The community-based Muskoka Wharf board, which has been ongoing with staff reports since December, is an effort to manage the day-to-day operations and municipal interests at the wharf in a cost-effective and co-ordinated manner to ensure the long-term sustainability of the multimillion-dollar development.

Gravenhurst Mayor John Klinck says the Muskoka Wharf board is a different way to manage the wharf and gives the municipality an opportunity to test whether there are more effective ways to operate it.

“We’ve had such great effectiveness of other boards,” said Klinck. “The library board is a classic example. The boards manage (the facilities) second-hand, they come up with a budget, and we’re hoping there may be some cost savings. We’ll be keeping an eye on it for the next year or two.”

But questions around preferential treatment surfaced in a deputation by Gravenhurst Business Improvement Area (BIA) chair Judy Terry.

Terry said the BIA membership is confused with the direction the bylaw takes the town of Gravenhurst.

She said for the last several months the economic development committee has been committed to developing one unified marketing committee to market all of Gravenhurst.

“This draft (bylaw) in fact creates more divisiveness than ever before — almost like a distinct community with its own government, and one that is full of inequities,” she said.

“We understand the town’s obligation and responsibility to the operations and site maintenance of Muskoka Wharf, but question the reports . . . that suggest strongly that the town of Gravenhurst owes the retail/service sector three years supportive marketing and implies that their success is dependent on this,” said Terry. “Is this something that you are willing to offer every other new business in town? I must have missed the memo.”

Terry said all businesses struggle and solve their own problems or work with a retailers’ organization in a co-operative manner.

“The idea that this is like a BIA is an unfair comparison,” she said. “The BIA, whose mandate is marketing and beautification, is self-funded. The proposed wharf board is charged with developing and implementing a marketing plan — funded publicly. Another inequity and one that has no price tag yet?”

Lance Sherk, town economic development officer responded that there is no intention to spend town money marketing the private sector.

“To presume ahead of time that the wharf board will use public money to market the private sector does a disservice to the board members,” he said.

Councillor Lou Guerriero said the public funds will be used for operations only, not for marketing, and will be well identified and accountable.

“We need to make sure money from taxpayers is not going into private marketing,” agreed councillor Sandy Cairns.

Terry also pointed out the Muskoka Wharf board is charged with maintaining and updating the wharf website.

“Why does the town need two websites? Can the wharf just have a page on the new town website?” she said. “Have you been on the wharf website lately? This publicly funded website markets a select group of businesses in Gravenhurst and has been updated lately. One wharf business requires staff for the 2008 season. Is this a service the town of Gravenhurst is offering to their entire business sector?”

In supporting a bylaw to create the municipal services board, Mayor Klinck said he looks forward to challenging the private sector to find ways to maintain the development more efficiently than the town, but said the town will not accept a budget that proposes a higher level of service than other areas in the municipality.

Questions posed by Terry surrounding the wharf’s allocation of the 2008 budget could not be answered by the town’s treasurer.

Ken Watson said the funds are essentially coming out of the town’s existing budget and put into a separate fund for the wharf. The breakdown will be available once the board is put in place, he said.

There is no provision in the bylaw that commits the private sector to contribute to operational costs.

According to previous reports, the Muskoka Wharf board would be expected to recommend an operations and capital replacement budget on an annual basis for town council to review and approve.

While the board is not permitted to hire employees, the board may consider contracting services for various functions and duties.

The board’s responsibilities also include the operation of the marina and grounds maintenance at the wharf, as well as addressing case-by-case operational issues.

Previous reports said part of the board’s mandate could include attracting businesses and pursuit of a “brand” recognition for the wharf. It will also be expected to develop a marketing plan consistent with the town’s marketing committee.

The board will liaise with project partners and external business partners, maintain and update the wharf website, develop strategic and business plans for the wharf’s operation, and make recommendations to council for changes to wharf-related bylaws.

Any financial transactions will go through the municipality as a management board is not authorized to hold or operate a bank account.

The Muskoka Wharf board will be composed of three town councillors, one representative of Evanco, one representative of the Muskoka Steamship and Historical Society (HISSO), one member of the Muskoka Wharf condominium board, two representatives of the community at large, and one representative of wharf businesses.

The board will utilize a weighted voting system, whereby the three members of council appointed to sit on the board will get two votes, as well as the mayor as an ex-officio member.

This, according town clerk Candy Thwaites, is meant to maintain and balance the interests of the municipality and the private sector. A bylaw to appoint the member of the board will be presented at the May 22 council meeting. Town staff indicated the appointed members will participate in a training session to acquaint them with municipal legislation and internal processes.

Board members will serve staggered terms for the remainder of the 2006-2010 council term.