Local Politics

My View – Bill French

I mentioned in a recent article about a suggestion from Springwater Councillor Rick Webster inquiring about possibly rethinking the way we did our snowplow routes to reduce the number of people and equipment required. After a number of reports and meetings it was decided that a reduction from 12 to 11 routes was possible and still have employees well within regulatory controls for safety and hours of work. This is an example of what all organizations have done in recent years with economic challenges. It is called LEAN. That doesn’t mean you are being cheap, it simply means everyone is looking out for ways of improving both service and quality at a less expensive price. The extra benefit is that the purchase of a new truck of close to $250,000 has been deferred saving us some money on our tax bill in the short term. I am confident that other savings and ways of doing business will be implemented by this council making our township more effective and responsive to the needs of the residents. I was amused how long it took Webster to get a straight answer however.

Each year most municipalities have Mayor Sponsored Golf Tournaments for charity. I also understand that most people enjoy a day on the links and I have nothing against a little relaxation. I am against these events as they typically involve a lot of hours of coordination by municipal staff and let’s face it, the tournaments are meant for those that have money. I would like to see a broad based event that could engage more of the residents of Springwater and help build the community everyone talks about. All of our local councils should get out of the fund raising business and focus on the job at hand. Leave fundraising to the experts like the Lion’s Club, Rotary etc.

On a positive note this council will keep the funds raised from this year’s Mayor’s Golf Tournament within the township instead of sending it off to other communities. Councillors Webster and Jack Hanna emphasized the need to keep the funds in the township. Hanna suggested the implementation of a CAP (Community Assistance Program) fund and use the fund for those that may have a special need or circumstance. Councillor Clement suggested the funds be used to improve health care and assist in doctor recruitment. I am pleased to see this kind of local focus as the previous councils sent most of the money out of the township.

This next subject is sensitive depending on where you may live. Municipal water and sewer services are varied throughout the township. A number of years ago a previous council decided to pool the revenues and operate under one large fund. The reality is that the water and sewer systems in Elmvale are much more efficient and cost effective as compared to water systems in Anten Mills, Midhurst, Patty Dunn Circle, Vespra Downs, Minesing and Hillsdale mainly due to design, residential density and simple economies of scale. There is a serious aesthetic quality with the water in Snow Valley lowlands caused by high concentrations of magnesium which has existed for years. The MOE says it is safe to drink but I would not be a fan of drinking brown water. The cost to upgrade the system in Snow Valley is a couple million dollars which under the current system can either be charged to all municipal water users in the township or a user pay to the residents of Snow Valley. There is a recommendation to provide some direct funding for water treatment equipment in each of the homes affected. The money will come from the general pool so those other users of municipal water will effectively pay the freight. The township planning and public works needs to put some strong language in upcoming developer built service agreements to avoid this unnecessary expenditure by the township once the municipality assumes the new developments. Currently all the users are penalized by poorly designed water systems and that is not fair. With all the developments on the books for the next few years the township could find itself in deep financial trouble if not dealt with properly at source.

It is not easy being a member of council. Feedback from each of us on a regular basis is essential if we want to see Springwater succeed and grow as a unique rural and agricultural based community. Take the time once a month or even a few times a year to come out and see your council in action by attending either the Planning or Regular Council Meetings. I was pleased when I attended a Tiny Township meeting last week to see at least 50 people in the gallery. The residents there take their municipality seriously and let the councillors know when things are not to their satisfaction. We in Springwater need to become more involved. Very few people attend the council meetings. If you can’t make it, at least read the agenda on line and call you councilor if you have questions.

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