Aurora Citizen

News & Views from the Citizens of Aurora Ontario

Community Corner: Closed Door Meetings

Posted by auroracitizen on November 7, 2008

A reader sent in the following comment. It is published unchanged.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

I found an interesting item on the Council agenda for the October 14/08 meeting. Could you please open this as a topic of discussion? I think it’s quite suspicious that two councillors are fighting for transparency and the other are fighting against it. This was a fantastic suggestion by Mrakas. How is one to “investigate” a closed session meeting if there is no record?

6. Motion from Councillor Collins-Mrakas
Re: Audio Recording of Closed-Session Meetings
(Notice was provided to Council on Tuesday September 9, 2008)

Moved by Councillor Collins-Mrakas Seconded by Councillor Buck

WHEREAS the closed session meetings and attendant proceedings of Council are subject to investigation at anytime should a member of the public feel it is warranted; and

WHEREAS the accuracy of the records and/or documentation kept in regards to the closed session meetings and proceedings of Council is therefore vital; and

WHEREAS currently only minutes are taken and there is no verbatim – written or audio-recorded record of the closed session proceedings of Council; and

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, if permitted under relevant legislation, all future closed session meetings of Council shall be audio-recorded.

DEFEATED

————–

An interesting question. A very small number of topics are allowed in-camera because the discussion may be harmful to people or the town if discussed in open Council.

Examples would be an interest to sell/purchase real estate, talk about someones performance and possible dismissal or a legal matter. One can easily see that some matters should be discussed behind closed doors.

However, no decisions are to be made in-camera. All items must be presented in open council for a decision to be made (obviously all the details are not shared).

However, there has been concern expressed by the Mayor and certain members of council that inappropriate behaviour is taking place behind these closed doors. Public accusations can be made about something said and the accused has no defence.

Similarly, discussions take place that lead to a decision and the public have a right to know the basis for the decision — for example on a real estate matter.

Having a recording that can be released when the item becomes public would help us all understand what took place.

Clearly personal information needs to be withheld, but the comments that it doesn’t allow for a free discussion is nonsense. What are these folks saying that they don’t want the public to hear?

One might conclude it is the inappropriate behaviour that is the concern versus the release of personal information. These concerns sound more like a desire to hide their own behaviour versus concerns for privacy that can be simply solved by editing out details about a person or legal matter.

Lastly, these tapes would only be made available when an issue is raised , either by the public or a member of council, similar to requesting a transcript or recording of current meetings. So the cost is basically a tape recording hook up connected to the current recording equipment.

Seems like a simple fix. So why the problem?

Admittedly, this is a new idea. It is not practiced in other municipalities. So there is no precedence.

But one must wonder, what’s the issue? Isn’t it a step forward in promoting openness and transparency? Council is willing to show leadership with clotheslines, why not with openness and transparency? After all, it was the big promise from the election — while I don’t recall anything said about clotheslines.

Let us know your thoughts.

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Posted in Code of Ethics, Community Corner, Town Council | 10 Comments »

What goes around comes around!

Posted by auroracitizen on November 6, 2008

I recently re-read this story. I don’t know with certainty if it is true, but I thought the story was worth sharing.

———————-

His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make a living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby bog. He dropped his tools and ran to the bog.

There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself. Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death.

The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman’s sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved. “I want to repay you,” said the nobleman. “You saved my son’s life.”

“No, I can’t accept payment for what I did,” the Scottish farmer replied, waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer’s own son came to the door of the family hovel. “Is that your son?” the nobleman asked. “Yes,” the farmer replied proudly.

“I’ll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he’ll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of.” And he did.

Farmer Fleming’s son attended the very best schools, and in time,he graduated from St. Mary’s Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman’s son who was saved from the bog was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time? Penicillin.

The name of the nobleman? Lord Randolph Churchill. His son’s name? Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around. It is a great lesson we can all benefit from the reminder.

Pass this on, and brighten someones day. Nothing will happen if you do not pass it along. The only thing that will happen, if you DO pass it on, is that someone might smile because of you.

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Posted in Community Corner | 9 Comments »

Community Corner: 2009 Lawn care vs. Town of Aurora Pesticide Ban

Posted by auroracitizen on November 4, 2008

A reader sent in the following comment. It is published unchanged.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

I sent the following email to Mayor Morris on October 16th, 2008 as I am sitting on an invoice from my lawn care company. I have yet to hear a response from her. I have also sent the same email to Councillor Collin-Mrakis and not had a response. What should the public do when we cannot get answers from our elected officials? I have lost the early payment discount that I was eligible for. I thought it would be best to send this to the Mayor as she vets everything from staff anyways.

———————————

Mayor Morris,

I have for a number of years contracted with Weed Man for lawn care. I have received their 2009 schedule and prior to my authorizing payment, I have asked them to assure me that they are compliant with the Town’s bylaw. They tell me that they are compliant in that they use a product called Sarritor. The actual bylaw does not speak to actual product brand names. Can you tell me if Sarritor satisfies this bylaw or pass the request to the appropriate person for a determination?

As well, they tell me that they will still have to place a warning sign on my lawn (Federal regulations). Will I have to endure bylaw officers knocking on my door with a summons because this sign is on my lawn? In order for this product to work, I also will have to water the lawn for 15-20 minutes three days in a row. My other concern here is that as you know, the Town operates under a limited outdoor water use bylaw that would place me in a position of violation in order to properly activate this lawn care product. What is the Town’s viewpoint on this situation?

Thank you.
——————————-

Aurora Citizen: How are other citizens dealing with the issue of our pesticide ban? Share your thoughts.

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Posted in Community Corner | 7 Comments »

Code of Ethics?

Posted by auroracitizen on November 3, 2008

So do tell — under what part of the much vaunted Code of Ethics is it covered that when the public show concern about an action of Council that you just wait until the issue dies down and do what you want anyway?

This exactly what happened with the appointment of Ken Whitehurst to the position of interim Director — a mere 2 months after the issue was front page news in the local paper and reported in this blog. I guess they hoped everyone would forget about the issue and they would slide it by without anyone noticing. Thanks to Councillor Buck for bringing it to our attention at a recent Council meeting.

We won’t “rehash” this item because we know how much this offends the supporters of the Mayor. It just gets in the way of doing what they want without people being aware of their behaviour.

Well we thought it was important to bring it to people’s attention.

Judge for yourself — agree or disagree — then talk to your neighbours. But make sure you are aware of what your elected representatives are doing without telling you. So much for transparency!

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Posted in Code of Ethics, Conflict of Interest | 4 Comments »

Traffic Calming in Northeast Quadrant

Posted by auroracitizen on November 2, 2008

So what the verdict? Was there not supposed to a study on this initiative and a final decision made?

We are entering the second winter with these measures in place and there has been no report published that reviews the feelings of residents — both those inside and outside the affected area. It would be interesting to hear what the neighbourhood as whole has to say about these measures.

Plus, what about the safety issues — particularly in the snow. What was the impact of the calming measures?

Is it working? Is it safe? Was this initiative a success? Is there consensus by the residents that this was good idea, or did it just serve a few?

What are your thoughts?

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Posted in Community Input, Town Council, Traffic/Parking | 3 Comments »

Flop-flop or sober reflection?

Posted by auroracitizen on November 2, 2008

Council has once again demonstrated their difficultly making a well thought through decision. This time on windrows.

One cannot help but wonder how much consultation was done with the affected folks — the seniors who are to “benefit” from this service — before the decision was made to implement the pilot project.

How hard would it have been to have set up a meeting with the seniors to discuss the issue and asked them for their input before making a decision. If they had, they certainly would have heard the feedback recently provided. Or is this just another example of responding to the most recent squeaky wheel?

It does not inspire much confidence in their decision-making process when simple things like clearing windrows requires so much time and reversal of decisions. It’s no wonder more critical decisions are such a burden on their collective abilities.

It’s time this Council showed some leadership and did their homework before making decisions. I think we would all sleep better.

What do you think? Should the town subsidize the plowing of windrows? Check out the poll!

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Posted in Community Input, Town Council | 1 Comment »

Congratulations to York Region! So what’s up with Aurora?

Posted by auroracitizen on October 31, 2008

Recently the Regional Municipality of York was named one of the top 75 companies to work for in the GTA.

Congratulations are due to both Council and senior staff. Any HR person with even basic knowledge of workplace culture knows that a result like this comes only with strong leadership by the senior team at the organization. When they lead by example and create an organizational culture based on respect, then employee satisfaction and quality customer service is an outcome.

So what about Aurora? It really illustrates just how dysfunctional our own Council is. What is particularly ironic is that the Mayor lists her background in HR as one of her credentials for the job. One only has to look at the level of moral in the town staff and defections by the senior team to realize that the malaise in the town starts at the very top.

One need only look back one term and they can see the dramatic changes. Staff didn’t change, so what was the variable?

Possibly Mayor Morris and her cronies — who seem to delight in embarassing staff as often as possible in public, or intimidating them in private — could start to model the behaviour of colleagues at the regional level and demonstrate some of the HR expertise that she claims.

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Posted in Staff Turnover, Town Council | 11 Comments »

To Blow or Not To Blow

Posted by auroracitizen on October 31, 2008

Aurora Council is once again dealing with the issue of whether or not to blow. Surprisingly, I am not talking about Council meetings, but about the ongoing debate about train whistles at level crossings.

It seems that a number of residents have been complaining about the noise from trains blowing their whistles at night when traveling through our fair town.

The obvious question must be asked, if you don’t want to listen to a train whistle, why did you buy a house close to a train track. It seems the folks who live close to train tracks should accept responsibility for their initial decision.

It’s kind of similar to backing on St John’s Sideroad or Bathurst and then being surprised when they widen the road because of increased traffic. Or purchasing next to hydro corridors and then being surprised when the want to run higher voltage lines through the same corridor.

Too often today, people are very quick to blame others for their own short-sighted thinking.

Mayor Morris is quoted in The Banner stating, “Residents have dealt with this problem long enough.” That will be cold comfort if someone is harmed because the whistles are stopped.

I know there is strong opinions on both sides of this issue. So let’s hear what you think. And be sure to vote on the survey.

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Posted in Community Input | 5 Comments »

The difference between Campaigning & Governing

Posted by auroracitizen on October 10, 2008

A little smile to brighten your day!

A powerful politician dies after a prolonged illness. His soul arrives in heaven and is met by St. Peter at the entrance.

“Welcome to Heaven,” says St. Peter. “Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a politician around these parts, so we’re not sure what to do with you.”

“No problem, just let me in,” says the politician.

“Well, I’d like to, but I have orders from higher up. What we’ll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity.”

“Really, I’ve made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven,” says the politician.

“I’m sorry but we have our rules.” And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell.

The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a clubhouse and standing in front of it are all his friends and other politicians who had worked with him, everyone is very happy and in evening attire.

They run to greet him, hug him, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at the expense of the people.

They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar. Also present is the Devil, who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes.

They are having such a good time that, before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator rises. The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him.

“Now it’s time to visit Heaven.” So 24 hours pass with the politician joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and, before he realizes it, the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

“Well then, you’ve spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity.”

He reflects for a minute, then the politician answers, “Well, I never would have thought so, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell.”

So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. Now the doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up the trash and putting it in black bags.

The Devil comes over to greet him. “I don’t understand,” stammers the politician. “Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and club and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable!”

The Devil looks at him and puts his arm around his shoulder, smiles and says, “Yesterday we were campaigning … today you voted for us!”

Vote wisely this coming election — but be sure to vote!!

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Posted in For Fun | 2 Comments »

Guest Post: Council needs to lead by example

Posted by auroracitizen on October 5, 2008

Thanks to former Councillor Bill Hogg for the following Guest Post.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views of the AURORA CITIZEN.

Have you received your Code of Conduct from town hall telling you how to behave yet? That may be the next step from this Council. Maybe they will start telling us what movie we can watch or books we can read as well.

One must wonder what has been going on in our advisory committees that makes this Council determined to force everyone to sign a Code of Conduct. In the many years I worked with advisory committees in the town, never once did I see or hear of inappropriate behaviour that required a Code of Conduct. But then, under Tim Jones leadership, we also never appointed a prominent member of his campaign team to a paid position either.

At the last Council meeting, Council took the step of publishing the names of every member of every advisory committee and whether they have signed the code or not, plus they have threatened that something (they didn’t indicate what) will happen if they don’t comply before Oct 14.

Of particular interest is the link to the Strategic Plan. Goal 1, Objective D states, “Create a respectful environment that fosters teamwork and open dialogue consistent with a Character Community.”

I couldn’t make this stuff up. Check out the report for yourself on the Town website — Sept 23 Agenda, Item 8, Report CS08-036.

Surely this Council has more important things to do than threaten volunteers who give freely of their time. What is Council going to do if people don’t sign, refuse to allow them to volunteer in the community? The bullies are running amuck.

This Council needs to start leading by example and stop trying to intimidate people through fear of reprisals!

Bill Hogg

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Posted in Code of Ethics, Guest Post, Town Council | 6 Comments »

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