LIVE BLOG: Committee of the Whole for April 3, 2017

Published on by Adam A. Donaldson

Chickens, taxes and voting are all on the agenda for this month’s committee meeting. You can click here for the amended agenda from City Hall, and you can click here to read Politico’s preview of today’s meeting. For the complete blow-by-blow of today’s committee meeting, you can follow me on Twitter, or follow along below via Storify.

by
Adam A. Donaldson
Mon, Apr 03 2017 22:01:12

Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting – April 3, 2017

Live blog from the meeting starting at 2 pm

  1. The agenda for today's committee meet: https://t.co/fcStQtK3N3 https://t.co/bXtFulcwLP

    The agenda for today’s committee meet:  http://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca/2017/03/committee-of-whole-preview-whats-on_29.html … pic.twitter.com/bXtFulcwLP
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 17:53:36

  2. It seems like the role of @CamGuthrie will be played by @CathyDowner today... https://t.co/joceaWcqCl

    It seems like the role of @CamGuthrie will be played by @CathyDowner today… pic.twitter.com/joceaWcqCl
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 17:57:14

  3. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The meeting has been called to order.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:01:01

  4. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Outstanding Resolutions of Public Services put on the floor, Chair Hofland offers kudos to staff with only 4 left.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:02:28

  5. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Passes 12-0.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:02:40

  6. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up the Festivals and Events Ontario Municipality of the Year Award. Goes to city that’s best provided an atmosphere for events.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:04:48

  7. Looks like more awards for Guelph. The one for Municipality of the Year award from @feontario.

    Looks like more awards for Guelph. The one for Municipality of the Year award from @feontario.
    Adam A. Donaldson
    ·

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:08:06

  8. Congrats to our staff team for their Municipality of the Year Award from Festival and Events Ontario @cityofguelph https://t.co/1xl1Q1Lih3

    Congrats to our staff team for their Municipality of the Year Award from Festival and Events Ontario @cityofguelph pic.twitter.com/1xl1Q1Lih3
    Colleen Clack@Colleen_Clack

    ·
    ·

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:08:09

  9. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next, 2018 Municipal Election Methods for Voting. Basically, more internet voting and paperless ballots.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:08:55

  10. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The ministry wanted councils to decide on ranked balloting, hence why we’re talking about his so early, but council tabled ranked in Sept.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:10:03

  11. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The vote tabulators #Guelph used in 2014 are the same machines Ontario will be using in 2018, says City Clerk O’Brien

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:12:22

  12. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Internet voting: “opens up a new world” to people with disabilities says O’Brien.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:13:35

  13. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Paperless ballots: tech upgrade could facilitate ranked balloting later on, Council told staff to keep an eye on it in ’18

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:15:01

  14. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    There will be four public delegations on this incl. the usual suspects: Susan Watson, Jason Blokhuis and High Whiteley.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:16:44

  15. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Billings asks how can paperless be cost effective, but how can we know the cost?

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:17:57

  16. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien: To implement, have to verify its cost effective. One of the benchmarks they will be look at for implementation beyond adv polls.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:18:49

  17. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland asks about risk of not doing the expansion.
    O’Brien: No risk to this upcoming elxn, from admin standpoint ’14 was successful

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:25:55

  18. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Internet/paperless purely puts us in better place for ranked. Right now 4 municipalities looking at it for 2018. Have to decide by May 1.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:26:52

  19. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Allt says the May 1 date gives him concern b/c its a premature deadline (which was set by the province anyway)

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:28:58

  20. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt asks if the only way to have ranked balloting was to go electronic. O’Brien says no, it would be more expedient though in counting.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:29:52

  21. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Polls close on election day, results will come in at 10, 11 pm at the latest (with electronic polling).

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:31:17

  22. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    In Minneapolis, the first ranked balloting elxn took 7 days to get the results w/o electronic ballots.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:32:10

  23. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    There were no known issues from internet voting in 2014. The admin, and security all went well.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:37:20

  24. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Bell presses about in person follow up after the election to confirm all ballots cast online.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:41:49

  25. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    There was a tool called VoterImpact.ca, that added voters to the list in 2014. No idea was required.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:43:09

  26. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    97 municipalities used internet voting in 2014, #’s will go up in 2018.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:44:59

  27. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr MacKinnon: If someone is on Impact, does that automatically add them to voter list, or do they have to undergo 2-step check too?

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:47:20

  28. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The two step process is that someone has to first get on the voter’s list, and then they have to register for internet voting.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:48:39

  29. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Piper asks about whether staff has looked at phone voting versus internet voting.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:54:00

  30. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien says the cost of internet is 75 cents per voter, looked at phone in 2014 but hasn’t revisited since internet so successful.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:54:43

  31. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up is delegations for voting, 1st delegate: Susan Watson.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:55:18

  32. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Watson says internet voting should be suspended indefinitely due to numerous hacks and electronic crime in recent years.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:56:22

  33. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Watson focuses on voters list, no enumeration and no voter scrutiny on the accuracy of the list. “Outrageously inaccurate,” she says.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 18:57:21

  34. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Watson says she’s gotten Voter ID card for someone that hasn’t live at her house for 14 years. All she needs is DoB and she can arrange vote

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:01:01

  35. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Watson says she’s heard rumours about parents casting ballots for adult children that don’t live in Guelph anymore. Isn’t that a risk?

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:04:42

  36. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “I guess we’re a far cry from John A. Macdonald dragging people into the voting booth,” said Allt.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:07:37

  37. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up Bllokhuis. Says he also shares concerns about internet voting, also worried about extended online voting.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:08:25

  38. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Blokhuis says extend online voting distorts campaign period. Isn’t making it available E-Day enough?

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:09:33

  39. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up Richard Chaloner. He says the big problem is that we’re getting rid of the paper trail.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:12:03

  40. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Challenger says we have to be “absolutely sure beyond a reasonable doubt” and we’re not yet there with internet voting.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:14:21

  41. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “When you start worrying about democracy being cost effect, I’d ask all of you to go home,” says Chaloner.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:15:29

  42. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hugh Whiteley is not here, so he’s withdrawn from delegations. $ correspondences in the package tho.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:16:56

  43. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Piper moves to remove the words “internet voting” from the motion. Allt seconded.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:18:44

  44. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Piper supports internet voting in principle, but no confident in accuracy of the Impact lists in order to run clean election.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:19:18

  45. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings asks if there any other controls that can be put in place besides birthday.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:22:26

  46. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien says separate mailings (voter & mail fraud), 2-step process, can detect irregularities (more than 1 vote from same IP)

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:23:18

  47. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien says voter fraud can also happen in-person w/paper as well. Harder, but still possible.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:24:08

  48. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien points out that internet voting makes the elxn more accessible. Has a responsibility to make elxn as accessible as possible.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:26:10

  49. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says he had to “come to a comfort level” with internet voting. Saw 12K increase and that didn’t not have anything to do with online

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:29:38

  50. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says rolling back internet voting now would seem like a suppression of the vote now.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:30:16

  51. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Piper says she does have confidence in voters, the tech & city, but not in the Impact list.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:31:40

  52. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Piper says there is an element to representing her constituents. Students were ones that told her they don’t have confidence.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:32:47

  53. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell, Wettstein, Hofland, Allt will support Piper’s amendment.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:36:22

  54. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell adds he doesn’t see evidence of fraud in last elxn, but is afraid of the opportunity to “usurp the process”.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:37:21

  55. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “There are a lot of people that make it their job to game the system,” says Bell

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:38:02

  56. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury won’t support amendment, but would support the status quo.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:40:13

  57. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says he could “sit here and play the hysterics” but these are “outliers and not the norm” barriers to participation.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:41:12

  58. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says there’s still lots of room to build in safeguards, and that could use more promotion.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:42:04

  59. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Van Hellemond says he heard a lot of ppl say they’re glad internet voting was approved (he voted no for 2014).

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:45:48

  60. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Van Hellemond says he has a hard time saying “no you can’t” b/c something might happen…

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:46:25

  61. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein (speaking for seniors) finds it insulting that seniors don’t want to get out, especially since polls are often in seniors homes.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:47:13

  62. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says this means that council are “willing to surprise voters” and he finds that startling.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:48:11

  63. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt says no one is trying to suppress vote, allowances have always been made for people not mobile.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:49:10

  64. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    MacKinnon asks if there’s a statutory declaration online like there is in person.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:50:19

  65. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien says they try and mirror physical voting experience online. There’s a warning about penalties of voter fraud.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:50:52

  66. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “And internet voting” has been removed from original motion. (Billings, Gibson, Downer, MacKinnon, Van Hellemond against).

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:53:50

  67. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Correction: Impact is really MPAC = Municipal Property Assessment Corporation.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:55:13

  68. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    MacKinnon separates votes on recommendation 1 and 2.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:56:46

  69. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Recommendation #1 vote: 9-3 (Billings, Gibson, Van Hellemond against)

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:57:51

  70. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Recommendation #2 (bylaw to support paperless machines) fails 5-7. (Downer, MacKinnon, Pipe, Salisbury, Wettstein in favour.)

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:59:42

  71. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Now its time for a break.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 19:59:51

  72. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Here we go again. The special resolutions now on tap with a delegation for Surplus Asset Sales Policies.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:08:14

  73. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Brian Pittana for St John Ambulance is the delegate.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:10:18

  74. CamGuthrie

    Cam Guthrie@CamGuthrie
    12,800 people voted online in last municipal election. If vote stays same as today from committee, you won’t be able to in 2018. #Guelph

    ·

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:11:43

  75. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Speaking on behalf of non-profit sector, Pittana hopes Mayor Guthrie’s motion goes forward as it would help out non-profits immensely.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:13:56

  76. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Piper aks Pittana that value of a stripped down ambulance.
    A: Varies btw communities: $5-$10K. Maybe as much as $50K. New would be <$100K

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:14:53

  77. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    2 or 3 ambulances to be decommissioned and St John’s is asking for the donation of one. (In terms of specific request)

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:16:25

  78. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DCAO Clack says other municipalities have programs similar, and that info on best practices will come back to council if resolution approved

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:20:37

  79. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack says order of magnitude will have to be addressed too. 1 ambulance not so bad, but City generate $100Ks in selling assets.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:23:36

  80. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ^^^*surplus* assets that is^^^

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:24:09

  81. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt says Wettstein concerns on budget are valid. Staff agrees.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:27:02

  82. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt asks about lease back programs, any best practices to support that?

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:27:56

  83. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack: Not that she knows of, could look at that.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:29:13

  84. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack says they were coming with changes to the Wellbeing grant process sometime in June, don’t want to miss fall grant app period.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:38:48

  85. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    CAO Thomson this is not the 1st time St John’s has been to council looking for surplus ambulance.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:46:27

  86. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    A bit of challenge where multiple policies come together to cover this request (and others like it).

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:46:59

  87. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein proposes 2 motions, one that can donate an ambulance now, and another to look at policy in relation to Wellbeing grants.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:50:08

  88. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein motion passes 11-0 (Van Hellemond not here for the vote)

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:51:33

  89. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Council direct staff to arrange for transfer of one decommissioned ambulance, motion brought by Piper.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:53:24

  90. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson asks if St John’s is the only one in city looking for free ambulance. Not in habit of picking winners.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:54:05

  91. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack says she’s not sure, but she’s also not sure if St John’s would want the ambulance the city is offering.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:54:34

  92. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury says Gibson raises excellent point on fairness and equity. Won’t support the motion.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:56:41

  93. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt asks if staff can supply a number in terms of money saved with St John’s providing services at River Run.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:57:19

  94. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack says its hard to quantify, it’s a value added service

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:57:35

  95. ward6mark

    Mark MacKinnon@ward6mark
    The 7-5 vote of #Guelph‘s Committee of the Whole to eliminate internet voting from the 2018 municipal election is … surprising.  https://twitter.com/camguthrie/status/848991423932268549 …

    ·

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 20:57:56

  96. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says this motion has been out there for a couple of months w/o anyone understanding it, and not fair to St. John’s

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:01:29

  97. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Calls ambulance a “minor concession given the circumstances.”

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:02:00

  98. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Vote passes 9-2 (Gibson and MacKinnon against)

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:02:25

  99. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Back to chickens.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:02:49

  100. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The bylaw amendment loosen restrictions on the distance between dwellings and coops. Limits # to 10 hens.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:05:05

  101. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Visibility was a factor in this decision, it was meant to address odour, noise issues keep chicks away from other residences.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:07:22

  102. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Gordon says these rags might make coops have to be set up in middle of yard.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:07:50

  103. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: This is for property that doesn’t meet 50 ft requirement. Otherwise, the other rules apply.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:09:31

  104. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    In response to Bell question, input was gotten from all residents, not just the ones that want/have chickens. There was a “lively debate.”

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:11:47

  105. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The working group added recommendations for noise, odour, and treatment of animals to better guide bylaw concerns.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:12:59

  106. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Chicken bylaw passes 11-0

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:13:58

  107. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up Tax Ratio and Tax Policy.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:14:43

  108. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings trying to make the point that the new ratio means that the average resident tax rate is about .5% higher than approved at budget.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:26:44

  109. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    But staff makes the point that the 2.16% increase was for this year over last, difference btw budgets not ratios.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:27:44

  110. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson asks if the shift is putting more burden on residential property owners? Losing competitive edge?

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:28:35

  111. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    There will be competitive advantage in reduction on commercial and industrial ratio, says staff.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:29:26

  112. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Piper says City makes it clear what homeowners can expect to pay, council here to set ratio and calculations being offered are solid.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:31:06

  113. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt thanks Billings b/c council should be ever mindful about costs.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:33:37

  114. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    He also says that people aren’t staying away from #Guelph because of tax ratios.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:34:07

  115. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Vote on Tax Policy: Passes 9-2 (Gibson and Billings against)

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:38:42

  116. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Last item: additional training for Salisbury and Piper.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:39:33

  117. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings said she pulled it b/c this comes from mayor’s office, yes?
    O’Brien: Yes.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:40:13

  118. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings says Q has nothing to do with Piper’s request.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:41:13

  119. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings confused about how Salisbury request falls into definition of “municipal event”

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:42:00

  120. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson notes a sizeable reduction in this budget item, asks what it means for the bottom line?

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:43:33

  121. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer says we might not know that till the end of the year when all the requests are in.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:43:58

  122. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury wasn’t able to finish the course last year, recommendation of the mayor to finish this year….

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:45:25

  123. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    …Salisbury conferred with Van Hellemond who has no intention of using his training budget (not that its Salisbury’s to claim)

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:46:07

  124. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The training came as a suggestion from the chair of Guelph Hydro. Salisbury on the board and found it useful when talking hydro issues.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:46:59

  125. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland says, with respect, this does not align with present policy. Also not happy to swap professional development funds.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:48:07

  126. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell asks why Salisbury is trying to receive accreditation this year instead of spaced out. Salisbury says it was Mayor’s suggestion.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:50:06

  127. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    2 courses: One would have used up allowance, 2nd puts him over. Salisbury says there’s no rush on his part.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:50:52

  128. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says we’re having fun with policy today. Agrees with Billings that training doesn’t count as “municipal activity”

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:52:33

  129. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says go down path to degrees being covered by council. Needs policy question answered.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:53:10

  130. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “Given the tone of the debate, I’d like to withdraw the request” says Salisbury.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:56:04

  131. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell moves Cllr Piper’s request alone.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:56:32

  132. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Vote passes 11-0

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:57:28

  133. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson announcement: Acknowledges @hometownhockey_ event’s success and fine work of city staff and volunteers.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:58:36

  134. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein pays tribute to Charlie Whittaker.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:59:36

  135. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt promotes Curling Masters championship.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 21:59:55

  136. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Who was Charlie Whittaker?  https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/2739591-flower-power-advocate-brightens-up-guelph/ …

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 22:00:26

  137. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Meeting adjourned. That’s a wrap for this month’s committee. Next council meeting is April 10.

    Mon, Apr 03 2017 22:00:52

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