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public inquiry into the APIM Park tinapcing Iasco is inegttatrld, Waterloo city councillors The mayor said she is prepared to raise this point when council debates the issue during next Monday's council meeting. There is now a motion on the Mor, put forth last week by Court, Morty Taylor, that council instruct city staff to seek a provincial cabinet "We have to be very clear about the face of the inquiry" said Waterloo Mayor Lynne Woolstencrott. "Some don't allow for disci- plinary action." - But the method of that inquiry _is still up for debgte. Councillors agree inquiry inevitable in RIM Park financing fiasco uahiqhrtttktvttrhrmrnotim "When I was told I was getting this award, I told the lady, 'I do believe you have the wrong number,'" said the modest recipient with a chuckle. "It was a big shock to say the least." "He's been involved in a lot of things for a long time," said Steve Burek. co-chair of the Jaycees' 2001 Citizen of the Year selection com- mince. "I never had any time to get involved in the community before I retired," the 69-year-old explained. "But this com- munity has always been very good to us, so I wanted to do something in my retirement." Whether he's helping his fellow volunteers string lights for the annual Wonders of Winter festival at Waterloo Park, fighting for the better- ment of the region's health-care system, or building a wooden toy for one of his eight grandchildren. the feisty senior never shies away from hard work. And it's that ethic that earned Weiler the nod as the Mn City Jaycees 2001 Citizen of the Year for Kitchener-Waterloo. "He's a very hands-on person, willing to be in the trenches. We like to see people doing the Weiler's community involvement stems back to the early 1990s, shortly after his retire- ment from a job in the high-tech sector: Little did he Know his choice to serve others would bring him a list of honours; with the laycees' award perhaps the highest to date. Waterloo's Bill Weiler honoured for his countless contributions to the community ill Weiler isn't afraid to get his hands dirty. Br Mom Bum Chronicle statr wiihrdr4aaotors.am Br Mom BAILEY Chroniglf Staff - A model citizen But Woolstencroft said she's not sure an investigm lion under the Public Inquiries Act is the best choice. appointment of one or more persons to conduct an inves- tigation under the Public Inquiries Act into the origi- nal agreement between the city and MFP Financial Services Ltd. 'T am truly in favour of public process. But we have to look at a variety - Lynne Woolstencmfl Mayor of Waterloo of options. " A public inquiry under section 100 of the Municipal Act would see council pass a resolution requesting a judge/commissioner to Some of those options. she said, may include a forensic audit, a public inquiry or an extension of the city's legal retainer. According to a descrip- tive chart the mayor pre- sented to council Monday night, a forensic audit would involve hiring a consulting ftrrn to conduct an investiga- tion and report its findings back to council. The time frame for this method would be open- ended, and the cost would sit at about $500,000. 7 “Sui we have to look at a variety of options" "I am truly in favour of public process," she said. And surely it didn't hurt that his name is attached to the City ofwaterloo's most popular winter attraction. "When we proposed the (Wonders of Winter) to city council, we decorated the council chambers in lights and played Christmas music," recounted the founder of the winter festival. "Then we asked for an $80,000 loan. which we got, and which we've since paid back." But there was no mistake. In the Jaycees' eyes. Weiler's contributions made him a natural choice. Weiler also pointed out thit back in 1994. the winter PAGE 3 Extension of legal retain- er would see lawyers analyze the city's involvement with MFP for the purposes of commenting on the propri- ety and potential civil or criminal liability of the city's councillors, omcers or employees arising from their dealings. investigate, conduct an inquiry and report the results to council. The com- missioner would have the ability to subpoena witness- es and fix compensation, as well as engage in legal coun- sel and further assistance. It is predicted an inquiry of this kind would take between six months to one year to complete; and the cost would come it at about $600,000. without a forensic accountant. Thd process would last an "She told me that the year before she was planning to commit su.icide, but coming to the park and seeing the families enjoying the lights changed her mind. She wanted to go back to the park and celebrate (the anniver- sary) of that day." But Weiler said he is not alone in his efforts. "I have to mention the Wonders of Winter is all done by volunteers, not just myself," Weiler said. "It’s also financed. managed and operat- ed by l 1 service clubs from this community. “It's certainly not a one-man effort." Weller was also quick to share responsibility for the list of improvements coming to the Waterloo region's health care system; a list he helped establish as a member of a small workforce of citizens dubbed the "Three Musketeers". "There were three of us working on it, representing the three cities, Kitchener, Waterloo and Cambridge," he explained. "N that time, our region was being shortchanged in terms of its health care. We didn't have anything for MRI; we "We would be able to deal with the judiciary-without involving the province which, unless it's a life or death situation, doesn't do things that are considered dire straits," she said. "We would also get to frame the terms of reference (of the inquiry) with community input. That way we can address specific issues. "Finally we would be able to subpoena reluc- tant witnesses, and I like that. We'd be more likely to get truthful response/s through the powers of the The mayor said she favours the second option, a public inquiry under section 100 of the Municipal Act, for three reasons. estimated 30 days, however, the cost is currently unknown. program's premiere holiday 'season, only about 5,000 lights were strung. "Both the park itself and the Wonders of Winter are meant to bring joy to families and children, especially during the colder months," he said. "And I've heard from many they've done just that. This year, fnore than [00.600 lights bright- ened [he night. _ - _ _ _ "I remember getting a call one year from a woman, asking me if I wouldn't mind turning the lights on a little earlier. I said sure. and asked if there was a special reason why. "The questions have been asked and people need answers, including us (coun- cil)." he said. "l'm anxious for an open process that will leave no question urtan- swered." court." But Taylor questioned the mayor's opinion, and her cost estimates. "The numbers are not accurate." he said.' "They are inflated, and they might give the wrong impression." Taylor-also- said it's wrong to assume an estimate is etched in stone. "Any method can be reduced in (cost) magni- tude," he said. No matter what system the city uses. Coun. Brent Needham said it's crucial the process move forward as quickly as possible. Continued on page 7