OC Transpo to be reviewed, no audit
Posted Mar 5, 2010 By Glenn Brooks
Email
Print
Tweet ThisEMC News - Ottawa council has agreed to a 'peer review' of OC Transpo by the American Public Transit Association (APTA). This 'peer review' by other friends of transit, is not an audit!
Staff told council that this 'peer review' of a $600+ million operation could be done in a week possibly two. If APTA can accomplish that for just travel, room, and board costs, council ought to seriously consider replacing our staff with theirs.
Eli El-Chantiry's motion recommended that the 'peer review' findings would then go to a City Review Panel for further review. Those findings would then be reviewed by the City's Office of the Auditor General - spring of 2011. Now, you know why it takes forever to get anything done!
I say, let's cut to the chase and stop this pussy-footing around and have the Office of the Auditor General do a comprehensive audit of the administration and operations of OC Transpo. Eight other councillors agreed - four councillors were away on city business.
City of Ottawa Civic Events Funding Program
Local not-for-profit organizations such as volunteer-based community or recreation associations are invited to apply for funding to provide one to two-day civic events with free admission that foster civic pride and develop community cohesion. These events are linked to and celebrate a civic/statutory holiday (i.e., Victoria Day, Canada Day), are held in a specific geographic district in Ottawa, and encompass a broad range of activities (family entertainment).
Maximum Allocation: $2,000. Application Deadline: March 24, 2010.
Application forms are available at City of Ottawa Client Service Centres or online at ottawa.ca/communityfunding. For more information, contact Brenda Denault at 613-580-2424, ext. 26459 or via e-mail at brenda.denault@ottawa.ca.
SPRING THAW AND ROADS
Last week, I had the opportunity to speak with North Grenville council colleagues about road conditions. In the rural areas in and outside the City of Ottawa, the gravel roads are in terrible shape due to the wet weather conditions. Obviously, graders cannot grade the roads! Thus, those of us who drive on gravel roads need to drive slower and with caution otherwise car repair bills will result.
Our paved roads are already beginning to heave as a result of warmer weather. Therefore, expect to see half load signs up earlier this year.
WARD 21 COUNCIL DEBATES PROCEDURAL BY-LAW
Ward 21 council held its second of the year meeting. The chairs and some of the general public debated the proposed Ward 21 council's new Procedural By-law as presented by Chair David Western. Chair Rob Collins presented a communication service referred to as the "Igloo."
Ward 21 council is looking for a chairperson for the Village of Richmond - someone who is active in the community and can spare four hours a month - two hours at the Ward 21 council and two hours at the community's sub-committee. The other nine community areas have chairs and sub-committees.
The minutes/agendas will be posted on my website. Our next meeting is on March 29 at 7 p.m. Communities ought to govern communities on local issues ... It's all about taking ownership!
THE RICHMOND MONTHLY NEWSLETTER
This proposed newsletter is a three-month pilot project that will focus on the Village of Richmond and its immediate area. It is a way of informing the community about what's happening - the little things that can make a difference ... that can bring the community closer together.
Here is an example: I didn't know that businessman Bill Walters had sold his grocery business! And even though I am a Kiwanian (Manotick), I wasn't aware that the Richmond Kiwanis Club was looking for new members and new ideas that will make their community a better place to live.
It is all about communications in providing residents the opportunity to be involve! Email my office with the 'small', but important happenings and/or questions/comments - love to hear from you.
As always I am hear to serve: 580-2424 ext. 31310 or email: glenn.brooks@Ottawa.ca or visit website: www.glennbrooks.ca.
blog comments powered by Disqus
