Sherri Bell

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Ramara councillor docked 60 days pay for code of conduct breaches

OrilliaMatters

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Today’s rigged Integrity Commissioner report is built on one provable mistruth – and it is not mine.On August 25, Deputy Mayor Keith Bell interrupted me on the public record and declared:“I called you every day.”He did NOT call me every day.My phone records prove it:• Mayor Clarke: zero calls• Deputy Mayor Bell: one call on April 3/two voicemails (to tell me he'd email/garbled)While Ramara families were cold, scared and without power for 9+ days, we found each other and we overcame. I asked for an After-Action Report so we can learn - it was not moved forward when the Mayor asked if any Member knew what I was talking about (Orillia did).They left us in the dark for five days, then weaponized the Integrity Commissioner against me - the Councillor who dared speak up. This is retaliation.Find my statement, fight for democracy and more (August 25 meeting, gavel of oppression, phone records, voicemail):https://www.facebook.com/share/v/14NW9mFDXEf/

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Ramara councillor docked 60 days pay for code of conduct breaches

OrilliaMatters

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My comments with regard to the staff member as they pertain to the discussion at hand were that that she is neither lawyer nor engineer, which to the best of my knowledge remains true:https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlotte-clarke-cbco-6011581a1/Again, the rigged, weaponized IC Report is nothing more than punitive, relentless harassment.For all readers, I'm at [email protected] and welcome your call to discuss the reasons for the the victimization I suffer.

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Ramara councillor docked 60 days pay for code of conduct breaches

OrilliaMatters

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Strong Mayor Clarke is quoted as saying I made a false statement. Again, not true.I reminded Council/Administration after my outreach to Ontario's Ombudsman, Ramara's Procedure Policy ,which was abandoned in 2024/5, would be returned to - from September 2025 onward.The CAO "assured" that the public Tender Opening had happened. I noted these were to be by Committee and publicly accessible and I had not become aware of any. The gavel of oppression was used.A check of Ramara's Civic Web at 11:58PM on November 24 confirms no Tender Openings on the calendar since back to January of 2025. The point I was making is if the public doesn't know the Procedure is reinstated the problem is not solved - and I wasn't aware of any Openings.Listen to the November 24 meeting beginning at the 53:00 minute mark:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4IiRqJly0iAFind my complete and fulsome post regarding Ramara's Procurement Policy here:https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GZtmMrbQj/”

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Ramara residents rally against 'crushing cost' of wastewater project

OrilliaMatters

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All, from the moment in October 2023 when the CAO described Ramara's Drinking Water and Sewer as "unsustainable" (with more specifics provided) I've advocated for solutions to about the highest costs in the province.When this project was approved by newly appointed Council the time - January 16 2023, the real picture had not been provided.Minutes: https://ramara.civicweb.net/document/75592/The survey timeline and numbers quoted are incorrect. The survey was returned to Council on December 12. 2022 - circulated more than 2. 5 years ago. The numbers are as follows:52% response rateTotal Properties Surveyed: 82Total Responses Received: 43In Favour 24Opposed 19Percent In Favour (from responses received) 56%Percent Opposed (from responses received) 44%https://ramara.civicweb.net/document/73052/Lakeshore%20Drive%20Servicing.pdfI was sanctioned without findings on May 16, 2024 to silence me and suppress democracy:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4wDHDkls4U

Ramara Township held two 'illegal' meetings: Ontario ombudsman

OrilliaMatters

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I too am in my first term /was at two years of service to Ramara's families on October 24, 2024. I raised my concerns - I was quite uncomfortable with the 'back-room shenanigans' feel of lobbying via closed email. I asked for the matter to be remedied in time/place. It wasn't - I engaged the Ombudsman.I'm thankful the independent process used diligence investigating and arriving at impartial recommendations for accountability, transparency, democracy. My integrity, moral compass, continues to hold me strong as my thoughtful and important concerns are being considered despite relentless harassment.A year-long investigation should carry weight - mustn't be lightly dismissed. The Ombudsman found (Oct 23): The email, including its attachments, materially advanced the business or decision-making of the Committee, and constitutes a meeting under the Act. I have spoken to the matter and included the discussion from October 24 here:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FFpTUaan7/

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Ramara Township held two 'illegal' meetings: Ontario ombudsman

OrilliaMatters

John, I agree it was not right I received the information after the fact. I didn't support the water/sewer increases of 8%/13% (already 15% for 2026) respectively - compounding for 2025 - 2033).Neither did I support the Budget since no engagement/solutions were brought forward.Remember the 2024 Open House I and community members petitioned for was cancelled as found here:https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/torches-and-pitchforks-ramara-cancels-water-wastewater-open-house-8977541 The article includes one Council Member minimizing the then lower increases that were to be eight years and another implying the Minutes, Staff/Consultant Reports, governing bodies, and such, I study and share are misinformation. Our questions remain unanswered and Strong Mayor Clarke, Council and the CAO now too, continue their relentless harassment attempting to silence me and smother democracy.Find me speaking to the Ombudsman matter here:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FFpTUaan7/

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Demolition or revitalization? Ramara opens debate on future of old downtown buildings

OrilliaMatters

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Good Morning Grouchy, a little 'ouch' over here :) I am a business person. Your point is well-taken though.The properties' location is really integral to the purchase rationale given they sit at what is the core of 'downtown'. Years of stagnancy have left the core in need a full revitalization. That said, I further believe the lasting transformation begins with the Community Improvement Plan (CIP) to first establish the overarching vision, design framework (building heights, materials, setbacks, signage, landscaping, lighting, overall “look and feel”), character and branding. Only then can individual decisions, including the future of multiple buildings, be taken in proper sequence and deliver a truly cohesive, vibrant heart for the municipality - the '50 year view' and the community must be a part of it.The Official Plan currently rests with County for approval though. Its approval will spur updates of the Zoning Bylaw and these would be the foundation of the CIP.

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Ramara residents rally against 'crushing cost' of wastewater project

OrilliaMatters

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Good Morning Onlooker.The number of properties in favour is not 56%. It's important to apply measurements which speak to total properties.I've included the numbers from the December 12, 2022, Staff Report above and will add the link here too.Total Properties Surveyed: 82Total Responses Received: 43In Favour 24Opposed 19https://ramara.civicweb.net/document/73052/Lakeshore%20Drive%20Servicing.pdfThe 56% of the 52% who responded is NOT the actual percentage of properties in favour. The actual percentage of properties in favour is 29% of the total 82 properties.To be clear, I am absolutely in favour of protection of Lake Simcoe. There are a number of conversations opportunities. I'm at 905.220.8778 or [email protected] and welcome contact.

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Ramara Township held two 'illegal' meetings: Ontario ombudsman

OrilliaMatters

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JLW3, I advocate for accountability, transparency, due diligence, due process - democracy. I advocate for fairness and equity and I advocate for solutions. I am visible and welcome all questions from all communities. I will answer everything I can. I have spent hours reading public-facing documents to learn and will share all I know. i spoke to this matter here:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1FFpTUaan7/I have posted on many occasions about Ramara's water/sewer and others. I welcome a chat since despite digging through documents there's historical and context I still don't know. My goal is healthy democracy and the future of Peace, Plenty and Progress of Ramara's promise.

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Ramara residents rally against 'crushing cost' of wastewater project

OrilliaMatters

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Hi FW, this project is slated for Ramara's Ward 5 where I am Councillor. I can assure you, I have not been silenced :) My statement in the link here begins with May 16, 2024, sanctions placed without Findings. I will not be silenced. My resolve is strong.https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1F7q5zJ6iE/

Ramara residents rally against 'crushing cost' of wastewater project

OrilliaMatters

1

Onlooker, thank you, my goal is simply to bring the factual information from the Staff Report though I do I always appreciate hearing people's thoughts!

'I'm going to step back': Ramara mayor won't seek re-election in 2026

OrilliaMatters

1

The question of Ramara's Drinking Water and particularly Wastewater is infinitely more complicated than what I would deem a dismissive approach. The Bayshore Spray Fields, a Sewage Works consisting of Stabilization Ponds and Spray Fields saw a Class Environmental Assessment opened in 2010 when it was formally recognized compacted soils lead to impermeability.The reason for the now year 16 and couniting delay in implementing a solution is summed up quite handily in the December 11, 2023, Update presented to Council by Tatham Engineering: "Over many years, Township discussed and argued project with provincial politicians and MECP staff". They were arguing for a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) they couldn't have BEFORE the Assessment initiated per the Lake Simcoe Protection Act/Plan. The Sewage Works is not recognized as an STP and thus can't be upgraded to one nor can a new one be constructed. This note barely scratches the surface...https://ramara.civicweb.net/document/86194/

Demolition or revitalization? Ramara opens debate on future of old downtown buildings

OrilliaMatters

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Hi Keith, thank you for this. I hope you've completed the survey and of course, if you wish to add more, I am happy to hear all feedback at [email protected] is some significance in that the Standard Bank building exists in Brechin though feedback seems to circulate around finding a way, should demolition be the answer, to repurposing the facades or elements of thereof. With regard to St Andrew's suggestions have been can the blocks of stone be used - even for landscaping purposes.For my part, as in my comments here, the survey and open house act as an opener to bigger engagement about the future of Brechin overall.

Tensions rise as Ramara council faces backlash over sewer project concerns

OrilliaMatters

Good Evening, to expand a little, I did indeed attend a Delegation with a number of female colleagues to present about how Ontario's Integrity Commissioner process has become weaponized and respectfully request submitted recommendations could be considered in the context of Bill 9. The Delegation request to Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing was not specific to Ramara's current application under the Health and Safety Water Stream. Rather it summarized the sum of issues causing consumers of Drinking Water and Wastewater to pay close to the highest rates in Ontario, from the Bayshore Spray Fields whose soils were recognized as compacting with reduced permeability some 16 years ago to a recent move I objected to on Recorded Vote (6-1) which established that Ramara will continue to make no capital investment in these municipal services to unfair and inequitable charges and other notations.

Feasibility of Ramara sports dome to be considered with 'fresh eyes'

OrilliaMatters

The 2024 proposal included taxpayer-funded construction, 25+ year $1/year lease at Ramara Centre, risked library displacement without alternative site and relied on a non-profit operator (taxpayers liable for financial deficit).https://ramara.civicweb.net/document/92076/Of concern, an Oct 2 Orillia Matters article, frequently cites Member Keith Bell creating a “sports dome vs. infrastructure” narrative.https://www.orilliamatters.com/local-news/we-have-to-get-the-ball-rolling-is-it-time-for-a-sports-dome-in-ramara-11291306Ramara challenges: no primary health care/community supports or public transit, community centres needing AODA compliance/upgrades, heritage buildings and no restoration funds, lagging stormwater/watershed management plans, among others.I support recreation, health and community vitality. A sports dome though exceeds Ramara’s financial capacity and is best left to private enterprise who I'd gladly welcome.https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1Edw6D4sBP/

Council sanctions Ramara councillor for 'aggressive behaviour'

OrilliaMatters

Hi Anne, thank you for your kind words, Ice Storm 2025 brought incredible challenges to Ramara's communities. I watched people from across the Township rise up - it was incredible to see what we can achieve together, even in the most trying moments. Please know this, while Ramara favours the Ward system, Councillors are meant to serve hyper-locally AND across all neighbourhoods - I take that duty to heart. I'm always available and happy to help plus I like to chat :) the more people I get to know, the more I believe in us #RamaraRocks #Democracy #

Ramara councillor blocked from attending ROMA conference

OrilliaMatters

Good Evening All,Thank to the many, many of you who've reached out in support. Meeting so many incredible people is the joy of the service I'm humbled to offer. I have become the victim of relentless harassment which began as incivility then baseless, unfounded sanctions.The phenomenon of attempting to silence the voice of change-makers, particularly women is happening across the province. There's a playbook. To silence an elected official is to silence us all - it is the squashing of democracy and it's real. I will not be silenced.My last statement speaks to my steadfast commitment to accountable, transparent governance:https://www.facebook.com/share/v/16c2n1C12u/Thank you for viewing.

Demolition or revitalization? Ramara opens debate on future of old downtown buildings

OrilliaMatters

Grouchy, I hear you. I am NOT a developer, I agree. See, when the presentation came to Council, way back in the yesteryears of the beginning of the term, it included it being a municipally-focused building to include such as the Brechin Library, for example, and not so much what you're hearing now which sounds very much development forward. The owning can't be undone now and thus the go-forward has to be established.My note on the CIP remains valid though. There are four buildings - the two at discussion, the medical sitting on a sizable lot and for which the lower level is unusable and the 'Brechin Community Centre' which is both tiny and closed by surprise based on the 2024 Facilities tour which was not brought to Council until the 11th hour - it lack AODA compliance (and sits next to a large mostly unused park with very aged playground).. The OP needs approving, Zoning updated and a plan - one developers could work with :)

Council sanctions Ramara councillor for 'aggressive behaviour'

OrilliaMatters

Hi there, thank you for questioning. In my statement, I've clarified there were no findings when sanctions were placed on May 16, 2024 - the sanctions continued as I advocate for accountability and transparency; engagement and respect - due process - good governance. Solutions to Ramara's water and sewer costs to residents - abour the highest in the province. And to the Bayshore Village Spray Fields where an expected six month to two year Class Environmental Assessment is now on its 16th year. Yes, i said 16. My resolve is strong. I will not be silent.

Council sanctions Ramara councillor for 'aggressive behaviour'

OrilliaMatters

Hi Sandra, thank you for being here with me :) I absolutely attended Council proudly from my seat and prepared to meet. I will not be silent. I will continue to educate and advocate. My resolve is strong. When my questions aren't answered, they've been raised and are in the public domain; when my Motion, say, the Brechin East Crossing/Siding finally be declared unsafe to trigger Grade Crossing regulations is not carried, it's in the public domain; when my Motions are carried and the approved report, say, about the strategy for Good Doctors Brechin/municipal participation in health care, is not acted on, it's in the public domain. I will not be silent.