Pelham’s 2015 Residential Taxes to Increase by 0.8%

As I wrote about last week, at our March 26 Regional Council meeting, we approved the 2015 Property Tax Rates and Tax Ratios. These rates and ratios apply to all property tax classes across all Cities, Towns, and Townships throughout Region.

What does it mean for Pelham?

The amount of property tax you pay to the Town of Pelham, to the Region, and to the Province (for Education) is not only based on the Market Value Assessment of your property; we multiply your assessment by each of the tax rates and add them up for your total bill.

You may recall that 2013 was a “reassessment” year. That means that the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) – the Provincial body that sets a value your home and property – re-evaluated and assessed all properties in the Province as of January 1, 2012. While this amount will be used as the value of your home in 2016, MPAC phases in any assessment increases evenly over a four-year period. The Town uses that changing assessment value when we calculate your property taxes each year.

When Town Council approved our 2015 Budget on February 17, we anticipated that the Pelham portion of your property tax bill would increase by 1.9%.

Now that the Region (+1.6%) and the Province (-2.3%) set their rates, we know that the combined property tax increase for an average residential property (valued at $302,815) in Pelham will be 0.8% or approximately $32. We anticipate this increase to be the lowest or second lowest in Niagara Region again this year.

The average increase of property taxes on your combined residential property tax bill for the last five years was 1.3% (total increase 6.9%). This was the “pocket-book” increase – the amount it cost an average residential property owner by adjusting for the average MPAC increase.

How do we measure whether that is “good” or not? Another important comparator would be inflation. Inflation for the last five-year period was 8.5% or an average of 1.6% per year.

I hope you too are pleased that our residential tax increases have been 1.6% below inflation for the last five years. Please see the chart for more information.

Pelham Council and I continue to direct staff to ensure that we only minimally impact you and other property tax-payers while we increase the level and quality of services to the Town.

“Open for Business” or “Out to Lunch”?

Last Wednesday, Niagara Regional Chair Alan Caslin presented his first “State of the Region” address at a Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Niagara Falls.

Local media reported the Chair as saying: "For far too long, we've had a sign in the window saying, ‘out for lunch, back in an hour.’ We must do better. Niagara must be ‘open for business.’ Under my leadership and the leadership of my council colleagues — Niagara is open for business.”

Last Thursday, I tested his statement at Regional Council; unfortunately Council came up short.

Industrial Power Users Group:
First, Tim Clutterbuck, President of the Industrial Power Users of Niagara (IPUN), asked Council to support their Provincial lobbying efforts to reduce the cost of electricity for Niagara’s largest industries. They find it exceedingly difficult to compete with the $0.02 per kilowatt-hour automatic reduction for Northern Ontario industries and with the cheap industrial power rates in Western New York.

Since the Region supported IPUN’s similar proposal last year (as part of 2014 Niagara Week), I thought it would be a no-brainer to support their initiative now.

Instead, the majority of Council voted to refer the matter to Staff for a report sometime in May.

Tax Rates & Ratios:
Later, Council considered setting the 2015 Tax Rates and Ratios.

When approving the 2015 Budget in February, Council accepted the premise that this year’s tax increase would be $27.50 (or 1.92%) for the average residential property (valued at $236,134).

But now, because of new assessment growth in commercial and industrial tax classes, Staff calculated the final residential increase at $22.42 (or 1.62%).

Half to Residential, Half to Industrial:
Councillors discussed this $5.08 “benefit” two weeks ago and asked for options. Could we deliver half the benefit to residential property class owners – for a $24.66 or 1.77% increase – and use the other half to help commercial or industrial businesses?

When I saw that one of these options would reduce the industrial tax burden by 1.34%, I proposed it to Regional Council. Since this type of reduction was exactly what the Chamber of Commerce suggested a few years ago and given the Chair’s “open for business” catchphrase the day before, I expected Council to jump at this opportunity!

Instead, only Councillors Heit, Petrowski and I supported the idea. Perhaps the majority of Council wanted to keep the “out-to-lunch” sign on the door and voted to study the option for 2016.

Results Not Slogans:
Some have used the “open for business” slogan at the Region before. Maybe it’s time to concentrate less on slogans and more on delivering results.

Yet More Capital Improvements in 2015

Last week I wrote here about some of the major projects in the Town’s 2015 Capital Budget. Here’s some more information about other planned improvements.

Roads, Bridges, Sidewalks, & Trails:
Pelham continues to invest in our roads, bridges, sidewalks, trails, and other infrastructure:
• Highland Avenue: Council approved the final phase of reconstruction of Highland (from Elizabeth to Canboro), including a new waterline, sewer laterals (as needed), and an improved storm-water sewer system.
• Effingham Street: After starting at Pelham Road a few years ago, we will reconstruct the next section of Effingham – from Metler Road to about 500 meters south.
• Sawmill “Bridge”: The Town continues to evaluate all bridges throughout Pelham. In this case we will replace the corrugated steel “bridge” on Sawmill (just east of Centre Street) with a new concrete structure.
• Church Street Sidewalk: Council approved funds to construct the missing section of sidewalk on the west-side of Church from where it ends (near 1010 Church) to the railway track.
• Rail Trail: Council approved building the next section of the popular trail along the former TH&B rail line – from Centre Street to Murdock Street.

More Park & Recreation Improvements:
After recently reconstructing new playgrounds and sports fields and baseball diamonds, we continue to invest in Pelham’s recreational and cultural facilities:
• Cenotaph & Mortar Restoration: We will continue to work with the Royal Canadian Legion, Veterans Affairs, restoration professionals, and interested residents to develop the best plan to restore the World War One cenotaph and German mortar at Old Pelham Town Hall.
• Tennis Courts: In collaboration with the Pelham Tennis Association, Council approved funding to help resurface the well-used tennis courts at Centennial Park.
• Kunda Park: To keep the decades-old-promise on the sign, Council approved funds to design and build this new neighbourhood park. The Town will invite participation of local residents in the design process.
• More Power: To help it easier to organize events and festivals, Council approved the installation of a new power supply on Pelham Street.

New Pumper & Other Improvements:
We continue to invest in the Pelham Fire Service and in other areas:
• New Pumper: Since Fire Station #2’s 23-year-old Pumper is ready to become a secondary service vehicle, Council approved the purchase of a new Pumper. Members of the Fire Service will help customize the new vehicle. The Town will sell the existing secondary pumper.
• Other Improvements: Council also approved funding for new Fire Fighter bunker gear; an evaluation of the Disher Drain watershed; fixing up the Service Club signs on major entrances to Town; and replacing some furniture and equipment at Old Pelham Town Hall.

I look forward to working together with you on these and other improvements in 2015.

Capital Budget Means More Improvements in 2015

Maple Acre Library Design/Build to Start in 2015

Since Town Council approved a $6.5 million Capital Budget a couple of weeks ago, I wanted to inform you about some major improvements planned for Pelham this year.

Finish 2014 Projects:
First, of course, the Town’s and Region’s contractors will finish three major projects from 2014:
• “Uptown Fonthill”: The reconstruction of Regional Road 20 from Peachtree Park to Lookout Street, and of Haist Street from Canboro Road to Regional Road 20 still needs the top coat of asphalt, sidewalk completion, and landscaping.
• Downtown Fenwick: The contractor must still finish the brickwork (and install 195 engraved bricks), construct some sidewalks and curbs, install lampposts, remove the hydro poles, sod and landscape, and add a top coat of asphalt.
• Port Robinson Road: More sidewalks, sodding and landscaping, a top coat of asphalt and other features will complete this project.

Pelham Street North:
Council acted on requests from area residents and approved the reconstruction of Pelham Street North and part of Hurricane to mitigate potential ditch overflowing and property flooding. Not only do we intend to rebuild the road and upgrade water and sewer lines (as needed), but we will add storm sewers to control water from Pelham Street and Hurricane. Staff hope to design in the Spring and tender the works for late-Summer.

Finally Roland Road:
The folks who travel Roland Road can attest that the section from Sulphur Spring Drive to the Thorold boundary (just before Hollow Road) desperately needs fixing. Council and I appreciate your patience after spring floods made it the worst road in Pelham! You will be pleased that we approved funds to reconstruct that section of Roland this year.

Maple Acre Design-Build:
Thanks to the work of a special Friends of Maple Acre / Library Board / Town Council subcommittee, Town Council agreed to maintain the heritage portion of the Maple Acre Library (approximately 500 square feet), demolish the former fire station portion, and add-on another 3,500 square feet to continue to provide library and other public services in Downtown Fenwick. Council set aside $1 million for a design/build of this type of renewed Maple Acre Library; the design process should start by the Fall 2015.

Active Transportation Master Plan:
Pelham’s recent Bicycle Friendly Community Silver and Walk Friendly Ontario Bronze awards highlight our significant progress in making our Town more walkable and cycle-able and helping residents become more active. Now, Council approved funds to develop an “active transportation” master plan to help guide future infrastructure planning and decision-making and to further encourage more human-powered transport like walking, running, and bicycling.

I look forward to working together with you on these and other improvements in 2015.

1.92% Tax Increase for Average Pelham Residential Property

We approved the 2015 Operating Budget during our Town Council meeting on February 17. It translates to an increase of 1.92% for the average residential Pelham property (assessed at $302,815).

While Council approved a minimal impact to you and other property tax-payers, we did increase the Town’s level of service and support the ongoing sustainability of our infrastructure.

First, the budget again required Town departments – including the Library – to hold at a zero budget increase while continuing to develop efficiencies and cost savings.

Second, we allowed only “uncontrollable” increases – like for WSIB (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board) coverage, Canada Pension Plan, or insurance premium – and a cost of living adjustment (COLA) equivalent for Staff. (I use the word “equivalent” because over the last 18 months the Town developed a Staff Performance Management system to foster innovation and exceptional service and to discourage mediocre work.)

Third, based on increased service requests from the community, Council approved adding two Equipment Operators to the Public Works department. These new, front-line staff will help the Town maintain our infrastructure and better serve the public. (Applications close March 13 at www.pelham.ca/career-opportunities.)

Finally, because of our ongoing commitment to improve Town infrastructure – like roads, sidewalks, and parks – we again added a 5% increase on the transfer to our 2015 capital budget.

As a result of these and other initiatives, Council approved a net budget increase of $336,887 (on a $10,085,969 net budget) or 3.46% BEFORE adjusting for real assessment growth.

Real assessment growth – from new businesses, new homes, or improvements to existing properties – was valued at $98,478 or 1.01%. (This growth has nothing to do with MPAC’s changes in market value assessment of existing properties.)

After accounting for that growth, the net effect on the tax levy will be $238,409 or an overall 2015 Operating Budget increase of 2.45%.

What does that mean for your pocket book, you ask?

Well, the average residential property value for 2015 is expected to be $302,815. If your home and property were assessed at that value, you would be paying an additional $26 – or 1.92% – for a total of $1,381 for the Pelham portion on your property tax bill.

From what we are seeing, Pelham will likely be the lowest or second lowest increase in Niagara again this year.

I will write more about your total property tax impact after Regional Council approves the 2015 rates and ratios later this spring.

For more information about Pelham’s Operating Budget, please check out www.pelham.ca/town-hall/budgets-reports.

Update on Multi-Faceted Community Centre

Over the last couple of weeks, Council approved some key recommendations of the Architectural Design Advisory Committee for the potential multi-faceted community centre.

You will recall that during 2013-14 Council worked together with LeisurePlan International and the community to develop a market analysis, business case study, and facilities review regarding arena and community centre desires.

Based on a resident survey, detailed analysis and a comparison to industry standards, Council:
• Confirmed demand for single-pad arena now, and potential for demand for twin-pad after 2023-24;
• Confirmed sustaining demand for fitness centre and activities, walking / running indoor track, multi-purpose space, and gymnasium sports / uses;
• Confirmed that the operating costs for this type of new multi-faceted community center could be covered within the net costs for the existing arena – which were $92,486 in 2013;
• Confirmed the dire condition of the existing arena and determined that a potential new community centre should be part of other imminent East Fonthill developments – Medical Centre, Retirement Home, Wellspring Cancer Support Centre, and new retail;

Council acknowledged that the construction costs for a new multi-faceted community centre will be a challenge. So, to try to make those costs affordable for municipal tax-payers, Council recognized the need for financial support from the Federal and Provincial governments and from local potential donors.

But, to achieve this, the Town needs more detailed, shovel-ready plans with tight cost estimates.

So, Council appointed a community design committee last August – with representatives from recreation user groups, youth, seniors, artists, service clubs and the community-at-large – to ensure we have the right plans for our community.

Over the last six months, the dedicated members of this Architectural Design Advisory Committee worked diligently to recommend an architect, to help develop schematic plans, and to make recommendations to Council in February.

Working together with the Committee, Council approved some improvements to the initial plan:
• Including a large, sectional multi-purpose room (~6,000 ft2), plus one multi-purpose space (~1,200 ft2);
• Clarifying that the running/walking track should be located above the perimeter of the double gymnasium and near the fitness area;
• Including an atrium / shared public space (~9,600 ft2) that would help link each of the centre’s main elements;
• Including 1,200 to 1,500 spectator seats in the first arena to support ice uses (including Junior B hockey) and other, non-ice related uses.

Based on these decisions, the Architect will now begin developing more detailed designs. Then, after they provide additional advice, the Committee discussed holding a public open house to get feedback from the broader community.

This is an exciting project for Pelham; I will continue to keep you informed about progress on the potential multi-purpose community centre.

Thinking of & Thanking Pelham Fire Fighters

Hearing a siren of any type in our Town makes us think immediately of the person needing help. It is a family member or friend whose vehicle has flipped over? Are they headed for our neighbour down the street who has heart problems?

And, then, since they are usually first to the scene of an emergency, Council and I think about the safety of our dedicated Pelham Fire Fighters.

As you may know, when someone calls 911 with a medical call, fire call, or general emergency, Regional dispatch pages Pelham volunteer firefighters. The dedicated men and women drop whatever they are doing with the families or at work and immediately head to the fire hall. (As you can imagine, this can be especially stressful for and demanding on their families.)

Once they get to the Fire Hall, they jump into their bunker gear, run to the appropriate fire / rescue vehicle, and drive to the emergency. While it’s difficult to drive one of the large fire vehicles normally, it’s even more of a challenge to drive one in an emergency!

How do our fire fighters know what to do? How do they prepare?

They train every week – week in and week out. They practice with the equipment – from pulling out the hoses and spraying down a target, to stabilizing and cutting open old vehicles to practice using the “jaws of life.” They practice putting on their breathing apparatuses and searching for victims in a smoke-filled room. Other times they check and fix equipment or learn the latest techniques in a classroom setting; then they try it hands on. Other times, they stage mock disasters – like a tanker truck hitting a school bus – and involve all three stations and the Police Service and Niagara EMS. And, while I am not doing it justice here, they practice, and practice, and practice for every types of emergency.

Many members of our Fire Service also attend the Ontario Fire College for specific courses based on the Ontario Fire Service Standards; this includes officer training and instruction. It’s great that our volunteer fire fighters take advantage of the programs and courses so that they can continue to be among the best-trained and most professional members of the Ontario fire service.

Many Pelham fire fighters have served the community for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and even 35 years! That’s absolutely amazing dedication and service!

On your behalf, I express my deep appreciation for the dedication, commitment, sacrifice, and hard work of each of the more than 85 part-time, professional firefighters in Pelham!

Water & Waste Water Rate Freeze, Again!

I am thrilled to let you know that last week Council approved another freeze on our residential and commercial water and waste water rates. This will be the second year of a freeze!

How are we able to freeze rates when others Towns or Cities are contemplating increases of 2% to 7% increases?

We invested in technology and new infrastructure. Those investments are now paying dividends.

New RF Water Meters:
Prior to 2010 the Town measured water usage with old gallon and cubic metre odometer-type wheel meters – many of which that were installed when municipal water was first installed to various parts of the Town in the 1960s and 1970s. Needless to say, the meters were aged and, in many cases, slow and failing. We asked residents to provide readings or hired students to get readings every four months. That process would take two weeks. If a resident had a leak, it could take months to detect and added significant costs.

In 2010, the Town worked with Neptune Technology to replace all 4,200 of these old meters to electronic, RF (Radio Frequency) meters. In addition to leak detection, backflow detection, tamper detection and data logging, it takes only 3-4 hours for staff to drive around Town and record all the usage data every two months.

Not only does this cost less and give much more accurate billing, but we also automatically notify residents / businesses by phone if there is a leak or other issue with their water service.

When we replaced all meters we found homes and businesses without meters or with meters but that hadn’t received any billings. Sadly, in other cases, it appeared that some home owners tampered with or bypassed the old meters. Now, with all the meters replaced and these issues resolved, we reduced our water loss from 20% to less than 10%!

(To read more about the success of this replacement program please click here to read the article from Neptune Technology.)

Other Infrastructure Improvements:
As you know, we have also upgraded significant Town infrastructure over the last number of years. As we reconstructed or improved roads like Haist Street, Pelham Street, Port Robinson Road, Canboro Road, and Church Street we also replaced old water pipes and (in some cases) sewer pipes. Over the last eight years, we replaced more than 12 kilometers of cast iron water mains! This helped stop costly leaks and significantly reduce the number of breaks and repairs.


On behalf of Council, I am pleased that our investments in technology and new infrastructure are now paying dividend and allowing us to freeze your water and sewer rates for a second year.

Election of Regional Chair at Large Speaking Notes

Mr. Chair and fellow Councillors: I’m not going to make any bones about it. You know
it. I know it. Folks across Niagara know it: The way in which we appoint the Regional
Chair is antiquated and undemocratic.

In fact, it’s indicative of the things keeping Niagara back –- holding on to old ways of
doing things, not keeping up with the times, failing to innovate or improve.

But, this motion will help us to become more progressive, and jump ahead of York and
Peel Regions.

Background:
The foundation of our current process of appointing a sitting member of Council as
chair comes from the Baldwin Act of 1849, which established local County Councils.
The names of the annually appointed, former Wardens of Welland and of Lincoln
Counties are displayed on two plaques as you walk into this building.

When they first created Regional Governments in the 1970s, the Province also
appointed the first Regional Chairs. After our first Chair (Mr. Campbell) retired in
1985, Council appointed one of its own as Chair. But, this differed significantly from
County Councils – the new Chair gave up his seat and was appointed for the entire
three-year (now four-year) term.

The full-time Regional Chair sets the legislative and economic agendas for the Region,
presides over Council meetings, votes on every committee, and is the “face” of
Niagara with Provincial, National, and other governments.

So, while the person that fills this role serves as the face of the residents and
businesses in Niagara Region, he or she is only accountable to the majority of Regional
Councillors.

The Idea:
But, what if we could do it a different way?
What if the Chair could be accountable to all of Niagara?
What if we could overcome perception of this being some club?
What if we could show people that we can adapt to 21st Century, democratic
principles?
What if we could show people that THIS Council is different?

The idea is very simple:
We allow all Niagara citizens to democratically elect the person to represent them for
Regional Chair.

What would that look like?
Well. They would be elected like a Mayor but for the Region.

Interested people would nominate themselves, and put together a campaign.

Very important point is that these candidates would have to put together a vision for
all of Niagara so that they could appeal to all of Niagara.

This would be similar to the visions that Mayoral candidates present to the public --
but it would be for all in the peninsula.

I believe that this would actually work to unite Niagara. It would help pull the views
and hopes of our Region’s citizen’s together.

This may not be “one voice” for Niagara: one voice can degrade into a unison chant --
powerful yes, but boring and often the lowest common denominator.

Rather than “one voice”, I see this leader as presenting “one song” -- allowing
Niagara to "sing off the same song sheet", as it were, but in harmony -- so that our
distinct voices and those of our communities could be heard.

It could be a unifying force for our Region -- our Region that so desperately needs a
vision.

Why Do It?
Now, the question you are asking, why do it? And why make the move now to
democratically elect the Chair.

First, other Regions have either made the move -- like Waterloo, Halton, Durham -- or
are making the change -- like York and Peel. Niagara is the last one to move forward
on this.

Second, it will take some time. We need approval from the Minister then we need to
get support from the majority of Niagara’s Cities & Towns.

Third, we just appointed a Chair, and that process is still fresh in our mind.

Fourth, the Greater Niagara Chamber of Commerce asked for a commitment to
“governance modernization that includes a directly elected Regional Chair" during last
Fall’s election. They provided further support in a letter today. And, in December,
Niagara’s other eight local Chambers of Commerce, the local Sun Media newspapers,
and TV Cogeco shone a light on the appointment process by organizing a public
candidate debate. It’s clear that the business community is interested in reform -–
and they want that reform to start now.

Finally, this improvement is linked with our economic development agenda. The
Chambers and businesses in Niagara believe it important to move ahead and elect the
Chair at Large. And it sends a clear signal to business that this Council will take
actions that past-Councils dare not do. It actually sends the message that we are no
longer interested in competing among ourselves, but rather focused on competing
with other Regions and Cities.

Conclusion:
It’s clear that the way in which we currently appoint our Regional Chair is antiquated,
undemocratic, and out-of-synch our society and with all other Regions in Ontario.

Would you want us to continue to act sheepishly and keep on doing what we’re doing
because that’s what we’ve always done?

Or, do we have the courage to take this step now?

It is time that Niagara stands-up, puts our small thinking aside, and democratically
elects our Regional Chair.

Mr. Chair and fellow Councillors, let's work together now to become more open,
accountable, and democratic on behalf of all of Niagara!

Thank you.


__________________________

Made the motion, but deferred by Council for six months.

Electing Niagara Regional Chair to Become More Accountable, Open & Democratic

Roger Anderson was victorious as the first elected
chair of Durham Region, 2014.

Since the Regional Chair holds an extremely important leadership role in Niagara, and now that we have appointed a Chair, I believe it’s time to start the process now so that all Niagara residents can electe the Regional Chair “at large” in 2018.

Role of the Chair:
The full-time Regional Chair sets the legislative and economic agendas for the Region, presides over Council meetings, votes on every committee, and is the “face” of Niagara with Provincial, National, and other governments.

So, while serving as the face of the entire Niagara Region, ironically, the Regional Chair is only accountable to the majority of Regional Councillors.

Baldwin Act & County Councils:
Our current process of appointing a sitting member of Council as chair comes from the Baldwin Act of 1849, which established local County Councils. The names of the annually appointed, former Wardens of Welland County and Lincoln County are etched on two plaques at the Regional HQ (across from Brock University).

When they first created Regional Governments in the 1970s, the Province also appointed the first Regional Chairs. After our first Chair (John Campbell) retired in 1985, Council appointed one of its own as Chair (Wilber Dick).

But, this appointment differs significantly from County Councils days – the new Chair give up his or her seat and is appointed for the entire four-year term of Council.

Lagging Behind Other Regions:
All other Ontario Regional governments have already either adopted a more accountable and democratic process to directly elect their Regional Chair at large or are in the process of doing so.

Waterloo Region (Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Wilmot, Wellesley, Woolwich, and North Dumfries) began electing their Chair 17 years ago. Halton Region (Burlington, Oakville, Milton, and Halton Hills) has elected a Regional Chair since 2000. Durham Region (Pickering, Ajax, Uxbridge, Oshawa, Whitby, and Clarington) first elected their Regional Chair last Fall.

A bill to elect the York Region (Aurora, East Gwillimbury, Georgina, King, Markham, Newmarket, Richmond Hill, Vaughan, Whitchurch–Stouffville) Chair “at large” is currently before the Ontario Legislature. Finally, in 2013, Peel Regional Council (Brampton, Mississauga, and Caledon) directed staff to report in 2015 on options to directly elect their Chair for 2018.

It’s Time for Niagara:
It’s clear that the way in which Niagara Region currently appoints our Regional Chair is antiquated, undemocratic, and out-of-synch with all other Regions in Ontario.

That’s why I am making a motion at Regional Council on Thursday to begin the process to change toward a directly elected Chair. If you agree, please contact your Regional Councillor.

Let's work together now to become more open, transparent, accountable, and democratic in Niagara!