Tag Archives: amherstburg

Increased Police Dispatch Calls

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The November 2 Windsor Police Services Board agenda includes the September 21 minutes that state: A Board member noted a steady increase in dispatch calls for service over the last three months, especially since June, and questioned whether this trend specifically relates to Amherstburg.

The discussion revealed that the rise in June’s dispatch calls is connected to ongoing efforts to maintain integrity within the police force. Each call for service consumes police officers’ time, and the data collected now serves as a more meaningful basis for making data-informed decisions. Overall, there has been an increase in calls for service.

I’m not sure what the motion was but the minutes note the above was moved, seconded and CARRIED.

The audio is a poor quality; captioning didn’t really help.

Hypocrisy And Hypercriticism

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Considering that Councillor Crain Didn’t Correct Errors regarding his motion at the council or committee meeting, I thought Crain was hypocritical at the October 23 council meeting for objecting to Councillor Pouget’s notice of motion for being worded differently than noted in the minutes.

I also thought Crain was hypercritical of Pouget’s motion because his objection was based on his perception that the motion wording undermines the work of staff. This isn’t the first time I’ve heard such staunch cheerleading of staff but he was elected to represent the public interest, including tree canopy issues that are within the duties of council.

On October 10, 2023 Councillor Pouget believed a notice of motion was in order to direct administration to provide the parks committee and environmental committee a complete report regarding the 2017 tree study on town property.

On October 23, 2023, Pouget read the notice of motion and looked for a seconder.

Councillor Crain said something inaudible and Mayor Prue stated he had an objection that it’s not the same; he asked Crain to explain the nature of the objection.

Crain said it’s not the same notice of motion that’s included in the agenda.

Prue asked Pouget to withdraw the first motion and read the second one and see if there’s a seconder; Councillor Allaire seconded.

Crain then stated, just to seek clarification to staff; is it true that we do not have a maintenance policy for the planting of new trees?

Staff answered that the town has a tree bylaw that speaks to tree trimming and maintaining. Crain then stated so the new trees are added into our total tree inventory and then based on this bylaw that we already have are continually maintained already so it’s not that there’s no policy, it’s that new trees are now considered old once they’re planted and then maintained over time.

After staff spoke again, Crain made his position known: I won’t be supporting the motion. I find that the way this motion is worded is implying that our arborist and staff are taking down fair to good condition trees, which in my opinion, I do not believe is happening. I’m not sure where this assumption is coming from and especially with reducing Norway maples. We have this maintenance program already and just the way it’s worded I find that it undermines the work of staff so I won’t be supporting it.

Pouget stated she brought this before to council and that they go and look at these trees; no one apparently has, but when she’s talking about maintenance, they do not water these trees that need watering in the first two years.

Councillor Allaire asked about Windsor’s practice and shared a personal anecdote about growing up on a farm.

Councillor McArthur chimed in and asked if they were removing trees in fairly good condition and why would they be doing that.

More back and forth and more time wasted spent on staff participation and then Allaire stated it seems like our staff is doing a good job and following all the rules that they have implemented over the years. She appreciates the idea of providing the parks and rec committee and the environmental committee with the tree study and she thinks that’s a good portion of Pouget’s notice of motion and if she were willing to take a friendly amendment, she would support that.

As if staff hadn’t taken up enough time, Prue then invited the clerk to speak.

Pouget stated she couldn’t agree to the friendly amendment – she asked that the committees be given all the pertinent information. Pouget also wanted to go on record that she resents Councillor Linden Crain making a statement like he did against her, that he made a face, and made a statement against her that she was trying to undermine the arborist or public works and that was never her intent.

Prue stated her point was well taken and let’s not degenerate here into name calling or argument.

WAIT, WHAT? I didn’t hear any name calling! I’ve written several posts about the lack of decorum and incivility. Prue really needs to step up and act in the first instance, consistently, and not leave it up to individual councillors to defend themselves.

Pouget stated that shouldn’t have happened and Prue should have stopped it from the beginning and she asked Pure to speak on the Bellevue issue regarding what he witnessed.

Listen to the audio.

New Windsor Police Deputy Chief

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Amherstburg Mayor Michael Prue is quoted in a CBC article, “There will be those who will say, ah, look at this, and there will be others who will recognize again what he has done over his whole lifetime,” Prue said. “I think the majority of people will probably understand that, there are some who never will.”

I’m one that never will understand. Crowley wasn’t going 10 over the speed limit. Police officers are not held to a higher standard, but they have to abide by the same behaviour as anyone else that they dole out tickets to for misbehaving; especially when it’s a more serious offence.

CBC reports, Windsor police name Jason Crowley as permanent deputy chief amid possible external review.

Why Go In-Camera?

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Amherstburg is highlighted twice as case examples in the same Ontario Ombudsman Open Meetings Guide for Municipalities that I shared yesterday:

Matters that can be discussed in closed session under another Act – s. 239(2)(g)

Town of Amherstburg (June 2018): While staff suggested this exception applied because a request for proposals (RFP) could have been discussed in private under the Police Services Act, there was no evidence that council considered the application of this exception, or that the RFP had been discussed in closed session by the town’s police services board.

Security of municipal property – s. 239(2)(a)

Town of Amherstburg (June 2018): Discussion about seeking bids for policing services did not fit within the exception, as it did not deal with potential threats, loss, or damage to municipal property.

Must all municipal meetings be open to the public?

Yes, with some limited exceptions.

Twelve of the exceptions are discretionary, meaning it is not mandatory to close meetings to deal with these subjects. When in doubt, open the meeting. (original emphasis).

Meetings may be closed if the discussion is about:

  1. The security of the property of the municipality [s. 239(2)(a)]
  2. Personal matters about an identifable individual, including municipal employees [s. 239(2)(b)]
  3. A proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality [s. 239(2)(c)]
  4. Labour relations or employee negotiations [s. 239(2)(d)]
  5. Litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality [s. 239(2)(e)]
  6. Advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose [s. 239(2)(f)]
  7. A matter in respect of which a council, board, committee or other body may hold a closed meeting under another piece of legislation [s. 239(2)(g)]
  8. Information supplied in confidence to the municipality by another level of government [s. 239(2)(h)]
  9. Third-party information supplied in confidence to the municipality, which, if disclosed, could significantly prejudice a competitive position or interfere with negotiations (e.g., a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, fnancial or labour relations information) [s. 239(2)(i)]
  10. Information (e.g., a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, or financial information) that belongs to the municipality and has monetary value [s. 239(2)(j)]
  11. A position, plan, procedure, criteria, or instruction to be applied to negotiations [s. 239(2)(k)]
  12. Educating or training members of the council, a local board or committee [s. 239(3.1)]

    Mandatory exceptions:
    Meetings must be closed if they are about:

  13. The consideration of a request under the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, if the council, board, commission or body is the head of an institution for the purposes of that Act [s. 239(3)(a)]
  14. An ongoing investigation respecting the municipality by the Ontario Ombudsman, an appointed municipal ombudsman, or an appointed closed meeting investigator [s. 239(3)(b)]

Lack Of Audio = Lack Of Transparency

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I asked CAO Critchley for an explanation for the August 10 Amherstburg Heritage Committee meeting audio starting at 45:40. Just to be sure it wasn’t my computer, other residents verified the same.

This morning Critchley answered, “A technical issue prevented the capture of audio for the first portion of this meeting but was able to be resolved later in the meeting.

The Ontario Ombudsman Open Meetings Guide for Municipalities states:

What are the objectives of the open meeting rules?

The open meeting requirements set out in section 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001 permit the public to observe municipal government in progress. The Supreme Court of Canada answered this question in its decision in the 2007 case, London (City) v. RSJ Holdings Inc. The judges noted “the public’s demand for more accountable municipal government” and stated that open meetings are essential to “robust democratic legitimacy” of local administrations. They also observed that s. 239 of the Municipal Act, 2001 “was intended to increase public confidence in the integrity of local government by ensuring the open and transparent exercise of municipal power.” (original emphasis).

Also from the Guide:

“The democratic legitimacy of municipal decisions does not spring solely from periodic elections, but also from a decision-making process that is transparent, accessible to the public, and mandated by law.”

– Hon. Madam Justice Louise Charron, Supreme Court of Canada

Santa Is Not Ableist!

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Although not everyone could complete a timed 5k including Santa at 1,752 years old.

Amherstburg town council approved the Super Santa Walk/Run for November 18 at its June 26 meeting; the video of that discussion seems to be unavailable – one can view the item before and after it.

In a July 25 email to accessibility at ERCA, I asked if Santa was ableist and if the Santa Run/Walk excludes persons with disabilities. I shared my thought that holding a timed race/walk seems contrary to ERCA’s policy, ‘to provide for service delivery in a way that preserves the dignity and independence of persons with disabilities.’

I also asked if no one thought to name the event Walk/Run/Roll without it being timed to see how fast participants can walk/run.

I received an auto response from Danielle Stuebing and nothing further.

On September 28 ERCA announced the event on its website and Danielle Stuebing was quoted, “While the event has always been inclusive, based on feedback received, this year ‘Wheel’ has been added to the title to ensure it is abundantly clear that all are welcome,” Breault Stuebing adds. “For this event, ‘wheel’ refers to wheelchairs, scooters used for mobility assistance, walkers and strollers.”

So how hard is it to add one word?

ERCA’s website advertises it as walk/run/wheel and then omits the wheel in the description.

Visit Amherstburg also omits the word wheel and advertises it as Super Santa Walk/Run.

Councillor Allaire’s website includes an announcement that omits the wheel.

Race Roster website announces the walk/run/wheel and also omits the wheel in the description; the logo, also used on Allaire’s site, omits the wheel.

People With Disabilities Are Not ‘Special’

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During the October 12 Heritage Committee meeting, Frank DiPasquale made comments about Brittany Bolger that, to me, were offensive.

The heritage committee was discussing the street naming policy when the town’s heritage planner mentioned other municipalities implement an asset naming policy and Councillor Crain was working on a motion wording.

Listen to the audio.

DiPasquale mentioned generally they use those who served in our military and those who gave up their lives and he agrees with that. He mentioned when Mr. Bolger came and wanted to name his subdivision after his daughter, Brittany, and I believe Council followed through with that, the concern was that he had she is an individual with special needs and disabilities, she soldiers on every day with a positive attitude. He didn’t think there’s not anyone in uniform alive or not that would not tip their hat and be honoured to have their street named after this young lady. He suggested there’ll be other examples of that coming in the future where there’s people that may have special needs or special challenges and he thought they should keep that in mind too.

DiPasquale was a 2022 municipal candidate that, like all other candidates, should have received accessibility materials from the town.

Once again, I emailed council members that this clearly indicates the need for more training, although he should have received it by now. I also shared:

COMMON MYTHS ABOUT DISABILITIES:

Pity

People feel sorry for the person with a disability, which tends to lead to patronizing attitudes. Persons with disabilities generally don’t want pity and charity, just equal opportunity to make their own way and live independently.

Hero Worship

People consider someone with a disability who lives independently or pursues studies to be brave or “special” for overcoming a disability. Most persons with disabilities do not want accolades for performing day-to-day tasks.

Worth repeating: the late disability activist Stella Young says it all so well; one of my favourite videos.

Councillor Crain Didn’t Correct Errors

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On October 3, I emailed council members: the august 10 heritage committee meeting minutes are listed on the october 12 heritage committee meeting agenda for approval, although council approved the august 10 heritage committee minutes at the september 25 council meeting. councillor crain mentioned he was on the heritage committee and he did move a motion at the august 10 committee meeting, but the minutes do not reflect that his motion carried. i believe councillor pouget is correct in stating that public minutes should be corrected at public meetings, as per rules of order, so i trust this will be given consistent attention.

Wrong.

At the October 10 council meeting, Councillor Pouget was the only one to note the motion wasn’t marked as being carried.

The clerk said yes, there was a typo. That was more than a typo – it was an omission. Meeting chairs ask if there are any errors or omissions, not if there are any typos.

Even though Pouget noted the error, the same erroneous August 10 Heritage Committee minutes were on the October 12 Heritage Committee agenda.

While Councillor Crain was present at the October 12 Heritage Committee meeting, he didn’t mention the error of the missing ‘motion carried’ or his misquoted motion.

These are typos: the October 12 Heritage Committee agenda states:

8. CORRESPONDENCE

  • That the following correspondence BE RECEIVED:
  • That the following correspondence BE RECEIVED:

and

8.2 River Town Tiles Article – River Canard Bridge Plaque

Where Are Third Quarter Reports?

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Nancy Atkinson, on behalf of the Amherstburg Residents’ Forum was a delegate to council on June 12 to present three residents’ concerns.

As a result, council carried resolutions:

June 12, 2023 Council Resolutions:

Resolution #20230612-007
Moved By Councillor Pouget
Seconded By Councillor Allaire
That Council DIRECT Administration to bring a full report regarding no parking at the clock at Kings Navy Yard Park. The Mayor put the Motion. Motion Carried.

Report coming to Council in Q3 2023.

Resolution #20230612-008
Moved By Councillor Pouget
Seconded By Councillor McArthur
That Council DIRECT Administration to bring back a report regarding a Routine Disclosure Policy.
The Mayor put the Motion.Motion Carried.

Report coming to Council in Q3 2023.

Delegations On October 10 Council Meeting REVISED Agenda

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Interesting. Shirley Curson-Prue, Mayor Prue’s wife, will delegate on behalf of the Belle Vue Conservancy regarding the Belle Vue Expression of Interest. Curson-Prue is vice-chair of the Heritage Advisory Committee that met in-camera on September 21 to review Expressions of Interest.

Mike Lavigne will also delegate on Item 14.3 Belle Vue Expression of Interest.

There are no speaking notes attached to Curson-Prue’s delegate request form or Mike Lavigne’s request form.

A new inconsistency? Speaking notes were insisted upon as part of delegates’ requests and were routinely attached to the agenda and attaching speaking notes was mandatory for the online request form to be accepted.

CAO Critchley did highlight the following in an email:

The Clerk may, from time to time, establish or amend procedures related to the Delegation Process, provided that such procedures do not conflict with the provisions of this By-law.

Then there will be a Presentation – a concepl drawing is attached without any related information.

The admin’s recommendations that:

  1. The Loop Family Amico Belle Vue Expression of Interest proposal BE APPROVED to proceed to next steps in the evaluation process and;
  2. Administration BE DIRECTED to request the Belle Vue Conservancy pause any further efforts until such time as Council has made a final decision on the proposal and;
  3. Administration BE DIRECTED to facilitate discussions between the Belle Vue Conservancy (BVC) and proponent to ensure there is agreement and direction on the recognition of donors, handling of unspent donations and various antiques identified for potential use at Belle Vue Manor; and, 
  4. The execution of the confidentiality agreement BE APPROVED for the Expression of Interest to proceed to the next steps of the process.

It seems excessive that the town posts an agenda, revised agenda, and an addendum that is called a supplementary agenda, in both html and pdf when one universal document would suffice. Besides, the revised agenda duplicates addendum items.