One comment that we must make is, that if you only have a short time to watch the episode, that round table discussion at the conclusion of the meeting is likely your best bet. It was great to watch as the Councilors explained their Ward's successes and issues. Hearing Mr. Geysens invite Citizen's to the Langton Figure Skating Events and Mayor Travale mention the Big Brothers and Big Sisters Bowl for Kids Sake events were a refreshing change from the mundane bylaw issues of norm. Seeing our elected officials promoting our local events is exactly the kind of sales pitches needed to sell people on rural living and bringing together our community.
Earlier on the table for discussion were a few complex issues. The first one was regarding the Robinson Street renovation that is slated for later on this year. Business owners on that street are well aware that they will lose business as the 3 month project takes place during the best part of the yearly sale cycle for them. On the other hand Council was faced with the prospect of delaying the opening of the new court house if they were to push the project into 2015. More research from Staff was required and the decision delayed.
Also discussed was the ability of Vendors to setup and sell their wares on the Thursday's before Friday the 13th Biker Bash's. Vendors on private parcels do open and sell during that time but vendors on County property are unable to do so. Citizen's were concerned that this could lead to a more than one day event which would inconvenience them further. The Port Dover Board of Trade stated that they had lost over 30% of their vendors in September and feel that this is a concern to retain them. It was noted that the permit price cost could also be a hindrance but Staff were unable to show any data regarding any type of permit costs for this event even though Clark Hoskin, Manager of Tourism and Economic Development was present. The Friday the 13th event is one of the largest draws to the area and it's unfortunate that the Manager of Tourism had such little input. Lucky the Citizen's from the Kinsmen Club and the Lion's are in charge of pulling it all together. They certainly know how to promote an event that means so much to the community.
The road salt tender was awarded and Mr. Luke was quick to verify the math to confirm the sum. Ms. Chanyi mentioned that the brine cost was not included in the tender but left it hanging so that we are still unsure of the price for that. This would have brought the total for winter salt use under one price and possibly one contract which would have been nice. Another tender will need to be issued and brought before Council instead of dealing with it at one time. Norfolk' purchasing policy of a $250,000 limit needs to be looked at. It's an unreasonably high amount with which to entrust to Staff that has failed repeatedly as of late.
Mr. Wells makes a great speech regarding the recent Staff failures and their unwillingness to work with Citizen's to get things accomplished. Mr. Wells also stated that the Mayor expressed his concern that Mr. Wells would put Staff in a bad light by criticizing them but in the end the Councilors are ultimately responsible. It's obvious that Mr. Wells is very attached to his area and also expressed his concern about the recent loss of businesses in Port Dover's downtown core.
Another issue at the round table was whether Norfolk County should get into the solar power generation business. This was a bit of a surprise seeing as how they haven't yet received the funds from the sale of Norfolk Power. How is it that you would sell one of your best proven assets only to jump right back in again with a different technology?
After reading over the proposal put to Council we can only ask the same nagging question once again? Where is the input from our financial guru, CFO John Ford? Two paragraphs with no financial numbers is completely unacceptable. Any one in business would not even accept the report that was put forth let alone accept such a vague response from their chief of finance.
We've done a quick comparison on the data that was provided. The report put forth can be found here.
We'll compare it to an average bond that will yield 2% over the term. A secure bond would hold very little risk as compared to a MicroFIT project. The MicroFIT report did not provide nearly enough data to make an informed decision but that did not stop Mr. Black and Mr. Oliver from voting for it. With their affiliation to the Conservation Authority it's little wonder that money is no object to these two Councilors. Lucky for the tax payers of Norfolk County they were out voted on this one. Hopefully the $10,000 feasibility study for each location will not be thrown away either. You don't need to be a top gun investment banker to figure out these fairly straightforward investment comparisons. Someone like Mr. Ford should have had the ability to quickly calculate the ROI but his track record on investments is no longer a secret.
Even Mr. Black didn't call for a percentage to be shown. Maybe now he can do his own math to find out if he'd put his own money up on this deal instead of ours! We're sure that Mr. Black and Mr. Oliver would not be so accommodating if this was the ROI on their considerable pension plans.
This proposal should not spend another minute on Council's desk. Let private business take the risk.
Waterford Fire Station
Principal $59,223 - 20 year term
Bond @ 2% Future Value would yield $88,002.26 (no risk)
vs Solar yield @ $86,956 (risk)
Bond Over Solar $1,046 (no risk)
(assuming no financing is required)
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Waterford Tricenturena
$1,185,000 Construction / Operating - 20 year term
Bond @ 2% Future Value would yield $1,760,847.66 (no risk)
vs Solar yield @ $2,020,000 (risk)
Solar over Bond $259,153
(assuming no financing is required - stated cost of financing @ $148,000)
*if financed Solar would produce $111,153 more than a secure bond.
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Port Dover Arena
$801,063 Construction / Operating - 20 year term
Bond @ 2% Future Value would yield $1,190,337.48 (no risk)
vs Solar yield @ $1,270,000 (risk)
Solar over Bond $79,662.52 (risk)
(assuming no financing is required - stated cost of financing @ $100,000)
*if financed a loss of around $20k for solar as compared to a bond
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Lease Space - No risk
Port Dover Area $40,000 over 20 years
Waterford Tricentuena $290,000 over 20 years
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Additonal concerns :
$10,000 Feasibility Study Each Location
Solar panels typically degrade by 1% per year according to the National Renewable Energy Lab.
Panels typically have a 25 year warranty while inverters are 5 years.
Roof Repair ?
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