Learning about Local Government

Over the last couple of weeks, I really enjoyed the times that staff and I visited some of Pelham’s grade schools and EL Crossley to talk about the importance of Local Government.

You see, the “new” curriculum for grades 5 and 10 includes a focus on “civics.” And, the provincial government encourages Towns and Cities to get more involved in schools during “Local Government Week.”

In the past, the Town Clerk and I visited several grade 5 classes and the grade 10 classes at Crossley. Because of the municipal election last fall, we took a year hiatus.

Well, we reinvigorated the visits this year with a presentation developed by the Clerk’s department. Trying to make it as dynamic as possible, the lesion includes a slideshow complemented by props like an old water meter (complete with the “curb stop”), a copy of the 3-inch-thick Ontario Municipal Act, and a game. For the game, we distribute a picture to each student about a government service – like public swimming, or recycling collection, or the Canadian mint, or health care. Then, we ask the student to identify whether the local, Provincial, or Federal government provides the service.

Most students appear surprised about the number of services provided by local government.

We try to clarify why we have three different types of police – Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, and Niagara Regional Police.

We also try to explain why we have four types of roads – Trans-Canada Highway, 400-Series Highways, Regional Roads (like Regional Road #20), and local roads.

Most classes contain a mix of students from urban and rural homes. While many receive Town water, others know that their water comes from a well or is “trucked-in.”

In addition, Mayor April Jeffs and I encouraged Crossley’s grade 10 students to think about local government and encouraged the four candidates to become “Mayor for the Day” in Wainfleet and in Pelham. With the help of several students, the Clerk’s Offices ran an election – which included speeches, a voters list, a secret ballot, and ballot boxes.

Then, it was my pleasure to host Jacob Mantler as Pelham’s Mayor for the Day on Monday. Jacob toured Town Hall, spoke to staff about their responsibilities, visited Pelham Cares with me, and helped judge the 2011 Pelham Christmas Card contest; he also stated our regular Council meeting.

Thanks to the teachers and students for your warm welcome and for helping to spread the word about all the great services provided by local governments!

Region Decides Vacancy on Thursday

Regional Council is poised to decide how to fill a vacancy during our November 17 meeting.

You will recall that since Cindy Forster was elected as the Welland MPP on October 6, she resigned from Regional Council. On October 27, Regional Council formally accepted her resignation and officially declared her seat vacant.

The Municipal Act provides two options to fill the vacancy:

First, Regional Council may appoint an “eligible” person within 60 days of declaring a seat vacant. An eligible person includes someone who consents to the appointment, and is a Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old and resides in Niagara.

Second, Council may hold a by-election. An eligible candidate would have to fulfill the same criteria as above.

Following past practice and in a “spirit of collegiality”, Regional Council asked Welland City Council to consider the matter and offer a recommendation.

After a long debate on a couple of different motions at their November 1 meeting, Welland City Council recommended that the Region fill the seat by holding a by-election.

I understand that this is the first time since the Region was established in 1970 that a City or Town Council has recommended a by-election. Further, I understand that Regional Council has always respected the recommendation of a Town or City Council when filling a vacancy.

If Regional Council supports that recommendation, Welland staff will organize the by-election, but the Region will pay for the election’s “reasonable costs.” The City’s Clerk estimates that a by-election could cost as much as $100,000; Regional staff recommends that the unallocated 2011 surplus – expected to be $1.2 million – could cover those costs.

Last month I wrote that I was most interested in feedback from Welland residents before making up my mind on the matter. I am pleased that I did receive significant feedback by email, phone, and in person. (In fact, more people contacted me now than when Pelham Council faced a vacancy in March 2011!)

Of those Welland residents that provided their opinion, 59% wanted a by-election, 26% preferred the appointment of the third-placed candidate, and 21% wanted another individual to be appointed – either a sitting Welland City Councillor, or a former Welland Mayoral candidate. (The percentages equal more than 100% because 7% suggested two methods.)

I recognize that these results cannot be projected like a “representative sample”, but I sincerely appreciate each person that provided their feedback and opinion.

I look forward to an interesting debate about the vacancy on Thursday.

Make Time to Remember

Sunday morning began a week of Remembrance in the Town.

The warm and glorious weather made the commemorations the best ever for the annual Sunday-before Remembrance Day tributes. The beautifully coloured leaves still on the trees reminded us of our season.

The idyllic autumn morning felt peaceful and serene. It felt like the perfect example of freedom, of promise, and of individual choice.

The weather made it feel so far from the ravages of war. It felt so far from oppression and from tyranny. The twin-prop airplane we heard overhead in Ridgeville was for recreation, not a vehicle of war or destruction.

And yet, Pelham residents took time to gather with members of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Ladies Auxiliary, the Royal Canadian Army Cadets, and others at the Cenotaphs at Centennial Park, Old Town Hall, and Peace Park to commemorate and remember the sacrifices of Pelham’s Veterans.

As we approach Remembrance Day on Friday, it is right to remember those brave men and women who have served, and who continue to serve our country during times of war, conflict, and peace.

We honour them for their courage, their commitment, and their devotion to Canada.

They served our country and gave their lives so that future generations might have democracy; so that each of us might enjoy safety and security. They sacrificed – and those in active service continue to sacrifice – so that our society upholds justice and the rule of law.

The freedoms that so many of us might take for granted – to express ourselves, to participate in cultural, religious, and political activities, to come and go as we please, to pursue a safe and happy life – are all due to the sacrifices of Veterans and those who follow in their footsteps today.

They sacrificed their futures so that our future might be one of peace and of happiness.

The men and women of the Canadian Forces are fighting still, for these same principles today. Indeed, it is right to remember their sacrifice and determination on Remembrance Day too.

The names and the sacrifices of some of those from Pelham that were killed in service and in battle are engraved on the cenotaphs throughout our Town and at Veteran’s Park; may they also be engraved in our minds and on our hearts.

This Friday, on Remembrance Day 2011, let us take a moment at 11:00 AM to be grateful and to rededicate ourselves to peace. And let us never forget.

Christmas Season in Pelham

I cannot imagine the Christmas Holiday Season being busier than in Pelham! Businesses, service clubs, volunteers, and artists have nearly two months of activities planned this year.

Christmas Open Houses in Fonthill & Ridgeville – November 2 & 3:
The “Holiday Gift Showcase & Downtown Stroll” in Downtown Fonthill on November 2 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM will include original gift ideas in fashion, jewellery, lingerie, specialty food products, home décor, travel trends, and delicious foods.

Then, on November 3, all the Shoppes of Ridgeville will host their 10 Annual Holiday Open Houses. This is a chance to check-out the original gift ideas available at this enclave of four local specialty boutiques.

Fine Art Tours – November 5 /6 and 12 / 13:
Pelham is known as a Town with many talented artists and now is a great time to showcase their talents. On November 5 & 6, four artists – Beverly Sneath, Kimberly Makkreel, Divino Mucciante, and Eddy Papez – open up their home studios so you can see their work. The following weekend, you can meet ten juried artists – including Pat Haftar, Monique Mulder-Wallace, Lynda Carr, Mary Powley, Maria Cozzi, and Toye Chanpen Hayes – in six studio locations. This one will be a free self-guided tour.

Turkey Raffles – November 18, 25, & December 2:
Turkey Raffles are another wonderful Christmas Tradition in Pelham. Not only a chance to win a turkey or ham, these raffles also bring the community together for fun and revelry. The Royal Canadian Legion holds theirs on Friday, November 18. The Fonthill Volunteer Firefighters hosts one the next Friday on November 25, while the Fenwick Volunteer Firefighters holds theirs on December 2.

Christmas House Tour – Saturday, November 19:
The annual "Homes for the Holidays" Christmas House Tour will feature six homes beautifully decorated homes in the Fonthill-area. Hosted by the Fonthill United Church between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, the tour is supported by many local businesses.

Annual Pelham Food Drive – Saturday, December 3:
The Food Drive is an annual tradition that shows the generosity of the community and helps those less fortunate. Please volunteer and / or place non-perishable food items at your door for Pelham Cares.

Senior’s Christmas Party – December 6:
This will be the 50th Year of the Kinmen’s Senior’s Christmas Party! Enjoy the camaraderie, sing carols, and meet Santa.

Santa Claus Parade – Saturday, December 10:
Another holiday tradition! Enjoy the Parade through Downtown Fenwick and then meet Santa and celebrate in Centennial Park.

Please watch our local media for more information about each of these community events.

Should We Appoint or Hold A By-Election?

Regional Council will need to decide on how to fill a vacancy.

Since Cindy Forster was elected as the Welland MPP on October 6, she resigned from Regional Council. She held that role since December 2006 and was handily re-elected during last fall’s municipal election.

On October 27, Regional Council will formally accept her resignation and officially declare her seat vacant.

The Municipal Act provides two options to fill the vacancy:

First, Regional Council may appoint an “eligible” person within 60 days of declaring a seat vacant. An eligible person includes someone who consents to the appointment, and is a Canadian citizen who is at least 18 years old and resides in Niagara.

Second, Council may hold a by-election. An eligible candidate would have to fulfill the same criteria as above. Because Niagara’s Towns and Cities organize municipal elections, the City of Welland would run a by-election. Media reports indicate that Welland City staff guesstimate that a by-election could cost as much as $100,000; those costs would be borne by the Region, not the City.

Vacancies on Councils have occurred before. Prior to making its decision and in a spirit of collegiality, Regional Council usually seeks the advice of the City or Town Council about their preferred method of filling the vacancy.

For example, when Rob Nicolson – one of three Niagara Falls Regional Councillors – was elected as Niagara Falls MP in 2004, Regional Council sought the advice of the Niagara Falls Council; interestingly, the City Council did not offer a preferred method to fill the vacancy.

When Mike Collins passed away in 2009, the Region asked St. Catharines Council for input; they suggested that Regional Council appoint the next candidate – Carlos Garcia – from the long list of those who ran for the six St. Catharines seats.

On the advice of Grimsby Council, Regional Council appointed Bob Bentley – a Town Councillor at the time – to fill the vacancy created when Debbie Zimmerman was elected Regional Chair; then, Grimsby held a by-election to fill their vacant Council seat.

Finally, you will recall that following the resignation of Debbie Urbanowicz from Pelham Council last spring, Pelham held a by-election to fill the vacancy; Richard Rybiak won that June election.

Before the issue comes to the Region, I am very interested in hearing your views; quite frankly, since this new Councillor will serve Welland, I am most interested in hearing feedback from Welland residents directly at mayordave@pelham.ca. (You can also call me at 905-892-2607 ext. 317.)

Residents may also contact their Councillors directly; for their contact information, please go to www.welland.ca or www.niagararegion.ca.

UPDATE -- As of November 1, 2011:
I have received responses from 46 Welland residents regarding the issue of filling the vacancy.

30 (65%) said they wanted a by-election
8 (17%) said they wanted the third place candidate in the Regional Council election
8 (17%) said they wanted an appointment, but suggested someone else than the next candidate -- some of these said definitely not the third place candidate, others suggested a Welland City Councillor, and the rest named various other people.

Procedural Rules Matter

Have you ever been part of a formal meeting that followed meeting guidelines like Robert’s Rules of Order?

We use strict rules at Town Council and at Regional Council to advance public business on your behalf. For example, our meetings follow specific agendas, and the “first order of business” is to approve that agenda. The Clerk keeps accurate meeting notes and we approve those “minutes” at the next meeting. A motion must be “moved” and “seconded” before we even discuss it.

In addition, we use a committee system. Whatever a Committee decides is then “recommended” to Council for approval. But, Council can actually change that recommendation altogether, and, once approved by Council, a decision or action becomes final.

We follow other rules as delineated in a “Procedural Bylaw.”

Well, a very interesting debate recently occurred at the Region that highlights the importance of knowing this process and these procedures.

You see, during the Public Works Committee meeting on September 27, we considered a staff report regarding a new development called “Cannery Park” on the former CanGro lands in Niagara-on-the-Lake. While a developer has upgraded a portion of the former operation and is successfully running a cold-storage facility, he also wants to rezone the surrounding lands and build 238 homes.

While supportive, Staff recommended continuation of an Ontario Municipal Board appeal so that the Region could negotiate a proportional cost-sharing agreement on behalf of taxpayers. This agreement would cover between $1.8 and $2.3 million of costs to upgrade and widen the Regional Road and to direct home construction away from an existing sewage pumping station.

A majority of the Committee disagreed and, wanting to “roll out the red carpet” and “speed-up” the process, voted down the recommendations. Then, after further debate, the Committee recommended to Council that Staff negotiate with the developer and have more information for our October 18 Committee meeting.

On October 6, Council debated the Committee’s recommendations; then, following a series of amendments and recorded votes, the majority of Council – and notably many of those who quite vocally wanted to give fast, carte blanche approval – postposed action on the entire matter “until October 19.”

But, since the deferral is to a day following the Public Works Committee meeting, we cannot actually deal with the matter until our Council meeting on October 27.

It’s unfortunate when the real issues – like the appropriateness of a development, or the mitigation of additional costs to taxpayers – are lost because of the misunderstanding and misuse of meeting procedures.

Promoting Pelham

Your Town Council has made some early steps toward the development of a plan to promote Pelham as a destination for shopping, for business, for agriculture, for community events, and for life-in-general.

You see, for years now, some have suggested that the Town needs to be more involved in a comprehensive plan to promote the great things about our community. While many individuals and groups are currently involved in promoting one or more aspects of Pelham, we do not have a common vision or a coordinated plan.

For example, the Pelham Business Association developed a “Think & Buy Local” campaign a few years ago and the “Did You Know” Campaign last year about local businesses. The Welland / Pelham Chamber of Commerce manages the Tourist Booth every year. The Fonthill Bandshell Committee promotes the hugely successful Bandshell Concert Series. The members of Pelham’s dedicated Service Clubs promote successful events like the Biketoberfest, the Pelham Homeshow and the Santa Claus Parade. A group of community volunteers developed the amazing Pelham Summerfest in July of this year. Artists and cultural enthusiasts have hosted the annual Pelham Art Festival for 25 years. Members of the agricultural community manage the weekly Pelham Farmer’s Market. Sports groups – from hockey, soccer, baseball, to cycling – each have their own tournaments and events that promote Pelham. And many other events, celebrations, and great things that people do to promote wonderful aspects of our community.

But, if asked, “What is Pelham?” what would you answer? Or, what common parts of Pelham should be promoted among ourselves and to those outside of our Town?

And, what about our schools, our neighbourhoods, our churches? What about our golf courses and horse farms? What about the natural beauty of our Town? How are these elements drawn together?

Well, when Council deliberated on the matter, we realised that these answers come only from you and other members of the the community itself.

That’s why Council – lead by Councillors Accursi and Papp – have endorsed the creation of the Pelham Promotional Advisory Committee. The committee will develop and coordinate a promotional plan for the Town. The Committee will include representatives from Pelham’s Agricultural Sector; Pelham Business Association; Welland / Pelham Chamber of Commerce; development community; recreational communities (both winter and summer); the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council; Pelham Arts Festival; local Service Clubs; Pelham’s cultural sector; from a “citizen-at-large”; and from Pelham Council.

As the advisory committee develops, you should hear more about promoting Pelham.

Businesses Celebrating, Growing, Starting

Over the last couple of weeks, Council and I have been invited to a number of business openings or celebrations. I am very pleased that businesses are expanding or celebrating in this way.

TAG Computers – Grand Re-Opening:
Congratulations to Tom McIntyre for his grand re-opening of a new store front location at #6-111 Hwy 20 East across the road from Sobeys in Fonthill (in former Voice of Pelham office). TAG moved from another Fonthill location and builds and sells Home and Office Computer Systems including networking, upgrades and security features; helps with preventative computer maintenance; and printer supplies.

Clarence’s Service Centre – 50th Anniversary Celebration:
Congratulations to brothers Louie and Hans Dam and their families for the 50 years of business and automotive service to the community! They celebrated this tremendous business milestone with a customer appreciation on Saturday, September 10 at their shop at 801 Canboro Road in Fenwick. The celebration included vintage and hot-rod car display, and a delicious BBQ.

Studio Twenty – Grand Opening:
Krysta Pratt, registered massage therapist, officially opened her new business at the Fonthill Plaza (at 20 Regional Road 20 East) on September 14. She moved from home-based business and expanded services to her store-front studio. The studio provides programs for men and women at all fitness levels, including spinning, yoga, zumba, tai chi, pilates, along with massage therapy and nutrition.

Ooh La La Designs & Living Art Studio – Grand Opening:
Congratulations to Kelly Gojmerac who opened her new store on September 17 in one of the rear-units of the new building in Downtown Fonthill (1471 Pelham Street). Ooh La La Designs had been a home-based business and now, because of success, has opened a store-front. Ooh la la Designs works to make their clients’ entrances, patios, and offices spectacular and one of a kind container flowers and displays for every season.

Commercial Building Façade Improvement Application:
At our Committee meeting on Monday, Councillors reviewed another application for a commercial building façade improvement on the now former Butterflies Building in downtown Fonthill. (Butterflies recently moved to 1408 Pelham St., near the corner of Churchill.) The proposal calls for the repair and replacement of existing façade – siding, shutters, windows, etc. -- in preparation for the opening of a new candy store. Yum!

I am pleased that businesses like these are expanding, growing, and celebrating successes across Pelham. Let’s remember that if our community wants to continue to be home to diverse and creative businesses, their success depends on a great business and our ongoing patronage.

How should Pelham and the Region spend your money in 2012?

Do you have a suggestion on how the Town should spend your money? What are some specific things that you think the Region should do or things that we should stop doing in 2012? How can we make both Pelham and all of Niagara better places to live, work, grow, and play?

Pelham’s Budget:

I am very proud that our Pelham Town Council is continuing with the practice of inviting you and your neighbours and friends to get involved in the Town’s Budget.

Town Council will begin our 2012 budget process with a special public meeting where we listen to you about what you would like to see in future budgets on Tuesday, October 11 at 7:00 PM at Pelham Town Hall.

Pelham Council first started this type of a “pre-budget consultation” in January 2007 for the 2007 Budget. In subsequent years, we had special meetings in October for the following budget year.

I am very excited that we are undertaking this consultation process again. It is so important to hear directly from you about your needs, wants, and ideas. Our community improves when more and more people become involved in its success!

Council is set to adopt this budget schedule:
Pre-Budget Consultation – beginning October 11, 2011;
Draft Capital Budget Available to the Public – November 25;
Draft Capital Budget Presented to Committee – November 28;
Council Approve Capital Budget – December 5;
Draft Operating, Water & Sewer Budgets Available to the Public – January 27, 2012;
Draft Operating, Water & Sewer Budgets to Committee – January 30;
Council Approve Operating, Water & Sewer Budgets – February 6.

Want to provide written input? Simply send a letter via email to a special email address: ourbudget@pelham.ca. You will also soon be able to view background budget information at the Town’s website: www.pelham.ca.

Not internet savvy? You can also provide written comments via normal mail c/o Town Clerk, Town of Pelham, 20 Pelham Town Square, P.O. Box 400, Fonthill, ON L0S 1E0.

Niagara Region Budget:

As you may know, I was honoured by being selected by my Regional Council colleagues as the Chair of the Region’s Budget. Further, I am pleased that the Region also will also be inviting public involvement during two public engagement sessions – Wednesday, October 26 in the Town of Lincoln Council Chambers, and Wednesday, November 2 in the Town of Fort Erie Council Chambers.

Regardless of where you live, you can also check into live webstreaming our sessions at www.niagararegion.ca, with real-time twitter and Facebook accessibility for residents to submit questions during the presentations or in advance>

I hope to hear from you and I look forward to discussing your ideas so that we can continue to build a better future for our Town and our Region together.

“Complete & Utter Control of Your Land”?

Have you been asked to sign the “Petition to Stop Site Alteration Bylaw”?

According to the petition, a site alteration bylaw would enable the Town to “…assume complete & utter control of your land.” The petition asserts that: “In other words, you would have absolutely no control over the land on which you pay taxes. This is nothing short of ‘COMMUNISM’.”

Strong language, isn’t it?

So, what is the issue? Are any of these statements true? And, what would a site alteration bylaw look like?

Following complaints and the suggestion from some rural residents, the Town is considering the introduction of a Site Alteration Bylaw. Many other municipalities have enacted a bylaw of this nature to limit grading, topsoil removal, and placing of fill on sites prior to receiving the appropriate approvals.

A Site Alteration Bylaw would allow a City or Town to regulate activities with the potential for environmental degradation (dumping, erosion, sedimentation, etc...), drainage problems (blockages, impact on neighbouring properties, etc…) and public nuisance (tracking of mud on roads, dust, etc…). This type of bylaw does not replace other land development approval processes (like Plans of Subdivision, or Site Plan Controls), and it is sanctioned under the Ontario Municipal Act.

The Town convened a public information session on August 10 to give people an opportunity to ask questions and provide comments in support of or in opposition to a Site Alteration Bylaw. (Notice of the meeting was advertised in the newspaper and on the Town’s website for two weeks.)

At the meeting, Staff explained that Council had not decided whether or not they would like to adopt such a Bylaw. Staff encouraged residents to take the time to submit written comments indicating support of or opposition to any such bylaw. (The deadline for the submission of comments was August 26.)

Staff will review this input and the comments from other agencies and will provide a summary to the General Committee of Council on Monday, September 19. Anyone who submitted comments or who signed the attendance sheet at the meeting will be provided with a copy of the report and the other comments when they are provided to Council.

If Council wishes to proceed, you and other members of the public will have more opportunity for input.

Despite this ongoing public process, it is unfortunate that a private party is circulating misinformation like the statements in the petition above.