by Anne Finlay-Stewart
Before councillors took their seats before the cameras they had already been meeting in camera for more than three hours, primarily discussing local property issues. The regular council meeting involved some real rearranging of the agenda, so I have been a little more thematic in my notes for clarity.
The meeting began with a pleasant duty for Mayor Ian Boddy - recognizing the Owen Sound Volunteers of the Year.
Among them, this year's honourees have over 120 years (to which they will admit) of combined service to their communities. Eugenia Rawn was primarily nominated for her work with the Quota Club, and Ann Kelly for the Festival of Northern Lights, but between the two there was hardly a community cause or committee to which they had not made a contribution. Barbara Olmsted, manager of the Auxiliary-run gift shop at Grey Bruce Health Services, spends as much time on her duties there as any full-time employee. Of course, being the gracious women they are, all three Volunteers of the Year thanked and credited others for their success.
Mayor Ian Boddy announced today that City Manager Ruth Coursey will be retiring effective immediately after a 26 year career in municipal government.
"On behalf of Council and the citizens of Owen Sound, I would like to thank Ms. Coursey for her dedication to the City since accepting the position in July 2011. She has been extremely beneficial to the residents, and has made great strides within the business community", commented Mayor Boddy. "Personally, I thank Ms. Coursey for her assistance during my transition to the mayor's office, and I wish her much success as fresh opportunities and adventures come her way".
Council has named Wayne Ritchie as the Acting City Manager. Mr. Ritchie has been with the City of Owen Sound since 2001 as the Director of Finance.
The City is advising residents and businesses that they may stop running their water effective immediately. The Water Department has determined the level of frost penetrating the ground has diminished to the point where we believe there is no longer a danger of the water services re-freezing.
Residents and businesses should continue to monitor their water flow. If pressure suddenly increases, it may be an indication that the lines have thawed. Please call the City at the number listed below and water staff will visit to ensure permanent service is restored and remove temporary hoses.
If you were asked to run water, or supply neighbours with water, your billing will reflect average historical usage during this time period, and will not include the extra water used
For residents that have been requested to boil their water, you are asked to continue to do so until further notice.
The City would like to thank all residents and businesses for your patience and understanding during this crisis
Sometime between ear
ly afternoon on 13th of April and early afternoon on the 14th
of April unknown suspect(s) managed to enter an unoccupied residence located
in the 400 block of 13th Street East, Owen Sound. Once inside, a variety of
electronic items, various perfumes and a purse were stolen. Total value of the
theft is estimated at $2000. Evidence was located at the scene. Police are
requesting anyone with information about the incident to contact them or
Crimestoppers.
By Hub Staff
Branningham Grove is back in our headlines. The city's Community Planning and Heritage Advisory Committee unanimously recommended that the City give notice of their intention to designate the 1881 building under the Ontario Heritage Act. At their April 13 meeting, Owen Sound City Council will deal with this recommendation.
What's the rush?
As of this writing, the High Victorian building at the eastern entrance to the city is the subject of a demolition permit which gives authority to the owners to level it anytime after May 5 this year. Deputations by Aly Boltman and Christy Hempel at the last City Council meeting [available at minutes 15:20 and 28:40 of the council meeting video] not only made the heritage and planning case for retaining the building, but specifically inquired as to the apparent hurry to demolish it.
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