LIVE BLOG: City Council Meeting for November 16, 2016

Published on by Adam A. Donaldson

Tonight’s #GuelphBudget meeting will deal with the budget items shared between the City and other levels of government, boards, and organizations. You can click here for the amended agenda from City Hall, and you can click here to read Politico’s preview of tonight’s meeting. For the complete blow-by-blow of tonight’s council meeting, you can follow me on Twitter, or follow along below via Storify.

by
Adam A. Donaldson
Thu, Nov 17 2016 06:13:37

Guelph City Council Meeting – November 16, 2016

Live blog from the meeting starting at 6 pm

  1. #GuelphBudget is discussed again tonight at #Guelph City Hall. The Politico Preview: https://t.co/kzlrbE7fDw https://t.co/v1YRSfLwvO

    #GuelphBudget is discussed again tonight at #Guelph City Hall. The Politico Preview:  http://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca/2016/11/city-council-preview-whats-on-agenda_13.html … pic.twitter.com/v1YRSfLwvO
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 17:18:50

  2. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bradley Breedon will be live-tweeting the meeting at 6 pm.  http://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca/2016/11/live-blog-city-council-meeting-for_16.html …

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 17:19:33

  3. Bradley Breedon here covering #GuelphBudget. We're about to get started, here's a preview of the agenda for tonight. https://t.co/fu6d0QtVHR

    Bradley Breedon here covering #GuelphBudget. We’re about to get started, here’s a preview of the agenda for tonight. pic.twitter.com/fu6d0QtVHR
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 22:55:22

  4. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    No finding of pecuniary interest in the council; James Krauter takes the mic.

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:02:37

  5. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Recommendation: that 2017 Local Boards and Shared Services Budgets be referred to the Dec 7th council meeting for final deliberation

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:04:19

  6. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Steven Kraft on the Guelph Public Library: lifelong learning opportunities for the community ensuring equal access to safe a welcoming space

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:05:58

  7. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    In 2015, saw a 13.3% increase in attendance. Poll of 761 members said that GPL contributed to quality of life average of 8.7 on a 1-10 scale

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:07:02

  8. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    44% of those people polled used the downtown central library; half of downtown users say they spend with local business on trip to library

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:07:43

  9. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guelph Public Library request an increase of 3.27% on budget. Total budget is 3.08% Additional revenues of 549k from fees, charges, grants.

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:10:35

  10. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    For every Guelph resident, it would average only 21 cents a day to fund the GPL. #GuelphBudget

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:12:06

  11. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Kraft to Councillor Allt: the library elevators, pipes, and roofing are operational but in need of repairs. Mostly applies to the dt library

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:15:56

  12. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cam Guthrie: what percentage of the 3.27% is appropriated for a new IT employee? Did the libraries look to the city for IT help?

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:17:14

  13. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Kraft: 70k for employee, city doesn’t offer the hours needed for the Guelph Public Library. #GuelphBudget

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:18:31

  14. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Shanna O’Dwyer manager of Public Health for Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph up next.

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:26:18

  15. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Public Health helps prevent disease through immunization, screening, research. Promote health through education and public policy.

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:27:39

  16. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Funding comes from Public Health Agency of Canada, Community grants as well as the counties of Guelph, Wellington, Dufferin

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:29:04

  17. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    These counties provide 32% of funding for the WDGPH.

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:31:37

  18. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    This funding would go towards the cost-shared and mandatory budget of WDGPH: the budget allocation among counties based on StatsCan census

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:34:38

  19. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    That means Guelph would need to increase spending by 2%. 74% of budget would be on salaries/benefits.13% on building occupancy #GuelphBudget

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:39:04

  20. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Total budget increase for Guelph in 2017 would be $73,653

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:46:21

  21. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Marty Williams, Exec Director of Downtown Business Association takes the podium.

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:47:24

  22. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Highlighting the DTBA strengths: good community involvement, social media presence, and contributions back to the community.

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:48:30

  23. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Challenges: waste management, sidewalks, construction disruptions to business, and parking off the Wilson Parkade.#GuelphBudget

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:50:04

  24. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Worked with the university to put up banners of Special Olympians, worked with shuttle bus service to get supporters/family to St. Georges

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:51:27

  25. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Focus for new year: cataloguing new businesses, Ontario Business Improvement Association Average is on par with Guelph’s downtown

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:54:05

  26. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Looking to recruit more members for the BIA outside of downtown and to work with city council to do this: get members more involved.

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:55:40

  27. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Looking to collect data on wi-fi, pedestrian counters, transaction data all city-wide #GuelphBudget

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:56:55

  28. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wi-fi data collection: either active (login in to access) or passive (looking for a connection). Looking to use data to help new businesses

    Wed, Nov 16 2016 23:58:51

  29. Marty Williams on payroll: “payroll has stayed pretty consistent. It’s why I’m wearing the same suit as last year”. #GuelphBudget pic.twitter.com/lQ9HRwsFcu
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:02:38

  30. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DTGBA net gain of 17k. Looking to work with the city in expanding membership/businesses

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:16:38

  31. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Judy Sorbara, Chair of the Guelph Police Services is next to present at #GuelphBudget

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:18:06

  32. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Jeff DeRuyter, Chief of Police will take over the budget presentation from here. Presenting the 2016-2018 Strategic Business Plan.

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:20:21

  33. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Chief DeRuyter acknowledges that mental health and addiction is a serious concern for police, as well as utilizing information technology.

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:21:06

  34. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Assessed their budget and want a 0.33% budget reduction, decreasing by 76k for 2017-2019 #GuelphBudget

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:23:37

  35. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Admin review allowed for restructuring using tech, front-line procedure changes (going to 12hr shifts), and deployment review (dash footage)

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:25:30

  36. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Continual improvements include utilizing cloud technology,electronic fingerprinting, and replacing cruisers every three years (up from two)

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:28:47

  37. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guelph now only 5th safest city in Canada but high satisfaction rate from citizens & 88% of police calls are non-violent crime #GuelphBudget

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:32:16

  38. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Budget for 2017: 39mn, or 3.19% of city’s operating budget. That’s after the 0.33% saved by internal review.

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:38:44

  39. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Looking towards expanding prisoner care, and hiring/training domestic violence investigator, fraud investigator among others #GuelphBudget

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:40:24

  40. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The penultimate presenter for the night, Trevor Lee, CEO of the Elliot Community is next.

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:49:58

  41. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The Elliot Community is celebrating its 110th anniversary next year: a registered non-profit, and one of the city’s top 30 employers.

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:51:04

  42. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Budget Review: 60% of budgeting is on staffing. Asking for a 2% increase in budgeting.

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 00:58:26

  43. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Finally, Shared and Social Services with Eddie Alton and Ken DeHart doing a two-part presentation to wrap up #GuelphBudget

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:07:33

  44. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Soc. Services: 3 divisions: Ont Works, Children’s Early Years & Housing Services. 3 Ontario Works locations, 5 children locations, 1 Housing

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:10:00

  45. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Plans: 20,000 homes campaign, portable housing allowance and guaranteed annual income. #GuelphBudget

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:11:03

  46. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Ontario Works saw a 2.6% annual increase in caseload: 1.5% of local pop. supported by Ont Works, one of the lowest in the province.

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:13:49

  47. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Housing Services: funding/admin of 3389 units through social, affordable and market rent housing #GuelphBudget

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:17:25

  48. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Ken DeHart will take over for the money side of things and the 5 year plan.

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:22:31

  49. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Five year plan:2.1mn for social housing next year, OW municipal benefits contribution drops from 5.8 to 2.8%, saving 496k.

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:27:05

  50. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The city is on the hook for a $43 000 elevator and stone replacement for Ontario Works.That must be a nice elevator

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:29:10

  51. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Children’s Early Years budget hasn’t been announced by the prov yet. Allocation based off 2016 allocation; will be updated once prov speaks

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:31:26

  52. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Soc. services is asking for a 1.5% increase in spending, to 7.6mn. County taking over Ont.’s Family Centres not accounted for #GuelphBudget

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:36:23

  53. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    BUT, Housing Services is opening Webster Place (55 units of affordable housing for seniors) in Spring 2017.

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:37:58

  54. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Motion: refer Local Boards and Shared Services Budgets to December 7th council meeting for final deliberation

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:41:46

  55. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    PASSED! #GuelphBudget

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:42:07

  56. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    And the meeting’s adjourned! Thanks for tuning in tonight folks, next budget meeting will be November 30th!

    Thu, Nov 17 2016 01:43:49

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