Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout1981-12-14CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE REPORT TO COUNCIL 40 TEMPERANCE STREET BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO LIC 3A6 /(-, iy'-,/i TELEPHONE 623-3379 MEETING OF DECEMBER 14th, 1981 FROM: GARNET B. RICKARD, Mayor SUBJECT: COUNCIL OBJECTIVES It was one year ago on December 1st, that this Council took office, and as we now start the second year of office, it is wise to reflect on the past and set some objectives for the year ahead. In the past twelve months, we have had more staff changes in administration that in the seven years previous, when the new municipality was formed in 1974: Mr. Albert Guiler, Town Manager, left following a period of poor health; Mr. .Toe Mcllroy retired as Clerk after several years of dedicated service; Mr. Klass Degroot, Treasurer, resigned to accept a position with the Ministry of Treasury and Economics; Mr. Don Smith moved from the position of Director of Planning to that of Chief Administrative Officer; Mr. Jack Dunham resigned as Director of Public Works; Mr. Larry Simpson, By -Law Enforcement Officer, resigned to accept a position as Deputy Clerk in Georgina Township; Mr. John Ferguson, Deputy Director of Public Works, resigned at the end of 1980 to accept the position of Road Superintendent in another municipality. Mr. McIlroy and Mr. Dunham were employed by the former municipality, before amalgamation, and had served in the same capacity since that time and the others, for a shorter period. They have all served this municipality well and each one has contributed significantly to the progress and development that has occurred since the amalgamation of four municipalities into one, and the transition of those municipalities from a County Government in the east, to a Regional Government in the west. At this time, on behalf of Council, I would like to express our grateful appreciation to all who have rendered such valuable service to the Town of Newcastle and offer them our best wishes for the future. REPORT TO COUNCIL Page 2 MEETING OF DECEMBER 14th, 1981 During the period of transition, amalgamation and organization, the Town of Newcastle, as a municipality, has no parallel in the Province of. Ontario. In that period of time, new ground has been broken and much progress has been made. I shall highlight a few items: 1. A sound financial base has been established, on a pay as you go policy, with no debentures except on a few long-term capital projects. 2. We have implemented equalization of assessment within a classification (one of the first inthe Province) using one mill rate instead of four. 3. We have developed a Road Needs Study throughout the entire Town, which has gained increased Provincial Funding and assisted in future capital forecasting. 4. We have approved the Regional Official Plan, with development plans for Urban Areas, Neighbourhoods and Hamlets approved or in the process. 5. We have an agreement with Ontario Hydro relating to the Darlington Generating Station (a first of its kind) that will protect and benefit the municipality from impacts generated by the station. 6. We have new water and sewage treatment facilities that will accommodate projected growth for the next thirty years, and a water and sewage rate that is uniform throughout the Region of Durham. 7. We have cultural and community facilities valued at more than four million dollars provided largely by, the co-operation and dedication of countless volunteer workers and organizations. 8. In co-operation with three Business Improvement Associations, improvements have been made to the downtown shopping areas and more are in progress. 9. Three years ago, Council asked for an evaluation of the administration of the Town and this evaluation was partially implemented at that time. This study was reviewed and updated this past year and further steps have been taken with respect to policies, procedures and staff. Council also requested a review of accounting procedures by the Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs and recommendations from this review are in the process of being implemented. 10. In 1980, Council approved an in-house study for the purpose of establishing a Master Plan for Culture and Recreation. This plan should be ready for implementation in 1982. REPORT TO COUNCIL ,Page 3 MEETING OF DECEMBER 14th, 1981 11. In 1981, we have added over 92 million dollars in new construction, the highest inthe Region of Durham a large part of this is related to Darlington Generating Station. Apart from Ontario Hydro, other development has been higher than in 1980, which was higher than 1979. We have had a marked improvement in our industrial -residential ratio of assessment since 1974. This is a short list of many of the positive things that have happened. Looking forward, I would first like to recognize our new Department Heads: Mr. Don Smith, who has assumed the role of Administrator; Mr. David Oakes, our Clerk, who has come from St. Catharines; Kathryn Campbell, who name from private business as Deputy Treasurer in April and was appointed as Treasurer a few months later; Mr. John Blanchard, Deputy Treasurer, who came from Brockville; Mr. David Gray, who is the Deputy Director of Public Works; Mr. John Kirkland, recently hired as By -Law Enforcement Officer, who was formerly employed with the Humane Society; and Mr. Terry Edwards, who has been with the Town for sometime and who is now the Deputy Director of Planning. To these staff members and to others who have joined the municipality, I welcome you to this challenging, exciting municipality, unique in character, rich in heritage, diverse in nature and unlimited in potential. To you and all others who are new on staff, I trust you will find your work satisfying and pleasant. From the changes noted, it will be recognized that at no time in the past year have we had a full staff complement, and for nearly eight months, we were without the services of an Administrator. From this background and looking ahead, I would reiterate the following: 1. On the matter of administration and efficiency of Town affairs, I must repeat what I have said many times. We are a major municipality, one of the largest in the Province, and one of the most complex. We.must respond and act accordingly by following through on some of the recommendations in the studies and reviews which we have authorized. 2. We must take positive action toward promoting the municipality, beginning with the "Promotional Day" that has been approved in principle. /4k REPORT TO COUNCIL Page 4 MEETING OF DECEMBER 14th, 1981 3. We must foster communication and understanding between Council and staff regarding respective responsibilities in the affairs of the Town and joint meetings of Council and Staff would be of benefit. 4. We must recognize the economic conditions of the day: we must be frugal in our budget deliberations distinguishing between essential and non-essential services, and with due caution, that in making our system more proficient, the uncontrollable costs not become a larger part of our budget. If that should happen, the system that we call"democracy" , in itself becomes a dictator. Then in the final analysis, the level of service will decline. 5. We should review our policies on development so as to utilize the capacity and investment we have in serviced land to the ultimate benefit of the municipality. There is a need and a market for commercial development, and housing, particularly for senior citizens. 6. We should encourage citizen participation, and give due recognition to many volunteers and organizations working in the interest of their community and the Town. This Municipality has a lot to offer. In order to progress, we must be positive in our thinking, and cultivate and promote that which is good. As a young man, I learned to sort the wheat from the chaff. I suggest we discard the chaff, and concentrate on the kernel, and it will bear fruit. I wish to thank Members of Council, Staff, members of the press, the citizens, and u special mention to those citizens who have served on the various boards and committees on behalf of the Town,for their co-operation in the past and I look forward with hope and enthusiasm to the year ahead. To each of you, a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Respectfully submitted, Garnet B. Rickard Mayor GBR/mr