The motions approved at the last Board of Education meeting are warranted on the financial end of things. I know from the last consultations in the Aldergrove area that a majority of parents felt they were being forced down a road that they knew little about, but had no choice. Trustee Joan Bech was in attendance at these forums.
A small group of parents who are involved in the PACs have been sold a bill of goods.
Anyone with a bit of brain knew this motion would be at the top of the agenda; that is, if we were to believe anything from the election propaganda. Even though personalities are in play here, look beyond that. You will see this is an attempt to correct how the past board has conducted business.
This was the first official public meeting of the new board since taking the oath of office. It appears that Trustee Wendy Johnson is trying to follow through on her promises. I know that that is a shock for many; however, she did top the polls with those promises.
The cost for fruitless forums, if the format stays the same, I believe is more than $10,000 an event.
I hope the best for Betty Gilbert and Aldergrove Secondary students. All we are hearing lately is about the gangs, killing, and organized crime in your area. It seems this community may be in crisis in more ways than one.
With the low mortgage rates, maybe it is an opportune time for the families to move to areas that meet the needs of their children. Or for the majority to become more visible and state what they feel would be best for the children overall.
The enrollment figures suggest there are more people against the middle school concept than there are for it. Betty Gilbert is down 81 students this year.
The trustees, when asked to attend the PAC meetings, at that point should have realized that maybe a community forum was required. It looks like Johnson is the only one that has realized this. This would have enabled everyone directly involved to be in the same room to exchange information, and to move forward positively.
Trustees Steve Burton, Alison McVeigh and Rod Ross have to realize that business practices will be more open than before, much as the Township council is now adjusting to. Financial accountability will be at the forefront of the discussions, instead of being discussed in some back room with only the clique in attendance.
Good on you Wendy, for taking the first step to improving decision-making practices in this school district. Hopefully the follow-up motions will be done with more process, and no malice towards each other.
Parents in Aldergrove, take a breath. They will not cancel your French immersion program overnight — it will still be there.
Getting an additional year to have staff trained and prepared for what may be implemented to improve the education of your children could be a godsend. It may be time to extend your listening ear to ones other than those you have been already been listening to.
The old board did practice “divide and conquer” tactics. Hopefully, the new board will practice transparency and communication as a whole before decisions are made that will affect your children. The forum format must change, to improve anything this district has attempted in the past. Hopefully, DPAC is on top of this.
Susan Semonick,
Langley
Editor’s note — A poll on The Times website, as of Friday morning, had 28 people supporting the board decision to delay the middle school, and 27 opposed. You can vote at langleytimes.com.
Editor's note: See Advance story on original Aldergrove School Board vote at this link. ...
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Mayor Green's Election pledges a tough row to hoe (The Province, 22 Jan 2009, Page A9)
The Province refers to the constant challenges to Mayor Rick Green from incumbent Councillors like Grant Ward, Mel Kositsky, Steve Ferguson and especially Jordan Bateman (much rumoured to be savouring the next challenge to Green for his Mayor's chair) who are constantly it seems at odds with Mayor Green's new directions. What or who are they trying to protect by their stubborn refusal to try new things one has to wonder?
The Province posts comments as clear evidence to this fact;
Election pledges a tough row to hoe
Brian Lewis
The Province
22 Jan 2009
community and faced three-term mayoral incumbent Kurt Alberts, Green scored perhaps the biggest upset in November’s civic elections. To this day, some remain shocked over his win — including a few on the eight-member council, where all but one is an...read more...
The Province posts comments as clear evidence to this fact;
"To this day, some remain shocked over his win — including a few on the eight-member council, where all but one is an incumbent. Consequently, the rookie mayor who campaigned on the need for change, an end to higher-than-inflation tax increases, and a call for fiscal responsibility, joins a council that’s joined at the hip with the past."
TO BETTER READ the whole PROVINCE ARTICLE doubleclick Mayor Green's Picture BELOW
Brian Lewis
The Province
22 Jan 2009
community and faced three-term mayoral incumbent Kurt Alberts, Green scored perhaps the biggest upset in November’s civic elections. To this day, some remain shocked over his win — including a few on the eight-member council, where all but one is an...read more...
Monday, January 19, 2009
Kudos To Langley Advance's Editor On LEC's P3 Financial Fiasco Champion, Cllr. Bateman & Lots Of Wacky Politics
Langley Advance's Editor, Bob Groeneveld, often writes witty and sardonic (scornful, mocking; disdainfully humorous) editorials. Last Tuesday's (jan 13) was especially sardonic. In the same paper he wrote two interesting editorials "Cost Unsharing" and "Whacky Politicians Fun Game". Groeneveld editorials are traditionally humorous and often require a good understanding of our local issues and politicians to get the full gist of his as I call it, sardonic editorials.
The Whacky editorial is vintage Bob that this LFP Editor just loves it's unique wit and word crafting. He describes his version of "whacky politician" and goes on to set the rules for the game he coined with descriptors like; "But you've also got to be careful: no points are scored if it turns out you've "whacked" a politician who wasn't really the whacky one. Sometimes it's the whacker who's the whackiest." Then he brings it full circle to make his local political targeted specific point about;
His second editorial, while not in his sardonic style is very surprising insofar as it is the first time that this LFP Editor has seen the Langley Advance actually question any of Councillor Jordan Bateman's words and actions, ever! In his editorial he points to questionable Township financial issues for the first time this Editor can remember as well and says; "food for thought for Township taxpayers, whose share in the LEC costs have already risen from $15 million to significantly more than $22 million."
Much more surprising though is the first ever expressed questions about his former colleague and protege, Cllr. Jordan Bateman (a previous Advance reporter)! His final question asks if one should question if Cllr. Bateman's "vociferous defense" of everything LEC of late could be merely a smokescreen for partisan Provincial Liberal purposes? WOW!!!! Specifically Groeneveld says;
"But why is the province not expected to pull its share of the feds' missing $5 million? If MLA Rich Coleman's $15-million share wasn't a real partnership investment, didn't local taxpayers have a right to know that from the get-go? Or was the government "grant" not an "investment" in real financial terms? And is the vociferous defense - and associated finger-pointing - by Councillor Jordan Bateman, who has close political ties to Coleman, aimed at deflecting questions about the province's responsibilities?"
In any event this in this LFP Editor's opinion is a milestone and kudos to the Langley Advance for finally asking tough questions even when it is as close to home as his former alumni reporter. This is the professional journalism job that all three local newspaper's should be doing. It should have been done on the $3-4-5-6 million Grandstand boondoggle too and never was. Not even to this day! One has to wonder what took so long though. In any event it is welcome. Late, but very welcome.
What perplexes me in addition has been the well known recently developed mutual admiration society club between The Langley times newspaper and Cllr. Bateman as well with Bateman's public excuse of blaming a recent so called "misinterpretation" on the Advance reporter Matthew Claxton. These certainly would have gotten my goat by now in any event too! Finally, and the most interesting is that both of the partisan pro Cllr. Bateman blog sites have totally ignored these two Bob Groeneveld editorials!...
The Whacky editorial is vintage Bob that this LFP Editor just loves it's unique wit and word crafting. He describes his version of "whacky politician" and goes on to set the rules for the game he coined with descriptors like; "But you've also got to be careful: no points are scored if it turns out you've "whacked" a politician who wasn't really the whacky one. Sometimes it's the whacker who's the whackiest." Then he brings it full circle to make his local political targeted specific point about;
"And then, a surprise pop-up by Councillor Jordan Bateman... MP Mark Warawa... Mayor Rick Green's letter earns a legitimate whack... Bateman Oooh! This is fun!"
He makes his point beautifully in his sardonic style as usual.His second editorial, while not in his sardonic style is very surprising insofar as it is the first time that this LFP Editor has seen the Langley Advance actually question any of Councillor Jordan Bateman's words and actions, ever! In his editorial he points to questionable Township financial issues for the first time this Editor can remember as well and says; "food for thought for Township taxpayers, whose share in the LEC costs have already risen from $15 million to significantly more than $22 million."
Much more surprising though is the first ever expressed questions about his former colleague and protege, Cllr. Jordan Bateman (a previous Advance reporter)! His final question asks if one should question if Cllr. Bateman's "vociferous defense" of everything LEC of late could be merely a smokescreen for partisan Provincial Liberal purposes? WOW!!!! Specifically Groeneveld says;
"But why is the province not expected to pull its share of the feds' missing $5 million? If MLA Rich Coleman's $15-million share wasn't a real partnership investment, didn't local taxpayers have a right to know that from the get-go? Or was the government "grant" not an "investment" in real financial terms? And is the vociferous defense - and associated finger-pointing - by Councillor Jordan Bateman, who has close political ties to Coleman, aimed at deflecting questions about the province's responsibilities?"
In any event this in this LFP Editor's opinion is a milestone and kudos to the Langley Advance for finally asking tough questions even when it is as close to home as his former alumni reporter. This is the professional journalism job that all three local newspaper's should be doing. It should have been done on the $3-4-5-6 million Grandstand boondoggle too and never was. Not even to this day! One has to wonder what took so long though. In any event it is welcome. Late, but very welcome.
What perplexes me in addition has been the well known recently developed mutual admiration society club between The Langley times newspaper and Cllr. Bateman as well with Bateman's public excuse of blaming a recent so called "misinterpretation" on the Advance reporter Matthew Claxton. These certainly would have gotten my goat by now in any event too! Finally, and the most interesting is that both of the partisan pro Cllr. Bateman blog sites have totally ignored these two Bob Groeneveld editorials!...
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Councillor Kim Richter Talks Of Lack of Safe & Adequate Langley Township Snow Removal (Snows Die-Hard Part 4of4)
At the Jan 12th Langley Township Council meeting the staff presented information about the present policy, status and statistics of snow clearing in the Township. A Lengthy round table discussion resulted with most councillors discussing snow removal, concerns and questions they had. It was then moved that staff take these sundry and scattered comments and come back with replies and recommendations to address the present snow removal policy . All voted in favour except for Councillor Richter who essentially thought staff should have be given very specific measurable terms of reference by council to immediately work to improve all snow removal in Langley. Keep in mind that typically when a Township Council item is referred to staff it is usually a tactic to stall or deep six or literally kill any motion referred!
Later when Cllr. Richter spoke to her motion about an immediate implemented standard of snow removal it was moved to ALSO refer it also to staff for a report. Bob Long & Mel Kositsky did not vote for her referred motion and both said essentially that it was far too costly and impossible to clear all township roads. Richter disagreed with their point and as this 48 second long audio clip shows the large observing audience gave Cllr. Richter a loud round of applause after her short speech. So how long before a report comes back if ever this winter?
But this Editor wonders why the council can't just give direction to definitively clear the streets within a certain specified time and manner. Why again the namby panby referral to staff? Pet projects like Cllr. Jordan Bateman's Langley Events Centre and the $3-4-5-6 million Grandstand have no problem getting millions of extra dollars. Cllr. Bateman had no problem adding a quick $1.2 million to the Grandstand fiasco. But they all don't think they can afford safe and clear roads! Go figure! A problem of proper priorities perhaps? Never mind finding cash for golf courses and restaurants!
At yesterday's Langley Township Council meeting Cllr. Kim Richter first said:
"I appreciate and recognize that the staff (Township) did the best it could...it (the poor snow removal) is not a reflection on them (Township staff) but a reflection on the policy in place."
Richter then said:
"I don't think we should be trying in any way shape or form to say this (present Twsph. snow removal policy) is an acceptable practice. It is not. We really need to change the policy."
Snows Die-Hard Part 2of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 3of4
...
Monday, January 12, 2009
Politico's Snow Removal Email Broadcast Messages Infuriating (Snows Die-Hard Part 3of4)
From: Maureen French
To: Mayor and Council
Cc: news@langleyadvance.com ; Aldergrove Star; Langley Times
Sent: Sun Jan 11 23:33:33 2009
Subject: LACK OF 'Snow Removal'
Just a few points that I may not have sent to all of you.
If it's decided that property taxes need to be increased to cover the increase in snow removal, that's fine, as long as snow removal covers EVERYONE who's paying taxes for it. I've paid my snow removal taxes for 2008. The excess snow removal costs for 2008 should have been taken from an emergency/unplanned expense fund for the current year. Then determine if taxes need to be increased for future years.
A further, and most important, point: I think you guys are forgetting how many essential service workers live in these un-cleared subdivisions. People such as police, firefighters, air traffic controllers, doctors, paramedics, etc. If these workers can't get out to work, who will be there to do their jobs? I am one of these workers, so don't ever complain about any airport, or aircraft delays if you aren't clearing the street for us to get out.
Does the township of Langley not have any regard for the provincial emergency standard of 72 hours? Many Langley residents were left on their own for a lot longer than that! (Only Kim Richter has addressed this. The rest of you haven't even responded to it. Why?)
If people can't get out of their driveways or streets then it doesn't matter how much snow removal is done on the main roads. WE CAN'T GET OFF OUR OWN STREET'S TO GET TO THE MAIN ONES. If I can make it out of my subdivision without any snow removal done, then I can make it around Langley without the main streets done.
It is so frustrating to see the Mayor, and some of the councilors, sending mass reply emails that don't address the problem properly. I have heard so many different reasons and excuses from the Township for the lack of snow removal; all of which are pretty lame.
Reason 1 - Not in the budget. The situation this year was an extreme circumstance that should have received some emergency or special last minute funding. If my furnace breaks unexpectedly, replacing it probably isn't in my budget either, but it still has to get fixed ASAP.
Reason 2 - Not enough equipment or manpower. There are LOTS of private contractors that would have been delighted to be paid by the township to clear the side streets.
Reason 3 - The current policy doesn't cover the side streets. When it was apparent over the holidays that residents were upset about snow removal the mayor and council should have had an unscheduled meeting to address the problem, rather than continue with their holidays and deal with it a couple weeks later. The policy could, and should have been amended. It's pretty sad how mayor and council have been blaming the engineering department, and the engineering department has been blaming mayor and council. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. We shouldn't have to be sitting here writing emails about it after the fact, and fighting over how and who needs to fix the problem. It should have been dealt with 2 weeks ago, not now.
Maureen Pottinger
Snows Die-Hard Part 1of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 2of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 4of4 ...
To: Mayor and Council
Cc: news@langleyadvance.com ; Aldergrove Star; Langley Times
Sent: Sun Jan 11 23:33:33 2009
Subject: LACK OF 'Snow Removal'
Just a few points that I may not have sent to all of you.
If it's decided that property taxes need to be increased to cover the increase in snow removal, that's fine, as long as snow removal covers EVERYONE who's paying taxes for it. I've paid my snow removal taxes for 2008. The excess snow removal costs for 2008 should have been taken from an emergency/unplanned expense fund for the current year. Then determine if taxes need to be increased for future years.
A further, and most important, point: I think you guys are forgetting how many essential service workers live in these un-cleared subdivisions. People such as police, firefighters, air traffic controllers, doctors, paramedics, etc. If these workers can't get out to work, who will be there to do their jobs? I am one of these workers, so don't ever complain about any airport, or aircraft delays if you aren't clearing the street for us to get out.
Does the township of Langley not have any regard for the provincial emergency standard of 72 hours? Many Langley residents were left on their own for a lot longer than that! (Only Kim Richter has addressed this. The rest of you haven't even responded to it. Why?)
If people can't get out of their driveways or streets then it doesn't matter how much snow removal is done on the main roads. WE CAN'T GET OFF OUR OWN STREET'S TO GET TO THE MAIN ONES. If I can make it out of my subdivision without any snow removal done, then I can make it around Langley without the main streets done.
It is so frustrating to see the Mayor, and some of the councilors, sending mass reply emails that don't address the problem properly. I have heard so many different reasons and excuses from the Township for the lack of snow removal; all of which are pretty lame.
Reason 1 - Not in the budget. The situation this year was an extreme circumstance that should have received some emergency or special last minute funding. If my furnace breaks unexpectedly, replacing it probably isn't in my budget either, but it still has to get fixed ASAP.
Reason 2 - Not enough equipment or manpower. There are LOTS of private contractors that would have been delighted to be paid by the township to clear the side streets.
Reason 3 - The current policy doesn't cover the side streets. When it was apparent over the holidays that residents were upset about snow removal the mayor and council should have had an unscheduled meeting to address the problem, rather than continue with their holidays and deal with it a couple weeks later. The policy could, and should have been amended. It's pretty sad how mayor and council have been blaming the engineering department, and the engineering department has been blaming mayor and council. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY. We shouldn't have to be sitting here writing emails about it after the fact, and fighting over how and who needs to fix the problem. It should have been dealt with 2 weeks ago, not now.
Maureen Pottinger
Snows Die-Hard Part 1of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 2of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 4of4 ...
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Langley Councillor Kim Richter Tables Motion For Improved Snow Clearing Safety (Snows Die-Hard Part 3of4)
While other Langley Township Councillors continue to focus on defending the Langley Events Centre P3 fiasco, Councillor Kim Richter on the other hand responds with action to the single current biggest issue that Langley residents are fuming about. Unsafe snow clearing conditions in Langley Township. On December 31st, Councillor Kim Richter submitted a notice of motion that will be considered at the January 12th afternoon Langley Township council meeting. Richter is calling on Langley Taxpayers to write in and email Langley Township Mayor & Council to at least demand the seconding of her motion for discussion and ultimately to do something about the unsafe situation when many Township Taxpayers are unable to get out of their homes onto their neighbourhood side streets after 72 hours. She references the fact that many residents have been unsupported by their local government when the provincial emergency standard is 72 hours for ALL emergency response needs.
Snow clearing in the past few weeks has far exceeded this 72 hour standard for many Township residents. Fortunately extensive and long duration power failures were not a large complicating issue as well for these unfortunate taxpaying Township residents. Many, most especially seniors, were literally stranded for in excess of 72 hours unable to leave their homes or expect any reasonable support, help or even timely emergency services if needed because their immediate tertiary roads were completely impassable in many cases because there was absolutely no snow plowing whatsoever. Not even a quick and simple single plowed lane was provided even weeks after the first major snow dump!
As a long time Township resident, I remember when Township many years ago would at least plow a quick single lane up my previous rural tertiary road when we had major snow dumps. It has never been done again in the past 10 years , EVER! How hard is it for the Township to identify these especially hardship cases and plan or even respond to their pleas for support. Obviously there is no proper process in place for these people even apparently in at least exceptional cases. Surely to goodness after two weeks any Township truck with a simple front end mounted plow or at least a private local community contractor for larger or smaller Township neighbourhoods could have been provided after 2 weeks , never mind 72 hours!
This council should make sure that those taxpayers in Langley that would, were or could be stranded in excess of 72 hours should be identified and given reasonable safe access & egress after this time at minimum. So Richter is correct to say that it is unacceptable to have residents endure this hardship when we do find it a Township priority to fund another $5 million for the Events Centre, also find an extra $3 to $5 million for the Grandstand fiasco and also find literally millions for acquiring golf courses and restaurants, not to mention selling off Township park land at bargain basement prices! See Richter’s Letter to the Editor and her notice of motion sent to the local newspapers here as published in Tuesday’s Langley Advance and Wednesday's Langley Times.
December 31, 2008
Dear Editor:
Re: Township Snow Removal Policy
The white Christmas we experienced in the Township last week raised an important public safety issue that Council needs to address immediately. It is clear that the Township’s existing snow removal policy is ineffective and insufficient on all tertiary roads in Langley Township where the majority of residents and taxpayers live.
Over the past few years, the Township has experienced more frequent and longer-lasting snow periods where residents have been snow-bound in their homes for longer than 72 hours. This is unacceptable.
Both the Province and the Country have an emergency preparedness standard of 72 hours. They have consistently told people about the need to be able to survive for 72 hours without outside help.
However, what is difficult to understand and accept is the Township’s unwillingness to plow any tertiary road - period. As we have experienced in the past week, the Township’s failure to plow tertiary roads during and following snowfalls far exceeds the provincial 72 hour emergency standard.
It has placed many Township residents at risk because they cannot easily be reached by emergency vehicles such as police and ambulance, if necessary. Furthermore, it has substantially slowed down the ability of fire trucks to access properties on tertiary roads.
This is not an acceptable or safe level of service. At minimum, all tertiary roads should be plowed to at least a single lane and sanded/salted 72 hours following a snow fall, and every 72 hours thereafter, provided tertiary roads remain impassable due to continued snow fall.
Furthermore, an emergency snow response phone line should be established so that snow-bound residents, especially those needing access to secondary and primary roads for health and employment reasons, can call in and request snow removal on their tertiary roads prior to the 72 hour parameter.
The Township’s existing snow removal policy must change. This should be considered a public safety and budget priority in 2009 and all subsequent years.
I have put forward a notice of motion requesting such policy revision. I ask all Township residents who agree with me on this to send an email to mayorandcouncil@tol.bc.ca encouraging Council’s support of the motion.
If the Township has enough money in annual budget surpluses to finance a $5 million shortfall on the Events Center, then the Township certainly has enough money to put into improved snow removal for better public safety of all residents.
Yours truly,
Kim Richter.
Snow clearing in the past few weeks has far exceeded this 72 hour standard for many Township residents. Fortunately extensive and long duration power failures were not a large complicating issue as well for these unfortunate taxpaying Township residents. Many, most especially seniors, were literally stranded for in excess of 72 hours unable to leave their homes or expect any reasonable support, help or even timely emergency services if needed because their immediate tertiary roads were completely impassable in many cases because there was absolutely no snow plowing whatsoever. Not even a quick and simple single plowed lane was provided even weeks after the first major snow dump!
As a long time Township resident, I remember when Township many years ago would at least plow a quick single lane up my previous rural tertiary road when we had major snow dumps. It has never been done again in the past 10 years , EVER! How hard is it for the Township to identify these especially hardship cases and plan or even respond to their pleas for support. Obviously there is no proper process in place for these people even apparently in at least exceptional cases. Surely to goodness after two weeks any Township truck with a simple front end mounted plow or at least a private local community contractor for larger or smaller Township neighbourhoods could have been provided after 2 weeks , never mind 72 hours!
This council should make sure that those taxpayers in Langley that would, were or could be stranded in excess of 72 hours should be identified and given reasonable safe access & egress after this time at minimum. So Richter is correct to say that it is unacceptable to have residents endure this hardship when we do find it a Township priority to fund another $5 million for the Events Centre, also find an extra $3 to $5 million for the Grandstand fiasco and also find literally millions for acquiring golf courses and restaurants, not to mention selling off Township park land at bargain basement prices! See Richter’s Letter to the Editor and her notice of motion sent to the local newspapers here as published in Tuesday’s Langley Advance and Wednesday's Langley Times.
Councillor Kim Richter's Letter To The Editors
December 31, 2008
Dear Editor:
Re: Township Snow Removal Policy
The white Christmas we experienced in the Township last week raised an important public safety issue that Council needs to address immediately. It is clear that the Township’s existing snow removal policy is ineffective and insufficient on all tertiary roads in Langley Township where the majority of residents and taxpayers live.
Over the past few years, the Township has experienced more frequent and longer-lasting snow periods where residents have been snow-bound in their homes for longer than 72 hours. This is unacceptable.
Both the Province and the Country have an emergency preparedness standard of 72 hours. They have consistently told people about the need to be able to survive for 72 hours without outside help.
However, what is difficult to understand and accept is the Township’s unwillingness to plow any tertiary road - period. As we have experienced in the past week, the Township’s failure to plow tertiary roads during and following snowfalls far exceeds the provincial 72 hour emergency standard.
It has placed many Township residents at risk because they cannot easily be reached by emergency vehicles such as police and ambulance, if necessary. Furthermore, it has substantially slowed down the ability of fire trucks to access properties on tertiary roads.
This is not an acceptable or safe level of service. At minimum, all tertiary roads should be plowed to at least a single lane and sanded/salted 72 hours following a snow fall, and every 72 hours thereafter, provided tertiary roads remain impassable due to continued snow fall.
Furthermore, an emergency snow response phone line should be established so that snow-bound residents, especially those needing access to secondary and primary roads for health and employment reasons, can call in and request snow removal on their tertiary roads prior to the 72 hour parameter.
The Township’s existing snow removal policy must change. This should be considered a public safety and budget priority in 2009 and all subsequent years.
I have put forward a notice of motion requesting such policy revision. I ask all Township residents who agree with me on this to send an email to mayorandcouncil@tol.bc.ca encouraging Council’s support of the motion.
If the Township has enough money in annual budget surpluses to finance a $5 million shortfall on the Events Center, then the Township certainly has enough money to put into improved snow removal for better public safety of all residents.
Yours truly,
Kim Richter.
Councillor Kim Richter's Notice of Motion
RICHTER NOTICE OF MOTION – For January 12, 2009
Whereas the Township’s existing snow removal policy is ineffective and insufficient on all tertiary roads in the Township where the majority of Township residents and taxpayers live;
Whereas over the past few years, the Township has experienced more frequent and longer-lasting snow periods where residents have been snow-bound in their homes for longer than 72 hours;
Whereas the Province and the Country have an emergency preparedness standard of 72 hours and the Township’s failure to plow tertiary roads during and following snowfalls far exceeds this72 hour emergency standard;
Whereas failure to open tertiary roads after 72 hours places many township residents at risk because they cannot be reached by emergency vehicles such as police and ambulance, and substantially slows down the ability of fire trucks to access properties on tertiary roads;
Therefore be it resolved that the Township’s Snow Removal policy be revised and amended to include the following:
1. All tertiary roads in the Township will be plowed to at least a single lane and sanded/salted 72 hours following a snow fall; and every 72 hours thereafter provided tertiary roads remain impassable due to continued snow fall;
2. An emergency snow response phone line will be established so that snow bound residents needing access to secondary and primary roads for health and employment reasons can call in and request snow removal on their tertiary roads prior to the 72 hour parameter; and
3. Provision for this enhanced snow removal service in the Township will be considered a public safety and budget priority in 2009 and all subsequent years.
Snows Die-Hard Part 1of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 3of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 4of4 ...
Whereas the Township’s existing snow removal policy is ineffective and insufficient on all tertiary roads in the Township where the majority of Township residents and taxpayers live;
Whereas over the past few years, the Township has experienced more frequent and longer-lasting snow periods where residents have been snow-bound in their homes for longer than 72 hours;
Whereas the Province and the Country have an emergency preparedness standard of 72 hours and the Township’s failure to plow tertiary roads during and following snowfalls far exceeds this72 hour emergency standard;
Whereas failure to open tertiary roads after 72 hours places many township residents at risk because they cannot be reached by emergency vehicles such as police and ambulance, and substantially slows down the ability of fire trucks to access properties on tertiary roads;
Therefore be it resolved that the Township’s Snow Removal policy be revised and amended to include the following:
1. All tertiary roads in the Township will be plowed to at least a single lane and sanded/salted 72 hours following a snow fall; and every 72 hours thereafter provided tertiary roads remain impassable due to continued snow fall;
2. An emergency snow response phone line will be established so that snow bound residents needing access to secondary and primary roads for health and employment reasons can call in and request snow removal on their tertiary roads prior to the 72 hour parameter; and
3. Provision for this enhanced snow removal service in the Township will be considered a public safety and budget priority in 2009 and all subsequent years.
Snows Die-Hard Part 1of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 3of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 4of4 ...
Councillor Jordan Bateman's Political Spins & Attacks Targeting Mayor Refuted By Mayor Rick Green
Mayor Rick Green sets the record straight in the below recent public letter to the Local Press. He specifically refutes Councillor Bateman's political attacks targeting him:
Mayor Green has only been in office for less than 2 months of his 3 year term! He also then said that it would take him no more than a few minutes to determine where these purely politically motivated lies originated from but that he did not want to do so as it was a waste of time. You can watch Mayor Green's approx 6:23 minute video previous statement here as paraphrased about this. It is recommended viewing as it is very very revealing! Watch the reactions!
A clarification of the issues surrounding the Langley Events Centre is needed.
I am concerned about comments surrounding key issues pertaining to the Langley Events Centre. I feel compelled to correct the facts of concern to the Township, to at least re-focus our attention on the facts:
- The previous municipal government moved ahead on a very significant and ambitious community project without all capital funding in place, where the ultimate result would be imposing the risk of a lack of funding onto Township taxpayers.
- Without a project (capital) P3 agreement in place, the Township would be responsible for any shortfall of funding.
- While Township reserves are always available to bail out the Township from its mistakes, they should not be used for that purpose. With only about $5 million in reserves after bailing out the Events Centre (low for a municipality our size), we are left vulnerable.
- Councillor Jordan Bateman has said that I just don't understand the process. For the record, I have spent many more years than his age being very involved in successfully managing and owning business of significant size.
- Coun. Bateman has said he can't understand why I made this issue public. I ran on transparency, and am committed to it. All taxpayers should be concerned about a belief in secrecy.
- Coun. Bateman has said that they were waiting for the $5 million federal grant before concluding a P3 agreement. The $5 million was to be used for capital, not operational funding, so they should have insisted on a P3 being in place from the start, so the private partner would now be sharing the funding shortfall. Obviously, his statement was incorrect.
- The failure of federal funding to materialize is significant to the Township taxpayer. While there is a significant record of communication between the Township and the federal government, I cannot find an official application for funding. One would have to agree, it would take more than a few letters to MPs and cabinet ministers to support an application for $5 million, even from the federal government.
- Given the facts (no capital P3 agreement), it was obviously intended to have an operational P3 agreement in place, which should have happened prior to construction, so both parties clearly understood their individual and collective responsibilities after the project was finished. To attempt to conclude a satisfactory operational P3 agreement and its complex issues after the project is æ completed will be very difficult.
- The $5 million shortfall in federal funding equates to an eight per cent tax increase, if it was to be paid for through property tax rolls. That won't be the case, but it shows the impact of this type of decision.
- The Township's share of the ongoing operational cost of this facility is yet to be determined, and will have to be identified before concluding the 2009 budget going forward.
While I was prepared for some surprises coming into office, nobody could have assumed something of this magnitude - being told for more than two years that there was a P3 agreement, which we now find doesn't exist.
Anyone trying to minimize the short to long-term impact of this event is clearly showing a lack of knowledge, understanding, experience, and responsibility of leadership.
Rick Green, Mayor, Township of Langley...
- About Bateman's statement that Green doesn't understand the process, Green says; " I have spent many more years than his age being very involved in successfully managing and owning business of significant size.".
- About Bateman's statement that Green should not have publicly revealed the lack of an actual P3 (Private Public Partnership) agreement, Green says; "Coun. Bateman has said he can't understand why I made this issue public. I ran on transparency, and am committed to it. All taxpayers should be concerned about a belief in secrecy.".
- About Bateman's statement that the Township was simply waiting for the $5 million federal grant before concluding a P3 agreement, Green says; "The $5 million was to be used for capital, not operational funding, so they should have insisted on a P3 being in place from the start, so the private partner would now be sharing the funding shortfall. Obviously, his statement is incorrect.".
- Mayor Rick Green closes his letter saying; "Anyone trying to minimize the short to long-term impact of this event is clearly showing a lack of knowledge, understanding, experience, and responsibility of leadership.".
Mayor Green has only been in office for less than 2 months of his 3 year term! He also then said that it would take him no more than a few minutes to determine where these purely politically motivated lies originated from but that he did not want to do so as it was a waste of time. You can watch Mayor Green's approx 6:23 minute video previous statement here as paraphrased about this. It is recommended viewing as it is very very revealing! Watch the reactions!
Mayor Rick Green's Public Letter To The Editors
Dear Editor,A clarification of the issues surrounding the Langley Events Centre is needed.
I am concerned about comments surrounding key issues pertaining to the Langley Events Centre. I feel compelled to correct the facts of concern to the Township, to at least re-focus our attention on the facts:
- The previous municipal government moved ahead on a very significant and ambitious community project without all capital funding in place, where the ultimate result would be imposing the risk of a lack of funding onto Township taxpayers.
- Without a project (capital) P3 agreement in place, the Township would be responsible for any shortfall of funding.
- While Township reserves are always available to bail out the Township from its mistakes, they should not be used for that purpose. With only about $5 million in reserves after bailing out the Events Centre (low for a municipality our size), we are left vulnerable.
- Councillor Jordan Bateman has said that I just don't understand the process. For the record, I have spent many more years than his age being very involved in successfully managing and owning business of significant size.
- Coun. Bateman has said he can't understand why I made this issue public. I ran on transparency, and am committed to it. All taxpayers should be concerned about a belief in secrecy.
- Coun. Bateman has said that they were waiting for the $5 million federal grant before concluding a P3 agreement. The $5 million was to be used for capital, not operational funding, so they should have insisted on a P3 being in place from the start, so the private partner would now be sharing the funding shortfall. Obviously, his statement was incorrect.
- The failure of federal funding to materialize is significant to the Township taxpayer. While there is a significant record of communication between the Township and the federal government, I cannot find an official application for funding. One would have to agree, it would take more than a few letters to MPs and cabinet ministers to support an application for $5 million, even from the federal government.
- Given the facts (no capital P3 agreement), it was obviously intended to have an operational P3 agreement in place, which should have happened prior to construction, so both parties clearly understood their individual and collective responsibilities after the project was finished. To attempt to conclude a satisfactory operational P3 agreement and its complex issues after the project is æ completed will be very difficult.
- The $5 million shortfall in federal funding equates to an eight per cent tax increase, if it was to be paid for through property tax rolls. That won't be the case, but it shows the impact of this type of decision.
- The Township's share of the ongoing operational cost of this facility is yet to be determined, and will have to be identified before concluding the 2009 budget going forward.
While I was prepared for some surprises coming into office, nobody could have assumed something of this magnitude - being told for more than two years that there was a P3 agreement, which we now find doesn't exist.
Anyone trying to minimize the short to long-term impact of this event is clearly showing a lack of knowledge, understanding, experience, and responsibility of leadership.
Rick Green, Mayor, Township of Langley...
Thursday, January 01, 2009
Letter To The LFP Editor From Gloria Stelting - Re: We Need Better Snow Clearing for Safety (Snows Die-Hard Part 1of4)
------ Original Message Follows -------
From: Gloria Stelting
To: mayorandcouncil@tol.bc.ca
Subject: Langley Emergency Response Vehicles deal with unplowed residential road
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:54:34 -0800
Dear Honourable Members of Langley Council,
Langley Emergency Response Team resources are hampered and their precious time wasted by
extremely bad driving conditions on residential roads. This RCMP officer was fortunate that he only had to walk down the block to get 2 firefighters to push his vehicle free from where it was stuck in the snowy intersection at 50th Ave and 246th St. There are a large number of senior citizens on 50th Ave. Many of the residence have lived here and paid taxes for over 30 years. Any of these could easily be in need of emergency servic
es at anytime. This RCMP cruiser was not the only vehicle to be stuck at this corner in the last several snowy days.
Please have a look at these photos. I took them on Saturday Dec 27, 2008 from
my front yard. The location is visible with the street sign marker in the photo showing the On Call Firefighters pushing the RCMP vehicle.
Would not the cost of these 3 members of the Langley Emergency Response Team be better spent otherwise? One driver of a snow plow to clear the road for everyone would seem like better financial management. This maybe possible if the Langley Snowplowing Policy was review.
I would not have been able to get in & out of my residence during this recent snow accumulation without my 4 wheel drive pickup. Not everyone has these. Our traffic is single lane. We really need a flag person. Even 4 wheel drive vehicles are getting stuck in the deep snow when attempting to go off the one set of tracks. The only way to pass oncoming traffic is to locate a cleared driveway. I would ask that you direct staff to please do not send garbage and recycling trucks down our road to jam it up evn more until vehicles can safely pass each other.
I would like to note that I did personally notice the improvement in the condition of Fraser Highway in Langley since TOL has taken over responsibility of plowing it. In the late morning of Wednesday Dec 24, Highway #1 from Sumas to 264th was snow covered with traffic trying to set tracks while Fraser Highway from 264th to 248th Streets that I drove was bare and wet. However, both 264th and 248th Streets were covered in snow like Highway #1.
We need necessities like snow plowing. It is important for our safety. If we can not afford this, then we certainly can not afford luxury items like an "events center", a Township golf course and a Township restaurant. All of which TOL council and staff have spent our precious taxpayer dollars on.
Thank you for your time as you make decisions that balance out our needs for public safety and financial management.
Sincerely,
Gloria Stelting
Snows Die-Hard Part 2of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 3of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 4of4 ...
From: Gloria Stelting
To: mayorandcouncil@tol.bc.ca
Subject: Langley Emergency Response Vehicles deal with unplowed residential road
Date: Mon, 29 Dec 2008 09:54:34 -0800
Dear Honourable Members of Langley Council,
Langley Emergency Response Team resources are hampered and their precious time wasted by
extremely bad driving conditions on residential roads. This RCMP officer was fortunate that he only had to walk down the block to get 2 firefighters to push his vehicle free from where it was stuck in the snowy intersection at 50th Ave and 246th St. There are a large number of senior citizens on 50th Ave. Many of the residence have lived here and paid taxes for over 30 years. Any of these could easily be in need of emergency servic
es at anytime. This RCMP cruiser was not the only vehicle to be stuck at this corner in the last several snowy days.Please have a look at these photos. I took them on Saturday Dec 27, 2008 from
my front yard. The location is visible with the street sign marker in the photo showing the On Call Firefighters pushing the RCMP vehicle.Would not the cost of these 3 members of the Langley Emergency Response Team be better spent otherwise? One driver of a snow plow to clear the road for everyone would seem like better financial management. This maybe possible if the Langley Snowplowing Policy was review.
I would not have been able to get in & out of my residence during this recent snow accumulation without my 4 wheel drive pickup. Not everyone has these. Our traffic is single lane. We really need a flag person. Even 4 wheel drive vehicles are getting stuck in the deep snow when attempting to go off the one set of tracks. The only way to pass oncoming traffic is to locate a cleared driveway. I would ask that you direct staff to please do not send garbage and recycling trucks down our road to jam it up evn more until vehicles can safely pass each other.
I would like to note that I did personally notice the improvement in the condition of Fraser Highway in Langley since TOL has taken over responsibility of plowing it. In the late morning of Wednesday Dec 24, Highway #1 from Sumas to 264th was snow covered with traffic trying to set tracks while Fraser Highway from 264th to 248th Streets that I drove was bare and wet. However, both 264th and 248th Streets were covered in snow like Highway #1.
We need necessities like snow plowing. It is important for our safety. If we can not afford this, then we certainly can not afford luxury items like an "events center", a Township golf course and a Township restaurant. All of which TOL council and staff have spent our precious taxpayer dollars on.
Thank you for your time as you make decisions that balance out our needs for public safety and financial management.
Sincerely,
Gloria Stelting
Snows Die-Hard Part 2of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 3of4
Snows Die-Hard Part 4of4 ...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)