Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A Crystal Ball":
This blog appears to re-use/recycle same old ideas/insults/accusations.
Nothing new/enlightening/positive can exist in such an entrenched culture.
Pity.
**************
The blog acquires new readers all the time.They do not read " re-used/re-cycled same old ideas"
Retelling is my way of emphasizing the dastardly deeds of the past. Carving them in stone.
Ensuring they are understood from whatever new context presents.
Warning against repetition.
A chronicle is not a collection of " insults and accusation". It just seems like that. Because the last council was a house of horrors. Except for what they did behind closed doors, it was on view for all to see. All I did and still do is provide pointers.
I make no apology. If and when required, I will keep doing it.
Unfortunately politicians are inclined to the same tendencies. Such as trying to be all things to all people. Many constituents demand it. But it's the opposite of why this council was elected.
Taking the easy way out rather than the road less travelled won't cut it.
The well-worn path easily becomes a slippery slope.
I find myself slipping into the dialogue of a Woody Allen/ Diane Keaton movie I watched in the wee small hours one night last week. It was entirely, endlessly cliche delivered in a serious mien typical of the two. Hilarious and ridiculously compelling.
Now that I have indulged myself maybe I can go back to being normal.
Saturday, 21 January 2012
Friday, 20 January 2012
Aurora Winter Blues Festival
For Your Infomation
Please find a link to information on the Aurora Winter Blues Festival taking place on Saturday February 25th at 7:30pm at Theatre Aurora. Some of the proceeds raised will go towards the Aurora Food Pantry and a "youth in music program". The show will also feature young musicians from York Region.
http://www.aurorawinterbluesfestival.ca/Aurora_Winter_Blues_Festival/AWBF_Home.html
Please find a link to information on the Aurora Winter Blues Festival taking place on Saturday February 25th at 7:30pm at Theatre Aurora. Some of the proceeds raised will go towards the Aurora Food Pantry and a "youth in music program". The show will also feature young musicians from York Region.
http://www.aurorawinterbluesfestival.ca/Aurora_Winter_Blues_Festival/AWBF_Home.html
A Crystal Ball
Jamie Young is the former Mayor of East Gwillimbury. He didn't run in the last election. He said he wanted to spend more time with his family. Jamie was young when first elected. Still young when he retired. Not much time to make a mark.
He has been hosting a panel show on Cable television for several months.
Last week's show could have been interesting .
An editor-in-chief and a couple of reporters formed the panel.The first question was communication within municipal administrations.It led to the question of whether elected officials were being sidelined.
Neither a reporter nor an editor could have had more than an impression to contribute to the topic. But they did. Consensus led by the editor- in- chief seemed to be, professional staff expertise meant anything attempted by an elected official would be interference in the smooth operation of the town's business.
Coming from print media. I thought... AHA.... that explains why the newspaper isn't. It's not about bias, it's about a complete political vacuum.
The host was clearly frustrated. The issue demanded discussion. But he couldn't get a foot or a finger hold.
He complained about trouble finding anyone willing to talk .
He didn't ask me but I'm not sure I would have accepted. Panel discussions are a free-for-all. I don't like fighting to get a word in edgewise. I also like to be able to complete a thought.
Still, he never asked.
But I felt for Jamie.
Under his leadership, East Gwillimbury passed a Code of Conduct. The Mayor and a veteran Councillor were first and only persons complained about. I believe by the CAO, no less.
Municipal Law expert, George Rust D'Eye was retained by the municipality and advised the two would have a conflict of interest if they participated in the discussion. He also advised them to retain legal counsel.
They did. At their own expense.
East Gwillimbury was in chaos for weeks while legal bills were wracked up.
In the end, people filled the council chamber and said, in effect;
Enough of this damned nonsense. Mayor and Marlene get back to work. We will replace the trees that were cut and make sure everything is made right.
The Mayor and Marlene did as bid. The remaining three councillors were glad to have the situation resolved. They obviously had no clue how to get out of the jackpot created.
The CAO demurred, there was still a complaint to answer but no attention was paid and council resumed its function. Whatever else occurred behind the scenes remained there.
The story never really made headlines.
Jamie Young finished the term and did not run again.
I know only what I've seen on television. He demonstrates intelligence. His smile reaches his eyes.He clearly needs to talk about the situation. But he picked the wrong panel.
In the last program hosted, he brought forward the question of authority of elected officials versus appointed. It didn't get off the ground.
He isn't there this week. I caught a glimpse of the program last night. Host and theme escape me.
I wonder, does the editor-in-chief of York Region's news group who seems to believe elected officials should be subservient to professional expertise of appointed officials and a Code of Conduct , despite our experience, should be de rigeur, knows something I do not.
Is hers a view shared by the populace at large.
Is it the change critics claim, I have failed to grasp.
Has our right to govern ourselves slipped through our fingers from failure to take hold?
Next week, our current budget deliberations may provide some insight..
.
He has been hosting a panel show on Cable television for several months.
Last week's show could have been interesting .
An editor-in-chief and a couple of reporters formed the panel.The first question was communication within municipal administrations.It led to the question of whether elected officials were being sidelined.
Neither a reporter nor an editor could have had more than an impression to contribute to the topic. But they did. Consensus led by the editor- in- chief seemed to be, professional staff expertise meant anything attempted by an elected official would be interference in the smooth operation of the town's business.
Coming from print media. I thought... AHA.... that explains why the newspaper isn't. It's not about bias, it's about a complete political vacuum.
The host was clearly frustrated. The issue demanded discussion. But he couldn't get a foot or a finger hold.
He complained about trouble finding anyone willing to talk .
He didn't ask me but I'm not sure I would have accepted. Panel discussions are a free-for-all. I don't like fighting to get a word in edgewise. I also like to be able to complete a thought.
Still, he never asked.
But I felt for Jamie.
Under his leadership, East Gwillimbury passed a Code of Conduct. The Mayor and a veteran Councillor were first and only persons complained about. I believe by the CAO, no less.
Municipal Law expert, George Rust D'Eye was retained by the municipality and advised the two would have a conflict of interest if they participated in the discussion. He also advised them to retain legal counsel.
They did. At their own expense.
East Gwillimbury was in chaos for weeks while legal bills were wracked up.
In the end, people filled the council chamber and said, in effect;
Enough of this damned nonsense. Mayor and Marlene get back to work. We will replace the trees that were cut and make sure everything is made right.
The Mayor and Marlene did as bid. The remaining three councillors were glad to have the situation resolved. They obviously had no clue how to get out of the jackpot created.
The CAO demurred, there was still a complaint to answer but no attention was paid and council resumed its function. Whatever else occurred behind the scenes remained there.
The story never really made headlines.
Jamie Young finished the term and did not run again.
I know only what I've seen on television. He demonstrates intelligence. His smile reaches his eyes.He clearly needs to talk about the situation. But he picked the wrong panel.
In the last program hosted, he brought forward the question of authority of elected officials versus appointed. It didn't get off the ground.
He isn't there this week. I caught a glimpse of the program last night. Host and theme escape me.
I wonder, does the editor-in-chief of York Region's news group who seems to believe elected officials should be subservient to professional expertise of appointed officials and a Code of Conduct , despite our experience, should be de rigeur, knows something I do not.
Is hers a view shared by the populace at large.
Is it the change critics claim, I have failed to grasp.
Has our right to govern ourselves slipped through our fingers from failure to take hold?
Next week, our current budget deliberations may provide some insight..
.
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Timely Intervention
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "What Do They Say":
Don't ever banish them from the blog entirely Evelyn. Let them do themselves in with their own words.
Somewhere, John Stuart Mill is smiling.
*****************
Thank you for your input. I have struggled with that decision. I rejected a comment I received before your own this morning. I've retrieved it. Not that it elevates any of us. Quite the opposite.
But I also think it doesn't deserve protection and most people familiar with the cast of characters will recognize that one.
John Stuart Mill is a familiar name. Now I will have to read what he had to say.
**********************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "What Do They Say":
Ha Ha Ha - Brilliant!
Bullshit makes the world go 'round and "Our Town and Its Business" is a huge supplier of same.
***********************
Don't ever banish them from the blog entirely Evelyn. Let them do themselves in with their own words.
Somewhere, John Stuart Mill is smiling.
*****************
Thank you for your input. I have struggled with that decision. I rejected a comment I received before your own this morning. I've retrieved it. Not that it elevates any of us. Quite the opposite.
But I also think it doesn't deserve protection and most people familiar with the cast of characters will recognize that one.
John Stuart Mill is a familiar name. Now I will have to read what he had to say.
**********************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "What Do They Say":
Ha Ha Ha - Brilliant!
Bullshit makes the world go 'round and "Our Town and Its Business" is a huge supplier of same.
***********************
Contradiction In Terms
We are still in the throes of budget. We have heard everything we need to from staff. It is time for Council members to make decisions.. To that end, I proposed each member prepare a list of items in the draft budget, we cannot support. The idea appeared to be acceptable. It wasn't a motion .It's not on the record.
It is how the budget was left on Monday evening.
On Tuesday evening, we had a couple of recommendations that relate to the budget.
One was advice from the Heritage Advisory Committee to approve a demolition permit for the George Browning house on Yonge Street.
Second was from staff to approve creation of two estate lots in the Elderberry Hill subdivision, the neighbourhood previously represented by S.W.A.T. a Ratepayers' Association.
Three votes opposed the demolition permit. The house is an eyesore. It stands empty,bedraggled and a blight on the street scape for the past several years.The owners planned a Montessori School on the site. Neighbours opposed the proposed access, recommended by staff, from a rear lane shared by all .and unbeknownst to the town but owned by the town .
Years have passed. Finally the project is at the point of movement.
The result will undoubtedly be a property currently receiving all municipal services; water, sewer,police protection,fire protection,snow plowing, parks,library; all the wonderful services provided by the Region of York including, I believe $270,000 a year salary for the chairperson. and contributing minimally to its share of the cost, will finally shoulder its share of the tax burden.
The difference in our tax base could potentially tally millions..
The owners followed all required steps in the process. Paid all fees Retained professionals to design plans and make presentations at multiple meetings .All for the privilege of investing resources in the Town of Aurora.
In every sense and reference, they are investors/stakeholders/clients/taxpayers and customers of the Town of Aurora.
The draft budget includes a couple of items related to a new "Customer Service" plan not requested by anyone but recommended by staff. Kinda like the Culture Centre.
We already have a manager of the new service.There's $120,000 in the budget to change the phone service to accommodate the plan. I believe another $200,000 is related. .
The second issue at Tuesday"s meeting was similar.. An empty acreage property in Elderberry Hills recommended by staff to be divided into two lots.
Since the subdivision was approved , the parcel has been vacant, producing minimal revenue . Receiving all town services mentioned above except water and sewers. At one time it was thought to have been set aside for a park and marked Open Space.
At some point hence, the municipality accepted cash -in-lieu of a park which freed the land for development.
A public planning meeting has been held. Meetings with neighbours. Work with staff. Experts hired by owner. Many man hours at town expense. . Application fees charged and paid . All steps directed, compliantly followed.
Two homes will range millions of dollars assessment for the town.
The owner also undoubtedly falls into the investor/stakeholder/client, customer/taxpayer class
In the budget, we have a couple of items related to the new "Customer Service" plan recommended by staff. We already have a manager of the new service ..There's $120,000 in the budget to change the phone service to accommodate the plan.I believe another $200,000 item is related. .
On Tuesday night, the evening following budget deliberations, three members of council voted against issuing a demolition permit for the Browning house to the investor/ stakeholder/client/customer/taxpayer of the Town
Councillor Pirri noted his "personal" choice was not to approve demolition.
The majority voted to defer approval of two estate lots in the Elderberry subdivision.
Councillor Gallo reported to Council, two residents had advised him they were not notified of the application. Former Councillor Evalina MacEachern was in the audience with a friend. Ms MacEachern was a leading member of SWAT, a Ratepayers Association. Neither are neighbours of the Elderberry Hills property..Councillor Gallo proposed the item be deferred.
Staff responded there was no problem with a deferral. Council deferred the decision.
In the budget. we have a couple of items related to the new "Customer Service" plan recommended by staff. and adopted by Council.
A manager for customer service has been on the payroll for several months.
$120,000 is in the budget to change phone service to accommodate the new customer service A second item of $200,000 also relates .
Everything is in place, except evidence of a change in recognition of who are the customers of the Town of Aurora.
Not a glimmer or trace of understanding of the makings of a stakeholder,investor,client. taxpayer or customer.
Fees are horrendous. Red tape almost insurmountable. Deferral inevitable with the slightest whisper of opposition.
Customer Service?...A cruel joke.
Nothing but codswallop , meaningless claptrap and the swish of money siphoning down the drain.
It is how the budget was left on Monday evening.
On Tuesday evening, we had a couple of recommendations that relate to the budget.
One was advice from the Heritage Advisory Committee to approve a demolition permit for the George Browning house on Yonge Street.
Second was from staff to approve creation of two estate lots in the Elderberry Hill subdivision, the neighbourhood previously represented by S.W.A.T. a Ratepayers' Association.
Three votes opposed the demolition permit. The house is an eyesore. It stands empty,bedraggled and a blight on the street scape for the past several years.The owners planned a Montessori School on the site. Neighbours opposed the proposed access, recommended by staff, from a rear lane shared by all .and unbeknownst to the town but owned by the town .
Years have passed. Finally the project is at the point of movement.
The result will undoubtedly be a property currently receiving all municipal services; water, sewer,police protection,fire protection,snow plowing, parks,library; all the wonderful services provided by the Region of York including, I believe $270,000 a year salary for the chairperson. and contributing minimally to its share of the cost, will finally shoulder its share of the tax burden.
The difference in our tax base could potentially tally millions..
The owners followed all required steps in the process. Paid all fees Retained professionals to design plans and make presentations at multiple meetings .All for the privilege of investing resources in the Town of Aurora.
In every sense and reference, they are investors/stakeholders/clients/taxpayers and customers of the Town of Aurora.
The draft budget includes a couple of items related to a new "Customer Service" plan not requested by anyone but recommended by staff. Kinda like the Culture Centre.
We already have a manager of the new service.There's $120,000 in the budget to change the phone service to accommodate the plan. I believe another $200,000 is related. .
The second issue at Tuesday"s meeting was similar.. An empty acreage property in Elderberry Hills recommended by staff to be divided into two lots.
Since the subdivision was approved , the parcel has been vacant, producing minimal revenue . Receiving all town services mentioned above except water and sewers. At one time it was thought to have been set aside for a park and marked Open Space.
At some point hence, the municipality accepted cash -in-lieu of a park which freed the land for development.
A public planning meeting has been held. Meetings with neighbours. Work with staff. Experts hired by owner. Many man hours at town expense. . Application fees charged and paid . All steps directed, compliantly followed.
Two homes will range millions of dollars assessment for the town.
The owner also undoubtedly falls into the investor/stakeholder/client, customer/taxpayer class
In the budget, we have a couple of items related to the new "Customer Service" plan recommended by staff. We already have a manager of the new service ..There's $120,000 in the budget to change the phone service to accommodate the plan.I believe another $200,000 item is related. .
On Tuesday night, the evening following budget deliberations, three members of council voted against issuing a demolition permit for the Browning house to the investor/ stakeholder/client/customer/taxpayer of the Town
Councillor Pirri noted his "personal" choice was not to approve demolition.
The majority voted to defer approval of two estate lots in the Elderberry subdivision.
Councillor Gallo reported to Council, two residents had advised him they were not notified of the application. Former Councillor Evalina MacEachern was in the audience with a friend. Ms MacEachern was a leading member of SWAT, a Ratepayers Association. Neither are neighbours of the Elderberry Hills property..Councillor Gallo proposed the item be deferred.
Staff responded there was no problem with a deferral. Council deferred the decision.
In the budget. we have a couple of items related to the new "Customer Service" plan recommended by staff. and adopted by Council.
A manager for customer service has been on the payroll for several months.
$120,000 is in the budget to change phone service to accommodate the new customer service A second item of $200,000 also relates .
Everything is in place, except evidence of a change in recognition of who are the customers of the Town of Aurora.
Not a glimmer or trace of understanding of the makings of a stakeholder,investor,client. taxpayer or customer.
Fees are horrendous. Red tape almost insurmountable. Deferral inevitable with the slightest whisper of opposition.
Customer Service?...A cruel joke.
Nothing but codswallop , meaningless claptrap and the swish of money siphoning down the drain.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
What Do They Say
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Fish or Cut Bait":
So, to recap: they're wrong, you're right. Got it.
Posted 4.05p.m.
****************************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "You Can Prove Anything With Statistics":
100% correct...
For example 7.20% of the 2010 voters voted for Evelyn Buck... which means 92.8% did not.
Posted 4.09 p.m.
****************************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Underlying Post":
"My humble offering"
*snorts* Yeah, good one!
Posted 4.03 p.m.
****************.
So, to recap: they're wrong, you're right. Got it.
Posted 4.05p.m.
****************************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "You Can Prove Anything With Statistics":
100% correct...
For example 7.20% of the 2010 voters voted for Evelyn Buck... which means 92.8% did not.
Posted 4.09 p.m.
****************************
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Underlying Post":
"My humble offering"
*snorts* Yeah, good one!
Posted 4.03 p.m.
****************.
Fish or Cut Bait
Councillor Gallo frequently calls a point of order by what he considers my staring from the question in debate.
Councillor Pirri is adopting a similar habit.
From their perspcctive I understand their position.
On the oter hand from my perspective, my arguments are quite likely to be wide ranging. Simply. on the basis of knowledge and experience.
I can deliver substantially more support for my arguments in a relatively short time.
On the other hand Councillor Gallo spends a considerable mount of time articulating and tentatively
asking staff to provide him with answers and almost never geting to the point of presenting an argument let alone persuade others as to its merits.
Councillor Pirri is scacely more persuasive . He has little experience in being interrupted in the full flow
of an exhortation. He therefore as no sense of how it is e to be interrupted in full flight of oratory.
One of these days however , if either one ever arrives at the point of discovering the nature of debate, there may be an opportunity to provide them with that experience.
Councillor Pirri is adopting a similar habit.
From their perspcctive I understand their position.
On the oter hand from my perspective, my arguments are quite likely to be wide ranging. Simply. on the basis of knowledge and experience.
I can deliver substantially more support for my arguments in a relatively short time.
On the other hand Councillor Gallo spends a considerable mount of time articulating and tentatively
asking staff to provide him with answers and almost never geting to the point of presenting an argument let alone persuade others as to its merits.
Councillor Pirri is scacely more persuasive . He has little experience in being interrupted in the full flow
of an exhortation. He therefore as no sense of how it is e to be interrupted in full flight of oratory.
One of these days however , if either one ever arrives at the point of discovering the nature of debate, there may be an opportunity to provide them with that experience.
The Underlying Post
It was posted to my personal blog. I have spent an hour, copying and pasting it to the political blog.
It's a labour of love for sure.
Recently, here have been criticism about my disjointed style.
It is not really style. If I decided to take advantage of technology and put these blogs into a book. there would have to be a massive job of editing. I know that.
There comes a point when I have spent several hours on a post ,I have to stop and get other things done
Like showering and dressing and eating breakfast or whatever else is handy at maybe three in the afternoon.
So the finished product is constrained by the exigencies of time.It is what it is. My humble offering.
My contribution to communication of town affairs.
We have a communication department you know. I don't know how many bodies are on there now. We have a person on secondment from the region for twelve weeks managing the division now.
If my offering is not up to the standard expected by any commenter, there is an option.
It's a labour of love for sure.
Recently, here have been criticism about my disjointed style.
It is not really style. If I decided to take advantage of technology and put these blogs into a book. there would have to be a massive job of editing. I know that.
There comes a point when I have spent several hours on a post ,I have to stop and get other things done
Like showering and dressing and eating breakfast or whatever else is handy at maybe three in the afternoon.
So the finished product is constrained by the exigencies of time.It is what it is. My humble offering.
My contribution to communication of town affairs.
We have a communication department you know. I don't know how many bodies are on there now. We have a person on secondment from the region for twelve weeks managing the division now.
If my offering is not up to the standard expected by any commenter, there is an option.
You Can Prove Anything With Statistics
To tell the truth, I am not exactly sure. Its existence was unknown to me until the Planning Director informed me a development application had been referred to the division during the application process.
I was aware there was one at the Region in the CAO's office . Aurora's CAO was its manager prior to appointment here.
But we all know the value of statistics. Anything can be argued ..
The town's last police chief was particularly fond of statistics.
We had a department fourteen strong. There was a murder one year. None the next. According to statistics, that was a hundred per cent reduction in the murder rate.Naturally reduction by one hundred per cent in the murder rate was attributed to excellent police work..
The murder was never solved. Naturally it meant we needed more detectives. Of course, you can't reduce manpower on the streets.That would lead to an increase in the murder rate and other mayhem. Which naturally meant we needed more manpower.
In 2010,water rates were increased by 12%. Water loss estimates were increased from 8% to !2% Which contributed to the increase in water rates.
I asked for numbers of breaks to support the rational for water loss. We spend millions in infrastructure maintenance presumably to avoid water breaks and other water loss. Water loss should therefore have gone down rather than up.. The directors refused to provide the numbers. I was informed they were afraid I would distort the figures.
Recently we received a graph showing numbers of water breaks; an average of eight a year..
We don't fix them ourselves. We contract them out.We contract out snow plowing, sidewalk snow plowing. street sweeping and street light maintenance
We retain consultants to design roads and sidewalks.We have policies we stick to as if they are cast in concrete or chiseled in stone.
Last night committee recommended approval to council ,to call for contracts for sewer uplift pumps and generators.
We buy fleets of vehicles.
In 2010, we bought a street sweeper for $150,000. or maybe it was $184,000 It's hard to keep track of the figures.
When the first snow fell, remains of the autumn leaf drop and other litter were still on the streets and around the catch basins and blowing into surrounding shrubbery.
School children will go out with the Mayor on a Spring day and pick up litter that wasn't removed by town's contracted street sweepers in their second and last sweep of the year.
It seems everything that can be contracted out by public works has been.
It should mean less yard space required. Fewer vehicles. Less shop space.
It doesn't.
A space needs consultant. was retained . He reports the need for additional space to accommodate our continuing burgeoning population of manpower,vehicles and equipment at an estimated cost of $17 million.
It appears contractors we retain to save on manpower, vehicles, equipment and supplies, store their vehicles, equipment and supplies in our yard and possibly use the building's amenities as well. Why wouldn't they?
Harry Fry's dismantled barn is also in the works yard. It was previously stored at the hydro building. We retained a contractor to move it to the works yard when we leased the hydro building to the Department of National Defence under a secret agreement for less rent than we will spend on the building in the first several years of the ten year lease.
There are no plans I know of to re-erect Harry Fry's barn .
We made a developer dismantle it and truck it to the hydro building because it was unique in Ontario, according to the heritage expert on our payroll.
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Something New
Another budget meeting last night. Learned something . Yes indeedy. Us oldies can learn new stuff.
If we can do it when younger, we can do it when we are older as well. Maybe easier..Basic knowledge and understanding tends to expand with great age.
Of course, if aptitude was absent in youth, it won't likely magically appear in old age. That's just a sad fact of reality.
Last night we talked about a process for each to bring forward a list of items in the draft budget that could be struck from the budget without missing a beat.
In times past, budget estimates were a forecast of what might be required . It was not automatic approval for spending. Other than maintaining operations spending still required Council authority.
At the last Economic Development Committee a matter gave me pause.
The committee was asked to endorse a project requiring services of a contract person at a cost of $20,000 for six months work, with possibility to morph into full-time employment.
The Statistics Initiatives Manager advised the program was approved in 2009. He noted there is authority for staff to spend $20,000 without Council approval.
Last night I brought up the issue. There are items of $10,000 in the draft budget I do not support. I noted the CAO has independent authority to spend up to $50,000 and the directors have authority up to $30,000.
It seems, according to the Municipal Act, if an item was approved in a previous budget,staff have the authority to spend half the cost.
There's one for the books.
I see no benefit to taxpayers of a $10,000 membership in some cockamamie Institute for Excellence : $10,000 to the Smart Commute program:. $8,000, for a Platinum Award, a paper certificate in a frame, presented by the Chamber of Commerce, to a local business just for surviving, does not warm the cockles of my heart.
If the majority of Council share the view, we will move to strike these items and others from this budget by a Council with a year's experience under their belts.
Despite Council's determination, it could be, half the money could have already been handed over. by staff.
I'm not saying it has happened. I'm not saying these three items are all that should come out of the budget. I simply point out a change in my understanding of the process.Even as I note it, I do not believe there's intent to deny Council.'s authority.
Still, there it is. A staff person informed me. Staff have the authority.
Methinks this matter deserves attention.
We discovered something else last night. Purpose of the region's wholesale water rate increase is to create a reserve for infrastructure repairs and replacement.
So we pay a 10% increases for water every year from 2010 until 2015, to reduce the tax burden for repairs and replacement that might be needed twenty years from now.
The scary thing is not that we are paying people to sit around in front of computers, pulling off statistics from which to form conclusions twenty years ahead of time and make recommendations to elected bodies
Like that Professor McDiarmid fellow from York University.
But the real horror is holus bolus acceptance of the holus bolus modern concept that it is a fair and equitable concept of taxation.
If we can do it when younger, we can do it when we are older as well. Maybe easier..Basic knowledge and understanding tends to expand with great age.
Of course, if aptitude was absent in youth, it won't likely magically appear in old age. That's just a sad fact of reality.
Last night we talked about a process for each to bring forward a list of items in the draft budget that could be struck from the budget without missing a beat.
In times past, budget estimates were a forecast of what might be required . It was not automatic approval for spending. Other than maintaining operations spending still required Council authority.
At the last Economic Development Committee a matter gave me pause.
The committee was asked to endorse a project requiring services of a contract person at a cost of $20,000 for six months work, with possibility to morph into full-time employment.
The Statistics Initiatives Manager advised the program was approved in 2009. He noted there is authority for staff to spend $20,000 without Council approval.
Last night I brought up the issue. There are items of $10,000 in the draft budget I do not support. I noted the CAO has independent authority to spend up to $50,000 and the directors have authority up to $30,000.
It seems, according to the Municipal Act, if an item was approved in a previous budget,staff have the authority to spend half the cost.
There's one for the books.
I see no benefit to taxpayers of a $10,000 membership in some cockamamie Institute for Excellence : $10,000 to the Smart Commute program:. $8,000, for a Platinum Award, a paper certificate in a frame, presented by the Chamber of Commerce, to a local business just for surviving, does not warm the cockles of my heart.
If the majority of Council share the view, we will move to strike these items and others from this budget by a Council with a year's experience under their belts.
Despite Council's determination, it could be, half the money could have already been handed over. by staff.
I'm not saying it has happened. I'm not saying these three items are all that should come out of the budget. I simply point out a change in my understanding of the process.Even as I note it, I do not believe there's intent to deny Council.'s authority.
Still, there it is. A staff person informed me. Staff have the authority.
Methinks this matter deserves attention.
We discovered something else last night. Purpose of the region's wholesale water rate increase is to create a reserve for infrastructure repairs and replacement.
So we pay a 10% increases for water every year from 2010 until 2015, to reduce the tax burden for repairs and replacement that might be needed twenty years from now.
The scary thing is not that we are paying people to sit around in front of computers, pulling off statistics from which to form conclusions twenty years ahead of time and make recommendations to elected bodies
Like that Professor McDiarmid fellow from York University.
But the real horror is holus bolus acceptance of the holus bolus modern concept that it is a fair and equitable concept of taxation.
Monday, 16 January 2012
Thanks For Asking
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Here's A Thought...or Two":
Okay... I just paid my water bill last night. When will I see a DECREASE in the water bill? Anything short of that will not be considered a success of your cause.
It's fine to get other to pay their share (ie. parks) but unless it gives me a reduction, all you have done in increase the revenue to the Town.
***************
Water rates are fixed at an annual rate. The bill you paid last night would naturally be at last year's rate.The rate will not change until May 1st.
Next year's rates will be increased again because the region is responsible for the wholesale price of water. God Knows what they've included in the calculation. If all regional councillors were so easily persuaded as Aurora's Mayor that" water is a bargain" ain't nobody up there minding the store. .
The town determines how the money is raised to pay the region's bill. That's how all kinds of stuff gets thrown into the rates charged to meter users.
For example. meter users pay maintenance of the distribution system.
The system services the urban area. Vacant properties where meters are disconnected continue to
require servicing . But no bill is issued Cost of maintenance is not shared equally.
Many areas such as parks, wood lots, vacant industrial lots and miles of public frontage, receive infrastructure maintenance. No share is contributed to the cost.
Water and sewers create an urban municipality. All residents enjoy the amenities. All residents should share the common costs of providing them. Infrastructure maintenance is a common cost.
Currently only meter users pay.
That's not equitable.
It allows the tax rate to be artificially deflated by loading the water rate.
That's not competent.
Neither is it honest.
The same principle applies to maintenance of storm water ponds, which is the surcharge on the water bill. Meter users pay the whole cost .
I do not expect the commenter above to be persuaded by logic. The intent of the comment is clear.
But I'm glad the question was asked because the issue is not resolved.
Until it is, I too will consider the effort only partially successful.
Okay... I just paid my water bill last night. When will I see a DECREASE in the water bill? Anything short of that will not be considered a success of your cause.
It's fine to get other to pay their share (ie. parks) but unless it gives me a reduction, all you have done in increase the revenue to the Town.
***************
Water rates are fixed at an annual rate. The bill you paid last night would naturally be at last year's rate.The rate will not change until May 1st.
Next year's rates will be increased again because the region is responsible for the wholesale price of water. God Knows what they've included in the calculation. If all regional councillors were so easily persuaded as Aurora's Mayor that" water is a bargain" ain't nobody up there minding the store. .
The town determines how the money is raised to pay the region's bill. That's how all kinds of stuff gets thrown into the rates charged to meter users.
For example. meter users pay maintenance of the distribution system.
The system services the urban area. Vacant properties where meters are disconnected continue to
require servicing . But no bill is issued Cost of maintenance is not shared equally.
Many areas such as parks, wood lots, vacant industrial lots and miles of public frontage, receive infrastructure maintenance. No share is contributed to the cost.
Water and sewers create an urban municipality. All residents enjoy the amenities. All residents should share the common costs of providing them. Infrastructure maintenance is a common cost.
Currently only meter users pay.
That's not equitable.
It allows the tax rate to be artificially deflated by loading the water rate.
That's not competent.
Neither is it honest.
The same principle applies to maintenance of storm water ponds, which is the surcharge on the water bill. Meter users pay the whole cost .
I do not expect the commenter above to be persuaded by logic. The intent of the comment is clear.
But I'm glad the question was asked because the issue is not resolved.
Until it is, I too will consider the effort only partially successful.
Here's A Thought...or Two
Anonymous @ 15 January, 2012 12:19 PM said....
"There is no point nagging and repeating ourselves here."
You must be new to this blog.
=========================
No kidding. The water rates battle went no where so this is the new cause of the Ev-ites.
This is just another swipe at rubbing the MorMacs' nose in it. What everyone here forgets is that these deals were done withing the legal mandate that the council of the day had. When are we going to stop trying to reverse every MorMac initiative and start doing what needs to be done and govern this Town?
********************
I posted this and the last comment to illustrate:
I have related a first lesson on Council. I watched a veteran councillor relate inaccurate information to a resident and realised something profound.
The exchange was not about how poorly the councillor understood. It was about how well he understood, how little the resident understood and how easy it was to misinform.
It is the opposite of trust and respect.
The comment I've printed is in the same genre.
Despite everything said in the last three years about flawed methodology for calculating water rates. Despite that this year, water used by the parks department will be charged to the parks budget. instead of to meter users. The commenter above still insists nothing has changed. .
Yet change was accomplished. Community understanding and reaction made it happen..
For two years and more my arguments about water rates were dismissed as "semantics" by the administration.
The Mayor compounded disrespect by offering the comment, "water is the best bargain we have"
An accusation was made against me in public by a staff member and supported by others until the record was produced and proved it false.
It was aooarently considered acceptable because neither the Mayor nor fellow councilllors gave much sign of understanding the issue. There was no move to stay a second 12% increase in water rates in two years.
Though, it has not evolved as it should, the charge to parks for water used by that department , is acknowledgment of the fact the town has consistently overcharged meter users for untold years.
It is not yet fixed.
But that is no longer the main problem.
It took an unnecessary and entirely inappropriate public clash between an elected official and the appointed administration to compel the correction.
There was inefficiency. Disrespect. Arrogance. And a profound lack of judgement for all to witness.
A deficit was also in the chair, to see it coming and head it off.
Has it contributed to public trust, confidence and propriety ?
Though it is part of their legacy, we are not talking now about Mormac .
Ignorance prevails.
The more things change, the more they remain the same.
"There is no point nagging and repeating ourselves here."
You must be new to this blog.
=========================
No kidding. The water rates battle went no where so this is the new cause of the Ev-ites.
This is just another swipe at rubbing the MorMacs' nose in it. What everyone here forgets is that these deals were done withing the legal mandate that the council of the day had. When are we going to stop trying to reverse every MorMac initiative and start doing what needs to be done and govern this Town?
********************
I posted this and the last comment to illustrate:
I have related a first lesson on Council. I watched a veteran councillor relate inaccurate information to a resident and realised something profound.
The exchange was not about how poorly the councillor understood. It was about how well he understood, how little the resident understood and how easy it was to misinform.
It is the opposite of trust and respect.
The comment I've printed is in the same genre.
Despite everything said in the last three years about flawed methodology for calculating water rates. Despite that this year, water used by the parks department will be charged to the parks budget. instead of to meter users. The commenter above still insists nothing has changed. .
Yet change was accomplished. Community understanding and reaction made it happen..
For two years and more my arguments about water rates were dismissed as "semantics" by the administration.
The Mayor compounded disrespect by offering the comment, "water is the best bargain we have"
An accusation was made against me in public by a staff member and supported by others until the record was produced and proved it false.
It was aooarently considered acceptable because neither the Mayor nor fellow councilllors gave much sign of understanding the issue. There was no move to stay a second 12% increase in water rates in two years.
Though, it has not evolved as it should, the charge to parks for water used by that department , is acknowledgment of the fact the town has consistently overcharged meter users for untold years.
It is not yet fixed.
But that is no longer the main problem.
It took an unnecessary and entirely inappropriate public clash between an elected official and the appointed administration to compel the correction.
There was inefficiency. Disrespect. Arrogance. And a profound lack of judgement for all to witness.
A deficit was also in the chair, to see it coming and head it off.
Has it contributed to public trust, confidence and propriety ?
Though it is part of their legacy, we are not talking now about Mormac .
Ignorance prevails.
The more things change, the more they remain the same.
Sunday, 15 January 2012
Check This Out
Council received the following this week.
Newmarket wants input for a Culture Map
Newmarket wants input for a Culture Map
You can take survey online
Newmarket wants your opinion for its first cultural mapping project.
The town wants to know what you consider Newmarket’s most important cultural resources.
Cultural mapping is an important step in moving culture forward and following the cultural master plan, Mayor Tony Van Bynen said.
Identifying cultural assets will support economic and community development initiatives that will result in an extensive database of cultural assets and shape future economic development within the community, he added.
The survey will help the town identify and document its cultural assets, such as arts and heritage organizations, cultural occupations, industries, stories and traditions.
After the information is collected, a cultural database will be created and mapped out using an interactive mapping tool. Residents and visitors will have access to the tool.
Arts and culture are integral parts of creating a vibrant and prosperous community, Ward 7 Councillor Chris Emanuel said. “Community feedback is an essential component to help us identify our rich and lively cultural resources as a starting point for creating cultural capital.”
In May 2011, recreation director Ian McDougall explained the mapping project, also known as A Sense of Culture, will be built using a satellite map of the community and have layers built on top of the images. He predicted users will be able to see the past, present and future of culture in the town.
The project is intended to be integrated with social media for timely, interactive updates, become a one-stop-shop for local cultural resources, be the basis of a cultural report card and play a role in providing data to support decisions on how to best attract, encourage and support cultural activity, pushing further development of the town’s cultural master plan.
The entire project comes with a price tag of $120,000, with $43,935 being covered by a provincial creative communities prosperity fund grant. The remainder of the cost is allocated to the minor hardware upgrade and municipal staff hours that will be logged creating the map.
You can take an online survey to provide feedback.
The town plans to hold a public forum to gather more input Feb. 2 at town hall, 395 Mulock Dr.
The map is expected to hit the town’s website this summer.
The town wants to know what you consider Newmarket’s most important cultural resources.
Cultural mapping is an important step in moving culture forward and following the cultural master plan, Mayor Tony Van Bynen said.
Identifying cultural assets will support economic and community development initiatives that will result in an extensive database of cultural assets and shape future economic development within the community, he added.
The survey will help the town identify and document its cultural assets, such as arts and heritage organizations, cultural occupations, industries, stories and traditions.
After the information is collected, a cultural database will be created and mapped out using an interactive mapping tool. Residents and visitors will have access to the tool.
Arts and culture are integral parts of creating a vibrant and prosperous community, Ward 7 Councillor Chris Emanuel said. “Community feedback is an essential component to help us identify our rich and lively cultural resources as a starting point for creating cultural capital.”
In May 2011, recreation director Ian McDougall explained the mapping project, also known as A Sense of Culture, will be built using a satellite map of the community and have layers built on top of the images. He predicted users will be able to see the past, present and future of culture in the town.
The project is intended to be integrated with social media for timely, interactive updates, become a one-stop-shop for local cultural resources, be the basis of a cultural report card and play a role in providing data to support decisions on how to best attract, encourage and support cultural activity, pushing further development of the town’s cultural master plan.
The entire project comes with a price tag of $120,000, with $43,935 being covered by a provincial creative communities prosperity fund grant. The remainder of the cost is allocated to the minor hardware upgrade and municipal staff hours that will be logged creating the map.
You can take an online survey to provide feedback.
The town plans to hold a public forum to gather more input Feb. 2 at town hall, 395 Mulock Dr.
The map is expected to hit the town’s website this summer.
*********************************
I mentioned last week how Cathan Schonicker and Mabel Pearson started the Aurora Art Show. They went to Ernie Batson, recreation director and manager of the Aurora Community Centre.
He found space and gave them advice.
The Art Show was held in the auditorium at the community centre. Many months of work and organisation were needed before the Art Show became a reality. It was a labour of love.
We had a Recreation Commission at that time; non- elected citizens with a single representative from council. Who was moi for a term.
We also had an Arena Board of non-elected members. The Library Board was appointed by boards of education .The Mayor was the only. town representative on the Board. The Planning Board
was also appointed with a single councillor. Moi again ..
When the Region was created, boards and commissions were wiped out. Elected representatives were to be responsible for decisions. The library board stayed but eventually members were appointed by council and three members are councillors.
The Board used to be able to demand what they needed. If the town balked, the board could appeal to the Province.
The Arena Board could have continued to operate . The town didn't chose that.
We only had one park and no parks keeper. That changed and kept on changing. Leisure Services Department came being. More facilities were available. The town hall was built with a number of meeting rooms. A writers workshop. A camera club. An Art Gallery,
One night a band was playing . We couldn't hear ourselves in the council chamber.
A little cinder block building was turned over for a theatre.A musical society was formed but quickly amalgamated with Aurora Theatre.
Whatever group formed was fostered and encouraged. We didn't need a Culture Map . for culture to evolve.
Newmaarket was ahead of us with their museum. Our thespians and Newmarket's can hardly be told apart. King Township residents were vigorous participants intheatre productions. I think the Arts group also attracts people from beyond boundaries.
The culture community thrives. With support, not interference, from the town.. Plays. musicals, art shows, pottery sales and exhibitions are offered . Audiences come.
I'm not even talking about contributions of the Church community.
The private sector provides tuition in art, music, dance and whatever else the market demands. Leisure Services can organise that as well. at no cost to the treasury. A teacher or instructor comes forward with an idea. Space is provided ,sometimes a little, very little, seed money. If demand is there, the idea flies and energy grows
.
.
So how does it suddenly become the meat of a study. A political bonanza.
I suspect something like the Smart Commute arrangement. For fifty years people have been organising their own car-pools. Nothing original about it. Just plain economic necessity.
A couple of years ago it became "energy conservation" and brilliant innovation and a job opportunity
for its proponents.
for its proponents.
If only a couple of municipalities, the region and maybe the Province. could be persuaded to cough up $10,000 each to contribute to the payroll for such a worthy cause, everybody earns kudos.ad some pocket the mula.
At public expense.
What politician can afford to be against energy conservation and other noble stuff like Bullfrog Power.
If it costs money, it has to be worth more ...right?
Think how great it will look on a campaign leaflet.
If it costs money, it has to be worth more ...right?
Think how great it will look on a campaign leaflet.
Yeah! right.
After all, what's $10,000. here and there, for conservation, when you're doling out close to a million for "culture" without an accounting?
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Well, Y'know
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "What's Up Doc":
"It just requires some common sense to bring about the creation of a joint cultural/historical entity"
... and thank you for your common sense in expressing this. It makes such a change from the ill-informed throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bathwater, scorched earth, conspiratorial comments often found here.
Many of those Aurora Citizen refugee commenter seem to be motivated by a vestigial animosity towards the thankfully-defeated MorMac administration. Their opposition to the Cultural Centre is completely misdirected if they're making some spurious connection to that gratefully-ended era in our town's history.
An accommodation arrangement is the way forward, not always looking back and fighting old battles - especially ones that have nothing to do with current operations.
*****************
Those of us who have been around awhile fully realise the common sense of the joint operation concept for the Church Street School building. It is not only commonsense, it is the original concept.
I welcome the comment but let me say, there is no misdirection here and connection to the Mormac regime is by no means spurious.
I don't think commenters to this blog are refugees from the Aurora Citizen. Numbers indicate readers are increasing steadily and comments are directed to the posts.
Anger is justified. The fight is not over. Involvement in this cause and others is good for the state of democracy in Aurora. Politicians and bureaucracy ignore it at their peril.
At some point along the way I will illustrate how Aurora's government structure was re-organised with the effect of marginalising council and placing all power in the hands of Mormac through a hand-picked administration
A situation to his liking discovered by an incoming inexperienced Mayor,who knew no better.
******************.
I have an idea for pseudonyms to take the place of posting time of comments.
Instead of anonymous...how about bird names :
Bluebird,Redbird, Goldfinch Cardinal
Blackbird, Redwing, Chickadee, Hawk
Woodpecker, Bobolink, ,Sparrow, Oriole
Hummingbird, dragonfly,Butterfly, Monarch,
Cricket And Cicada
The names would serve a dual purpose. They would remind us during winter that Spring is just ahead.
"It just requires some common sense to bring about the creation of a joint cultural/historical entity"
... and thank you for your common sense in expressing this. It makes such a change from the ill-informed throw-the-baby-out-with-the-bathwater, scorched earth, conspiratorial comments often found here.
Many of those Aurora Citizen refugee commenter seem to be motivated by a vestigial animosity towards the thankfully-defeated MorMac administration. Their opposition to the Cultural Centre is completely misdirected if they're making some spurious connection to that gratefully-ended era in our town's history.
An accommodation arrangement is the way forward, not always looking back and fighting old battles - especially ones that have nothing to do with current operations.
*****************
Those of us who have been around awhile fully realise the common sense of the joint operation concept for the Church Street School building. It is not only commonsense, it is the original concept.
I welcome the comment but let me say, there is no misdirection here and connection to the Mormac regime is by no means spurious.
I don't think commenters to this blog are refugees from the Aurora Citizen. Numbers indicate readers are increasing steadily and comments are directed to the posts.
Anger is justified. The fight is not over. Involvement in this cause and others is good for the state of democracy in Aurora. Politicians and bureaucracy ignore it at their peril.
At some point along the way I will illustrate how Aurora's government structure was re-organised with the effect of marginalising council and placing all power in the hands of Mormac through a hand-picked administration
A situation to his liking discovered by an incoming inexperienced Mayor,who knew no better.
******************.
I have an idea for pseudonyms to take the place of posting time of comments.
Instead of anonymous...how about bird names :
Bluebird,Redbird, Goldfinch Cardinal
Blackbird, Redwing, Chickadee, Hawk
Woodpecker, Bobolink, ,Sparrow, Oriole
Hummingbird, dragonfly,Butterfly, Monarch,
Cricket And Cicada
The names would serve a dual purpose. They would remind us during winter that Spring is just ahead.
Friday, 13 January 2012
Never Fear...Evelyn's Here
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "What's Up Doc":
This is like shooting fish in a barrel. But a shiver of doubt drifts to the surface. Is it OK to become a part-time bully if your excuse is to take out full-time bullies ?
**********************
Nobody is being shot. Vigorous opinion is being expressed on a political issue.We do that too in Aurora. It's part of what makes the community real. One could say without risk of contradiction, it's part of Aurora's culture.
I've been doing it for half a century. Not myself alone. A succession of Aurora residents have put pen to paper and sent brusque letters to the editor expounding on every idea that beset them for more years than I can remember.
The difference now is modern technology. It makes communication and publication possible in an instant.
It allows free exchange without risking friendships, clients or jobs.
It might better if people identified themselves. But they don't and that's O.K. It's better than labouring under the delusion people don't care.
When jet flights were invented. The world became a smaller place. Distance became a question of time.
When the internet was developed, the community shrank to a keyboard and monitor. It continues to evolve.
Tell people what's going on, about taxes, fairness, being open and sensible, then we discover how much people care. They will talk and they will demand and when the moment arrives they will act.
I have never personally experienced a moment of fear in Aurora. I've been elected and I've been defeated. Being elected is better. But I've never been afraid to risk being defeated. I never had to pretend to be something I am not.
This is like shooting fish in a barrel. But a shiver of doubt drifts to the surface. Is it OK to become a part-time bully if your excuse is to take out full-time bullies ?
**********************
Nobody is being shot. Vigorous opinion is being expressed on a political issue.We do that too in Aurora. It's part of what makes the community real. One could say without risk of contradiction, it's part of Aurora's culture.
I've been doing it for half a century. Not myself alone. A succession of Aurora residents have put pen to paper and sent brusque letters to the editor expounding on every idea that beset them for more years than I can remember.
The difference now is modern technology. It makes communication and publication possible in an instant.
It allows free exchange without risking friendships, clients or jobs.
It might better if people identified themselves. But they don't and that's O.K. It's better than labouring under the delusion people don't care.
When jet flights were invented. The world became a smaller place. Distance became a question of time.
When the internet was developed, the community shrank to a keyboard and monitor. It continues to evolve.
Tell people what's going on, about taxes, fairness, being open and sensible, then we discover how much people care. They will talk and they will demand and when the moment arrives they will act.
I have never personally experienced a moment of fear in Aurora. I've been elected and I've been defeated. Being elected is better. But I've never been afraid to risk being defeated. I never had to pretend to be something I am not.
What's Up Doc
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Budget Is Crunch Time":
isn't there a legal contract that has years to go clr buck?
************
There is indeed a contract .
If Dalton MacGuinty, in the throes of an election , can cancel a multi-million dollar contract for construction of a hydro generating station already underway, the Town of Aurora can cancel a contract for use of a facility when its intended use is not fulfilled. .
What liability do we face?
Should we be required to pay for furniture, glass display cabinets and a grand piano already acquired with public funds ?
Are we in breach of trust.? Did we trust our museum would have its rightful place in the building?
Was the building designed and renovated for the purpose, at a cost of $2.3 million , a campaign to raise funds in the community for the community's museum , a bequest made from commitment toAurora's heritage, $750,000 heritage grant obtained from the federal government for purposes of a museum?
The facts speak for themselves.
If the museum had been located in the building as intended and as the public anticipated , there would not now be a question of whether or not the contract should be upheld.
Failure to uphold the agreement does not rest with the side that provided resources for a museum and culture to co-exist in a single facility.
It rests with the side that obstinately refused to realize that objective.
isn't there a legal contract that has years to go clr buck?
************
There is indeed a contract .
If Dalton MacGuinty, in the throes of an election , can cancel a multi-million dollar contract for construction of a hydro generating station already underway, the Town of Aurora can cancel a contract for use of a facility when its intended use is not fulfilled. .
What liability do we face?
Should we be required to pay for furniture, glass display cabinets and a grand piano already acquired with public funds ?
Are we in breach of trust.? Did we trust our museum would have its rightful place in the building?
Was the building designed and renovated for the purpose, at a cost of $2.3 million , a campaign to raise funds in the community for the community's museum , a bequest made from commitment toAurora's heritage, $750,000 heritage grant obtained from the federal government for purposes of a museum?
The facts speak for themselves.
If the museum had been located in the building as intended and as the public anticipated , there would not now be a question of whether or not the contract should be upheld.
Failure to uphold the agreement does not rest with the side that provided resources for a museum and culture to co-exist in a single facility.
It rests with the side that obstinately refused to realize that objective.
The Budget Is Crunch Time
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "No Skating On The Ponds":
I have a question about Council dynamics, Evelyn, Is it possible that there are enough Councillors trolling the Town and encountering what I am hearing that they could require the Mayor to take action ? He seems to prefer to pussy-foot and this is not a time for that type of behaviour. Nor is why my family supported his bid to become Mayor.We have never asked him for a thing and he seems to only heed those who demand things of him.
Think I'll stick with Anonymous for now.
*************
The 2012 budget will decide whether to continue funding the operation at Church Street School. A motion moved and seconded to remove the funds from the budget, puts the question on the table. Debate ensues. Councillors may or may not state a position but no-one can abstain from voting.
Councillors are not alone at the table. Every interested member of the community has a right to inform them and the Mayor how they want to see the matter proceed.
I think the Mayor is responsive. I also think most Councillors will state their position before they cast a vote.
The community has a part to play.
I have a question about Council dynamics, Evelyn, Is it possible that there are enough Councillors trolling the Town and encountering what I am hearing that they could require the Mayor to take action ? He seems to prefer to pussy-foot and this is not a time for that type of behaviour. Nor is why my family supported his bid to become Mayor.We have never asked him for a thing and he seems to only heed those who demand things of him.
Think I'll stick with Anonymous for now.
*************
The 2012 budget will decide whether to continue funding the operation at Church Street School. A motion moved and seconded to remove the funds from the budget, puts the question on the table. Debate ensues. Councillors may or may not state a position but no-one can abstain from voting.
Councillors are not alone at the table. Every interested member of the community has a right to inform them and the Mayor how they want to see the matter proceed.
I think the Mayor is responsive. I also think most Councillors will state their position before they cast a vote.
The community has a part to play.
The Museum Conversation Continues,,,and So It Should.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Look At The Whole PIcture":
To 10:15pm
Have you noticed that these talks pop up when the heat on the Cultural Center is hottest.
It dose not take a genius to see that long time members of the Historical society have sold out.
If they had not then they would have been screaming when their museum and funding disappeared..
*******
I don't think it's as simple as that. A few weeks ago a message was sent to Society members. It was after the Mayor's resolution ,after private talks he and the CAO had with Society spokespersons about surrendering the collection and possibly responsibility for Hillary House.
The message informed members the Society had been working for the past two years, without success, to restore the museum to its rightful place.
A few weeks after after the grand opening , I became aware the museum was still out of sight. I asked at the Council table when it would be up and running. The former Mayor's eyes slid uneasily from side to side in an amazing manner and my question was referred to the Chief Financial Officer.
Who offered no response.
I had to call the young curator who took Cathie Malloy's place to discover the door had been firmly closed on the museum. The discussion was at a staff level. Not being there when the deal went down, the curator was at a total disadvantage in the talks. Possession is nine-tenths of the law.
I clearly re-call the explanation.
A Museum doesn't make money. The Centre is charged with realizing revenue.
At the same time the new president, who is now the old president, informed Council the Society was withdrawing its commitment to operate the museum, a request for consideration of a budget similar to the Library Board was made.
That was before renovations were completed and after an executive change. The previous executive had negotiated a contract with the town to protect the Society's financial investment . They also demanded Leisure Services be excluded from any responsibility within the building. The contract gave them complete authority to operate the facility. They had held a fund-raising campaign and had a substantial investment in the building.Also abequest to the Historical Society had alredady been invested.
After they withdrew their commitment,they were apparently persuaded to abandon the contract that protected their investment.
Seems unlikely they consulted their lawyer before they agreed to that inexplicable decision. Who was the artful dodger who persuaded them is not known to me at this time.
There have been three presidents since the town resolved to put up the latest $2.3 million dollars to renovate the building. Previous millions had been spent to keep the building standing and the roof intact.
According to the president. who withdrew the commitment, reason for withdrawal was because Society membership was only fifty-nine. I remember being surprised.
Why on the one hand, there was an argument, the Society had insufficient members s to operate the museum but on the other hand, they should receive a budget like the Library Board. Why would there be a need for a budget if the Society wasn't going to operate the museum.
Not for a moment did it occur there had been an agreement there would be no museum.
That it was intended the Hillary House would become the jewel in the crown of the Aurora Historical Society.
It seems clear to me now, there had to have been previous discussion: a commitment made and a commitment withdrawn.But not everyone in on the plan on either side.
Considering how it all turned out, whatever that was thought to be an advantage is obviously long lost.
Les Oliver, probably the longest serving member of the Society, a former pupil of the school, also an original Culture Centre Board member. has written fulsome praise of the current arrangement in a letter to the editor of The Auroran.
I doubt however he was privy to the negotiations.I worked with Mr. Oliver almost fifty years ago on the Local Architecture Conservation Association. He would be the last person to sell out the town's museum.
We have a mystery and I think, a betrayal of trust. Neither is acceptable by anybody's standards.
Whatever the reason, the problem needs to be fixed.
To 10:15pm
Have you noticed that these talks pop up when the heat on the Cultural Center is hottest.
It dose not take a genius to see that long time members of the Historical society have sold out.
If they had not then they would have been screaming when their museum and funding disappeared..
*******
I don't think it's as simple as that. A few weeks ago a message was sent to Society members. It was after the Mayor's resolution ,after private talks he and the CAO had with Society spokespersons about surrendering the collection and possibly responsibility for Hillary House.
The message informed members the Society had been working for the past two years, without success, to restore the museum to its rightful place.
A few weeks after after the grand opening , I became aware the museum was still out of sight. I asked at the Council table when it would be up and running. The former Mayor's eyes slid uneasily from side to side in an amazing manner and my question was referred to the Chief Financial Officer.
Who offered no response.
I had to call the young curator who took Cathie Malloy's place to discover the door had been firmly closed on the museum. The discussion was at a staff level. Not being there when the deal went down, the curator was at a total disadvantage in the talks. Possession is nine-tenths of the law.
I clearly re-call the explanation.
A Museum doesn't make money. The Centre is charged with realizing revenue.
At the same time the new president, who is now the old president, informed Council the Society was withdrawing its commitment to operate the museum, a request for consideration of a budget similar to the Library Board was made.
That was before renovations were completed and after an executive change. The previous executive had negotiated a contract with the town to protect the Society's financial investment . They also demanded Leisure Services be excluded from any responsibility within the building. The contract gave them complete authority to operate the facility. They had held a fund-raising campaign and had a substantial investment in the building.Also abequest to the Historical Society had alredady been invested.
After they withdrew their commitment,they were apparently persuaded to abandon the contract that protected their investment.
Seems unlikely they consulted their lawyer before they agreed to that inexplicable decision. Who was the artful dodger who persuaded them is not known to me at this time.
There have been three presidents since the town resolved to put up the latest $2.3 million dollars to renovate the building. Previous millions had been spent to keep the building standing and the roof intact.
According to the president. who withdrew the commitment, reason for withdrawal was because Society membership was only fifty-nine. I remember being surprised.
Why on the one hand, there was an argument, the Society had insufficient members s to operate the museum but on the other hand, they should receive a budget like the Library Board. Why would there be a need for a budget if the Society wasn't going to operate the museum.
Not for a moment did it occur there had been an agreement there would be no museum.
That it was intended the Hillary House would become the jewel in the crown of the Aurora Historical Society.
It seems clear to me now, there had to have been previous discussion: a commitment made and a commitment withdrawn.But not everyone in on the plan on either side.
Considering how it all turned out, whatever that was thought to be an advantage is obviously long lost.
Les Oliver, probably the longest serving member of the Society, a former pupil of the school, also an original Culture Centre Board member. has written fulsome praise of the current arrangement in a letter to the editor of The Auroran.
I doubt however he was privy to the negotiations.I worked with Mr. Oliver almost fifty years ago on the Local Architecture Conservation Association. He would be the last person to sell out the town's museum.
We have a mystery and I think, a betrayal of trust. Neither is acceptable by anybody's standards.
Whatever the reason, the problem needs to be fixed.
Thursday, 12 January 2012
No Skating On The Ponds
Ice on various ponds is unpredictable and hazardous. Outdoor rinks will be made when temperature permits. For safety sake, don't let the kids skate on the ponds.
The growing conversation in the comment section is great. If I may suggest, it would be easier to follow the exchange if people identified themselves with monickers. I think it would fun to pick a name. Then we can all follow the thread of the discussion.
I don't think it's going to be possible to resolve the problem of having an independent group operating a public facility with public funds without offending the group.
I think we have to do it all the same.
I will not vote to maintain the status quo.
The growing conversation in the comment section is great. If I may suggest, it would be easier to follow the exchange if people identified themselves with monickers. I think it would fun to pick a name. Then we can all follow the thread of the discussion.
I don't think it's going to be possible to resolve the problem of having an independent group operating a public facility with public funds without offending the group.
I think we have to do it all the same.
I will not vote to maintain the status quo.
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