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6 â€" THE COLBORNE CHRONICLE â€" Thursday, August 19, 2004 xleaitacle E.. : LocaL NEws h * e e Cramahe Twp. council seeks organizational change consultant referred to negative comments Admitting council is "not working at â€" ask valid questions but the mayor turns By Bos Owen about press coverage made by Clare_ 100 per cent now", Mayor Dekeyser gave discussions into "bitching sessions", to EMenicis@beliftetica Musselman earlier in the meeting and â€" his support, too. which Mayor Dekeyser replied he had how they affect the impressions of new Deputy Mayor Ray Kelly made it taken enough; he wouldn‘t take it any Recognizing ratepayers want more residents that was. unanimous, commentingâ€"it was too bad â€" more. He doesn‘t put his ideas forward in open government and a say in that Councillor Ed Van Egmond wanted â€" that the township has to go this route. â€" the paper because, "it‘s all screwed up," government, Cramahe Township has Assurance from Mr. Scott that he wasn‘t Despite their efforts, counciland staff are Mr. Dekeyser said. "It‘s negative hired a consultant to facilitate changes in _ 4t council to muzzle its members. The _ not getting credit, in Mr. Kelly‘s opinion. . reporting. I‘m willing to work with you if the way it does business. councillor was vehement he would He doesn‘t know why council isn‘t getting â€" you‘re willing to work with us." Doug Scott outlined his proposal to Continue to say ,wh‘at he needs to say to . support from the ratepayers. Ed Greenwood sided with Mr. council last Tuesday. He identified the public; he wasn‘t sure council needed Township resident Pat Patterson Patterson, noting that disagreeing with communication and openness as key 4 Person to stand between it and« opened the public discussion. He an idea isn‘tnegative; it‘s democracy. ingredients success. ratepayers. He was not in favqur of suggested people are using the press to â€" ‘_ The consultant acknowledged in his having the work being done, Af ETS ) annninintinirnninnninnrnmeneeannnindendnetnats rnmaeeeen ce atinmentreininnmannmmenmemnmme inanmeainiacmaes na anincmmmenommenntamimils ol report "there is a desire to make some PULPOSe was to have everyone saying the fundamental changes in the way the Same thing. % administration conducts its dayâ€"toâ€"day When Mayor Lee Delgeys’er attompted e O S S OI I]- business in order to achieve more open â€" t0 respond to the councillor‘s comments, and responsive government." Mr. Van Egmond interjected he wanted to " ks To accomplish change, the consultant â€" hear from the consultant. * . will consult with council, Cramahe staff _ Given the floor, Mr. Scott assured the eStl ‘7 a and conduct phone surveys with councillor he hoped to make the lines of residents. Following his consultations â€" COMMunication clearer. He added that he f j and information gathering, Mr. Scott will believed much of the concern in the * conduct eight "Town Hall" gatherings ‘Community is perception. The major ee S neW 1 eas starting in September. These meetings thing is communication. j . S will focus on specific topics related to Endorsing the report, Councillor Tim . f how the Township can be better governed POSst stated his support of open | : p and administrated. government and the opportunity for AEl i ks planning commences for the . %\.0550/y "Several people have already come By February 28, Mr. Scott promises to _ Sides to have their say. _ i 2005 Apple Blossom Tyme Festival, {\}' » _ 77, forward to offer their support and complete his work and his final report by _ Councillor Marc Coombs agreed it W48 | ing restival committee invites VQ:, e.%%,"' ,A are willing to work with us for February 28, 2005. The service will cost . a very worthwhile venture, adding it input, ideas and suggestions from Qa\%%’” future festivals," Mr. Norcutt says. . $6,300. requires the buyâ€"in of council and senior | jp, pachs a \t!’g\ [Mg= "For example, Mayor Lee One of Mr. Scott‘s tasks will be to Staff. He suggested this is not happenmgt An open meeting will be held at 2. fi»&‘ Dekeyser has promised support ascertain whether problems currently When committees are not allowed to put 7 p.m. Wednesday, August 25, at the $ from Cramahe Council, Parks & being experienced by Cramahe Township their ideas forward and people are NO | Optimist‘Rotary Friendship House, AMNEC Recreation Director Ken Woods and council are real or perceived. The Permitted to speak. Ti King Street East in Colborne. Anyone TourlstABoard Cha}rman Marc Combs + with anything to improve, expand or â€" have been in contact with us." â€"â€"â€"â€"=| upgrade the Festival is asked to attend. If unable to attend the August 25 "We would like to create a positive â€" meeting and you would like to put forth an attitude where everyone can work together idea, contact festival secretary Pat for the betterment of the community", Johnston at 905 344 7845 or at festival committee chair Graham Norcutt â€" cawilce@eagle.ca says. "We realize a lot of work can be done If you would rather present your ideas to improve the festival, but we need input personally, contact Pat Johnston to to make sure local residents are in arrange a date to attend one of our agreement with what the Apple Blossom . meetings. Tyme Festival represents to local The Apple Blossom Tyme Festival is a residents, as well as outâ€"oftown visitors. It community event supported by the is an ideal opportunity to put Colborne on â€" municipality and local businesses. It is the map and create one of the best festivals . always held the last weekend in May. in Ontario". "All our meetings are open to the public Volunteers and committee members are â€" times and dates are posted in Community required. While some additional Coming Events," Mr. Norcuttnotes. committee members are required, more If you require further information, volunteers to look after smaller, specific contact wither festival secretary Pat _\\ tasks and certain aspects of the festival are Johnston or Graham Norcutt at 905 344 \Q ) urgently sought. 7000. mast ~<oommemmnemmnnmmmennemmnimomenencenmnnnmansnnmmmmunmomnemneooemmmuumnmummemmmmummn