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| Clr. Jackson |
Their responses are posted verbatim and in their entirety:
From Clr. Jackson:
DEAR THE HAMILTONIAN......After I referred your request to the
Chairman and Executive Director for a further reply, my understanding is today, our Executive Director Werner Plessl, has provided you with the answer on the Threshold School of Building, which did not cost the HWT anything. And, we provided an opportunity for people of all ages to learn a skill/trade at no expense to the HWT.....All through a grant from other bodies!! I think this is another indication of the positive, transformative work occuring at the West Harbour and Beach Strip by the HWT. Sorry for the delay. Hope this helps and bye for now, Councillor Jackson....
This is the answer from Mr. Plessel that Clr. Jackson referred to:
No, the services of Threshold School of Building (TSB) were not tendered.
I did not seek HWT Board approval to engage the services of TSB but I informed the HWT Board that they will be assisting the HWT in the building addition construction.
The mandate of TSB is
“We are a registered non-profit organization dedicated to practical and sustainable community development in the Hamilton area.
We achieve this by:
Training the next generation of construction and mechanical trade workers through our youth-at-risk program, Ready To Work.
Providing renovation and construction services to local charities, non-profit groups and neighbourhood associations.
Utilizing our community building projects as on-site laboratories for volunteers and students.
Supporting diversity and encouraging active participation by all members of the community.
Mentoring students and volunteers with respect to essential life skills and work ethics.
Maintaining a close working relationship with employment agencies and service providers.
Teaching hands-on home renovation techniques to
the general public.
Participating in other community programs.
The staff/students of TSB were covered by their own insurance while on the HWT site and I permitted them to place a TSB sign on the construction fence.
More information regarding TSB can be found on their website: http://www.thresholdschool.ca/
TSB assisted by providing labour under direction of their instructors for a 6 week period in April/May and they completed various tasks.
We had up to 3 instructors and 14 labours on site from TBS and the HWT is very grateful for their assistance.
In total, the HWT received over 1,000 hours of free labour and I am very appreciative of the instructors and John Grant, ED for TSB for their work.
In addition, the HWT received assistance from the Hamilton Wentworth District School Board students in the Co-op (3) and Ontario Youth Apprenticeship Program (3).
The HWT is proud of its connections with the community and mentoring over 60 high school students over the past 10 years.
Werner Plessl
Executive Director
Hamilton Waterfront Trust
Upon review of the reasons stated, are you satisfied that this was a good decision that gave work experience to students while not incurring any costs to the city, or are you of the belief that The Hamilton Waterfront Trust should have tendered the job (despite not being required to), in the interests of providing work for vendors to bid on?
Note: We asked Clr. Jackson if the HWT will be answering the other questions (see them here) we put to them, that were not substantively answered, or, at all. The Clr. asked us to resend them. They have been resent as requested.
So, what was so hard about providing an answer straight up in the first place? Ya got your answer published in whole. Why the teeth pulling? Maybe this was a good decision. I still want to hear the answers to the other questions though.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good read. Been following this topic and it's the buzz at City Hall.
Insider
Interesting how both Plessel and Jackson's arm had to be twisted in order to get an answer. Maybe they are realizing that you can't dis Hamiltonians.
ReplyDelete"Note: We asked Clr. Jackson if the HWT will be answering the other questions (see them here) we put to them...The Clr. asked us to resend them. They have been resent as requested."
ReplyDeleteJackson's response to The Hamiltonian's question "request" regarding the TSB was acknowledged as received by Jackson - "After I referred your request to the Chairman and Executive Director for a further reply..."
So, Jackson does acknowledge emails received by him.
How, then, does Jackson explain the previous request - the "questions" regarding the HWT that were sent to him? As a councillor he received the "questions" (as they were addressed to Plessl, but cc'd to councillors, City Manager etc...); as a HWT Director, one might assume that Plessl would have forwarded the "questions" to the Directors. One might assume that Jackson received the "questions" twice then.
But, Jackson does not acknowledge receiving the "questions" as he now requests a "resend."
Behaviour such as this is not in keeping with the Code of Conduct pertaining to Councillors. He should be removed from the HWT Board immediately, if for no other reason than playing us all as fools.
Serendipity
DeleteBear in mind that according to the code of conduct, councillors must also be "seen be seen to serve their constituents in a conscientious and diligent manner;" That is a high standard and so far, it has not been met.
In fairness to Teresa et al who in my view have done more for Hamilton issues that most, if not all other sources, The Hamiltonian can only go so far. They have raised the issues with an even hand. It is now up to us to do something. A complaint to Earl Basse, if warranted, would bring this matter to MSM and will get it the attention it needs.
I agree 100%.
DeleteSorce
On the face of it, I accept Werner's rationale for hiring students at no cost. It seems like a logical and prudent thing. I hope Werner now realizes that he should be providing clear answers to the other questions. It's part of operating in a democracy. No room for secrets or evasive behaviour. I am sure Clr. Jackson will assure that.
ReplyDeleteSorce
The problem is if you have something to hide on the other questions asked then you don't say anything. Forensic Audit anyone?
DeleteI have a question or two considering this program in regards to workers rights. Since this program is tied to other dubious workfare type programs, how can we the people be sure that the the employers are following the Occupatioanl health and Safety Act or if they are following the Employment Standards Act.
ReplyDeleteAs far as I have heard, they, threshold do not supply actual certificates, it is just a new form slave labour, to give the low income, at risk people a false sense of hope.