Springwater News Community Builder - COVID Lockdown Insanity

 Springwater News – A true community builder

I was surprised at the last  Springwater Council meeting when there was a report and discussion on print communication. Council was presented with various options with the main focus on either retaining the status quo with Springwater News, or splitting print advertising between the Springwater News and the Barrie Advance. What surprised me more was that the motion to retain the status quo was only supported by Councillors Cabral, Hanna, Ritchie and Ma-Chapman. Of course it would have helped if the chair of the meeting (Mayor Allen) would have kept the discussion on track, rather than allowing it to run off in tangents with broad discussions on communications and social media which was not the subject of the report. The communications person tried to mention a couple of times that this was a discussion only on the use of print media but that seemed to get missed in the confusing dialogue. What should have taken 10 minutes took about an hour. That is why you need strong leadership at these meetings, so Council members have clarity on the matter before them.

I took recent copies of the Advance and Springwater News and did a comparison. Both editions were 24 pages. The Springwater News pages are 50% larger to start with. About 20% of the Springwater News was advertising while 80% of Advance was advertising and virtually no news except for a few Barrie related matters. What keeps the Advance alive is the paid distribution of flyers which is the main reason for their existence. The Springwater News is received in your mailbox while, in my case and two snowblower shear pins later, the Advance is thrown in my driveway and becomes a brick in cold weather.

I grew up in the north part of Springwater, then known as Flos and, as the old timers know, Flos and Vespra became Springwater in 1994. It has developed into a true community of communities and I do attribute much of the glue holding it together to the Springwater News Community Newspaper. By simply reading an edition you do know what is happening in our roughly 525 square kilometer township. Each community is welcome to share their news and you see community articles from Midhurst, Hillsdale, Anten Mill, Grenfel and others, so we become connected. We also get regular updates from our MP and MPP which is quite helpful. It boggles my mind why our Mayor, who gets free space for a column, opposed it along with our Deputy Mayor. The reason the Springwater News is effective is because it is locally owned by Michael Jacobs and is not under the corporate thumb of someone analysing spread sheets in an office tower in Toronto or Montreal, dictating how it will be run. It would be nice to see readers compliment the work that has been done by the Springwater News to hold and unify our beloved Springwater over the last quarter of a century.

COVID19 – Another Lockdown – Does it even work?

We are back in the Grey zone but with many stores open at 50% capacity which, if nothing else, only adds to the confusion as that is a change from the lockdown at Christmas. So we, Toronto and Peel are in the Lockdown while York Region, which is about 5 times our Simcoe Muskoka population is in Red with virtually everything open with some restrictions. Considering we have many commuters to the Toronto and York Region areas, how will that stop the spread? The only losers again are those that are shutdown such as our restaurants and small retailers. I believe most of our community spread is from our larger big box stores and the careless behaviour of some individuals who gather indiscriminately. I do question the safety of the large retailers as I frequent them. I went to Shoppers Drug Mart twice in one day. There was no one monitoring people arriving, there was no sanitizer in the sanitizing station on either occasion, no one is disinfecting the self check outs and this is a business in the health care field! I went to Canadian Tire and again virtually no control or monitoring of any note. The spread I really do believe is from the crowds at these large retailers and not from your local restaurant or small business that has spent thousands on plexiglass seating and workspace separation. These smaller businesses have clear protocols and constant monitoring. I question, and would love to see any statistics that merited them being closed after the first lockdown. What is worse is that if you are a person of faith you cannot gather in a congregation in your Church with more than 10 people to worship. The statistics do show that few if any infection spread occurred in our churches, as most churches implemented some of the most restrictive protocols right from the start. Why are they not being allowed gatherings if sanitizing, mask wearing and physically distancing requirements are met? We are now a year into COVID and for some reason, the medical experts are running the ship and they keep changing the rules. We didn’t elect them either. I believe in science but when someone is making a decision that impacts so many and they as professionals have nothing to lose, I do expect our elected officials at times to question them and be the final sanity check. That happened in the beginning with Ford but now he seems to be gun shy which is disappointing. The only good news is that vaccinations, and some natural herd immunity is building as reported by John Hopkins University Health Centre and we will be out of this badly organized and executed Pandemic Plan. I fear the aftermath of the unbridled sovereign debts we have created will haunt us for three generations economically because of COVID being so badly managed by elected officials at all levels of government.

Broadband and Long Term Financial Plan

 

Broadband – Rural Midhurst

I must congratulate Jeff Kerk from the North Midhurst rural area for his excellent presentation on the development of a local high speed solution for his immediate area by forming a Ontario Incorporated Numbered company to offer a fibre based service. It is a Cadillac solution and I question the need for such a high capacity service that far exceeds the Federal standard. I am always suspect when the delegation comes with a prepared resolution and requests Council to endorse it on the spot without much thought. But again, thanks to the cooler heads of mainly Councillors Hanna and Cabral, a number of Councillors posed excellent questions and a different direction was forthcoming. Don’t get me wrong, we definitely have spotty Internet services in the rural areas of Springwater and most of Ontario, and if an affluent neighbourhood can support the estimated $3,000 to $6,000 for each home that connects, I wish them the best of luck. It is certainly outside the parameters of my pocketbook. Mr Kerk has a great idea that will serve a small area and a few residential properties north of Midhurst but it is so narrow cast and is out of the Township’s jurisdiction (Broadband is a Federal Communication responsibility), that Council must be cautious on how they approach such a request. We all know there are many areas of Springwater with deep pockets that could show up with the same request. In the end the Council decided to be advocates of any party that wanted to improve Broadband in the Township, which to me is the right and most effective approach and removes any suggestion of bias to a provider. The Deputy Mayor who seemed to want to push Mr. Kerk’s resolution along with the Mayor, even suggested that some funding could come from the Community Improvement Fund (CIP). The CAO rightfully suggested that did not fit the guidelines. The CIP was intended for any business in the Township that wanted to improve their operation to better serve ALL the residents of Springwater. It was never intended to be incubator funding which this new company would be. This Broadband solution by Mr. Kerk and his Numbered Corporation will only serve a small area in North Midhurst and is not available to anyone else in the township and therefore does not qualify. Again the motivations of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor are suspect. The Mayor even trumpeted the project in his editorial column prior to it coming to Council. I find that rather presumptuous. I do think the Township must be cautious on how much time they spend with one proponent as that could be construed as playing favourites with possible political motives at the forefront of their support. It was agreed that Councillor Cabral, DM Coughlin and CAO Smyth will form a small working group and come back with ideas. That is the way it should be done and keeps Council out of areas that they should not be venturing into, especially if it entails spending taxpayer money.

Springwater Long Range Financial Plan (LTFP)– Maybe a different approach

Two weeks ago,  the LTFP by Watson and Associates and the future impacts on the Springwater Taxpayer was presented. It painted a less than rosy picture. Effectively, the Midhurst Secondary Plan (MSP) and its mega developments are not sustainable unless the pacing of development is changed, taxes and user fees are increased or the developers provide truck loads of voluntary contributions up front to stabilize expenditures and financial burden. Even though, I am not supportive of the MSP, one solution I had thought of to reduce the short term impact was a change on the phasing of development. Remember, under the Midhurst Secondary Plan they are building two new communities of roughly 15,000 people each, one close to Russel Road and Doran Road and the other at Carson and Wilson. The Carson and Wilson developments are advancing as Council approved the first subdivision of about 400 homes. This development is close to the location of both the new fresh water supply and treatment facilities as well as the wastewater sewage facility that will service both developments in the long term. If I were on Council, I would attempt to renegotiate with the two developers and strive to agree that only the Carson and Wilson developments will proceed, rather than trying to simultaneously develop two areas that are 5 kilometres apart. In other words, until the all phases of the western portion of the developments at Carson and Wilson are complete, no construction or servicing should be commenced on the eastern Russell and Doran Road developments. I will guarantee that the infrastructure costs would be reduced significantly and place a lower burden on both today’s and tomorrow’s Springwater ratepayer. Since all the numbers are available, as Council, I would request that Watson and Associates provide an analysis and impact of such an approach.

Springwater holds Budget to 0% Increase - Long Term Financial Plan: Disaster ahead from MSP Costs - Inconsistent COVID Rules

Springwater Budget – 0 Tax Rate Increase

I just want to make a comment on the flaw in the Mayor’s recent article where he defended NOT SUPPORTING a 0 tax rate increase for the 2021 budget year. A majority of Council supported the 0 tax increase because of these special pandemic times where many are falling behind with the loss of jobs and income. I again congratulate Councillors Hanna, Ritchie, Moore and Cabral on their wisdom and sensitivity to what is happening around us. The Mayor’s logic is common in many of our local municipalities with their simple argument “everything is going up and we have no choice but to increase taxes or fall behind with the level of service”. If municipalities were not growing that would be a legitimate argument. However Springwater and most of the neighbouring municipalities are growing at about 2 to 5 % which means their income from new assessments and the increase in existing assessments should comfortably cover any increases in costs if someone is managing the ship. The reason is simple, it is called “economies of scale” where you get more or broader services for the same money. If businesses ran their operations with the concept of our Mayor, they would quickly become non-competitive and fail in their business ventures.

COVID-19 -Stay at Home Order

There is no question, this Stay at Home order is more confusing than the first lockdown especially the absence of the personal bubble of 10 people which allowed people to retain some sanity. Since I am home a lot and get to frequently hear the deafening and sudden sounds of gunshots from the Barrie Gun Club that is less than 600 metres from my property line, I was curious how they can still be in operation. The fact that the BGC outdoor ranges shoot to the east, the sound travels easily because of our predominately westerly winds towards me. In most cases the sound level at my house is well above safety standards. You should come and listen sometime. Most people when they visit ask the question, “how is that even permitted?” The answer is simple. They have more influence than I do with the government.  Back to my main point. Think about it, Gun Ranges are allowed to stay in operation during all phases of COVID-19 restrictions including this lockdown and the orders to not travel unless necessary. Is the exercising of your trigger finger such an essential service that gun ranges must stay open and pollute and irritate the neighbours in a time of tension? What makes it worse is many members travel from outside our area to inhale and smell vapourized lead as they blow a small clay pigeon to smithereens. This is an example of why our government’s COVID orders on most people are falling on deaf ears because of the inconsistent logic of what is open and what is closed. It appears the BGC is more sacred and more essential than my opportunity to attend Sunday Mass. How does that make sense?

Springwater Long Range Financial Plan

I have often criticized this Council for fast tracking the approvals for the mega developments in Midhurst known as the Midhurst Secondary Plan that would see close to 10,000 homes built over the next 20 or so years. I advocated that launching the development without an updated Long Term Financial Plan (LTFP) was careless and foolhardy. I won’t go into the details, but this week the Council was presented with the LTFP by Watson and Associates and the future as a Springwater Taxpayer is bleak. Read it for yourself but the reality is that there will be many increased costs in new infrastructure and operating. The Midhurst Secondary Plan accounts for 75% of all developments and over the next 20 years will create the pressure, yet will contribute less than its fair share or effectively about 30% less per unit than other developments that will occur over the same timeframe. The Township with its other 25% of development which was well planned with smaller less intrusive developments would result in lower tax increases and debt in the longer term. I will repeat, “building a new City the size of Orillia in farmers fields is a greatly flawed concept” Unfortunately you and I as the taxpayer will all be paying for it.

Lockdowns-Budget-Virtual Meetings

 

COVID-19 – Lockdowns - Curse or Blessing?

I know I ruffled a few feathers with my last article on COVID but I will repeat, “closing down the economy simply means we will have no money in the near future to create the resources we need to fight this silent and deadly disease”.  Besides, lockdowns of any kind seem to be indiscriminate and “throw out the baby with the bath water approach”. For example, churches and restaurants implemented effective protocols at the start of this and have the lowest infection rates but now are highly restricted, killing their businesses and a few souls along the way. The reason lockdowns don’t work is that there is no such thing as a true lockdown. Are you/we willing to close the hospitals, close all stores including food and drug stores, shut down the emergency services, close all the highways, shutdown all your municipal services like water and sewer and restrict everyone to their home and lock themselves in and wait two weeks? That would be a lockdown. I will guarantee that would alleviate the short term problem but there would be a lot more dead people than ever killed by the virus! These new Regional Coding Levels from Grey to Green simply shift people around and are causing a greater spread rather than reducing the spread. Have you noticed as Toronto, Peel and Brampton are in the Grey and York Region in Red that everyone from there is now driving a little further north and guess what is happening? Our infection rates are increasing dramatically (why are we surprised?) If we go into Red, we will drive people further North. It is ludicrous. Instead of focusing our efforts on fighting and treating the disease where it is, we are simply making it more widespread infecting more people and negatively impacting everyone’s health and wellbeing under the guise of a concern for others. It is also making it more difficult to treat and control. Write this down. If we continue with this up and down of restriction levels and lockdowns, we will see this virus impact us all and will see no signs of significant decline (even with the vaccine) until 2023. Why? It is because we, through our erratic control mechanisms, have simply spread the disease. If we allowed COVID-19 to run its course and aggressively dealt with the hot spots and if we all focused on wearing masks, physical distancing and observed proper hand washing and hygiene, I do believe the light would start shining and we would see the end of this by early 2022. That is my prediction. On this point I would like to be wrong!

Springwater Budget – A Different Direction?

I was so pleased to see the leadership at the budget meetings in the last two weeks being provided by Councillors Cabral, Ritchie, Hanna and Moore. They seem to understand that this year is not like any other and that control needs exercised. Through a motion by Councillor Ritchie, Council provided direction to staff to go back to the drawing board and come back with a zero tax rate increase. As usual the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Ward 3 Councillor opposed this move. Even a zero tax rate increase will not mean your tax bill won’t increase as your assessment might have increased and the tax rate is applied against that. However, a zero tax rate increase would soften the blow. I know the senior staff can do it and I hope they heed the direction of Council rather than skirting around the request and cherry picking reductions that none of Council would support. That is an old trick that has been used in the past. In particular, even though supported by a majority of Council (Cabral and Hanna opposed the recommendation), why would we add dollars to the library budget for an early education specialist. Education is a Provincial Tax dollar responsibility and with COVID-19 the Province has ramped up and have great online learning opportunities that you are paying for with your provincial tax dollars. Another subject that would add dollars was adding a surcharge tax for improved broadband service in Springwater. We all agree that the internet services in Springwater and other rural municipalities is terrible, but communication is a Federal responsibility and we pay them to provide these services. The County of Simcoe along with other Counties and Regions have been lobbying for five years committed big dollars and little has been accomplished as this is a federal responsibility. Our pittance would make little difference except adding a burden on every taxpayer in Springwater and like most taxes would never disappear. Springwater needs to stay focussed on the delivery of the local services we are responsible for such as Policing, Fire and Emergency Services, roads, recreation and leave these other “wants” to the levels of government that are responsible. I thank the four Councillors for being aware of the challenges residents are experiencing and very disappointed that our two heads of Council still seem to be disconnected with the reality we are currently living in.

 

Virtual Meetings – What do you think?

I know we are all participating in virtual meeting with various organizations to be safe. However, I belong to an organization that as soon as restrictions were lifted in June we developed hybrid models to host in person and virtual participants, and the leadership is attending the live setting. It is held in a supervised facility. I attend and am in that three quarter of a century age bracket and I feel safe. We have had about 20 meetings since then and no issues, as we have well defined protocols and follow the three Musts (Distancing, Wear Masks and Wash and disinfect hands). As a former elected official, I find it odd that the current Springwater elected leaders want to be safe, but have no problem having their emergency services, some administrative staff, recreation, library and public works perform their modified functions in the real world. If you have ever attended a meeting in the Springwater Council chambers, it is ideal to have a physically distanced live meeting. If nothing else, it shows an appreciation and understanding for everyone else that must perform their jobs and take calculated risks everyday to service the needs of us taxpayers along with the many residents that have to work each day outside their home. But alas, that would take leadership and vision and, as I have said, there is giant void at this time in Springwater. I raised the question some time ago during a Council Question Period about live meetings but the answer was deflected by our Mayor to the CAO who had to parrot that they are following an option (not a directive) of the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit. That seems to make sense, sort of. If that is the case and policy, why does the Committee of Adjustment meet in the chamber for their meetings? Type this link into your browser to view their last meeting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U4pxbIdRd-I&ab_channel=SpringwaterTownship ??? Do the two heads of Council think that they and Council are more important and above everyone else?

 

COVID-19 and Springwater Township ballooning Budget-What are they thinking!

 

COVID-19

I am intrigued when everyone emphasizes using science as we fight this Pandemic. Unfortunately for the most part the science argument is used to support the view of the day based on political positions. The panacea of the cure-all vaccine actually frightens me more. Vaccines typically take about 10 years to scientifically prove their efficacy and side effects. But it appears many are ready to be first in line when it is released in early 2021. I hope the lines are long as I will keep moving to the end of the line for my shot, as something tells me that 10 years from now we will have front page news on the horrors of this rushed remedy. I believe it makes more sense to find treatment for the infected to minimize the health impacts and not just focus on a cure all vaccine, as there really is no such thing. Most people don’t realize that the Spanish Flu ran is full natural course and the only focus was prevention such as hygiene, disinfectants and improved sanitary conditions. It was not until 1942 that there was ever any type of vaccines for the flu and of course every year we seem to get it wrong and I question whether it reduces rather than improves our natural immune system. But if you watch the media, the large pharmaceutical companies and their high paid henchmen with multiple degrees behind their name will tell you differently. Like the Spanish Flu, it will take herd immunity and the human bodies natural ability to develop immunities to this current COVID-19. And yes, many will still die! I think we all need to get past the “I am God” syndrome and realize nature takes its course. In the meantime let’s focus on wearing masks, physical distancing and personal hygiene as over a 100 years ago that was the solution that ended the pandemic over a two year span without the science of today which seems to be losing the battle regardless of what we spend. Closing down the economy simply means we will have no money in the near future to create the resources we need to fight this silent and deadly disease. Let’s face it, Canada effectively closed its economy at the start of the Pandemic and what did it do? It simply delayed the inevitable which is happening now. In a short while, we will be at the same percentage rate of infection as all other major countries in the world but much worse off. Under the Trudeau hand-out mentality we will double the national debt and have gained little. Its time to stop watching CNN!

Springwater Budget

In the last term of Council, instead of having a few long budget meetings, we initiated a program where the budget would be segmented and dealt with in chunks. As the old expression goes, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time”. Believe me the township budget is an elephant in its own way. This year there are 5 sessions and two of them occurred this week. I encourage you to watch them live and send in your comments. Springwater has had ideal growth for over 20 years, with annual residential growth when averaged, of about 2% which is manageable and sustainable. The focus has been on “need to have” first and then “nice to have” which keeps a municipality an attractive place to live. There must be a balance. Currently without any program enhancements the proposed tax increase would be just under 2%, which doesn’t sound too bad, but it would be an additional 3% if the requested enhancements are approved, which in these pandemic times, shows a disconnect from reality. The County is planning a zero increase and even though I think we have an out of control education system, our local boards are also planning a zero increase. It begs the question, “What is going on in Springwater?” Most businesses, that grow, increase efficiency and do more for each dollar. In the last two years, in Springwater, we have had much new tax assessment come on board from the Stonemanor Woods development in Centre Vespra and growth in Elmvale and Snow Valley, which will continue for another few years. These are not small dollars by any means. In simple terms, it appears we are spending more money than coming in. To be frank, with the dramatic growth Springwater will encounter over the next 10 years, I believe there should be no actual tax rate increases as the new assessment and annual assessment increases will add at least 5% revenue to the coffers annually. If we cannot manage our business with revenues increasing at that rate, something is wrong with the leadership. I know we have good management at Springwater, as I had the pleasure to work with them for four years. If Council provide direction to staff requesting a zero tax rate increase, I know they can do it, but there has to be some leadership to make that happen. The upcoming meetings which are live streamed are on[BF1]  Mon Nov 30 from 1 to 4 p.m.; Mon Dec 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. and Weds Dec 9 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Remember it is our money they are spending and you need to have a say. This year, if for no other reason, Springwater Council has to show leadership and approve a zero tax rate increase.

 

Again, please remember these are my thoughts and I am not asking you to agree. I respect your freedom of expression and encourage you to SPEAK UP, before that freedom is taken from us!!

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 [BF1]

Council puts Pause on Mayor's pay suspension-Water Rates-Land Purchase for Community Hub

 

Update on Mayor Allen’s - 90 day pay suspension for Code of Conduct Violation

In a special closed session of Council prior to the regular Council Meeting on Nov 4th, it appears Council sought legal advice on the motion they passed at the Oct 21^st meeting to suspend Mayor’s Allen’s pay for a breach of the Code of Conduct arising from incidents following the Warden’s annual golf tournament in 2019 at Vespra Hills. As reported earlier a complaint was lodged because of his conduct following the event that also resulted in Criminal Charges being laid by the OPP of Impaired and Dangerous Driving. The legal matter was resolved in Collingwood Court this past July 31st, where Mayor Allen pled guilty to the reduced charge of Careless driving and received a $1,000 fine, a four-month licence suspension and a one-year ban on driving while there's alcohol in his system. However, that does not resolve the Code of Conduct violation, but in my opinion certainly supports the move by Council to suspend pay for his conduct. The resolutions from the closed session resulted in the pay suspension being put on hold until another Integrity Commissioner reviews the case and makes a decision whether Mayor Allen’s behaviour was a breach of the Code. What troubles me is that the Township has already paid $12,000 to $15,000 for the firm Principles Integrity to rule on the case and they failed to do so, which to me suggests they did not finish the job they were paid to do. Stay tuned. I suggest you watch the Nov 4^th meeting near the end to see the action taken by Council.

 

Springwater Water and Sewer rate increases

I was quite impressed at thoroughness and detail of the Watson and Associated update on Springwater’s Municipal Water and Sewer Systems, presented at a special meeting of Council on Nov. 4th. The reality is that the cost of operating multiple systems is expensive and one of the many reasons I object to the continuing urban sprawl in rural Ontario. In Springwater we have 11 individual water supply/treatment facilities, some serving as few as 42 homes and in total service less than half the homes in the Township as most homes and businesses are on private services. Currently we have 4 wastewater systems (Elmvale, Centre Vespra, Snow Valley Highlands and Snow Valley Lowlands but none in Midhurst or Hillsdale, our other two designated growth centres in addition to Elmvale??). The number of wastewater facilities will grow to 5 with the onslaught of the mega Midhurst Secondary Plan sprawl. Today only about 20% of all homes in Springwater are connected to municipal sewers. Over the next ten years there is capital cost estimate for Water improvements of $44 million with $37 million being contributed by the developers for a new system to service the new MSP developments and $90 million for sewer capital costs with about $79 million being contributed by the developers for a new system to service the new MSP developments. So about $7 million for water and about $11 million for sewer must be funded by the 4,124 municipal water users and 1,852 municipal wastewater users. In the end it will result in long term increases in existing user rates to keep our municipal services in good operating condition and ensure that when you turn on the tap, you have fresh water and when you flush the toilet things go somewhere. I suggest you view the entire Nov 4^th 5:00 p.m. Special Council Meeting where the update was provided and the proposed financing options available.

 

New Community Hub Land Purchase Approved

One thing that bothered me for years, even before serving as Mayor, was that there was no focused plan on developing a community hub, especially in the Midhurst area which was designated for significant growth. We have a wonderful administration centre and sports fields at Nursery Park but the facilities are not close to anything. I questioned the location of the new Administration Centre built in 2009 being located in the middle of nowhere. As communities grow it is important to have compact available services that are in walking distance. I am pleased that the work we started in the first year of my term is now complete and the Township signed a deal to purchase about 50 acres at the north west corner of Bayfield and Snow Valley Road which is known as the MNR’s Hasty Tract. The first project on this property will be a new fire station that has been in the works for many years. There is a good possibility that the County’s North Barrie Paramedic Station will take up some space. In the longer term, when the Township grows, this is the ideal location for the new proposed recreation complex and central library and I dare to say even a new Administration Centre incorporating community shared services, This is a very positive step forward and I thank those on Council that shared the Vision we created and executed the deal. Bravo!

 

Again, please remember these are my thoughts and I am not asking you to agree. I respect your freedom of expression and encourage you to SPEAK UP, before that freedom is taken from us!!

Troubles at the Top of Springwater Council

 Mayor Allen - 90 day pay suspension for Code of Conduct Violation

It was a long drawn out debate and discussion at the Oct 21 Regular Council Meeting when the Integrity Commissioner submitted its report on a Code of Conduct complaint filed by Councillors Cabral, Moore and Hanna related to criminal charges of Impaired and Dangerous Driving laid against the Mayor triggered by incidents following the 2019 Warden’s Golf Tournament at Vespra Hills Golf and Country Club on Wilson Drive. As Reported in the media, the Mayor plead guilty this past Summer to reduced charges under the Highway Traffic Act of “driving without due care or attention or without consideration for other persons using the highway”. The agreed statement of facts in Court read as follows: “On June 26th, 2019 Don ALLEN attended a golf tournament at the Vespra Hills Golf Course located on Wilson Drive in Springwater Township. He was observed after the tournament by staff having difficulties with his balance. This was due to a combination of a number of medical conditions Mr. Allen suffers from, including Multiple Sclerosis, a double knee replacement, fatigue from the heat and duration of the tournament in combination with 2 alcoholic beverages Mr. Allen had consumed at dinner at the course. Around 9:54 p.m. Mr. Allen entered his car, a Toyota Prius and drove off the property with only his daytime running lights on and turned onto Wilson Road, The combination of Mr. Allen’s fatigue, pre-existing medical condition, the 2 alcoholic drinks consumed at dinner and driving after sunset with only his daytime running lights on amounted to his driving on Wilson Road without due care and attention for other users of the roadway.” The Court noted in sentencing, stated: “I think the joint submission in this case is fitting and appropriate, and certainly meets the needs of the purpose of sentencing which is to promote a sense of responsibility in offenders, and to those who are acknowledging the harm done - and that is certainly the case here - but also to denounce the unlawful conduct and harm done to victims, and to deter yourself and others from committing offence.” He was given a $1,000 fine, a four-month licence suspension and a one-year ban on driving while there's alcohol in his system. What surprises me is the Mayor’s lack of contrition to his fellow Council members and his constituents. He instead tabled a motion to post a prepared statement that seems to contradict the information in the Integrity Commissioner’s report making him some sort of victim. That will be discussed at the next meeting. A simple apology by the Mayor for his bad behaviour may have avoided the action tabled by Councillor Ritchie to suspend the Mayor’s pay for 90 days. I am also perplexed at the two letters of support for the Mayor that were submitted which effectively chastised other members of Council for doing their sworn duty. Let’s be clear, Mayor Allen himself created this issue with his bad behaviour and he needs to accept responsibility or it will develop a life of its own. I suggest you watch the October 21 6:30 p.m. Regular Meeting on Youtube for the complete story.

 

Barrie Physician Recruitment – Well Done!

I just want to say how impressed I have been with the successes of the Barrie Physician Recruitment Program headed by Dr. Stu Murdock. With his leadership over the last 4 or 5 years there has been the renewed focus on bringing family physicians to the area with two new doctors working out of the Springwater Health Centre at Carson and Bayfield. Springwater contributes only about $8,000 a year and during my term we established a program to donate the funds from the annual Mayor’s Golf Tournament. Apparently, when asked, the fund is dry as there was no tournament this year (not sure why they didn’t stage a virtual tournament as other municipalities have done and raised funds). I know we had quite a surplus at the end of my term as Mayor and not sure where that money has gone. Since the program now works so well, because of the leadership of Dr. Murdoch, I now support this funding being an annual budget item rather than from fund raising activities. I do want to make it clear that in the past I did not think it should be a budgeted item as I was not confident at the time of where the funds were being deployed. Things do change for the better.

 

Building Inspectors – Outsourcing

With the upswing in new residential developments, especially the mega developments in Midhurst unleashed by this Council, the Springwater building department is overwhelmed with work. I just want to say I think we have one of the best Chief Building Officials around and feel comfortable when he comes to the table and asks for something. My experience with him was one of efficiency and effectiveness which today seems to be lacking in many department heads. The request and plan is to outsource the extra work to an agency, as bringing on full time employees has its challenges. In addition you will find the work load typically ebbs and flows. Councillor Moore provided a suggestion of looking into more student graduates and internships to help with the transition. Ottawa has had some success with this. I know the Township has also shared resources with neighbouring municipalities such as Wasaga Beach and Innisfil in times of need, but I expect they are also experiencing staffing pressures as their communities attract new residents from the GTA.

 

I do encourage you to watch some Council Meetings as you will be voting in two years for a new Council, and I think we might need some new faces. Again, please remember these are my thoughts and I am not asking you to agree. I respect your freedom of expression and encourage you to SPEAK UP, before that freedom is taken from us!!

 

Bill French is a seasoned business leader with over 40 years experience and served in senior positions of International Enterprises. Bill served as Mayor of Springwater and a County of Simcoe Councillor from 2014 to 2018 and has taught business at the college level for over 15 years.