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HomeMy WebLinkAboutDecember 6, 1982 - 122 - 30/82 COUNCIL MEETING The Inaugural Meeting of the Pickering Town Council was held on Monday, December 6, 1982 at 7:30 P.M. PRESENT: Mayor J.E. Anderson COUNCILLORS: W. Arthurs L. Cahill D. Kitchen R. Mitchell A. Robertson N. Stoner ALSO PRESENT: N. C. Marshall - Town Manager B. Taylor - Town Clerk C. M. T. Sheffield - Town Solicitor T. Quinn - Director of Parks and Recreation G. Papik - Director of Transportation J. Walls - Treasurer-Collector T. Magi - Director of Planning D. Lynde - Fire Chief R. J. Hutchinson - Director of Public Works (I) MEETING CALLED TO ORDER The Inaugural Meeting of Council was called to order by Mayor Anderson. ( I I) OATH OF OFFICE OF MAYOR AND COUNCILLORS The Oath of Office of Mayor and Councillors was administered by the Town Clerk. (III) INVOCATION The Invocation was given by Father Stuart Watson. (IV) INTRODUCTION OF MEMBERS OF COUNCIL Mayor Anderson introduced Members of Council. - 123 - 30/82 (V) STATEMENT OF COUNCIL MEMBERS - NON-DEBATABLE Councillor Arthurs I would like to thank my family, friends and supporters, not only for their help these past few months, but also their continuous support these past few years. They are part of the dynamics that is Pickering! My fellow Councillors, all of the candidates who stood for election, and each of yo~, through the interest and effort we have commonly comm~tted, to this Town, have con- tributed to the dynamics that is Pickering. Pickering is a dynamic community, active and energetic! During the seven years that I have lived here, there has been substantial residential, commercial and industrial growth. Population has increased dramatically. Many new neighbourhoods have become established. Decisions made by previous Councils mean that there will continue to be growth along the 401 corridor. This Council will be making decisions regarding the future of this trend. We have coming on stream one of the finest recreational complexes in the Province. We have a Town Centre concept that has already seen some building. There are many decisions regarding its development yet to be made. We will see in the spring of this year the opening of a new library branch. We have our own Heritage Museum. I am particularly pleased to be a Member of Council at a time when the promise of previous Councils are being fulfilled and when significant decisions regarding the Town's future are to be made. We have experienced growth, but equally important, we have been able to resist growth where it was considered to have a negative impact. We are privileged to have lovely century hamlets, large tracts of open public parkland, environment- ally sensitive open space, clean water courses and valuable parkland. These must be retained and maintained, so that the unique character of our Town will be preserved for and enjoyed by future generations as well as our own. Pickering is not only dynamic because of its very rational approach to the impact of growth, it is dynamic as well because of its people. During these past few months, I have had the pleasure of meeting hundreds of members of the community. I am intrigued by the fact that so many people are actively involved in the community. I've spoken with Ratepayers' Executives, Church Members, PTA organizations and Teacher Assistants; Recreational Association organizers, coaches and managers. There are numerous members of boards and committees all making their contribution to this Town. Volunteers and fund-raisers for charitable organizations, hospitals and the elderly are scattered throughout the community. Boy Scout and Girl Guide leaders can be found in every neigh- bourhood. There are a large number of people involved in various cultural activities, live theatre, our libraries and museum. - 124 - jO/82 Don't ever let anyone fool you. We are not a "bedroom" community. Before we ever go to sleep, there are a lot of things happening in this town. Take pride in the contributions that you have made to the dynamics that is Pickering! Promote our Town from within and without. Take part in Pickering! Councillor Cahill As I sit here this evening as an elected Regional Represent- ative of the Town of Pickering, I relate back in memories to my first and other inaugurals as a Councillor similar to others who are new Members of this Council, members who returned after an absence, and of course, the elevation of a Local Councillor to a Regional Councillor, similar to what the electorate did for me in 1980. So when I look back over the period of six years as a con- sistent Member of Council and I recollect those who served and have gone, and those who are among us tonight, the one thing that has to be uppermost in all our minds is "that we have been chosen by the people to represent their concerns in the management of the Town of Pickering, be it Regional or Local levels". During my past three terms, there have been accomplishments made and decisions for the future programmed. Election promises some of you made during your campaigning may be part of the future programming during this new term of three years. Some of those promises although ideal at the outset may, after you gain more knowledge of the work- ings of Council, find unfortunately they are "pie in the sky". This is all to do with the learning process. You have heard the accolades and praises of past Councils. You and I now bear the responsibility to maintain these high standards for those we represent. This Council, however, is going to be a history making Council. In years to come, people are going to relate as to when did municipalities revert to the three year system? Who were the Members of that Council? Was it wise to have them there for three years? - and so on. The economy this year in 1982 has been rough. The economy unfortunately is not going to get easier for a while in the future. In order to stimulate growth, industry, essential community services, a lot of the past "frills" so to speak are going to be excluded from budget. We are going to and we have to expect to receive the "heat" so to speak. To coin the phrase "when the going gets tough, the tough get going".