Tag Archives: Elections

Council Agenda Preview – March 6, 2018

04 Sunday Mar 2018

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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

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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

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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

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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)

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Council Agenda Preview – February 3, 2015

31 Saturday Jan 2015

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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)

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Council Agenda Preview – November 18, 2014

17 Monday Nov 2014

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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)

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Criticism, Critique or Feedback? Election 2014 Thoughts.

14 Tuesday Oct 2014

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When you receive comments on something you have done, or have announced you will do, how do you ‘process’ it? Do you consider it as criticism, critique or feedback? The message, in terms of the information transferred, may be the same but its intent depends more on how it is received than how it was offered. An angry customer’s remarks might provide more valuable feedback than an expensive consultant’s soothing words. Would you prefer no input? It might make things more comfortable but does it make things better? We each have our own sense of what we feel is criticism and what is feedback. It seems the closer the input concerns us, or someone we care about, the more likely we will process it as criticism. The exact same input provided to an unrelated third-party will likely strike us more as valid feedback than criticism.

With that little bit of background let’s discuss how ParrySounds will be voting in this month’s municipal election. For close to four years I have attended just about every open session of Council, sat on a couple of committees, and have offered my opinion and comments publicly in several deputations and more than 250 blog posts. Depending on where you sit relative to members of Staff and Council members you might consider these posts to be criticism, critique or feedback. I treat it like a job, a volunteer job without Council oversight and control. My name is on the website and I interact directly with people on Staff and Council, taking responsibility for what I have written. Transparency is an important part of the democratic process and there is no place for increasingly common ‘chicken-shit’ anonymous blogs, letters or editorials.

With that perspective let me share my election selections. Let’s remember not to throw out the baby with the bath water.

Mayor – Jamie McGarvey

This will perhaps be a surprise to some. I was very critical of his role as the deciding vote to remove the volunteer head of the Downtown Business Association. It was a serious error that has had a chilling effect on transparency and due process. Nonetheless, I believe Mayor McGarvey has done a very good job in his first term as mayor and he will receive my support, and vote, for re-election.

Council – Paul Borneman, Brad Horne, Bonnie Keith, Dan McCauley, Keith Saulnier, Dave Williams

Wait, Councillors McCauley and Williams aren’t running. Well they both would have received my vote. Despite some disagreement on policy and politics with each of them I feel they both did a very capable and conscientious job while serving the Town. As for the remaining four Councillors, each will receive my vote with hopes that they will do as good a job in the upcoming term of Council as they did in the one just ending. The two rookies really seemed to pick up their game in the last couple of years. There is a learning curve, and with more veterans than rookies likely to be elected Council should keep moving things forward with some momentum.

That leaves me with two undecided votes (yes I know I don’t have to cast all six votes). I’ll keep my decision on those two spots to myself, mostly because I haven’t made a final decision. All of the remaining candidates seem capable with perhaps one exception. In the end I believe 90% of the job of Councillor involves common sense, showing up on time for Council and Committee meetings, and doing the necessary homework. That may be tipping my hand, but there are still a couple of weeks left for me to make final decisions.

That’s it for me and this year’s election. I will have regular coverage of the Council meeting on the 21st. I will not be offering any further election input or predictions. It’s time for the residents of Parry Sound to make their decision.

It’s Just a Job! (Ralph Wolf and Sam Sheepdog)

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Staff and Council Report Card – Part 3

02 Thursday Oct 2014

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Okay, here is the last set of grades for Council and Staff. See my earlier posts, here and here, for previously assigned grades and information on the process and intent of this exercise.

Staffing – A

As was mentioned in an earlier post this is a team (Staff and Council) that is relatively inexperienced in working together. This is the result of four members of Council being newly elected or in a new position, and the addition of four new senior Staff members. In particular the members of Staff, while not inexperienced in their responsibilities, are new to Parry Sound. So how are these new Staff members performing and what is the hiring/staffing performance grade?

A solid A.

Between senior Staff, led by the CAO, and Council I think the Town has managed to stock their team with first round draft choices. Performance to date has been excellent and these individuals have shown themselves to be client friendly and competent. I’m not sure we could have asked for more.

At the same time the senior Staff has been slimmed down by combining some functions. So despite player changes and a reduced payroll the Town hasn’t missed a beat. A great performance by Council and senior Staff to renew and revitalize the talent pool we depend on to lead and manage Parry Sound.

Committees and Community Involvement – F

This is perhaps the my greatest disappointment with Staff and Council over the now expiring term of Council. There are hardly any committees active that are not required by statute, for example the Committee of Adjustment. The optional advisory committees have seemingly vanished for lack of interest and Town support.

Support in my opinion encompasses more than creating committees, organizing meetings and filing away minutes; it means providing the means for the committees to address their objectives with the results being brought before Council for review and, as appropriate, action.

That has not been my experience to date, and others share this opinion. The point was highlighted by the request of the public members of the Finance Committee to have their committee be dissolved, not that long after it was established. Council’s decision to unilaterally remove the head of the Parry Sound Downtown Business Association exemplified their apparent displeasure with active volunteer input and leadership. And the cut and paste effort by Staff in putting together a Committee Rights and Responsibilities Policy, and Council’s rubber stamp approval of the policy, seems to reflect Council and Staff’s lack of interest in actively involving the community in developing objectives, strategies and tactics to move the Town forward.

By my count there are about 6 active committees, 9 inactive committees and 4 for which I have no information. The six active committees for the most part have board-like responsibilities including financial oversight. It’s the softer committees like the Municipal Heritage, Civic Pride and Finance committees that are no longer active. They have just fallen away as a result of apathy on the part of the Town and the community.

Are committees a barometer for the mood of the Town’s residents and it’s Council and Staff? Does it suggest a lack of interest or a lack of trust? I don’t know, but I do believe in ‘The Wisdom of Crowds’. More input by concerned individuals with independent ideas is almost always better than the input of a select few. Council and Staff should put rejuvenating the committee process on their list of priorities for the next term.

Services – A

This includes an A for quality and an A for attitude. I have the opportunity to interact with Staff and Council on a regular basis. I have found them to be responsive and courteous, even when I have tough requests and questions.

The services provided by the Town in my estimation are first-rate and provided in a timely fashion. Perhaps we pay a little more in taxes in Parry Sound but we receive value, from snow removal to parks to fire protection to great public facilities to, just about everything.

Enough said, keep up the good work.

Final Grade – B

Well actually it was just short of a B and I rounded it up to properly reflect the overall performance of Council and Staff. The Education grade was not used in the calculation because I suspect Council and Staff never realized it was ‘required for graduation’, sort of like the requirement of high school students to complete forty hours of community service. It doesn’t matter if you scored A on all your courses; there are still non-course requirements. I will have more to say in a future post about enhancing the educational achievement aspirations of the community. You need to set a goal before you can reasonably expect to achieve it.

I will offer one more performance related post before the upcoming election and then pay closer attention to what the candidates have to say. I’m not sure what some candidates mean when they say it’s time for a change. They need to change their part-time job, or the Town needs to change? If so, where and how? It will be interesting to listen to what each candidate says they have to offer in terms of new ideas and areas for community improvement. With the free tools of social media it is easy and inexpensive to share ideas. This blog is one example.

Parry Sound, a ‘Wired’ Community (Parry Sound in Black & White)

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Roll Call

30 Tuesday Sep 2014

Posted by in Parry Sound, Town Council

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As promised here is the report on those individuals hoping to be elected to Parry Sound Council who attended this evening’s special open meeting of council to review the third quarter key performance objectives and listen to the 2015 budget preview. (All in alphabetical order.)

Mayor
Ted Knight
Jamie McGarvey

Council
Mark Aman
Paul Borneman
Brian Fisher
Brad Horne
Bonnie Keith
Doug McCann
Keith Saulnier
Phil Vincent

‘Nuff said.

Like Picking up a Rubber Duck at the Fair, Turning It Over, and Hoping You’ve Picked a Winner. (Parry Sound in Black & White)

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for the potential candidates for

Attendance will be taken …..

25 Thursday Sep 2014

Posted by in Reflections, Town Council

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and it will be reported.

Next week, September 30th, starting at 6:00 there will be a Special Open Meeting of Parry Sound Council with a published agenda of:

  1. 3rd Quarterly Key Performance Objectives & Financial Summary
  2. Budget Planning

This is the type of meeting any ‘serious’ candidate for Parry Sound Town Council should attend. It’s basically a great way to get an idea of the Town’s key priorities and to be introduced to the 2015 budget.

I’m beginning to wonder about some of the candidates running for Council. Is running for Council their way to get “Fifteen Minutes of Fame” and their name in the media without having to commit a felony or do any type of noteworthy community service?

To date only Doug McCann has attended Council meetings to watch the proceedings and take notes. I thought it was common practice for Council hopefuls to attend at least a few meetings before the election. If you can’t get your sorry butts out to several council meetings prior to the election when you are applying for the job how do you expect to make time after you are elected? Serving on Council is more than attending meetings twice a month. There are the closed meetings that start at 6:00, the special meetings, the local committee meetings, the meet and greets, the regional meetings, and more. If you want to know a little more about how much is involved and what you are making on an hourly basis check out my earlier post.

It’s a bit like applying for a front office job with the Blue Jays or the Maple Leafs. “So you’ve attended how many games?” You can imagine the person getting the job didn’t say, “None, but I think I’m brilliant and the best candidate, and I represent a change.” Come on candidates, show us that you care. From what I can tell none of you have sat on many Town committees or done anything of particular note in terms of community service. But I could be wrong, leave a comment and let us know what I’m missing.

So I will be taking attendance and posting the results next Wednesday. And I’ll continue taking attendance at every public meeting of Council leading up to the election. You might want to check in with me to be sure I don’t miss you. You need to arrive pretty much on time and stay to the very end to get a check by your name.

Actually this post is a bit of a cheat. The meeting wasn’t posted on the Town’s homepage as of this morning so you needed to be ‘wired into the system’ or paying attention to Town business to know about it. But if you are running for Council you didn’t need this cheat because you are doing your homework, aren’t you?

It Takes More than Butts in Seats (Parry Sound in Black & White)

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