Re: Did you also know

September 8, 2015

To the Editor,

It seems my friend from Herschel Ward is not the one to be informing me regarding the garbage issue, the number of voters in H.H. or for that matter, when I should find a good book. Her major source of information appears to be a somewhat confused memory of events and facts that tend to reflect how she’s like things to be. She states that Councillors were informed like a “bomb shell” at the “eleventh hour” that curb side collection of garbage would need to cease and she was requested by fellow Councillors, to make the motion that created the garbage fiasco. In fact, many of us who have chosen to attend Council Meetings on a regular basis knew, well in advance of her final meeting, that there were no takers interested in collecting our garbage and that there was little choice but to terminate the service. The issue of “permanence” was really a moot point. No garbage-man, no collection.
It was not a secret!! Mr. Robb in his reports to Council was quite clear about the situation and even presented the facts as he researched them in an attempt to go in-house for the service. Had Mrs. Fell not been “obviously sidetracked” in fantasy land, she would remember the approximate costing for necessary equipment to provide the service would exceed $320,000.00 plus the additional staff wages etc. He suggested the cost to be prohibitive at this time and thus the suggestion that the service might have to cease. The members of the public who chose to follow the efforts of Council as they struggle to perform the many tasks knew well in advance of the election that curbside pick-up was in jeopardy for the future. It’s time Mrs. Fell accepts the fact that the “entrenchment” of garbage collection within amalgamation with all its promises in 2000 is not some sacred scroll not to be altered. Amalgamation is a concept for governing and not a governing concept etched in GRANITE. Changes have to be made when the rules of the game change. No quotes leads to no contract and therefore no collection. It’s quite simple Mrs. Fell.
I am encouraged to know your article inspired a gentleman to make a proposal. It is a shame he wasn’t around when the tendering process was going on. Maybe his efforts will bring new changes and you will have your garbage picked up at the curb. It is much more valuable to present the issues as they are and not as you apparently would like to see them. Your letter in this week’s newspaper is riddled with half-truths and some out-right errors.
Your lame excuse to vindicate your actions in making the motion serve only to attempt to excuse your actions. You have made many changes to things in the minutes of meetings when you didn’t like was reported. I have witnessed your performances over the past several summer seasons and found your technique quite disturbing. Motions and minutes are the pillars of good procedures and are clearly explained in the various “rules of order” available for organizations holding meetings. The “minutes” should be accurate and if they are not, you have access through other sitting members to draw the errors to the attention of Council. Your explanation is a simple cop out and as the minutes stand, so do the results. They are law until altered through the proper procedures.
You mentioned your original article resulted in a gentleman with a suggested solution coming forward. I too received several calls supporting my observations and congratulating me for presenting a clear picture of reality. It is an undistracted reality that not everyone in H.H. wants the return of curbside collection for the following reasons expressed to me: a) not everyone receives the service as they reside on cul-de-sacs or dead end roads, b) the service is too costly for what it is, c) the proliferation of destructive and dangerous pests preying on the garbage left by returning home weekenders, d) the destruction of curbside garbage by containers by snow plows in winter and e) the discovery of a new community gathering place where folks get caught up on the latest news from Township Council. I understand there will soon be billboard type signs with much sought after information located at the Dumps. I’d like to express my personal appreciation for your many years of service to the Community. Trusting your gentleman caller will save the day, I think it is time to find a book.

Robt MacPherson
Papineau Lake