When (and not if) the Official Plan Amendment (OPS) and Zoning Bylaw Amendment (ZBA) applications are filed by Highlands, the municipality has 180 and 120 days respectively to do their due diligence and make a decision. To most of us, it would make sense to get subject matter experts AT THE EXPENSE OF THE PROPONENT to conduct third party studies to ensure that a project of this magnitude has been properly studied.
But in the infinite wisdom of the municipal planner, Jerry Jorden, studies by subject matter experts are not necessary. No studies, only peer reviews will be done. Although, come to think of it, in the case of the wind turbines, not a single peer review WAS done. And if I am not mistaken Jorden was at the helm then as the municipal planner, as he has been since the days of Reeve Oldfield and Clerk Hunter (1970’s I believe).
I guess we have to take Mr. Jorden at his word that things will be done right this time regarding this massive aggregate proposal, as opposed to the way things were done with the massive turbine proposal. With respect to studies, I guess we are just supposed to take Highland Companies and John (If his Lips are Moving he is Lying) Lowndes and his experts at their word....hm.....my eye is twitching already.
And to be fair to Council, Jorden is the township planner and Council takes his expert advice. I would suggest however that something in this “expert” advice is perhaps lacking.
Here is a little tidbit for your consideration and PLAN to be surprised.
In 2008, the planning fees paid to Mr. Jorden were $66,916.17 and he never set foot in the office on any regular basis, nor was he dealing with a massive planning issue such as a 2,400 acre, 200 foot deep open pit mine. Nice work if you can get it. In 2009, it is estimated, based on 2009 year to date figures that he will earn close to $70,000.00. AND he only started attending at the office ONCE A MONTH as of April 2009.
For that kind of money, the municipality could have a full time planner in the office five days a week who could perhaps assist the CAO/Clerk/Treasurer with legislative research, best practices by other municipalities with respect to aggregate and turbines proposals, bylaw preparation on, oh say, tree cutting and of course measuring the the desks to be purchased which was what Council was so obsessed at a recent Council meeting.
According to Deputy Mayor Hill every $12,000.00 in property taxes results in a 1% tax levy, meaning Jordens bill alone represents 5.8% of your tax bill. If you don’t feel this is a good use of your tax dollars, contact the municipality ASAP via email addressed to Mayor and Council at dholmes@melancthontownship.ca and let them know your thoughts.
If you are like me, you have probably just thrown up in your mouth a little bit after reading this…
No comments:
Post a Comment