Not Done Yet....March 29th Draft

We worked again until eleven last night. Pared off another one per cent. It was an  awkward  session
but it could not be otherwise. Nine people around the table, each with something to say can never be
a smooth and efficient operation. A new council with everything to learn needs. to have that opportunity. It takes time but it's not wasted time.

The first item on my list was to include funds in the budget for a curator in order to re-establish the Heritage Centre. Apparently museum is an old-fashioned word which does not  describe a modern
facility. . The curator is essential  to the museum. It must be someone of experience and authority. The task is to organise the collection and give guidance and leadership to the volunteers for best use of their time to make the facility  the dynamic, living experience it must  be.

I did not intend  to increase the budget. Council supported the addition of funds but not my suggestion to take it from the Culture Centre budget. They did agree however the Culture Centre agreement needs to be re-visited and sooner rather than later.

I didn't get a freeze on new hires. The Arboretum will continue to have $100 K to spend  without being accountable.

A number of staff recommendations were challenged . Some  changes were  made.

A full-time bylaw officer  was recommended with a salary of $85K. That was changed to a contract position and  cost reduced to reflect seven  instead  of twelve months.

None of the changes were made without lengthy discussion. Like I said, there are nine of us

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