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HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1997-04-30, Page 28Page 28 Times -Advocate, April 30, 1997 COMA/1111\111T our Views Letters to the editor Committee of the Whole "The Committee's discussions and the development of recommendations take place in a public forum. Dear Editor: Recent T.A. articles state that Exeter Council is holding too many in -camera meetings, That conclu- sion is based on incorrect information. To begin with, let's be clear about what Council has done: • 1. Exeter Council has made changes deliberately - designed to make local government more effective and more accessible. 2. One move was to streamline the work of six • Committees into one called the Committee of the Whole. Result: Discussion on issues involves all of the Council and the decision-making process is now much more efficient. 3. Before the Committee of the Whole system was adopted, all regular Committee meetings were open to the public. Now, the same amount of business is conducted in public at fewer meetings. 4. Exeter Council has been very clear, in its writ- ten reports, that the Committee of the Whole meet- ings are open to the public. When the new system was being presented for adoption, Councillor Rider emphasized the open nature of the system. At a sub- sequent meeting, Reeve Mickle presented the first Committee report under the new system to -the Council and he re-emphasized the open nature of the meetings. 5. The Council agenda includes a schedule of all Committee meetings. • -. 6. Council has concluded it would be beneficial to deal with some "under reported" issues in a column called "Civic Corner." We hope to use this column as another means to reach the public. To summarize, we have greater Council involve- ment, more effective decision-making and better . public access to meetings and information: . The issues identified in the newspaper as being handled "in camera" were actually dealt with' et public Committee and Council meetings. So what went wrong in these reports. There may be four explanations. I. Although it was explained in writing and in a verbal presentation, it appears the T.A. and others, mistakenly believe that a Committee of the Whole meeting is, by definition, "in camera" or "in pri- vate." The term is sometimes used that way. How- ever, that is not the meaning in this case. Council has decided to meet two times a month as a Com- mittee (of the Whole Council) so it may thoroughly examine issues, without the time constraints of a Council meeting, and cosine to a recommendation. The Committee's discussions and the development of recommendations take place in a public forum. 2. Over the past term, Exeter Council (and other Municipal Councils) have had to deal with real and anticipated financial problems from Provincial downloading and other changes to an extent never seen before. Council and staff have had to attend more meetings than at any other time. The work is long and tedious. (And, I might add that the taxpay- er is not billed for these extra meetings.) The press cannot hope to attend all meetings and we cannot possibly do all of the work at Council meetings alone. As a result, some issues are not well under- stood by the press and public. 3. Press coverage is generally good. But, the same reporter does not always cover all of Council's busi- ness. Some important facts seem to be falling through the cracks. 4. Finally, the fact that the reality and the p. op- tion are in conflict regarding the openness of Coun- cil meetings tells me that we, on Council,' need to find ways to be more effective in getting our meet- ing timetable and our open government policy it front of the public. iTo conclude, ['know I share with the Town Coun- cillors a feeling of disappointment. We have worked Lard to come up with a more effective and more ac- cessible local government system. It is very difficult to watch our plan described in a way that is quite opposite to its purpose. Yours very truly, Ben Hoogenboom, Mayor on behalf of the Corporation of th'e Town of Exeter Aga OnOnib `)ODOn 6RnA)OnOnOnOD itaODA) +a4JAAiita `non zAtn Official Plan meeting to be held These meetings are your opportunity to comment on the proposed direcitons which have been estab- lished by your fellow resi- dents.... Dear Editor: Within this newspaper you will find a schedule of meetings to con- sider the proposed new County of Huron Official Plan. These meet- ings have been scheduled to en- courage you and your neighbors to discuss a variety of topics. This plan will affect many aspects of our every day lives, such as the loca- tion of businesses, environmental protection, economic development strategies, and agriculture, just to name a few. The County Official Plan repre- sents a concerted effort by the resi- dents of Huron County to chart their future. Huron County resi- dents have been involved in a num- ber of ways throughout the devel- opment of the draft plan - completing Community Action Kits and participating in a number of focus groups, workshops, public meetings, and discussions within their interest groups. Huron County residents have said what they like and dislike about the community, what they see for the future of their community, and have indicated ap- propriate actions to achieve their visions for the community. These meetings are your opportu- nity to comment on the proposed directions which have been estab- lished by your fellow residents. This Official Plan is important to your future and the future of your community. Please come out and participate in any one of the meetings which are scheduled throughout May and .lune. If you have any questions, or would like a copy of the plan please contact the Huron County Department of Planning and Devel- opment (519-524-2188) Court House Square, Goderich, Ontario N7A 1M2. Sincerely, Laurie Cox, Chair Huron County Planning and Development Committee McGillivray Fun Fair very successful Dear Editor: On Friday, April 11, McGillivray Central Public School held it's first Fun Fair in a number of years as a fundraiser for playground equip- ment. Besides enough activities to keep all of the children busy, McGillivray's Fun Fair boasted a huge Penny Sale where 46 items were up for sale. As well, over 75 items were up for bids in a Silent Auction which received close scru- tiny and ever changing bids. Items ranged from autographed Grant Fuhr jersey, a plane ride over McGillivray Township, to a jet ski rental. McGillivray Central's Home and School Association would like to thank the many businesses from McGillivray Township, Exeter, Ail- sa Craig, Parkhill, Arkona, London, Lucan, Strathroy, Grand Bend, Zu- -rich and Forest for their generous contributions to this well attended event. The Home and School also wish- es to thank the school's teachers, support staff and parents for all their efforts before and during this evening. A lot of time went into the organization of this Fun Fair and McGillivray principal Mary Anne Brown was once again most help- ful. The end result was a spectacu- larly successful event, raising $5,000 for playground equipment. This has made it possible for the in- stallation of.Phase One and Two of the Playground Committee's Four Phase plan beginning before Sep- tember 1997. At a time when schools must [RnPOIR11 TIRE CORRECTION NOTICE C1 We wish to draw your attention to the following in our '75 Year Giant Savings Spring Sale - Final Week' Flyer Page 4, Item Il. Mono Line• 78- 3765X . Copy reads 6 to 40 lb. test, should read: 6 to 12 Ib. test. Page 14: Garnet' Sandpaper. 54-2114X. Copy reads: pkg. of 4 or 5, should read: pkg. of 3,4 & 5. Page 23: Cellular Phone Accessories. Copy reads: save 25 to 40%, should read: save 24-40%. 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Memo* Wise NMB CEIVIN6 WHITE Louise's Unique Interiors 436 Main St. Exeter 2354086 Langford Lumber Builders Supplies Ltd. 6255 Wilaam St. Lucan Grand Bend Decorating 2274416 Hwy 219 2384603 Moorc0 I'\I\IS A Staost et ISMILL1+aca• reach out to the surrounding com- munities in order to purchase large ticket items such as these, McGil- livray Central's Home and School (and the staff) were gratified to have had such an overwhelming positive response. Many heartfelt thanks to all who donated or helped in any way! Sincerely, Marion Robinson • Playground Committee Member NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING for the citizens of Bayfield, Hay, Hensall, Stanley, Tuckersmith, and Zurich Public meetings will be held on the following dates for presentation of the restructuring report: Wednesday, April 23 Wednesday, April 30 Saturday, May 10 Saturday, May 24 7-9 p.m. 7-9 p.m. 1.3 p.m. 1-3 p.m. Stanley Complex, Varna Brucefield United Church Bayfield Arena Zurich Arena Please attend. Your input is important. 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