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ý/Coun.ci11ors appear split on performance measurements New provincial guidelines ainsed at leliNg nauicpalites compare perfontance meaure ments wibh each other were given a mixed review at the Region recenbiy. Members of Halton's adminWs nration and finance commibie appearcd aplit on whcther thc mandatory performance report- ing requiremenis would be bene- ficial or detrimental 10 the Region. But it received a cautious thumbs up from Halton's Director of Performance Measurement Ed Archer. "Il's not pertèci and il will evolve," he said. "But as a firsi siep, it's a good firat step." 'Me legislation reqwires munie- ipalities to submnit the cosis of services in order 10 compare them with others. Halton already draws up its own performance measwcementa for private use. TIbe différence is it'll now sub- mit a less detailed analysis tu tie Province as weIL "There nre a variety of policy decions and planning decisin that affect the performance of a certain service," said Mrn Archer. -It's about developing a fratie- work semass Ontario toi look at non-financial costa and compare thein within municipalities. The information will be of use to municipal managers in order to dcvclop a set of practices for the ares. Performance measures arc Uic bcginning. It'a not the end. The indicators themselves aren't going 10 give us answers." Krantz concerned But how the information could be used conccmcd Mayor Gord Krantz. "If it sounds like I'm critical of what Uic govemment han donc, I am," he said. "Are thcy going to atari play- ing onc municipality againal another? In Uic naine of faimess, Uiat shouldn't happen." He worried thc meaauremenls could lic used bo penalize arean that already have tlicir bouse in order. "We're doing a good job, so why Uic legialabon." he aslced. "I can'l figure il out, I really can't." QUiers, such as Oakville Mayor Ann Mulvale aaid the information would have to be analyzed and computed fairly in order to be useful. She gave Uic exaniple of fire services within Halton. Though Milton, Ballon Huis and Burlington ail have volunteer fire tightcrs, Oakville doesn't, she poinied out. So by tooking aI rost of Uic service only, Oakville could tic dcduccd as being way oui of line. "You have 10 use Ibis an a tool if it's sincere 10 determine brai practices," ahe said. "It bas b lic appîca to apples." TIse analysis is 10 be submilted 10 Uic Province as an addition to an already running annual report, said Mr. Archer. IVi contain up 10 35 broad- level efficiency measures, The Cariadian Champion, Fnday, February 16, 2001-7 Medical centre plan ned -frors OPTIMISI on page 3 developed to a higher and better use." Mr. Boisvin's plans for the two-storey, two-acre property revolve around the cre- ation of an all-encompassing medical cli- ic ihat would include a laboraiory pharma- cy and coffee shop. Kingsway Court resident Richard Murray - represeniing a smaîl group of bis neighbours ai Monday's meeting - expressed reserved support for the propos- ai provided that the retaîl end of the centre wouldn't gel out of hand. His concerns appeared îo tic cascd by the applicani, who oftered assurances ihai the pharmacy and coffee shop would bci- marily for physîcian and patient use. -We don't envision it beiîîg a huge S!artiucks or Shoppers Drug Mari.' Addiiionat concemrs about the clinic's Iighting and signage were addressed in similar fashion, with a "tow key" approacti agreed t0 tic taken. Ward 4 Councillor John Challinor sup- ported the plan, but said a public meeting with neighbouring residents should be scheduled to"proceed on the night foot." The plan was unanornously received. A technical report is set to follow. Girl Guide Sandwich Cookies On Sale ai the Milton Mail SGirl Guides of Canada Guides THIS WEEK DON CRASHER SPECIALSI, For the First 50 customers. $1299