LIVE BLOG: City Council Meeting for June 26, 2017

Published on by Adam A. Donaldson

This month’s regular city council meeting will deal with some committee appointments and downtown expansion. 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.
Guelph City Council Meeting – June 26, 2017

by
Adam A. Donaldson
Tue, Jun 27 2017 01:38:06

Guelph City Council Meeting – June 26, 2017

Live blog from the meeting starting at 6:30 pm

  1. The big new item tonight will be the expansion of @DowntownGuelph's borders. Tonight's agenda: https://t.co/2ycB33Cflt https://t.co/GfqyGssH8J

    The big new item tonight will be the expansion of @DowntownGuelph‘s borders. Tonight’s agenda:  http://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca/2017/06/city-council-preview-whats-on-agenda_16.html … pic.twitter.com/GfqyGssH8J
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:27:37

  2. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    So council is running long for their closed meeting. Mayor Guthrie says we’re not likely to start for 15 minutes.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:31:29

  3. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Councillors are gathering now….

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:43:12

  4. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Getting started.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:46:24

  5. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Closed meeting items.
    Public app’ts to committee: Motions coming forward.
    Dolime: Direction given to staff.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:47:28

  6. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof? No.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:50:00

  7. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Regrets tonight from @ward6mark.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:50:15

  8. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Trevor Lee, new DCAO of Corporate Services is introduced, this is his first day on the job.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:52:01

  9. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Minutes passed from the last meeting.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:52:13

  10. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Only item pulled is Exploring Pathways for Aligning Guelph’s Corporate Assets with the Low Carbon Economy. Amendments from committee missing

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:53:53

  11. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    New appointments to Environmental Advisory, Water Conservation and Efficiency Public Advisory, and Wellbeing Grant Allocation Panel approved

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:55:48

  12. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    All consent items approved unanimously.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:56:02

  13. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clerk is reading out the correct wording for the low carbon economy motion. It was previously passed at Committee with this wording

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:57:04

  14. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Point #1 passes unanimously.
    Point #2 and #3 passes with 1 against (Wettstein)

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:57:48

  15. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    First item up for discussion: Outdoor Aquatic Facilities in Parks delegate Dr Hugh Whiteley.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 22:58:52

  16. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Whiteley: “Master plans are a very good idea.”

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:00:20

  17. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Whiteley making the case for amending third recommendation to include update of the master plan in funding improvements to wading pools

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:03:59

  18. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Whiteley wants the motion to reference back to the strategic mater plan update, which is due next year anyway.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:04:32

  19. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    No further questions for Whiteley.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:04:59

  20. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury asks staff about potential misalignment between the update and taking this action.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:05:49

  21. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DCAO Clack says there is no misalignment. This is strictly a technical measure and still using original doc regardless of update.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:06:22

  22. This is the map Bell is referencing, it shows the area of service for aquatic facilities and use levels. https://t.co/m0gi7x8HjU

    This is the map Bell is referencing, it shows the area of service for aquatic facilities and use levels. pic.twitter.com/m0gi7x8HjU
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:11:18

  23. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell says the report doesn’t support the equitable distribution of access.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:12:28

  24. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Parks & Rec GM Flaherty says the only consideration is what wading pools are at the end of their lives.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:14:22

  25. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell says doing this is at the expense of equitably distribution of aquatic facilities. Wants to send report back to staff.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:15:08

  26. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson seconds Bell’s motion.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:15:36

  27. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Gordon asks for clarity. What stage is the public engagement process, he asks staff.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:16:15

  28. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Consultations on Mico Valeriote starts this fall, then Sunny Acres and Exhibition.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:16:44

  29. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DCAO Clack: Equitable distribution will come back as part of 10 year capital plan. These pools are the end of their life cycle *now*

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:17:50

  30. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Gibson notes that past Starwood, there’s no service within 2.5 km for aquatic facilities. When do we influence the 10 year plan?

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:20:20

  31. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: The struggle is in identifying parks where facilities can set up. That’s happening now.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:21:37

  32. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack says that staff can take feedback and start to incorporate that into the plan.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:22:05

  33. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson asks about planned park near Starwood Library. Was that considered?

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:22:28

  34. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    It wasn’t. Too small.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:22:42

  35. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland asks Bell, since council is agreeing in principal, if he would like to withdraw motion having heard from staff.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:23:34

  36. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell The replacements of those wading pools is still the priority, so no.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:24:11

  37. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell says he’s not in agreement with city staff. Water savings are not a good enough reason to override equitable argument.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:24:53

  38. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland points out that the earliest this report can come back is September. But consultations are already starting then…

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:26:43

  39. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DCAO Clack says that’s correct. If this goes back to staff, it won’t come back till budget process.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:27:16

  40. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Also the wading pool at Exhibition Park failed this weekend. So end of life for these is closer than we think

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:27:50

  41. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Allt says we need to move forward with looking to the future instead of revisiting decisions again and again.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:29:08

  42. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DCAO Clack says the map was provided for context. Part of the considerations going forward.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:30:29

  43. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    City Clerk O’Brien just had a quiet word with Bell while Salisbury asks a question. What did they talk about?

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:31:44

  44. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    We’re getting pretty wonkish. Clause #1 and 2 will allow Mico Valeriote splash pad to go forward, capital already there.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:35:41

  45. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Mayor Guthrie says he feels like we’re swimming laps. Believes there’s validity though to what Bell is suggesting.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:36:52

  46. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie suggests adding line about “Equitable distribution” to clause #3.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:37:28

  47. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell says he doesn’t want to slow down the process. He will withdraw referral

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:39:09

  48. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllrs Downer and Billings move Guthrie’s proposed addition of the line about equitable distribution to clause #3.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:40:23

  49. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein makes adds that south end wants a rec centre, but understand that Vic Rd needed upgrades first. Same thing here.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:42:13

  50. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson says council has to be careful IDing amenities in their wards. Wants it clearer that next new splash pad will go somewhere needed

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:43:45

  51. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings wants to know that staff are taking into account where the children are and not just where there’s no pad. Staff: Yes

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:44:57

  52. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Amendment passes 12-0.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:45:14

  53. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Revote on the amendment passes 12-0. Apparently Wettstein forgot to vote.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:47:52

  54. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clause #1: passes 12-0
    Clause #2: passes 12-0
    Clause #3: passes 11-1 (Salisbury against)

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:49:03

  55. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Last item up: The expansion of boarders of @DowntownGuelph. Not making a case tonight, just looking to begin the process.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:49:55

  56. Boundaries now inside the proposed new boundary. https://t.co/ZLS82fgEEU

    Boundaries now inside the proposed new boundary. pic.twitter.com/ZLS82fgEEU
    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:51:01

  57. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings asks if the new businesses in the new zone will get the same benefits/responsibilities.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:51:37

  58. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Marty Williams says he’d be happy to, but this isn’t about explaining why tonight, but seeing if council will begin the process.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:52:13

  59. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings says she wants to know why this will be a benefit in order to decide if this process should begin.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:52:48

  60. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    BIA (business improvement areas) are about 1) street scaping 2) getting ppl into the zone 3) and advocate for better conditions.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:54:18

  61. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    More resources, be more efficient, better able to partner with city on projects, more collectivity (the reasons why for expansion).

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:55:17

  62. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    There’s also the need to start including condo development downtown and better deal with influx of people living DT.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:56:01

  63. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    $20 million has been reinvesting in community says Marty Williams. Currently, in places, one side of the street contributes, one doesn’t

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:56:51

  64. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings asks about increased level of service including garbage pick-up, will that not be expected?

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:58:06

  65. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Williams says that goes beyond the current boundaries already, but Billings is getting more to the point of expectations.

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:58:42

  66. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    That’s a long term conversation with city staff, says Williams

    Mon, Jun 26 2017 23:59:29

  67. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Williams says more resources to do things better is what is needed. $100K will be added to the budget. Significant/not huge says Williams

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:00:24

  68. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    We are bound by the process, says Williams.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:03:01

  69. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury clarifies: Not endorsing BIA expansion, just offering BIA an opportunity to make its case.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:04:37

  70. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Van Hellemond wonders how many businesses in the new boundary.
    Williams: Tough to say b/c there’s business *and* property owners

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:07:23

  71. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Only commercial property is considered part of the BIA not residential.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:08:09

  72. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein asks if there’s a process where someone can get out of the BIA?
    Williams: Yes, it’s the same process.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:10:09

  73. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks if council can add to criteria, goals for the BIA to accomplish along the way like getting 100% saying yes b4 expansion?

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:12:13

  74. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clerk O’Brien: Not sure council can do that, but could pass motion for certain info for DGBA to attach to report.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:12:58

  75. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Notices will go out Jul 7 to owners, they have 30 days to send notice to tenants. All comments due back in September after 60 day period

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:17:11

  76. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson concerned that its summer and maybe they’ll miss some people with vacations and all. Williams thinks 60 days enough.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:17:47

  77. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Williams doesn’t disagree, but he’s tried to be very up-to-date about this entire process thus far.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:19:33

  78. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Williams thinks they will have failed if there are people out there caught unawares about this process taking place.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:20:38

  79. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt and Wettstein moves the recommendation.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:21:04

  80. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt says that in 40 years downtown has expanded considerably, like the town, but that’s not been addressed.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:21:47

  81. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clerk O’Brien clarifies: it can be 1/3 of current area and/or 1/3 of expanded area that objects and kills it. Clerk will break down fully.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:25:34

  82. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell asks if a building is zoned commercial but used as residential, will they still be tasked? No, it’s based on current use.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:28:04

  83. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell asks why summer? The timeline is set when the city received the letter from the DGBA.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:29:30

  84. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    They might be annoyed because there’s an expectation that there aren’t demands in August., Bell points out.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:31:23

  85. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says this is a DGBA endeavour. Might they have to be ready to receive angry ppl in September? Maybe…

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:32:01

  86. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clerk says that it can be referred back to staff, or approved as is. It’s up to council.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:33:10

  87. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says he believes that DGBA has taken into account the timing of this process. Gets nods from DGBA staff.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:34:09

  88. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DCAO Clack: the small window is key because there will be budget implications at budget time. Staff also has work to do too.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:35:47

  89. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Does BIA inclusion come with status that changes services and fees? asks Salisbury.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:38:30

  90. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    That’s a question staff will have to look at.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:38:52

  91. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury says he’s hearing that this process is triggering a number of service reviews on the city’s part.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:39:30

  92. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says those impacts would comeback with the report on the DGBA’s exploration of expansion, right staff?

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:40:18

  93. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DCAO Stewart: there will be some information that comes back on potential impacts in future years. Hints about the future…

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:41:02

  94. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury says he’s concerned about supporting the motion w/o knowing the implications to council and the city.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:41:32

  95. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Piper says this is a bigger conversation, there’s not going to be solid waste pick-up on Sat for streets that don’t need it…

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:44:07

  96. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says he would like to hear back about all the businesses that say yes. Doesn’t want to vote about expansion until hearing from them.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:45:44

  97. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie wishes the DGBA the best in their endeavour.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:46:13

  98. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Vote: 11-1. Salisbury votes against.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:46:35

  99. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bylaws pass unanimously.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:47:09

  100. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    1 announcement: #3ThingsforCanada event this Friday in front of City Hall. Mayor promises good time.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:47:42

  101. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Meeting adjourned. We’ll be back here on Wednesday for GMHI and Guelph Junction Railway.

    Tue, Jun 27 2017 00:48:37

Leave a comment