Review-Mirror

By Margaret Brand The Review-Mirror A proposed compensa- tion model for Rideau Lakes Council brought forward by a township- appointed citizens' com- mittee may have died on the table in a tie vote. The four-four vote Monday effectively means the end of a proposed plan, which included a flat rate system with additional annual compensation for specific, mostly outside, committee appointments. Councillors were disap- pointed with the outcome, which came after more than an hour of discussion that still left council divid- ed on the new system. Voting against the new system were Councillors Jeff Banks, Linda Carr, Claire Gunnewiek and Bob Lavoie. Voting for the new sys- tem were Mayor Ron Hol- man and Councillors Arie Hoogenboom, Cathy Liv- ingston and Ron Pollard. A motion by Councillor Gunnewiek may bring back the discussion at the next council meeting if enough members agree. Mayor Holman had suggested that once the compensation program reached the bylaw stage further amendments could be made, but with Mon- day's tie vote the issue was almost effectively dead. Councillors Cathy Monck and Rob Dunfield were absent Monday. Holman was in favor of the flat rate system but, unlike some other coun- cilors, had reservations about the generosity of a $28,000 flat rate honorari- um for the mayor. "After 18 years I can assure you it is a part time job," said Holman, who also receives additional compensation as a mem- ber of county council. "I may put in a lot of my time here but it's a part time job. I can't think of any (mayors) which are full time jobs in Leeds Grenville," said Holman who suggested a phased in increase for mayor after noting that his committee work and honorarium was $22,500 in 2017 and just over $22,000 in 2016. The new flat rate sys- tem was designed to replace a system of an honorarium plus $50 per 'occurrence', including committee meetings and other council related activ- ities approved by council. The proposed system would set a base honorari- um of $12,000 plus annual stipends for committees to which councilors had been appointed. Lavoie was concerned that the new compensation system didn't adequately account for the loss of Federal government's cut- ting of the one-third tax- free status of the honorari- um, a loss he estimated at $1500 per elected repre- sentative. Gunnewiek had mis- givings about discussing the compensation package after the citizens commit- tee had brought the recom- mendations. "It's very inappropriate we are having this discus- sion. I imagine they have already had these discus- sions," said Gunnewiek. Hoogenboom, a long time proponent of a flat rate system noted that under the new compensa- tion scheme, he could lose compensation. "Any system is going to have its flaws. The current has flaws and benefits," he said. Councillor Pollard, a supporter of the flat rate system, attempted to inject some humor into the situa- tion. "Those numbers, when you are a poor farmer- they are really good num- bers," he said. The Westport and Rideau Lakes Chamber of Commerce is looking for volunteers who love to meet people and share their knowledge about the area. Welcome Centre coor- dinator Christine Jennings is seeking those interested in taking two or three hour shifts at the centre. Jennings is planning an orientation session for new volunteers and is also looking for help to ready- ing the centre for the com- ing season. She is hoping to open the centre on weekends beginning in May and is anticipating the chamber will be able to obtain a grant for a student for many summer hours. Volunteers have been an integral part of the cen- tre's success and are essential to keeping the centre open on a part time basis during the shoulder seasons of spring and fall. Local businesses, including those who aren't chamber members can dis- play their promotional material at the centre. To learn more about the chamber's volunteer opportunities contact Christine Jennings at 613- 453-7063. Information on cham- ber membership is avail- able on their website at www.therideaucalls.ca. The Review-Mirror March 29, 2018 – 16 The Old Stone Mill had a bus load of visitors on Monday when a group of exchange students visiting from British Columbia got a tour of Delta's Old Stone Mill with Mill Society volunteer Anna Greenhorn one of a team of guides on Monday. 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