Tag Archives: Elections

Town of Parry Sound 2018 Election Result Reflections

23 Tuesday Oct 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections, Town Council

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

, ,

Some quick thoughts and numbers from yesterday’s Town of Parry Sound municipal election. The only real surprises to be expected was who the two new councillors would be. I picked one with my vote but not the other. I wish both of them the best of luck.

Here are some numbers from the past three elections that suggest a considerable degree of consistency in terms of the vote totals.

These first two tables summarize the total votes cast and the percent of eligible votes cast for 2010, 2014 and 2018. The percent of eligible votes cast for 2018 is an estimate as I do not have the total number of eligible voters for 2018, but the numbers presented will be very close to the actual.

In almost all respects the voting pattern for 2018 was almost the same as for 2010 and 2014. A little more than 50% of eligible voters actually cast a vote. This is a bit disappointing given that it has become much easier for people to vote in the last two elections.

Once again, a large number of votes for Councillors were not cast, an estimated total of 2,800 votes were withheld by folks who voted for the mayoral candidates. Speaking to a couple of voters I found that one voter chose to vote for two councillors only in hopes of helping their chosen candidates. The other person used only 5 of their 6 possible votes because they did not have a good sense of who else to support.

Councillor Votes

In 2018 once again, 1,000-plus votes was the target for any individual hoping to be elected to Parry Sound Council. This was despite a total of 14 candidates in 2018 versus 11 in 2014 and 10 in 2010. Looking at the chart below the distribution of votes is almost the same for all three years. The difference this year was that the number 3 and 4 elected councillors did so with a lower number of votes relative to the earlier years, 1,000 to 1,100 rather than the 1,200 to 1,400 votes of the past. There is a bit of a message there that the candidates need to understand and act upon if they hope to retain the support of the voters.

This election reinforces my observation in an earlier post that the votes to get elected as a councillor in Parry Sound are there to be captured, at least 2,800 by my estimate, without taking a vote from anyone else. But that takes much more good work than can be accomplished solely with social media and an unspecific promise of change.

The 2018 Race is On – Part 2, What it Takes

23 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections, Town Council

≈ Comments Off on The 2018 Race is On – Part 2, What it Takes

Tags

, , ,

As a follow-up to an earlier post looking at the general numbers of Parry Sound elections, this post looks at what the numbers might be telling us.

The Key to Being Elected? Be known, and respected. You don’t need to be a voter’s first, second, third, fourth or even fifth choice. Being number six on every ballot will not only get you elected – it will make you the top vote getter.

The Numbers – Redux
In a previous post I summarized and offered an analysis of the election results for the past two Parry Sound municipal elections. Here is the link. The key takeaways from that analysis were:

Total Number of Eligible Voters: 4,500 (approximate)
Total Number of Voters Casting Votes: 2,500 (approximate)
Largest Vote Number for an Elected Councillor: 1,700 (approximate)
Smallest Vote Number for an Elected Councillor: 1,000 (approximate)

The bottom line is that to be elected to Parry Sound Council a person has in the past needed to capture about 1,000 votes.

Votes – Used and Unused
Here are estimates related to the votes cast in the past two elections for Parry Sound Council. The table below relates to Council seats not Mayor, and will benefit from some explanation.

Eligible Votes Votes Cast Possible Votes Unused Votes
2010 28,080 11,608 15,366 3,786
2014 27,138 11,028 14,760 3,732

Eligible Votes refers to the number of eligible voters, according to the voting roll, multiplied by six. Six is the number of votes each voter can use to select candidates for Council. You can’t vote for one person six times, but you can vote for up to six separate candidates listed on the ballot.

Votes Cast is the sum of all of the actual votes cast for all of the candidates running for Council in each of the two past elections.

Possible Votes is calculated by multiplying the total number of people who actually voted by six. In 2014 about 2,460 people actually cast a vote. That means there were a total of 14,760 available votes for Council (6 x 2,460). In the end, only 11,028 votes were actually cast for the position of councillor. Some 3,732 votes ‘looking for a candidate’ never found one.

On average, every person who showed up to vote did not use 1.5 of their votes. The average person who actually voted selected between four and five candidates.

Strategic Voting
I have heard the argument that some folks try to get their underdog candidate(s) elected by voting only for them and no one else. The reasoning is that voting for anyone else might unintenionally allow another candidate(s) to accumulate enough votes to defeat your preferred candidates. I don’t think too many people are that strategic in their voting. The average 4.5 votes cast suggests people know who they want and then don’t have an opinion, or even knowledge, of the rest. If there was considerable ‘strategic voting’ that number might be as low as 3 votes per voter.

‘I Know You’ Voting
More likely, in my opinion, is the possibility that you know only four or five of the available candidates and hold them in high regard. You may know a couple of the others, and not like them for any number of reasons. And the rest? You wonder where they came from. Rather than vote your full allotment, you stop at the four or five you know and respect rather than take a chance on an unknown.

Election 2018 – Are You a Name or a Person?
There are a total of 14 individuals running for the position of councillor in Parry Sound. After covering Parry Sound Town Council for about the past 8 years and serving as a volunteer or board member on more than a half dozen local organizations for that same period of time, and regularly reading the North Star/Beacon Star, I recognize only half of the people running for Council. Four of them are current members of Council who I have often spoken with, one candidate I met socially on several occasions, another I met in my role as a member of a community board of directors, and one other I recognize from their running in the last election. Only one of these three made anything close to a positive lasting impression. The other seven are totally unknown to me.

Bottom Line
Want to be elected as a councillor in Parry Sound? Be well known and be known for doing good stuff. With more than 3,000 votes ‘ looking for a home’ you don’t even need to take a vote from someone else to be elected. You just need to be known as a good person. That’s done through years of community participation and the type of work that too often goes unrecognized, until it comes to election time. Getting elected isn’t a project that starts two months before an election solely with slogans and attitude.

In the next post I will outline what it will take to capture one of my two available votes for the position of councillor. The first four are already decided.

 

 

 

 

 

The 2018 Race Is On – 2010 and 2014 Election Redux

09 Sunday Sep 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections, Town Council

≈ Comments Off on The 2018 Race Is On – 2010 and 2014 Election Redux

Tags

, , ,

With the sprouting of election signs in the Town of Parry Sound it’s pretty apparent that municipal elections are not too far away. In a series of weekly posts I’ll take a look at elections past and election impending. In this first post I’ll review some of the numbers from the 2010 and 2014 Town of Parry Sound elections. The numbers in this post have all been publicly released although some now are seemingly hard or impossible to find on the Town’s website.

2010 & 2014 Vote Totals

The Town of Parry Sound election permits registered voters to select one individual for the position of Mayor and to select six individuals to serve on Council. No voter is required to vote for mayor, nor are they required to select as many as six individuals for council.

The table above summarizes the vote totals for 2010 and 2014. The numbers are remarkably similar. Even though e-voting was introduced in 2014 there was no real uptick in the number of individuals who voted. (Note: The Council “Votes Eligible” figures for 2010 and 2014 reflect that it was possible for voters to cast 6 votes each. More on these figures in the next post.)

2014 Votes Segmented

The chart below summarizes 2014 voter participation by age and sex. A quick look at the data reveals that the highest voting participation was in the group of voters between the age of 40 to 89, averaging 60% and above. There is little difference in the participation rate by sex, except for women in their 40s who voted at almost double the rate of men in that same age group.

The chart below summarizes the number of eligible voters in 2014 by age group.

Councillor Voting Results – 2010 and 2014

The two charts below summarize the distribution of votes received by candidates for Town of Parry Sound Council in 2010 and 2014. There is a remarkably smooth drop off in the number of votes and it seems that receiving 1,000 votes is the threshold for election, with 1,200 almost a guarantee of election. This 1,200 vote figure amounts to receiving a vote from 50% of the folks who actually showed up to vote. (Green bars indicate candidates elected.)

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – June 19, 2018

17 Sunday Jun 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ 9 Comments

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

There are a few items on this week’s agenda that caught my attention, and at least one of them had me shaking my head. A bit of commentary precedes the key agenda items.

Closed Session c) – a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Two potential Property Purchases) The Town is looking at acquiring more land. I wonder what’s up. Is it related to a pool complex, the Parry sound Road extension? Let me know if you have some inkling as to where the Town is planning on spending money.

4.2– Seeking payment for damage done when a tree on town property fell on her home. My response is wow. Sometimes is easier to just accept responsibility and move on – but that might create precedent, so deny responsibility. The big organizations can do this because they have the resources to wait out the ‘little people’, (aka the taxpayer). This has to do with a tree branch that fell off a Town tree and pulled down a power line leading to a home. The homeowner is asking the Town to reimburse them for the $900 cost to have the power standard repaired. I am familiar with the situation as it took place in the home across the street from us. After more than 33 pieces of correspondence, and 3 months the claim was denied based on the contention that the tree was healthy and the branch falling down was an act of God. The Town of course proceeded to take the tree down at a cost of about $3,000 by my estimate. There was evidence that the tree was diseased but no one is willing to accept responsibility or declare the tree diseased and a Town responsibility, especially the Town’s insurer. I have attached the full correspondence thread from the agenda package through this link (40 pages). It’s a not very artful example of ‘passing the buck’. The buck it seems stops with the taxpayer.

9.1.1 – Façade Improvement Program Recommendations.There is quite a bit being invested by the Town in improving business signage.

Closed Session

  1. a) the security of property of the municipality or local board. (Boundary Matter)
    b) personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees. (Internal Staff Issue)
    c) a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land for municipal or local board purposes. (Two potential Property Purchases)

Correspondence

4.1 – Richard and Marilyn Mooder. 16 Rosetta Street. Concerns regarding the flushing of wastewater pipes on Rosetta in 2017 as part of the annual maintenance and how it effected their house.

4.2 – Elaine Pelleboer, 7 Redwood Drive. Seeking payment for damage done when a tree on town property fell on her home. Response from Staff provided.

Deputations

5.1 – John Meyer and Teryl Faulkner, Parry Sound Area Active Transportation. Presentation of a proposed Bicycle Route on Bowes Street

5.2 – Brenda Muller of Whispering River Orchestra. Information regarding the Whispering River Orchestra and the search for a new home for the Orchestra in Parry Sound.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Façade Improvement Program Recommendations. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the 2018 Façade Improvement Review Committee, Council approves:
a) 93 James Street (No Ordinary Days) in the amount of $18,606.61;
b) 15 James Street (Bearly Used Books) in the amount of $6,100.00;
c) 10 Bowes Street (Sound Ideas Audiology) in the amount of $2,875.00; and
d) 25 Mary Street (Parry Sound Bikes) in the amount of $12,418.39.
And further that Agreement Letters be drafted and executed by the successful applicants.

9.1.2 – Consent Application – B 14/2018 (PS) (Downing) – 8 Edward Street. Resolution. That Consent Application No. B14/2018 (PS) (Downing) – 8 Edward Street, be supported subject to a condition which requires an easement over the drainage course in favour of the Town; and That the owner of 8 Edward Street be advised that it is their responsibility to restore the drainage course to its original abilities to dispose of stormwater should any drainage issues result from their recent alterations.
Resolution.
That the Mayor and Clerk are authorized to execute the easement documentation. That all legal costs to register the easement be paid for by the Town.

9.1.3 – Council Approved Sign Application – Georgian Bay Airways – Bay St. Resolution. That pursuant to section 3.(4) of the Sign By-law, the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for a sign on the Bay Street road allowance pursuant to the following conditions and variances:
a) The appearance of the sign shall be substantially according to the application,
b) The location of the sign shall be to the satisfaction of the Chief Building Official,
c) The Town reserves the right to remove or relocate the sign on occasion should the lands be required for municipal purposes,
d) A permit may be issued pursuant to this resolution, for the summers of 2019 and 2020 upon payment of a fee of $50 per season, and
e) All other regulations in the sign by-law continue to apply except for those revised by this resolution.

9.2.1 – 2018 International Sports Heritage Association Conference, San Francisco, California. Resolution. That Council authorizes Caitlin Dyer to attend the 2018 International Sports Heritage Association Conference in San Francisco, California September 26th – 28th, 2018, further to By-law No:2008-5173 which requires prior Council approval for attendance at seminars, conferences and conventions outside of the Province of Ontario.

9.2.2 – Council Member Pregnancy, Birth and/or Adoption of Child Leave Policy. Resolution. Whereas the Ontario government passed legislation under Bill 68, Modernizing Ontario’s Municipal Legislation Act; and Whereas the Bill received Royal Assent on May 30, 2017 and is now in effect; and Whereas a number of Ontario Regulations were provided with the Bill; one of which was the policy development of a Pregnancy/Parental Leave policy by all Ontario municipalities;
Now, therefore be it resolved that Council for the Town of Parry Sound approve the Council Member Pregnancy, Birth and/or Adoption of Child Leave Policy attached as Schedule “A”.

9.2.3 – Second Quarter Goal Plans Update. Resolution. That Council approves the June, 2018 Second Quarter Goal Plan update, attached as Schedule “A”.

9.3.1 – 2017 Annual Investment Report. Resolution. That Council accepts the 2017 Annual Investment Report and the attached Schedule “A” in accordance with Town’s Investment Policy.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Amendments to the Election Sign By-law. By-law 2018 – 6838. Being a by-law to regulate Election Signs in the Town of Parry Sound in federal, provincial and municipal elections and to repeal By-law 2018-6831.

10.3.1 – DBA Lease Agreement Renewal. By-law 2018 – 6839. Being a by-law to authorize the execution of an agreement between the Parry Sound Downtown Board of Management and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound for a lease renewal for use of a specified portion of the Municipal Office.

10.3.2 – By-law to specify claw back percentages for 2018 property taxes. By-law 2018 – 6840. Being a By-law to Specify the “Claw-back Percentages” in Respect of Properties in the Commercial Class for 2018 Taxation Year.

10.4.1 – Union Gas Franchise Agreement. By-law 2018 – 6841. Being a by-law to execute the Union Gas Franchise Agreement and repeal by-law 98-4008.
Resolution. That Council hereby resolve that:
1. This Council approves the form of draft by-law and franchise agreement attached as Schedule “A” and authorizes the submission thereof to the Ontario Energy Board for approval pursuant to the provisions of Section 9 of The Municipal Franchises Act; and
2. This Council requests that the Ontario Energy Board make an Order declaring and directing that the assent of the municipal electors to the attached draft by-law and franchise agreement, attached as Schedule “A”, pertaining to the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound is not necessary pursuant to the provisions of Section 9(4) of the Municipal Franchises Act; and
3. That the Clerk be directed to provide Union Gas with four certified true copies of this resolution and attachment per their request.

 

Council Agenda Preview – March 6, 2018

04 Sunday Mar 2018

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ Comments Off on Council Agenda Preview – March 6, 2018

Tags

, , , , , , , ,

Once again, we have a light agenda for this week’s council meeting. The more notable items include:

9.1.1 – Town of Parry Sound/Parry Sound Area Planning Board. Resolution. A necessary step it seems for the Town to get greater control of it’s own Official Plan amendments.

9.2.1 – Resolution. Staff 2018 Goal Plans Summary. I haven’t gone through the goals but I find them to be a good summary of what is going to get done, or not, for the current year. I’ll take a look at them at some point and provide comments in a separate post.

10.5.2 – By-law. Department of Canadian Heritage – Cultural Spaces Canada – Funding Agreement. The Town has received a grant of $580,000 that helps offset the $1.4 million cost of the Stockey Centre renovations.

Closed Session

d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Update on Union Grievances)

k) information explicitly supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board by Canada, a province or territory or a Crown agency of any of them; (Infrastructure Funding)

Public Meeting

2.1.1 – Council will hold a public meeting to consider a proposed Zoning By-law amendment under Section 34 of the Planning Act, as amended. The subject property is known as 60 and 60a Seguin Street, or Part of Reserve and Part of Lot 1 on Plan 86, Part of Waubeek Street on Plan 2, more particularly described as Part 1 of 42T16527, in the Town of Parry Sound. The applicant has requested relief from the Residential Second Density Zone to fulfill a condition of consent. Reduced frontage, access, parking and yard requirements are requested as a result of the provisional severance.

2.1.2 – Council will continue the public meeting to consider an additional proposed amendment to the Zoning By-law under Section 34 of the Planning Act, as amended. The subject property is known as 128 Gibson Street, or Lot 7 and part of Lot 8 on the westside of Gibson Street on Plan 62, in the Town of Parry Sound. The applicant has requested relief from the Residential Second Density Zone to permit an additional dwelling unit above a proposed detached garage.

Correspondence

4.1 – Rebecca Pollock, Chair, Parry Sound Area Active Transportation. Appreciation for the Town’s snow removal efforts

4.2 Mike Rivard, Acting Correspondence Manager, Minister of Natural Resources, Jim Carr’s Office. Letter thanking Parry Sound for our correspondence regarding invasive species in the Great Lakes. The Town’s letter has been forwarded to the Office of the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and the Office of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.

Consent Agenda 

8.1 – Appointment to the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association Board of Directors. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association Board of Directors, Mike Puro be appointed to the Board of Directors to represent the downtown business Above and Beyond; and That the term of office ends November 30, 2018 per the term of Parry Sound Council.

8.2 – 2018 Nomination of Mayor McGarvey for the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities’ (OSUM) Executive Committee – Term 2018-2020. Resolution. That Mayor McGarvey be nominated to the Ontario Small Urban Municipalities’ Executive Committee for the term 2018-2020.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Town of Parry Sound/Parry Sound Area Planning Board. Resolution. That Council request the municipal members of the Parry Sound Area Planning Board for a Resolution supporting the Town’s intention to withdraw from the Parry Sound Area Planning Board.

9.2.1 – Staff 2018 Goal Plans Summary. Resolution. That the 2018 Staff Goal Plan Summary, attached as Schedule “A”, be approved.

9.5.1 – 2018 Municipal Assistance Program Allocation. Resolution. That Council approve the 2018 Municipal Assistance Program allocations per Schedule “A” attached.

By-laws

10.2.1 – West Parry Sound Joint Election Compliance Audit Committee Terms of Reference and Appointments. By-law. Being a by-law to authorize the establishment of the West Parry Sound Joint Election Compliance Audit Committee and to repeal By-law 2010-5489. Resolution. That subject to the approval by the five member Councils of the Township of McKellar, Municipality of McDougall, Township of The Archipelago, Township of Carling, and Township of Seguin, Parry Sound Council appoint the following people to the West Parry Sound Joint Election Compliance Audit Committee for the 2018-2022 term of Council: Peter Spadzinski, Sandy Eddington, Larry Simmons, Judy Keown (Alternate)

10.3.1 – Gas Tax Funding Agreement. By-law. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Letter of Agreement between Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Ontario (as represented by the Minister of Transportation) and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound under the Dedicated Gas Tax Funds for the Public Transportation Program.

10.5.1 – Memorandum of Understanding – Parks & Recreation Ontario: Youth. By-law. Being a bylaw to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between Parks & Recreation Ontario (on behalf of Play Works) and the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound under the Youth Action/Advisory Council Development project.

10.5.2 – Department of Canadian Heritage – Cultural Spaces Canada – Funding Agreement. By-law. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a funding agreement with the Department of Canadian Heritage – Cultural Spaces Canada – for the Stockey Centre roof and siding renovations.

 

 

Council Agenda Preview – December 5, 2017

03 Sunday Dec 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ Comments Off on Council Agenda Preview – December 5, 2017

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

There is not much on this week’ agenda that should cause concern for Parry Sound residents. The agenda does point to issues that Council and the Town will be facing in 2018. In addition to elections of a new Council, there will be a substantial turnover in Senior Staff. We have this year seen the resignations of our By-law Officer, and our Director of Finance (and POA Court Services). This coming year sees the departures of our Chief Administration Officer and Director of Development & Leisure Services, followed by the departure of our Director of Public Works in 2019. These are all caring and capable individuals who have shown that they can work together. With the possibility of new faces on Council, and the reality that there will be new faces on Senior Staff, we could be facing challenges if poor decisions are made in hiring and voting. I’m optimistic, the past election led to a pair of capable new faces on Council, and the additions to Staff in the past couple of years have been uniformly excellent. Things will be changing and a steady hand will be necessary.

The most notable topics on this week’s agenda include:

4.1 – Sewer flush and clean. I’m interested in seeing the Town’s written response to this issue. In the past the Town has included their response to similar matters as part of the agenda package. If the Town is going to tell them too bad it’s your problem, I’d like the rest of us to understand the Town’s position on these matters. It’s a bit like blasting in Town. The competent companies do an inventory of the local area to make sure there aren’t any pre-existing situations they might be blamed for. In this case of sewer problems, being downhill from a high pressure hose blowing out the lines certainly could lead to problems, even if everything in the home was tickety-boo.

5.3 – I’ll bet people are interested in this property. Let’s get a fair price and put it to good use.

9.1.2, 9.1.4 – Activities related to Senior Staff changes that were mentioned earlier.

9.4.1 – An additional solar project, this one on the north end of Parry Sound in McDougall where the Town owns land and a water tower.

10.4.1 – Mostly about Downtown flowers; so easy to plan, and so easy to screw up (at least in the opinion of some). Something I remember about about silk purses comes to mind.

Closed Session

  1. d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Grievance)

Correspondence

4.1 – Richard and Marilyn Mooder, residents. Concerns about the road repair on Rosetta Street and the procedure used to flush and clean the sewer and their complaint on the effects on their home.

4.2 – Yasir Naqvi, Attorney General for the Province of Ontario. The Stronger, Fairer Ontario Act (Budget Measures, 2017 including amendments to the Provincial Offences Act which would see a streamline and simplified process, expanded online service delivery, transfer of responsibility for a broader range of provincial offences prosecutions to municipal partners and strengthening of municipal fine enforcement tools.

4.4 – Jack Tynan, President, Park to Park Trail Association. Formal request for Parry Sound’s continued financial support of Park to Park Trail.

4.10 – Glen Hodgson, Chair, West Parry Sound District Museum. Request for the 2018 contribution to the Museum on Tower Hill.

Deputations

5.1 – Rita Orr, Parry Sound Public Library. Update on Activities and 2018 Draft Budget.

5.2 – Nadine Hammond, Museum on Tower Hill. Strategic Plan and Executive Summary

5.3 – John Jacklin and John Jackson, residents. Interest in the surplus property at Salt Dock Road.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.2 – CAO Recruiter Appointment. Resolution. That upon review of three requests for proposals received, Council appoints the firm of Tim L. Dobbie Consulting Ltd. to undertake the recruitment of a new CAO in anticipation of pending 2018 retirement of incumbent Rob Mens.

9.1.3 – Policy – Use of Corporate Resources During a Municipal Election. Resolution. That Council approve the Use of Corporate Resources During a Municipal Election Policy, attached as Schedule “A”.

9.1.4 – Creation of Economic Officer Development Position. Resolution. That given the pending August 2018 (last day in the office May 11, 2018) retirement of Lynn Middaugh as Director of Development & Leisure Services, the position of Economic Development Officer be created with a target date of April 9, 2018.

9.2.1 – Award 2017 General Insurance RFP. Resolution. That Council hereby awards the RFP for general insurance and risk management services to BFL Canada Inc. in the amount of $249,669 (plus applicable taxes) for the year December 15, 2017 to December 15, 2018.

9.4.1 – Commence Process to Consider Lands Suitable for a Renewable Energy Project. Direction. 1. That staff initiate conversations with McDougall Township regarding a renewable energy project on Town owned lands in their Township. 2. That depending on the outcome of the above conversations, that staff discuss with the relevant partners the creation of a renewable energy project on these parcels.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Debenture issue for 2017 Capital Works. By-law 2017 – 6781. A By-law of the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound to Authorize the Borrowing Upon Serial Debentures in the Principal Amount of $572,056 Towards the Cost of Big Sound Marina Dock B Replacement, Bobby Orr Community Centre Roof Replacement, Public Washroom Replacement.

10.4.2 – Downtown Business Association/Town of Parry Sound – Memorandum of Understanding. By-law 2017 – 6783. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Corporation of the Town of Parry Sound and the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association and to repeal By-law No: 2017-6732.

10.4.3 – Rezoning Application – Z/17/06 – Lawrence/Mulligan (Oakridge Road) – Lifting of “h” symbol.By-law 2017 – 6784. Being a By-law to amend By-law No. 2004-4653 (The Zoning By-law) as amended to remove a holding provision from a portion of the lands described as Parts 2 and 3, and part of Part 1 of 42R11963.

If you won’t be attending the meeting, and you certainly won’t unless you have a deputation to make, watch the live feed. Or check out the recording later in the week. I recommend watching at least through the Councillors’ reports and the deputations. The rest will be a snooze, everything will be approved as recommended.

It looks as though I will need to start attending Council meetings again, and not just following them online, if I want say my goodbyes.

Council Agenda Preview – November 21, 2017

17 Friday Nov 2017

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ Comments Off on Council Agenda Preview – November 21, 2017

Tags

, , , , ,

A few short comments on a couple of the issues before Council this week. The more important items on the agenda follow:

9.4.1 – The purchase of 65 self-watering hanging baskets.
This seems like a good idea. The current baskets demand more watering than is practical for Town Staff to provide. This purchase has the potential to significantly improve the quality of the flowers and perhaps even save time and money.

9.4.4 – Bobby Orr Community Centre (BOCC) – Gas Pipe Relocation.
This seems to be another necessary remediation for work that was not done to specifications. Keep your eyes open folks and make sure that your supplier delivers/installs what they were contracted to do. It’s too late once the job has been paid for and a problem shows up a few years later.

Closed Session

d) labour relations or employee negotiations. (Personnel Matters) (POA Court)

e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board. (Zoning Matter)

Correspondence

4.1 – Gail Burrows, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce. Request for funding in the 2018 budget

Deputations

5.1 – Gail Burrows, President, Parry Sound Area Chamber of Commerce. Annual Chamber of Commerce Update and Financial Request

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.4.1 – Self-Watering Hanging Baskets: Pre-Budget Approval. Resolution. That Council authorize staff to single source the delivery of 65 self-watering hanging baskets from Equinox Environmental Products, for a total of $9,892.01, including HST.

9.4.2 – Council Approved Sign Application – Mill Lake Boat Launch. Resolution. That the Chief Building Official is authorized to issue a permit for two signs substantially as shown on Schedule “A” attached; and According to the conditions in Schedule “B” attached; and That the permit will initially be for a five year period; and That the permit does expire if the signs are removed.

9.4.3 – Reappointment of Councillors to Committee of Adjustment. Resolution. That Councillors Borneman and Keith be reappointed to the Parry Sound Committee of Adjustment until November 30, 2018.

9.4.4 – Bobby Orr Community Centre (BOCC) – Gas Pipe Relocation. Resolution. That Council accept the change order from J. G. Fitzgerald & Sons Ltd. for relocation of the gas pipe at the BOCC in the amount of $32,153.00 excluding HST; and engineering/consulting fees; and That the project be funded from the Building Replacement Reserve.

9.5.1 – 2018 Land Ambulance Budget. Resolution. That upon recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Town of Parry Sound adopts the 2018 Land Ambulance Budget in the amount of $9,477,716.

9.5.2 – Auto Pulse. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee the Council of the Town of Parry Sound authorize the purchase of 10 Auto Pulse devices and ancillary equipment from Zoll Medical Canada in the amount of $173,722.59.

9.5.3 – 2018 Ambulance Purchases. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, Council approve the purchase of two ambulances from Crestline Coach in the amount of $111,392 each inclusive of the trade in value ($11,000) for our current units being replaced, to be delivered in late winter of 2018.

9.5.4 – Surplus EMS Vehicle. Resolution. That upon the recommendation of the EMS Advisory Committee, the Council of the Town of Parry Sound allocate a surplus 2011 Ford E350 Ambulance to the Whitestone Fire Department at no cost.

By-laws

10.1.1 – Contract for 2018 Municipal Election eVoting Services. By-Law 2017 – 6778. Being a By-law to authorize the execution of a contract with Intelivote Systems Inc. for the provision of an electronic voting system incorporating voting through telephone and secure internet connections for the 2018 Municipal Election.

It hardly seems worth attending the meeting this coming week. There are no items of real importance on the agenda, nor is there likely to be any significant discussion. But, the meeting may not be broadcast based on challenges with the Town’s Live Stream service.

 

Federal Issues – Vanishing Canada

30 Wednesday Sep 2015

Posted by in Parry Sound, Reflections

≈ Comments Off on Federal Issues – Vanishing Canada

Tags

, ,

Maclean’s ran an article titled “Vanishing Canada” in their September 28th issue. It discussed the federal government’s ‘apparent’ ongoing strategy of limiting information collection and disclosure. Our local Member of Parliament, The Honourable Tony Clement, was mentioned several times is the article, and was, at least implicitly, identified as one of the architects behind this strategy.

Well, I decided to contact Minister Clement’s office for a response to the suggestions leveled in the article that the federal government is restricting access to information, largely by not collecting information, and limiting public employees from sharing what they do have. I have attached the response below.

I will compliment the Minister’s office for their quick response, it came back to me less than four hours after my original email. I don’t think the response addressed the issues raised in the Maclean’s article, but then again the Minister chose not to speak to Maclean’s as the article was being prepared. Sometimes it’s best to just avoid an issue rather than addressing it directly. It’s an election year and as an experienced politician you really don’t want to disclose any more than you have to. Wait, wasn’t that in part the theme of the article – limited information, transparency and openness?

(Hmm – I think that our local MP needs to have his staff trained on how to spell Maclean’s. Perhaps it was a Freudian slip on their part.)

Dear Josef,

Thank you for writing. I appreciate hearing from you.

Our Government was elected on a commitment to transparency and accountability.

The problem raised in the Mclean’s article regarding the long-form Census is unfounded. It has been stated, time and time again, that National Household Survey will yield useful and usable data that will meet the needs of users and cover 97% of Canadian communities. The data released from the last round of NHS covers a wealth of data on immigration, citizenship, visible minorities, ethnic origin, Aboriginal peoples, religion, labour, education, mobility and migration, languages, commuting, income, earnings, housing and shelter costs.

Canadians gave us a strong mandate to protect and complete Canada’s economic recovery, and we will make good on that promise by spending taxpayer dollars wisely and efficiently in all government departments and agencies. Rest assured that Statistics Canada will continue to provide the same high-quality, reliable and timely information at lower cost to Canadians.

I would also like to highlight our Government’s achievement on right of access to information. Our Conservative Government completed 43,664 access to information requests in 2011-12, nearly double that of a decade ago. We have significantly reduced the backlog of requests and achieved 58% drop in complaints in 2011-12. We have also expanded the Open Government initiative that posts these completed Access to Information summaries online and adds to the hundreds and thousands of government data sets freely available online to Canadians.

Today Canadians have a Government that is proudly more open and transparent than the last. We will continue to improve out access to information system to provide Canadians with the accountability and up-to-date information they deserve.

Thank you once more for writing.

Sincerely,

Tony Clement
Parry Sound-Muskoka

Want answers? Have a seat and wish upon a star. (Parry Sound in Colour)

Redwood1890-20150922-_DSC8909

 

Council Agenda Preview – February 3, 2015

31 Saturday Jan 2015

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ Comments Off on Council Agenda Preview – February 3, 2015

Tags

, , , , , , , , ,

Business as usual at Council this Tuesday. It’s not a snoozefest, but there really isn’t that much of importance on this week’s a agenda. The letters are interesting, and the agenda items move business forward, but the budget, which is not on the agenda, promises to be the centre of Staff and Council’s attention for the next month or so.

Here are the agenda items that caught my attention.

Correspondence:

4.1 – Letter. Logan’s of Parry Sound. Concerns regarding the proposed street closure from 8:00am-1:00pm every second Sunday for the months of June, July August and September 2015. This business is concerned that the closure of the street, to permit public activities such as cycling, skating, walking, etc., would severly impact their business and unreasonably inconvenience people at the First Baptist Church. They also suggest that “the potential atmosphere outside during street closures is quite conceivably incompatible with the nature of funerals”. There is mention that “This change can be viewed as a lack of consideration to the bereaved [sic]”. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out; this is a community member who I have seen ‘punch above their weight’.

4.2 – Letter. Concerns that fluoridation of the municipal water supply may be removed as Canadian dental and public health authorities continue to support the fluoridation of drinking water for good health and well being. A letter urging Council to continue with fluoridation of the Town water as is currently recommended by dental and public health authorities.

Consent Agenda

8.2 – Resolution. OPP Billing Model – Unorganized Townships. A letter to be sent to Queen’s Park in support of implementing a billing method for properties in unorganized townships. There seems to be a feeling that all communities benefiting from OPP service should pay their share.

Resolutions and Direction to Staff

9.1.1 – Resolution. Transfer to Reserves for 2014 Capital Project Carry Forwards. This seems to be a bookkeeping exercise as the funds had been budgeted in 2014 but the respective projects not yet completed, and funds spent. The total is $391,000 for the following projects:

  • Trails Master Plan $ 25,000
  • Waubuno Beach Washroom Repair $ 25,000
  • BOCC Roof Repair $150,000
  • Culvert Replacement $ 30,000
  • Bridge Repairs $ 60,000
  • Playground Equipment $ 25,000
  • BOCC Kitchen Equipment $ 5,000
  • CP Station Roof Repair $ 25,000
  • MS Office Upgrade $ 16,000

9.2.1 – Resolution. Commitment and Endorsement of Quality Management System. An important formality to have the new Council understand and acknowledge their responsibilities with respect to our water system.

9.3.1 – Direction. Rezoning Application – Z14-06 – Waltmar Inc. – 2 Oastler Park Drive. This is the dock company across from Sobey’s on Old 69. They have been in violation of zoning regulations and are required to do a couple of studies, with remediation as necessary, to ensure their use of the property is in compliance with zoning regulations. In particular there is a need for a traffic and environmental study. I suspect that Council will approve temporary use through the end of 2015. I’m not this is the message we want to send to the public and businesses. Don’t ask permission, beg for forgiveness. Let’s see how Council handles this. Staff wants to see the usual procedures followed, but realizes Council has the right and obligation to make the decision. What was it they did to the unpermitted construction on River Street last year? Let’s not have a two-tier system that depends on who you know and who you hire. There is no need to slap wrists, but let’s make regulations transparent and consistent.

9.5.1 – Resolution. 2014 Election Accessibility Report to Council. A necessary report and follow up to the 2014 Town of Parry Sound election that was in my opinion well managed and conducted.

9.5.2 – Resolution. Annual Integrity Commissioner’s Report – 2014. Nothing to see here – just move along. The Commissioner reported a total of 1 formal, 3 informal and 27 inquiries concerning complaints under the Code of Conduct. The one formal complaint, I believe it concerns Council’s actions with respect to the removal of the Chair of the Downtown Business Association, was not addressed as it fell outside the jurisdiction of the Commissioner. But it’s worth noting there were four inquiries from Staff and four from Council and nineteen from the Public.

9.5.3 – Direction. 2015 Strategic Planning Process. Basically the same as the 2011 process with an external facilitator.

9.5.4 – Resolution. Council, Board and Committee Training – Closed Meetings; Code of Conduct, Committee Policies. This is a four-hour workshop to be conducted by an external group for $4,000. It is targeted to Council and Town Committee Members, but appears to be open to all who might be interested. The intent is to hold the workshop in early April. I hope attention will be paid to reminding Staff and Council what can, and cannot, be discussed in closed sessions of Council. I suspect that considerable business is done in closed sessions that not only should be done in open session, but also would benefit from the transparency that open sessions offer.

By-laws

10.2.1 – Vianet Agreement. This permits Vianet to increase their footprint at the north water tower. An interesting aside, apparently there will be free internet access at the tower. Top? Bottom? Wired? Wireless? Public use? Staff use?

10.3.1 – Disposal of Surplus Lands: 125 William Street. Oops – this is required to tidy up the sale and merger agreement between the Town and Lakeland Power.

10.3.2 – Agreement for the delivery of Services to Former OSPCA Property. It seems that the property is being developed as a storage and preparation facility for Kate’s Kart. While it resides in Seguin it is requesting services, water and sewer, from Parry Sound.

10.4.1 – Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with West Parry Sound Health Centre and North Bay Parry Sound Health Unit. This concerns the enforcement of Parry Sound smoking regulations on the West Parry Sound Health Centre property.

10.2.2 – Shared By-law Enforcement Services with the Township of the Carling. (I believe this should be item 10.4.2, not 10.2.2.). This renews the By-Law services provided by Parry Sound to Carling Township for the Year 2015 at defined rates.

There is more; check the Town’s website for a full copy of the agenda and supporting materials. I’m not sure I will be there, there isn’t much of importance being discussed and there are no scheduled deputations.

Thunder Creek Meets the Big Sound (It’s Nicer in Colour)

Redwood1890-20150107-_DSC5602_DxO

 

Council Agenda Preview – November 18, 2014

17 Monday Nov 2014

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

≈ Comments Off on Council Agenda Preview – November 18, 2014

Tags

, , , , ,

This is the last meeting before the new Council is sworn in and takes office. There is not much on the agenda of any importance and this post will provide the very limited highlights. Of course check out the full package at the Towns website for the full agenda with attachments.

5.1 – Deputation. Jackie Boggs, Deputy Clerk/Returning Officer regarding the 2014 Municipal Election Statistics. I will need to attend as there is no copy of the presentation in the council package.

8.2 – Resolution. OPP Billing Model for Unorganized Townships. The Town is joining with other Ontario municipalities to request the provincial government ensure that residents in unincorporated townships who receive OPP services pay at least some portion of that cost.

9.1.1 – Resolution. CBDC’s Request for Funding to Assist with Business Growth & Competitiveness. Staff is recommending that Council turn down this request on the basis that the 2014 budget has been disbursed and the 2015 program won’t be advertised until the 2015 budget is approved. I’ve seen this Catch-22 ‘stuff’ from Staff before. Staff has suggested a couple of alternative funding approaches and I suspect Council will find a way to make it happen. CBDC is a great supporter of Parry Sound initiative sand it wouldn’t be very friendly to ‘stiff them’ on this small budget item.

9.1.2 – Resolution. Sail Parry Sound – Request for Permission to Make Improvements/Renovations/Addition. This concerns certain improvements that have been previously presented to Council.

9.2.1 – Resolution. Council of The Town of Parry Sound authorize the immediate disposal of an ambulance to the Britt and Area Fire Department. This is a bit different – a fire in a Fire Hall that destroys the emergency response vehicle.

9.3.1 – Resolution. 2015 Council Meeting Dates. Basically every first and third Tuesday of the month with a few exceptions.

How Quickly It All Changes. (Parry Sound in Four Colour)

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA