Minutes of April 30 AWARE Simcoe meeting

AWARE Simcoe Public Meeting – Dalston, April 30, 2011 – Minutes posted May 29 2011

With reference to Dumpsite 41, the Melancthon quarry, Innisfil Big Bay Point development, CETA and the need to protect the health of Lake Simcoe; Don highlighted our government’s lack of accountability, openness and responsibility and the resulting environmental destruction because of this.  

Don reminded everyone that our elected officials do not always inform themselves or the public about the issues at hand; and the need for AWARE members to monitor their council’s meetings.

Kate gave a brief outline of AWARE’s activities over the past year as follows:

1.  monthly board meetings

2.  involvement in municipal elections

3.  monitoring county government 

4.  reporting on issues on the website

5.  collaborating on amendment to Places to Grow with Environmental Defence and other groups

6.  supporting groups on issues … i.e. Melancton quarry

7.  Selling memberships and t-shirts 

Treasurer’s Report – Ann Truyens

Ann reported a balance of $615.62. A bank account has been opened and that AWARE is setting up a Paypal account..

The constitution (now posted) was adopted as drafted in a series of motions with the exception of Item 3, Board membership

Amendment moved by Don Morgan.  Seconded by Sherry Mabro: “Board members will be one representative from each municipality, and up to five elected at large at a public meeting of AWARE Simcoe.”  Carried.

Sandy Agnew – Oro-Medonte

Sandy’s presentation included Oro-Medonte’s reasons for monitoring (personal interest, issues, lack of trust i.e. Site 41 and NVCA); the monitoring process, format and issues identified through the monitoring process i.e. growth plan, waste management, lack of time to read the material on the council agenda.  

Bill French – Springwater

Bill’s presentation gave suggestions for monitoring council and engaging in public debate.  Some of Bill’s suggestions:

-know what you are talking about … i.e. Simcoe County official plan and zoning bylaw, Places to Grow

-know your council council, be supportive of their work

-understand the structure of your local government, what the committees are and apply to sit on these where and if possible

– know when council meets and whether or not they meet as a whole

-attend council and planning meetings – numbers are best

-read agendas and reports prior to the meeting

-make requests for public input as it is permitted under the municipal act

-lobby your council 

-ask questions

-know when closed sessions are required and when they may be used … section 239 of the Municipal Act … council agendas must state that a closed session is to occur, what the closed session will deal with and minutes must be taken which the clerk may make public or which you can request under  the FOI

-get involved 

Meade Helman – Bradford West Gwillimbury

Meade advised people to be informed about proposed development, tenders, issues, hiring, etc. in their community, Meade suggested that people check their council’s website and contact the clerk for a copy of anything they require.  Other suggestions:

-attend council and committee meetings in numbers if possible

-talk to your mayor, councillors and editors of the local papers

-train your council – tell them when they do something good and instead of personal attacks focus on the task or issue …”I don’t like … I’m concerned” and tell them before they vote … invite them for coffee, email them and keep copies

-monitor to inform 

Oro Medonte resident Linda Ambrose told about the tree cutting done at Barrie Terrace.  A discussion from this touched on tree-cutting bylaws,  land-use planning, sustainable communities, the Lake Simcoe Protection Plan.

Steve Ogden stressed the need for an integrated waste management system that works towards zero waste; and the need for Barrie and Orillia to be involved.  Steve also stressed the need for the public to keep track of spending and if necessary to use FOI. Steve told us that 70% of waste is industrial, institutional and commercial and that the county has no jurisdiction to deal with this.  

The nominating committee chosen to select names to stand for office of AWARE Simcoe’s board is Sandy Agnew, Ann Truyens, Don Morgan and Marianne Else.  The board will be chosen at the May 28th. public meeting.