www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Thursday, October 29, 2015 | 8 Pam Damoff puts in her last Town council meeting by David Lea Oakville Beaver Staff Ward 2 Town Councillor Pam Damoff said a tearful good-bye to Oakville council during Monday night's meeting. Damoff was elected MP for the Oakville North-- Burlington riding in the recent federal election. She is scheduled to be sworn in to her new position along with the rest of the new federal government in early November. The council meeting following will see Damoff's council seat officially declared vacant. Oakville Mayor Rob Burton confirmed Monday the position will be filled through a by-election. During the meeting, Burton presented Damoff with a bouquet of flowers and congratulated her. The multi-coloured flowers, he noted, were a reminder of the importance of MPs of all parties working together in harmony and co-operation to the benefit of the country. A tearful Damoff accepted the bouquet and received a standing ovation from those present. The outgoing councillor said while she was excited about her new role as MP , her departure is a somewhat bittersweet. "I've loved everything about being part of this Town council and I am really proud of everything we have accomplished," she said. "It has been five years since I was elected. I know I will be back for the official good-bye, but I had to say tonight a thank you to the mayor and all my colleagues on council." Damoff singled out Ward 2 Town and Regional Councillor Cathy Duddeck, calling her the best partner a person could ever want and a really good friend. She also thanked Town staff, but left her closing comments As a Maid Right owner you have my quality guarantee with every clean. FREE SM CLEAN CLEAN 289.809.9823 (XXX) XXX-XXXX localurladdressgoeshere.com Oakville.MaidRight.com Same Reliable Owners Clean Every Visit Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products Color-Coded Cloths Reduce Cross Contamination EnviroShield® Whole Home Disinfecting Strongest Guarantee In the Industry ©2015 Maid Right Franchising LLC. Maid Right and JAN-PRO International are subsidiaries of Premium Franchise Brands LLC. for the residents of Ward 2. "Many of you I worked with long before I was on council. Cathy and I often say we represent the heart of Oakville and a piece of my heart will always be in Ward 2," said Damoff. "(Until) next time, thank you." Damoff, who was serving her second term, is a long-time organizer of the Oakville Santa Claus Parade and is chair of it this year. She is also currently chair of Oakville's Terry Fox Run, but is not certain SPECIAL OFFER: OFFER: at this time whether her SPECIAL duties as MP will allow her to remain so. Damoff received a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal for her community service in January. She is a co-organizer Schedule 3 cleans, Schedule 3 cleans, of Cycle Oakville, get the 4th free* get the 4th free* a grassroots group *Receive the 4th of four cleans at no charge *Receive the 4th of four cleans at no charge up to $150 value. Not valid on prior services. promoting cycling, up to $125 value. Not valid on prior services. Not redeemable for cash. Applies to new Not redeemable for cash. Applies to new bicycle-friendly business customers only. customers only. districts and organizing social rides. Damoff has more than Pam Damoff 25 years of business experience gained in the financial and investment banking sector, Bay Street and through her own consulting business. She is a graduate of the University of Western Ontario. Some of Damoff's notable accomplishments during her time on council included promoting a motion, which led to Oakville becoming the first Ontario municipality to restrict tanning bed use for those under 18. She was also a big supporter of bringing e-bingo to the Oakville Delta Bingo facility to support charitable fundraising. www.oakville.ca Budget 2016 Be informed. Be part of the process The 2016 proposed rates and fees will be adopted as part of the 2016 budget process. They will be available for review on Friday, November 6, 2015 on the 2016 Budget page at oakville.ca or in person at Town Hall at the ServiceOakville customer service desk. At this meeting, the Budget Committee will discuss: · Proposed changes to existing fees (transit fares, recreation program fees, building and planning permit fees, parking rates, etc.) · Estimated costs of administering and enforcing the Building Code Act by the Town of Oakville · Estimated costs of administering and enforcing the Planning Act by the Town of Oakville · Rationale for imposing or changing fees Anyone wishing to provide comments to the committee may do so in person or by emailing the Town Clerk at townclerk@oakville.ca by 9 a.m. on November 18, 2015. At this meeting, the town's Budget Committee will also be receiving the proposed 2016 Operating Budget for review. With the budget process underway, the Budget Committee will be holding both formal and informal public consultation meetings between now and December 14, 2015. Visit oakville.ca to learn more about how to get involved. Recommendations from the Budget Committee will be submitted to Council for approval at the December 14, 2015 meeting in the Council Chambers at Town Hall starting at 7 p.m. This meeting will also include changing existing building permit fees under section 7 of the Building Code Act, as well as under section 69 (1) of the Planning Act to change existing fees for the processing of applications regarding planning matters. Approved 2016 rates and fees will be implemented effective January 1, 2016. For more information contact the Clerk's department at 905-815-6015 or townclerk@oakville.ca, or Nancy Sully, deputy treasurer, director of financial planning at 905-845-6601, ext. 3143 or nancy.sully@oakville.ca, or by filling out an accessible form online at oakville.ca. community or seniors' centre. You can also download a form at oakville.ca. Register in person until November 20 Town Hall, 1225 Trafalgar Road ServiceOakville counter Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Only $96.05 ($85 plus HST) for the season! For more information, contact ServiceOakville at 905-845-6601 or visit oakville.ca. Review of 2016 proposed rates and fees, and Release of the 2016 proposed operating budget 2016 Budget Committee meeting Wednesday, November 18, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. Town Hall, Council Chamber - 1225 Trafalgar Road Driveway Snow Windrow Clearing Program Registration is now open! If you are 65+ or have a physical disability or medical condition, you may be eligible for the Town of Oakville's driveway snow windrow clearing program. Our winter service will clear the snow pile left at the end of your driveway after the road has been plowed. Pick up an application form at Town Hall, any Oakville library,