By Pepper Parr
December 29, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
There are people over in Roseland who, in the dark of night, click on their computer mouse looking or the Ontario Municipal Board web site.
Maybe there will be as decision today? They don’t see a decision, wait all day before they try again. Then they hear that the decision is coming tomorrow. Some say maybe the OMB will clear files before year end, the never ending promise of delivery.
Council went into a closes session recently to hear from their lawyer and to get a update on the cost for their many legal issues. Councillor Dennison had a conflict of interest – his appeal of a Committee of Adjustment decision is among the legal costs the city is dealing with.
Ward 4 Councillor Jack Dennison.
One wag asked: Did the Mayor actually make him leave the room? Dennison didn’t wait to be asked – he left on his own.
Was there new information about his hearing? The public will never know – but the good people of ward 4 did re-elect Jack Dennison.
There are those who maintain that a developable lot in Roseland comes in at about $1 million now- a lot of money can be made for someone who understands the system. Dennison has consistently argued that he has the same rights as any citizen property owner to apply, talk to staff, and citizen committees about his personal property.
But, as one citizen points out “citizens don’t make the laws, hire the staff, and appoint the Committees” members of Council do this.
Bought under a power of sale, the owner sought a heritage designation and later sought a severance to create two lots. Committee of adjustment turned down the request – the property owner, a member of city council, appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board.
The world is getting ready to move into 2016 – the year that municipal conflicts of interest can be dealt with by the Provincial Ombudsman, and since Burlington’s city council does not have a Code of Conduct, the Ombudsman may be the place to take a complaint.
Another wrinkle – if, by chance, the OMB decides the Dennison appeal application is to be granted then are the two lots not to have the Heritage designation Dennison is so proud of?
This story is far from over.
To Mr. Citizen (Only cowards hide their name). Mr. Dennison should have the same rights as any citizen property owner to apply, talk to staff, and citizen committees about his personal property. Contrary to your slanted views. The Province makes policy on Land severances, not local Councillors. And unfortunately for you, the Province encourages and supports Intensification ( Get used to it!) and directs the Municipalities to encourage them as well. So let’s go through the process Mr. Dennison went through applying for a severance. He would have approached the Planning staff, that he according to you hired and had great influence over to see if they would support a severance. Their answer was No! once again No! So much for your theory of influence. Mr Dennison then brought his case in front of the Committee of Adjustment that he appointed. The planning staff fought hard opposing his severance.The Committee voted against Mr. Dennison. Completely against your theory of influence. MR. Dennison has appealed his decision to the OMB. The City Planning Staff as well as City hired Lawyers. Fought for 7 days opposing the severance. Some Murder trials don’t last that long. Mr.Dennison in my opinion did not get any breaks at all. Mr Dennison pays a great deal of property taxes and employs people in this community what is he entitled to nothing? While that should not put him at the front of the line. It at least should allow him to be treated, like everyone else. This case has been in the hands of the OMB for some time. If they rule in Mr. Dennison’s will it be alleged that he carried influence with a Provincial Tribunal. Do you and the folks in Roseland have nothing better to worry about? I think all these legal fees that the City taxpayers are on the hook for should be added to your tax bills as well as the millions the City spends to keep these people happy.