Council
Articles tagged with #council
Observations on the Economic Growth Committee’s January 27 Meeting
Yet another public consultation with dismal participation. This one is moving directly from a "dreaming" phase into budgeting based on the "fabulous visions" of only 18 people. Without a business case or defined exit strategy, the committee is effectively writing a "blank cheque" for projects that lack any measurable performance metrics.
Strategic Planning Without Public Support
Council ignored 1,700 voices on the C&D site—but now treats 43 survey responses as meaningful input for a strategic plan. If public consultation mattered, they'd start by listening to the majority.
The Case for Post-Project Reviews
This article explores the glaring absence of a post-project review and why "closing the books" without a proper analysis is a missed opportunity for accountability, growth, and public trust.
Recap of Public Consultation for the Strategic Plan (2026 2030)
How 43 Participants and 20 Unverified Submissions Created a Four-Year Plan.
MODS Strategic Planning: Promises vs. Reality
MODS’ strategic planning process promised public engagement — but only 43 residents participated. Despite council acknowledging the failure, the process continues full steam ahead with no clear plan to fix it.
Where the 2026–27 Budget Process Fell Short
While the Warden's budget statement serves as a political statement of intent, it must be supported by a rigorous project management methodology and predefined metrics to ensure that "transparency" is a reality rather than just rhetoric.
From Easter Eggs to Essential Infrastructure: Why the 2026 Budget Meeting Lost Focus
The February 2026 budget meeting was an exhausting marathon where minor operational tasks, like an Easter Egg Hunt, were given the same weight as critical bridge repairs. With no materials provided in advance and a complete absence of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure success, the process lacked the basic elements of responsible project management
Economic Development Public Consultation or Political Cover?
MODS made two major land purchases—Hartz Point and Highway 103—without any plan, analysis, or public input. Now, through consultants and a public consultation quietly announced on December 23, they appear to be seeking political cover to legitimize those decisions.
The Sound of Silence: How Council Adopted the Strategic Plan Without You
Despite poor engagement and blocked commentary, officials declared the process a “successful consultation” — turning silence into a stamp of approval.
Observations from the Latest Council Session
Council votes feel scripted and motions are written before the debate begins. A look at the November 12 meeting raises questions about transparency and who’s really steering the discussion.
Hartz Point - Press Release
Nice words that say nothing. Just wishful thinking.
A Twenty-Five Year Retrospective on Amalgamation
Amalgamation is often advocated based on the theory of "economies of scale," suggesting that larger municipal units can provide services at a lower unit cost. However, empirical evidence over the last twenty years contradicts this as a solution for rural decline.
Economic Growth Committee: Highlights and Red Flags from Nov 13
Less than 1% of residents engaged, yet the Strategic Plan moves forward. Some concerns about water security and some concerns about privacy. Read what’s at stake.
Economic Committee kickoff meeting with consultants
On October 14, 2025, the economic committee met with consultants they hired to advise them on what to do with lands that the municipality purchased. The municipality purchased the land without knowing what they have planned for the land!
Where Is the Accountability in MODS Planning Consultations?
Public input deserves more than lip service—MODS must commit to a transparent, accountable consultation process.
Warden Smith responds
Warden Smith responds to a list of questions about the planned "Strategy Planning" public sessions.
Definition of a Council Meeting
The Municipal Advisor weighs in on council meetings and transparency - it all boils down to what is a "council meeting"