MOU: Tewin Can Second City Staff For Project

Another interesting clause in the memorandum of understand between the City of Ottawa and Tewin Landowners.

2. The current allocation of City staff resources may be reviewed by the Tewin Landowners and the City as a result of the evolution of the work plan as it moves forward.

This means that Tewin Landowners have direct influence on the work plan, not just of the planners they are funding, but of all city staff resources (presumably limited to, but not explicitly limited to planning staff).

Think about that for a moment.

The Tewin project falls behind schedule, which for city hall is municipal standard. Tewin Landowners can step in and review the big picture staff allocations and provide input regarding (read influence) the work plans of other staff. Big picture, as in identifying what the other projects are being worked on. Other projects that might compete for home purchasers. Access to inside information … codified and legally binding per paragraph 42.

Were any of the signatories thinking beyond the $400,000ish of departmental funding? Seriously?

The business acumen of the signatories to this MOU needs to be re-evaluated, assuming that business acumen is even on the list of skill sets required for their positions. This should be especially troubling for councillors should they be bothered to think about the fact that the former city chief finance officer, now city manager is one of the signatories.

I would be interested in what former mayor Larry O’Brien would have to say if an MOU of this quality was signed by members of the C suites at Calian when he was CEO and chairman.

Ron Benn, a finance executive, has been a member of the Centrepointe Community Association for the better part of three decades.