LIVE BLOG: Committee of the Whole for May 1, 2017

Published on by Adam A. Donaldson

If it’s the first Monday of the month, then it’s time for Committee-of-the-Whole. 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
Tue, May 02 2017 01:42:43

Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting – May 1, 2017

Live blog from the meeting starting at 2 pm

  1. Before committee of the whole today, @mayorcamguthrie and members of council opened a time capsule buried in the cornerstone of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre in 1974. Inside were newspapers, city rec materials, a letter from Mayor Norm Jary, postcards, and other #Guelph items. The capsule will be put back with items from the present to be opened in 25 years from now when the Rec Centre reopens later this year.

    Before committee of the whole today, @mayorcamguthrie and members of council opened a time capsule buried in the cornerstone of the Victoria Road Recreation Centre in 1974. Inside were newspapers, city rec materials, a letter from Mayor Norm Jary, postcards, and other #Guelph items. The capsule will be put back with items from the present to be opened in 25 years from now when the Rec Centre reopens later this year.
    Adam A. Donaldson
    ·

    Mon, May 01 2017 17:26:23

  2. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    What’s coming up at today’s committee meeting?  http://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca/2017/04/committee-of-whole-preview-whats-on.html …

    Mon, May 01 2017 17:32:24

  3. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Council and staff are now streaming in for committee of the whole.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:02:10

  4. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Closed session on Public Libraries Act. Guthrie says council received information. No direction given.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:03:22

  5. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    1 item passed by consent: Federation of Canadian Municipalities – Climate and Asset Management Network Application

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:07:18

  6. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Regrets today from @ward5guelph today. (Get well soon, Cllr. Piper)

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:07:42

  7. First up, 30 Year Membership Award to Guelph and District Home Builders Association https://t.co/TMypkAXTVw

    First up, 30 Year Membership Award to Guelph and District Home Builders Association pic.twitter.com/TMypkAXTVw
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:12:47

  8. Council also recognizes Adrian van Eck for graduating from Exec Diploma in Municipal Mgmt from AMCTO. https://t.co/96p2JOOBOl

    Council also recognizes Adrian van Eck for graduating from Exec Diploma in Municipal Mgmt from AMCTO. pic.twitter.com/96p2JOOBOl
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:17:05

  9. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    AMCTO = Association of Municipal Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:17:38

  10. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Now Stephen O’Brien, city clerk, will talk about the six month update on Committee-of-the-Whole structure.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:18:29

  11. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Previous the clerks office was preparing 6 agenda per month, now they’ve cut that in half.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:21:56

  12. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    There have been very few extra reports added to the addendum versus the initial council agenda (which is a good thing says O’Brien)

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:24:07

  13. Has CotW improved efficiency? Council is divided. https://t.co/dHk79TF0pI

    Has CotW improved efficiency? Council is divided. pic.twitter.com/dHk79TF0pI
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:26:14

  14. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Bell asks if the public is more engaged by the new system? “There’s been no significant change in that regard,” said O’Brien

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:27:33

  15. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Gordon says that public input is needed to get clearer picture of effectiveness as new system, council support is “tepid at best”

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:36:10

  16. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gordon notes it seems that the new system is working great for staff, but there’s a piece missing w/o public input.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:36:55

  17. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The adjustment to chairing needed to address confusion, says O’Brien. Mayor sitting in the Chair’s chair, but another cllr charing (?)

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:37:54

  18. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury asks the downside of having mayor act as chair?

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:39:04

  19. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien: Staff recommendation says 1 person in the chair streamlines meeting, in best policy w/ CotW Mayor just chairs council

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:40:07

  20. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Also allows other members of council to get a sense of responsibility, shared leadership, and spreads work around.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:40:42

  21. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein questions the need for rotating chair, what responsibilities does the chair have now?

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:44:43

  22. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff feels there’s merit in working with one person on the agenda. A rotating chair doesn’t detract from that.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:45:53

  23. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Gibson asking about ppl coming to CotW and Council, which was a concern in the original debate.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:50:49

  24. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    There were 0 ppl in the six months cycle, then there was 1 in April.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:51:16

  25. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Prof. Hugh Whiteley will now delegate on the matter.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:51:59

  26. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Whiteley says 5 minutes in front of council is no way to engage with citizens on important/complex issues.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:56:00

  27. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gordon says it’s appropriate that the only delegate on this issue is council’s most frequent delegate.

    Mon, May 01 2017 18:57:54

  28. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Waterloo, according to Whiteley, allows delegations for things not on the agenda, so why not Guelph?

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:02:57

  29. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Whiteley hopes Guelph will open itself to more engagement, and not just anything that happens to come up on agenda.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:03:45

  30. Billings moves clause 1,3, and 4; Hofland asks that each one be voted for separately. https://t.co/Zyds2LPEQ1

    Billings moves clause 1,3, and 4; Hofland asks that each one be voted for separately. pic.twitter.com/Zyds2LPEQ1
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:05:35

  31. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein wonders if there are too many unanswered questions on point #2, which isn’t on the floor yet.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:12:23

  32. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell now sees the benefit of CotW, but concerned about diminished public input (meeting during normal work hours)

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:13:04

  33. Today the #Guelph & District Home Builders' Association recognized our Building Services team for 30 yrs of meaningful dialogue #guelphproud https://t.co/l99yD1bRrE

    Today the #Guelph & District Home Builders’ Association recognized our Building Services team for 30 yrs of meaningful dialogue #guelphproud pic.twitter.com/l99yD1bRrE
    City of Guelph@cityofguelph

    ·
    ·

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:13:09

  34. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell asks staff to investigate public delegations. Is there more or less?

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:13:59

  35. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell asks staff to also take into account comments on the city’s website as public feedback.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:14:54

  36. Congrats, Adrian! We’re proud of our manager of inspections for completing the @AMCTO_Policy Executive Diploma in Municipal Mgmt program. https://t.co/oo5p2yBqki

    Congrats, Adrian! We’re proud of our manager of inspections for completing the @AMCTO_Policy Executive Diploma in Municipal Mgmt program. pic.twitter.com/oo5p2yBqki
    City of Guelph@cityofguelph

    ·
    ·

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:15:28

  37. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien says they can report back whether more delegates come out at 2 pm or 6:30 pm. CotW timing was set b/c 2 of old cmtes met then

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:15:53

  38. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Mayor Guthrie says he feels that CotW is working well, but wonders why Q2 2018 for a report on progress.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:18:19

  39. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien says that feedback from council indicates that there are some things that need to be worked out before another review.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:19:31

  40. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie notes that public engagement depends on the issue.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:20:00

  41. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clause 1 and 3 passed unanimously.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:21:34

  42. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland has amendment for #4, doesn’t speak to community engagement though.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:21:58

  43. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland amendement to #4 asking for community engagement passes 11-1 (MacKinnon against).

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:26:01

  44. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Amended clause #4 passes 11-1.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:26:21

  45. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt offers new clause #2: That Mayor Guthrie stand as chair for the remainder of this term of council

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:27:17

  46. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt: The mayor as the full-time councillor is most familiar with the operation of the city.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:28:03

  47. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell says he won’t support motion, he thinks have chair of each area is important learning opportunity for council, who have many skills

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:30:12

  48. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Confirmed: there would be no more service area chairs if the Allt/Salisbury amendment will pass.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:33:08

  49. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says he’s happy to take on the extra work load, and that no one’s asked if he’s happy.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:33:41

  50. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein and Downer are also nos.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:35:09

  51. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up: Termites!

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:37:36

  52. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    tl;dr on the War on Termites. We’re winning!

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:38:38

  53. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Termite levels are at their lowest levels since 1999.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:39:03

  54. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    City trapped only 6K termites last year, which is down from over a million in years gone by.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:45:40

  55. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt asks about toxicity of the chemical used on termites. Don’t worry, it’s only mildly toxic, but they’re also natural.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:47:37

  56. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury asks if Guelph will achieve full termite eradication. Tim Myles says we’re getting very close.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:50:12

  57. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    It could still be another 6 years to get all properties “white”, but the more immediate goal will be next year to get rid of all “red” zones

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:51:14

  58. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Council receives termite report 12-0.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:52:49

  59. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Committee is going to take a break till 4. See you in 7.

    Mon, May 01 2017 19:53:19

  60. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    And we’re back!

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:01:15

  61. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up Rob Reynen, Chief Building Official on 2016 Building Permit Revenue and Expenditures.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:03:38

  62. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    2,600 permit issued last year, many people renovating and expanding their homes too.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:04:27

  63. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Report received 11-0 (Van Hellemond stepped out of the room)

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:11:49

  64. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Elementary School speed zone, Gibson asks about expanding school zone beyond just the road past the school

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:12:59

  65. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: It’s a start. Reducing speed in small ways thru signing, but more will “be added to the package”

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:13:35

  66. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson asks if the City is actively looking for feedback from the public on this.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:13:55

  67. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: Can be added to guelph.ca, and can continue to look at those requests for additional streets to be signed.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:14:22

  68. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt asks if Guelph is bound by provincial constraints for setting speed limits (it is), but Allt also concerned about seniors.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:15:29

  69. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Is it possible to go beyond provincial expectations, asks Allt.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:15:56

  70. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff confirms that they can look at a more “grandiose” vision of speed limits in the city.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:16:31

  71. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff says it will be a year before the province releases “options” for cities. Of course this time next year we’ll be in middle of #onelxn

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:18:50

  72. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff says we’re trying to build a matrix… to help children get to and from school safely.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:23:55

  73. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Downer asks about photo radar in school zones. The matter is presently in front of regulars in regards to school/comm safety zones

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:25:08

  74. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gordon notes data that says chances of surviving being hit by a car is 85% at 35 km/h, but gets cut in half at 40 km/h

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:27:14

  75. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    That was a consideration in the discussion, staff says.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:27:29

  76. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell would like to speed reduction in areas around parks too… Aw heck, reduce speeds in the whole city.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:33:52

  77. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell in favour anything that can be done to lower speeding in the city.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:34:57

  78. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury asks that clause #1 (about increasing 30 to 40 km/h) be separated.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:35:31

  79. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says there’s something about those residential areas that persuades him to keep it at 30 km/h. Too many feel the need for speed.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:41:28

  80. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie adds that he wants to ere on the side of safety, perhaps it’s better enforcement required.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:41:55

  81. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    MacKinnon thinks keeping it at 40 is a reasonable compromise between safety at school hours, and more flow during off hours.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:44:18

  82. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says he’s struggling with raising speed limits as gov’ts are trying to get more people to slow down.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:45:06

  83. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer wonders if a referral on 30/40 is better until the provincial legislation comes back…

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:46:19

  84. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: It’s a valid thought, unsure when the province is going to get it done though.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:46:56

  85. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff makes the case for 40, it gives drivers one speed limit to focus on.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:48:31

  86. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury moves a referral on clause #1, hold off until province approves time of day signing.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:50:05

  87. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie clarifies: Isn’t the provincial bill about enforcement only? Don’t want to be caught waiting.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:50:52

  88. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff confirms, it is an enforcement tool.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:51:08

  89. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson: It’s more defensible on the side of safety

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:53:51

  90. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Referral fails 2-10

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:54:16

  91. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Council votes 11-1 for keeping 30 km/h school zones.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:54:40

  92. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Rest of the recommendations pass unanimously.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:54:56

  93. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up: Bell has questions on Naming Annual Report.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:55:38

  94. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: We don’t have a policy right now about *paying* for naming rights. These are commemorative namings.

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:58:01

  95. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Committee Room 112 at City Hall to be renamed the Marg Mackinnon Community Room for the 2nd woman to ever serve on city council from 1973-85

    Mon, May 01 2017 20:58:57

  96. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    There are very specific naming sponsorships available, like the Sleeman Centre. But these are the exception rather than the rule.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:03:42

  97. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell is happy to move a recommendation to get to create policy about paying for the chance to name stuff not built yet. Downey seconds

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:05:54

  98. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer says Marg MacKinnon was the “go to” person who mentored many other women that came to council later.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:07:30

  99. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Interesting side note: developers name streets, and they auction off opportunity to name & give proceeds to charity.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:09:07

  100. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Recommendations pass 12-0

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:09:18

  101. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibsons asks for update on commercial policy. RFP been sent out, consultant hired, work underway.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:11:15

  102. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    2017 Development Priorities Plan Summery passes unanimously.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:15:17

  103. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    No more from the IDE file. Committee is breaking for dinner till 5:45.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:16:02

  104. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Back to work. First item up os the CAO Performance Development Process and a Q from Hofland.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:44:38

  105. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Reminder: CAO is the only position that answers to council directly.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:45:19

  106. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    This is exactly the same process as previous, says staff in response to Hofland. Some confusion about definitions.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:48:14

  107. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland also thinks its tricky having HR take part in evaluation of CAO.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:49:17

  108. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack says this is following best practices from other cities. Similar to city clerk review process.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:50:04

  109. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland asks if the process approved tonight will change? Clack: This is a broader process, yes.

    Mon, May 01 2017 21:55:15

  110. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland asks if there’s an appetite on council to hire an outside council on this process.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:00:56

  111. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Vote on clauses 1-3 for CAO Performance Development Plan passes 11-0. (@thatjamesgordon has stepped out)

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:07:16

  112. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt says he doesn’t have a problem with staff overseeing, but wants public to see they’re being objective.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:08:47

  113. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland amendment fail 4-7. (Allt, Guthrie, Hofland, Salisbury voted for)

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:09:20

  114. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland is bringing forward of motion to discuss appropriate use of notice of motion

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:10:36

  115. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Which was a motion Wettstein brought forward and was voted down last week (?)

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:10:54

  116. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein seconds. Says council’s been politicizing this for a year now.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:11:42

  117. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson is hesitant to create more work for staff, maybe council should be more aware of other options for their own agendas.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:13:15

  118. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson compares it to private members bills. Easy way to bring things forward.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:13:41

  119. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt heard rumour that there is a policy buried somewhere. O’Brien says there is not.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:14:13

  120. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “This is a new phenomenon”, says Wettstein. The frequency of notices of motion.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:20:43

  121. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “There wasn’t anything that was rocket science about this,” says Billings.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:21:48

  122. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “There wasn’t anything that was rocket science about this,” says Billings.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:21:48

  123. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    On the matter of more work, O’Brien says there won’t be too much of an effect on what’s on the plate of the clerk’s office.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:26:50

  124. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says his problem isn’t the notice of motion, it’s the perception that council is getting ahead of the public.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:31:15

  125. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wants to put this to bed with a minimum amount of staff work.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:31:39

  126. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says he’s noticed notices that are ahead of the work plan, or have a different process to bring forward. Why not a checklist?

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:34:30

  127. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland motion passes 8-3 (Bell, Billings, Gibson vote against)

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:35:41

  128. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next: operating variance report.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:36:07

  129. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie wants to make amendment, but asks if the $76K for Infrastructure renewal is being used for new lighting in St George’s Square

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:37:10

  130. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Yes, new lights were on the schedule, but time ran out before hand.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:37:30

  131. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks for all but $1 million be moved from Tax Rate Stabilization reserve to Infrastructure renewal. (In addition to $76K)

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:38:51

  132. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says Guelph has some time-sensitive infrastructure projects. Better to leverage the money now then let it sit in tax stabilization

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:39:51

  133. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Also notes council’s done a good job on infrastructure the last few years.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:40:20

  134. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff, in response to Q from Allt, says that council is able to move money anyway if one of these time sensitive topics come up.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:44:57

  135. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland says she finds it difficult to not go with staff recommendation on finance.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:45:30

  136. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury asks about what project(s) the money might be needed for. Guthrie says they have to go in camera.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:46:13

  137. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “It would be sale and acquisition of land,” says Guthrie.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:47:17

  138. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Plus, “Downtown”

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:47:37

  139. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury: I need to know, “I can’t support your motion otherwise.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:48:05

  140. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Council going in camera.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:48:16

  141. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Council’s coming back in now.

    Mon, May 01 2017 22:55:28

  142. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff recognize that this is a good opportunity to raise up the rate stabilization fund, says Wettstein.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:01:00

  143. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says in 6 weeks from now, if there is request, he’ll be willing to vote just as fast.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:01:44

  144. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says we all know why the tax rate stabilization is low, it’s b/c council’s been using it to soften year end rate hike

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:04:43

  145. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Also notes that having a big reserve offers false security.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:05:09

  146. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    A surplus is a surplus, says Gibson.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:06:08

  147. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks if money in the tax stabilization reserve ever been used on anything except countering tax increase.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:09:12

  148. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: No.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:09:22

  149. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie is sticking with his amendment. “The easiest ting to make something permanent is to make it temporary,” which is a Sailsbury quote.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:13:18

  150. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings also thinks we should give money to infrastructure.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:15:44

  151. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “I haven’t heard such an effective election discussion” then what’s happened in last 15 minutes, says Wettstein.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:17:22

  152. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “We’re sitting here playing games, throwing out the word Urbacon,” says Wettstein who accuses council of playing politics.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:17:59

  153. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “I think some of that’s directed at me,” says Gibson. Then points out Wettstein has already voted against staff today.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:18:36

  154. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says his comment about Wettstein’s comment is the exact opposite. That is all.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:19:30

  155. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    MacKinnon says the tax stabilization reserve should be called lower taxes reserve

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:20:16

  156. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie amendment passes 7-4 (Allt, Hofland, Salisbury, Wettstein against)

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:21:07

  157. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland wants to leave in on a positive note: Guelph has a surplus!!!

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:21:25

  158. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Operating variance recommendations pass 11-0

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:22:36

  159. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings has quick Q about being over budget on Claire/Laird overpass. Can we make that $750K back?

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:23:17

  160. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The amount will be included in the next background study and the rate will be collected going forward.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:23:49

  161. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Capital variance passes 11-0

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:24:03

  162. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Now public services agenda. Q from Gibson on Business License Fees: Is cost recovery standard?

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:25:07

  163. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Thomson: Guelph started this in 2009, licensing changes between municipalities, what they license and for how much.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:25:58

  164. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Business license fees pass 10-0. (MacKinnon stepped out)

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:27:24

  165. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up: refugee support program review. Gibson asks for clarification.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:27:48

  166. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    This is a one year pass, and after that year, they can be referred to other subsidy programs if they need it.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:28:45

  167. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The “Welcome to Guelph” pass includes transit pass, museums pass, and recreation pass.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:29:36

  168. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says “This is really great.” The pass is the “neighbourly thing to do.”

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:30:05

  169. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Continuation of the program passes 11-0

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:32:21

  170. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson has withdrawn the low carbon economy motion based on feedback he’s received and the discussion on notices of motion tonite.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:33:15

  171. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    One last item: a review of governance/best practices of @GuelphLibrary.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:33:54

  172. This is the current recommendation. https://t.co/UQqjQYUI92

    This is the current recommendation. pic.twitter.com/UQqjQYUI92
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:35:00

  173. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer offers amendment to make it clear they’re looking at developing a working group that can go forward with capital projects.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:35:46

  174. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer wanted to make it clear that the city was *not* reviewing the governance of the library, it’s specifically about capital.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:36:48

  175. The motion as amended by Downer. https://t.co/qdsfnWIkgT

    The motion as amended by Downer. pic.twitter.com/qdsfnWIkgT
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:38:40

  176. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer notes that the City can’t force the library to work with them.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:42:44

  177. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt wonders how many ppl think that GPL is not a wholly owned department of the city.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:44:03

  178. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Thomson says that’s information that can be gathered and brought back to council.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:44:31

  179. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein hoped that the emphasis would be on governance with secondary goal on capital projects. Are we missing the point?

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:45:15

  180. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says with police board there were no governance questions, just financial ones.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:46:06

  181. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein worried that this new wording will be all about capital and not about the governing relationship.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:46:32

  182. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer says the point is to not look at the whole operation, trusts city and GPL staff to know what they’re doing to move capital forward

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:49:25

  183. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says there was stuff being missed when renos began on Police HQ. Trying to be proactive on new library.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:50:26

  184. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein asks CAO if the motion is going to deal with governance to his satisfaction.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:51:46

  185. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Thomson is comfortable. A good first step and will learn quickly if it’s achievable.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:52:13

  186. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein confirms that this is a joint staff working group. No politicians or BOD

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:53:39

  187. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says he’ll be patient, but still has concerns.

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:54:00

  188. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Motion passes 11-0

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:56:04

  189. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Committee adjourns. That’s a wrap!

    Mon, May 01 2017 23:56:26

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