Well, Monday night’s meeting was disappointing. It wrapped up after 9:00 and I just did not have it in me to write up the blog right away. Frankly, the meeting was draining. Mayor Prue did an admirable job of pointing out the rules and did very little gavel passing, which was refreshing. But, sadly, some members of council managed to hijack the meeting anyway. The rules of order were waived multiple times…..and when that happens, generally, all order flies out the window. Monday night was no different. If you are already feeling upset by my perspective, stop reading the blog now. Right now. Stop reading. Oh, and all of the delegations that spoke…..not one was received. Not one. Again, hard to follow procedure, where council throws it out the window and plays willy nilly with the rules. Why even have procedures if they’ll just be waived? Just some food for thought….
DELEGATIONS
The meeting started out with Mayor Prue noting that there were no delegations on the agenda but that there were people there that wanted to speak. Just a bit of background, if a person wants to speak to council regarding an agenda item or non-agenda item, they have to submit some forms with their speaking notes ahead of time. Then, they are added to the agenda. There is a timeline that has to be respected to have the paperwork in. This way, council and administration can read the delegation ahead of time in order to be properly prepared for any discussion. It’s actually a pretty good system. When it’s used. Tonight, it was not. I have also noted that on Councillor Allaire’s social media, she often adds the link to the forms and procedures to delegate to council, which is an excellent idea. If people actually did it.
Councillor McArthur said that he had received an email today about people that wanted to speak about the pickleball courts, which was an agenda item. (I’m not sure if they didn’t get their paperwork in on time or not, but the item was on the agenda.) Councillor Pouget said that Nancy Atkinson also wanted to speak but not about the pickleball courts.
The Clerk joined the meeting on zoom. He said that Mrs Atkinson’s initial request to delegate was not complete therefore it was put in abeyance for the next meeting. He said that the paperwork for her delegation for the next meeting was in the works as per council’s procedural bylaw.
Councillor Courtney then said that he had also spoken to Mrs Atkinson. He seemed to scoff at the procedures of what was required, how descriptive it should be, how robust or stringent the delegation had to be and other such items. The Clerk said that administration encourages civic participation but that her form did not have a subject matter and that it was outside of the dates required for submission. Councillor Courtney wondered if the content was appropriate. (I had to chuckle a bit…..I bet that Councillor Courtney knew exactly what Mrs Atkinson wanted to talk about since he said he had spoken to her….but who knows….). Mayor Prue said that it would be up to council but that the requirements to delegate had been explained. (Ironically, they’ve been explained to council several times now…..if council doesn’t want to follow their own procedural bylaw, then they really should just change it ….imagine trying to run a meeting with no procedural bylaws …..that would be effective and efficient LOL!)
Anyway, Councillor McArthur made a motion to waive the rules of order to allow people to speak if it were about the pickleball issue that was on the agenda.
Tennis and Pickleball Courts in Amherstburg
Mr Rousseau spoke first. He noted that he was late submitting his paperwork and appreciated council allowing him to speak. He felt that Pickleball is the fastest growing sport and that it was helpful for promoting an active lifestyle. He wanted council to know their desires.
Mayor Prue explained that there were two issues before council. One was if the Anderdon tennis court (that is also used for pickleball) should be covered with plastic tiles. And the second was where to locate a new set of pickleball courts. Mr Rousseau said that their preference was the Libro Centre since it is more centralized and that the town would have better care and control of the area. He felt that the Libro made the most sense.
Councillor Pouget felt that this item was coming from left field. She noted that the vast majority of emails did not want tiles installed in the Anderdon courts but she felt there was no mention about placing pickleball courts at the Libro.
Mayor Prue pointed out that yes, both items were in fact before council. (I read the report and yes….both of these items were in the report….)
Mr Thetchen-Cary spoke. (Sorry, unsure of the spelling). He talked about the plastic tiles causing injuries. He wanted to dissuade administration from putting plastic tiles on the court. He felt that he had not researched the locations enough and did not have a comment regarding the location for the new courts.
Mr Owen spoke next. He felt that if the courts were to go in Centennial Park that there would be too many noise problems and people would be angry. He said that the ball bouncing is very loud and people often complain about the noise. He also noted that a new Long Term Care Facility would be going across the street. He felt that Centennial Park would be out of the question for pickleball courts.
Then, this was strange to me….who knew that members of the gallery could vote? LOL!! Personally, I think that Mayor Prue was trying to keep the delegations to a minimum, so…..he asked that all those in the gallery that did not want the Anderdon courts repaired with tiles to signify…..then he asked that all those that do want the Anderdon courts repaired with tiles to signify…..
I was watching from home so I could not see how many hands went up. But I did think….what about those at home? How can they “signify”? Hmmmm
Then, Mayor Prue was about to ask for people to signify their preference for the two locations for the new pickleball courts but Councillor Courtney interrupted and started talking about a previous motion of the old council.
So, Mayor Prue asked if anyone in the gallery wanted to speak in favour of placing the courts at Centennial Park. Nobody did.
The delegations were NOT received.
Councillor McArthur spoke and said council had heard loud and clear that the pickleballers did not want tiles installed on the Anderdon courts. He noted that the administration recommendation was trying to patch the problem since they don’t have enough money to do it right. He noted that the previous council (the one that he was on with Councillor Courtney and then Councillor Prue) had not put enough money aside. (I would suggest that many councils had not put enough money aside for maintenance…..look what happened to Centennial Park, the track, the pool…..they were literally falling apart….it costs a lot of money to properly maintain infrastructure…..I think Councillor Pouget was on a few of those previous councils…but maybe not….)
Anyway, there was a lot of back and forth with the Director of Parks and Recreation, Ms Baillargeon. Councillor Pouget and some others refer to her as “Heidi”, her first name, but she is respectful in her replies and addresses members of council all by their titles.
Councillor Allaire said that she had googled contractors over the weekend and found some that offer 7-10 year warranties. (But will these contractors actually respond to a RFP and submit a bid? Because that’s how the process works….councillors don’t google and approach contractors…..council approves a budget and the project, administration creates the RFP and then contractors submit their bids…..It’s a very different process than if an individual is simply looking for some home improvement quotes. I’m not sure if Councillor Allaire understands that. Maybe she does, maybe she doesn’t.) Ms Baillargeon said that they could look into alternative surfaces but noted that the money can only support so many facilities. Councillor Allaire noted that we don’t have a “crap ton of money”. (I sat there in shock … .I would hope that someone sitting there representing a Corporation (Amherstburg) with a budget of $56 Million would choose better words….)
Councillor Courtney then spoke. He said he had a lot of questions. And he did. He was all over the map. He seemed to feel that multiple amenities should be in multiple parks. Ms Baillargeon asked him where administration needs to focus since we can’t have everything in every park. Councillor Courtney then went on and on and on….talking in circles….I couldn’t even write fast enough, the subject changed every three words it seemed…..it got so bad that Mayor Prue even asked Councillor Courtney to get to the point. (Thank you for saying what everyone was thinking! Although, personally, I wasn’t even sure if there actually was a point LOL). Then Councillor Courtney started talking about Master Plans (no reference to the Libro Master plan that the previous council rejected of course….) He went on about a motion made by the previous council. Mayor Prue interjected again and told Councillor Courtney he was taking a long time getting to the point. He felt that he was “all over the map” and taking a long time. (And, well, I really agreed with Mayor Prue here…..Councillor Courtney was all over the map. He was giving a whole new definition to the expression “talking in circles” too.) Ms Baillargeon noted that conceptual plans had been made for the orientation of a track at Centennial Park and that the motion had to do with “IF” a track were to be placed at Centennial Park.
CAO Critchley explained to council that a conceptual plan had been approved that night but that a new council was not bound by a prior council resolution. Read it again people….she noted that procedurally, a new council is not bound by a prior council decision. (I thought that everybody knew that? New governments get elected all the time, go in and undo what the predecessors did in order to advance their political agenda…..am I the only person that knows this? Clearly Councillor Courtney did not know this…he’s forever throwing comments out there about “democracy”….looks like it’s time for him to learn about what it actually is….)
Councillor McArthur then made a motion to approve the new pickleball courts for the Libro arena location. Councillor Pouget was not happy since she had a motion prepared but it looked like he got his motion out there first. Councillor McArthur said that it was time for council to make a decision. (In the background I could hear people yelling from the gallery but since I was watching from home, I’m not sure what they were saying.)
Mayor Prue noted that an incoming government can change direction. This seemed to be news to Councillor Courtney.
So, again Councillor McArthur made a motion for new pickleball courts to be located at the Libro Centre. Deputy Mayor Gibb seconded the motion.
Councillor Allaire started asking about amendments. Deputy Mayor Gibb felt that he was done talking and that now it was time for action. He felt that the Libro Centre was the place for the pickleball courts since that is the location that the users want, it has parking, washrooms, and all of the necessary amenities are already there. He also felt that people were still fighting the ghost of the sale of a small portion of Centennial Park for affordable housing and that ghost is gone. He said that he was elected to make decisions and that’s what he wanted to do. He spoke about Amherstburg being one community and that the Libro was an easy drive from anywhere in Amherstburg.
Councillor Allaire felt very upset with how the motion was worded. She felt that this council should stick with previous council decision. She then asked about the concepts for Centennial Park (in the conceptual drawings) that showed hard surfaces at the west side of Centennial Park. Ms Baillargeon said that that would not change even if new courts were installed at the Libro. Councillor Allaire mentioned the new Parks Master Plan and the Spatial Plan and wondered if the Libro had the space for all of these amenities. Ms Baillargeon said that yes, the Libro had space for all of the amenities. Mayor Prue pointed out that the Libro is one of the largest land areas in Ontario. (And ironically, that big, beautiful property does not have a plan….because the previous council rejected it….and now we have to sit here and spin our wheels….) There was quite a bit of back and forth between the Mayor and Councillor Allaire. The Mayor did not seem very happy.
Councillor Allaire asked about splitting up the project and putting two hard surfaces at the Libro and two at Centennial. Ms Baillargeon said that that would essentially double the costs.
Councillor Crain noted that we need courts now. He noted that this past weekend, with the grand opening of the bike trails had shown what a mecca the Libro will be. He noted that unfortunately the Libro Master Plan was not approved but that it is a huge space and the courts can be put there. He felt that they’re needed and the rest can be figured out later.
Councillor Pouget had a lot to say. She felt that the town hasn’t gotten feedback yet about Malden Park. She felt that no decisions should be made until council gets that feedback. (So council can’t put amenities in another park – the Libro – until feedback is received about Malden Park? Am I missing something here?) She felt that council should have had to ask for reconsideration since she felt it make sense to put the courts at Centennial Park. She went on about her motion that she had prepared but couldn’t make and wanted council not to proceed with Councillor McArthur’s motion.
So, this is VERY important….Mayor Prue pointed out that reconsideration can only be done by those who made the motion. (So, procedurally, the old council made the motion…..this council is free to do what they wish….they do not have to reconsider it – in fact, it would be outright wrong for a new council to “reconsider” a motion made by another council. That’s procedurally incorrect on so many levels…..funny how procedures are waived to allow people to speak, and then procedures are invented when things don’t go your way? Odd…..) Mayor Prue said he would ask for the vote.
Councillor Courtney then went on yet another rant. He spoke about all of the public consultations and that it created a waste of anxiety, money and peace of mind. He felt that this motion was “asinine” and crazy and that he wouldn’t support it. (Interesting…..what about the wasted anxiety, money and peace of mind when the old council that Councillor Courtney sat on rejected the Libro Master Plan that had tons of public consultation???? Outright rejected it, threw in a box and put it away…..yet now, the new council wants to put pickleball courts at the Libro where the actual USERS of said pickleball courts want them? What am I missing?)
Councillor McArthur spoke about how he was listening to the pickleball players and investing in the Libro Centre Monday night. He noted that pickleball makes noise, the players need parking, washrooms and a place to fill up their water bottles, all of which is at the Libro at this very moment. He seemed to take offense that Councillor Courtney had called the previous council “hellish”….Councillor McArthur felt that the previous council wasn’t that bad and he didn’t want to disparage the prior council. BUT he did note that the prior council were afraid to make decisions. He noted that council has to make decisions and that the Libro is the best spot for the courts. (I could hear clapping from the gallery when he said this.)
So, finally the motion was before council…..TWO hard top surfaces at the Libro Centre (which equals 2 tennis courts or 8 pickleball courts). It went to a recorded vote….but it wasn’t a traditional recorded vote LOL…..here’s what happened :
Councillor Allaire : said approve? Opposed? Agree? Support? (So, I THINK she supported this? I’ll know for sure when the minutes come out. I would have to think Councillor Allaire would support adding amenities to the Libro Centre?)
Councillor Courtney : Oppose
Councillor Crain: Support
Deputy Mayor Gibb : Support
Councillor McArthur : The sound didn’t work on his microphone so I’m assuming he supported his own motion
Councillor Pouget : The sound didn’t work on her microphone so I’m assuming she opposed the motion since she said she would
Mayor Prue : Support
So it carried. I think 5-2.
But it wasn’t over yet….
There was $140,000 budgeted for the tiles at the Anderdon courts….the CAO asked if council wanted to move that money to the new design for the new courts and then figure out the rest for the 2023 budget.
Councillor Allaire made a motion to fix the Anderdon courts. This carried, although Councillor Pouget did not raise her hand, so I believe that is a vote in opposition.
But then a long, long discussion ensued about how much to spend….Councillor Allaire wanted something with a 5-7 year warranty….CAO Critchley pointed out that it would take more than $50,000 to get a repair with that kind of warranty. Councillor Allaire then wanted to spend $6,000 to repair the court like last year. Mayor Prue seemed to be getting irritated and there was somewhat of an argument about her motion….Councillor Allaire made reference to sending out a RFP for the repairs. Mayor Prue said that would take 3 or 4 months to do….he suggested just spending X dollars and then staff could figure something out….he said he was trying to assist Councillor Allaire (which I do believe he was).
Councillor Allaire then made a motion to spend up to $40,000 to repair the Anderdon courts and then move the $100,000 towards building the new courts at the Libro. (This seemed reasonable to me.) Ms Baillargeon said that would be enough money for some temporary repairs and that some repairs are needed now. Councillor Crain said he wouldn’t support it, since he felt the entire $140,000 should be moved to the budget. Deputy Mayor Gibb suggested an amendment to get different options for repairs and then use the balance for the Libro Courts. There was back and forth then Councillor Allaire accepted the amendments. Councillor Pouget said she would not support the motion. Councillor Pouget felt that council had ignored due process and ignored previous motions. (Just wait a few minutes for a huge situation where due process will be ignored, by Councillor Pouget and the rest of council …..just some foreshadowing for you….). Councillor Crain said he would support the amended motion. It went to a vote, it wasn’t recorded but I watched :
Support : Councillors Allaire, Crain, McArthur, Deputy Mayor Gibb
Opposed : Councillors Courtney and Pouget
Then, Councillor Pouget made a motion to waive the rules of order to hear Nancy Atkinson. (Remember about the importance of following due process 3 minutes ago?). Anyway, council voted and waived the rules of order for Mrs Atkinson to speak. I do not believe they should have done so. I am not a fan of waiving the rules of order in the first place but most definitely disagree when it involves waiving the rules of order for someone to speak to items that aren’t even on the agenda. Therefore, I am not going to summarize Mrs Atkinson’s “delegation”. If you would like to hear it and the lengthy discussion afterwards, you are welcome to go watch the video. Why will I not be summarizing it? Well, Mrs Atkinson’s delegation was not about any issue on Monday night’s agenda. The items she delegated about were certainly not urgent and could have easily waited for two weeks until the next meeting. By following due process and proper procedures…..that would have allowed council to read her delegation ahead of time to be prepared and it would have allowed town administration to also read it and be prepared. Because ultimately, when items just get thrown out there out of the blue, nobody is properly prepared….which means that rational, well-thought out decisions or action is difficult and even somewhat impossible. It does not create a balanced or efficient environment for decision-making. Since Councillors Pouget and Courtney admitted they spoke to Mrs Atkinson, I am guessing that the two of them knew what she would be discussing and asking for. But nobody else did. Including the public.
Playground Design, Supply and Installation for Warren Mickle Park RFP #2023-003
Looks like the tender results and drawings are ready to go for Warren Mickle Park. The money was budgeted so it looks like council just has to approve it. It also appears that the new park equipment will be accessible. Here is the recommendation :
It is recommended that:
1. Council APPROVE the playground attached under Appendix A for a new accessible playground at Warren Mickle Park;
2. The Chief Administrative Officer and the Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to sign and EXECUTE a contract with New World Park Solutions Inc. in the amount of $274,254.00 excluding HST funded from 0400 Reserve- General-Fund as per budget issue paper PAR-006-23 for the complete design, supply and installation of playground equipment and rubber safety surfacing, including all concrete walkways, landscaping, restoration and site work at Warren Mickle Park satisfactory in form to the Town Clerk, financial content to the Chief Financial Officer, and technical content to the Director Parks, Facilities, Recreation and Culture; and,
3. Council DELEGATE authority to the Chief Administrative Officer to award and issue purchase orders and/or sign and execute any agreements as may be required for the necessary services to execute the scope of work for the playground replacement project at Warren Mickle Park.
Councillor Allaire noted the ramp but felt that the ramp wouldn’t have as many play items available at that level. The Clerk noted that there were a number of items at accessible levels. Ms Baillargeon, Director of parks noted that the equipment provided more than the AODA requirements. Six of certain elements are required for ages 5-12 and there were eight elements provided. (I took my notes by hand and could not catch which type of elements…)
Councillor Pouget asked if the playground was AODA compliant. Ms Baillargeon said that yes, it was fully compliant.
There was more repetition and back and forth and then finally Councillor Crain made the motion to approve the staff recommendation (above)…..and it carried! Done!
Commemorative Program Policy
It looks like the town had adopted a commemorative program policy for park benches in 2012. It appears that administration is recommending adopting a new policy to oversee commemorative benches and trees that people can purchase in commemoration of loved ones that can be installed in various town parks. The report outlines initial installation costs and ongoing maintenance costs of various types of benches.
There was some discussion and some questions but ultimately, this carried. There will be a commemorative program policy for benches and trees.
Recess – It was about 8:15 and council voted to take a 10 minute recess.
2023 Mill and Pave Program Part 2 – Tender Results
Good news for the residents of Eagle Crescent, Birdie Street and Driver Lane! The tender results are in for some road work on their streets! Here are the recommendations:
It is recommended that:
1. The 2023 Mill and Pave Program Part 2 Tender BE AWARDED to Mill-Am Corporation for an amount of $236,289.60 plus H.S.T to complete rehabilitation works for Eagles Crescent, Birdie Street and Driver Lane and,
2. The Mayor and Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute an agreement with Mill-Am Corporation for the 2023 Mill and Pave program Part 2.
This carried with no discussion.
Angstrom Crescent Reconstruction – Tender Results
And great news for the residents of Angstrom Crescent! The tender results are in for their reconstruction of their street! Long overdue, in my opinion, since it is the worst street in Amherstburg!?!
Here is the recommendation :
It is recommended that:
1. The tender for the Angstrom Crescent Reconstruction BE AWARDED to Piera Con Enterprises Inc. for an amount not to exceed $614,874.25 plus HST; and,
2. The Mayor and Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute an agreement with Piera Con Enterprises Inc. for the Angstrom Crescent Reconstruction.
This carried as well. It seems that the work should be starting soon and it will take a few months to complete.
Tender Results for Fleet Purchase – WM-07
Looks like the tender results are in to replace one of our town vehicles. As seems to be the norm, it is a little over budget. Here is the recommendation :
It is recommended that:
1. An over-expenditure for the purchase of a Small Size Cargo Van not to exceed $6,026 BE APPROVED for a total cost not to exceed $46,026 including net HST and that the over-expenditure BE FUNDED from the Water and Waste Water Reserves.
This carried.
NEW BUSINESS
This is always the meli-melo of the night. Councillor Allaire said that she had requested change tables for the park (I’m not sure if she said Toddy Jones or Navy Yard Park) and wondered when they’d be coming. She noted that Open Air had started and that toilet training “sucks” for her. (Interesting she’s out enjoying Open Air weekends when she voted against them? Maybe she’ll change her vote for next year?) Anyway, it seems the change table is in the works. There was talk about speeding in front of Pat Thrasher Park but I’m not sure what, if anything got decided.
NOTICE OF MOTION
Notice of Motion – Councillor Courtney – First Raised May 23, 2023
Here is Councillor Courtney’s notice of motion.
That:
1. Administration BE DIRECTED to identify the space required for an 8 lane track within H. Murray Smith Centennial Park on a north-south orientation;
2. Administration BE DIRECTED to reserve space in the H. Murray Smith Centennial Park Conceptual Plan that is required for an 8 lane track, inclusive of any associated amenity such as parking, access trails (etc.), in order to properly use such an amenity should it be created;
3. The period for raising funds towards the creation of a track BE EXTENDED from the original 18 month period to June 12, 2025; and,
4. The decision on whether an 8 lane track is installed at H. Murray Smith Centennial Park or whether the reserved space be used for a passive trail network BE CONSIDERED following June 12, 2025.
He asked if he had to read it out and the answer was yes. He also amended the motion on the spot. Eight lanes was changed to 6 lanes for the track – part 2 above. He specified a North-South orientation for the new track (if it ever comes to be). I believe those were the only two amendments that he made to the original motion above. Councillor Allaire seconded the motion.
Councillor Courtney noted that there is not a town policy for fundraising and he felt that his motion would buy more time and would not be detrimental. Councillor Allaire wondered if there would be a hiccup on the west side of the park for more pickleball courts and “his” track. (I kind of chuckled when she called it “his” – Councillor Courtney’s – track. There definitely seems to be some blind fixation about recreating Centennial Park from 1980 onto half the space. I don’t get it.) Ms Baillargeon said there would be space for both the track and the courts.
Councillor Crain asked what the cost for the track would be. Ms Baillargeon said it would depend if they wanted a rubber track or another type of track but that it would be in the MILLIONS. Councillor Crain asked who the group was that was spearheading the fundraising. Ms Baillargeon believed it was Tina Sharman and North Star High School. Councillor Crain then asked if any funds had been raised to date. Ms Baillargeon said that she was not aware of any funds to date that had been raised. (Let that sink in folks….zero dollars raised so far and council is going to give them more time…..more time for Centennial Park to sit undeveloped and a complete eye sore. Talk about lack of planning….but I digress….)
Councillor McArthur wondered if it was a pipe dream. Deputy Mayor Gibb asked if it was in the original plan for the high school that a track was being put in on their own property by the board. Ms Baillargeon said that a track was on the plans of the high school property but that they did not intend to put one in for the next 10 years. Deputy Mayor Gibb wondered if it was fair for the taxpayers to pay the maintenance for a facility that would be mostly used by the high school and he wondered about long term maintenance costs.
Councillor Courtney felt it was achievable since the original track was built on fundraisers. (And unfortunately, the original track was not maintained and fell into terrible disrepair because past councils did not budget or fund its maintenance…..here we are staring down the barrel of a massive infrastructure deficit and yet talking about adding more infrastructure to maintain….when we did not even maintain the last track…..I’m not sure if this would be irony or hypocrisy….or both….) But Councillor Courtney felt that the track had happened in the past and it could happen again.
Mayor Prue passed the gavel (I think this might have been the one and only time this meeting….) He felt that the time frame for fundraising was disturbing since it gave the group until June 2025, which means that the item would be in the 2026 budget and the next election is in 2026. He felt that the cut-off for fundraising should be December 2024 in order for consideration for the 2025 budget. He wasn’t comfortable putting this before the next council.
Councillor Courtney went on and on about not having a policy and needing an extension. (Funny that we DO have a policy for delegations yet council doesn’t follow it.) Mayor Prue was concerned that 18 months was a long time to wait and that nothing had happened so far. He felt that perhaps a time frame with benchmarks should be established in order to not waste time. (Yup….a lot of time has already been wasted and more time is about to be wasted…..and the park just sits there….). Councillor Courtney wasn’t sure why there was a rush now. (Funny how it was a big rush to waive rules and allow a delegate to speak about items that weren’t even on the agenda, but it’s a problem to have goals and benchmarks for fundraising rather than let Centennial Park continue to be a huge eye sore?)
Councillor Crain wondered what would happen if not enough funds were raised. He also wondered about sponsorships and cited Amherstburg Community Foundation and Art for Parks.
CAO Critchely explained that this was a particular fundraiser. It seems that they want the town to hold the money. If tax receipts are issued and the goal is not met, then the funds could go to the park redevelopment fund, but that would be up to council.
Councillor Allaire said she was okay with the shrinking timeline for fundraising and she did not want the next council to decide. She didn’t see any hiccups to raise money and then put the money towards parks if the fundraiser fails.
Councillor Courtney felt that there would be no financial impact for the next council. Mayor Prue wanted to shorten the time frame and then council would approve the rest before the end of their term.
Councillor McArthur felt that the timeline and benchmarks should be significantly more aggressive. He noted the old pool and track were fundraised by volunteers but he felt two years was too long. He said that the board has a football field with a stormwater plan in place for their property. He wants to see trails with exercise systems in Centennial Park. He felt that the track should be placed on the school board’s property to maximize space. (Which had me thinking…..why isn’t the school’s PAC spearheading fundraising and putting the track on the school board’s property … .then the school board would be responsible to maintain it and not us, the taxpayers…..????)
Councillor Pouget spoke about agreements that used to be in place between the school board and the town for the use of Bill Wigle Park and Centennial Park. Seems there are no agreements in place now.
Deputy Mayor Gibb felt that if no significant money is out there, then in two years, nothing will be done at Centennial Park. He felt that the mood is out there for trails and park development. He wondered if the track was achievable and felt that if it weren’t, it would drag us down.
Councillor Courtney said his motion was made because there is no town policy. He felt okay about the December 2024 deadline. Mayor Prue questioned when budget deliberations would take place. The Treasurer said that they take place in early December, so it was suggested to make the deadline for November 2024 for the fundraising so that they would be part of the budget deliberations. Councillor Courtney then got fairly snippy, abrupt and somewhat rude about the timeline.
Councillor McArthur felt that the town should reach out to the Board and that they should be a partner in this.
It went to a vote…..not a recorded vote…..sadly, it was unanimous…..everything is on hold for Centennial Park for AT LEAST another 17 months….realistically it will be much longer than that…..IF the millions required are raised for the track…..the taxpayers of Amherstburg will be on the hook to maintain it…..and the board will get to use it. Pretty sweet deal. For them. Not us.
And with that, the meeting adjourned at 9:06 PM. I waited until tonight (Tuesday night) to type this up….I needed a breather….I’m guessing you can see why. That is, if you’re still reading. 🙂
Have a great week Amherstburg! See you at Open Air this weekend! Such a wonderful community event for us. How fortunate we are to live in such a beautiful town! Now if only, the council meetings could start to be orderly, efficient and productive. If only……
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