Discussion of relocation of food bank veers off topic into personal attacks

by Andy Campbell

Mar 26, 2008

SOUTH RIVER – A meeting of the South River-Machar medical centre board turned into a row on March 18, when members discussed whether the Good Happenings Food Bank should move to the basement of the facility, and who should make that decision.

Food bank representatives Elaine and Ian McNeil attended the meeting to address concerns about the food bank and its clientele. “Strict but compassionate” were the words Ian McNeil used to describe food bank volunteers, explaining that while they are concerned with helping clients in a respectful manner, they do enforce the rules.

“We do not allow anyone into the building who is drunk or on drugs,” he said.
McNeil further explained that the selection of potential locations was limited, because one of the main food bank personnel cannot use stairs. The medical centre has an elevator in addition to vacant space. McNeil noted that the basement could be used without any disruption of the medical centre, if the food bank could use the back door. However, he had been told that the doctors would not want anyone parking on that side of the building.

“The doctors are only tenants,” said South River councillor Kathy Parker.

“Very important tenants,” corrected Machar appointee John Haller.

“But they are tenants,” said Parker.

“Very important tenants,” Haller repeated.

McNeil continued addressing the concerns he has heard from board members. These included concerns about everything from food deliveries to clients using the washrooms.

“Security seems to be an issue,” he said, noting that the assumption seems to be that the food bank is going to let people wander all over the building.

McNeil refuted any notion that his clients were drunk, unruly or disruptive, pointing out that in all the time the food bank has shared a building with the municipal office, there has not been a single complaint from village staff.

“The food bank has not caused them one bit of concern,” he said.

McNeil said that as a taxpayer, he did not agree with the board keeping an important community service out of what is, after all, a municipal building. He further questioned whether any other potential tenant would be greeted with as many concerns.

Parker said that both the councils of South River and Machar voted jointly to support the move in principle.

“Our council is backing you 100 per cent,” she told McNeil, suggesting that if council-appointed community members have concerns, they should explain them to their councils.

Haller asked if anyone has asked the food bank’s patrons if they want to come to the medical centre.

“If people are hungry and need food, I don’t think that’s an issue,” said Elaine McNeil.

Ian McNeil pointed out that the food bank is only open for two hours on Thursday afternoons.

Chair and Machar councillor Edna Coughlin noted that Thursday is a busy day at the medical centre, with the blood clinic and the foot clinic.

Haller asked if a medical centre is an appropriate place for a food bank.

“If we don’t feed people, they’ll be sick,” said McNeil.

Haller said that the public’s views need to be considered.

“So far, I’ve heard one comment in favour of this,” he said.

Parker said that she has heard at least 20 positive comments from members of the public. She also said that the medical centre is a municipal building, and the decision is for the councils to make.

“We don’t count?” said Haller.

“You are appointed at the pleasure of council,” said Parker, pointing out that councillors have a mandate from the public to make decisions.

“You got my vote, but you’ll never get it again talking like that,” said South River appointee Barb Murdoch.

McNeil said that he did not wish to cause a problem. The food bank would take what money they have and rent space.

“I don’t want to cause any bad blood over this,” he said.

Parker insisted that both councils gave their unanimous support at a joint meeting.

Coughlin noted that her council had, in fact, passed a motion rescinding their previous approval in principle.

“They didn’t inform South River that they changed their mind,” said Parker.

Coughlin suggested that since it was a matter for the medical centre board, she considered it enough that the motion was sent to the board.

Haller asked if any other locations have been considered.

McNeil said that nothing suitable was available initially, but something has recently come along, and will cost the food bank about $225 a month. He suggested that the municipalities might give financial support in lieu of donating space.

Haller asked why people are assuming the board will say no.

“I don’t think anybody’s made up their mind which way to go on this,” he said.

McNeil pointed out that he had spoken with Haller on the phone, and he had made his position quite clear. In fact, most of the concerns were his.

Haller claimed to be partly concerned for the dignity of food bank clients.

“I would not want to walk through there with my groceries if my friends and neighbours are there,” he said.

McNeil pointed out that wouldn’t be necessary if they could use the back door. He said he looked at the back parking lot and there is enough room.

After further discussion, the McNeils left. Coughlin advised them that a decision might have to wait until after the two councils have their next joint meeting in April.

Parker again pointed out that Machar should have notified South River of their change of heart.

“We made a joint decision,” she said.

Haller cut her off.

“That’s for council, not for us,” he said.

Coughlin and Haller both pointed out that both councils agreed to leave the final decision to the board. This was, in fact, a concession made by South River mayor Jim Coleman to secure the support of Machar mayor Harvey Pinkerton, who was reluctant to risk offending the board.

After the McNeils’ departure, the board began its own discussion, but not of the issue at hand.

“Obviously, whatever I say doesn’t matter anyway, because I’m not an elected official,” said Haller.

Murdoch said that she had never been put down like that in her 12 years on the board.

Parker said that it was not meant as a putdown, merely a fact.

Haller and Murdoch also questioned Parker’s assertion that the board was against having the food bank in the building.

“We had questions,” said Haller.

Parker pointed out that board members said some very uncomplimentary things about food bank clientele at their previous meeting, and took a great deal of offence at the council recommendation.

“What was said was ‘Who are they to tell us what to do?’” she said.

Parker said she also knows what has been said around town, as it has come back to her and other members of council.

Coughlin told Parker that the medical centre is the only joint board that is self-sufficient, and that is due to the work of people like Murdoch and Haller.

“I can’t think of one thing that you’ve done for this board,” she said.

Pressed for details, Coughlin brought up a labeling project Parker failed to do. Parker insisted that Murdoch had just gone ahead and done it without her. She also pointed out that the others have been on the board much longer than she has.

“I’m the newest member, what chance have I had to do anything?” she asked, pointing out that she is an active member and leader in many other organizations.

“Lets get real,” said Haller. “Stop this.”

Coughlin expressed distress at hearing Parker criticize two of the board’s best members.

“Now we’re qualifying people?” Parker asked. “They’re the best and I’m the worst?”

The discussion was eventually brought to a close, and a tearful Parker left the meeting early.

“All I can say is that was very interesting,” said Haller.

Since that meeting, Coughlin has told the Almaguin News that the mayors of both communities have agreed to withdraw support for moving the food bank to the medical centre. The food bank has reportedly met to discuss their options. As of press time, no further details are known.