When Council approves an award of tender,the decision is promptly executed.Only Council can reverse it. Since Council meets on a schedule, there is no opportunity for second thought.It means decisions are not dragged out needlessly. It also means no opportunity for community reaction and input.
That can be exploited and not a good thing. It can also mean the opposite.
It's four years since the province imposed legislation to require municipalities to inventory all assets, set up a tracking system and produce an annual report.
I can think of a number of reasons. the government might consider the information relevant.
They are under continual pressure to share costs with municipal programs. Which they should.
But they do need a clear picture of municipal resources to determine the need.
Assessment may not tell the whole story. Different municipalities may present a different record of physical assets.
About the same time we learned being a landlord was not an accepted role for a municipality. Obviously rental revenue would not reflect in assessment wealth. It would skew the figures if much of that was going on.
Giving away a multi million dollar asset like Church Street School along with half million dollars of tax resources every year to an independent board without accountability would not pass the smell test either.
The expenditure increases the tax burden without offsetting benefit. From an accounting perspective. how can that be explained. While pleading hardship requiring assistance from either senior level of government
Whatever the reason for the legislation, inventory of assets is complete in Aurora. The next task is to provide the system for annual reporting.
It does not require services of a consultant. It requires an add-on to our current computer system.
Estimated cost is $50 thousand. It was reflected in figures presented to Council on Tuesday. It was not part of the $414 thousand approved .
The system approved on Tuesday to bring us into compliance with the legislation, does not.
The Municipal Act spells out the role of Mayor as providing guidance and leadership to Council.
The Mayor's job is full-timr. It provides opportunity, even without experience, to obtain all information council might need to make a sound decision on behalf of the taxpayers.
The administration's interest is not the same. They are not accountable to taxpayers. They have a clear and apparent interest. Council answers for money spent.
I asked on Tuesday for members to give themselves more time. Despite individually stated confidence, I knew, they did not know, everything they needed to know, before they made the decision
It is possible the Mayor, despite the advantage of being full-time,was not fully informed.either.Nor did more information appear to be welcome.
Municipalities throughout Ontario are arriving at the same point. Some ahead of others. I have been informed some are in complete chaos because of new systems adopted.
Councillor John Able asked that I speak further to that point..
The Mayor apparently had other ideas. He directed the question to the Chief Administrator Officer and Director of Infrastructure and Environment. .
Both responded but not to the point that Councillor Able wanted to hear more about.
So, the vote was cast. The decision made. There is no going back.
We still have to purchase the program that will satisfy the legislation. It will not require a consultant/. It will require $50,000. It will not require tenders or contracts.
Sufficiently simple as to be too much so.
.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Angus McGregor...Works Super
I learned something last night.The huge pads of concrete that recently appeared on grass boulevards may be bus shelter bases. So shelters will be following.
When they first appeared, I was mystified. Who did that? Why did I not know about it?. Can't ask. I might have missed something due to my great age. Never fear, I thought. All will be revealed..
Sure enough, despite never having seen a passenger waiting. a bus stopping a passenger boarding or embarking , it finally became apparent; the pads were located at regional bus stops. Signs were hidden in the trees.
Last night, after council approved of a software program at a cost of $414,000 to keep track of details of assets and repairs and replacements of assets. I asked about a pile of concrete rubble which had been sitting beside a smaller of the new concrete pad for at least a couple of months.
Seems the pads were installed, on contract, by the region. The contractor likely failed to remove the debris and apparently the region does not carry out inspections to ensure a contract is fulfilled.
I thought of Angus McGregor. He patrolled the roads, town and regional, in early morning in a pick-up truck. He wasn't above hopping out of the truck and tossing the odd branch or tree limb or other debris lying in the right-of-way into the back of the truck. Any remedial work that needed doing, he noted and later issued a work order for it to be carried out pronto. It was an uncomplicated process.
I went with him occasionally on his early runs. No pile of rubble from an unfinished contract would have stayed in place more than twenty-four hours.
When the late Dick Illingworth was Mayor, he drove around town on a Sunday, in a conspicuous red convertible with a tape recorder making his own notes of things that needed to be done. Dick was out of town during the week working as Acting CAO of the new Region of Sudbury. He needed to make sure people knew he was on the job. They did.
Unlike the dead trees, surrounded by expensive accoutrements of planting, that stayed on Bathurst Street for seven seasons until this year, ensuring daily public attention to failure and waste of public resources.
We have heard the Region is two billion dollars in debt. A reference was made to the region's software program during last night's discussion of the software program we approved. We spent $200,000, already on consultants. Now we have moved to the second phase with $414,000. expenditure.
The third phase will be when new staff are hired to operate the program. We haven't got around to determining when payback will be seen in savings and efficiency.
If the Region is an example, it will mean people in charge, even more than presently, will be glued to computers and nobody will be out on the highways and byways seeing what needs to be done, hasn't been done and making sure it gets done.
But not to worry. Councillors are confident, Tons of important details will be fed into the computer. Assets will be tracked. Dead trees representing lost assets lining the highways for years after initial failure to survive and small piles of concrete rubble will appear and lie around long enough to become part of the normal street scape. Catch basins will be choked with litter and debris washed there in heavy rainfall casing floods and damage to structures.
I wonder if the cost of the Region's software program is part of the two billion dollar debt. and what that amount of debt costs to carry ??
When they first appeared, I was mystified. Who did that? Why did I not know about it?. Can't ask. I might have missed something due to my great age. Never fear, I thought. All will be revealed..
Sure enough, despite never having seen a passenger waiting. a bus stopping a passenger boarding or embarking , it finally became apparent; the pads were located at regional bus stops. Signs were hidden in the trees.
Last night, after council approved of a software program at a cost of $414,000 to keep track of details of assets and repairs and replacements of assets. I asked about a pile of concrete rubble which had been sitting beside a smaller of the new concrete pad for at least a couple of months.
Seems the pads were installed, on contract, by the region. The contractor likely failed to remove the debris and apparently the region does not carry out inspections to ensure a contract is fulfilled.
I thought of Angus McGregor. He patrolled the roads, town and regional, in early morning in a pick-up truck. He wasn't above hopping out of the truck and tossing the odd branch or tree limb or other debris lying in the right-of-way into the back of the truck. Any remedial work that needed doing, he noted and later issued a work order for it to be carried out pronto. It was an uncomplicated process.
I went with him occasionally on his early runs. No pile of rubble from an unfinished contract would have stayed in place more than twenty-four hours.
When the late Dick Illingworth was Mayor, he drove around town on a Sunday, in a conspicuous red convertible with a tape recorder making his own notes of things that needed to be done. Dick was out of town during the week working as Acting CAO of the new Region of Sudbury. He needed to make sure people knew he was on the job. They did.
Unlike the dead trees, surrounded by expensive accoutrements of planting, that stayed on Bathurst Street for seven seasons until this year, ensuring daily public attention to failure and waste of public resources.
We have heard the Region is two billion dollars in debt. A reference was made to the region's software program during last night's discussion of the software program we approved. We spent $200,000, already on consultants. Now we have moved to the second phase with $414,000. expenditure.
The third phase will be when new staff are hired to operate the program. We haven't got around to determining when payback will be seen in savings and efficiency.
If the Region is an example, it will mean people in charge, even more than presently, will be glued to computers and nobody will be out on the highways and byways seeing what needs to be done, hasn't been done and making sure it gets done.
But not to worry. Councillors are confident, Tons of important details will be fed into the computer. Assets will be tracked. Dead trees representing lost assets lining the highways for years after initial failure to survive and small piles of concrete rubble will appear and lie around long enough to become part of the normal street scape. Catch basins will be choked with litter and debris washed there in heavy rainfall casing floods and damage to structures.
I wonder if the cost of the Region's software program is part of the two billion dollar debt. and what that amount of debt costs to carry ??
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
You Would Be Wrong
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "No Doubt The World Is Evolving As It Should...Not":
Who appointed her to lay a wreath?
I will take CAOs of The Town of Aurora for $100 Alex.
***********
First the wreath would be sold by the Legion member in charge of poppy sales. Then, if there was no-one from the R.C.M.P. to lay the wreath, a Legion rep. would make the request of the former Mayor .
Regardless of all else, it was a slight to the town's Chief Magistrate and a breach of protocol.
Which simply establishes how far the current Legion is from the former institution.
Who appointed her to lay a wreath?
I will take CAOs of The Town of Aurora for $100 Alex.
***********
First the wreath would be sold by the Legion member in charge of poppy sales. Then, if there was no-one from the R.C.M.P. to lay the wreath, a Legion rep. would make the request of the former Mayor .
Regardless of all else, it was a slight to the town's Chief Magistrate and a breach of protocol.
Which simply establishes how far the current Legion is from the former institution.
""Love This STuff "
The comment made me smile. It speaks volumes for what we do here. I read somewhere about the social value of gossip. It allows people to vent. Keeps the lid on and fulfills the old maxim
"sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me"
And the dire warning "tell-tale tit.... your tongue will be slit ...and every little puppy dog ...will have a little bit"
A close friend and I indulge in the most outrageous speculation. It brings out the worst in us. We share thoughts we would not allow anyone else to hear We lower our voices when there's nobody about for miles. Then we giggle until...you know. We are both Irish Catholics. We are in sin just by waking up in the morning. Sure ,it's a terrible burden to carry. So now and again we put it down and kick it about for a bit.
The opening salvo for the 2012 budget was last night. If we accept staff recommendations , the tax increase will be $67 a year. $5 and something a month and pennies a week.
The Region's share will make it $100 a year,......etc.etc.etc.
There's a shift from water rates to the tax rate. $116,000 has been calculated for parks uses. water parks and outdoor ice and hydrant use. A couple of hundred thousand more has been added to the transfer but I don't know the details yet.
It will increase the tax rate by about one per cent. I think it's a bit more off the water rates..
Deferring the switch is suggested.
I won't accept that.We have probably been overcharging people on meters for years
.
There's no chance of re-imbursement and certainly no excuse to continue the practice.
A couple of other things still concern me. One is maintenance of water lines; Distribution is the town's responsibility . Maintenance of the system should be and that cost akso should be on the tax bill.
Second is the cost of lining pipes with plastic. We spend millions every year on that program. We are told it will never be completed. When we finish lining all the pipes we start all over again.again .
I am not convinced we need plastic liners in pipes. It's said to prevent water loss.
Yet in 2010, when water rates were increased by 12% , water losses were increased from 8% to 12%.
No reference was made to millions spent on plastic liners to prevent water loss.
If water loss was increasing instead of decreasing,obviously we were wasting millions on an ineffective device.
When I posed the contradiction, somebody said.
"Well congratulations. I didn't know you had an engineering degree"
It's the kind of denigration that discourages an inexperienced councillor from thinking ..
Mais non moi.
Water has always been distributed the same way. In pipes. There's nothing scientific about it.
The old town didn't have storm sewers .. Our tertiary treatment sewage system was inefficient during flash floods. In the seventies, the big trunk sewer was installed, Volume of sewage became critical.
The decision was made to install storm sewers and while we were at it, renew all lines throughout the old town.
It meant re-construction of the old streets. The program took years but must have been completed years ago.
It means, there are no old pipes in Aurora.
Plastic re-lining of pipes is of questionable value.
But I didn't focus on it until 2010 ,when water loss estimates were increased from 8% to 12%. to justify a 12% increase in water rates.
When I asked for figures of water breaks to justify increased water loss, they were refused because I might skew them.and mislead people.
Then I thought, if that level of water loss is acceptable, what the buck, is the use of spending millions to re-line pipes?
But Capital Expenditures don't impact the tax rate. we are told. They are paid out of reserves.
So where do the reserves come from?. From cash to capital contributions from the tax rate, silly.
The town's budget is in the millions. This year, the water budget will be included.
That's a good thing.
The task for Councillors is huge.
Nothing matters as much. All things stem from the annual estimates.
Taxpayers need to pay attention to what we are doing.
Don't wait for the axe to fall.
Your Councillors need all the support and encouragement you have to give.
"sticks and stones may break my bones but names will never hurt me"
And the dire warning "tell-tale tit.... your tongue will be slit ...and every little puppy dog ...will have a little bit"
A close friend and I indulge in the most outrageous speculation. It brings out the worst in us. We share thoughts we would not allow anyone else to hear We lower our voices when there's nobody about for miles. Then we giggle until...you know. We are both Irish Catholics. We are in sin just by waking up in the morning. Sure ,it's a terrible burden to carry. So now and again we put it down and kick it about for a bit.
The opening salvo for the 2012 budget was last night. If we accept staff recommendations , the tax increase will be $67 a year. $5 and something a month and pennies a week.
The Region's share will make it $100 a year,......etc.etc.etc.
There's a shift from water rates to the tax rate. $116,000 has been calculated for parks uses. water parks and outdoor ice and hydrant use. A couple of hundred thousand more has been added to the transfer but I don't know the details yet.
It will increase the tax rate by about one per cent. I think it's a bit more off the water rates..
Deferring the switch is suggested.
I won't accept that.We have probably been overcharging people on meters for years
.
There's no chance of re-imbursement and certainly no excuse to continue the practice.
A couple of other things still concern me. One is maintenance of water lines; Distribution is the town's responsibility . Maintenance of the system should be and that cost akso should be on the tax bill.
Second is the cost of lining pipes with plastic. We spend millions every year on that program. We are told it will never be completed. When we finish lining all the pipes we start all over again.again .
I am not convinced we need plastic liners in pipes. It's said to prevent water loss.
Yet in 2010, when water rates were increased by 12% , water losses were increased from 8% to 12%.
No reference was made to millions spent on plastic liners to prevent water loss.
If water loss was increasing instead of decreasing,obviously we were wasting millions on an ineffective device.
When I posed the contradiction, somebody said.
"Well congratulations. I didn't know you had an engineering degree"
It's the kind of denigration that discourages an inexperienced councillor from thinking ..
Mais non moi.
Water has always been distributed the same way. In pipes. There's nothing scientific about it.
The old town didn't have storm sewers .. Our tertiary treatment sewage system was inefficient during flash floods. In the seventies, the big trunk sewer was installed, Volume of sewage became critical.
The decision was made to install storm sewers and while we were at it, renew all lines throughout the old town.
It meant re-construction of the old streets. The program took years but must have been completed years ago.
It means, there are no old pipes in Aurora.
Plastic re-lining of pipes is of questionable value.
But I didn't focus on it until 2010 ,when water loss estimates were increased from 8% to 12%. to justify a 12% increase in water rates.
When I asked for figures of water breaks to justify increased water loss, they were refused because I might skew them.and mislead people.
Then I thought, if that level of water loss is acceptable, what the buck, is the use of spending millions to re-line pipes?
But Capital Expenditures don't impact the tax rate. we are told. They are paid out of reserves.
So where do the reserves come from?. From cash to capital contributions from the tax rate, silly.
The town's budget is in the millions. This year, the water budget will be included.
That's a good thing.
The task for Councillors is huge.
Nothing matters as much. All things stem from the annual estimates.
Taxpayers need to pay attention to what we are doing.
Don't wait for the axe to fall.
Your Councillors need all the support and encouragement you have to give.
Monday, 7 November 2011
No Doubt The World Is Evolving As It Should...Not
A defeated mayoralty candidate had Poppies to sell in the Liquor store last week.
Word is, she was working the room at the pre -Remembrance Dinner at the :Aurora Legion on Saturday.
Before that, she led a prayer , while The Mayor was a guest, at what was formerly known as The Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.
On Sunday the R.C.M.P.wreath was laid at the Cenotaph by the town's same former Chief Magistrate.
Certain things have obviously.changed.
In the past, on a question of protocol ,The Legion was a prime resource.
No institution was more conscious of rank and respect due than the military.
Makes sense doesn't it?
Political discussion was verboten in the Legion.
Ah yes, you say. But things change, Evelyn
\
Indeed they do. Who should know that better than witnesses of ongoing change ?
Evidently,the Legion is no longer the institution it once was.
In 2008, an event was held at the Aurora Legion.Its purpose had always been to raise funds for the town's July 1st Parade. The sum last raised ,to the best of my re-collection, was $11.000. Parade Expenses were covered.
In 2009 the event, still under the auspices of the town, declared itself to have been successful once more.
Sufficient funds were raised to cover costs of the event. No funds were available for the Parade.
Word was, but never verified, $5,000 was paid to the Legion. The remainder was shared between caterers and bands providing entertainment.
Attempts to obtain a precise accounting were not successful. There is some question about whether or not a silent auction was held.
Around the same time, the Legion declared a campaign to raise funds for necessary repairs and maintenance of their building.
A flurry of excitement and support came from the same July 1st Parade sub-committee spokesperson , who promoted the Legion's campaign with an announcement in the Council Chamber.
Subsequently, in a Letter to the Editor, the spokesperson for the Legion fund-raising campaign, provided an exclusive list of committee members.
There's something else we should all know.
The town pays the Legion's property taxes.
Assessed value of the property shows on the rolls. Taxes are calculated and paid. with a transfer from the town's general revenues.
Some years ago, maybe ten, the Federal government transferred authority to Regions to decide if Legions should continue to have their taxes paid by municipalities.
It was the feds response to complaints from businesses suffering from unfair competition in catering and restaurant business from Legions.The feds passed the buck
York Region decided Legions should continue to enjoy the advantage. Since there is only one taxpayer, the burden is carried by local businesses and homeowners. In Aurora, we have two Legion buildings on our backs and an Armouries.
According to media headlines, the federal government is currently contemplating disbanding the Department of Veteran's Affairs.
Signs are, the fight will be bitter.
But there had to come a time.
When Legions butt into politics. When members no longer understand the rules that once kept them separate and untouchable, they are no longer the institutions they once were.
The game is forfeit.
Change has its price.
Word is, she was working the room at the pre -Remembrance Dinner at the :Aurora Legion on Saturday.
Before that, she led a prayer , while The Mayor was a guest, at what was formerly known as The Mayor's Prayer Breakfast.
On Sunday the R.C.M.P.wreath was laid at the Cenotaph by the town's same former Chief Magistrate.
Certain things have obviously.changed.
In the past, on a question of protocol ,The Legion was a prime resource.
No institution was more conscious of rank and respect due than the military.
Makes sense doesn't it?
Political discussion was verboten in the Legion.
Ah yes, you say. But things change, Evelyn
\
Indeed they do. Who should know that better than witnesses of ongoing change ?
Evidently,the Legion is no longer the institution it once was.
In 2008, an event was held at the Aurora Legion.Its purpose had always been to raise funds for the town's July 1st Parade. The sum last raised ,to the best of my re-collection, was $11.000. Parade Expenses were covered.
In 2009 the event, still under the auspices of the town, declared itself to have been successful once more.
Sufficient funds were raised to cover costs of the event. No funds were available for the Parade.
Word was, but never verified, $5,000 was paid to the Legion. The remainder was shared between caterers and bands providing entertainment.
Attempts to obtain a precise accounting were not successful. There is some question about whether or not a silent auction was held.
Around the same time, the Legion declared a campaign to raise funds for necessary repairs and maintenance of their building.
A flurry of excitement and support came from the same July 1st Parade sub-committee spokesperson , who promoted the Legion's campaign with an announcement in the Council Chamber.
Subsequently, in a Letter to the Editor, the spokesperson for the Legion fund-raising campaign, provided an exclusive list of committee members.
There's something else we should all know.
The town pays the Legion's property taxes.
Assessed value of the property shows on the rolls. Taxes are calculated and paid. with a transfer from the town's general revenues.
Some years ago, maybe ten, the Federal government transferred authority to Regions to decide if Legions should continue to have their taxes paid by municipalities.
It was the feds response to complaints from businesses suffering from unfair competition in catering and restaurant business from Legions.The feds passed the buck
York Region decided Legions should continue to enjoy the advantage. Since there is only one taxpayer, the burden is carried by local businesses and homeowners. In Aurora, we have two Legion buildings on our backs and an Armouries.
According to media headlines, the federal government is currently contemplating disbanding the Department of Veteran's Affairs.
Signs are, the fight will be bitter.
But there had to come a time.
When Legions butt into politics. When members no longer understand the rules that once kept them separate and untouchable, they are no longer the institutions they once were.
The game is forfeit.
Change has its price.
Sunday, 6 November 2011
What to do?
It's Remembrance Day next week. I have to decide. Do I attend the ceremony at the Cenotaph? Or watch it on television in the national Capital.?
My absence will be noticed. As a Councillor, I have responsibility. It will be seen as disrespect.
Is it disrespect?
There are a couple of things I don't like about the Aurora ceremony. I think they are disrespectful.
The symbolism of releasing white doves from a basket escapes me. It has nothing to do with Remembering. It's somebody's idea of improving the service. Like it needs embellishment. .
Then there's the continuous procession of poppy wreaths being placed. It seems like every business in town has purchased a wreath. Owners get to place them on the Altar of Sacrifice. As if the honour can be bought for the price of the wreath.
It's not how it used to be. The Mayors of Aurora, King and Whitchurch laid wreaths on behalf of our communities.
A Silver Cross Mother took her place with dignitaries and laid a wreath.
Laying a wreath had meaning which had nothing to do with who paid for the wreath.
It was not an opportunity to promote one's business.
These changes struck a wrong chord with me. Yet....I've still gone to the Cenotaph.
Organisers are not bad people. They mean well.
But it interferes with my contemplation of the meaning of the ceremony.
Which is simply, two minutes of silence in remembrance of those who died and of the cruelty of their deaths.
My absence will be noticed. As a Councillor, I have responsibility. It will be seen as disrespect.
Is it disrespect?
There are a couple of things I don't like about the Aurora ceremony. I think they are disrespectful.
The symbolism of releasing white doves from a basket escapes me. It has nothing to do with Remembering. It's somebody's idea of improving the service. Like it needs embellishment. .
Then there's the continuous procession of poppy wreaths being placed. It seems like every business in town has purchased a wreath. Owners get to place them on the Altar of Sacrifice. As if the honour can be bought for the price of the wreath.
It's not how it used to be. The Mayors of Aurora, King and Whitchurch laid wreaths on behalf of our communities.
A Silver Cross Mother took her place with dignitaries and laid a wreath.
Laying a wreath had meaning which had nothing to do with who paid for the wreath.
It was not an opportunity to promote one's business.
These changes struck a wrong chord with me. Yet....I've still gone to the Cenotaph.
Organisers are not bad people. They mean well.
But it interferes with my contemplation of the meaning of the ceremony.
Which is simply, two minutes of silence in remembrance of those who died and of the cruelty of their deaths.
Saturday, 5 November 2011
Thanks for Reading
I didn't know where it came from:
I had to make a decision for three abutting buildings to be demolished. Sites were cleaned up. I created three small squares on each one.
Every day I took a basket of small particles and spread it out in the squares. Three ducks came there and ate.
I was asked to explain my actions. I didn't know how.
Ducks don't have long lives.They face many hazards.I might even be creating one by enticing them there.
My mind went to a person in jail. In a cell behind bars. Hearing iron clanging against iron and numbers of doors locked behind them everywhere they went. Condemned for years of their lives. How cruel and inhumane is that?
The thought causes me physical distress. What did it have to do with tearing down three buildings,and spreading three small squares with food particles for three small frail creatures?
If I offered that as a jumbled explanation people would know me for a fool.
Then I opened my eyes ..
As it often is, the dream was clear as a bell and the details were sharp.
What prompted it?
What were my last thoughts before sleep?
What happened in the last hours of yesterday?
On the news,a young woman in the thirty-seventh week of pregnancy, sentenced to jail. I switched the channel. No matter the offence,the penalty was unthinkable.
Other news was of two separate incidents of men stealing poppy boxes from retail counters. My reaction was; "Dear God, how desperate they must be"
There might be as little as three dollars in each of the boxes but their need was so great as to risk being hunted like animals and caught.
The full force of the Toronto Police Department,each earning in the range of $100 Ks and twenty eight million in overtime for patrolling city construction sites and a Chief probably earning half a million, will be ranged against them.
The last thought was on an e-mail from a young Aurora mother relating how Hallowe'en fun for her three small girls was spoiled by thoughtless,officious actions of a person who auspiciously wears a public image of ethical gentility and friend of youth and then her colleagues' defence,upbraiding the mother because the issue was not a town matter and directing her not to send any more e-mails.
I've developed a few small maxims for my life.
One is that life is short and full of risk. Not a day to be wasted.
No-one has a right to steal another's peace.
Life should not be shared when one can't make the other happy.
One should not stand silent and watch dishonesty or injustice or unkindness to children, old people or those who have hit bottom.
The last thing I watched before I fell asleep last night was a woman in her fifties diagnosed with alzheimers, who had always been an activist, who intended to keep right on teaching young people how to live a good life as long as she was able.
Because she loves it. It means everything to her.
The human mind is truly amazing. Not to be wasted. Nor for a second.
I had to make a decision for three abutting buildings to be demolished. Sites were cleaned up. I created three small squares on each one.
Every day I took a basket of small particles and spread it out in the squares. Three ducks came there and ate.
I was asked to explain my actions. I didn't know how.
Ducks don't have long lives.They face many hazards.I might even be creating one by enticing them there.
My mind went to a person in jail. In a cell behind bars. Hearing iron clanging against iron and numbers of doors locked behind them everywhere they went. Condemned for years of their lives. How cruel and inhumane is that?
The thought causes me physical distress. What did it have to do with tearing down three buildings,and spreading three small squares with food particles for three small frail creatures?
If I offered that as a jumbled explanation people would know me for a fool.
Then I opened my eyes ..
As it often is, the dream was clear as a bell and the details were sharp.
What prompted it?
What were my last thoughts before sleep?
What happened in the last hours of yesterday?
On the news,a young woman in the thirty-seventh week of pregnancy, sentenced to jail. I switched the channel. No matter the offence,the penalty was unthinkable.
Other news was of two separate incidents of men stealing poppy boxes from retail counters. My reaction was; "Dear God, how desperate they must be"
There might be as little as three dollars in each of the boxes but their need was so great as to risk being hunted like animals and caught.
The full force of the Toronto Police Department,each earning in the range of $100 Ks and twenty eight million in overtime for patrolling city construction sites and a Chief probably earning half a million, will be ranged against them.
The last thought was on an e-mail from a young Aurora mother relating how Hallowe'en fun for her three small girls was spoiled by thoughtless,officious actions of a person who auspiciously wears a public image of ethical gentility and friend of youth and then her colleagues' defence,upbraiding the mother because the issue was not a town matter and directing her not to send any more e-mails.
I've developed a few small maxims for my life.
One is that life is short and full of risk. Not a day to be wasted.
No-one has a right to steal another's peace.
Life should not be shared when one can't make the other happy.
One should not stand silent and watch dishonesty or injustice or unkindness to children, old people or those who have hit bottom.
The last thing I watched before I fell asleep last night was a woman in her fifties diagnosed with alzheimers, who had always been an activist, who intended to keep right on teaching young people how to live a good life as long as she was able.
Because she loves it. It means everything to her.
The human mind is truly amazing. Not to be wasted. Nor for a second.
Friday, 4 November 2011
Attention Please
Here's a bit more information . Staff reports generally provide historical background to support a recommendation. Report No.IES11-058 notes as follows:
"Council approved funding in the 2009,2010,and 2011 budget process for capital project no. 3107- Asset Management System."
To put those dates into perspective :
The town's previous Chief Financial Officer was appointed during the term prior to Mormac Regime. He introduced an early fall calender for working documents of the budget. It meant the budget could be finalised by year's end to take advantage of early awards for capital projects which meant optimum prices and work carried out during seasonal best.
In the fall of 2008, the budget was ready and a schedule of meeting dates approved by council. They never happened.
In January 2009, the new Chief Administrative Officer took office. On the first morning, as I heard it, he followed the Mayor into the treasurer's office. The budget, a hefty document, was thrown on to the treasurer's desk,described in severely unflattering terms and orders were peremptorily delivered to start again.This was a budget council had never set eyes upon.
It must have been a seminal moment for the new C.A.O .
When the two left his office, the treasurer made his way to the Clerk's office and delivered notice of resignation to take place on April 15th. A date when the budget would be completed and staff would not be left to cope by themselves.
Nothing was attached to last week's report. It would appear no previous history was available. Only that the item was included in the capital budget of 2009 which had been re-written to order by the Mayor.
Budget discussions were pretty much under the thumb of former Councillor MacEachern.
In four years ,I did not support the forecast upon which tax rates were calculated.
I never saw a project introduced during the 2006/2010 term that wasn't contrived for the purpose of promoting the political fortunes of the Mayor and her loyal following.However misguided that proved to be.
A budget forecast is the plan from whence all things flow. It is the essential asset management tool. Departments have business managers. Records are kept. Down time for repairs, down time combined with cost determine time for replacement. Records support budget recommendations.
Assets are in plain view. In continual use. Even mechanics have a system to ensures tools don't take legs and walk. They own them and the town pays for use thereof.
During the 2003/2006 term a complete inventory of properties was undertaken for the purpose of determining idle parcels in public ownership which should be sold into private ownership and put to work producing tax revenues. It was my motion. The exercise never got off the ground. The night the presentation was planned, every department head was present but no quorum of council.
Aurora is a small town. Assets are relatively few. Tracking them is simple. We have one works division, one parks division, a couple of fire halls, two arenas a couple of recreation complexes. one seniors' Centre , one library and Oh yes! a town hall.
Parks, sports fields and playgrounds are tethered in plain view, and unlikely to disappear. Somebody would notice.
We had a museum once. We don't any more. A software system would not explain how it morphed into a culture centre. There's a grand piano we paid for but it's not ours, so not part of the tally.
I've seen no report to indicate problems with the current operating system.
This report indicates costs will rise with the new software. Right from the beginning. Additional staff, not less,will be needed.
It won't pay for itself, let alone save money.
Supervisors will have to spend several hours a day processing work orders. A task which takes minutes by hand.
Funding for the project was included in the 2011 budget. I did not support it.
I pointed out then the 2011 budget followed direction set by the previous council.
I suggested new members, including the Mayor had failed to understand the message that saw their predecessors unceremoniously booted out of office.
An airy-fairy bland acceptance of half a million dollar expenditure, without a problem needing to be fixed ,offering nothing but additional costs, and verifying no substantive advantage of any kind, might easily be interpreted to mean little has changed in council's understanding
of how a municipality functions and the role of council therein.
On p
"Council approved funding in the 2009,2010,and 2011 budget process for capital project no. 3107- Asset Management System."
To put those dates into perspective :
The town's previous Chief Financial Officer was appointed during the term prior to Mormac Regime. He introduced an early fall calender for working documents of the budget. It meant the budget could be finalised by year's end to take advantage of early awards for capital projects which meant optimum prices and work carried out during seasonal best.
In the fall of 2008, the budget was ready and a schedule of meeting dates approved by council. They never happened.
In January 2009, the new Chief Administrative Officer took office. On the first morning, as I heard it, he followed the Mayor into the treasurer's office. The budget, a hefty document, was thrown on to the treasurer's desk,described in severely unflattering terms and orders were peremptorily delivered to start again.This was a budget council had never set eyes upon.
It must have been a seminal moment for the new C.A.O .
When the two left his office, the treasurer made his way to the Clerk's office and delivered notice of resignation to take place on April 15th. A date when the budget would be completed and staff would not be left to cope by themselves.
Nothing was attached to last week's report. It would appear no previous history was available. Only that the item was included in the capital budget of 2009 which had been re-written to order by the Mayor.
Budget discussions were pretty much under the thumb of former Councillor MacEachern.
In four years ,I did not support the forecast upon which tax rates were calculated.
I never saw a project introduced during the 2006/2010 term that wasn't contrived for the purpose of promoting the political fortunes of the Mayor and her loyal following.However misguided that proved to be.
A budget forecast is the plan from whence all things flow. It is the essential asset management tool. Departments have business managers. Records are kept. Down time for repairs, down time combined with cost determine time for replacement. Records support budget recommendations.
Assets are in plain view. In continual use. Even mechanics have a system to ensures tools don't take legs and walk. They own them and the town pays for use thereof.
During the 2003/2006 term a complete inventory of properties was undertaken for the purpose of determining idle parcels in public ownership which should be sold into private ownership and put to work producing tax revenues. It was my motion. The exercise never got off the ground. The night the presentation was planned, every department head was present but no quorum of council.
Aurora is a small town. Assets are relatively few. Tracking them is simple. We have one works division, one parks division, a couple of fire halls, two arenas a couple of recreation complexes. one seniors' Centre , one library and Oh yes! a town hall.
Parks, sports fields and playgrounds are tethered in plain view, and unlikely to disappear. Somebody would notice.
We had a museum once. We don't any more. A software system would not explain how it morphed into a culture centre. There's a grand piano we paid for but it's not ours, so not part of the tally.
I've seen no report to indicate problems with the current operating system.
This report indicates costs will rise with the new software. Right from the beginning. Additional staff, not less,will be needed.
It won't pay for itself, let alone save money.
Supervisors will have to spend several hours a day processing work orders. A task which takes minutes by hand.
Funding for the project was included in the 2011 budget. I did not support it.
I pointed out then the 2011 budget followed direction set by the previous council.
I suggested new members, including the Mayor had failed to understand the message that saw their predecessors unceremoniously booted out of office.
An airy-fairy bland acceptance of half a million dollar expenditure, without a problem needing to be fixed ,offering nothing but additional costs, and verifying no substantive advantage of any kind, might easily be interpreted to mean little has changed in council's understanding
of how a municipality functions and the role of council therein.
On p
Thursday, 3 November 2011
Come With Me To The Casbah
The line needs to be read with a heavy French accent in a deep throaty voice. It's an invitation to follow me in an exercise of reasoning through the channels of my mind.
The last several council agendas have been sparse. Then, from having little to discuss for weeks on end, on Tuesday, several substantive issues were tabled for attention.
There ought to be a better way of spacing things to give town business the time and opportunity it deserves.
Argument for the purpose of persuasion consumes energy. By the time we got to the ninth item on Tuesday my available resources were exhausted.
The recommendation was not acceptable to me. Half a million dollars plus expenditure for a software program did not sit well.
No business case was made. No problem or need for improvement to current operations identified.
No indication was provided of savings anticipated. Or greater efficiencies to be achieved.
Quite the opposite in fact.
I declared opposition without an accompanying argument. Notifying my intent to pursue the issue prior to a decision being made.
In response,one after another council members declared their support for the recommendation based on private business practice.
"Welcome to the twentieth century" said the Mayor.
" Actually It's the twenty-first " pointed out the chair.
I pointed out the obvious difference between public and private business.
Private business uses private money. A council on the other hand spends money that doesn't belong to us. It belongs to the people.
Unwise, profligate spending in private business,frequently results in a visit from the bailiff. Bankruptcy proceedings usually ensue. In specific cases incarceration might result.
Equally reckless spending of public funds generally results in dipping deeper into taxpayers' pockets.
In turn, they tend to take exception to the practice. There's a leaning towards accountability.
Meaningless reference to private business echoed around the table, accompanied by a jingo exhortation to get with the program,tend not to serve the proponents well when push comes to shove..
The last several council agendas have been sparse. Then, from having little to discuss for weeks on end, on Tuesday, several substantive issues were tabled for attention.
There ought to be a better way of spacing things to give town business the time and opportunity it deserves.
Argument for the purpose of persuasion consumes energy. By the time we got to the ninth item on Tuesday my available resources were exhausted.
The recommendation was not acceptable to me. Half a million dollars plus expenditure for a software program did not sit well.
No business case was made. No problem or need for improvement to current operations identified.
No indication was provided of savings anticipated. Or greater efficiencies to be achieved.
Quite the opposite in fact.
I declared opposition without an accompanying argument. Notifying my intent to pursue the issue prior to a decision being made.
In response,one after another council members declared their support for the recommendation based on private business practice.
"Welcome to the twentieth century" said the Mayor.
" Actually It's the twenty-first " pointed out the chair.
I pointed out the obvious difference between public and private business.
Private business uses private money. A council on the other hand spends money that doesn't belong to us. It belongs to the people.
Unwise, profligate spending in private business,frequently results in a visit from the bailiff. Bankruptcy proceedings usually ensue. In specific cases incarceration might result.
Equally reckless spending of public funds generally results in dipping deeper into taxpayers' pockets.
In turn, they tend to take exception to the practice. There's a leaning towards accountability.
Meaningless reference to private business echoed around the table, accompanied by a jingo exhortation to get with the program,tend not to serve the proponents well when push comes to shove..
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
A Couple of Things. One Positive.. One not
Council directed a plan be formulated for public review of the traffic calming plan in the north-east quadrant.
Last night a staff recommendation was considered.
For $4,750, a contract with the consultant who designed the plan, to review consequences of the plan he designed, was recommended to council
My first reaction when I read it was; so....council has authority to direct staff .... but if we have the temerity to do so, it's gonna cost.
My second was why would we give the job of critiquing consequences of the plan to the plan's designer?
I was saved from myself.
Councillor Thompson took up the cudgels. He had asked questions previously and determined town staff would in fact be doing all the work. That always happens with consultants.
The councillor argued forty-seven hundred and fifty dollars was not a large sum but it was too large considering.
The director offered it would provide an impartial analysis.
It was anything but an impartial process that got the infernal project approved in the first place.
I recalled an explosion from the Director of Public Works, when I kept poking at it with a pointy stick:
"It's not a Public Works project. We take no responsibility for it"
Council had appointed a consultant to meet with complaining residents to come up with a plan that would silence their complaints. The plan would create quiet lay-bys in the hub of an urban centre. Their intention was to enjoy the peace of an isolated backwater along with the convenience of being at the heart of things.
When the plan was presented to the outgoing council of 2003/6, the estimate was $100,000. It was approved and referred for budget consideration. After the election.
The new council, five inexperienced members, included the plan in the new budget.
Specifications were prepared. Estimates for the project were refined to $80,000.
Bids came in. The price had zoomed to $211.000.
Initial reaction from some Councillors ... "Oh My God, we can't pay that"
After horrendous pressure, orchestrated by Mormac and friends, Councillors capitulated under the stress. The contract was approved.
It was probably the most successful effort to attract tourism our town has ever seen. People came to gawk at what had been wrought by the town.
Millions spent to re-construct public rights of way and concurrently, a quarter of million to create sufficient obstructions to defeat the purpose. .
Some residents of the neighbourhood were compelled to drive around the block to gain access to their homes.
Anyway, the public are now to have an opportunity to tell council what they want done with the monstrosity.
I believe they want the chicanes gone and closed and one -way streets to become a thing of our disgraceful past.
Outraged and inconvenienced citizens are to be given a second chance to reverse the perversion.
Safe and efficient movement of traffic can be returned.
Spread the word.
Don't wait for questionnaires.
Flood the town hall with your comments.
Make sure not to be drowned out a second time.
Last night a staff recommendation was considered.
For $4,750, a contract with the consultant who designed the plan, to review consequences of the plan he designed, was recommended to council
My first reaction when I read it was; so....council has authority to direct staff .... but if we have the temerity to do so, it's gonna cost.
My second was why would we give the job of critiquing consequences of the plan to the plan's designer?
I was saved from myself.
Councillor Thompson took up the cudgels. He had asked questions previously and determined town staff would in fact be doing all the work. That always happens with consultants.
The councillor argued forty-seven hundred and fifty dollars was not a large sum but it was too large considering.
The director offered it would provide an impartial analysis.
It was anything but an impartial process that got the infernal project approved in the first place.
I recalled an explosion from the Director of Public Works, when I kept poking at it with a pointy stick:
"It's not a Public Works project. We take no responsibility for it"
Council had appointed a consultant to meet with complaining residents to come up with a plan that would silence their complaints. The plan would create quiet lay-bys in the hub of an urban centre. Their intention was to enjoy the peace of an isolated backwater along with the convenience of being at the heart of things.
When the plan was presented to the outgoing council of 2003/6, the estimate was $100,000. It was approved and referred for budget consideration. After the election.
The new council, five inexperienced members, included the plan in the new budget.
Specifications were prepared. Estimates for the project were refined to $80,000.
Bids came in. The price had zoomed to $211.000.
Initial reaction from some Councillors ... "Oh My God, we can't pay that"
After horrendous pressure, orchestrated by Mormac and friends, Councillors capitulated under the stress. The contract was approved.
It was probably the most successful effort to attract tourism our town has ever seen. People came to gawk at what had been wrought by the town.
Millions spent to re-construct public rights of way and concurrently, a quarter of million to create sufficient obstructions to defeat the purpose. .
Some residents of the neighbourhood were compelled to drive around the block to gain access to their homes.
Anyway, the public are now to have an opportunity to tell council what they want done with the monstrosity.
I believe they want the chicanes gone and closed and one -way streets to become a thing of our disgraceful past.
Outraged and inconvenienced citizens are to be given a second chance to reverse the perversion.
Safe and efficient movement of traffic can be returned.
Spread the word.
Don't wait for questionnaires.
Flood the town hall with your comments.
Make sure not to be drowned out a second time.
The Unanswerable
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A Battle Lost":
"Finally he noted the Armories at the corner of Mosely Park would soon be vacated and expressed confidence Larmont Street residents would no doubt be glad when that happened".
So what was the plan for this building , does the Town have the right to use it or is this too a breach of national security , Maybe its was included in the deal , and the farmers market will be able to use it throughout the winter
**********
If there was an understanding about future use of this building, it was not shared with this member of Council.
Of particular interest in the commanding officer's smooching on Tuesday was his reference to our building as "The Armouries"
The property is leased for a ten years Does the comment reveal a clause that entitles them to an automatic continuation of the lease, which in turn allows them to refer to a building they do not own as "The Armouries"
Or does the limit of the lease mean that in ten years, there will no longer be a drill shed in Aurora ?
Or does someone up there envisage a time when conventional forces are no longer the answer to modern warfare, which is terrorism?
I doubt that scenario, considering the multi -million dollar contract just awarded to build four submarines which experts say will be obsolete by the time they are built.
The structure at the corner of Mosely Park is a barn, better known as a drill shed. No doubt, there are practical reasons why the militia are moving. Especially when they were able to get a fine building. secure yard, paved parking lot and good curb appeal for rent less than the cost pf maintenance which we are told, as landlords is our responsibility.
Fort York Armouries on Front Street in Toronto is the Rangers real bailiwick. Historical artifacts of the regiment are displayed there. the ceremonial activities are focused in that space. It will be a snowy day in hell before they abandon that location.nbsp; The shed in Aurora is little more than a hang-out for the locals.off-site storage for vehicles and a place to provide a cadet program.
Former Mayor Tim Jones indicated some time ago that while he was in office, the effort was to persuade the Department of National Defence to purchase land from the town for a new facility.
Plans to move have obviously been in the wind for a very long time considering the speed at which government moves.
All I know is, if the building was too expensive and no longer practical for the Federal government to maintain, it will be no bargain for the municipality either.
The location would be great for a number of purposes. If it's not affordable for the government, it's not likely affordable for the Farmers' Market or any other purpose that can easily be contemplated.
So,don't get your hopes up. Even though I unerstand it will take five yeasr before the feds decide what to do with it.
Most obvious from all of this is, the community was badly served by the Faustian deal. We will be eating it with our tax bill for the next ten years.
We was robbed.
A question has been asked "How do we fix it?"
We don't. It's not fixable
What you read in this space is a combination of conclusions drawn by myself from facts as I know them.
Council has asked for a report giving dates to establish exactly when this deal was concluded , whether it was amended . if so, when and an explanation of how that was authorised.
I've no doubt the report will be provided and all will be revealed.
Whether or not we can get out of it at this stage of the game is unlikely, even if we had the stomach for it.
I am not in awe of the militia but they're decent people with good intentions and part of the community and I certainly would not suggest we backtrack on a commitment they entered into in good faith.
So. why talk about it?
Well, because I think you need to know.
Good things happen in government and bad things too. Hopefully the good outweighs the bad.
Ultimately, because we have the freedom to exercise individual judgment in choosing our elected representative, we are also obliged to suffer the consequences of our collective decision.
If we don't learn from our mistakes we are doomed to repeat them.
"Finally he noted the Armories at the corner of Mosely Park would soon be vacated and expressed confidence Larmont Street residents would no doubt be glad when that happened".
So what was the plan for this building , does the Town have the right to use it or is this too a breach of national security , Maybe its was included in the deal , and the farmers market will be able to use it throughout the winter
**********
If there was an understanding about future use of this building, it was not shared with this member of Council.
Of particular interest in the commanding officer's smooching on Tuesday was his reference to our building as "The Armouries"
The property is leased for a ten years Does the comment reveal a clause that entitles them to an automatic continuation of the lease, which in turn allows them to refer to a building they do not own as "The Armouries"
Or does the limit of the lease mean that in ten years, there will no longer be a drill shed in Aurora ?
Or does someone up there envisage a time when conventional forces are no longer the answer to modern warfare, which is terrorism?
I doubt that scenario, considering the multi -million dollar contract just awarded to build four submarines which experts say will be obsolete by the time they are built.
The structure at the corner of Mosely Park is a barn, better known as a drill shed. No doubt, there are practical reasons why the militia are moving. Especially when they were able to get a fine building. secure yard, paved parking lot and good curb appeal for rent less than the cost pf maintenance which we are told, as landlords is our responsibility.
Fort York Armouries on Front Street in Toronto is the Rangers real bailiwick. Historical artifacts of the regiment are displayed there. the ceremonial activities are focused in that space. It will be a snowy day in hell before they abandon that location.nbsp; The shed in Aurora is little more than a hang-out for the locals.off-site storage for vehicles and a place to provide a cadet program.
Former Mayor Tim Jones indicated some time ago that while he was in office, the effort was to persuade the Department of National Defence to purchase land from the town for a new facility.
Plans to move have obviously been in the wind for a very long time considering the speed at which government moves.
All I know is, if the building was too expensive and no longer practical for the Federal government to maintain, it will be no bargain for the municipality either.
The location would be great for a number of purposes. If it's not affordable for the government, it's not likely affordable for the Farmers' Market or any other purpose that can easily be contemplated.
So,don't get your hopes up. Even though I unerstand it will take five yeasr before the feds decide what to do with it.
Most obvious from all of this is, the community was badly served by the Faustian deal. We will be eating it with our tax bill for the next ten years.
We was robbed.
A question has been asked "How do we fix it?"
We don't. It's not fixable
What you read in this space is a combination of conclusions drawn by myself from facts as I know them.
Council has asked for a report giving dates to establish exactly when this deal was concluded , whether it was amended . if so, when and an explanation of how that was authorised.
I've no doubt the report will be provided and all will be revealed.
Whether or not we can get out of it at this stage of the game is unlikely, even if we had the stomach for it.
I am not in awe of the militia but they're decent people with good intentions and part of the community and I certainly would not suggest we backtrack on a commitment they entered into in good faith.
So. why talk about it?
Well, because I think you need to know.
Good things happen in government and bad things too. Hopefully the good outweighs the bad.
Ultimately, because we have the freedom to exercise individual judgment in choosing our elected representative, we are also obliged to suffer the consequences of our collective decision.
If we don't learn from our mistakes we are doomed to repeat them.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
A Battle Lost
Not the only.one. The ten year rental of a relatively new industrial building for $139,000. which had to be vacated by the parks department, which badly needed the space, was a battle I lost.
It could have been sold to realise the asset of several million dollars to add to the hydro reserve. Since construction,it had accommodated twenty seven- employees and could have done so again.
Sold into the private sector,assessment revenue would have been upwards of $100.000 a year.
Power Stream agreed to rent it for a year after they bought our hydro corpooration. Then they did a moonlight flit with a month's notice .Because they were not required to sign a lease, they were able to skip without penalty.
The building became vacant prior to the 2006 election. Mayoralty candidate Nigel Kean immediately proposed it be used as a teen centre. Mayoralty candidate Tim Jones agreed..
I believed it should be sold immediately. We had just lost twenty-seven jobs in the community. The property was several acres in size and set up perfectly for a move-in operation. Instead it became a pingpong ball during the election which was won by neither candidate. But between them they got two thousand more votes than the one who did.
For four years after, no decision was made about disposition of the building. It was added to an inventory of buildings, excess to our needs, of under-utilised space , in need of hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs and occupying land of tremendous value.
Then in 2010, again prior to an election, an announcement was made about successful lease negotiation with the Department of National Defence. The Mayor announced "The Kiddies" would now have a place to be.
At or after the election, the announcement was made the lease had been signed by the Minister of National Defence.
Weeks went by. No sign of life in the building. A couple of hundred thousand tax dollars were spent on "repairs" and installation of a sprinkler system.That pretty well wiped out the first year and a half of rent.
No recommendation for the spending ,no authority given and no indication which budget was charged with the expenditure.
A new council took over. Still no signs of occupation. In March during budget discussion,I asked where the rental revenue would show up. We were informed there had been no rent until February.
An item appeared in 2011 Capital budget of $200,000 for repairs and upkeep to the building. Because as landlords we are responsible.
Rent $139,000. Upkeep $200,000. Instead of millions in the bank and upwards of $100,000 in tax revenue and twenty seven jobs. The deal looked less attractive by the minute.
Terms of the lease were discovered to be a matter of national security. Council could not have access.
Word went around, the agreement had been amended by the former Mayor after the election and her removal from office.
All town contracts must be signed by the Mayor and the Clerk. An amendment by one party would not have the force of law.
Several weeks ago, I requested the CAO provide a chronology of dates of signatures relating to the lease. The information was to be forthcoming.
It has not.
On Tuesday , the commanding officer of Queen's York Rangers came to council during public forum and provided an update of circumstances. He brought greetings from the Rangers. Expressed sincere appreciation to Council for town support of the regiment and especially for members serving abroad.
He said they had not moved into "the armories" because of how long it takes to get permission from National Department of Public Works for changes to the building. Finally he noted the Armories at the corner of Mosely Park would soon be vacated and expressed confidence Larmont Street residents would no doubt be glad when that happened.
As noted above,I have asked for a chronology of signing dates related to the ten year lease of a town property to the Department of National Defense. The information has still not been provided.
I guess when explanations might be difficult, it's a good thing to create a climate to make it palatable or not needed at all.
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.
It's the death of trust.
On Saturday night , I watched Michael Moore, the American film-maker and activist on CNN . He is spokesperson for the Occupy movement in California.
Indicating people behind him, he stated ; "we have all participated in the system. We have helped candidates get elected. Only to find they are no better than the ones they defeated. They are all employees of capitalism"
"We are not doing that any more" he said. "We have started our own movement"
On Sunday, I watched Noam Chomsky an American Professor of Linguistics present a lecture to the University of Toronto at Hart House, in April this year..
He expounded how conservative governments, Democrats not far behind Republicans, manipulate to create consequences to serve their capitalist agendas.Namely,privatization of public services and assets.
I never would have thought, I would have to deal with anything like that in the Town of Aurora.
It could have been sold to realise the asset of several million dollars to add to the hydro reserve. Since construction,it had accommodated twenty seven- employees and could have done so again.
Sold into the private sector,assessment revenue would have been upwards of $100.000 a year.
Power Stream agreed to rent it for a year after they bought our hydro corpooration. Then they did a moonlight flit with a month's notice .Because they were not required to sign a lease, they were able to skip without penalty.
The building became vacant prior to the 2006 election. Mayoralty candidate Nigel Kean immediately proposed it be used as a teen centre. Mayoralty candidate Tim Jones agreed..
I believed it should be sold immediately. We had just lost twenty-seven jobs in the community. The property was several acres in size and set up perfectly for a move-in operation. Instead it became a pingpong ball during the election which was won by neither candidate. But between them they got two thousand more votes than the one who did.
For four years after, no decision was made about disposition of the building. It was added to an inventory of buildings, excess to our needs, of under-utilised space , in need of hundreds of thousands of dollars in repairs and occupying land of tremendous value.
Then in 2010, again prior to an election, an announcement was made about successful lease negotiation with the Department of National Defence. The Mayor announced "The Kiddies" would now have a place to be.
At or after the election, the announcement was made the lease had been signed by the Minister of National Defence.
Weeks went by. No sign of life in the building. A couple of hundred thousand tax dollars were spent on "repairs" and installation of a sprinkler system.That pretty well wiped out the first year and a half of rent.
No recommendation for the spending ,no authority given and no indication which budget was charged with the expenditure.
A new council took over. Still no signs of occupation. In March during budget discussion,I asked where the rental revenue would show up. We were informed there had been no rent until February.
An item appeared in 2011 Capital budget of $200,000 for repairs and upkeep to the building. Because as landlords we are responsible.
Rent $139,000. Upkeep $200,000. Instead of millions in the bank and upwards of $100,000 in tax revenue and twenty seven jobs. The deal looked less attractive by the minute.
Terms of the lease were discovered to be a matter of national security. Council could not have access.
Word went around, the agreement had been amended by the former Mayor after the election and her removal from office.
All town contracts must be signed by the Mayor and the Clerk. An amendment by one party would not have the force of law.
Several weeks ago, I requested the CAO provide a chronology of dates of signatures relating to the lease. The information was to be forthcoming.
It has not.
On Tuesday , the commanding officer of Queen's York Rangers came to council during public forum and provided an update of circumstances. He brought greetings from the Rangers. Expressed sincere appreciation to Council for town support of the regiment and especially for members serving abroad.
He said they had not moved into "the armories" because of how long it takes to get permission from National Department of Public Works for changes to the building. Finally he noted the Armories at the corner of Mosely Park would soon be vacated and expressed confidence Larmont Street residents would no doubt be glad when that happened.
As noted above,I have asked for a chronology of signing dates related to the ten year lease of a town property to the Department of National Defense. The information has still not been provided.
I guess when explanations might be difficult, it's a good thing to create a climate to make it palatable or not needed at all.
Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.
It's the death of trust.
On Saturday night , I watched Michael Moore, the American film-maker and activist on CNN . He is spokesperson for the Occupy movement in California.
Indicating people behind him, he stated ; "we have all participated in the system. We have helped candidates get elected. Only to find they are no better than the ones they defeated. They are all employees of capitalism"
"We are not doing that any more" he said. "We have started our own movement"
On Sunday, I watched Noam Chomsky an American Professor of Linguistics present a lecture to the University of Toronto at Hart House, in April this year..
He expounded how conservative governments, Democrats not far behind Republicans, manipulate to create consequences to serve their capitalist agendas.Namely,privatization of public services and assets.
I never would have thought, I would have to deal with anything like that in the Town of Aurora.
Monday, 31 October 2011
Who Dat?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "I Do Not Forget":
"OK. What am I missing here ? ... the Town owns the historical collection"
That's what you're missing. The collection is the property of the Aurora Historical Society NOT the Town.
**********
Ownership of the collection is a canard that keeps being tossed out from the shadows into the melee.
I have heard numerous references; Nobody knows where it is. It's just a bunch of junk picked up at yard sales and donated because it might be part of town history.
At one point, the town received a financial report from the Historical Society,noting town responsibility to pay $12,000 for a year for storage of the collection.
The town was not pursued for payment. Probably because the town was providing a grant of $50,000 a year while there was no museum and no collection to curate and display.
We were angrily informed once, the curator had nothing to do with the town either being entirely the employee of the historical Society.The Society's curator now has the title of manager/curator.
The claim of ownership always comes up with the question of the missing museum.
No name is attached to the claim. The statement is never challenged.Therefore in the absence, it would appear to be accord with the Society's position.
There is never a point made with the claim.
Does it mean, if the collection is not owned by the town, it's not the town's business.
If the town doesn't own the collection does the town (Councillor Buck) have the right to speak about its stewardship?
We hear about talks going on between the Historical Society and the Culture Centre Board .... for two years already. The Historical Society is represented on the board. What is that about?
Still the collection is in storage. A sort of limbo. Bearing the stigma no doubt. of absent parentage. Destined to be seen only in glimpses in the facility built to receive it. Brought out of boxes on certain days, to be dusted off and given a number for a purpose yet to be identified.
Out of the depths and shadows comes the regular rumble."Butt out of our business.Buck,the collection is ours "
I reply.....Who are you sir? Are you spokesperson for the Historical Society?
Reveal yourself and your intention.
Are you friend of the museum?
Or just foe of the Church Street School museum?
Hands have been stretched out these many years to receive largesse straight from the pockets of ye old town taxpayers?
There was never an argument about ownership of the collection when the town provided millions to build a state of the art museum and over almost thirty years, a cool million and a half, towards the salary of a curator and free space for the museum as well.
No sepulchral voice cried out from the wilderness, the museum is none of the town's business while money fell like manna from heaven to feed the multitude that which they desired.
When all's said and done, it would be helpful to know the Historical Society is a friend of the Church Street School museum ?
Could they therefore be persuaded to disassociate from the spurious claim of ownership of artifacts that clearly belong to the community and not to some puffed- up anonymity hidden in the hedge making scary noises.
"OK. What am I missing here ? ... the Town owns the historical collection"
That's what you're missing. The collection is the property of the Aurora Historical Society NOT the Town.
**********
Ownership of the collection is a canard that keeps being tossed out from the shadows into the melee.
I have heard numerous references; Nobody knows where it is. It's just a bunch of junk picked up at yard sales and donated because it might be part of town history.
At one point, the town received a financial report from the Historical Society,noting town responsibility to pay $12,000 for a year for storage of the collection.
The town was not pursued for payment. Probably because the town was providing a grant of $50,000 a year while there was no museum and no collection to curate and display.
We were angrily informed once, the curator had nothing to do with the town either being entirely the employee of the historical Society.The Society's curator now has the title of manager/curator.
The claim of ownership always comes up with the question of the missing museum.
No name is attached to the claim. The statement is never challenged.Therefore in the absence, it would appear to be accord with the Society's position.
There is never a point made with the claim.
Does it mean, if the collection is not owned by the town, it's not the town's business.
If the town doesn't own the collection does the town (Councillor Buck) have the right to speak about its stewardship?
We hear about talks going on between the Historical Society and the Culture Centre Board .... for two years already. The Historical Society is represented on the board. What is that about?
Still the collection is in storage. A sort of limbo. Bearing the stigma no doubt. of absent parentage. Destined to be seen only in glimpses in the facility built to receive it. Brought out of boxes on certain days, to be dusted off and given a number for a purpose yet to be identified.
Out of the depths and shadows comes the regular rumble."Butt out of our business.Buck,the collection is ours "
I reply.....Who are you sir? Are you spokesperson for the Historical Society?
Reveal yourself and your intention.
Are you friend of the museum?
Or just foe of the Church Street School museum?
Hands have been stretched out these many years to receive largesse straight from the pockets of ye old town taxpayers?
There was never an argument about ownership of the collection when the town provided millions to build a state of the art museum and over almost thirty years, a cool million and a half, towards the salary of a curator and free space for the museum as well.
No sepulchral voice cried out from the wilderness, the museum is none of the town's business while money fell like manna from heaven to feed the multitude that which they desired.
When all's said and done, it would be helpful to know the Historical Society is a friend of the Church Street School museum ?
Could they therefore be persuaded to disassociate from the spurious claim of ownership of artifacts that clearly belong to the community and not to some puffed- up anonymity hidden in the hedge making scary noises.
Sunday, 30 October 2011
I Do Not Forget
*******
A special invitation to Councillor Evelyn Buck
A special invitation to Councillor Evelyn Buck
The Aurora Cultural Centre and the Aurora Historical Society
warmly invite you to the launch of
Faces of War
Fine Art Exhibition
and
Lest We Forget: War & Remembrance
Images and Artifacts from The Aurora Collection
****
I am the grand-daughter and daughter of two women who lost sons in the first and second world wars.
I know horrifying details of the deaths of James Diamond and Patrick Finnigan at twenty-two and twenty one years old.
I have and will hold the memory of my mother's and grandmother's grief, in my heart all the days of my life.
As they did
Every time I read or hear of another son or daughter killed in Afghanistan or wherever they are sent,I relive that grief.
I have five sons,two daughters.
And conviction
War is not glorious. Neither is it victorious.
Memorials in towns cities and villages remind us, with the names of children who paid with an awful death, the terrible price of war.
Memorials built after the First World War and the Second do not celebrate war.
They remind us of carnage, grief and loss.
History records.
Records do not legitimize the causes of war.
There is no nobility.
Only evil and stupidity.
********
Since starting this blog, my opinion on war and its consequences have been clear. I don't harp on it but followers cannot fail to have understood where I come from on this topic.
Since the home of the Aurora museum was stolen out from under us, culture centre staff have
hosted several presentations.
The Aurora Temperance movement has been highlighted.
The Ontario Provincial Police have provided a glimpse into their history.
The militia has had their turn.
Now the Culture Centre and the Aurora Historical Society is offering, for our enjoyment, a lecture and presentation of images and artifacts of war.
I have received a special invitation to attend.
I will not.
I will not enter that building until the Aurora Museum is restored to its rightful place.
To engage the community with the history of the positive, progressive,confident,small settlement which laid the foundations and principles of a place to grow and prosper in this small corner of the world.
I know horrifying details of the deaths of James Diamond and Patrick Finnigan at twenty-two and twenty one years old.
I have and will hold the memory of my mother's and grandmother's grief, in my heart all the days of my life.
As they did
Every time I read or hear of another son or daughter killed in Afghanistan or wherever they are sent,I relive that grief.
I have five sons,two daughters.
And conviction
War is not glorious. Neither is it victorious.
Memorials in towns cities and villages remind us, with the names of children who paid with an awful death, the terrible price of war.
Memorials built after the First World War and the Second do not celebrate war.
They remind us of carnage, grief and loss.
History records.
Records do not legitimize the causes of war.
There is no nobility.
Only evil and stupidity.
********
Since starting this blog, my opinion on war and its consequences have been clear. I don't harp on it but followers cannot fail to have understood where I come from on this topic.
Since the home of the Aurora museum was stolen out from under us, culture centre staff have
hosted several presentations.
The Aurora Temperance movement has been highlighted.
The Ontario Provincial Police have provided a glimpse into their history.
The militia has had their turn.
Now the Culture Centre and the Aurora Historical Society is offering, for our enjoyment, a lecture and presentation of images and artifacts of war.
I have received a special invitation to attend.
I will not.
I will not enter that building until the Aurora Museum is restored to its rightful place.
To engage the community with the history of the positive, progressive,confident,small settlement which laid the foundations and principles of a place to grow and prosper in this small corner of the world.
Saturday, 29 October 2011
There May Be A Point Here
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Can't Find The Comment":
They cannot understand that you take pleasure,
sometimes even joy, when they take themselves so
very seriously. People don't like to be considered
amusing when they are trying to impress themselves
and others.
***************
I think my reader may hit the nail. The problem may lie within ourselves, dear Brutus, The fact we are on camera at all times, councillors may be worried about building and maintaining an image.
Even Councillor Pirri occasionally takes it upon himself to lecture in my direction.
He is young but not to be taken lightly. He is intelligent. Works hard. Does his own legwork and is determined to do the best job possible. We are frequently on side.
But I cannot deny, in moments when he seeks to advise from his great breadth of experience,, I have an impulse is to squash him like a long bug.
I don't of course. Respect begets respect. Discipline is hard to shed. Certainly in the council chamber. The electors' choice must be respected.
Notwithstanding, small and large barbs shot across the table are collected and stored. A politician who doesn't understand defence does not enjoy the game.
*****************
Leaves left on the maple tree above my head are a luminous gold. Most have fallen already.
My neighbour's tree is still mostly green. I think it's a scion of my tree.
I used to be sad when the leaves fell. But no more.
In a matter of weeks, they will be back; full, fresh, and green with summer once again stretching ahead
And who knows what excitement in between.
They cannot understand that you take pleasure,
sometimes even joy, when they take themselves so
very seriously. People don't like to be considered
amusing when they are trying to impress themselves
and others.
***************
I think my reader may hit the nail. The problem may lie within ourselves, dear Brutus, The fact we are on camera at all times, councillors may be worried about building and maintaining an image.
Even Councillor Pirri occasionally takes it upon himself to lecture in my direction.
He is young but not to be taken lightly. He is intelligent. Works hard. Does his own legwork and is determined to do the best job possible. We are frequently on side.
But I cannot deny, in moments when he seeks to advise from his great breadth of experience,, I have an impulse is to squash him like a long bug.
I don't of course. Respect begets respect. Discipline is hard to shed. Certainly in the council chamber. The electors' choice must be respected.
Notwithstanding, small and large barbs shot across the table are collected and stored. A politician who doesn't understand defence does not enjoy the game.
*****************
Leaves left on the maple tree above my head are a luminous gold. Most have fallen already.
My neighbour's tree is still mostly green. I think it's a scion of my tree.
I used to be sad when the leaves fell. But no more.
In a matter of weeks, they will be back; full, fresh, and green with summer once again stretching ahead
And who knows what excitement in between.
Can't Find The Comment
I received last week contending a councillor who does not agree with a majority decision has the responsibility to explain to the public the "attitude" of those who made the decision.
I think my own attitude might be relevant.
I run for office on the promise, I will exercise my best judgment, communicate constantly and express myself openly and honestly.
I swore my Oath of Office on the same principle
I do that.
I spend considerable time doing it. I probably work as hard as any person in a full-time occupation.
I exult in the new media that provides me the opportunity to be in daily contact with people who elected me and whoever else chooses to read it.
Responsibility to explain the "attitudes" of councillors who arrive at different conclusions to myself ,I did not seek nor did I make a commitment to that end.
If I were compelled to put into words, in a council debate, my understanding of the thought process of others, I would be in breach of a rule of order; the one prohibiting criticism of a councillor or a decision of council.
There are different ways I might describe attitudes of persons who do not think as I do. None of them, during thrust and parry of a substantive argument, likely to be complimentary or the least bit welcome. All of them carrying potential for mayhem and disruption of a council meeting.
That the code made me do it, would be small comfort either to the majority or their friends.
I do not do that.
As long as a councillor can justify his/her decision, I think that's what electors expect.
It worked for me down through the years.
Though I do occasionally wonder,how long a person needs to be successfully engaged to be credited with competence, knowledge and experience?
Is there a factor involved here that's not easily recognisable?
I think my own attitude might be relevant.
I run for office on the promise, I will exercise my best judgment, communicate constantly and express myself openly and honestly.
I swore my Oath of Office on the same principle
I do that.
I spend considerable time doing it. I probably work as hard as any person in a full-time occupation.
I exult in the new media that provides me the opportunity to be in daily contact with people who elected me and whoever else chooses to read it.
Responsibility to explain the "attitudes" of councillors who arrive at different conclusions to myself ,I did not seek nor did I make a commitment to that end.
If I were compelled to put into words, in a council debate, my understanding of the thought process of others, I would be in breach of a rule of order; the one prohibiting criticism of a councillor or a decision of council.
There are different ways I might describe attitudes of persons who do not think as I do. None of them, during thrust and parry of a substantive argument, likely to be complimentary or the least bit welcome. All of them carrying potential for mayhem and disruption of a council meeting.
That the code made me do it, would be small comfort either to the majority or their friends.
I do not do that.
As long as a councillor can justify his/her decision, I think that's what electors expect.
It worked for me down through the years.
Though I do occasionally wonder,how long a person needs to be successfully engaged to be credited with competence, knowledge and experience?
Is there a factor involved here that's not easily recognisable?
Friday, 28 October 2011
Wit And Wisdom..........Stupidity and Corruption.
"The reason Politicians try so hard to get re-elected is that they would 'hate' to have to make a living under the laws they've passed"
*************
The presentation from the region at Tuesday's council meeting,about identifiable risks to the water supply is only the first part of a larger exercise.
It establishes road salt is not a risk. Dry cleaning fluids and other chemicals used in business are. In-ground heating fuel tanks are also a potential problem.
Next steps are for municipalities to amend official plans and zoning bylaws to prohibit or make subject to permit application, the use of the identified substances.
It would be sensible to deduce fertilisers will also be banned or controlled by bureaucrats in planning cubicles throughout the province.
All because under "the common sense revolution" of former Premier Mike Harris of Conservative persuasion. the government decided the Ontario Water Resources Commission which kept our water safe, could be done away with to save money.
Resulting in the deaths of nine people in the Town of Walkerton.
That the deaths were needless is undeniable. That there was honest error is neither valid nor acceptab;e.
That the catastrophe was inevitable under the circumstances is unquestionable.
That it was the result of shallow and terribly unintelligent political decision-making is equally without question.
Did we ever hear the points made in political debate? I don't think so.
Were there well-informed opinion pieces in the press>? I don't recall any.
I am reminded of an advice poster on the wall of a former York Region Medical Officer of Health.
"It's not corruption you have to worry about. It's stupidity"
Now we have a ring-side seat to watch the consequences and cost of that initial act of stupidity and irresponsibility.
All the busy beaver bureaucrats working overtime on the public payroll,clicking furiously on computers to determine where this and that is happening.
Has been happening without consequence for decades.
Must be stopped from happening because of course it's the obvious way to prevent another Walkerton .
The government which took over from the Honourable Mike Harris hasn't thought to restore the Ontario Water Resources Commission and the protection it provided to Ontario residents.
That would be too simple.
It might also acknowledge Provincial responsibility for needless deaths of nine Walkerton residents and misery to countless others.
And we must all rally round do busy work to distract attention from the real problem and "save the government harmless"
And I suspect, watch rates charged by the region for the best quality and supply of water in the province,increase annually for six years to pay for an exercise in phenomenal inconsequentiality.
*************
The presentation from the region at Tuesday's council meeting,about identifiable risks to the water supply is only the first part of a larger exercise.
It establishes road salt is not a risk. Dry cleaning fluids and other chemicals used in business are. In-ground heating fuel tanks are also a potential problem.
Next steps are for municipalities to amend official plans and zoning bylaws to prohibit or make subject to permit application, the use of the identified substances.
It would be sensible to deduce fertilisers will also be banned or controlled by bureaucrats in planning cubicles throughout the province.
All because under "the common sense revolution" of former Premier Mike Harris of Conservative persuasion. the government decided the Ontario Water Resources Commission which kept our water safe, could be done away with to save money.
Resulting in the deaths of nine people in the Town of Walkerton.
That the deaths were needless is undeniable. That there was honest error is neither valid nor acceptab;e.
That the catastrophe was inevitable under the circumstances is unquestionable.
That it was the result of shallow and terribly unintelligent political decision-making is equally without question.
Did we ever hear the points made in political debate? I don't think so.
Were there well-informed opinion pieces in the press>? I don't recall any.
I am reminded of an advice poster on the wall of a former York Region Medical Officer of Health.
"It's not corruption you have to worry about. It's stupidity"
Now we have a ring-side seat to watch the consequences and cost of that initial act of stupidity and irresponsibility.
All the busy beaver bureaucrats working overtime on the public payroll,clicking furiously on computers to determine where this and that is happening.
Has been happening without consequence for decades.
Must be stopped from happening because of course it's the obvious way to prevent another Walkerton .
The government which took over from the Honourable Mike Harris hasn't thought to restore the Ontario Water Resources Commission and the protection it provided to Ontario residents.
That would be too simple.
It might also acknowledge Provincial responsibility for needless deaths of nine Walkerton residents and misery to countless others.
And we must all rally round do busy work to distract attention from the real problem and "save the government harmless"
And I suspect, watch rates charged by the region for the best quality and supply of water in the province,increase annually for six years to pay for an exercise in phenomenal inconsequentiality.
A Morning Smile
Voted
Best Scottish Short Joke
A bloke walks
into a Glasgow library and says to the prim
librarian,
'Excuse me Miss,
dey ye hiv ony books on suicide?'
To
which she stops doing her tasks, looks at him over the top of her glasses and
says,
'Fook off,
ye'll no bring it back!'
Best Scottish Short Joke
A bloke walks
into a Glasgow library and says to the prim
librarian,
'Excuse me Miss,
dey ye hiv ony books on suicide?'
To
which she stops doing her tasks, looks at him over the top of her glasses and
says,
'Fook off,
ye'll no bring it back!'
Thursday, 27 October 2011
And sae The Lord Be Thankitt
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Hey, Look me over...Lend me your ear.":
Oh Dear no. We couldn't have that. Let's point the finger at municipal councillors instead and make them legally liable..
Oh no... council wants the control over a department but not the "legal liability"? Why not? It is council that makes the decisions that ultimately contribute to the quality - or lack of quality of the water. Perhaps the legal liability would force councils to think things through better.
As far as the cost of water.... You get what you pay for. If water quality is ensured... I will pay for it.
****************
I had a conversation with Wendy Kemp this morning. Wendy made the presentation on" risks to water" to council on Tuesday. I needed to clarify a response to a question about road salt. Listeners thought the answer was, we don't use road salt. I knew that wasn't right but I needed to check.
We do use salt. We have to. But apparently not enough to risk the water supply.
I confirmed once again what I knew to be true.
We have an excellent supply of excellent water. The aquifer is way,way down in the earth, separated from the surface by an impermeable layer of clay. It is over four thousand years old.
We have a string of kettle lakes in the area and there's a theory, they are linked by an underground river. Rivers lakes and streams are not created by rain or snow They are spring fed.
We are fortunate. We should be thankful not fearful.
The region is responsible for the supply of water .The town is responsible for its distribution.
Oh Dear no. We couldn't have that. Let's point the finger at municipal councillors instead and make them legally liable..
Oh no... council wants the control over a department but not the "legal liability"? Why not? It is council that makes the decisions that ultimately contribute to the quality - or lack of quality of the water. Perhaps the legal liability would force councils to think things through better.
As far as the cost of water.... You get what you pay for. If water quality is ensured... I will pay for it.
****************
I had a conversation with Wendy Kemp this morning. Wendy made the presentation on" risks to water" to council on Tuesday. I needed to clarify a response to a question about road salt. Listeners thought the answer was, we don't use road salt. I knew that wasn't right but I needed to check.
We do use salt. We have to. But apparently not enough to risk the water supply.
I confirmed once again what I knew to be true.
We have an excellent supply of excellent water. The aquifer is way,way down in the earth, separated from the surface by an impermeable layer of clay. It is over four thousand years old.
We have a string of kettle lakes in the area and there's a theory, they are linked by an underground river. Rivers lakes and streams are not created by rain or snow They are spring fed.
We are fortunate. We should be thankful not fearful.
The region is responsible for the supply of water .The town is responsible for its distribution.
Wednesday, 26 October 2011
Everybody Has A Cross To Bear.
I finished the post and thought; better have some breakfast and go do some shopping. I need brown and white sugar and eggs. I have ginger, flour and molasses. I always think about making ginger snap cookies for Hallowe'en handouts.
It goes back to my childhood in Scotland, when apples, nuts and home made toffee and tablet were handed out. The harvest ritual dated to pagan times but like many others was taken over by the Christians and given a totally different and scary meaning. Holy Souls in Purgatory being punished for sins haunting and reminding us of their need for our prayers.
In England, the Hallowe-en time ritual was Guy Fawkes night. Ginger perkin was the associated sweet. treat, a large flat biscuit with a cracked surface and a white almond in the centre. Ginger snaps are a smaller crispy and sparkly version of a perkin without the nut.
I checked the in mail before I left the computer and found the following. It came in at 12.59 I posted at 11.42
******
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Hey, Look me over...Lend me your ear.":
Oh Dear no. We couldn't have that. Let's point the finger at municipal councillors instead and make them legally liable..
Oh no... council wants the control over a department but not the "legal liability"? Why not? It is council that makes the decisions that ultimately contribute to the quality - or lack of quality of the water. Perhaps the legal liability would force councils to think things through better.
**************
Read that retort again.
Who is it who would feel a political challenge to administrative methodology for calculating water rates would signify a councillor was trying to take over the responsibilities of running a department.?
Who would suggest legal liability would encourage politicians to be more responsible, as opposed to administrative personnel?
I have my own idea.Readers need to come up with their own answers.While you are at it, there's something else to think about;
Included in the calculation for water rates is maintenance of water lines of which there are probably hundred of miles.. Property throughout the town is serviced with water and sewer lines. Parks, schools, public lands,industrial properties and vacant properties .
Stores and buildings have water and sewer lines running past. Like the vacant Thompson's furniture store . The water meter is shut off . Without a water bill, the owner is not paying for the maintenance of water lines or sewer lines either. Yet the lines are being maintained. Who is paying?
Only metered water users are paying for maintenance of water lines and paying for the whole schmeer. All those lines running past vacant industrial lands and buildings. parks, running in from Yonge Street before buildings begin are wholly on the backs on meteredusers.
So....now we have water used by parks and fire department , not measured, not assigned to town budgets and thrown into the calculation of water rates, as water loss.
Maintenance cost of water and sewer lines are not shared .
Properties with private wells don't pay the surcharge along with the rest of us for storm water ponds to improve quality of water of Lake Simcoe which have nothing whatsoever to do with our water supply.
And now, after last night's disclosure of all the messing about by the region , on the relatively simple task of bringing crystal clear pure water , with no manufacturing costs, out of the depths and to our taps,who knows what other goodies are hidden in the mix.
No, sir!!! At the rate I' m paid, I feel no responsibility for how water departments of either the town or the region are being run.
But I damned well have the right to accountability for how it 's done and demand equity in how we pay fot what service.
That's just the cross that will have to be borne at least for another three years.
It goes back to my childhood in Scotland, when apples, nuts and home made toffee and tablet were handed out. The harvest ritual dated to pagan times but like many others was taken over by the Christians and given a totally different and scary meaning. Holy Souls in Purgatory being punished for sins haunting and reminding us of their need for our prayers.
In England, the Hallowe-en time ritual was Guy Fawkes night. Ginger perkin was the associated sweet. treat, a large flat biscuit with a cracked surface and a white almond in the centre. Ginger snaps are a smaller crispy and sparkly version of a perkin without the nut.
I checked the in mail before I left the computer and found the following. It came in at 12.59 I posted at 11.42
******
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Hey, Look me over...Lend me your ear.":
Oh Dear no. We couldn't have that. Let's point the finger at municipal councillors instead and make them legally liable..
Oh no... council wants the control over a department but not the "legal liability"? Why not? It is council that makes the decisions that ultimately contribute to the quality - or lack of quality of the water. Perhaps the legal liability would force councils to think things through better.
**************
Read that retort again.
Who is it who would feel a political challenge to administrative methodology for calculating water rates would signify a councillor was trying to take over the responsibilities of running a department.?
Who would suggest legal liability would encourage politicians to be more responsible, as opposed to administrative personnel?
I have my own idea.Readers need to come up with their own answers.While you are at it, there's something else to think about;
Included in the calculation for water rates is maintenance of water lines of which there are probably hundred of miles.. Property throughout the town is serviced with water and sewer lines. Parks, schools, public lands,industrial properties and vacant properties .
Stores and buildings have water and sewer lines running past. Like the vacant Thompson's furniture store . The water meter is shut off . Without a water bill, the owner is not paying for the maintenance of water lines or sewer lines either. Yet the lines are being maintained. Who is paying?
Only metered water users are paying for maintenance of water lines and paying for the whole schmeer. All those lines running past vacant industrial lands and buildings. parks, running in from Yonge Street before buildings begin are wholly on the backs on meteredusers.
So....now we have water used by parks and fire department , not measured, not assigned to town budgets and thrown into the calculation of water rates, as water loss.
Maintenance cost of water and sewer lines are not shared .
Properties with private wells don't pay the surcharge along with the rest of us for storm water ponds to improve quality of water of Lake Simcoe which have nothing whatsoever to do with our water supply.
And now, after last night's disclosure of all the messing about by the region , on the relatively simple task of bringing crystal clear pure water , with no manufacturing costs, out of the depths and to our taps,who knows what other goodies are hidden in the mix.
No, sir!!! At the rate I' m paid, I feel no responsibility for how water departments of either the town or the region are being run.
But I damned well have the right to accountability for how it 's done and demand equity in how we pay fot what service.
That's just the cross that will have to be borne at least for another three years.
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