LIVE BLOG: City Council Meeting for March 27, 2017

Published on by Adam A. Donaldson

Surplus assets, under-charges, an investigation of closed meetings, and whether or not Guelph will be a Sanctuary City are the matters before council this week. 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
Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:49:18

Guelph City Council Meeting – March 27, 2017

Live blog from the meeting starting at 6:30 pm

  1. Getting ready to rumble! #councilmeeting @PhilAlltWard3 @ward6mark @CamGuthrie https://t.co/47NCgnZRU5

    Getting ready to rumble! #councilmeeting @PhilAlltWard3 @ward6mark @CamGuthrie pic.twitter.com/47NCgnZRU5
    Cathy Downer@CathyDowner

    ·
    ·

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 20:53:24

  2. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    About 5 minutes till the start of council. It seems like the closed session wrapped up early…

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:24:58

  3. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Here’s what’s on the agenda in case you were interested.  http://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca/2017/03/city-council-preview-whats-on-agenda_17.html …

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:25:50

  4. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Closed meet items: Public Appointments to Various Advisory Committees and The Board of Trustees of the Elliott Community – Later in the meet

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:30:14

  5. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Request for an Exception to the Public Appointment Policy from Guelph Police Services Board – Later in the meet.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:30:31

  6. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hanlon Creek Business Park – Development Options – Direction given to staff.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:30:49

  7. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Changes to GMHI Governance Structure = Later in the meet.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:31:06

  8. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Charges and Fees, Lowes Road and Dawn Avenue = a receive-only report to be dealt with later in meet

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:31:35

  9. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Minutes pass 13-0

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:34:11

  10. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Consent agenda, all but CWWF/PTIF agreement, East End growth, and Sidewalk needs pass.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:38:14

  11. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    1st item up is CWWF and PTIF payment, no Qs from Council.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:38:49

  12. Since it's a new agenda item and wasn't discussed, here's the motion on CWWF/PTIF Transfer Payment Agreement. https://t.co/yVxxIwQbX1

    Since it’s a new agenda item and wasn’t discussed, here’s the motion on CWWF/PTIF Transfer Payment Agreement. pic.twitter.com/yVxxIwQbX1
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:39:55

  13. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up Natural Heritage Action Plan and a delegation from Hugh Whiteley.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:40:22

  14. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    There are differences, Whiteley says so pay attention.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:40:49

  15. Dr Whiteley notes that council doesn't have time to read this slide, so they can read it latter. https://t.co/uElUcaLolQ

    Dr Whiteley notes that council doesn’t have time to read this slide, so they can read it latter. pic.twitter.com/uElUcaLolQ
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:44:05

  16. Whiteley's beef in a nutshell. https://t.co/Wt9Zjm7vIN

    Whiteley’s beef in a nutshell. pic.twitter.com/Wt9Zjm7vIN
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:49:17

  17. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury asks about the significance of updating the trails master plan.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:49:54

  18. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DCAO Clack says a tender is out now, and it is proceeding.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:50:11

  19. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says he’s sympathetic to concerns, but wonders about the logic of opening up every plan while pursuing the plan it intersects with

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:51:46

  20. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Vote on Natural Heritage Action Plan: pases 13-0

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:52:18

  21. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next: sidewalk needs assessment.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:52:33

  22. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings asks about correspondence from Maple Leaf foods, when will stretch of Speedvale btw Imperial & Elmira go in?

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:53:40

  23. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    High priority sidewalks will go in this year, summer or fall is the intent.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:54:04

  24. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings is moving 2, 3 and 4, and is moving an alternative #1 that DCAO Stewart sent to council via email.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:57:29

  25. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    New #1: Proposed criteria as outside be approved. Simplifies the wording of point #1.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:58:21

  26. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury says Speedvale Rd is an opportunity where a # of issues collide, no cycling infrastructure or sidewalks, active transit options?

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:59:26

  27. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    There’s discussion and collaboration on this, says staff.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 22:59:51

  28. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks if staff can align interests. Laying a sidewalk that might receive a transit landing pad later.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:01:11

  29. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The simple answer is yes, but it’s an integrated approach, says Stewart.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:01:46

  30. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell asks what council will see next in the way of the list?

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:02:45

  31. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Stewart says they’ll start building list based on criteria, will come up at #GuelphBudget time.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:03:00

  32. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Sidewalk Needs Assessment passes 13-0.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:03:19

  33. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up, Accelerate Commercial Growth in East End. Q from Wettstein.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:04:07

  34. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein suggests minor changes to Point #2, replace “opportunities” with “situations”

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:04:54

  35. Point #1 passes 13-0. Now on to #2. https://t.co/lWsRDBhppn

    Point #1 passes 13-0. Now on to #2. pic.twitter.com/lWsRDBhppn
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:06:13

  36. That staff report back to Council on these *situations* as they emerge... https://t.co/UnroxLj8Pw

    That staff report back to Council on these *situations* as they emerge… pic.twitter.com/UnroxLj8Pw
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:07:06

  37. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein wants to soften the language, shake off the opinion that the City has a plan B.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:07:47

  38. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt, who second Wettstein’s motion, likes the idea of not giving the impression that there’s a loophole through the normal planning process

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:10:51

  39. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings gets staff feedback. Stewart says he was fined with how it was worded before, has nothing new to add.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:14:09

  40. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says that Wettstein had weeks to come to him, had discussion at Committee, but motion’s getting dragged out.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:15:12

  41. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt calls for point of personal privilege. Says that Gibson got it wrong.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:15:30

  42. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says he stands by his comment. Got unanimous endorsement at Committee, wants it again. Sometimes you don’t like motions.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:16:02

  43. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury says this is a “mother and apple pie” moment. The motion does nothing. It’s a statement.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:16:42

  44. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury says the worst case scenario is that this is political posturing, shouldn’t be debated in the first place.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:17:22

  45. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie now attempting to bring council together, just vote yes or no he says.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:17:42

  46. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein amendment fails 4-9. Only Allt, Gibson, Piper and Wettstein for.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:18:49

  47. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt says he’s going to vote for the motion, just trying to get Wettstein on side.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:19:17

  48. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Original referral passes 11-2. Salisbury, Wettstein vote against.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:19:41

  49. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up Sanctuary Cities motion. Gordon says he’s grateful for all commentary he’s received, in favour and against.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:20:20

  50. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gordon officially withdrawing motion to allow the continuing of the conversation, as stakeholders talk about needs & “Made in Guelph” option

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:21:29

  51. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up, Guthrie’s surplus asset sales policies motion.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:22:10

  52. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Motion amended for a date for the review to come back in April. (No date in the original motion).

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:23:01

  53. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein asks about the definition of term “surplus asset”

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:23:33

  54. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Surplus asset: that would need to be debated at committee, says Clack, staff would be prepared to speak then.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:24:33

  55. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says there’s no such thing as a surplus asset outside of the budget line.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:25:56

  56. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer calls a point of order, the phrase may change in the future debate.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:26:27

  57. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says that’s fine, but he won’t vote because this is talking about shuffling the budget around.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:26:54

  58. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks to call the vote for April 3 to debate the motion.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:27:12

  59. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Passes 13-0.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:27:20

  60. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland says this is a community need that they asked for and thinks it should be referred to staff.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:28:05

  61. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Motion passes 12-1. Wettstein against.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:28:19

  62. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next and last item: Library governance. Council amends to refer to May 1 committee.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:29:03

  63. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury asks what the problem we’re attempting to solve with this motion?

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:29:45

  64. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    No clarity, or protocols when looking at building new main branch or changing branch locations. Need clarification b4 opportunities.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:30:24

  65. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury finds it hard to believe there’s no vehicle in place to discuss a matter before council for 20 years.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:31:02

  66. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says he could answer now, but this not the time right now for the debate.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:31:32

  67. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer says it’s important to have this conversation now, a structure is needed to make timely decisions.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:32:20

  68. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt says he’ll be making suggestions about wording. Later. At Committee-of-the-Whole.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:33:31

  69. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein will support, but will offer changes at Committee, as long as there are no restrictions on the conversation.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:35:25

  70. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says he’s available for councillors to meet between now and May 1.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:35:44

  71. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Motion passes 13-0

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:36:06

  72. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland reading the appts to the following committees. Elliott Community DT Advisory, Guelph Museums, River Systems Advisory, Water Conserv

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:37:52

  73. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    It Passes 13-0.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:38:11

  74. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Changes to GMHI Board passes 13-0. (I’ll post this names in the Storify thread once they’re in the minutes.)

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:39:59

  75. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bylaws pass 13-0.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:40:14

  76. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    No mayor’s announcements.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:40:51

  77. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt reminds everyone that the Masters of Curling is this weekend, “It will sweep everyone off their feet,” he says.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:41:27

  78. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson reminds everyone about Hometown Hockey this weekend.

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:41:49

  79. Council is adjourned.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xKG07305CBs …
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Mar 27 2017 23:42:35

 

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