Bridge opens 21 months ahead of schedule.
(actually, for Windsor, you could insert "anything" instead of bridge)
Friday, August 31, 2007
Windsor Quotable Quotes
This list will form the start of a "Windsor Quotable Quotes" database that I'm preparing for a new website.
1. "Remove my name from your mailing list and find a charity to which you might devote your time."
Councillor Dave Brister - email reply to a Windsor Taxpayer, 25 August, 2007
2. "We meet to do business. We don't just call meetings for the sake of calling meetings."
Mayor Eddie Francis, Windsor Star, 23 August, 2007
3. "Part of the reason it was never addressed is politics. Very simple."
Mayor Eddie Francis, Windsor Utilities Press Conference, 26 July, 2007
4. "We're not going to play a shell game and we're going to go back to prudent business practices."
Mayor Eddie Francis, Windsor Utilities Press Conference, 26 July, 2007
5. "I say to them, you better find a God damn product for Windsor or we'll take all of the General Motors corporation down in September 2008. General Motors workers have earned the commitment, especially in Windsor."
Buzz Hargrove, CAW Local 1973 Union Meeting, Serbian Centre, Windsor, 03 June, 2007
Add your suggestions in the comments along with a reference for the quote.
1. "Remove my name from your mailing list and find a charity to which you might devote your time."
Councillor Dave Brister - email reply to a Windsor Taxpayer, 25 August, 2007
2. "We meet to do business. We don't just call meetings for the sake of calling meetings."
Mayor Eddie Francis, Windsor Star, 23 August, 2007
3. "Part of the reason it was never addressed is politics. Very simple."
Mayor Eddie Francis, Windsor Utilities Press Conference, 26 July, 2007
4. "We're not going to play a shell game and we're going to go back to prudent business practices."
Mayor Eddie Francis, Windsor Utilities Press Conference, 26 July, 2007
5. "I say to them, you better find a God damn product for Windsor or we'll take all of the General Motors corporation down in September 2008. General Motors workers have earned the commitment, especially in Windsor."
Buzz Hargrove, CAW Local 1973 Union Meeting, Serbian Centre, Windsor, 03 June, 2007
Add your suggestions in the comments along with a reference for the quote.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Windsor Cheerleading Champion Declared!
Judges claim "unanimous" decison.
Wins competition despite wearing blindfold 24/7
Spectators wonder whether competition has any relevance or value anymore
Wins competition despite wearing blindfold 24/7
Spectators wonder whether competition has any relevance or value anymore
In case you missed it....
Councillor Dave Brister's "macaca" moment:
Councillor Brister slams blogging taxpayer: “Devote your time to charity”Words can't quite describe the contempt I feel after reading a response such as this. In the "you make your bed you lay in it" category, Councillor Brister just tucked in the hospital corners.
And if you didn’t think last night’s council wasn’t enough to demonstrate this contempt, perhaps Councillor Brister’s email to a voter, resident, and taxpayer will. Below is what the Mayor of Monmouth sent to his mailing list:
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Here's an interesting clip
Who was it that first put out the information that said there were 1000 homes that weren't billed?
Who was it that later said they weren't sure it was a 1000 or not, that they were still checking?
Who was it that said these bills were uncollectable?
Who was it that said none of these homeowners had come forward?
Who was it that said that " Windsor’s new rates are high because its the first to come to grips with the common dilemma of deteriorated sewer and water pipes and increased environmental requirements." ?
Those are a couple of questions that come to mind. Feel free to add any others in the comments.
Some questions from the Watson report
(Click on images for full size)
The Water Infrastructure Renewal Needs Report was completed in 2002. By coincidence, $7.2 million happens to be the amount that WUC borrowed last year for capital funding instead of a rate increase. Why didn't Council enact a rate increase, at the very least, beginning last year?
The chart below, taken from the WUC brochure, shows rate increases in 2002, 2003 and 2004, then nothing. Why did the increases stop? We know that at least $7.2 million per year was needed and the rates were not even providing that much.
Are the development charges actually being passed on to WUC ? I just find it curious to see the
report say "The WUC should also ensure funds generated via DC's are brought back to the WUC to avoid having to finance these works via water rate revenues to any large extent".
The WUC brochure identifies the cost installing new pipe at $500 per metre. Is the $574 per per single family home enough or are our Development charges too low?
Above are the projected rates out to 2016 based on either the Low Debt option, or High Debt option. Notice that next year the fixed rate dips by 22 cents, but the volume rate goes up. What would the effect have been if we continued volume rate increases at a steady rate over the last three years?
At the end of 2016 our volume rate will still be lower than any other volume rate in the Province that I've been able to find to date. The next closest is Durham Region at 56 cents. The average was around 80 cents to $1.10 .
This is important in two ways. First, for those that wish to save money, our current reliance on high fixed charges and levies makes it impossible to reduce your bill in any meaningful way.
Secondly, when the WUC tries to implement conservation programs in the future, they might as well just hand out money to customers. For example, if a rebate program was offered to cover half the cost of installing low-flow shower heads, what is my incentive to spend the money and receive the rebate when my savings will amount to approximately 50 cents per month? None.
To make matters worse, the seasonal levy is applied from May to October. Your average usage is figured out over the November to April period. Let's say it's 24 cubic meters. If you use any more than your average 24 cubic meters in the May to October period, a seasonal rate of 24.9 cents per cubic meter is charged on the additional usage. Hopefully you don't try to conserve any water from November to April, because a 3 cubic meter per month reduction in your usage during that period would end up costing you more in the "summer" season. With your average now at 21 cubic meters, any usage above that amount will incur the seasonal charge.
I have a few other questions, but they will require much more in-depth research. As well, I've yet to wade into the various appendices. (299 pages of reading fun!)
The Water Infrastructure Renewal Needs Report was completed in 2002. By coincidence, $7.2 million happens to be the amount that WUC borrowed last year for capital funding instead of a rate increase. Why didn't Council enact a rate increase, at the very least, beginning last year?
The chart below, taken from the WUC brochure, shows rate increases in 2002, 2003 and 2004, then nothing. Why did the increases stop? We know that at least $7.2 million per year was needed and the rates were not even providing that much.
Are the development charges actually being passed on to WUC ? I just find it curious to see the
report say "The WUC should also ensure funds generated via DC's are brought back to the WUC to avoid having to finance these works via water rate revenues to any large extent".
The WUC brochure identifies the cost installing new pipe at $500 per metre. Is the $574 per per single family home enough or are our Development charges too low?
Above are the projected rates out to 2016 based on either the Low Debt option, or High Debt option. Notice that next year the fixed rate dips by 22 cents, but the volume rate goes up. What would the effect have been if we continued volume rate increases at a steady rate over the last three years?
At the end of 2016 our volume rate will still be lower than any other volume rate in the Province that I've been able to find to date. The next closest is Durham Region at 56 cents. The average was around 80 cents to $1.10 .
This is important in two ways. First, for those that wish to save money, our current reliance on high fixed charges and levies makes it impossible to reduce your bill in any meaningful way.
Secondly, when the WUC tries to implement conservation programs in the future, they might as well just hand out money to customers. For example, if a rebate program was offered to cover half the cost of installing low-flow shower heads, what is my incentive to spend the money and receive the rebate when my savings will amount to approximately 50 cents per month? None.
To make matters worse, the seasonal levy is applied from May to October. Your average usage is figured out over the November to April period. Let's say it's 24 cubic meters. If you use any more than your average 24 cubic meters in the May to October period, a seasonal rate of 24.9 cents per cubic meter is charged on the additional usage. Hopefully you don't try to conserve any water from November to April, because a 3 cubic meter per month reduction in your usage during that period would end up costing you more in the "summer" season. With your average now at 21 cubic meters, any usage above that amount will incur the seasonal charge.
I have a few other questions, but they will require much more in-depth research. As well, I've yet to wade into the various appendices. (299 pages of reading fun!)
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
City Beat
The Windsor Star's newest blogger, Dave Battagello with City Beat.
Welcome to the blogging world Dave.
I've added Dave's feed to WE Speak and MUNIBlogs.com
The stage has shifted
One thing that was clear from Monday's City Council meeting was that the only person setting the terms of reference is John Gerretsen, the Minister of Municipal Affairs. To date, the Minister or his office have only heard from the Mayor and the CAO.
If you want to have any input, the Minister's contact info is below. While the 'contact form' is the easiest way, typically mail or fax is a preferred method of contact if you wish to receive a response.
John Gerretsen, Minister
Municipal Affairs and Housing
777 Bay Street, 17th Floor
Toronto, ON
M5G 2E5
phone (416) 585-7000
fax (416) 585-6470
Contact Form
At the same time, we should also be contacting his cabinet colleagues and Windsor MPPs, Dwight Duncan and Sandra Puppatello. Their job is to represent the interests of their constituents, not the Mayor's office or City Council. The only way they can do that is if you make your voice heard.
Dwight Duncan
Constituency Office
4808 Tecumseh Rd. East
Windsor, ON, N8T 1B8
Telephone: (519) 251-5199
Fax: (519) 251-5299
Email: dwight@fightingforwindsor-tecumseh.com
Sandra Puppatello
Constituency Office
1483 Ouellette Ave.
Windsor, ON, N8X 1K1
519-977-7191
Fax: 519-977-7029
Email: spupatello.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Amongst all the other BS that went on Monday night, I found the information from City Solicitor George Wilki most enlightening, regarding the audit process that Council committed themselves to and the other options that were available.
Unfortunately, this information was delivered to Council two weeks too late. The Mayor's end-run motion was already voted on, with little or not information and absolutely no public debate allowed.
Democracy, Windsor style.
PS. - if I get a chance later this evening, I will be designing a poster that you will be able to email, fax or mail to the above recipients.
PS 2 - Don't forget to sign the Petition to Create a Windsor Auditor-General. If Monday's Council meeting taught us anything it's that the citizens need to take the initiative.
You can also download a paper version to distribute to your friends, family and co-workers.
If you want to have any input, the Minister's contact info is below. While the 'contact form' is the easiest way, typically mail or fax is a preferred method of contact if you wish to receive a response.
John Gerretsen, Minister
Municipal Affairs and Housing
777 Bay Street, 17th Floor
Toronto, ON
M5G 2E5
phone (416) 585-7000
fax (416) 585-6470
Contact Form
At the same time, we should also be contacting his cabinet colleagues and Windsor MPPs, Dwight Duncan and Sandra Puppatello. Their job is to represent the interests of their constituents, not the Mayor's office or City Council. The only way they can do that is if you make your voice heard.
Dwight Duncan
Constituency Office
4808 Tecumseh Rd. East
Windsor, ON, N8T 1B8
Telephone: (519) 251-5199
Fax: (519) 251-5299
Email: dwight@fightingforwindsor-tecumseh.com
Sandra Puppatello
Constituency Office
1483 Ouellette Ave.
Windsor, ON, N8X 1K1
519-977-7191
Fax: 519-977-7029
Email: spupatello.mpp.co@liberal.ola.org
Amongst all the other BS that went on Monday night, I found the information from City Solicitor George Wilki most enlightening, regarding the audit process that Council committed themselves to and the other options that were available.
Unfortunately, this information was delivered to Council two weeks too late. The Mayor's end-run motion was already voted on, with little or not information and absolutely no public debate allowed.
Democracy, Windsor style.
PS. - if I get a chance later this evening, I will be designing a poster that you will be able to email, fax or mail to the above recipients.
PS 2 - Don't forget to sign the Petition to Create a Windsor Auditor-General. If Monday's Council meeting taught us anything it's that the citizens need to take the initiative.
You can also download a paper version to distribute to your friends, family and co-workers.
Re-inventing the wheel
I'm looking forward to seeing this gold-plated piece of work:
I'm hoping that number at least accounts for 4 or 5 years salary for someone to run this Cadillac, otherwise it will simply be like the last one they paid millions for.
Bring on some more vote buying Sandra.Pupatello also announced that $227,300 will go toward a new website for newcomers to Windsor and Essex County.The site will provide information on settling and working in the area, and is part of www.ontarioimigration.ca.
I'm hoping that number at least accounts for 4 or 5 years salary for someone to run this Cadillac, otherwise it will simply be like the last one they paid millions for.
Around Town Tuesday
Windsor International Film Fest Facebook group - 15 and climbing. Invite your friends and spread the word. 3rd year for the fest. It can only grow with your support.
No word on the missing plaques yet. Somebody has to know something. Crime Stoppers can make it worth someone's while to call. 258-8477 or 1-800-222-8477
While you're at it, Crime Stoppers can always use some help.
I didn't think it could be done, but Graston outdid his previous best with this one. Bring back the clowns!
Will he make it to the altar? Stay tuned!
I'm getting the feeling that Monica Wolfson may be off a few Christmas card lists this year. S'alright, she's made my list. Keep up the good work!
In case anyone missed it, full comments have been restored. Thank God for backups!
Noticed in passing - Good thing Council Committees don't count towards the hours in the In-Camera report. The "Greater Windsor Recreation & Sports Centre Steering Committee" is racking up enough In-Camera hours to give the Border file a run for it's money.
No comment, as yet, on last night's farce.
No word on the missing plaques yet. Somebody has to know something. Crime Stoppers can make it worth someone's while to call. 258-8477 or 1-800-222-8477
While you're at it, Crime Stoppers can always use some help.
I didn't think it could be done, but Graston outdid his previous best with this one. Bring back the clowns!
Will he make it to the altar? Stay tuned!
I'm getting the feeling that Monica Wolfson may be off a few Christmas card lists this year. S'alright, she's made my list. Keep up the good work!
In case anyone missed it, full comments have been restored. Thank God for backups!
Noticed in passing - Good thing Council Committees don't count towards the hours in the In-Camera report. The "Greater Windsor Recreation & Sports Centre Steering Committee" is racking up enough In-Camera hours to give the Border file a run for it's money.
No comment, as yet, on last night's farce.
Monday, August 27, 2007
Sunday, August 26, 2007
Quick Hits - Monday August 27th
Windsor's own tax fighter Al Nelman is back - Free Windsor.com - Go get 'em Al!
(H/T Schnurr's Sound Off)
Councillor Lewenza sounds like he's mixing up his union and City politics in this article. "Extraordinary and unnecessary" he claims. "Lewenza said Halberstadt has been adding fuel to the fire in order to create confusion". Actually Ken, nobody needs to add fuel to anything, you and Eddie did a fine enough job sowing confusion in the first couple weeks, and continue to do so. "He would consider adding to the scope of the ministry's audit if Halberstadt had specific questions". That's almost funny enough for Ken to sign up for the region's next comedy tour. Bully on - it's working so well so far.
Happy belated Blog Day to The Shadow. I didn't realize till this week, it's been a little over a year now since I stared this blog, initially to cover the upcoming 2006 election. Thanks to some suggestions and encouragement from people, the blog has evolved quite a bit in the last year. Looking forward to another year. Bigger and better things to come in the months ahead.
Every hear of digging yourself in deeper and deeper? By the time this is over with, the 'Terrible Twosome' could probably dig the DRIC tunnel themselves. Keep firing boys, I suspect there's more to come if you do. I wonder why WUC got $7.2 million in bridge financing last year instead of raising rates? Could it have anything to do with the election? Of course not, they were just waiting for the report.
City Council meeting tonight at 6pm - Cogeco 11 if you can't be there in person.
Discover Windsor - circa 1999.
WUC discovers Public Information and the internet. I'm thinking of barn doors for some reason.
Earthtech Watson and Associates Interim Draft Report (.pdf file - 6.8 mb) 107 pages for your reading pleasure. The Appendix is only 299 pages, if you've got the heart for it.
More to follow on the 'Watson Report'...
(H/T Schnurr's Sound Off)
Councillor Lewenza sounds like he's mixing up his union and City politics in this article. "Extraordinary and unnecessary" he claims. "Lewenza said Halberstadt has been adding fuel to the fire in order to create confusion". Actually Ken, nobody needs to add fuel to anything, you and Eddie did a fine enough job sowing confusion in the first couple weeks, and continue to do so. "He would consider adding to the scope of the ministry's audit if Halberstadt had specific questions". That's almost funny enough for Ken to sign up for the region's next comedy tour. Bully on - it's working so well so far.
Happy belated Blog Day to The Shadow. I didn't realize till this week, it's been a little over a year now since I stared this blog, initially to cover the upcoming 2006 election. Thanks to some suggestions and encouragement from people, the blog has evolved quite a bit in the last year. Looking forward to another year. Bigger and better things to come in the months ahead.
Every hear of digging yourself in deeper and deeper? By the time this is over with, the 'Terrible Twosome' could probably dig the DRIC tunnel themselves. Keep firing boys, I suspect there's more to come if you do. I wonder why WUC got $7.2 million in bridge financing last year instead of raising rates? Could it have anything to do with the election? Of course not, they were just waiting for the report.
City Council meeting tonight at 6pm - Cogeco 11 if you can't be there in person.
Discover Windsor - circa 1999.
WUC discovers Public Information and the internet. I'm thinking of barn doors for some reason.
Earthtech Watson and Associates Interim Draft Report (.pdf file - 6.8 mb) 107 pages for your reading pleasure. The Appendix is only 299 pages, if you've got the heart for it.
More to follow on the 'Watson Report'...
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Looking for Municipal Related Blogs
Know a blogging Mayor, Councillor, Police Chief, Fire Chief, Librarian or any other Municipal official I haven't thought of, who blogs?
Know anyone who blogs mainly about Municipal affairs in their area?
How about any campaign blogs or website that have RSS feeds for the upcoming Alberta Municipal Elections?
Drop me a line at paul@muniblogs.com or in the comment section.
MUNIBlogs.com is a blog aggregator dedicated to Canadian Municipal affairs. Currently I've been able to find 25 blogging Municipal officials from 6 Provinces and 1 Territory. Still looking for bloggers from Saskatchewan, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
On the Municipal Related side (blogging citizens dedicated to municipal affairs) I've got 20 blogs from 3 Provinces. I've also recently started a special section for the upcoming Alberta Municipal Election this fall. Coming soon will be a Facebook link section and Municipal Facebook group.
If "all politics are local" it doesn't get much more local than Municipal politics. These bloggers are leading their peers in trying new forms of communication to reach out to their constitutents. In my mind, that deserves support and encouragement, no matter what your political stripe or beliefs are.
Is your City or Province represented?
Cross posted to BBS
Cross Posted to The Shadow
Know anyone who blogs mainly about Municipal affairs in their area?
How about any campaign blogs or website that have RSS feeds for the upcoming Alberta Municipal Elections?
Drop me a line at paul@muniblogs.com or in the comment section.
MUNIBlogs.com is a blog aggregator dedicated to Canadian Municipal affairs. Currently I've been able to find 25 blogging Municipal officials from 6 Provinces and 1 Territory. Still looking for bloggers from Saskatchewan, Quebec, Nova Scotia and Newfoundland and Labrador.
On the Municipal Related side (blogging citizens dedicated to municipal affairs) I've got 20 blogs from 3 Provinces. I've also recently started a special section for the upcoming Alberta Municipal Election this fall. Coming soon will be a Facebook link section and Municipal Facebook group.
If "all politics are local" it doesn't get much more local than Municipal politics. These bloggers are leading their peers in trying new forms of communication to reach out to their constitutents. In my mind, that deserves support and encouragement, no matter what your political stripe or beliefs are.
Is your City or Province represented?
Cross posted to BBS
Cross Posted to The Shadow
Friday, August 24, 2007
The hits just keep on rolling
Today's Windsor Star article - Pay for WUC commissioners soared - brings up several more questions leading to next Monday's Council meeting. (If you want to see the complete chart of Council Remuneration, read this blog post from June of this year. The chart was included as part of Council Communications, distributed to every Councillor)
It seems strange that since the per meeting payment was instituted above and beyond the flat fee, the length of meetings has decreased while the number has increased. I seem to remember when these huge payment increases were revealed several years ago, former Councillor Joyce Zuk claimed it was a "one-time" increase due to a temporary increase in meetings. She stated that things would return to normal the following year. Three years later and I'm not seeing any return - are you? (I've searched for the quotes mentioned above, but have not been able to find them as yet. If anyone has a copy or reference, drop a note in the comments). Since this has been going on for close to three years now, I asked the question in June and will ask it here again - is this being used to backdoor an increase in pay for Councillors?
Coun. Drew Dilkens said he wasn't aware how much WUC board members make or how much time they spend at meetings.
Which brings us to the last and most pertinent question. Are current and past WUC commissioners going to be involved in drafting the terms of reference for the audit? If this is truly going to be an independent audit, this would seem to be a conflict of interest for those Councillors.
As we proceed, considering the shadow hanging over this issue, in-camera meetings closed to the public will not be acceptable. At the very least, the discussion and debate leading to setting the terms of reference must be open to the public. Anything less will simply taint the process before it even begins.
PS. - anyone else think Windsor would be better served if Monica Wolfson was assigned to the City beat? In my mind, things just haven't been the same with that beat since Rosann Danese was shuffled off to other non-print duties. Her blog - Council Notebook - is sorely missed.
Coun. Ron Jones, who sits on the board, said the compensation is "a substantial amount of money."Will this be part of the audit?
"Certainly that will be something that will be looked at when the audit is being done," Jones said. "I'm certainly prepared to reveal the monies I've made."
"The role of our commissioners is greater than for previous members," Francis said. "They have more responsibilities. They have audit and finance committees they sit on. The level of work has increased. We meet to do business. We don't just call meetings for the sake of calling meetings."If this is the Mayor's impression of former commissioners, certainly a purely financial audit will not provide answers to the public.
It seems strange that since the per meeting payment was instituted above and beyond the flat fee, the length of meetings has decreased while the number has increased. I seem to remember when these huge payment increases were revealed several years ago, former Councillor Joyce Zuk claimed it was a "one-time" increase due to a temporary increase in meetings. She stated that things would return to normal the following year. Three years later and I'm not seeing any return - are you? (I've searched for the quotes mentioned above, but have not been able to find them as yet. If anyone has a copy or reference, drop a note in the comments). Since this has been going on for close to three years now, I asked the question in June and will ask it here again - is this being used to backdoor an increase in pay for Councillors?
Coun. Drew Dilkens said he wasn't aware how much WUC board members make or how much time they spend at meetings.
"The whole point of having an audit is to look into the problems there," Dilkens said. "We are trying to get the answers through an audit."Hopefully Councillor Dilkens and all the other Councillors remember this statement as they consider who and how the terms of reference for this audit are drafted.
Which brings us to the last and most pertinent question. Are current and past WUC commissioners going to be involved in drafting the terms of reference for the audit? If this is truly going to be an independent audit, this would seem to be a conflict of interest for those Councillors.
As we proceed, considering the shadow hanging over this issue, in-camera meetings closed to the public will not be acceptable. At the very least, the discussion and debate leading to setting the terms of reference must be open to the public. Anything less will simply taint the process before it even begins.
PS. - anyone else think Windsor would be better served if Monica Wolfson was assigned to the City beat? In my mind, things just haven't been the same with that beat since Rosann Danese was shuffled off to other non-print duties. Her blog - Council Notebook - is sorely missed.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
What he said
Tongue firmly planted in cheek, this letter says it all.
Being charged by Mother Nature 'only fair'
Letter
Published: Thursday, August 23, 2007
It rained on Aug. 19. Please be advised that this water usage will be noted on your September Windsor Utilities bill, at the current rate of waste water treatment plus 60 per cent.
Since lawn watering is not required during periods of rain, there will be an additional 20-per cent surcharge for the loss of revenue for the utilities commission.
Following an inquiry, it will be found that current users of rain water will pay the increase due to former rain water users who failed to report such usage in the past. It's only fair.
S. WAGNER
Windsor
That communication thing
As each day goes by, it gets easier and easier to understand why the City wants to spend $250,000.00 on a communication department. Hopefully some of that money will eventually be spent teaching the Mayor and his staff how to write a press release or hold a press conference.
Province OKs WUC auditI guess we should all be thanking our lucky stars the Mayor decided to let us in on the secret Wednesday.
Mayor delays making audit approval announcement"I understand the minister did call the mayor later Friday and told him," she said. "He was taking care of business late Friday afternoon and responded to the resolution of the mayor."
Council at its last meeting agreed to a resolution calling for an audit by the municipal affairs ministry to help resolve controversy surrounding WUC's financial and business dealings over the last several years.
As to why no information was released regarding the audit announcement, Munce said it was not the minister's responsibility to inform Windsor's residents -- many irate over a 86 per cent rate hike in their water and sewer surcharge bill. She pointed the responsibility to Mayor Eddie Francis.
Francis refused to answer Wednesday why he kept the audit's approval under wraps for days
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Divert, Deflect and Distract
I can't say I was surprised to see this Windsor Star article this morning.
Critics charge WUC of 'deceptive' practices, 'trickery'
I haven't seen the WUC insert as yet, but I don't imagine it's any different than this 22 page exercise in spin. I blogged about this on the 4th of August - The 3 D's of City/WUC Communication. Most likely they've taken the 22 pages of BS and boiled it down into a more manageable one page.
(from the 22 page WUC brochure)
The Star's editorial this morning (WUC woes) misses one possible option. If we can't have a Municipal Affairs or Auditor-General audit, then we should move immediately to establish the office of Windsor Auditor General. An interim Auditor General can be appointed for an initial 1 year term. Appointing outside auditors to conduct a forensic audit is not suitable. They do not have the powers of an Auditor-General and the focus would remain simply on financial terms and not any "value for money" considerations.
A municipal Auditor General has all the same powers of investigation that the Provincial Auditor does. The citizens of Windsor deserve nothing less than a full and comprehensive audit, with the broadest terms of reference available, regardless who is conducting the audit.
Make no mistake, the citizens are demanding it.
I'm looking forward to next Monday's Council meeting. Maybe the Mayor will jump down and do a lightsaber demonstration todistract entertain all of us. Lord knows, we've seen every other sort of dog and pony trick, procedural manoeuver and obsfucation possible. The biggest question remaining is whether or not there is a single Councillor willing to second Councillor Alan Halberstadt's motion for an Auditor-General's investigation. If Councillors are too afraid too even second a motion so that there can be a debate and public input, then what do we have them there for?
Critics charge WUC of 'deceptive' practices, 'trickery'
I haven't seen the WUC insert as yet, but I don't imagine it's any different than this 22 page exercise in spin. I blogged about this on the 4th of August - The 3 D's of City/WUC Communication. Most likely they've taken the 22 pages of BS and boiled it down into a more manageable one page.
(from the 22 page WUC brochure)
1. A typical family home uses 294 m3 of water each year.These were all the "facts" included in the 22 page handout. Clear as mud.
2. The average residential bill for all of 2007 will be $298.05
3. The cost of Windsor Water is $0.266
4. The total annual bill impact on water and waste water is 25%
5. Old Rates = $635.10 New Rates=$796.23 Difference =$161.13 or 25%
6. Monthly Rate increase based on 25 m3: $15.81 for water $18.81 for waste water Total =$34.62
7. The projected capital investment required to maintain the integrity of our system is estimated at $750 million over the next 30 years. To meet this need the annual watermain replacement levy will go from approximately $25.20 in 2006 to $67.55 in 2007.
8. The average residential bill will see an increase from $219 in 2006 to $298.05 in 2007
9. Watermain Replacement Levy - 45% charge of fixed charges and water consumption charge
10. Summer Levy - The summer levy is an additional charge of 0.249 cents per cubic metre applied to all consumption between May 1st and October 31 in excess of average consumption between November 1st and April 30th
The Star's editorial this morning (WUC woes) misses one possible option. If we can't have a Municipal Affairs or Auditor-General audit, then we should move immediately to establish the office of Windsor Auditor General. An interim Auditor General can be appointed for an initial 1 year term. Appointing outside auditors to conduct a forensic audit is not suitable. They do not have the powers of an Auditor-General and the focus would remain simply on financial terms and not any "value for money" considerations.
A municipal Auditor General has all the same powers of investigation that the Provincial Auditor does. The citizens of Windsor deserve nothing less than a full and comprehensive audit, with the broadest terms of reference available, regardless who is conducting the audit.
Make no mistake, the citizens are demanding it.
I'm looking forward to next Monday's Council meeting. Maybe the Mayor will jump down and do a lightsaber demonstration to
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
Around Town Tuesday
1. Improving Windsor in many ways, one shovelful at a time
2. Windsor International Film Festival on Facebook - I know there are more than 8 people in Windsor on Facebook.
3. I just heard about the proposed ban on cats and dogs from pet stores. I'm assuming it will work as well as the ban on selling drugs, stolen goods, brand label fakes, reserve cigarettes, ...
I'm sure puppy mills from across the Province are just waiting for this to be approved.
4. Does Councillor Halberstadt get a seconder for his Audit motion next Monday? Stay tuned.
In case any of our Councillors don't frequent AM800's Polls Page, I thought this one was worth republishing for their benefit. I can't remember ever seeing an AM800 poll with such unanimity.
Something to think about as they head into next Monday's Council meeting.
5. Rally for the Capitol Theatre - Thursday August 23rd - 6:30 pm. Let your voice be heard. Don't forget to sign the online petition.
6. Speaking of petitions - Help demand the creation of Windsor's own independent Auditor General. You'll thank yourself for it when you receive your tax bills in years to come.
7. It's bad enough we're blowing $80,000.00 US on a Detroit Event while Windsor festivals struggle for sponsorship (like the Willistead Car Show, to name but one), now we're promoters and ticket sellers. Is this an appropriate use of tax dollars - using City facilities as ticket agencies? What's next - selling cats and dogs?
Festival Epicure almost didn't proceed after the City controlled Tunnel Corporation withdrew it's sponsorship. Were it not for the last minute intervention of the DRTP and Bridge Company, this popular festival would have died on the vine.
Buskers Fest disappeared this year thanks to City waffling, politics and indifference. The $80,000 spent on the Grand Prix should have been spent supporting Windsor festivals and events. At the very least, spend a few dollars upgrading the Convention and Visitors Bureau website - please!
8. Send your emails here to join the Eddie Francis Fan Club - don't delay, I hear seating is limited at the next meeting.
9. Silly me, I though stacking the deck was illegal in Canada.
10. Have your own event, cause, rant or scribble to promote? - post it in the comments.
Late Addition: Windsor's Crystal Gage will be appearing on CMT's Karaoke Star 2007 on September 26th 2007. She needs your vote to be crowned Karaoke Star 2007
2. Windsor International Film Festival on Facebook - I know there are more than 8 people in Windsor on Facebook.
3. I just heard about the proposed ban on cats and dogs from pet stores. I'm assuming it will work as well as the ban on selling drugs, stolen goods, brand label fakes, reserve cigarettes, ...
I'm sure puppy mills from across the Province are just waiting for this to be approved.
4. Does Councillor Halberstadt get a seconder for his Audit motion next Monday? Stay tuned.In case any of our Councillors don't frequent AM800's Polls Page, I thought this one was worth republishing for their benefit. I can't remember ever seeing an AM800 poll with such unanimity.
Something to think about as they head into next Monday's Council meeting.
5. Rally for the Capitol Theatre - Thursday August 23rd - 6:30 pm. Let your voice be heard. Don't forget to sign the online petition.
6. Speaking of petitions - Help demand the creation of Windsor's own independent Auditor General. You'll thank yourself for it when you receive your tax bills in years to come.
7. It's bad enough we're blowing $80,000.00 US on a Detroit Event while Windsor festivals struggle for sponsorship (like the Willistead Car Show, to name but one), now we're promoters and ticket sellers. Is this an appropriate use of tax dollars - using City facilities as ticket agencies? What's next - selling cats and dogs?
Festival Epicure almost didn't proceed after the City controlled Tunnel Corporation withdrew it's sponsorship. Were it not for the last minute intervention of the DRTP and Bridge Company, this popular festival would have died on the vine.
Buskers Fest disappeared this year thanks to City waffling, politics and indifference. The $80,000 spent on the Grand Prix should have been spent supporting Windsor festivals and events. At the very least, spend a few dollars upgrading the Convention and Visitors Bureau website - please!
8. Send your emails here to join the Eddie Francis Fan Club - don't delay, I hear seating is limited at the next meeting.
9. Silly me, I though stacking the deck was illegal in Canada.
10. Have your own event, cause, rant or scribble to promote? - post it in the comments.
Late Addition: Windsor's Crystal Gage will be appearing on CMT's Karaoke Star 2007 on September 26th 2007. She needs your vote to be crowned Karaoke Star 2007
Monday, August 20, 2007
Quick Hits - Monday August 20th
1. Failure to deliver anything short of a complete, comprehensive value for money audit will be failure this council will never recover from. The public perception of coverup will grow with abandon for the next 3 years and be harvested during the next municipal election.
2. Kudos to the Mayor, Ministers Puppatello, Duncan and U of W President Ross Paul if they actually pull off the re-location of the Engineering Facility downtown. I think the School of Music or Drama would have been a far better candidate for a downtown campus, but beggars can't be choosers, and let's face it, that's where Windsor is today. At least we're finally going to realize some sort of downtown development on the lands expropriated almost 19 years ago.
Note: theEddie Francis Defence Association Windsor Star frames this as a litmus test for our MPP's. While this is certainly true as they face an upcoming election, failure to locate this facility downtown leaves Eddie Francis trying to recover the "urban village" plans from the garbage can, cleaning them up and reselling them.
3. I'm hearing about another high-level departure from City Hall, but no reasons have been provided as yet.
4. Speaking of downtown development, how's that former Salvation Army building doing that Windsor sold the farm for?
5. No 211 Operating Agreement in sight. I understand last week was the end of Information Windsor's call centre. Are we opening the new 211 service without an operating agreement or has this already been taken care of "in-camer"?
Add your own quick hits and thoughts to the comments.
2. Kudos to the Mayor, Ministers Puppatello, Duncan and U of W President Ross Paul if they actually pull off the re-location of the Engineering Facility downtown. I think the School of Music or Drama would have been a far better candidate for a downtown campus, but beggars can't be choosers, and let's face it, that's where Windsor is today. At least we're finally going to realize some sort of downtown development on the lands expropriated almost 19 years ago.
Note: the
3. I'm hearing about another high-level departure from City Hall, but no reasons have been provided as yet.
4. Speaking of downtown development, how's that former Salvation Army building doing that Windsor sold the farm for?
5. No 211 Operating Agreement in sight. I understand last week was the end of Information Windsor's call centre. Are we opening the new 211 service without an operating agreement or has this already been taken care of "in-camer"?
Add your own quick hits and thoughts to the comments.
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