Rowswell memo to City Council, December 12, 2001

The following is a memorandum sent by Mayor John Rowswell to City Council on December 2, 2001

**************************************************************** John Rowswell, M. Eng., P. Eng, P.E, MAYOR

December 2, 2001

Memo to Council: Subject: ASI Restructuring Caucus Report

I was extremely disappointed to see in our CAO letter on the top of page two a documented discussion with the Minister's office. Not that I am disappointed with the content, it is good news. However, there is some history on this matter.

On October 30, 2001, I met with Minister Chris Hodgson at Minister Dan Newman's reception. My concern over ASI loss in taxes was expressed and he told me there may be an emergency fund that could help offset our loss. Shortly thereafter, I contacted the Minister's office to follow up and they assigned Sudbury staff to work with our staff on this issue.

On November 13, 2001, I contacted the Minister's office again looking for some direction as Municipal Affairs in Sudbury appeared not to give us clear direction. A call came back to me later in that week. The Minister's office checked out Sudbury's advise and got back to me saying that Municpal Affairs could not be involved in anything such as bonusing, which is contrary to the Municipal Act. This answer did not help us because we needed to know if the Minister would assist.

On November 22, 2001, the Minister's office gave me an unofficial phonecall saying that this is a very sensitive issue with the Ministry but the Minister would be there tor us. I let [City Solicitor] Lorie Bottos know to explore the issue of bonusing with outside legal counsel because how we deal with it predetermines the Minster's involvement for future funds. Lorie informed me outside legal assistance has been retained.

I aiso talked wrth our CAO, who was not happy with the lack of detail on this unofficial phonecall.

He said he would call and get the details- I told him "No". I told him that I talk with the Ministers and their [Executive Assisitants], You are directed not to call.

Our CAO said "I will call, I am not going to take orders from you to do what I think is best for the community."

Our CAO did call against my request not to. By calling he has put me and the Minister in a very awkward situation and now he has documented it. This hurts our community by eroding my credibility with the Minister. Wiil they trust me again with unofficial information. I need not tell how this cost us.

In caucus minutes of January 8, 2001, I note that the CAO takes direction from Council. June 25, 2001 Council resolution to help ASI states "that the Mayor assisted by the CAO and any appropriate staff". If this is how the CAO assists, I do not want his help and I will not be able to debrief him as I have always done.after my Minister meetings for our city.

I am requesting that our CAO's report be modified immediately removing all reference to the Minister and all copies of the existing report and this memo be carefully collected.

Your assistance would be appreciated in this Minister sensitive matter.

Yours very truly.

John Rowswell, Mayor

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