Gibsons Mayor and Council:
Have you entered into an agreement that may be considered misfeasance regarding the land exchange for Winn Road? I am of the understanding that misfeasance is the action of public officials that is not technically illegal, but nevertheless is irrational and therefore wrong, and if it is determined that harm can be attributed to this activity then it is unlawful. I pose the question. Is this land exchange based upon or in accordance with sensible and prudent logic or, in other words, is it rational?
Based upon the estimated value of Winn Road of $1.5 million, the Town is essentially buying this public plaza for $1.5 million. On one side of this plaza is the public market and on the other side Winegarden Park – therefore there is no rational need to buy a plaza. The developer/owner of the hotel would want the marina tourists and the public to utilize the hotel’s facilities such as the restaurant and bar, therefore he would not gate the walkways between the hotel and marina, nor between the hotel and Winegarden Park, nor anywhere else. The walkways are not part of any rational explanation for this transaction.
It appears that the Town is giving something of value and receiving little or no value in return and therefore is essentially gifting Winn Road to the developer. This action may be considered harmful and qualify as misfeasance. That would be for a court to decide. I suggest that council either sell Winn Road at fair market value or keep it for access to the waterfront for the disabled via their mobility scooters, as there is going to be a lot of seniors riding around in those mobility scooters in the near future.
Garry Spencer, Gibsons
