Dear editor,
But for walking my dog on and picking up the Gazette of Mar. 17 and then noting the Sept. 9 2010 minutes had been replaced by those of Mar. 9 2011, I might have remained blissfully unaware of the recent CHLCC activities.
Standing in the rain reading the new minutes, I noted "Adopted Minutes of Feb. 9 2011". Minutes that I had never seen. I then trolled recent RDMW Minutes and discovered "Adopted Coal Harbour Minutes" for CHLCC meetings held Oct.13 2010, Nov. 3 2010, Dec.6 2010, Jan. 12 2011 and Feb. 9 2011 that were never posted in Coal Harbour.
I have since obtained from the RDMW, copies of all Coal Harbour Minutes filed since 2008, a set of By-Laws the sender says "may not be complete" and made copies at my own expense for limited distribution.
The arrogance and tactics of the CHLCC in not posting these five sets of minutes that contain serious issues and proposals that affect us all is nothing short of offensive and undemocratic.
I couldn't care less that commissioners are unpaid volunteers or that the Director is remunerated. Nobody twisted any arms or forced anyone to voluntarily serve this community and I am tired of the continuing boorish, dictatorial behavior.
RDMW Operations Manager Patrick Donaghy's Coal Harbour Water Budget was carried in the Minutes of Feb. 9 2011 and I haven't a clue what is in it. Also in the minutes are references to illegal suites and non-permitted suites and zoning along Coal Harbour Road. The minutes state a list of non-conforming properties will be compiled and there would be a discussion about water meters.
While the intent and purpose of these changes is fairness and equity, and from a business and future planning standpoint probably justified and necessary, all residents have the right to be informed.
I fully endorse Ann Hory's publicly declared comments and concur with Marie Monette. A new approach is needed.
If the CHLCC and the area director are intent on minding other people's business, increasing rates, enacting new by-laws while amending others without public meetings, input or consultation and failing to post minutes they will be challenged.
Just as I intend to challenge the wisdom of locating the proposed recycling depot on the old Koprino Shop site. Is the land already so polluted it won't make a difference? The entrance to Coal Harbour is already compromised by the burned-out residence and overall unkept property.
Installation of a recycling centre so close to the aforementioned long standing eyesore even if security gated, staffed one or two days a week, provides a closer dump site that will eventually be abused. There is always more than enough litter and trash in the general vicinity that I see no benefit in encouraging more.
Lee Cowen
Coal Harbour