Jim Puffalt, Rod Montgomery and Fraser Tolmie.
If life has taught me anything it’s to try to see the humour in every circumstance, even the ridiculous antics of these senior managers and this mayor.
1. City Manager Jim Puffalt
He claims to have “intent and talent,” as the reason he deserves the city managers job. He’s had 20 years in his profession prior to the Friendly City.
12 years in Estevan; 4 years in North Battle Ford.
He spent 4 years between Elrose Sask., Wilkie Sask. then Dauphin Manitoba. Does this accurately round out your career, Mr. Puffalt?
Your words Mr. Puffalt:
“But the other part of the job is being the chief adviser to council on decisions, providing them with information so they can make a decision.”
“In the end, what council decides is what is done, and council is accountable to the public. “Ultimately, Puffalt works for the citizens of the city.”
Puffalt learned about customer service, and that stuck with him.
“We should try and find ways to help people, not hinder or be bureaucratic and get in the way of things,” Puffalt said.
Jim Puffalt has spoken often about “broken window syndrome” — the idea that if problems aren’t addressed right away, the look of the community will deteriorate even more.
The next step for Puffalt seems to be usually to a bigger municipality with bigger budgets and responsibilities.
You seem to have left out the “increase in pay” that comes with the job.
But the house at 1511 Hastings St. certainly shows your failure rather than “your customer service,” in resolving this property complaint.
Unoccupied Buildings Bylaw 5484
(8) No owner shall cause or permit an unoccupied building to become damaged or to deteriorate into a state of disrepair such that the building is an imminent danger to public safety.
Definition of dilapidated: decayed, deteriorated, or fallen into partial ruin especially through neglect or misuse a dilapidated old house.
Could this be why, “Estevan city council decided they would like to move in a different direction, and that direction did not include Jim Puffalt.”
2. Fire Chief Officer Rod Montgomery, and part time Bylaw Enforcement Officer
Bylaw Enforcement Officer Rod Montgomery, I notice your having difficulty responding to my question concerning, “Your department couldn’t go on the property to do a fire inspection.”
I notice you aren’t checking the progress of your and Puffalt’s progress on the property at 1511 Hastings St.?
3. Fraser Tolmie
“Largest land sale in Moose Jaw history positive for community,” says mayor.
Canadian Tire deal put off for a year; isn’t there an election for the mayor and councillors in November?
I can no longer say this busy deal maker hasn’t ever contacted me July 2, 2020 email:
“Automatic reply: Derelict Property 1511 Hastings St.
I will be checking my email frequently. Due to the present Covid19 circumstances, I may be unavailable. If your matter is urgent, please forward your email to and she will ensure I receive it. Thank you and stay safe!”
Tolmie’s assistant is on vacation until July 13, 2020. How much do you want to bet if I was a Chinese Businessman, I would get a dinner.
I bet, if I were to total up the salary increases, the perks, more staff for our overworked mayor, plus space, car allowances, mileage and God knows what else, one could demolish and build a new house on the property.
“It offered him the opportunity to have the Administrative Review Officer hear his concerns, which Carter declined,” Tolmie said. City hall has since forwarded the file to the provincial ombudsman.
So, tell me, let me repeat the question that Jim asked me when I met with him and Michelle Sanson, October 2019:
“What do you want to see happen with the property”? Answer, “restored to a livable state or demolished.”
-- Carter Currie
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
