Council holds meeting on downsizing

Ken Johnston

Rainy River Town Council held a public meeting last Thursday to accept public input on a proposal to downsize council from six to four councillors in the next election.
Representing council was Mayor Glen Armstrong, Dean Wiersema, Debbie Ewald, Gerry Marchuk and Ed Tymkin. Deputy Clerk Treasurer Jean Klosowicz was there to take notes.
Eight members of the public were in attendance, including Robert Tolen, Lance Lindal, Marilyn and Ron McAlister, Melanie Murray, Linda Armstrong, Susan Carpenter and Gord Armstrong.
Susan Carpenter a business owner and president of the chamber of commerce asked, “What is the purpose? To lessen taxes?”
Mayor Armstrong said, “No that is not the thrust. It has in fact been on the table since 2002.”
Councillor Tymkin noted that a motion had been tabled at that time to reduce council. “It is now time to bring it back to council for action.” He noted that all other municipalities west of Fort Frances are governed by four councillors and a mayor/reeve. “In Rainy River we have 488 hectares. Dawson has 20,000 hectares. We are the most over governed community per capita in Canada.”
Robert Tolen raised the concern that a smaller council may not be able to handle the work of six.
Mayor Armstrong said he feels the work will flow more smoothly with fewer councillors. “We would operate as a committee of the whole with no sub-committees.”
Melanie Murray echoed Tolen’s concerns and Lance Lindal raised the concern that if all or most of council were railroaders and away often that, “They won’t get anything done.”
Mayor Armstrong noted that the town staff would be empowered to get the work done. “We (council) would direct policy.”
Councillor Dean Wiersema, said, “I am new to council, but my experience so far is that we get too bogged down on small things. There are too many opinions. I feel the town should be run more like a business in an efficient manner.”
Councillor Gerry Marchuk disagreed with the Mayor saying, “We had that problem before. Council should run the town not the staff.”
Susan Carpenter said she feels the council should go back to the public for a say on the matter. Perhaps hold a referendum.
Tymkin said that, “You used to have to hold a referendum. We don’t have to now.”
Council can in fact vote on the matter and make the decision to down size after they have held public meetings on the matter.
Tymkin said that International Falls recently downsized to five and they are a community of about 8,000. “We should try something more economical.” He noted that it will save the taxpayers about $10,000 per year.
Gord Armstrong criticized council for holding the meeting to get input but having its mind already made up.
Tymkin said, “No I have not made my mind up.”
Councillor Marchuk did say he has made up his mind. “I am against it.”
Councillor Debbie Ewald said that, “I can work with six or four, but there needs to be some credible public input.”
“We get more public reaction about dogs,” said Tymkin.
Mayor Armstrong was concerned that a referendum would cost the taxpayers a lot of money. No one had a concrete cost, but $1,600 was tossed around. A citizen said that perhaps they should spend $1,600 and if the taxpayers approve of downsizing they will save the town $8,400 in the first year and $10,000 every year after.
Councillor Ewald noted that she feels that at a time where the community is trying bring itself back out of a downward spiral that the more people the better.
Tymkin said, “It doesn’t matter how many are railroaders. We all make sacrifices of time and do the best we can. We don’t need seven.”
Lance Lindal then decided to leave at 7:20 p.m. saying, “I see your mind is made up. There is no point to this meeting.”
Lindal was followed 10 minutes later by Gord Armstrong and Robert Tolen. Gord said, “No one listens when they do come (to the meeting).”
Ron McAlister, who is the local school board trustee, noted that the school board downsized from 15 to 7 a few years ago and they still get all the work done.
Dept. Clerk Klosowicz, said that council needs to decide by Dec. 31, 2005 if the changes are to take place for the next election in 2006.
Mayor Glen Armstrong said it will be on the agenda in November and possibly December.