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HomeMy Public PortalAbout2014-11-13_Petition_Gold River School Project, 2L'1A&d4 PRESENTATION TO COUNCIL Nov 15, 2014 Good Morning Warden and Councillors, Thank you for allowing us time today to bring this issue to Council. I would first like to state that my involvement with this matter is that of a concerned citizen and tax payer in the Municipality of the District of Chester. I am not speaking as the Chair of the Lighthouse Foodbank as some have indicated. There is a large group of concerned citizens within our municipality who feel that the decision to renovate and then move some of the municipal offices to the Gold River School, has been done without sufficient public notification, input and consultation. Indeed, as per the Council meeting minutes dated Sept 25, 2014, it was suggested by at least 3 councillors, that public input into this matter was important. Some of the councillors also asked for a delay in voting so as to further review and study the latest information, including the updated project budget. This was denied and voting ensued. There is concern that the cost of renovating the Gold River School is very high and not the most fiscally responsible ai*r-opria#&4nanei-ai-approach to solving the problem related to the lack of space within the existing properties. It was stated by the CAO that council had authorized $750,000 for an addition to the municipal building but then made the decision not to pursue the project. What was the reason for this change in direction? In regards to the Annex building, is has been stated that the market value for properties in the area are falling below the assessed value. The minutes state that an appraisal on the Annex was completed but not made public. It seems as though the proceeds of the sale of the Annex will not go far in helping to cover the cost of the proposed renovations to Gold River. In September 2013, Warden Webber was quoted as saying, "the municipality can sell the building and property, demolish it or use it to resolve its own space issues." He went on to say that staff have considered the cost of various options but council is not in a position to make a decision just yet." It has been more than a year since that statement was made and the public has not been informed about the cost of these various options. So, what about the potential of selling the Gold River School property? It has been stated that an appraisal of the school was received but was not disclosed to the public. The waterfront property would be very valuable and the proceeds from that sale would certainly help cover the costs of expansion at the present Municipal Office site. Essentially, our petition is asking Council for a Cost/Benefit analysis of this project as required under the Integrated Community Sustainability Plan accepted by Council June 25, 2009. (Pg38) Sharing a cost/benefit analysis would be in keeping with the Council's Strategic Plan 2013-2016. See goal 5 Page 51 which states, "The municipality will continually reinforce a positive image of the municipality through leadership in public engagement and communication." To demonstrate the extent of public concern regarding Council's recent decisions around this issue, we are tabling a petition asking Council to defer spending on the Gold River School property until Council has a clear vision for addressing the "big picture.' We look at these issues as being an integral part of the Municipal's sustainability plan. Let's recognise this fact, step back and develop a plan that taxpayers understand and endorse. Our petition has been signed by over tax paying citizens from a broad cross section of municipality. As indicated in our letter to you, there are several questions to which we request a response. READ Thank you. Arrov-cde� 3J Petition to Council - Municipality of the District of Chester G u We, the undersigned request that Council introduce a motion to re-examine its decision to sell the Annex and relocate Recreation and Planning to the Gold River School. We believe that the projected costs associated with the move ($781,557) are unrealistic. We believe that selling the Annex Is a critical error in the development of community based services. We believe that decentralizing services is ill advised and short sighted. We believe that Council has not involved the community effectively in such a far reaching decision. /Name Address Signatures / OrJt,�.1J # � 1 .� . � , . \ � \ $ � \ \ 1 Z � ^j r J� Petition to Council -Municipality of the District of Chester We, the undersigned request that Council introduce a motion to re-examine Its decision to sell the Annex and relocate Recreation and Planning to the Gold River School. We believe that the projected costs associated with the move ($781,557) are unrealistic. We believe that selling the Annex is a critical error in the development of community based services. We believe that decentralizing services is ill advised and short sighted. We believe that Council has not involved the community effectively in such a far reaching decision. Printed Name Signature. Civic Address do v' -e ✓a"& c 1, , &^ G-- — &'b 2 ?, C I IA Yo tO N` BId��d R�, L4V 171 Ilk 3 � Ar /tet c_ �5 /�l ZX, - � s 1ljt ty le _�. a +/�✓ - /_"T1.�,/l"/%i1'�G'!•L�>�i12=M>lA'"PN'.9Y .. 1�7U df oIt 2 rrr 13�;/"9t r 5�acknte,u fCd,' �,t -Z(-(<,RO-2Q�Y7 ��/F1Ga/%Clo 0w4 t i SCcQ `;e4tE�a� ��Ex� I Printed game Signature Civic Address ilSP i G i Lj M29 l' "V19l ClS1 1�� c; r-o—p k -C� ,k, I a a �, a—� Le ? ' % ;,� L S 4CLI G K. 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If more space is required would it not be more economical to approach the owner of the rental housing immediately north of your current location to see if he might be a willing seller? Surely this would prove to be a less expensive resolution should the need for more office space arise. As a rate payer in the community I would like to see more public consultation on this matter before proceeding to move to an older structure that requires considerable upgrading and is known to contain asbestos. I urge council to reconsider this contemplated move and conduct more public consultation In exploring all options open to council. Respectfully yours John P. Carroll 239 Walker Rd. Chester. N.S.