Welcome to 2010 and the start of a new decade. I trust that you had a relaxing and enjoyable holiday season and are looking forward to the challenges of 2010.
Before we look to what lies ahead in 2010, I would like to review the issues that were identified in my 2009 address.
In 2009, we had major concerns with our police budget with respect to costs and coverage. The Police Services Board, together with Council, has aggressively addressed these issues with success. The reporting structure has been changed, allowing members of the P.S.B. to address issues immediately. This includes the number of officers on duty and exactly what they are doing. Patrols have increased in all communities and we are finally getting what we are paying for. The issue of the excessive calls to a group home in our community has been addressed and the calls have been significantly reduced. It would be naïve to think that the cost of policing will not increase but as I mentioned above, we have a much better handle on what we are getting for our dollars.
In my 2009 address, I spoke about the numerous projects that needed to be addressed: the Community Official Plan Review, the Zoning By-law, and the Design Guidelines. I am pleased that all three of these issues will be going forwarded to public meetings scheduled later this month.
One of the final issues that I addressed was the need to apply for funding from the federal and provincial governments to assist in our numerous projects. On that issue, we have indeed been successful. During the year, we received $18.7 million for a new sewage treatment plant. We also received $1.9 million dollars to address reconstruction of Concession 8 in Ramsay, reconstruction of Spring Street and renovations to the Almonte Community Centre. The major portion of this funding is $1.3 million dollars towards the refurbishment of the Almonte Community Centre. As part of the Town’s contribution towards the Community Centre grant, community funds will have to be raised. In addition, among others, we have received grants for the completion of the Riverwalk, the replacement of the chiller in the Stewart Community Centre, and signage for the entranceways to our community.
Also in 2009, we welcomed the Olympic Torch to our Community and a new Junior B hockey team, the Almonte Thunder. We heard from the Mississippi River Power Company that the new plant was back on schedule and will be commissioned this spring. We also heard exciting news that they are investigating other river sources of power that would have the potential of monies for all of Mississippi Mills. Business Park activity has increased with the sale of new lots. A new commercial development is taking place in downtown Almonte and two of our heritage buildings have been converted to condominiums. These combined with housing developments continue to bring new people to our community to strengthen the economy of all of Mississippi Mills. Our Hospital and Long-term Care Facility continues to be the envy of our County neighbours. The Mills Community Support Corporation has applied for funding for a new Seniors’ Assisted Living Facility. At the County level, the Maclan Bridge was completed in Almonte and special thanks to the residents and the various festival committees for surviving this mass confusion. Work continued on the Master Transportation Plan and the County Official Plan.
What lies ahead in 2010?
Our primary focus for 2010 must be a review of our Strategic Plan combined with our Ten Year Capital/Financial Plan. Let’s not forget that 2010 is an election year and we, as a Council, owe it to all the residents of Mississippi Mills to ensure that the incoming Council will be able to clearly understand not only what has been accomplished but also what this Council has planned for the future. I will be asking you as a Council to support the immediate implementation of this initiative.
We also need to focus on how to cope with the challenges of the reduction of funding from the Ontario government under the Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF). The announcement in December 2009 that we would be receiving approximately $252K less in funding is a major blow to our budget discussions. I will be meeting with provincial members of Parliament as part of the County delegation in Kingston at the end of January to address this issue.
I also will be asking for your support in proceeding with a pay equity / internal equity study to review the current salaries and working conditions of our staff. In addition, we committed in our last union contract that we would compare outside workers’ job descriptions to other municipalities in the County to enable bargaining teams in 2011 to have relevant information on both sides of the table.
Early in the new year, the tender for the Sewage Treatment Plant will be released and I am optimistic that we will receive a favourable quote. One of our neighbouring municipalities has just received a quote on a similar plant and the bid was lower than anticipated. The business plan for the septage receiving portion is in its final stages and will be presented to the public in late January/early February.
Our immediate focus must be on our 2010 budget. In December we directed staff to prepare a budget with a maximum increase of five per cent. Given the reduction in the OMPF funding which represents a five per cent tax increase in itself, this may be difficult to accomplish. However, we need to review all possible savings with the ultimate goal being a cost-of-living tax increase.
In conclusion, I especially want to thank our dedicated staff. Our accomplishments in 2009 and the road ahead in 2010 depends on their continued commitment to our community. Thank you also to my fellow councillors and best wishes to those of you who choose to put their names forward for election in 2010. It is a major commitment but I am sure you will agree the satisfaction is well worth the effort.
I especially want to thank all of the residents of Mississippi Mills for the support you have given me over the past six years. As I start my seventh year as Mayor of this magnificent community, I ask you to continue to provide me with your input and support. Needless to say, I could not have possibly have accomplished any successes without the support of my wife and best friend, Jeri. Thank you.
I will be pleased to receive your comments.
Posted in Council, Mississippi Mills |
