13-06-14 — Perhaps Don Lubberts could be forgiven his fixation on lunch at the racetrack since he appears to be the least-invited town councillor to food-related functions in Fort Erie.

According to the minutes of town council meetings over the past two-and-a-half years, Lubberts has attended only three.

The information is gleaned from the announcements councillors make during the first 10 or 15 minutes of every council meeting. continued . . .

13/06/14 — An unpleasant odour on the Friendship Trail is coming from groundwater that is being pumped to the surface while the sewage station on Dominion Road is being built.

Hydrogen sulfide occurs naturally in the groundwater in the area, said Graeme Guthrie, project manager for the Region’s wastewater division.

“We would normally find it in sewers but this has nothing to do with sewers,” he said. continued . . .

13/06/14 — Organizers of the Ridgeway Summer Festival are looking for volunteers to help with the two-day event starting Saturday, July 6.

A variety of duties awaits any fun-loving, community-mnded individuals who can take on at least one three-hour shift between the hours of 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday. continued . . .

13/06/14 — While the Canadian Motor Speedway has cleared another regulatory hurdle, there are many more to follow and it could be a long time before any checkered flags are waved.

Last week, the Ontario Municipal Board confirmed its original decision to allow the official plan and zoning amendments for the development, ending only the first phase which began about four years ago. continued . . .

13/06/14 — The conflict of interest legal action against four town councillors awaits the next move by the defendants.

Fort Erie lawyer David Hurren said the case has been adjourned to a future date on three days’ notice pending cross examination on the affidavits.

This means the defence will have an opportunity to question and clarify the information in the sworn statements which form the basis of the legal action. continued . . .

13/06/14 — The Fenian Raid is a unique event in the history of Ridgeway and the name lends itself well to a unique four-piece band which was been appearing at a local venue over the past year.

The band is called Fenian Raid and a party to mark the release of their first record, Acoustic Shadows, will be held at the Sanctuary Centre for the Arts, Friday, June 21. continued . . .

Insufficient horses are available to field a card of racing at the Fort Erie Race Track on Monday, June 17, according to a press release issued early Friday afternoon.

Racing as usual will be held on Sunday starting at 1:15 p.m. and Tuesday starting at 4:15 p.m.

Commuters may be advised to avoid the Netherby Road-Sodom Road intersection as Fort Erie firefighters have been dispatched to a ruptured gas line in the area. Update to follow.

An excavation crew has hit a line. Enbridge is on the way. No confirmation as to road closure.

Let’s get the judge’s opinion first

13/05/24 — Our favourite four public servants, now known as the Four Respondents, are headed to court to defend themselves against charges that they violated the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act and other laws when they settled the wrongful dismissal and other claims against them personally by giving the former Town solicitor, Heather Salter, 18 months salary and $50,000 cash.

Another hilarous statement was made at the May 13 council meeting beside questions about invitations to lunch at the racetrack.

John Hill commented on the Ombudsman’s decision that a closed session held in February was improper. The four councillors at the time voted 4-3 to go into private to give Mayor Doug Martin a spanking for speaking out about the CAO hiring process.

To clean up Hill’s style of gibberish, he said he was confident the clerk will keep council on the straight and narrow when it comes to holding closed meetings.

Yeah right. Town clerk Carolyn Kett just saw her boss get canned and the interim CAO the shaft for giving them their best advice. And Respondent No. 2 wants her to now stare down the barrel of another 4-3 vote.

They should save everyone the trouble and get the judge’s opinion first.

13/05/24 — Residents are asked to report dead blue jays and crows to the Regional public health department to help it monitor West Nile virus. continued . . .