Parry Sounds ~ Ideas and Opinions, In and Around Parry Sound

This is a short preview of the more interesting topics to be addressed at the upcoming Parry Sound Council meeting to be held November 15, 2011, 7:00 PM at the Town Hall, 52 Seguin Street. The full Tuesday agenda is available at the Town of Parry Sound’s (TOPS) website or through this link. More information on the meeting, along with background materials as provided to the Council members, is available at the Parry Sound Library and the Town Hall, Friday afternoons prior to the scheduled meeting. Note that the library is closed Sundays and Mondays.

Interesting and Notable Agenda Items

9.1.1 – Economic Development and Leisure Services is requesting that the matter of the online streaming of Council meetings be deferred.
9.1.2 – Economic Development and Leisure Services is requesting an approval in principle of $40,000 in consulting expenses for the “Big Event” in 2012. It seems “The Big Event”, if approved, will be a hot rod and custom bike show. This will replace the Sports Bike Rally which has been cancelled for 2012.
9.5.2 – Approval of the the Citizen’s Finance Committee public members; William Atwell, Cliff Beagan, Angelika Distler and Perry Harris
Execution of an agreement with CN for automatic gates at the Cascade St. crossing.
9.5.5 – A budget of $3.2 million for the Cascade Street reconstruction and $2.6 million for the reconstruction of Parry Sound Drive, Joseph Street and Mall Drive.

Suggestions for attending Council meetings and letting your voice be heard.

1. The meeting starts at 7:00 sharp. You don’t need to attend the full meeting. There are no breaks, but people regularly slip out of the meeting after their subject of interest is discussed.
2. If you want to present your point of view on any subject there is an opportunity to present a deputation at the start of the meeting. Mayor McGarvey asks the public if they wish to make a deputation at that time. This is the only opportunity at the meeting to express your opinion, even for a topic that is to be discussed later. There is no opportunity to express an opinion once the deputation portion of the meeting passes. There is also no intermission, or recess, where you can speak to a Council member. If you want to discuss something, or express your opinion, you need to do it at the beginning of the meeting.
3. You may also present your position on any town related issue even if it is not on the Council’s agenda. To do this you need to schedule your presentation at least a week before the next Council meeting so that it can be included in the agenda and Council members have an opportunity to review any materials you will be presenting. The person to contact about your presentation is Ms. Jackie Boggs, Deputy Clerk, EA to the CAO and Deputy Treasurer. She can be reach at the town office, 705/746-2101. Shorter, more informal presentations can usually be made as part of the Deputations portion of the meeting.
4. Town Council meetings are pleasant and informal, with the understanding that the audience can only provide their input prior to the meeting, or during the Deputations portion of the meeting.
5. Council meetings are a good opportunity to meet and speak with the Parry Sound local media. The North Star and Moose-FM are always present and happy to speak with those attending the meeting.

I hope this helps. See you at the next meeting.