GGRA.ca
THE GREATER
GRAVENHURST RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION
Members and Visitors - Did You Know
Council voted to use our
Terrance haight Endowment Fund to pay down the Town debt?
The following is the notice
that will appear on the Town Page in the newspaper next week as
well as on the town website.
Terrence Haight Endowment
At the Committee of the Whole
Meeting May 15th,
2012, the Corporate Services Committee discussed how the monies
would best serve the community. The Committee selected Option
5 of the report of the Treasurer which is:
To utilize $1,000,000 to reduce
the long term debt which will
reduce annual costs by $70,000
and use part of the annual
savings for a Community Grant
Program.
n.b. It doesn't' say how much is
"part".
Individuals wishing to make
comment on the use of the Haight Endowment Funds may do so at
the June 5th,
2012 Committee of the Whole Meeting commencing at 3:00 p.m.,
without first contacting the Town Office. It will be held as a
public meeting, and deputations will be right at 3 p.m. It
will be held in the Council Chambers.
Below are the options that were
listed and explained by Ken Watson, the Treasurer. The voting
tallied as follows: Paisley Donaldson, Joe Donahue, Heidi
Lorenz, Jeff Watson and Bob Colhoun all voted for option #5.
Rosemary King, Randy Jorgensen and Sandy Cairns voted for
option #2, and Lola voted for option #1. (as noted by one of
our GGRA reps.)
The GGRA urges our members and
anyone else, to make their views known to Council by either
attending the meeting or writing a letter/email to the Mayor
and Councillors at the Town Office at 3-5 Pineridge Gate,
Gravenhurst, Ont. P1P 1Z3
Option 1 - Invest the funds and use the investment
proceeds for grants to Gravenhurst community groups.
Analysis: This would provide an annual
investment for granting purposes. (If the principal is to be
retained, the investment strategy could include a mix of
investments.)
Option 2 - Invest part of the funds in a long term investment
plan, while using a portion of the funds for Council approved
community projects.
Analysis: If half of the funds were to be used
for council approved community projects, there could be an
immediate benefit to the community. The remaining balance could
be invested to increase the principal which would allow for
future contributions to projects.
Option 3 - Give out to community groups or projects all of the
funds and any interest earned based upon a council program.
Analysis: All funds could be given to community
groups under specific council guidelines. This would allow for
an immediate investment into the community and would be a onetime
influx of projects.
Option 4 - Use the funds to reduce long term debt which will save
the municipality about $70,000 per year.
Analysis: Reducing the long term debt would save
the taxpayer $70,000 annually based on current rates.
Option 5 - Use the funds to reduce the long term debt and use
part of the $70,000 savings for grants to Gravenhurst groups.
Analysis: This is a combination of options 1 and
4. Utilize part of the savings from reduced debt payments for
annual grants to community groups. This would benefit the
taxpayer by reducing their taxes yet provide annual grants to the
communtiy in perpetuity of Council desired.
Option 6 - Give the funds to a third party to distribute based
upon Council guidelines.
Analysis: Funds could be provided to a third
party to distribute. Distribution could be based on Council
policy which may or may not be restrictive.
Option 7 - Invest the funds in an infrastructure project such as
Rotary Gull Lake Park amphitheatre.
Analysis: council could utilize the funds to add
to our infrastructure a project which would not likely be
considered due to capital needs.
Special Town Meeting
POSTED MAY 5TH
Hello again, Members of the GGRA:
I have just returned from the Special Town Meeting at the new
Centennial Centre Complex, and I have to say that it was a really
great meeting. I was pleasantly surprised that the GGRA
was included in the Associations that received a special package,
with the agenda, a "2012 Departmental Project Plan" and a "2012
First Quarter Management Report". We were introduced to the new
CAO, Mr. Frank Miele, and he made an excellent presentation. It's
very ambitious, but has everything in print, including departments,
who's in charge, what they want to do and by when. It was VERY
informative and easy to understand and read. I found Frank Miele
to be very approachable as well. Paisley also welcomed us all and
did the introductions of Mr. Miele, and after his presentation we
broke off to the various areas headed under "infrastructure"
(public works & facilities, Recreation & Community services, &
Fire), "administration" (Human resources, Clerk & Treasury) and
"growth" (Development Services & Economic Development).
We asked questions and spoke to the people involved, whether it be
staff or council members. When reconvened, the questions that were
presented were ansnwered. some of those were:
1. The roof problems at the Centennial Centre: Paisley
said there have been no decisions yet, regarding what exactly
the fix will be or who will pay for it. She agreed with
some people who said it should NOT be the Town of Gravenhurst
who pays, and at the next Decision Committee (the committee in
charge of the pool complex), they will be
speaking about this and the public is also welcome to sit in
at those meetings. We will be on the list to be notified when the
next meeting is, and I'm sure we can also find
out the results if we cannot attend.
2. The railroad crossings: Some are upset at the rough
crossings. Geoff Carleton has said that the CN knows about them.
A member in the audience asked if the Town had
thought to write a letter to the HEAD of the CN, to ask when
they'd be repaired to a better standard, and Paisley agreed that
they could do that.
3. The Heritage Centre: The problem at the Heritage
Centre is to do with "Accessability" issues for people with
accessability issues. The ramps are not to standard
and repairs will be moving along so that the changes will be
made by this year and the boathouse will again be open to the
public. That was good news.
People also asked in this session, about the Gull Lake Bridge
repairs and the rerouting of traffic through town in terms of
the extra load on our roads and also in terms of traffic being
routed through town. Geoff Carleton said that the Ministry is
aware of the Town's concerns regarding roads and traffic, and it
was suggested that more traffic moving through town might be an
opportunity for businesses.
And finally (although I may have forgotten something), there was
discussion about the boatless boat slips. Geoff mentioned that he
is putting together a package which will be sent to the
government. He doesn't believe this issue will be resolved in time
for this year and explained that this needs to be prepared
carefully and so that there is no impingement on any further
government grants for other things. In other words, we can't ask
for "forgiveness" rather than "permission". Everything must be
properly presented.
The meeting was adjourned shortley after 11:00 a.m. with tours of
the building complex offered. Again, in my opinion, it was an
excellent meeting. Very organized and communicative. The article
in the Banner about problems with the roof of the pool had some
people upset and we were given reassurances that nothing has been
decided yet, and our Mayor agrees that the town will get advice and
work this out. The new Centennial/pool complex is a beautiful
addition to our town and an excellent facility, that is VERY busy
and doing well. We respect that our Decision Committee will see to
it that we remain happy and proud to be a part of it.
These notes are my opinion and just an update for those who
couldn't attend the meeting. This is not meant to be exact
"minutes". Thanks.... Evelyn, GGRA Director
SPRING COMMUNICATION
POSTED MAY 4TH
This is an invitation for our members to join the Board of
Directors and carry the GGRA into a new era.
We were founded in 2006 by a group
of concerned citizens. Our Mission was to work with the Town
Council and other organizations to help influence decisions and
policies affecting the Town and its people. This included roads,
policing, safety, land use, zoning, taxation, and the
environment. The G.G.R.A. has accomplished a great deal over the
last five years. It has helped monitor elections and Council
meetings, and posted a newsletter to keep people informed. It
championed the revision of the Ward boundaries to make
representation on the Council fairer and better proportioned. It
has taken an active role in helping with Town projects, including
planting trees and "Earth Days". It has acted as an umbrella
group, liaising closely with all groups that desired community
improvements or that had concerns about how the Town of
Gravenhurst was being managed. It has made many deputations to
Council on various issues over the years.
The G.G.R.A. still has serious
concerns about such issues as soaring taxes, transparent budgets,
cost overruns with the new pool, the downtown core, town unity,
duplication of municipal services, and communication. Members of
the Board chair committees addressing these concerns, and are
always in need of ideas and the expertise of our membership. If
you have a strong interest in the future of Gravenhurst, and a
passion to be part of that future, we need you as a member of the
Board of Directors. Whether its expertise in legal areas,
business matters, political process, or anything else that would
contribute to the betterment of the town, we invite you to join
us. Please contact Evelyn Matson @ 705-687-0961 or
evrick@sympatico.ca
to indicate your interest. Thank you. GGRA Board of Directors
POSTED MAY 2, 2012
MAYOR'S NOTE
From: ATaylor@gravenhurst.ca
Date: Wed, 2 May 2012 15:50:09 -0400
Subject: Latest Edition of the Mayor's Minute
Hello Everyone,
This is available online at
http://www.gravenhurst.ca/images/depts/council/mayor/mayorsminuteapril2012.pdf
Please feel free to share with your friends,
colleagues, associates and anyone who will find this
information interesting and relevant.
Thanks!
Amy Taylor
Community Events
Facilitator and Marketing Assistant
Town of Gravenhurst
3 -
5 Pineridge Gate
Gravenhurst On, P1P 1Z3
T:705.687.3412 ext 227
F:
705.687.7016
ataylor@gravenhurst.ca
POSTED APRIL 20, 2012
Below is a letter from Sharon Foley,
re her presentation to Council on Tuesday, for those who weren't
there. It was an awesome presentation. Sharon is also sending
this letter to the paper, I believe. Evelyn...GGRA Director
"Boatless Wharf"
The Boatless Wharf may not be boatless forever afterall. This is
the year I decided to stop complaining about our empty boatslips
and finally take action by making a compelling presentation to
council. It just makes sense to allow seasonal leasing of at
least 50 percent of the dock spaces to local boaters. Thanks to
the great support I received in my quest to make changes, I think
council will take action. Thank you to the over 40 spectators who
attended the presentation at council on Tuesday April 17th. There
were representatives from the GGRA, Canadian Power Squadron,
Probus members, friends, and folks I did not know who also
thought this was an issue worth pursuing. In less than 3 weeks
over 270 people either signed the petition around town or sent
supporting emails. The public support was overwhelming, very much
appreciated, and definitely got the attention of the councillors.
As well, the photos of our empty docks even on Farmers Market
Day, compared to older photos of our busy Wharf in the 90's and
current photos of marinas in Meaford and Midland, spoke volumes.
Mayor Donaldson has promised to look into amending the 25 year
agreement with the funding partners at the Provincial and Federal
levels that keeps the 122 slips available for retail shoppers
only. It is my hope that we will see our own boats floating at
our own Wharf again this summer. Finally.
Thank you all again for the Support
Let's keep the impetus going.
Sharon Foley
Gravenhurst
1
To
Members of the Greater Gravenhurst Residents Association
RE: THE WELLNESS CENTER
The
District of Muskoka is proposing to build a "Wellness
Centre" at a cost of $8 million, in Bracebridge, to house
doctors and other medical professionals. The Mayor of
Bracebridge, Graydon Smith, is championing this project.
The town of Bracebridge has a number of walk-in clinics and
medical centre buildings already, plus the South Muskoka
Hospital.
Funding of health care services
is the responsibility of the province, and not the
District! $8 million is an estimate for this wellness
centre and history suggests that this figure will grow
substantially before completion! There is, at present a
huge District debt in place, plus projected retired
interest costs of over $50 million!
As taxpayers of Gravenhurst and
Muskoka, we already face exorbitant and fast rising taxes.
This proposed wellness centre will not be in Gravenhurst,
and we should not have to pay taxes through the District
for something that MAY not benefit our town, and should NOT
be funded by the Disctrict of Muskoka.
For these reasons, after
consulting with the available GGRA Board of Directors, the
GGRA has sent a letter to the District Chair, John Klinck,
and District Councillors. On behalf of the taxpayers of
Gravenhurst, we are asking them to reject this proposal.
The letter can be seen on our GGRA website. Should you
also oppose this Bracebridge Wellness Centre, of course,
you could also, individually make that known to the
District.
Evelyn Matson, GGRA Director
Our reply to District re: The Wellness Center in
Bracebridge.
To: John Klinck,
Chair of District of Muskoka,
District Councillors
March 22, 2012
Dear John and all District Councillors:
I am writing to you on behalf of the Greater Gravenhurst
Residents Association, (GGRA).
The GGRA strongly opposes the proposal of a new Wellness Centre
in Bracebridge to be financed by the District of Muskoka. We
feel that this is NOT a District mandate, but is one that falls
on the Provincial Government.
There are already walk-in medical clinics in Bracebridge, as
well as the Bracebridge Hospital.
Gravenhurst taxpayers are already overburdened with having to
pay for the Wharf, the new Town Offices, the renovations and
additions towards the Medical Centre (which some Gravenhurst
taxpayers cannot even access), renovations for the Fire
Deptartment (the old Town offices) AND the new Pool and
Community Centre Complex. WE connot continue to pay tax
increases, but even MORE inportantly, we cannot and SHOULD NOT
have to pay tax increases for projects that should NOT be
funded by the District of Muskoka.
The members of the GGRA urge District Council to reject this
proposal.
Yours respectfully,
Evelyn Matson, GGRA Director
REPLY from JOHN
KLINCK, DISTRICT CHAIR - re Proposed "Wellness Centre" in
Bracebridge
Hello
Evelyn,
Thank you for your email and with hopes that your winter has gone
well.
Your comments on behalf of the GGRA with respect to the "Wellness
Centre" are both noted and appreciated. (It should be noted that
they are very similar to my comments to District Council over two
years ago when the concept was first introduced)
I have a "gut-feeling" that your Association's position is similar
to that of a majority of District Councilors.
It should, however, be noted that within the scope of the
"Wellness" discussions there remains a portion of the Pines
elder-care facility redevelopment that was delayed due to the
"Wellness" dialogue. Funding obligations and legislative
requirements require this work to be done. I am pleased to go on
the record as supporting this component only!
Respectfully,
John Klinck
Posted March 25th, 2012
Subject: 2012 tree
planting project.
CAN YOU
HELP??
The council
has approved $2000 for tree planting again this year.
As part of
the whole project Gravenhurst will be having 2 co-op students
for 2 weeks at the end of April beginning of May from Trent
University start the mapping of all existing trees in the urban
area. This will allow for good tree management in the future.
The students are working for free as part of their training.
But will need a place to stay while in Gravenhurst. As
students they do not have much money for a room.
Would any of
our GGRA members consider billeting these students? Any help
would be very useful.
In addition
there will be the planting. I assume early in May. GGRA
volunteers were invaluable last year..
Evelyn
Matson, GGRA Director
March 20, 2012
Posted March 8th, 2012
This letter is in response to a request to GGRP's Association for
community input by,
This letter is a reasponse to a request by Ms. A Taylor, Acting
Community Economic Development Officer to the GGRA for public
input. CC to Mayor Donaldson, F. Miele CAO, GGRA, Gravenhurst
Banner
Good Morning Ms. Taylor,
It seems as if Gravenhurst's ' Economic Development Plan' is
stalled on the main street of Town; at least that is the focus of
newspaper reports and it appears to be the focus of public input.
Any new business to replace all those empty store fronts would
indeed make for a more prosperous appearance; but common sense
tells us a store provides very limited employment. What is
needed, everyone agrees, is an industry that employs a sizeable
staff of permanent workers who will live in the area.
We need to focus on the Town as a new investor might, asking
ourselves "Why should I establish an industry in this Town? What
do they offer me or my employees?" A few things come to mind -
safe, beautiful, clean, small town living, reasonable housing,
schools, churches, a new Y, a hockey club, many established local
organization, golf, skiing, lakes, beaches. Who wouldn't want to
bring a young family to live and work in Muskoka? Are we selling
our assets to any of the million or so tourists who come here each
year?
Competition for small industry is keen in ALL the small towns
of Ontario - what incentives do we offer? Do we have skilled
workers? Do we provide subsidies for workers or students to take
useful training in the nearby colleges? Can we offer start-up
loans? Building sites? For one thing take a look at our
so-called Industrial Park. Look at that uninviting aspect:
ditches overgrown with weeds, a barren landscape without a flower,
a sidewalk, not a tree for shade or beauty; where is the Muskoka
feeling? Why would I want to move my industry here? Is there
transport for my employees? a fast food outlet? reasonable, safe
baby sitting? Interesting walkways? Picnic tables?
So the Town hasn't money for a big renovation? There are
volunteers, free workers, willing and able to serve this Town, just
needing to be asked. The fund-raising capabilities of local
Service Clubs is remarkable and they may be willing to contribute
experience, funds or muscle; there is a great deal of brain power
in Probus and the Seniors Club - retired engineers, mechanics,
administrators - who have experience, knowledge and the time to
provide and/or organize public input . Consider the advantage of a
Round Table with rotating representatives from each organization -
to help stabilize our community, to advise, recommend, to get us on
the right track for the future.
Yes, this would require co ordination and compromise
and co-operation by both the Town and the volunteers to listen to
each other, to follow-up with a mutual plan to attract industry.
Not nearly as 'easy' as raising taxes, but if we don't get together
on this, we can expect mass exodus because we just can't carry this
heavy tax load.
Ann Doiron
5/03/12
Report of budget
Meeting Feb.22 2012
All councillors and senior staff as well as the new CAO Frank Miele
attended this meeting. The meeting was following the public budget
meeting held on Feb. 18 and the budget meetings held during the
previous week where the budgets from each department were presented.
Councillor Watson chaired all these meetings.
This meeting provided opportunities for the council to raise concerns
asks questions or make recommendations. The meeting opened with the
CAO presenting a new budget that had reduced the total expenditures
to a tax increase of 8.3%. Council was pleased to see a reduction
made by staff. Councillor Bratty requested an opportunity to speak
and read from a prepared text that indicated she could not support
the budget as presented as it failed to meet the platform on which
the new council had been elected. Councillor bratty stated that she
saw very little in the budget that says things are being done
differently, that programs are being examined and that efficiencies
are being found. She requested that the budget be turned back to the
CAO and have him reduce administrative costs from 14%to 12% and to
reduce overall salaries 5% by the 2nd quarter. Councillor
Bratty ‘s other suggestions included asking program users to
contribute more, building accountability into the system, stopping
unnecessary busy work and implementing some key principles for doing
business. Although the resolutions proposed by Bratty did not
initially come forward for approval, a broad based discussion began.
Councillor Watson reminded council that the Covenco report stated our
administrative costs were just slightly above other areas.
Councillor King was glad to see the reduction to 8.32% but is
concerned that the costs to improve the fire department situation is
1.8%. and there need to be cuts in other areas. Councillor Donoghue
wondered if we could look at a 2012- 2013 budget that would look at
covering the big hits for the Centennial Centre and the Fire
department in 2012 and other costs start in the latter half of 2012
and carry into 2013. Councillor Jorgensen acknowledged the need to
look at the needs for fixing the fire department, but asked that we
look at the big picture and the efficiencies that can be gained from
this kind of approach. Mayor Donaldson asked about targets for
spending and talked about shopping smarter as we renegotiate
contracts with suppliers. CAO Miele asked that we look at this as a
transition year and that he would come back to council in 6 months
time to tell them what cost savings had been made and a new set of
figures be presented for the next 6 months. Councillor Colhoun
suggested there be no new initiatives other than the Fire Department
and we consider how less people could do more work. Councillors
Bratty and Jorgensen were anxious to hear the result of the on-going
negotiations with the YMCA to reduce the suggested costs for this
year.
The gist of the meeting was councillors try to suggest how and what
we can do to do business differently. Questions were raised about
the operation of the Opera House and the Library. There were concerns
about increasing revenue for the Town through accurate fees for
service. Is there new business coming?
CAO Miele indicated he would be providing council with quarterly
reports on where we are at in a spreadsheet format. He would also be
providing semi-annual reports on where we are in the implementation
of the Covenco report.
Councillor Cairns cautioned about cutting services. Councillors King
and Jorgenson called for efficiency and changing service. Mayor
Donaldson asked about outsourcing services. Donoghue asked about
finding the synergies in the133 recommendations in the Covenco
report.
Discussion continued on targets for a tax increase, having fees
reflect actual costs and the good and bad about grant proposals. The
result was a decision to send the budget back to the CAO and
Department heads to bring a budget to the March 6 meeting of council,
that would reflect a total budget increase of less than 10%. This
meeting would allow the council to again discuss the budget with the
intention of passing the final budget at the March 20 meeting.
This
is a brief report of the meeting. I encourage you to attend the
meeting March 6 to remain informed and understand how the council and
staff will arrive at the final figures for our tax increase.
THE
GREATER GRAVENHURST RESIDENTS' ASSOCIATION
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Please mail your payment and membership form to:
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thinice@muskoka.com
1 – 155 Progress Drive
Gravenhurst, Ontario P1P
1X4
HOW DID
YOU HEAR ABOUT THE ASSOCIATION?:
Regarding the Town and the Aquatic
Centre expansion..
should be completed on time.
Steps are being taken to protect the
financial impact.
There are ongoing investigations by
Government agencies and an “in house”
investigation as well.
Taxes not being reduced, budget approved.
OMAFRA is holding payments for now
Each grant that we apply for is
decided individually, so that the worry about
the integrity of the Town affecting
future grants isn't necessarily a worry.
Looking at having a “Grand
Opening” in the Spring , 2012 for the Centre.
Some
other mentions:
The
“Best Practices and Operations Review” is being done...
The
Strategic Plan Draft for the Town is on the Town Website.under way...Judy Coward, an Economic
Development Consultant with the Ontario Ministry, is helping with
that. It will be a whole new look.
M.T.O.
Re Hwy 11.... It could be 10 years before work starts. The Town has
a committee working to provide feedback to us and will meet with
businesses to do that. Properties that have been purchased by the MTO
are beginning to be demolished.
We
have applied to the OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture,
Farming & Rural Affairs) for grants towards a program that will be to
revitalize the Town.
The
Chamber of Commerce will be relocating. We will be informed.
Corporate Services - Budget is passed as is.
Some
Town owned buildings are being looked at to bring up to Accessibility
standards.ie. Carnegie Building and Community Policing Building. The
old Dr.'s Office is being sold.
The
street refurbishing, light standards, etc. is completed except for the block with the fire.
That block will be started Sept 6.
The
Mayors Walk is being replaced by the “Act of Kindness” program.
The
Farmers' Market is open.
The
Town of Gravenhurst has 65 full time employees, 35 part time, 43 Fire
Fighters, and 30 summer
students. Organizational charts were there for us to take.
Winter
Carnival Committee is working on Winter Carnival to come back next
year.
UPDATED Builder siphons 1.8M from
Gravenhurst Community Pool Complex - Star Probe - April 21st., 2011
DEAR MEMBERS: There is an article in the
Toronto Star dated today, April 21, and the link below will allow you
to read it. .
This is a serious concern for us all and the GGRA is looking at what
we can do about it.
Evelyn, President
The link to the Article One is just below:
A Very Important
Message To All members of the GGRA,
Dear members:
Gravenhurst is
changing. We have some important issues to deal with.
A new Council,.
empty
stores in the "uptown" area.
a
terrible fire on our main street
separate retail areas, making it difficult to be united.
seasonal
problems.
highway 11 issues.
Escalating taxes
More than ever, we
need a group that can monitor Town actions, provide information, and
come together in strong numbers, when needed.
Recently we have: 1.
made deputations to council re an external Efficiency and Effectiveness
Review
2. made deputations to Council
questioning figures and clarification
3. participated on many committees: ie:
the Highway 11 Committee, the Heritage
Committee, the Transportation
Committee, and more.
4. helped with the Municipal Election
5. provided information to you on all
candidates.
6. initiated the changing of Ward
boundaries to make YOUR representation on
Council more equitable.
7. helped with "Earth Day" for the past
three years.
8. joined with groups to oppose the
Kendari Development on Gull Lake
9. joined with the North Street
residents & other groups, to oppose a development
which we considered detrimental to
our Gravenhurst Bay residents.
The GGRA is here to
make Gravenhurst the best possible town for us to live in. There IS
strength in numbers as was evident in many of our above endeavours. Is
this NOT important to you?
Evelyn Matson, - GGRA
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