October 24, 2017
Dear Editor
I feel compelled to respond to the three letters to the editor that have been written by our elected councilors Fred Morris, Stephen Kitras and Kirk McElewain. I thank them for bringing these issues to the attention of the public.
I have tried to compose a variety of letters and have so many issues to respond to that it has made it difficult to just focus on one.
So I’m just going to point out the items that seem most important.
1. it appears that we have to start using other consultants and engineering firms, their projected costs for projects are constantly out of wack. The township then hires them again to firm up the costs by reworking all the work we previously paid them for. Trinton Engineering and Stantec have had the township business for far too long. The consultant costs for the Victoria Street bridge has exceeded $350K.
2. its sounding like we will now have to have another public consultation process because the design of the bridge that was presented to the public will most likely not be made. As the costs that our hired experts quoted is nowhere near what they now say the costs will be. They are projecting an additional $830K. More money in their pockets to redesign and present
3. when three councilors use a letter to the editor I think the citizens have something to worry about. Something is rotten in Centre Wellington. And it needs to change
4. why is Landmark Group not helping to cover the costs of this bridge. It is partially on their land on one side of the river. And will totally benefit them while their covered bridge is not completed
We need to have a better handle on the budget process. Why not try a Permament Budget Committee that has councilors and concerned citizens with fiscal acumen that was suggested by Councilor Kitras?
Its obvious the process they follow now is not working. Please lets try to turn this process around and learn from it. We can make it better, but to do so, things have to change. My vote would be to find new consultants and try a new Budget committee and approach Landmark to help share the costs.
Thank You
Linda Lane
29 Mill St E
Elora N0B 1S0
Linda Lane