Ramara Council Approves the Tendering of Brechin Sewers

In a 5-2 vote, (Clrs. White and Neher dissenting), Ramara council has authorized the township to tender the Brechin Sewer Project. The motion was put forward at the April 16th, at the meeting of Council’s Planning Committee in Undey. Township Clerk Richard Bates tabled the motion in his report Report CD-17-07.

At a special council meeting on March 30th., members of council saw a presentation from the township’s engineering consultants CC Tatham about the project that would bring municipal wastewater access to the residents of the village of Brechin. Members of council had numerous questions after the presentation, and requested township staff to prepare a report to address them. CD-17-07 tables the township’s formal response to these questions raised.

I have to congratulate Clrs. White and Neher for their decision not to support taking the sewer project to tender. They recognized the flaws and omissions contained in Mr. Bates report and strongly rejected any launching of such a massive undertaking, prior to having a public meeting to discuss the merits of the project. This public meeting is scheduled for the week of May 8.

In his report Richard Bates indicated the urgency for offering the project for tendering as soon as possible, in order to avoid the possibility of having potential contractors fully booked with other projects. If there existed a definitive timeline, why then didn’t council have this item decided by now? I put the majority of the blame on Richard Bates. As the township Clerk, he controls councils’ agendas. This means he controls what, how and when information gets before councilors. Council's role is to provide guidance for the municipality. They act on the information presented to them. Why was council advised only on April 16th of the urgency to go to tender now?

Could the fact that the township had not made its decision whether or not to proceed with the Brechin Sewers be part of his grand strategy to bring undue influence certain members of Ramara Council? His report contains threats to members of council, in that if they don’t act now, then you may be responsible for onerous harm for some of the townships citizens. These threats were effective in that it may have resulted in Clr Kahlers and Deputy Mayor Clarke’s support for his motion. Given Clr. O’Donnell and Mayor Duffy’s “If we build it, they will come,” love for this project, their support, regardless of its cost, are well known. In the Richard Bates delivered the 4 votes (of 7) that ensured the passage of his motion. (Clr Appleby represents the residents of Brechin, who are the main benefactors of the project, so his approval may have been a virtual lock).

Have we witnessed a Coup d’Etat in Ramara? Is Richard Bates the defacto leader in Ramara? I feel the current council needs to review what has happened here. They need to recognize the bullying tactics of Richard Bates and implement the necessary reforms in order to take back legislative control in Ramara Township, and immunized themselves from any future attacks by Richard Bates, or those who follow him.