-checked until the game was played, the board cleared and the spoils to the victor.
I declared myself unavailable for meetings in the days before Christmas.
I dolefully contemplated budget approval as presented anyway.
But Lo.... A Star rose in the East and that is not what came to pass.
The Mayor publicised another statement. He said Council was holding back for approval of the new Strategic Plan in the NewYear.
I didn't vote for $85,000 in last year's budget for consultant services to strategise a new plan. I think it's a crock.
Budget Talk Two
On January 3rd, The Auroran published another chapter of the budget saga.
A debate took place on the merits of using $100,000 of surplus to reduce the tax rate in 2012
Main protagonists appear to have been Councillors Thompson ,Ballard and Treasurer Elliott.
Note: a Council debate is between elected representatives.
The Treasurer pointed out $100,000 is one third of one per cent of the tax rate.
He said; " that in looking at budget line items, if excess planning fees and supplementary taxes were taken out of the equation, the operations of the Town of Aurora were running at zero".
"We paid the bills with the revenues we had so the supplementary fees and the planning applications were the surplus drivers in that perspective and both of those came from development activity "
"They didn't come necessarily from the taxpayer ,they came from the developer taxpayer but not those who are expected to finance the operations of the town."
The last clause is evocative; "those who are expected to pay the operations of the town"
Who precisely are "those who are expected to pay the operations of the town"?
Are we speaking of the 2012 operations of the town?
Or are we talking about stashing millions of dollars to subsidize operations of the town ten or forty years from now?
Are "those who are expected to pay the operations of the town" expected to use services in 2012 but perhaps not in 2013 or years thereafter?
A municipality is not permitted to budget for a deficit. The principle of property tax is those who use services, pay for services.It's called equity or plain old-fashioned fairness.
Why should I pay for a recreation facility or a fire pumper expected to be needed twenty or forty years from now? Why should my taxes in 2012 subsidize taxes in 2052?
Why should easing the burden for residents not even born,be my responsibility?
Exorbitant taxes make it unaffordable to live in a home that is fully paid for, leaving insufficient resources to keep it warm in the winter, put food on the table and keep water flowing from the faucet.
Why is that reasonable? Where is the logic? Who has authority to make that decision?
Would "those who are expected to pay the operations of the town " be the decision-makers? or those on the public payroll? or perhaps the culture centre board and staff have a deciding vote?
Should they be receiving half a million dollars from tax resources to provide "cultural services" at no cost or less than cost to culture consumers.
If we added a factor for rent to the half million hand -out, we are looking at pretty damned close to 3 points in the tax bill. If we added the cost of 2.3million dollars used to renovate the building for a state of the art museum which is still there but unused, the rent would be substantial.
Ice users pay for arena operations. Soccer players pay for field maintenance. What is it about culture vultures that entitles them to a cool million from the town treasury, adding three points annually onto the tax rate?
Calculate funds provided to the Historical Society.... $100.000 to the Arboretum for pet projects... buying a pig in a poke of "Customer Service".....$440,000 for a software package that's the tip of the costberg... leasing the hydro building, needed for town purposes, for less than cost of maintenance....and all other non-essential fal-de-rols.
Remove them all from the budget and I'm telling you my friends, we could be looking at an easy-peasy reduction in the 2012 budget rather than an increase, that wouldn't make a smidgen of difference to the quality of service expected by " those expected to pay the cost of services".
We should identify essential cost of operating the municipality, create equity between facility users and determine who should pay what.
While we are at it, we should separate reality from hocus pocus.
That's the job of elected representatives. With or without the aid or assistance of the paid help.
Most certainly it can be done without public statements from the Chief Magistrate that are not in the least bit meaningful.
A debate took place on the merits of using $100,000 of surplus to reduce the tax rate in 2012
Main protagonists appear to have been Councillors Thompson ,Ballard and Treasurer Elliott.
Note: a Council debate is between elected representatives.
The Treasurer pointed out $100,000 is one third of one per cent of the tax rate.
He said; " that in looking at budget line items, if excess planning fees and supplementary taxes were taken out of the equation, the operations of the Town of Aurora were running at zero".
"We paid the bills with the revenues we had so the supplementary fees and the planning applications were the surplus drivers in that perspective and both of those came from development activity "
"They didn't come necessarily from the taxpayer ,they came from the developer taxpayer but not those who are expected to finance the operations of the town."
The last clause is evocative; "those who are expected to pay the operations of the town"
Who precisely are "those who are expected to pay the operations of the town"?
Are we speaking of the 2012 operations of the town?
Or are we talking about stashing millions of dollars to subsidize operations of the town ten or forty years from now?
Are "those who are expected to pay the operations of the town" expected to use services in 2012 but perhaps not in 2013 or years thereafter?
A municipality is not permitted to budget for a deficit. The principle of property tax is those who use services, pay for services.It's called equity or plain old-fashioned fairness.
Why should I pay for a recreation facility or a fire pumper expected to be needed twenty or forty years from now? Why should my taxes in 2012 subsidize taxes in 2052?
Why should easing the burden for residents not even born,be my responsibility?
Exorbitant taxes make it unaffordable to live in a home that is fully paid for, leaving insufficient resources to keep it warm in the winter, put food on the table and keep water flowing from the faucet.
Why is that reasonable? Where is the logic? Who has authority to make that decision?
Would "those who are expected to pay the operations of the town " be the decision-makers? or those on the public payroll? or perhaps the culture centre board and staff have a deciding vote?
Should they be receiving half a million dollars from tax resources to provide "cultural services" at no cost or less than cost to culture consumers.
If we added a factor for rent to the half million hand -out, we are looking at pretty damned close to 3 points in the tax bill. If we added the cost of 2.3million dollars used to renovate the building for a state of the art museum which is still there but unused, the rent would be substantial.
Ice users pay for arena operations. Soccer players pay for field maintenance. What is it about culture vultures that entitles them to a cool million from the town treasury, adding three points annually onto the tax rate?
Calculate funds provided to the Historical Society.... $100.000 to the Arboretum for pet projects... buying a pig in a poke of "Customer Service".....$440,000 for a software package that's the tip of the costberg... leasing the hydro building, needed for town purposes, for less than cost of maintenance....and all other non-essential fal-de-rols.
Remove them all from the budget and I'm telling you my friends, we could be looking at an easy-peasy reduction in the 2012 budget rather than an increase, that wouldn't make a smidgen of difference to the quality of service expected by " those expected to pay the cost of services".
We should identify essential cost of operating the municipality, create equity between facility users and determine who should pay what.
While we are at it, we should separate reality from hocus pocus.
That's the job of elected representatives. With or without the aid or assistance of the paid help.
Most certainly it can be done without public statements from the Chief Magistrate that are not in the least bit meaningful.
Friday, 6 January 2012
Holy Toledo Batman
to Anonymous 6 January, 2012 1:03 PM
Perhaps. But CRA is a Government organization, they make the laws and they go after the taxpayer. This situation is reversed - Shit doesn't flow uphill!
I have stopped reading most of this stuff because it's the same sort of "fighting City Hall" stuff that you are wrapping yourselves into and while it's fine to complain, no one has the capacity do anything about it.
I suggest that someone with a common sense head on his or her shoulders (and without the emotional reaction that most have) talks to someone at the Toronto Star - they like to dig into government crap like this.
***************
This blog is not written in code. Anyone who reads it can take what they want from it. It's written by a member of council who is not hiding behind a pseudonym. People can find me. They know where I live. I have a seat at the council table
Aurora Banner ...Toronto Star ...Globe and Mail ... National Post ... Toronto Sun.. they all know I'm here.
A Councillor has but one vote. I started writing the blog eight months into the last term. When it became clear there was nothing left to lose.
No working relationship with the Morris regime to nurture.
No opportunity lost by the regime to emphasize my irrelevance.
So I sought a role and discovered Blog. It was always waiting in the wings.
It was a marriage made in heaven.
The gift that kept on giving.
I turned my attention to informing the community of what was not obvious from spectator benches. I filled in cracks and crannies. Explained nuances. Provided background. Answered questions. Without fear or favour,I called a spade a spade.
Readership grew.
During elections people greeted me with laughter in their eyes and urged me to keep it going.
Some said they couldn't start the day without reading my morning post. If I don't get to it. I make up for it with two or maybe even three posts another day.
The political environment, already rancid, became a toxic cloud that permeated the community.
There was fear in the town and in the town hall.
Knowing I was there, helped people to cope. They knew it couldn't go on as long as the community was aware. Nor will it happen again now we've discovered how it can be stopped.
Still, strings hang loose.
I submit, a couple of people with more than a little common sense and a lot more conviction of what is right and proper, have taken it farther than a sly whisper in the ear of a reporter who may or may not receive permission from an editor to follow the money.
Court action is pending.
Whether or not The Joker above chooses to follow the blog.
Holy Mackerel Batman!
Perhaps. But CRA is a Government organization, they make the laws and they go after the taxpayer. This situation is reversed - Shit doesn't flow uphill!
I have stopped reading most of this stuff because it's the same sort of "fighting City Hall" stuff that you are wrapping yourselves into and while it's fine to complain, no one has the capacity do anything about it.
I suggest that someone with a common sense head on his or her shoulders (and without the emotional reaction that most have) talks to someone at the Toronto Star - they like to dig into government crap like this.
***************
This blog is not written in code. Anyone who reads it can take what they want from it. It's written by a member of council who is not hiding behind a pseudonym. People can find me. They know where I live. I have a seat at the council table
Aurora Banner ...Toronto Star ...Globe and Mail ... National Post ... Toronto Sun.. they all know I'm here.
A Councillor has but one vote. I started writing the blog eight months into the last term. When it became clear there was nothing left to lose.
No working relationship with the Morris regime to nurture.
No opportunity lost by the regime to emphasize my irrelevance.
So I sought a role and discovered Blog. It was always waiting in the wings.
It was a marriage made in heaven.
The gift that kept on giving.
I turned my attention to informing the community of what was not obvious from spectator benches. I filled in cracks and crannies. Explained nuances. Provided background. Answered questions. Without fear or favour,I called a spade a spade.
Readership grew.
During elections people greeted me with laughter in their eyes and urged me to keep it going.
Some said they couldn't start the day without reading my morning post. If I don't get to it. I make up for it with two or maybe even three posts another day.
The political environment, already rancid, became a toxic cloud that permeated the community.
There was fear in the town and in the town hall.
Knowing I was there, helped people to cope. They knew it couldn't go on as long as the community was aware. Nor will it happen again now we've discovered how it can be stopped.
Still, strings hang loose.
I submit, a couple of people with more than a little common sense and a lot more conviction of what is right and proper, have taken it farther than a sly whisper in the ear of a reporter who may or may not receive permission from an editor to follow the money.
Court action is pending.
Whether or not The Joker above chooses to follow the blog.
Holy Mackerel Batman!
What A Tangled Web We Weave
The conversation flowed fast and furious over the issue of unaccounted funds raised for the July 1st Parade in 2009.
Stuff like that is not forgotten.
The Citizen Blog gave residents the opportunity to ask questions without being drawn into a political argument with friends, family and co-workers. Queries were for the most part,polite and reasonable and seemingly confident of a response.
Still no answers were received.Refusal was steadfast. Even the town administration erected a screed of inaccurate assertion.
The July 1st Parade Sub Committee of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee suddenly became the Christmas Dream Team. As a private organization,it had no obligation to account to anyone and therefore staff had no authority to request an accounting.
According to posters,the Christmas Dream Team was apparently not numbered as a charitable organization.
On the other hand, the July 1st Parade sub- committee of Council had been functioning as such for years. The event was annual. Funds raised after months of work by members and volunteers were a matter of public record.
Meetings were held in the Town Hall. Reports were submitted to the Leisure Services Committee, chaired by former Councillor MacEachern, and forwarded to Council on Town stationary.
A comment I found on the Citizen Blog yesterday stated succinctly what people in the community understood.
**********
Anonymous said...on May 31st 2009
What I find interesting is there was advertising for a silent auction and items could be donated for "The Canada Day Kick Off Party". If in fact items were donated for a silent auction,then those funds would most definitely not belong to the organizers but to the entity of which they were raised.Can anyone tell me if in fact a silent auction took place at this year's event? And if so what happened to that money?And were the individuals who donated the items advised that funds raised would be used to offset any loss experienced by the organizer? I shall wait patiently for the answers to arrive but not with baited breath.
************
It was indeed wise not to wait with baited breath
What I find interesting is there were seven members of the committee.Unless some of the anonymous comments, like the one above, came from a committee member unwilling to ask the question directly,there is no record of reaction from any committee member.
I did hear from one member who resigned out of concern for how affairs were being handled and probable consequences.
Otherwise all efforts to clarify the situation were frustrated in the most unlikely places.
Silence reigned.
Until the question of the silent auction was raised again on July 6th 2011.
This time to be answered by myself.
Hence the search and summary.
Stuff like that is not forgotten.
The Citizen Blog gave residents the opportunity to ask questions without being drawn into a political argument with friends, family and co-workers. Queries were for the most part,polite and reasonable and seemingly confident of a response.
Still no answers were received.Refusal was steadfast. Even the town administration erected a screed of inaccurate assertion.
The July 1st Parade Sub Committee of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee suddenly became the Christmas Dream Team. As a private organization,it had no obligation to account to anyone and therefore staff had no authority to request an accounting.
According to posters,the Christmas Dream Team was apparently not numbered as a charitable organization.
On the other hand, the July 1st Parade sub- committee of Council had been functioning as such for years. The event was annual. Funds raised after months of work by members and volunteers were a matter of public record.
Meetings were held in the Town Hall. Reports were submitted to the Leisure Services Committee, chaired by former Councillor MacEachern, and forwarded to Council on Town stationary.
A comment I found on the Citizen Blog yesterday stated succinctly what people in the community understood.
**********
Anonymous said...on May 31st 2009
What I find interesting is there was advertising for a silent auction and items could be donated for "The Canada Day Kick Off Party". If in fact items were donated for a silent auction,then those funds would most definitely not belong to the organizers but to the entity of which they were raised.Can anyone tell me if in fact a silent auction took place at this year's event? And if so what happened to that money?And were the individuals who donated the items advised that funds raised would be used to offset any loss experienced by the organizer? I shall wait patiently for the answers to arrive but not with baited breath.
************
It was indeed wise not to wait with baited breath
What I find interesting is there were seven members of the committee.Unless some of the anonymous comments, like the one above, came from a committee member unwilling to ask the question directly,there is no record of reaction from any committee member.
I did hear from one member who resigned out of concern for how affairs were being handled and probable consequences.
Otherwise all efforts to clarify the situation were frustrated in the most unlikely places.
Silence reigned.
Until the question of the silent auction was raised again on July 6th 2011.
This time to be answered by myself.
Hence the search and summary.
Thursday, 5 January 2012
Amazing Response
Thanks everyone for providing clues for my search There is still a missing link.
It would have been a week at least after the July 1st fund-raising event at the Legion on March 27th 2009 that questions started about proceeds.
Unless someone realized earlier, things were not as they needed to be.
The March 31st report from the Canada Parade Sub Committee of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee noted the following:
We're Canadian Ay! Kick Off Awareness Party:
March 27th Kick Off Party at the Legion : The event was a great success and all tickets were sold and awareness/kick-off goals achieved. There was a lot of media attention in the newspapers,on television, and a great time was had by about 150 Red Hot Canadians.We were able to pay for the event as set out.
Budget approved by Town -$10,000 with additional funds from parade float entry fees to be applied to the special Canada Day Parade General Ledger with the Town of Aurora.
****************
No further discussion on the event was reported in the committee minutes.
No motion was made to accept.
The last clause read as follows:
Discussion regarding support of Rotary and Sher promised to get prices for GGHG this year and to give those to Frank for presentation to Rotary in case they would like to sponsor the Horses and/or Band.
*************
That's all there is.
I did call a committee member and asked if the report meant what it appeared to mean. I was assured it did. "Bands had to be paid and caterers and the Legion".
I did hear the Legion received a payment of $5,000. I was unable to verify that though I did ask.
After that, questions started on the Aurora Citizen Blog.
No answers were offered.
The questions persisted.
Then I spoke to a police officer. He said the town was responsible for obtaining an accounting.
I had drawn the matter to the attention of the CAO. I was informed the town had no right to demand an accounting from the Dream Team.
Nowhere in the sub- committee of the town reports was the Dream Team mentioned.
I suggested the Rotary Club might be able to provide information.
The new Treasurer was entertained by that idea. He stated it certainly was not his job to inquire into the affairs of a private organization.
It might have been the first meeting the new Treasurer attended.
I was not entertained.
After that the St. Kitts woman came to public forum on a Council night and put on her display of righteous indignation. Tossing about unfounded accusations and unsubstantiated allegations that the reputations of herself and her husband had been maligned in my blog and declaring to all the world her intention to file a complaint against me with the newly contracted Integrity Commissioner hired to police the Conduct of Councillors.
The remarks were read from a written presentation. The Mayor requested the presentations be provided to the secretary for inclusion in the formal record of Council. St Kitts leaned to hand it over as requested. But apparently the exchange was not completed.
Councillor Collins Mrakas was seated beside me. She indicated an intent to call a point of order. I signalled back ..".let them finish"
The new solicitor attempted intervention twice. He stated it was not a matter for Council.
He was ignored.
A motion to waive the procedure Bylaw to permit the remarks to be recorded was declared without the necessary two-thirds majority. A motion for the remarks to be recorded was passed.
The remarks were not recorded.
In response to a challenge to the minutes,the CAO indicated a conference had been held by himself, the solicitor and the clerk.
Their decision was , despite the direction of Council for the remarks to form part of the record,that a synopsis would suffice.
It was and still is my contention, the municipality could not be held harmless if unfounded accusations and unsubstantiated allegations against a Councillor,permitted by the presiding member in a public meeting and approved by the majority, were to be published in the Town's record.
Staff did what they must to protect the municipality without at any time publicly acknowledging the real reason.
They said instead," a synopsis was better."
Pshaw!!!
It's a snippet of how things were done during the second half of the Mormac years.
A Council majority with almost an entirely new management team working in harmony together to accomplish,what we must assume to have been, a common goal.
The community's well being was not the focus.
The time was pivotal.
A comment this week indicates it was the moment people started to pay closer attention to council. After reading material in the forwarded links, I agree.
When I was trying to persuade Grace Marsh not to resign, I alluded to my conviction.
"We are not alone here. Never Never Never underestimate the attention people pay and how well they understand. They know when things aren't right. They will fix it "
And they did.
Still there are issues outstanding. Such as accounting for funds raised during the March 27th 2009 event held at the Aurora Legion in support of the July 1st Canada Day Parade.
Seven people formed the committee. Was there a consensus among them that no accounting was necessary for funds raised under the auspices of the town for a town event?
The question will not go away until an answer is received ?
The chapter is not closed.
It would have been a week at least after the July 1st fund-raising event at the Legion on March 27th 2009 that questions started about proceeds.
Unless someone realized earlier, things were not as they needed to be.
The March 31st report from the Canada Parade Sub Committee of the Leisure Services Advisory Committee noted the following:
We're Canadian Ay! Kick Off Awareness Party:
March 27th Kick Off Party at the Legion : The event was a great success and all tickets were sold and awareness/kick-off goals achieved. There was a lot of media attention in the newspapers,on television, and a great time was had by about 150 Red Hot Canadians.We were able to pay for the event as set out.
Budget approved by Town -$10,000 with additional funds from parade float entry fees to be applied to the special Canada Day Parade General Ledger with the Town of Aurora.
****************
No further discussion on the event was reported in the committee minutes.
No motion was made to accept.
The last clause read as follows:
Discussion regarding support of Rotary and Sher promised to get prices for GGHG this year and to give those to Frank for presentation to Rotary in case they would like to sponsor the Horses and/or Band.
*************
That's all there is.
I did call a committee member and asked if the report meant what it appeared to mean. I was assured it did. "Bands had to be paid and caterers and the Legion".
I did hear the Legion received a payment of $5,000. I was unable to verify that though I did ask.
After that, questions started on the Aurora Citizen Blog.
No answers were offered.
The questions persisted.
Then I spoke to a police officer. He said the town was responsible for obtaining an accounting.
I had drawn the matter to the attention of the CAO. I was informed the town had no right to demand an accounting from the Dream Team.
Nowhere in the sub- committee of the town reports was the Dream Team mentioned.
I suggested the Rotary Club might be able to provide information.
The new Treasurer was entertained by that idea. He stated it certainly was not his job to inquire into the affairs of a private organization.
It might have been the first meeting the new Treasurer attended.
I was not entertained.
After that the St. Kitts woman came to public forum on a Council night and put on her display of righteous indignation. Tossing about unfounded accusations and unsubstantiated allegations that the reputations of herself and her husband had been maligned in my blog and declaring to all the world her intention to file a complaint against me with the newly contracted Integrity Commissioner hired to police the Conduct of Councillors.
The remarks were read from a written presentation. The Mayor requested the presentations be provided to the secretary for inclusion in the formal record of Council. St Kitts leaned to hand it over as requested. But apparently the exchange was not completed.
Councillor Collins Mrakas was seated beside me. She indicated an intent to call a point of order. I signalled back ..".let them finish"
The new solicitor attempted intervention twice. He stated it was not a matter for Council.
He was ignored.
A motion to waive the procedure Bylaw to permit the remarks to be recorded was declared without the necessary two-thirds majority. A motion for the remarks to be recorded was passed.
The remarks were not recorded.
In response to a challenge to the minutes,the CAO indicated a conference had been held by himself, the solicitor and the clerk.
Their decision was , despite the direction of Council for the remarks to form part of the record,that a synopsis would suffice.
It was and still is my contention, the municipality could not be held harmless if unfounded accusations and unsubstantiated allegations against a Councillor,permitted by the presiding member in a public meeting and approved by the majority, were to be published in the Town's record.
Staff did what they must to protect the municipality without at any time publicly acknowledging the real reason.
They said instead," a synopsis was better."
Pshaw!!!
It's a snippet of how things were done during the second half of the Mormac years.
A Council majority with almost an entirely new management team working in harmony together to accomplish,what we must assume to have been, a common goal.
The community's well being was not the focus.
The time was pivotal.
A comment this week indicates it was the moment people started to pay closer attention to council. After reading material in the forwarded links, I agree.
When I was trying to persuade Grace Marsh not to resign, I alluded to my conviction.
"We are not alone here. Never Never Never underestimate the attention people pay and how well they understand. They know when things aren't right. They will fix it "
And they did.
Still there are issues outstanding. Such as accounting for funds raised during the March 27th 2009 event held at the Aurora Legion in support of the July 1st Canada Day Parade.
Seven people formed the committee. Was there a consensus among them that no accounting was necessary for funds raised under the auspices of the town for a town event?
The question will not go away until an answer is received ?
The chapter is not closed.
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
The Twilight Zone
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Weirder and Weirder":
No one at that auction would read this blog, is my sense of what I hear around town.
******************
I guess we can assume from this comment, there was indeed a silent auction to raise funds for the July 1st Parade. And that people at the auction which raised funds would not wish the fact to be divulged.
As we explore further, our findings become ever weirder
We know the July 1st Parade event at the Legion on March 27th, was a fund-raiser. It was announced from the Chair by the Mayor in a public meeting on camera and recorded in the minutes.
We have a record of the CAO being directed by Council " to ensure financial controls are in place through the appropriate departments including authorisation to raise funds and that they be properly directed "
Despite that direction, we have a later record of CAO and Treasurer denying authority for obtaining an accounting
Now we have a comment that confirms there was a silent auction and those involved would not choose to acknowledge the fact in this blog.
It's not a surprise. No proceeds from the event were acknowledged from the event.
Instead the Town provided alternate funds from the treasury for the 2009 July 1st Parade.
In 2010, we upped the amount to $12,000. and provided an additional $2,000 for the self-styled best volunteer to hire a person to assist in organising the Parade.
On March 24th when Council directed the CAO to be responsible for financial control of town resources and other funds raised,the official responsible for ensuring council's direction is carried out, was absent. That was the Town Clerk.
The Treasurer; was on his way out without pleasant thoughts of his latter day experience with Mormac regime.
The new town solicitor was appointed that night and in his place at the meeting.
The motion to direct staff to control July 1st funds was likely scribbled on a scrap of paper by Councillor MacEachern and passed, sight unseen, by Council.
It was regular practice in that Council. The newbies had no idea it was not regular municipal practice. Advice to that effect was likely greeted with a long-suffering glance and tone and promptly dismissed,as out of order.
Motions and amendments were regularly passed, sight unseen ,by council or staff.
The Treasurer ,who later responded to my effort to obtain an accounting for funds raised under the auspice of the Town, with the statement, he had no authority to inquire into disposition of funds raised by the Christmas Dream Team, AKA as July 1st Parade Sub- Committee of Leisure Services Advisory Committee, and no funds had been issued by the town to the Dream Team, was not a town town employee on March 24th 2009.
Even as I relate the facts,I appreciate the nightmarish quality of the story
I often refer to this period in the town's history as The Twilight Zone,
We have not yet emerged into the light.
No one at that auction would read this blog, is my sense of what I hear around town.
******************
I guess we can assume from this comment, there was indeed a silent auction to raise funds for the July 1st Parade. And that people at the auction which raised funds would not wish the fact to be divulged.
As we explore further, our findings become ever weirder
We know the July 1st Parade event at the Legion on March 27th, was a fund-raiser. It was announced from the Chair by the Mayor in a public meeting on camera and recorded in the minutes.
We have a record of the CAO being directed by Council " to ensure financial controls are in place through the appropriate departments including authorisation to raise funds and that they be properly directed "
Despite that direction, we have a later record of CAO and Treasurer denying authority for obtaining an accounting
Now we have a comment that confirms there was a silent auction and those involved would not choose to acknowledge the fact in this blog.
It's not a surprise. No proceeds from the event were acknowledged from the event.
Instead the Town provided alternate funds from the treasury for the 2009 July 1st Parade.
In 2010, we upped the amount to $12,000. and provided an additional $2,000 for the self-styled best volunteer to hire a person to assist in organising the Parade.
On March 24th when Council directed the CAO to be responsible for financial control of town resources and other funds raised,the official responsible for ensuring council's direction is carried out, was absent. That was the Town Clerk.
The Treasurer; was on his way out without pleasant thoughts of his latter day experience with Mormac regime.
The new town solicitor was appointed that night and in his place at the meeting.
The motion to direct staff to control July 1st funds was likely scribbled on a scrap of paper by Councillor MacEachern and passed, sight unseen, by Council.
It was regular practice in that Council. The newbies had no idea it was not regular municipal practice. Advice to that effect was likely greeted with a long-suffering glance and tone and promptly dismissed,as out of order.
Motions and amendments were regularly passed, sight unseen ,by council or staff.
The Treasurer ,who later responded to my effort to obtain an accounting for funds raised under the auspice of the Town, with the statement, he had no authority to inquire into disposition of funds raised by the Christmas Dream Team, AKA as July 1st Parade Sub- Committee of Leisure Services Advisory Committee, and no funds had been issued by the town to the Dream Team, was not a town town employee on March 24th 2009.
Even as I relate the facts,I appreciate the nightmarish quality of the story
I often refer to this period in the town's history as The Twilight Zone,
We have not yet emerged into the light.
Tuesday, 3 January 2012
Weirder and Weirder
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "I Need Something":
I don't know what exactly you are looking for. I think we all know that the whole issue with the A-C blog in regards to the courts was anonymous postings. Are looking for someone to tell you who made accusations against the St. Kitts?
You profess to have a good memory, were you not there?
*********
I do not profess to have a good memory. How do I know if mine is better than anyone else's? It's the only one I know.
I was there. When a vote is decided, I move on to the next item of business. I take no responsibility for decisions made. Only for the vote I cast. When I've done that I have fullfilled my legal responsibility as a member of council.
It is not my job to provide leadership and guidance.
I am not the Mayor.
What I seek at the moment, is confirmation there was a silent auction held at the 2009 fundraiser held at the Aurora Legion on March 27th.2009. It had been part of previous fund-raisers but I wasn't there.So I do not know from personal experience.
My impression was the questions swirling about at the time were related to success of the auction.
It made sense that people who donated prizes would be interested in knowing their contributions helped realise the objective
I did find in the March 24th Record of the Council Meeting , confirmation the event was a fund-raiser.
It came from the Mayor's announcement from the chair.
Also the record showed a resolution "for an additional $2.000 be allocated to the Canada Day Parade budget which raised the amount to $10,000 and
That the float revenue goes back into the Canada Day Parade budget and
That the CAO ensure financial controls are in place through the appropriate departments including authorisation to raise funds and that they be properly directed "
The motion was moved by Councillor Granger, seconded by Councillor MacEachern.
On a recorded vote, the motion carried on a vote of 8 to 1.
The dissenting vote to providing funds from the treasury was mine.
In the March 31st meeting of the Leisure Services Advisory, Canada Day Parade Sub- Committee Report, I found reference to the town's approval of $10,000 with additional funds from parade entry float fees to be applied to the Special Canada Day Parade General Ledger with the Town of Aurora.
From the beginning,neither the Parade nor the day-long celebration of July 1st has been a burden to taxpayers. Every service club and organisation and umpteen other volunteers, participated to ensure that reality.
The beer garden, was the biggest money-maker . It was also hard labour for service club members. They took turns annually. Some clubs were smaller than others. Then they realised the town's huge initiative interfered with their own missions.
Not until the St Kitts woman arrival , were funds in the amount of $10,000 provided from the treasury to fund the July 1st Parade.
Going back through this record was interesting
Readers may re-call my efforts, on behalf of the people asking questions, to have staff obtain an accounting for funds raised by the Canada Day Parade Sub-Committee of the Leisure Services Committee, hit a blank wall.
Somehow the Christmas Dream Team got into the discussion. Staff responded, without acknowledging the recorded direction from Council, they had no authority to require an accounting from a private voluntary fund-raising group.
I persisted the fund-raising was done under the auspices of the town They persisted it was done by the Christmas Dream Team.
We got lots of abuse for asking but no answers. Comes a time to set an issue aside for a bit.
The record reveals a couple of other inconsistencies. The Treasurer on staff when Granger's resolution passed, was on his way out. He submitted his resignation the day the new CAO took over.
The new Treasurer was not there when the resolution directing "the CAO to ensure financial controls were in place through the appropriate department. including authorization to raise funds and that they are properly directed"
The Municipal Clerk is the statutory officer responsible for ensuring Council direction is followed
The Municipal Clerk was not present at the March 24th meeting.
The Clerk joined the Municipality in November 2008. The CAO ,at the beginning of January.
Both took vacation during the March school break.
I've got more on this particular Council meeting. Stay tuned.
I don't know what exactly you are looking for. I think we all know that the whole issue with the A-C blog in regards to the courts was anonymous postings. Are looking for someone to tell you who made accusations against the St. Kitts?
You profess to have a good memory, were you not there?
*********
I do not profess to have a good memory. How do I know if mine is better than anyone else's? It's the only one I know.
I was there. When a vote is decided, I move on to the next item of business. I take no responsibility for decisions made. Only for the vote I cast. When I've done that I have fullfilled my legal responsibility as a member of council.
It is not my job to provide leadership and guidance.
I am not the Mayor.
What I seek at the moment, is confirmation there was a silent auction held at the 2009 fundraiser held at the Aurora Legion on March 27th.2009. It had been part of previous fund-raisers but I wasn't there.So I do not know from personal experience.
My impression was the questions swirling about at the time were related to success of the auction.
It made sense that people who donated prizes would be interested in knowing their contributions helped realise the objective
I did find in the March 24th Record of the Council Meeting , confirmation the event was a fund-raiser.
It came from the Mayor's announcement from the chair.
Also the record showed a resolution "for an additional $2.000 be allocated to the Canada Day Parade budget which raised the amount to $10,000 and
That the float revenue goes back into the Canada Day Parade budget and
That the CAO ensure financial controls are in place through the appropriate departments including authorisation to raise funds and that they be properly directed "
The motion was moved by Councillor Granger, seconded by Councillor MacEachern.
On a recorded vote, the motion carried on a vote of 8 to 1.
The dissenting vote to providing funds from the treasury was mine.
In the March 31st meeting of the Leisure Services Advisory, Canada Day Parade Sub- Committee Report, I found reference to the town's approval of $10,000 with additional funds from parade entry float fees to be applied to the Special Canada Day Parade General Ledger with the Town of Aurora.
From the beginning,neither the Parade nor the day-long celebration of July 1st has been a burden to taxpayers. Every service club and organisation and umpteen other volunteers, participated to ensure that reality.
The beer garden, was the biggest money-maker . It was also hard labour for service club members. They took turns annually. Some clubs were smaller than others. Then they realised the town's huge initiative interfered with their own missions.
Not until the St Kitts woman arrival , were funds in the amount of $10,000 provided from the treasury to fund the July 1st Parade.
Going back through this record was interesting
Readers may re-call my efforts, on behalf of the people asking questions, to have staff obtain an accounting for funds raised by the Canada Day Parade Sub-Committee of the Leisure Services Committee, hit a blank wall.
Somehow the Christmas Dream Team got into the discussion. Staff responded, without acknowledging the recorded direction from Council, they had no authority to require an accounting from a private voluntary fund-raising group.
I persisted the fund-raising was done under the auspices of the town They persisted it was done by the Christmas Dream Team.
We got lots of abuse for asking but no answers. Comes a time to set an issue aside for a bit.
The record reveals a couple of other inconsistencies. The Treasurer on staff when Granger's resolution passed, was on his way out. He submitted his resignation the day the new CAO took over.
The new Treasurer was not there when the resolution directing "the CAO to ensure financial controls were in place through the appropriate department. including authorization to raise funds and that they are properly directed"
The Municipal Clerk is the statutory officer responsible for ensuring Council direction is followed
The Municipal Clerk was not present at the March 24th meeting.
The Clerk joined the Municipality in November 2008. The CAO ,at the beginning of January.
Both took vacation during the March school break.
I've got more on this particular Council meeting. Stay tuned.
I Need Something
Recorded in the minutes of the March 24th 2009 Council Meeting, is an announcement by the Mayor, of a Fundraiser for the July 1st Parade at the Aurora Legion. to be held on March 26th. The annual event had been organised by a sub-committee of the town's leisure services committee. Councillor Ron Wallace had been chair of the committee. Volunteers were its backbone.
The last fundraiser had proceeds of $11,000 or thereabouts. Part of the evening's entertainment was a silent auction of donated items.
The St,Kitt's woman, new chair of the July 1st committee, came to a budget meeting and stated the parade budget was $12,000.
The record of March 24th council meeting, notes a letter received from St Kitts and a motion by Councillor MacEachern to increase the amount for the parade from $8,000 to $10.000.
Subsequently, no proceeds were reported from the July 1st fundraiser on March 26th.No financial accounting of revenue and expenditures provided.
Questions were later posed on the Aurora Citizen Blog. My impression was the silent auction was the issue. Those who made donations wanted to know the auction had been a success.
No answers were provided.
The organising committee was a sub-committee of council. I felt the town should be able to provide answers. My own efforts to follow the money produced no satisfactory answers.
Instead St Kitts came to public forum of a council meeting and was given carte blanch by the former Mayor, despite the solicitor's attempt to prevent it, to heap unfounded and unsubstantiated allegations of wrong doing against a councillor ,moi.
I was accused of making allegations against her family business on my blog and she publicly vowed her intent to file a complaint under the Code of Conduct with the newly appointed Integrity Commissioner..
I have done a search on the Citizen Blog, to re-discover the questions posed by citizens at the time. With no success. Anonymity prevails.
Therein my dilemma.
I would appreciate receiving any information on the topic.
Nothing serious turns upon it.
But it would be useful .
Sunday, 1 January 2012
A Guid New Year Tae Yin an'a
It's not too late for 2012. I wouldn't be surprised to discover some almanac or other has a favourable prediction.
I wrote a post this morning on the combination of friendship and political representation. It was hard to express and I wasn't satisfied. So I didn't publish it.
I had some work to do connected with the Examinations for Discovery undertaken in July. I felt compelled to complete the task before the year was out. So that's how my day has been occupied.
I have not done much digging for stuff written by me or back issues of The Auroran. I was convinced I had no skills in that direction.
But being the last day of the year and hide-bound by a life-long superstition that every task should be completed before the year is out, I got down to it and accomplished my objective.
Now, having once travelled the path, I'm sure I can do it again.
I wrote a post this morning on the combination of friendship and political representation. It was hard to express and I wasn't satisfied. So I didn't publish it.
I had some work to do connected with the Examinations for Discovery undertaken in July. I felt compelled to complete the task before the year was out. So that's how my day has been occupied.
I have not done much digging for stuff written by me or back issues of The Auroran. I was convinced I had no skills in that direction.
But being the last day of the year and hide-bound by a life-long superstition that every task should be completed before the year is out, I got down to it and accomplished my objective.
Now, having once travelled the path, I'm sure I can do it again.
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