Now Five Months Awaiting Answers From Councillor Simone

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Councillor Patricia Simone promised to answer questions when she campaigned in 2018, and she registered to run for re-election in 2022 but she still not answered questions from March 16; on March 28, she said she would review the questions and respond as soon as possible about Simone’s Notice of Motion To Redefine Town Name.

Councillor Simone promised ‘to be available to answer any questions you may have’ during her 2018 campaign to become a councillor, repeated in A Look Back – Candidate Patricia Simone.

As mentioned in Mayor DiCarlo Responds for Councillor Simone, questions were not answered.

More Big Ticket Items For Special Council Meeting August 15

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Instead of the usual 6 pm meeting, this ‘special council meeting’ will start at 5 pm; view the full agenda on the town’s website.

9. REPORTS – ENGINEERING & INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

9.1 Dump Truck for Water Department – Award of Tender 

  • It is recommended that:
    1. The Dump Truck for Water Department Tender BE AWARDEDto Carrier Centers in an amount of $194,935 plus HST; and,
    2. The Treasurer BE AUTHORIZEDto execute a Purchase Order to Carrier Centers for an amount of $194,935 plus HST.

9.2  Dump Truck with Winter Package – Award of Tender

  • It is recommended that:
    1. The Dump Truck with Winter Package Tender BE AWARDEDto Carrier Centers in an amount of $284,391 plus HST;
    2. The Treasurer BE AUTHORIZEDto execute a Purchase Order to Carrier Centers for an amount of $284,391 plus HST; and,
    3. Council APPROVEthe over-expenditure amount of $64,396.28 to be funded from Development Charges.
11. REPORTS – CAO’s OFFICE

  • It is recommended that:

    1. The presentation from Masri O Architects regarding the design of a New-South Fire Station BE RECEIVED;
    2. Council APPROVE the proposed South Fire Station floor plan, which contains a total of 1858.7111 square metres (20,007 sq. ft.) of operational space;
    3. Council APPROVE the South Fire Station site plan which is situated on a parcel of land on the North East corner of the Libro Credit Union Centre property on County Road 18 (Pike Road) in proximity to the Meloche and Simcoe Road intersection;
    4. Council APPROVE the issuance of debt for an amount not to exceed $11,680,864, plus non-recoverable HST, for the construction of the Fire Station;
    5. Council DIRECT Administration to include in the 2023 Operational Budget the cost to fund the $11,680,864 Debenture;
    6. Council DIRECT Administration to bring back to Council a by-law to address the borrowing and debenture required for this project;
    7. The design for the gymnasium BE RECEIVED;
    8. Funding for the gymnasium BE DEFFERED to the 2023 Capital Budget deliberations for Council to consider in concert with other priorities and initiatives of the Town, and,
    9. Administration BE DIRECTED to work with Amherstburg Indoor Sports Association on potential funding strategies and grant opportunities to help reduce the overall operational and capital expenditure for the gymnasium or explore other options.

Park House Museum Accessibility Barriers

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Continuing with photos from my downtown tour, the Park House Museum walk and ramp could use an update.

When asked about accessibility, Park House Curator advised they are currently fundraising to replace the current ramps and walkways and to add a push-button door.

As for the website, ‘we have changed the colour from black to white to enhance visibility and recently launched a user survey to see where our visitors would like changes to be made.’ I couldn’t locate an Accessibility Policy on the website, but the Curator provided me with a blanket policy including a link to training that will be provided, as outlined by the documentation at www.mto.gov.on.ca. i’m not sure how useful the Ministry of Transportation site will be.

In March 2022, the town granted the museum’s request for $8500. and provided an additional $6500. for a total of $15,000.

In March 2022, it was also announced that the museum received a $19700. grant from Ontario’s Community Building Fund Operating stream.

The August 8, 2022 town council agenda includes a memo: $15,000 for the precommitment of the 2022 Park House Grant

Sooner, rather than later, funding will need to be allocated to imrproving accessibility at the Park House and other buildings in town.

park house museum rotting wooden walk and ramp in amherstburg, ontario

Where Are The Candidates? Two Weeks To Nomination Deadline

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Candidates for the October 24, 2022 municipal election have two weeks to file nomination papers as candidates. Maybe people are waiting until the last day.

In 2018 the number of candidates were:

Mayor – 2
Deputy Mayor – 4
Councillor 14 for 5 positions

So far, 2022:

Mayor – 4
Deputy Mayor – 1
Councillor 5 for 5 positions