Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Guest Post And more":
The Council did not see that one coming. I think they were truly shocked
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 5 March 2014 13:41
*******************
I do too. How can that be? The consultant has been working since 2012.. He was quoted in The Auroran several weeks ago that a "significant minority " were opposed .
He appeared not to think the number mattered much.
A letter to the Editor from property owners in response suggested he was misreading the situation.
Seems they were right.
A previous delegation indicated strong opposition . The Mayor was deep in conversation with the
new Depuy-clerk while that was being presented.
A couple of more "communication" meetings were provided.
Seems that's not what was needed.
On Tuesday,the group were very clear in their mind about what's being proposed
They are are still opposed and cited solid reasons.
I think it's time we stopped using consultant studies and went back to the system of Local Improvement Levies.
The process allows a neighborhood to request improvements , a formal process allows signatures of support to be obtained .
I believe if 75% support the improvement a special tax levy can be attached to the neighborhood to pay for the improvements.
It's clean , tidy and fool proof.
If enough people support the improvement are willing to pay for it....it's a go.
If not...it's a no go.... and requires no decision from Council.
Everybody else can relax knowing that those who get the benefit pay the price.
Thursday, 6 March 2014
It's an awful shame
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Guest Post And more":
Last night's meeting was a fiasco. Once again this Council opted to waste time & money are some half-baked Codes of Conduct for Our Homes & Businesses..
The owner of that proposed condo building has gone through all the hoops devised by staff - just like that resident with the 3 trees. He will be perfectly entitled to go to the OMB who will support him as he is infilling and meeting all requirements including the amount of parking spaces in our by-laws.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 5 March 2014 10:03
*******************
It was Monty Pythonesque.
Along with the Strategic Plan the Town adopted a logo.
"Aurora ,,where business thrives and neighbors care"
It's a cruel joke.
There was no requirement for staff to bring the permit application for the new building in the centre block to Council.
In the matter of a permit application. Council has no authority.
The application conforms to the Official plan designation .
Parking requirements under the Promenade Plan, adopted by Council, requires fourteen parking spaces.
IThe proposal has space for twelve.
That's a minor variance.
It calls for an application to the Committee of Adjustment .
Which has authority, independent of Council , to make the decision.
If its a refusal, it can be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board.
The memorandum was on the agenda to inform council of the application and need for a variance
and,if all went well, to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the site plan agreement.
The application process is purely administrative.
There it was ... as neat a building as one would like to see, filling a vacant lot ,such as Councillor Ballard described as our decaying downtown as late as last week.
Five floors, fifty feet high, the same height as the clock tower in the old post office ,and the same height as the new apartments on the old Scanlon Bakery site . The building will accommodate
twelve residential units ... exactly what was known forty years ago would revitalise the town
centre.
The design such, that when built it will look like it has always been there. Precisely the objective of the Promenade Plan .
And how was it received by Council ? The comment above describes it perfectly.
I continue to be amazed by the endless groping ,hesitant, stumbling questions and contradictory conclusions that reveal an appalling lack of rudimentary comprehension of town business.
The same questions and answers repeated over and over and over again. To no avail.
Councillor Gallo has had five and a half years of experience.
Councillor Ballard takes unto himself the role of champion of the Promenade Plan among other initiatives.
The rest apparently have no idea the image they project to a community seeking assurance and anticipating competence in a Council almost at the end of a four year term of office.
A Council that just approved , in a split decision, a project with a guesstimate cost of $26 million
Winston Churchill is credited with an observation probably made by many others before him.
"Better to be thought stupid than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt
Last night's meeting was a fiasco. Once again this Council opted to waste time & money are some half-baked Codes of Conduct for Our Homes & Businesses..
The owner of that proposed condo building has gone through all the hoops devised by staff - just like that resident with the 3 trees. He will be perfectly entitled to go to the OMB who will support him as he is infilling and meeting all requirements including the amount of parking spaces in our by-laws.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 5 March 2014 10:03
*******************
It was Monty Pythonesque.
Along with the Strategic Plan the Town adopted a logo.
"Aurora ,,where business thrives and neighbors care"
It's a cruel joke.
There was no requirement for staff to bring the permit application for the new building in the centre block to Council.
In the matter of a permit application. Council has no authority.
The application conforms to the Official plan designation .
Parking requirements under the Promenade Plan, adopted by Council, requires fourteen parking spaces.
IThe proposal has space for twelve.
That's a minor variance.
It calls for an application to the Committee of Adjustment .
Which has authority, independent of Council , to make the decision.
If its a refusal, it can be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board.
The memorandum was on the agenda to inform council of the application and need for a variance
and,if all went well, to authorize the Mayor and Clerk to sign the site plan agreement.
The application process is purely administrative.
There it was ... as neat a building as one would like to see, filling a vacant lot ,such as Councillor Ballard described as our decaying downtown as late as last week.
Five floors, fifty feet high, the same height as the clock tower in the old post office ,and the same height as the new apartments on the old Scanlon Bakery site . The building will accommodate
twelve residential units ... exactly what was known forty years ago would revitalise the town
centre.
The design such, that when built it will look like it has always been there. Precisely the objective of the Promenade Plan .
And how was it received by Council ? The comment above describes it perfectly.
I continue to be amazed by the endless groping ,hesitant, stumbling questions and contradictory conclusions that reveal an appalling lack of rudimentary comprehension of town business.
The same questions and answers repeated over and over and over again. To no avail.
Councillor Gallo has had five and a half years of experience.
Councillor Ballard takes unto himself the role of champion of the Promenade Plan among other initiatives.
The rest apparently have no idea the image they project to a community seeking assurance and anticipating competence in a Council almost at the end of a four year term of office.
A Council that just approved , in a split decision, a project with a guesstimate cost of $26 million
Winston Churchill is credited with an observation probably made by many others before him.
"Better to be thought stupid than to open one's mouth and remove all doubt
Take a Gander at this
The Aurora Historical Society is hiring for the position of Communications and Fundraising Coordinator!
Please find attached the job description, responsibilities and eligibility requirements.
Please forward to individuals who you think would be interested in applying!
Applications are due on March 11, 2014.
If you have any questions, please contact the AHS office at ahs@aurorahs.com or 905-727-8991
pSomething Fishy in Aurora has left a new comment on your post "Take a Gander at this":
From: http://www.rcip-chin.gc.ca/emplois-jobs/voir-view/detailler-detail-eng.app?id=1667
Communications and Fundraising Coordinator
Hillary House National Historic Site / Aurora Historical Society
Aurora, Ontario
Closing Date of the posting:
2014-03-11
Date Submitted of the posting:
2014-02-26
Email:curator@aurorahs.com
Web link to Institution: http://www.aurorahistoricalsociety.ca
Salary: $17/ hour
Job description:Position: Communications and Fundraising Coordinator
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Manager/ Curator, the Communications and Fundraising Coordinator is responsible for overseeing all communications and marketing initiatives of the Aurora Historical Society. In addition, the Communications and Fundraising Coordinator is the lead staff support towards AHS’ fundraising activities.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:
Communications/ Marketing
• Oversees all communication, marketing, membership and volunteer initiatives
• Creates content and updates AHS’ website, social media platforms and external online event listings
• Liaises with local, regional, provincial and national press (e.g. writes press releases, organizes media previews, etc)
• Creates flyers, brochures and other promotional material with support of volunteers and is responsible for their distribution
• Facilitates the distribution of all promotional material to local facilities, and regional partners.
• Initiates and explores new community and outreach partnerships
• Delivers presentations to community groups, stakeholders and members
Fundraising
• Assists with the research, development and execution of innovative and conventional fundraising strategies.
• Supports the cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of current and prospective donors.
• Ensures all fundraising activities are in compliance with funding sources, common practices, organization guidelines and government requirements including tax/license requirements.
• Provides administrative support to Fundraising Committee Chair (e.g. completing mail merges/ coordinates direct mail campaigns, writes documents and letters, manages spreadsheets and budgets, etc)
• Supports the execution of special fundraising events (e.g. Hillary House Ball)
Other
• Actively promotes the mission, vision and philosophy of the Aurora Historical Society.
• Performs other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS REQUIRED:
• University or College graduate with a focus on communications/marketing, fundraising and/ or arts and heritage management with proven development, communications and/ or membership experience.
• Advanced interpersonal, communication and writing skills, including public speaking.
• Demonstrated experience with fundraising including special events coordination, solicitations and proposal writing.
• Demonstrated experience in communications/ marketing activities (e.g. brochure development, press releases/ media liaison)
• Experience with database systems (eg. Basic Funder/ FileMaker Pro)
• Experience with software such as Word, Outlook, Excel, Publisher, Photoshop/ Image editing software
• Experience maintain web content management systems (e.g. Joomla)
• Experience with social media platforms (e.g. Facebook)
• A multi-tasking hard worker who is detail oriented and organized.
• A motivated self starter who is committed to service, excellence and heritage.
• A flexible, people-oriented person who works well independently and as a team player, and who would thrive and complement a small team of staff and volunteers.
• Strong attention to detail and an ability to manage several projects at one time, set priorities and meet deadlines
• Access to a vehicle is required.
This is a permanent part-time position (21 hours/wk) at $17/hour.
Please submit a detailed application (cover letter and resume) outlining current experience, background and education. Please send applications to Catherine Richards, Manager/ Curator at curator@aurorahs.com by March 11, 2014.
For further information about the Aurora Historical Society, visitwww.aurorahistoricalsociety.ca
Posted by Something Fishy in Aurora to Our Town and Its Business at 6 March 2014 12:03
*******************
Now they have the money from the town ,the erstwhile Aurora Historical Society is hiring .
I tried to copy the list of responsibilities and function of the job but was not successful.
The job pays $17.00 an hour for twenty-one hours a week.
The position answers to the Manager/Curator and is staff leader .
There are two pages of functions.
Each one one might expect to be carried out by individual members of an exectutive board.
It's an odd situation.
A board headed by the two genii who came up with the fantasy heritage park theme, who have apparently selected fellow executives of a phantom organization being provided with funds by the elected representatives of the town to hire a person to do everything they should be doing.
Chris, I will forward the communication to you . With your expertise you will no doubt have more success than I at re-producing it.
Imagine the possibility
I just thought .
When the town's hydro utility was sold to Power Stream, the agreement called for continued use of the building and yard for twelve months. Paying rent of course.
The year wasn't halfway through when Power Stream gave a month's notice and vamoosed.
We didn't have a binding lease. Just an understanding that proved to be in error.
Now we have a lease with the Department of National Defense with no termination clause.
The administration negotiated the lease. It is their position it's unbreakable. They are privy to the terms of the lease but your elected representatives are not.
I suspect the Federal government is not bound . They could walk out just like Power Stream .
The only hint of an explanation for accommodating Queen's York Rangers at our expense was that
DOD Government was thinking of eliminating them to save money.
News from the U.S. this week has the government planning to reduce armed forces toa level lower than any time since before World War .
It is not beyond the realm of possibility our federal Government might be thinking along the same lines.
Suppose Queen's York Rangers does not survive the government plan to end the deficit before going to election.
Without a termination clause they could walk, just like Power Stream without as much as Ta Ta
it's been good to know you
In the meantime th is Council has committed to infrastructure with an estimate $26million which would not have been required if we hadn't kicked the parks department out of it to make way for the Queen's York Rangers whom we now know, because they told us, use it one or two evenings a week and on Saturdays.
We will e asking the same government for a grant to help pay for that $26 million and counting facility.
There's a lot of stuff yet to be told about this. Stay tuned.
When the town's hydro utility was sold to Power Stream, the agreement called for continued use of the building and yard for twelve months. Paying rent of course.
The year wasn't halfway through when Power Stream gave a month's notice and vamoosed.
We didn't have a binding lease. Just an understanding that proved to be in error.
Now we have a lease with the Department of National Defense with no termination clause.
The administration negotiated the lease. It is their position it's unbreakable. They are privy to the terms of the lease but your elected representatives are not.
I suspect the Federal government is not bound . They could walk out just like Power Stream .
The only hint of an explanation for accommodating Queen's York Rangers at our expense was that
DOD Government was thinking of eliminating them to save money.
News from the U.S. this week has the government planning to reduce armed forces toa level lower than any time since before World War .
It is not beyond the realm of possibility our federal Government might be thinking along the same lines.
Suppose Queen's York Rangers does not survive the government plan to end the deficit before going to election.
Without a termination clause they could walk, just like Power Stream without as much as Ta Ta
it's been good to know you
In the meantime th is Council has committed to infrastructure with an estimate $26million which would not have been required if we hadn't kicked the parks department out of it to make way for the Queen's York Rangers whom we now know, because they told us, use it one or two evenings a week and on Saturdays.
We will e asking the same government for a grant to help pay for that $26 million and counting facility.
There's a lot of stuff yet to be told about this. Stay tuned.
Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Guest Post And more
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The X generation ,Zoomers and Culture Vultures":
There isn't any information on that website that provides any answers to how or why these awards or honorable mentions were given. Apparently there was a “technical screen checklist” that was done, with some sort of feedback given by the “Judges panel”. Who the judging panel are?, How they were scored on this “technical checklist” and the feedback? None of that information was provided. I also looked to see if there was an entry fee…Didn't say that there was or wasn't. I’m sure that there is some validity to all awards, and not to take anything away from the “Honorable mention”. But the submission of this contest was to clearly try and show Aurorans that there is validly to this Center, and all is above board… It didn't work for me.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 4 March 2014 11:33
************************
The Culture Centre's Chief Executive Officer identified the Culture Centre as a charitable organization in the presentation made to Council last Tuesday.
It was the night we made the decision to proceed with the Joint Facility.
There was the Centre's presentation of good news that didn't tell us about selling the naming rights for the Red Gallery. We had to read about that in the media. But not the amount.
There was the presentation from Mavrinac residents telling us about their web site and congratulate cuncillors who supported taking legal action to compel a developer to sell a parcel of land for a fraction of what it's worth for a purpose unplanned.
Then there was a musical interlude provided by the Winter Blues Group to feature Council Critters, Mayor Dawe and Councillor Abel.
Also we had a presentation from Power Stream telling us how they managed the crisis of the ice
storm.
Then around ten-thirty, we got around to deciding to spend $26 million dollars on a joint facility.
We adjourned at 11,30 p.m. after dealing with a resolution from Councillor Abel to rent the band shell in the town park for an hourly rate.
There isn't any information on that website that provides any answers to how or why these awards or honorable mentions were given. Apparently there was a “technical screen checklist” that was done, with some sort of feedback given by the “Judges panel”. Who the judging panel are?, How they were scored on this “technical checklist” and the feedback? None of that information was provided. I also looked to see if there was an entry fee…Didn't say that there was or wasn't. I’m sure that there is some validity to all awards, and not to take anything away from the “Honorable mention”. But the submission of this contest was to clearly try and show Aurorans that there is validly to this Center, and all is above board… It didn't work for me.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 4 March 2014 11:33
************************
The Culture Centre's Chief Executive Officer identified the Culture Centre as a charitable organization in the presentation made to Council last Tuesday.
It was the night we made the decision to proceed with the Joint Facility.
There was the Centre's presentation of good news that didn't tell us about selling the naming rights for the Red Gallery. We had to read about that in the media. But not the amount.
There was the presentation from Mavrinac residents telling us about their web site and congratulate cuncillors who supported taking legal action to compel a developer to sell a parcel of land for a fraction of what it's worth for a purpose unplanned.
Then there was a musical interlude provided by the Winter Blues Group to feature Council Critters, Mayor Dawe and Councillor Abel.
Also we had a presentation from Power Stream telling us how they managed the crisis of the ice
storm.
Then around ten-thirty, we got around to deciding to spend $26 million dollars on a joint facility.
We adjourned at 11,30 p.m. after dealing with a resolution from Councillor Abel to rent the band shell in the town park for an hourly rate.
The X generation ,Zoomers and Culture Vultures
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "One way to win an award. Create your own.":
@00:36
*facepalm*
The point is these AREN'T vanity awards. Look at the entities involved; Queen's University and the CPA of Ontario. This competition is conducted with academic and professional rigour. Something I'd like to see applied every now and then to this little corner of the interwebz.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 4 March 2014 09:03
******************
We keep learning. Idid not know there was a class of awards named vanity. But it does make eminent sense.
I am still not aware of the connection to Queen's University and the CPA of Ontario.
But whatever it is, perhaps the commenter can tell us how the Aurora Culture Centre passes as a charitable organization in the same class as Covenant House in Toronto or Hospice King.
As noted before,Covenant House has been taking in runaway and throwaway kids from the streets of Toronto. Providing them with safe refuge and a fresh start.
How does that compare with the activities of the Aurora Culture Centre.. Nothing charitable is going on there. It's all paid for by Aurora taxpayers and who knows who the beneficiaries are.
Hospice King provides refuge and comfort for the terminally ill in the last days of their lives.
How does that compare with the offerings of the Aurora Culture Board.
What does the inclusion of the Culture Centre Board as a charitable organization tell us about the academic and professional rigour of "the two entities"
Why should we be so easily convinced that everything they do is above reproach and meticulous in scrupulosity
My mailbox is burgeoning with heavy glossy paper publications ,paid for with tax dollars,
promoting any and all public services .
I'm no expert on that either. But I know card weight paper ,with multiple colors and high gloss
is the most extravagant .
Millions of public dollars are spent regularly on promotions of various kinds.
In the meantime, when governments look for ways to save ,they cut services to the most vulnerable.
The rich get richer and the poor get trampled.
And we seem to live in a society that condones that.
The X Generation they call it.
Entitlement ... Entitlement..... Entitlement...it's downright nauseating.
Don't hold your breath waiting for me to prostrate myself before the lofty heights of academe or the CPA .
They're no different to all the rest of Conrad Black's Zoomers
@00:36
*facepalm*
The point is these AREN'T vanity awards. Look at the entities involved; Queen's University and the CPA of Ontario. This competition is conducted with academic and professional rigour. Something I'd like to see applied every now and then to this little corner of the interwebz.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 4 March 2014 09:03
******************
We keep learning. Idid not know there was a class of awards named vanity. But it does make eminent sense.
I am still not aware of the connection to Queen's University and the CPA of Ontario.
But whatever it is, perhaps the commenter can tell us how the Aurora Culture Centre passes as a charitable organization in the same class as Covenant House in Toronto or Hospice King.
As noted before,Covenant House has been taking in runaway and throwaway kids from the streets of Toronto. Providing them with safe refuge and a fresh start.
How does that compare with the activities of the Aurora Culture Centre.. Nothing charitable is going on there. It's all paid for by Aurora taxpayers and who knows who the beneficiaries are.
Hospice King provides refuge and comfort for the terminally ill in the last days of their lives.
How does that compare with the offerings of the Aurora Culture Board.
What does the inclusion of the Culture Centre Board as a charitable organization tell us about the academic and professional rigour of "the two entities"
Why should we be so easily convinced that everything they do is above reproach and meticulous in scrupulosity
My mailbox is burgeoning with heavy glossy paper publications ,paid for with tax dollars,
promoting any and all public services .
I'm no expert on that either. But I know card weight paper ,with multiple colors and high gloss
is the most extravagant .
Millions of public dollars are spent regularly on promotions of various kinds.
In the meantime, when governments look for ways to save ,they cut services to the most vulnerable.
The rich get richer and the poor get trampled.
And we seem to live in a society that condones that.
The X Generation they call it.
Entitlement ... Entitlement..... Entitlement...it's downright nauseating.
Don't hold your breath waiting for me to prostrate myself before the lofty heights of academe or the CPA .
They're no different to all the rest of Conrad Black's Zoomers
Monday, 3 March 2014
One way to win an award. Create your own.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Let's Have The Facts":
simple! the Town just takes off what revenue they make in next year handout
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 27 February 2014 18:19
***************
Bingo!!!
I was afraid I hadn't explained properly.
The 2014 budget is not yet adopted.
Council decides how much the organization gets each year. So far ,they've received exactly what was requested.
From my perspective, a move toward independence from tax dollars would be positive.
My outlook is obviously not shared by other Council member.
I don't think the Board President knows its an objective.
The Executive Director came to Council last Tuesday to tell of almost receiving an award for excellence in report writing, in a competition with charitable organizations such as Covenant House and Hospice King.
The Board made it to the short list . The Mayor and Councillor Abel accompanied the executive
director to a luncheon in Toronto to be honored with a plaque.
A couple of things struck me as odd.
The first was the Board thinks of itself as a charitable organization
Second is the similarity to the story of the town almost being named top employer by an Institute of Excellence . We pay $10,000 , every year for a membership in that outfit.
They too had a list of a hundred runners-up receiving plaques.
It brought to mind the Prince of Wales Heritage Award
I'd read St. John's ,New Brunswick had received the award the year before we did.
I called the organization to find out who were the competition.
They wouldn't tell me. Didn't want "to embarrass " the also rans,
That made me think of an award the Aurora Banner won in the seventies for Best Editorial Page.
I had a column in the editorial page. I wanted to know which page won .
I nagged.
The editor finally exploded in exasperation and revealed the whole award thing is just a means of self-promotion.
The weeklies formed an association. Created awards for excellence in several areas.
Then they took turns awarding them to each other.
It makes sense I guess. there isn't likely a team of judges going about the province secretly peering at reports to discover which organization has the best.
simple! the Town just takes off what revenue they make in next year handout
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 27 February 2014 18:19
***************
Bingo!!!
I was afraid I hadn't explained properly.
The 2014 budget is not yet adopted.
Council decides how much the organization gets each year. So far ,they've received exactly what was requested.
From my perspective, a move toward independence from tax dollars would be positive.
My outlook is obviously not shared by other Council member.
I don't think the Board President knows its an objective.
The Executive Director came to Council last Tuesday to tell of almost receiving an award for excellence in report writing, in a competition with charitable organizations such as Covenant House and Hospice King.
The Board made it to the short list . The Mayor and Councillor Abel accompanied the executive
director to a luncheon in Toronto to be honored with a plaque.
A couple of things struck me as odd.
The first was the Board thinks of itself as a charitable organization
Second is the similarity to the story of the town almost being named top employer by an Institute of Excellence . We pay $10,000 , every year for a membership in that outfit.
They too had a list of a hundred runners-up receiving plaques.
It brought to mind the Prince of Wales Heritage Award
I'd read St. John's ,New Brunswick had received the award the year before we did.
I called the organization to find out who were the competition.
They wouldn't tell me. Didn't want "to embarrass " the also rans,
That made me think of an award the Aurora Banner won in the seventies for Best Editorial Page.
I had a column in the editorial page. I wanted to know which page won .
I nagged.
The editor finally exploded in exasperation and revealed the whole award thing is just a means of self-promotion.
The weeklies formed an association. Created awards for excellence in several areas.
Then they took turns awarding them to each other.
It makes sense I guess. there isn't likely a team of judges going about the province secretly peering at reports to discover which organization has the best.
Minutes of a meeting compose the record.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Difficult to Construct and Easily Misconstrued. DC...":
Can someone post the recorded vote. I understand it was 4 councillors yes and 4 no with the Mayor breaking the tie.
I am sure Abel was a yea and Buck a nay. I would like to have clarity on the how the remainder voted
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 3 March 2014 11:1
****************
A recorded vote forms part of the record of a meeting. It can be found in the minutes of the meeting.
The purpose of requesting a recorded vote is to ensure one's vote on an issue is a matter of record.
For this vote, Councillors Abel,Thompson,Humphreys and Pirrie voted Yea.
Councillors Buck, Gaertner,Gallo and Ballard voted Nay.
Can someone post the recorded vote. I understand it was 4 councillors yes and 4 no with the Mayor breaking the tie.
I am sure Abel was a yea and Buck a nay. I would like to have clarity on the how the remainder voted
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 3 March 2014 11:1
****************
A recorded vote forms part of the record of a meeting. It can be found in the minutes of the meeting.
The purpose of requesting a recorded vote is to ensure one's vote on an issue is a matter of record.
For this vote, Councillors Abel,Thompson,Humphreys and Pirrie voted Yea.
Councillors Buck, Gaertner,Gallo and Ballard voted Nay.
Sing A Song of Sixpence ...A Pocket Full of Rye.
This year's taxes will increase by 3.75 % over last
The actual increase in spending amounts to $1,256,750.
Starting with half million to "purchase" culture, $70 thousand with no return, to the Historical Society, it's not hard to see how topsy grows.
3.75% in tax increase does not reflect actual increase in spending.
More homes, business and multiple residential buildings produce more revenue.
The increase in revenue is also swallowed in the greedy maw
Despite the effort to protect the administration from political interference ,certain situations were observed.
A senior planner, expert on the Oak Ridge Moraine Act, was transferred to the Chief Administrator's Office and given responsibility as " special project manager"
First task was a lengthy report on economic benefit of planting trees,
It's a long one. Probably took weeks to research and write . Told us nothing we hadn't known for the last forty years,if not forever.
The report is posted on the town's web site.
Go see what you got .
$25,000 was spent on a consultant study of the crazy heritage theme park, The special project manager was in charge of that special project Produced reams of reports on the merits and clearly spent much valuable time on the matter.
A job of senior treasury clerk of twenty -six years was re-organized to vanish into the new customer service division. A severance package would be six figures . Nothing to show. Apart from gross injustice.
Customer service staff are now seen at the town hall in the evenings doing the treasury clerk
work.
Customer Service was adopted with a guarantee it would not cost more.
In the past, the Bylaw prohibiting overnight parking passed in October was immediately enforced.
$75 .fines were issued. They encouraged homeowners to make sure cars were not parked on the road when snow plows came by.
Snow clearing is not what it once was .
A phone call to bylaws promises a return call within 48 hours. Doesn't always happen.
The bylaw force grows but not ,it seems, after hours and week-end service.
This year's budget includes $220,000. for grants and or loans to property owners within an exclusive area to encourage property repairs and renovations.
Properties may even be relieved the burden of taxation.
More staff won't be needed this year . But next year there will be a need to man the new granting and lending institution at the town hall.
There will likely be three; a manager, an administrative assistant and a clerk.
New space needs will be created. Renovation and addition to the town hall will once again be contemplated.
We spent $300, 000 on that last year. Never happened.
Nothing to show.
Nil...nothing...nada...zilch zero.
Just another $300,000. expense in the ledger, inflating the bottom line of last year's expenditures and deflating the bottom line of this year's tax increase.
Council presides in total solemnity, devoutly assured there is no possibility of reducing taxation.
and seemingly unable to comprehend the shifts and maneuvers.
The actual increase in spending amounts to $1,256,750.
Starting with half million to "purchase" culture, $70 thousand with no return, to the Historical Society, it's not hard to see how topsy grows.
3.75% in tax increase does not reflect actual increase in spending.
More homes, business and multiple residential buildings produce more revenue.
The increase in revenue is also swallowed in the greedy maw
Despite the effort to protect the administration from political interference ,certain situations were observed.
A senior planner, expert on the Oak Ridge Moraine Act, was transferred to the Chief Administrator's Office and given responsibility as " special project manager"
First task was a lengthy report on economic benefit of planting trees,
It's a long one. Probably took weeks to research and write . Told us nothing we hadn't known for the last forty years,if not forever.
The report is posted on the town's web site.
Go see what you got .
$25,000 was spent on a consultant study of the crazy heritage theme park, The special project manager was in charge of that special project Produced reams of reports on the merits and clearly spent much valuable time on the matter.
A job of senior treasury clerk of twenty -six years was re-organized to vanish into the new customer service division. A severance package would be six figures . Nothing to show. Apart from gross injustice.
Customer service staff are now seen at the town hall in the evenings doing the treasury clerk
work.
Customer Service was adopted with a guarantee it would not cost more.
In the past, the Bylaw prohibiting overnight parking passed in October was immediately enforced.
$75 .fines were issued. They encouraged homeowners to make sure cars were not parked on the road when snow plows came by.
Snow clearing is not what it once was .
A phone call to bylaws promises a return call within 48 hours. Doesn't always happen.
The bylaw force grows but not ,it seems, after hours and week-end service.
This year's budget includes $220,000. for grants and or loans to property owners within an exclusive area to encourage property repairs and renovations.
Properties may even be relieved the burden of taxation.
More staff won't be needed this year . But next year there will be a need to man the new granting and lending institution at the town hall.
There will likely be three; a manager, an administrative assistant and a clerk.
New space needs will be created. Renovation and addition to the town hall will once again be contemplated.
We spent $300, 000 on that last year. Never happened.
Nothing to show.
Nil...nothing...nada...zilch zero.
Just another $300,000. expense in the ledger, inflating the bottom line of last year's expenditures and deflating the bottom line of this year's tax increase.
Council presides in total solemnity, devoutly assured there is no possibility of reducing taxation.
and seemingly unable to comprehend the shifts and maneuvers.
Sunday, 2 March 2014
Difficult to Construct and Easily Misconstrued. DCs are complicated but very precise.
Development charges are complicated . It's easy to surrender to advice from experts. But not wise.
To calculate the charge , the town has to figure out , five years in advance, facilities and equipment needed to maintain a prescribed "standard of service "
If a facility included in the calculation doesn't get built within the five years, the standard is reduced The facility is deemed not to have been needed because the standard was exaggerated.
USE IT OR LOSE IT is the driving principle.
In the GTA , billions are collected from developers.....AKA the housing inductry.
DCs are the geese that laid the golden eggs.
There's no public sympathy for developers. Nor do I suggest there should be.New growth should not be a burden to existing residents.
And yet, taxes keep rising.
At the same time, it's the height of foolishness to imagine the housing industry bears the cost of
DCs.
It wouldn't surprise me if fifty per cent of cost of a new home in the GTA are taxes collected under the radar by all three levels of government.
The homebuyer pays the freight.
Five years ago when DC's were established developers delegated to Council. The economy was down. Building had halted. There was a financial crisis.
Since then , an Ontario Municipal Board appeal succeeded against Orangeville.. Funds inappropriately collected must be returned.
Aurora and others also have to return inappropriately collected funds to developers.
In the last DC calculation ,an amount was included for a joint parks and works facility.
About a fifth could be charged to new growth in accordance with projected population growth.
The cost of the facility forecast would be a fraction of the $26 million approved on Tuesday .
We didn't build it. We managed without it. We had the hydro building for a while.
Service level was reduced by the failure to build.
It cannot be included again in the next DC calculation.
I therefore do not accept the advice of the CFO that cost of the joint facility can be financed from DC s calculated for the five years ahead.
That gate has already clanged shut behind us.
To calculate the charge , the town has to figure out , five years in advance, facilities and equipment needed to maintain a prescribed "standard of service "
If a facility included in the calculation doesn't get built within the five years, the standard is reduced The facility is deemed not to have been needed because the standard was exaggerated.
USE IT OR LOSE IT is the driving principle.
In the GTA , billions are collected from developers.....AKA the housing inductry.
DCs are the geese that laid the golden eggs.
There's no public sympathy for developers. Nor do I suggest there should be.New growth should not be a burden to existing residents.
And yet, taxes keep rising.
At the same time, it's the height of foolishness to imagine the housing industry bears the cost of
DCs.
It wouldn't surprise me if fifty per cent of cost of a new home in the GTA are taxes collected under the radar by all three levels of government.
The homebuyer pays the freight.
Five years ago when DC's were established developers delegated to Council. The economy was down. Building had halted. There was a financial crisis.
Since then , an Ontario Municipal Board appeal succeeded against Orangeville.. Funds inappropriately collected must be returned.
Aurora and others also have to return inappropriately collected funds to developers.
In the last DC calculation ,an amount was included for a joint parks and works facility.
About a fifth could be charged to new growth in accordance with projected population growth.
The cost of the facility forecast would be a fraction of the $26 million approved on Tuesday .
We didn't build it. We managed without it. We had the hydro building for a while.
Service level was reduced by the failure to build.
It cannot be included again in the next DC calculation.
I therefore do not accept the advice of the CFO that cost of the joint facility can be financed from DC s calculated for the five years ahead.
That gate has already clanged shut behind us.
Saturday, 1 March 2014
Gremlins and Goblins get to spend in the Shadows
The Culture Centre is independent of the town. The purpose is for decision to be made outside of politics that allow fees to be charged that will ensure self-sufficiency of the operation .
It's the same principle that supports Arena Management Boards.
But now we see how it can be corrupted.
The board recruits from the community to fill vacancies. Applications are solicited.
The board, makes the selection.
Council has no role. Public funds are handed over to people we know nothing about.
The Historical Society has adopted the same practise. Nominations used to be accepted from the floor. They stopped that when Chris Watts indicated his interest in contributing .
A bylaw was passed allowing board members to solicit applications and make the
selection , bypassing society membership.
Think about that .John McIntyre and William Albino , proponents of the crazy,cockamamie,
Heritage Park Theme are now President and Vice President of the Society.
They get to select the executive board.
I heard society membership are sick and tired of being used as a political football. They just want to
be members of a group with a shared interest .
They should listen to Bob McRoberts. Let the thing die and be re-born in a mutually acceptable format. He speaks true.
Council has approved handing over $70,000 of your taxes to this pair and whatever unknowns they have selected to join them .
Last night, I heard the Farmer's Market Executive has adopted the same procedure.That's another outfit that likes to mix it . The town provides space and resources and they get to exclude people who might not fit the clique.
On Wednesday night I heard Well Street School condo project is showing no signs of progress.
People have entered into purchase agreements and can't get their money back.
In retrospect, the town should probably have made the case for that property to come back to us
at a nominal fee.
It was a town asset. It continued as a school by an agreement allowing the park to be used as playground and the street to be closed while school in session
We should have made the case for a building , certified to be no longer safe , to be returned to the
municipality at a nominal sum.
We could have done what should have been done and demolished it.
The property would have provided a permanent location for a Farmer's Market and off site parking
for the library and Church Street School.
Instead of moving forward relentlessly , like a juggernaut , to provide " an exceptional quality of life " as called for in the cast -in -stone Strategic Plan, we could just put our minds to taking care of obvious everyday problems created by past neglect, oversight and languid Laissez-faire.
Try...Try...and Try again
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Keep 'Em Guessing":
Blogs tend to provide the public with the opportunity to sound off about something they do not like. The tone becomes negative.
Sure, there are some positive comments but I would bet that the negative ones far outnumber the others.
What if we were to recognize members of the town's staff on the blog, someone who has gone out of their way to be helpful, who has taken a complaint and set about solving the problem, someone who smiles when talking to you.
We could even have an Employee of the Month, all done on this blog.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 28 February 2014 21:41
******************
A thoughtful comment. Correct up to a point.
A forum to express one's views is never negative. If opinions expressed are mostly negative that indicates dis-satisfaction with decisions being made.
Is that the fault of the Blogger, the Commenter or the Councillors making decisions.
The latter is the obvious choice
When I receive a call for assistance from a resident and pass the information along to the right person, the problem receives prompt attention. often resolved before the day is out.
The Blog relates to Council responsibilities.
I am not in the business of brickbats and bouquets
I am in the business of providing information . We are now informed information.
I start the thread from a position of first-hand knowledge. .Commenters pick up and put meat on the bones.
Elected representatives can run but they can no longer hide. can run but they can no longer hide.
We have television and u-tube streaming ,however imperfect , to support my observations
Ka-non's comments about the culture centre are to my point.
His position on the culture program offered at Church Street school is articulated precisely, respectfully and eminently sensibly.
He is the stuff of an excellent candidate.
Other contributions followed in a similar vein.
Points made in support of the program came up short.
It is a fact that going on at the centre , wasn't going on in various venues in the Town before
the building was pirated out from under the Historical Society.
The building is entirely inadequate for performing events.
Concerts by world renowned artists are performed to ridiculously small audiences which could never contribute to self-sufficiency.
The ever=changing nature of the board means the concept of self-sufficiency has been lost along the way . The town has clearly not chosen to remind the board.
No doubt in my mind ,the community has been betrayed and by none other than the people we elected.
On Tuesday , a Winter Blues group used a business meeting of Council ,to promote an upcoming event.
I used the opportunity to draw attention to excellent acoustics in the Council Chamber.
I noted the design of the chamber. It is round. Doors fold back to double the space .
The building is lighted, heated ,has a substantial parking lot.
The New Town Hall was intended to double as a concert centre.
It has the Skylight Aer Gallery.
Meeting rooms used by various arts groups.
A well-attended jazz concert was held on a Sunday afternoon soon after opening. I was there.
The facility accommodates audiences with amenities Church Street School can never provide.
Resources were expended to provide for whatever the community required.
It was intended to be used as the name implies; A Town Hall.
The town had a full-fledged ,efficient and self-sufficient Leisure Services Department .
The department was strategically gutted in time for the culture lobby to complete their evil plan to
take possession of a building renovated at a cost of millions for an entirely different purpose.
It wasn't done without the authority of the last elected body.
The building and half a million dollars from tax resources continues to be commandeered by authority of the current Council.
No.... the bird has not flown.
It will be time soon for the community to speak.
They tried to correct things before .
And thought they got it right.
Now it's time to try again.
As he waited in the cave and watched a spider spinning her web , Robert The Bruce learned the lesson to just keep at it until it is done.
It was a Scottish history text for Grade 3 in a parish school.
About the time my biases were being formed.
What do you want from me!!!1
Blogs tend to provide the public with the opportunity to sound off about something they do not like. The tone becomes negative.
Sure, there are some positive comments but I would bet that the negative ones far outnumber the others.
What if we were to recognize members of the town's staff on the blog, someone who has gone out of their way to be helpful, who has taken a complaint and set about solving the problem, someone who smiles when talking to you.
We could even have an Employee of the Month, all done on this blog.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 28 February 2014 21:41
******************
A thoughtful comment. Correct up to a point.
A forum to express one's views is never negative. If opinions expressed are mostly negative that indicates dis-satisfaction with decisions being made.
Is that the fault of the Blogger, the Commenter or the Councillors making decisions.
The latter is the obvious choice
When I receive a call for assistance from a resident and pass the information along to the right person, the problem receives prompt attention. often resolved before the day is out.
The Blog relates to Council responsibilities.
I am not in the business of brickbats and bouquets
I am in the business of providing information . We are now informed information.
I start the thread from a position of first-hand knowledge. .Commenters pick up and put meat on the bones.
Elected representatives can run but they can no longer hide. can run but they can no longer hide.
We have television and u-tube streaming ,however imperfect , to support my observations
Ka-non's comments about the culture centre are to my point.
His position on the culture program offered at Church Street school is articulated precisely, respectfully and eminently sensibly.
He is the stuff of an excellent candidate.
Other contributions followed in a similar vein.
Points made in support of the program came up short.
It is a fact that going on at the centre , wasn't going on in various venues in the Town before
the building was pirated out from under the Historical Society.
The building is entirely inadequate for performing events.
Concerts by world renowned artists are performed to ridiculously small audiences which could never contribute to self-sufficiency.
The ever=changing nature of the board means the concept of self-sufficiency has been lost along the way . The town has clearly not chosen to remind the board.
No doubt in my mind ,the community has been betrayed and by none other than the people we elected.
On Tuesday , a Winter Blues group used a business meeting of Council ,to promote an upcoming event.
I used the opportunity to draw attention to excellent acoustics in the Council Chamber.
I noted the design of the chamber. It is round. Doors fold back to double the space .
The building is lighted, heated ,has a substantial parking lot.
The New Town Hall was intended to double as a concert centre.
It has the Skylight Aer Gallery.
Meeting rooms used by various arts groups.
A well-attended jazz concert was held on a Sunday afternoon soon after opening. I was there.
The facility accommodates audiences with amenities Church Street School can never provide.
Resources were expended to provide for whatever the community required.
It was intended to be used as the name implies; A Town Hall.
The town had a full-fledged ,efficient and self-sufficient Leisure Services Department .
The department was strategically gutted in time for the culture lobby to complete their evil plan to
take possession of a building renovated at a cost of millions for an entirely different purpose.
It wasn't done without the authority of the last elected body.
The building and half a million dollars from tax resources continues to be commandeered by authority of the current Council.
No.... the bird has not flown.
It will be time soon for the community to speak.
They tried to correct things before .
And thought they got it right.
Now it's time to try again.
As he waited in the cave and watched a spider spinning her web , Robert The Bruce learned the lesson to just keep at it until it is done.
It was a Scottish history text for Grade 3 in a parish school.
About the time my biases were being formed.
What do you want from me!!!1
Friday, 28 February 2014
Keep 'Em Guessing
I've already said, if all things are the same , I will be a candidate in the next election
I see no special advantage in rushing out to register early.
Besides , at every election, I like to entertain thoughts of making a bid for the Mayor's chair.
I can be tempted.
In my first bid for re-election to Council I learned two candidates for the office of Reeve were knocking on doors in my neighborhood and telling people tey should not vote for moi.
Well... I thought... being young and feisty and knowing vey little ...if those two sweet fellows, are campaigning against my re-election, I might as well run against them for the office they're after.
So I did.
I won more votes than the two together and became last Reeve and County Councillor in the last Council in the history of York County.
I ran for Mayor's office in the next election and didn't make it. n the next election, I ran again for Council and came in with a substantial lead over all other Councillors.
I wasn't afraid then . I am not afraid now.
I would like the current Mayor to contemplate the possibility of being defeated by an Octogenarian.
I know I could do the job better .
I think he does too which is what keeps him on edge.
My campaign would simply confirm the obvious .
Taxes are substantially higher than need be. We are not getting what we are paying for.
This Council's emphasis has been on spending rather than saving . And on pandering to every special interest group that reared its head.
No second thoughts.
It is not in the tradition of Aurora.
Parrot everything out of a lack of experience or learning and hope the voters are not listening.
Yes Yes... the idea is alluring as ever.
No I am not afraid.
I will enjoy it a few months more before I have to make a decision.
I see no special advantage in rushing out to register early.
Besides , at every election, I like to entertain thoughts of making a bid for the Mayor's chair.
I can be tempted.
In my first bid for re-election to Council I learned two candidates for the office of Reeve were knocking on doors in my neighborhood and telling people tey should not vote for moi.
Well... I thought... being young and feisty and knowing vey little ...if those two sweet fellows, are campaigning against my re-election, I might as well run against them for the office they're after.
So I did.
I won more votes than the two together and became last Reeve and County Councillor in the last Council in the history of York County.
I ran for Mayor's office in the next election and didn't make it. n the next election, I ran again for Council and came in with a substantial lead over all other Councillors.
I wasn't afraid then . I am not afraid now.
I would like the current Mayor to contemplate the possibility of being defeated by an Octogenarian.
I know I could do the job better .
I think he does too which is what keeps him on edge.
My campaign would simply confirm the obvious .
Taxes are substantially higher than need be. We are not getting what we are paying for.
This Council's emphasis has been on spending rather than saving . And on pandering to every special interest group that reared its head.
No second thoughts.
It is not in the tradition of Aurora.
Parrot everything out of a lack of experience or learning and hope the voters are not listening.
Yes Yes... the idea is alluring as ever.
No I am not afraid.
I will enjoy it a few months more before I have to make a decision.
We've Done It Once.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Let's Have The Facts":
I colleague of mine told me she went to one of those art classes at the cultural centre. She paid a couple of hundred $ for an 8 week course. She said that she was pleased with it until I actually told her what she actually paid for it through her taxes. Saying she was not happy is an understatement. She freaked. She had no idea how much of her taxes was going to the center, especially when she could have supported a small business in the area for less money. Unfortunately residents don’t know where their taxes are flowing to. Its election year hopefully the word will get out soon.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 27 February 2014 21:12
****************
Participation is growing . I do not ask for more. The rules need to evolve still.
Comments that make me the issue to detract from the topic will not be published.
When the discussion closes I will choose a comment. It may be a cogent point.
It may throw a new and different light on the issue.
Like the one above.
The culture centre is competition to professional artists attempting to make a living from their
chosen career.
It's not fair competition.
The Centre has free space. Pays no maintenance. Receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from
tax resources.
The independent professional receives no support and ,insult to injury, contributes to the taxes that fund the competition.
The same point has had to be made about the club facility at Highlanf Field.
They cannot be allowed to compete with town restaurants. Who pay taxes. provide employment . provide their own facilities . Contribute as sponsors of minor sports teams and other charities.
They cannot speak to unfairness. The hospitality business depends entirely on goodwill.
It's the function of the elected to speak to fairness and equity.
It's a simple concept.
One everyone can understand .
Some choose to ignore it and agressively pursue their own interest at the expense of others.
Others have no sense of it at all.
Social media allows the principle to keep being repeated.
If judgement, fairness and equity cannot be compelled in our small corner of the world, at least we can require accountability.
We have done it once already.
I colleague of mine told me she went to one of those art classes at the cultural centre. She paid a couple of hundred $ for an 8 week course. She said that she was pleased with it until I actually told her what she actually paid for it through her taxes. Saying she was not happy is an understatement. She freaked. She had no idea how much of her taxes was going to the center, especially when she could have supported a small business in the area for less money. Unfortunately residents don’t know where their taxes are flowing to. Its election year hopefully the word will get out soon.
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 27 February 2014 21:12
****************
Participation is growing . I do not ask for more. The rules need to evolve still.
Comments that make me the issue to detract from the topic will not be published.
When the discussion closes I will choose a comment. It may be a cogent point.
It may throw a new and different light on the issue.
Like the one above.
The culture centre is competition to professional artists attempting to make a living from their
chosen career.
It's not fair competition.
The Centre has free space. Pays no maintenance. Receives hundreds of thousands of dollars from
tax resources.
The independent professional receives no support and ,insult to injury, contributes to the taxes that fund the competition.
The same point has had to be made about the club facility at Highlanf Field.
They cannot be allowed to compete with town restaurants. Who pay taxes. provide employment . provide their own facilities . Contribute as sponsors of minor sports teams and other charities.
They cannot speak to unfairness. The hospitality business depends entirely on goodwill.
It's the function of the elected to speak to fairness and equity.
It's a simple concept.
One everyone can understand .
Some choose to ignore it and agressively pursue their own interest at the expense of others.
Others have no sense of it at all.
Social media allows the principle to keep being repeated.
If judgement, fairness and equity cannot be compelled in our small corner of the world, at least we can require accountability.
We have done it once already.
Thursday, 27 February 2014
There are no two ways about it
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Let's Have The Facts":
This is an example of a new revenue stream for a non-profit organization which is tax receipt-eligible for the corporate sponsor (something the Town can't issue). You and yours want to lessen the reliance on Town funding, right?
You can't have it both ways
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 27 February 2014 13:
***********************
I don't want it either way.
I want the building to be used for the purpose intended when millions of dollars were spent on it.
The State of the Art Museum design , funded by the Historical Society at a cost of $300,000 turned into a totally futile extravagance by those entrusted with stewardship.
I too believed the town could not issue tax receipts.
I was wrong .
The Town can ...can... can .
The fact is ,the original recommendation to Council , from our then Chief Financial Officer, was that a board be incorpored for the pirpose of achieving financial independence from taxpayers.
Seed money would be provided initially and reduced annually on a short.tight calendar.
Instead, funding has increased each year. Board members select board members and conduct business in secret. Council knows nothing about those to whom we hand over a valuable asset,rent free ,with all maintenance provided plus almost $400,000 a year.
Now they trumpet a new corporate sponsor. to whom they have sold something they did not own,
and payment for same, they think they can keep secret . While they continue to suck from town teat, courtesy of the present Mayor and Council, resources to the tune of three-quarters of a million dollars a year.
I am here to say. as a taxpayer first, second and foremost and as an elected representative , I am not f--- ing satisfied with that deal.
I was not asked and I did not agree .
It is no more acceptable to-day than it was the day I found out about it.
I don't much care what mealy-muthed , milque-toast , excuse for a taxpayer's representative has to say about that.
They most certainly have not represented my interest in the matter.
This is an example of a new revenue stream for a non-profit organization which is tax receipt-eligible for the corporate sponsor (something the Town can't issue). You and yours want to lessen the reliance on Town funding, right?
You can't have it both ways
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 27 February 2014 13:
***********************
I don't want it either way.
I want the building to be used for the purpose intended when millions of dollars were spent on it.
The State of the Art Museum design , funded by the Historical Society at a cost of $300,000 turned into a totally futile extravagance by those entrusted with stewardship.
I too believed the town could not issue tax receipts.
I was wrong .
The Town can ...can... can .
The fact is ,the original recommendation to Council , from our then Chief Financial Officer, was that a board be incorpored for the pirpose of achieving financial independence from taxpayers.
Seed money would be provided initially and reduced annually on a short.tight calendar.
Instead, funding has increased each year. Board members select board members and conduct business in secret. Council knows nothing about those to whom we hand over a valuable asset,rent free ,with all maintenance provided plus almost $400,000 a year.
Now they trumpet a new corporate sponsor. to whom they have sold something they did not own,
and payment for same, they think they can keep secret . While they continue to suck from town teat, courtesy of the present Mayor and Council, resources to the tune of three-quarters of a million dollars a year.
I am here to say. as a taxpayer first, second and foremost and as an elected representative , I am not f--- ing satisfied with that deal.
I was not asked and I did not agree .
It is no more acceptable to-day than it was the day I found out about it.
I don't much care what mealy-muthed , milque-toast , excuse for a taxpayer's representative has to say about that.
They most certainly have not represented my interest in the matter.
Let's Have The Facts
Whereas Council has been informed by the Executive Director ,of a sale of naming rights of the Red Gallery in Church Street School, by the Board of the Culture Centre
Whereas, ownership of Church Street School has not been transferred from the municipality
and the question of authority to sell naming rights has not been established.
Now therefore be it hereby resolved that Mayor Dawe , the town's legal representative on Aurora Culture Centre Board be directed to report to Council how and when authority was
established to sell naming rights to rooms in a building owned by the town.
And be it further resolved the Town solicitor advise on ownership of funds derived from the sale
I just forwarded the above Mr. Warren Mar ,Town Solicitor and Acting clerk of the Municipality.
Council received an e-mail yesterday morning ,informing us joyfully of the "sponsership"
I understand the story had already appeared in the newspaper.
In the town's budget, still to be approved, an increase in funding is listed to the Board for 2014.
No reference in the e-mail,nor I gather in the news report , is made of funds derived from the sale of naming rights to a room in the building owned by the town.
Twice not referenced can hardly be an oversight.
It must therefore be a matter the Board perceives it has a right to keep secret.
The town has appointed two members to the Private Corporation Board; Mayor Dawe and Councillor Abel.
I have asked the Mayor . in a Council meeting, what change Council might anticipate
with representation on the board.
He responded that would be worked out with Recreation Director Downey and Town Solicitor.
Warren Mar.
It seems not yet.
Whereas, ownership of Church Street School has not been transferred from the municipality
and the question of authority to sell naming rights has not been established.
Now therefore be it hereby resolved that Mayor Dawe , the town's legal representative on Aurora Culture Centre Board be directed to report to Council how and when authority was
established to sell naming rights to rooms in a building owned by the town.
And be it further resolved the Town solicitor advise on ownership of funds derived from the sale
I just forwarded the above Mr. Warren Mar ,Town Solicitor and Acting clerk of the Municipality.
Council received an e-mail yesterday morning ,informing us joyfully of the "sponsership"
I understand the story had already appeared in the newspaper.
In the town's budget, still to be approved, an increase in funding is listed to the Board for 2014.
No reference in the e-mail,nor I gather in the news report , is made of funds derived from the sale of naming rights to a room in the building owned by the town.
Twice not referenced can hardly be an oversight.
It must therefore be a matter the Board perceives it has a right to keep secret.
The town has appointed two members to the Private Corporation Board; Mayor Dawe and Councillor Abel.
I have asked the Mayor . in a Council meeting, what change Council might anticipate
with representation on the board.
He responded that would be worked out with Recreation Director Downey and Town Solicitor.
Warren Mar.
It seems not yet.
Let's Get This Striaght
I have lived in Aurora more than half a century. That's a third of the Town's history.
I was a candidate first in 1963. Again in 1965. First elected in 1967.
I served four terms with Councillors whose families were founding members of the town.
Who were students at Chiurch Street School. Played hockey for the town when the League was all stops along the electric rail on Yonge Street.
They were volunteer fire-fighters .
Lived through the depression.
Recalled the tramp camp at the railway tracks and men begging for bread .
One recalled poachng rabbits with his Dad in Shephard's Bush to put a meal on the table.
I had some of the same memories.
Friday nights were re-called when farm families came into town to shop and gathered in large groups on Yonge Street sidewalk. Crowds so deep, a person had to step into the road to make headway.
They were of my own generation. Glad to share their history with the newcomer to Aurora and Council colleague.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Untouchable ....Not":
I absorbed it and was always greedy for more
I lived through the changes and had a hand in some of them.
I do have a different perspective to the Mayor and other Councillors.
It's not skewed or distorted.
It's not different to the communnity I represent.
As long I am elected, knowing what people expect, I shall know that to be true.
Subservience within this blog may not be assumed.
It is what it is.
Facts are delivered by one in a position to know.
Deduction is made from facts , qualified by long expeience in town affairs.
Challenges made to facts represented are minimal
The Blog is an offering.
Take it or leave it.
Either way, I will not be offended.
I will not be offended.
Wednesday, 26 February 2014
By Their Actions Ye Shall Know Them
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Untouchable ....Not":
Speaking of physical, I noticed you were the only one who failed to applaud after Ms Schembri's presentation last night. Pettiness trumps common courtesy?
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 26 February 2014 12:30
************
Did you listen to the presentation. The Aurora Culture Centre was in a competition for awards with charitable organizations.
They received a plaque for being in a group of a hundred contestants.
The competition was for financial reporting.
The award winners were Covenant House in Toronto and Hospice King.
Covenant House takes in runaway and throwaway children off the streets of Toronto and gives them a second chance
Hospice King provides a nurturing ,caring place for terminally ill patients in the last days of their lives.
What is the "Charitable" Aurora Culture Centre doing in a competition with organizations like that.
Miss Chembri was not the only presentation giving praise to Mayor Dawe and Councillor Abel who accompanied her to the awards luncheon .
Residents of Mavrinac were there as well to express appreciation for Council's decision to
to spend tax resources on legal fees to compel a developer to sell land to the town for a fraction of its
appraised value.
The residents have created a web site and want to be kept informed of all developments.
They insist they were informed the site would either be a school site or a park.
There never was, nor is there now a plan for a park on that site.
There is no indication the dispute will be resolved before the next election.
Still Council's decision has the potential for winning a block of votes.
They may not outweigh the votes of taxpayers who do not appreciate shameless pandering at their expense.
It will not go unnoticed.
It didn't work last time around.
We are entering the first phase of an election campaign.
No doubt the first in a succession of presentations showering plaudits on the heads of the incumbents.
It's hardly subtle.
I am compelled to watch it.
I am not required to clap like a trained seal on cue
Speaking of physical, I noticed you were the only one who failed to applaud after Ms Schembri's presentation last night. Pettiness trumps common courtesy?
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 26 February 2014 12:30
************
Did you listen to the presentation. The Aurora Culture Centre was in a competition for awards with charitable organizations.
They received a plaque for being in a group of a hundred contestants.
The competition was for financial reporting.
The award winners were Covenant House in Toronto and Hospice King.
Covenant House takes in runaway and throwaway children off the streets of Toronto and gives them a second chance
Hospice King provides a nurturing ,caring place for terminally ill patients in the last days of their lives.
What is the "Charitable" Aurora Culture Centre doing in a competition with organizations like that.
Miss Chembri was not the only presentation giving praise to Mayor Dawe and Councillor Abel who accompanied her to the awards luncheon .
Residents of Mavrinac were there as well to express appreciation for Council's decision to
to spend tax resources on legal fees to compel a developer to sell land to the town for a fraction of its
appraised value.
The residents have created a web site and want to be kept informed of all developments.
They insist they were informed the site would either be a school site or a park.
There never was, nor is there now a plan for a park on that site.
There is no indication the dispute will be resolved before the next election.
Still Council's decision has the potential for winning a block of votes.
They may not outweigh the votes of taxpayers who do not appreciate shameless pandering at their expense.
It will not go unnoticed.
It didn't work last time around.
We are entering the first phase of an election campaign.
No doubt the first in a succession of presentations showering plaudits on the heads of the incumbents.
It's hardly subtle.
I am compelled to watch it.
I am not required to clap like a trained seal on cue
Goodness Gracious....Great Balls Of Fire
Last night, the decision was made to approve spending $26 mullion dollars on a Joint Facility for parks and public works.
It was the Mayor's decision.
Council was divided.
The Mayor cast the deciding vote
$26 million with only half in support and half opposed.
It started at $12 million
It's not likely to be the end of it.
That's not a comfortable position for a Mayor
A wiser man might have hesitated.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
It was the Mayor's decision.
Council was divided.
The Mayor cast the deciding vote
$26 million with only half in support and half opposed.
It started at $12 million
It's not likely to be the end of it.
That's not a comfortable position for a Mayor
A wiser man might have hesitated.
Fools rush in where angels fear to tread
Have a great day
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Colour me biased":
I have to say I used to enjoy this blog, but lately it is so very one sided
it seems a bit contrived ...
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 26 February 2014 08:29
*****************
Ouch,,,,that stings.
No Good Morning
Not as much as an Ow's yer Father
or Bob's yer Uncle.
Not much of anything
Just straight for the jugular
No finesse
No imagination
No rapier point
No word skill or good will
Just a heaping ,steaming pile of nasty
And of course,,,no name
I have to say I used to enjoy this blog, but lately it is so very one sided
it seems a bit contrived ...
Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 26 February 2014 08:29
*****************
Ouch,,,,that stings.
No Good Morning
Not as much as an Ow's yer Father
or Bob's yer Uncle.
Not much of anything
Just straight for the jugular
No finesse
No imagination
No rapier point
No word skill or good will
Just a heaping ,steaming pile of nasty
And of course,,,no name
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