A’burg businesses fear impact of change in policing
A group of Amherstburg businesses came to town hall Monday night expressing concern over the potential loss of business when Windsor assumes a contract to operate the Amherstburg police service.
However, they weren’t happy with the response they received. Derek Didone, co-owner of County Towing Inc., addressed council on behalf of his company, Joe Meloche from Meloche Ford, Leo Racicot from Racicot Chrysler, Andy Matte from Uptown Body, Aaron Lewenza from Heritage Tire and Scott Elliott from Amherstburg Chevrolet. “Combined we have provided sales and or service to the community of Amherstburg for more than 160 years,” Didone told council. “Over the years we have each built strong relationships with the community and the municipality. It is no secret that the town of Amherstburg and its police service have always supported local small business.”
Didone noted that his company has a towing contract with Amherstburg police that lasts into next year, and he has spent money on equipment and staff to provide the service.
Local auto dealerships have also sold police cruisers to the service over the years and provided servicing.
“Windsor Police Service buys directly from vehicle manufacturers and receives a fleet discount,” said Didone. “Under these circumstances, this would eliminate the opportunity for local dealerships to bid on the sale of a new cruiser.” He also noted that Windsor police have their own repair and maintenance department.
“It is clear council had to make a very difficult decision when choosing to amalgamate with Windsor Police Service,” said Didone. “While we are confident that careful consideration was exercised when making this controversial decision, we have concerns that the potential for a negative economical impact on local small businesses may have been overlooked.” Didone had two questions for council: “What provisions will be included in the 20-year Windsor police contract proposal to assure local small business owners will not lose revenue to businesses outside of the municipality?” and “Can we be assured that a proportionate amount of Windsor police budgetary dollars will be spent on goods and services in this community?” Town CAO John Miceli said they will do what they can, but can’t make any promises.
“We can make a recommendation to them, we can talk to them, I can’t guarantee anything,” said Miceli.
Miceli also said that adding a local procurement clause to a tender is illegal under the Municipal Act. “Amherstburg police may have done that but municipalities cannot,” Miceli said.
After his presentation Didone expressed some concern.
“It didn’t really get the answers I was looking for,” said Didone. “I guess what I was looking for is to have a fair and equal shot at it.” Didone said as a businessman he understands the importance of cutting costs but there should be consideration for small businesses. “For many years my company has been contracted by the department to provide towing, recovery and impoundment services,” Didone said. “By making this change, we feel that we are at risk financially. “At the end of the day, there are savings to be had. However, we as local business owners are concerned that some of these savings are going to be at our expense.”