2016 proved to be a heck of a year in Amherstburg. I started this blog in January unsure of what it would bring. Well, let me thank you, the people of good old Amherstburg for making my blog a huge success! I appreciate the readers, the email followers, the comments, thoughts and most especially my new seat cushion LOL. Whether you agreed with everything I said, some of what I said, or none of what I said (is that even possible?), I’m glad that people are reading this blog and talking about it. I’m happy to see that people are interested and involved, even if it’s from afar. Most especially, thank you to those who “get” my humour. This blog was always intended to be entertaining. I’m not a journalist, just a local resident who found herself up to her eyeballs in Amherstburg politics in the blink of an eye.
Attendance 2016
So, I know 2016 proved to have some “attendance issues” according to some, in particular with certain councillors. I have dutifully poured back through my notes from 2016 and counted up the absences. (Disclaimer, if I have made a mistake, I will gladly correct it and even apologise if need be. It’s really not necessary to call the lawyers.) There were 21 regular meetings this year. There were also 11 special meetings that fell on a night other than a regular meeting. So, a total of 32 meetings scheduled on different dates throughout the year.
Here it is from worst to best attendance:
Councillor Fryer missed 22% of the meetings this year.
Councillor Courtney missed 19% of the meetings this year.
Councillor Lavigne missed 16% of the meetings this year.
Deputy Mayor DiPasquale missed 9% of the meetings this year.
Councillor Pouget missed 6% of the meetings this year.
Mayor DiCarlo missed 3% of the meetings this year.
And…The perfect attendance award goes to Councillor Meloche who missed zero meetings this year! Kudos to you and thank you!
Oh, and me, Amherstburg2, your local blogger, I missed 3% of the meetings. Luckily I was able to find somebody to fill in for me. Oh and I’m not paid to attend these meetings, unlike our elected members of council.
As I was checking my notes, I also saw there were several late arrivals and early departures mostly by certain councillors too. I didn’t count those up because, well, just because.
So there you have it folks, I think the attendance or lack thereof speaks for itself. You are always welcome to draw your own conclusions.
In-Camera meetings
During the previous council’s term, Mr. Lavigne (now Councillor Lavigne) kept a close eye on the number of in-camera meetings. I often read articles in the local paper or letters to the editor from him about this subject. So, as the new, unofficial “council watcher” (lol, this name makes me laugh for real) this term, I decided to tally these up too. Please note, I am guessing that my numbers are off (too low) only because I counted the number of in-camera meetings from the agendas that I kept. There are a few that I’m missing. I’m too lazy to start digging through the electronic archives on the town’s website, so here is the grand total: Sixteen (16) in-camera meetings for 2016. To me, this seems like a lot of in-camera meetings, but what do I know? So basically for half of the regular or special meetings, there was also an in-camera meeting the same night!
A special moment from 2015 that can’t go without mention
In October of 2015, I, along with 3 other residents and a reporter were kicked out of town hall while we waited for an in-camera report-out. We were told there may be yelling during the in-camera meeting and we may overhear something. Council directed administration to kick us outside (and it was a chilly October night). I managed to negotiate to wait in the vestibule area, where there was at least some heat. Councillor Fryer had declared pecuniary interest in the matter being discussed. Councillor Fryer had served lawsuit papers to a local resident because of a post that he didn’t like that was made on Facebook. Then, in turn, Councillor Fryer tried to seek reimbursement from the town (our tax money!) for the legal fees incurred. We were waiting to see what Council’s decision would be in this matter. The first time, it was deferred. The second time, there was nothing further to report. I haven’t heard about this issue since.
But…………you know how they say every choice has a consequence? Well, council’s choice to kick us out, led to me deciding to start this blog. Nothing more suspicious than a group of people who claim “transparency”, quickly trying to get rid of engaged residents. Literally trying to get rid of us. So, I figured I was already taking notes of the goings-on in town hall during the meetings, why not start blogging about them? Why not allow others to also see what’s going on and join the fun? Why not allow others to share in my journey, (okay, weird journey), of Amherstburg politics? So, here we are. 🙂
2016 Highlights and memorable moments as I see them
Well, just for fun, I decided to summarise the highlights and memorable moments of 2016 for town council. Some were great, some were embarrassing, some were somewhere in between. It all depends on your perspective. I was going to do to a Top 10, but unfortunately there were more than 10, so here are they are, in no particular order:
Budget meeting / “computer hacker” / frustration
The year 2016 started with a budget deliberation meeting. (Fast forward to 2017, we’ll be in the same boat. Still, no darn budget passed for year end!) During the meeting, Councillor Fryer called a recess saying that his icon was moving without him touching it on his computer. It was later reported that it was a defective mouse. (LOL!!!) Anyway, there was no mysterious Amherstburg “computer hacker” even though someone tried to hype up this theory. (All I know is that if I were smart enough to be a computer hacker, the town of Amherstburg’s information would be really far down on my list of things to hack into, just sayin’. ) Small preface, there had been much discussion and several news articles about in-camera information being leaked. Nothing ever came of this. As far as I know, there was no investigation, so whoever was leaking information, well, it looks like they got away with it. 😦 However, now, all confidential information is given to council in a sealed envelope prior to the in-camera meeting and then returned to the CAO after the meeting. (Yep, for real.)
During this same budget meeting, Councillor Lavigne got quite frustrated near the end, threw his hands in the air, declared he was “tired of playing ring around the Rosie” and proceeded to leave. (Not going to lie, I’ve felt the same way. More than once.) He was cajoled back by the Mayor and Councillor Pouget. (Will we see the same frustrations in January 2017 when council will debate the budget “line by line” for a ridiculous number of hours? Ya, probably. If it happens again this year, I’m hitchin’ a ride home.)
Clapping (for me?)
In February, a councillor clapped one evening as I left council chambers after the meeting. (I’m guessing he’s not a fan of my blog.) I have since addressed this with him and it hasn’t happened again.
Health and Safety Officer
During the penny pinching “line by line” dissection of the budget, council decided not to hire a Health and Safety Officer. Even though there were still outstanding issues in the Fire Department, council did not see the value in this position. Well, lo and behold, more health and safety issues came to light a few months later in other departments and the CAO was asking council, once again, to approve this position. Councillor Lavigne was the swing vote that allowed it to happen (along with the original, Councillor Meloche, Deputy Mayor DiPasquale and Mayor DiCarlo), even if it was grudgingly on Councillor Lavigne’s part. Councillors Fryer and Pouget, once again, voted against hiring a Health and Safety officer. Councillor Courtney was absent from this meeting, but had previously voted against it at the budget meeting. It was a heated meeting. There are some members of council who just seem to not appreciate that times have changed, processes have evolved and the show must go on.
Texas Road
Not only was Texas Road finally repaired, we now still get to hear about it at almost every meeting. I’m glad it was finally done, it was a long time coming (too long) and those residents deserved a nice new road. But, does this resident have to hear about Texas Road at almost every meeting since? Councillor Fryer lives on Texas Road. He brings it up. A lot. (Just letting out some year-end frustration here folks. Sorry) Hoping that Texas Road can exist in tranquility in 2017 just like the rest of the roads in Amherstburg.
Note passing
Some of our council members showed some odd behaviour during a winter 2016 council meeting. Councillor Courtney was reading a paper under the desk prior to the meeting. She then brought it to Councillor Pouget, who took it and then placed it behind her (I am guessing in her purse or bag.) Later, while Councillor Meloche was speaking, Councillor Lavigne passed a paper behind Councillor Meloche’s back, to Councillor Courtney. She read it, then put it in her bag. We never did find out what was on those papers. Maybe it was the nuclear codes? Maybe it was fan mail? Maybe it was a grocery list?
Firefighter reports
As I am sure, every single resident of Amherstburg is aware, our local fire department saw some major changes in June of 2015. The Fire Chief, along with 2 volunteer fire fighters were terminated. This issue could have been laid to a peaceful rest in 2015, but it was brought forward kicking, dragging and screaming into 2016. There were multiple reports from the OFM (Ontario Fire Marshall) office. It appears the investigations are done, all seems to be in order and here’s to hoping the fire department woes have been dealt with and can finally be laid to rest in 2017. I don’t think anybody wants to rehash any of it again in 2017. Or ever.
Lawsuits, slander and libel
In April, a most memorable moment happened to me. Councillor Pouget approached me during a recess and told me that she felt some things I had written were defamatory. I offered to edit and asked for examples. She told me that I “report” that she asks too many questions. I told her it’s because I think she does ask too many questions and I am entitled to my opinion. She then told me that she had spoken to three lawyers (count ‘em, three!) and they agreed with her. She said she didn’t want to bring it to “that level”. Well, whatever “that level” may be, nothing has happened since. I have not been served any legal papers yet and I hope to continue blogging in relative peace in 2017. Perhaps, council and I have learned to peacefully co-exist this year. Or at least tolerate each other LOL.
The big, bad Internet and Social Media
Some councillors complained several times this term about the Internet and Social Media. They do not like people expressing their opinions about local politics on the internet. (Noted above, Councillor Fryer tried to sue a resident for it and I got threatened myself with legal action….what better way to silence a critic?) I must note most of the complaints were during the first 6 or 8 months of the year. Maybe council has grown and evolved in the last few months of the year and has realised that politicians are going to have to take the heat for their political decisions. Can’t take the heat? Get out of the kitchen…..they say.
I will call this one the Fryer Flip Flop
Long story short, the holding zone designation for the Jones property on Howard Avenue had to be removed. The Jones Group had the Ministry approvals etc and all was in place. Council simply had to remove the holding zone designation, since all of the criteria had been met by the owner. Simple, right? Not so much. The issue first came before council in August 2016. Councillor Fryer immediately made a motion to defer this issue, which was seconded by Councillor Pouget. So, bada bing, bada boom, deferred. Everybody left. So, September rolled around and there was a special meeting scheduled to discuss this ONE item. Yep, one item. One, simple item which simply needed a final approval since all criteria had been met. This meeting was heated and contentious. There were many arguments back and forth, anxious neighbours and agitated residents. Administration had told council continually during the meeting that the holding zone designation had to be removed since the owners had met all the criteria. Administration told council repeatedly that night that the owners could dispute this with the OMB and would almost certainly win. Along with that win, the town’s legal costs would be significant and that the Jones Group could demand legal fee reimbursement for this (our tax money….) It finally came down to the vote. Councillor Pouget made the motion to NOT approve the removal of holding zone and it was supported by Councillor Courtney, Deputy Mayor DiPasquale, Councillor Fryer and Councillor Pouget. The other 3 members of council (Mayor DiCarlo, Councillors Lavigne and Meloche) seemed to realise the predicament that had just been created. What a mess.
So, one week later, at the next meeting, Councillor Fryer wanted to change his vote and brought this issue back up for discussion. It seems he had gotten a legal opinion and found out that each councillor could be held liable for having not removed the holding zone, as required. (Funny, the week prior administration had presented all the arguments, but council didn’t care. Funny, but council was willing to gamble our tax money with possible legal action, but suddenly weren’t willing to gamble their own.) So once again, it went to a vote and ta-da! Unanimous to remove the holding zone.
Neighbour disputes
This year’s council meetings played host to various neighbour disputes. One in the spring had to do with a resident who lived next door to a turkey farm. Another one, had two neighbours arguing about the height of a deck fence. Most recently, council heard from a resident who doesn’t feel she should be paying her water bill and wants all fees reversed. Why in the world council meetings turned into a mini version of the People’s Court is beyond me, but at least the meetings had entertainment value.
The Tree By-Law
This proposed private tree by-law may possibly go down in Amherstburg’s history as the biggest act of attempted excessive power by our current council. Council had requested the “best tree by-law available” and a proposal was brought forward that basically stopped private residents of the ability to cut down a tree on their own property. The people were angry! The people were livid! The people spoke! (They actually kind of yelled.) And boy did they speak! There was a heated, (extremely heated) public meeting attended by approximately 60 people. The residents of Amherstburg made it very clear that they did not want this by-law. Lo and behold, council backed off this idea real quick and the by-law never came to be.
The Portable Sign By-Law
Council wanted to abolish the use of portable sign use to advertise businesses off-site. A few councillors found these signs unsightly. They felt that the Communities in Bloom was a more important initiative and the signs are an “eye sore”. There was a public meeting about this issue too. The business owners spoke up. Most appeared to be looking for a compromise. Many said that without these portable signs, their businesses may not survive since their location isn’t central. (One of these businesses just went up for sale recently, I’m not going to name them because I certainly don’t want to affect their chances of not selling. What a shame.) Well, this council is not known for compromise and there certainly was no compromise. Council did not seem to show much (if any) compassion or empathy for the business owners of Amherstburg and voted this by-law through. So, I guess you can draw your own conclusion of how our council feels about our small, local businesses.
The purchase of Duffy’s
In a surprise and unanticipated move, council voted to purchase the Duffy’s property. The only councillor in opposition in this vote was Councillor Pouget. From what I have heard, most in town seem happy about this purchase. It’s a perfect piece of property that is full of potential. Maybe 2017 will bring forward some possibilities for this property.
The purchase of Belle Vue
**Please note that Councillor Pouget and Councillor Lavigne both declared a conflict on this issue and therefore did not discuss about this property, nor vote on it.** (I wonder if it seems a convenient way to get out of voting on something you don’t want to touch, don’t you think?……but who knows?)
Belle Vue is a historical home located on Dalhousie Street. There were many presentations made to council about its history and historical significance. The first time Belle Vue came forward as a possibility, it was voted down. The only supporter was Deputy Mayor DiPasquale. It was a very discouraging night for the Belle Vue supporters and the organisers of the Friends of Belle Vue.
However, at the next meeting, Councillor Courtney brought the motion back for discussion. After more presentations from the Belle Vue Foundation and more discussion it went to a vote. This time, in favour were Councillors Courtney, Deputy Mayor DiPasquale and Mayor DiCarlo. Opposed: Councillors Fryer and Meloche. In “conflict” and did not vote: Councillors Pouget and Lavigne.
The revolving door of organisers seeking approval for events
The current council thought it would be important to have total control over approving every single event that happens in Amherstburg. Even if the event had already been vetted through the town’s event committee, met all criteria, had hosted their event for many years, they still had to come before council to seek approval. I did not realise how many events we had in this town until this. Most events were rubber stamped through, some were questioned. Regardless, I would see these volunteers show up anxious to see if they would have to justify themselves or answer to council. All of the events were approved.
My new seat cushion
For those of you who have been loyal followers and readers, you have read my complaints about the chairs in council chambers. They are truly the most uncomfortable chairs ever! In November, Eleanor Renaud was kind enough to make me a seat cushion (with a handle no less) and I now proudly bring it with me to each council meeting. Such an awesome surprise! Thank you!
Conclusion
So, there you have it folks. The year 2016 in review for Amherstburg town council. I may have forgotten some highlights, I’m not sure. As always, feel free to comment on the blog. I love the feedback and the comments! Keep ‘em coming! A huge, sincere thank you to all who have supported me with this endeavour this past year. I hope it’s helped get people involved and talking about our local politics. There’s always room at the council meetings, I’d be happy to save you a seat!
Thank you for taking this walk down memory lane with me. We laughed, we cried….
Happy New Year Amherstburg!
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