LIVE BLOG: Committee of the Whole for October 2, 2017

Published on by Adam A. Donaldson

Happy October! Let’s discuss Governance, Public Services, and Infrastructure, Development & Enterprise. 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, Oct 03 2017 00:24:56

Committee-of-the-Whole Meeting – October 2, 2017

Live blog from the meeting starting at 2 pm

  1. Committee-of-the-Whole starts in 10 minutes. All aboard for the live blog. https://t.co/9zxui0jrze https://t.co/tHtVOMA1xp

    Committee-of-the-Whole starts in 10 minutes. All aboard for the live blog.
     https://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca/2017/09/committee-of-whole-preview-whats-on.html … pic.twitter.com/tHtVOMA1xp

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 17:51:43

  2. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Mayor Guthrie calls the meeting to order.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:02:01

  3. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    No Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof. Now on to the presentations. There are four.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:02:44

  4. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    1st: Recognition of the International Economic Development Council Award Peter Cartwright, General Manager, Business Development and Enterprise and staff.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:03:16

  5. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    It stems from a newsletter that the office started to share info, business stories, foster participation, and take pride in Guelph’s business accomplishments.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:04:27

  6. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Committee also recognizes Michael Witmer, Development Planner, for obtaining his Master of Public Administration degree.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:05:27

  7. Here are @cityofguelph staffers being recognized for their hard work. See the live blog: https://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca/2017/10/live-blog-committee-of-whole-for.html?m=1

    Here are @cityofguelph staffers being recognized for their hard work. See the live blog: https://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca/2017/10/live-blog-committee-of-whole-for.html?m=1

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson
    ·

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:08:34

  8. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Now an update on the Children’s Groundwater Festival. which takes place May 25-31. The event has been working to educate kids on water issues for over 20 years. Over 90 K elementary students have participated.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:11:24

  9. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Applause for the Children’s Groundwater Festival from council and gallery as they thank council for the support.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:18:19

  10. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Final presentation of the day: Gord Troughton and Erin Monoz of @Metrolinx. They’re talking about things going on in #Guelph, and the along the Kitchener corridor.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:19:59

  11. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Metrolinx wants to make some investments in our area because a) this is the fast growing area in the country, and b) congestion costs us between $6-$10 billion per year.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:20:54

  12. Here's a slide from the presentation showing how Metrolinx is looking at growth in our area. https://t.co/slzrCqPgZ1

    Here’s a slide from the presentation showing how Metrolinx is looking at growth in our area. pic.twitter.com/slzrCqPgZ1

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:23:37

  13. What will it take to build new train corridor? https://t.co/9AXwmvxj8u

    What will it take to build new train corridor? pic.twitter.com/9AXwmvxj8u

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:26:16

  14. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Bell asks if the second track will run all the way from Georgetown to Kitchener?
    Troughton: That’s the intent, details are still in the works.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:30:05

  15. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Bell asks if the second track will run all the way from Georgetown to Kitchener?
    Troughton: That’s the intent, details are still in the works.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:30:05

  16. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Downer asks about the “100 steps”, and progress in getting that bridge repaired. Troughton and Monoz say they’ll look into it and get back to council.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:34:21

  17. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Gibson asks if there are other partners besides Guelph with parking issues. Moroz: Ontario only modal transit system that relies on parking needs. Not a long term solution since they’re trying to quadruple ridership.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:36:26

  18. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Metrolinx is also looking at strategies like shuttles services to get people from parking to station, for example.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:37:39

  19. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Metrolinx will be looking to participate in community meetings in Guelph, as well as holding their own feedback.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:40:06

  20. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Metrolinx will be looking to participate in community meetings in Guelph, as well as holding their own feedback.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:40:06

  21. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Allt says that he’s not hearing what he wants to hear. Doesn’t want to belabour his ward when things are more than 10 years out.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:41:06

  22. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Moroz: There’s a commitment to build the bypasses in 7 years, the Environmental Assessment will begin in a couple of months. In other words, this is happening fairly quickly.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:42:06

  23. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    No more Qs for the Metrolinx team, so now on to the rest of the meeting…

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:43:42

  24. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Service Delivery Methods in the Context of Business Service Reviews and 2018 Council and Committee Meeting Calendar pass unanimously by consent.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:45:05

  25. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    First up, presentation of Pedestrian Crossover Implementation.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:46:26

  26. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    5 locations from a list of 15 were approved for the new pedestrian signal beacon. Metrics for car and pedestrian traffic were satisfied for these locations.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 18:52:20

  27. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Deputy Chief Paul Martin says this is very important to get the info about the new changes out there. The responsibility of drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists to maintain road safety.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:00:17

  28. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cll Salisbury asks if the city can make addition to the crosswalk signals, or do we have to follow the letter of the regs. Yellow means slowdown, but people step on the gas when they see yellow.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:02:00

  29. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: No, have to keep the standards of the promise, and making the lights red instead might cause confusion.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:02:40

  30. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says $10 K for communications seems excessive. He’s not proposing nothing be done, wants to know where comms budget is going.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:04:33

  31. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: Video costs $5 K, which is saved because City is borrowing other videos. But this is for spots on radio and TV. If they don’t spend it, great!

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:05:29

  32. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Bell asks if pedestrians have to clear the crosswalk at the fully signalized intersection? They can, if they do so safely.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:12:06

  33. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks if the lights are too bright in those residential neighbourhoods?

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:17:18

  34. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Anderson says they can look into that.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:17:42

  35. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Billings says that the City of Kitchener signals weren’t very bright during the day, can Guelph do something about that?
    Anderson: Yes, there are a # of manufacturers that the City can look at/ will be looked at.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:19:14

  36. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Wettstein asks why there isn’t a commensurate message for pedestrians to speed up as well as drivers to slowdown.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:21:37

  37. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Anderson says they’ve haven’t considered that, but will make a note of it.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:21:58

  38. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Personal note: Wettstein clearly doesn’t walk anywhere. Because drivers in many intersections make it pretty damn clear that if you don’t walk faster, they’ll run you down.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:22:49

  39. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Vote to accept recommendations on Pedestrian Crossover Implementation passes 13-0.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:24:58

  40. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up, Speedvale Ave Bridge Underpass. Staff is recommending that it doesn’t go forward, hence 10 delegations and 16 correspondences on this matter.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:26:19

  41. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DACO Clack is highlighting the three main problems with the plan. Mostly stems from this being a “One zone flood plain” which makes it very hard to build there

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:28:29

  42. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    But the skate park is also in a “One Zone Flood Plain”, but it was built before the changes to Heritage act, and is differently classified than a primary trail, which would have to be fully accessible.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:29:49

  43. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack notes that if the project could be changed per GRCA and River Systems Advisory Comms, they’d still be stuck with the other 2 issues: environment and accessibility.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:32:04

  44. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt says he’s somewhat disappoint, thought it would an easy sail-through, wonders if its appropriate to ask questions of legal staff if council chooses to refute recommendation.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:34:22

  45. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer says at some point, council could go in camera after the delegations. Could also have closed meeting before this matter comes to full council

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:34:59

  46. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    A primary trail, because there’s an anticipated high-level of use, is built to a higher standard, staff tells Bell in response to Q on the difference. Nature trails for bird watching, not primary, and not rigorously built.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:37:58

  47. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Van Hellmond asks about work on the retaining wall that needs to be done.
    Staff: There’s money in the 2018 Capital budget that will begin planning and address the needed repairs.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:40:42

  48. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gordon says that a lot of the calls he’s been receiving has an element of confusion. Excitement is about safe access to the amenities to rec facilities in Riverside. They don’t want to recreate on the trail.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:54:58

  49. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack can appreciate that perspective. Council wanted connection to Trans Canada Trail, and make underpass part of the Active Transpo Network. Staff is responding to the direction given.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:56:01

  50. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks if staff did any work on alternatives? Doesn’t want to send them away with new directives if they’ve already been considered.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:58:55

  51. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack: It was important to bring this info back now on what they were mandated to do, and didn’t want to assume anything. Recommendation #2 directs staff to start considering alternatives.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 19:59:43

  52. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer asks if the report was run by accessibility advisory committee (it has). Would council need an official plan amendment to proceed (hard to answer without new council direction).

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 20:01:24

  53. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks if the committee meetings are audio recorded in order to follow up on a point in Mungall’s presentation. Unlike council and CotW, those meetings are note recorded, just minutes. “We should change that,” Guthrie says.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 20:21:49

  54. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up, Ken Chupa who’s VP of Guelph Wellington Seniors Association. Is a cyclist and is interested in promoting the idea of seniors staying active.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 20:24:16

  55. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Mike Darmon is up next. He’s lived on Riverview Dr for 30 years, and observes a lot of near misses with people crossing Speedvale. Saw the pedestrian crossing used about 10 times in 20 minutes while gathering signatures.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 20:33:50

  56. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Susanne Gates is next. She’s a retiree that’s speaking to safety concerns mention in the staff report. It’s not unusual for pedestrians to get injured by cars. Even when they have the right of way.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 20:46:25

  57. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “It seems to be a greater safety concern for people to cross at Speedvale than use a trail that occasionally floods,” says Gates.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 20:47:28

  58. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    And now we’re joined by Yvette Tendick of @activeguelph. She’s was at the RSAC meeting where the consultant gave the plan the thumbs up. It was the June meeting, but the consultant report is unavailable with the agenda.  http://guelph.ca/wp-content/uploads/RSAC_Agenda_062117.pdf …

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 20:53:30

  59. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up, @TransportFuture, a transportation consultant.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 20:58:03

  60. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Collier making the point that lights should be added at Marlborough Rd, and there should be green boxes added to the intersection like at Waterloo/Gordon. In other words, enhance safety at intersection.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 20:59:55

  61. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Stan Kozak, current member of RSAC is up to the podium. Says that there are some things with that committee that should be looked at, but here to talk about @2RiversFestival today.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:07:40

  62. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Kozak has a petition with over 300 signatures interested in saving this project. Urging councillors to proceed with the project while working to get improvements to Speedvale bridge underway too.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:09:55

  63. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next and final delegation is Chuck Castillo. Notes that Woolwich and Speedvale was the #2 worst road for that year. And hey, Guelph Politico shout out!

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:12:11

  64. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “Speedvale Ave is dangerous” says Castillo, the city has to provide someplace safe for families to cross he says.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:14:05

  65. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Back to committee, Downer says it seems like there’s a number of legal questions that might need to be addressed. Clack says it might be better to come back on the 23rd and answer all questions at once.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:15:07

  66. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt says “there’s no such thing as a simple legal question” so he’s fine with waiting for the closed meeting.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:15:58

  67. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury says that the City paid a lot of money for the consultant report, especially since its making a recommendation that staff is saying it cannot recommend. Asks if the consultant can be at council meeting, as well as member of RSAC.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:24:03

  68. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury proposes a motion to have staff continue with detailed design while the debate continues. Clack suggests that committee send it back to staff to get more answers and get the ppl requested. Bring it to next CotW.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:28:40

  69. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff doesn’t need directive on the money for the next month, it’s just going to sit there anyway. $50K was approved in the 2017 Capital Budget for detailed design.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:30:28

  70. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury puts forward motion of referral to the next meeting. Guthrie says he’s where Salisbury is, but doesn’t want to cut off comments and concerns.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:31:18

  71. Guthrie says he’s like to see a matrix of the policy issues/problems, and the risks and liability. pic.twitter.com/Y2cIww97mn

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:33:21

  72. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie adds that he doesn’t want to set up a situation where staff is pitted against consultants. Otherwise, he’s fine with the referral.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:34:21

  73. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Piper asks if council should be considering a motion of reconsideration in order to prepare for the outcome of the Nov. vote.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:36:07

  74. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack says they’re not taking a new direction this evening, but trying to fill in gaps in information. When that info comes back, at that point, council will have to make a decision.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:37:03

  75. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gordon says staff and council needs to hear how to move things forward in order to answer the concerns of the community, and not force staff to redo all the work that they’ve already done.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:39:41

  76. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack proposes to bring everything back on one night, and not split things up between Oct 23 and then November CotW.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:40:59

  77. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell says that council has to be clear about this. Number of trails already in flood plain areas and grandfathered, number of new projects coming in the future plus Active Transpo Network. Might be setting precedence for non-compliance.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:46:45

  78. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell: “The wrong decision on this item will have long-term detrimental effects” on the City and how people interact with the environment. He thinks eventually, [council] will have to build this underpass.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:48:02

  79. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury puts forward notion to refer back to staff, Gordon seconds.
    Referral passes 11-1 with Van Hellemond voting against. (Gibson not here for the vote.)

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:50:33

  80. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Mayor Guthrie proposes a 25 minute break. Committee will resume at 6:15 pm.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 21:51:25

  81. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie calls the meeting back to order, and we begin again with the Water and Wastewater Rate Review.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:17:00

  82. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Two changes are being proposed tonight. One is Sewer Abatement and the other is Water Leak Billing Forgiveness. The latter is self-explanitory, the former is for water not going back to sewer like in-ground irrigation and pools.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:21:59

  83. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The financial impact will be $720 K for sewer abatement, and perhaps $60 K for water leak but that’s unknown. If passed, both programs will go into implementation in July 2018.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:28:01

  84. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Billings asks about how this will be measured and implemented.
    Staff would look at end use. Compare how much water goes in versus how much water goes out.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:30:36

  85. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson

    Billings asks how many of the big water users would qualify for the sewer abatement. Most likely, it would be 10-15 users.

    Billings asks if this is Sleemans? The U of G? Staff says they’re really not in a position to disclose.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:34:32

  86. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Billings trying to wrap her head around this matter. Guelph is supposed to be conserving water, are we going to attract big water users now becasue of the reduced rates? Are big water users going to expand?

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:41:14

  87. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Moving on to water leak forgiveness, the Guelph plan is similar to Hamilton who has an exception after 3 vacant days. Staff: council can decide to proceed with something similar.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:43:26

  88. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bell asks the question we’re all thinking: What’s the definition of a leak?

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:48:09

  89. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: If a user gets a high bill, they call in, provide the outcomes of the work the plumber did and perhaps there’s an inspection.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:50:23

  90. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Piper interjects. Bell’s concerns will be addressed when the terms and conditions are developed, yes? But Bell seems to not like this whole idea. Wants 25% cap versus 50%

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:53:18

  91. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr MacKinnon notes the sewer abatement is a good idea in concept, but what about those in condos with private garbage? Or the people that don’t use certain rec centres? Why should they pay for services they don’t use.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:54:22

  92. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: This is a business case. Other municipalities have implemented these changes, and Guelph needs to keep pace. It’s something businesses have been asking for.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:55:13

  93. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie is thankful that Guelph is getting that industrial advantage. This has been something in the pipe (pun intended) since 2012. As for leak forgiveness, started with a condo that had a $25K bill because of leak.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:57:52

  94. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt concerned that Guelph is getting into a price war, slashing the cost of services to be competitive against other municipalities.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 22:59:36

  95. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Staff: We’re aware that we’re on a finite water supply, and that’s going to provide issues. Haven’t seen any kind of a sense that these changes create a drive for more consumption. Will make sure there’s safeguards.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:00:27

  96. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Recommendations pass 11-0 (Gibson and Van Hellemond have taken their leave).

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:01:16

  97. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up: Corporate Project Management Office Progress Update with Tomoko King, Manager of the CPMO

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:02:17

  98. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    @dcwllms He was posing it as a hypothetical argument others will make, this is not MacKinnon’s own stance, I should say.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:08:07

  99. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Last week, St George’s Square reconstruction was added to the tier 1 list of projects, meaning it’s an immediate priority.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:09:31

  100. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie praises the CPMO for the work they’ve done in the last few years. It’s very transparent, and show’s citizens are getting good value.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:18:14

  101. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Recommendation accepted 11-0

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:18:29

  102. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Last item of the night: Clerk Stephen O’Brien on Election Policies.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:19:12

  103. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Okay, so changes: Policy is going to make it clear now that there can be no campaigning inside city hall, and that candidates cannot use city technology, logo, flag, or anything while they’re campaigning.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:21:27

  104. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien warns that staff should be cognizant of any appearance of involvement in an election campaign.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:22:13

  105. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Also new, O’Brien is introducing a policy on how to fill a vacancy for a councillor, or the office of mayor.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:23:01

  106. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien clarifies to Bell that he can use his city smart phone during the election for city business. For election business, he will have to use a different phone.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:24:18

  107. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt follows up. Inevitably, someone’s going to call a councillor on a city phone, and that person will be accused of breaking the rules. How will that be dealt with other than judiciously.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:25:30

  108. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien says that councillors should be prepared to handle this eventuality. Including, per Allt’s suggestion, leaving an outgoing VM message explaining where ppl can direct election questions/concerns.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:27:06

  109. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    On another matter, there’s an election sign bylaw coming forward in the near future.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:27:32

  110. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer asks if its no longer permitted that people are allowed to use a campaign picture of themselves standing outside city hall. O’Brien’s best advise is to avoid city hall period.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:29:34

  111. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    How about #GuelphProud? Can candidates use it? Does it belong to the mayor or the City because Guthrie used it at the State of the City, a City of Guelph event. O’Brien says that’s something that may not be off limits. Focus on logo & branding

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:31:48

  112. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer asks about email lists. The ones that councillors have used in city business, they are not able to be used for elxn. O’Brien agrees

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:34:34

  113. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    “I can hardly wait,” says Wettstein.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:35:28

  114. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    O’Brien says common sense will reign.
    Wettstein: Are you kidding!?

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:36:27

  115. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Committee passes recommendations 11-0.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:37:07

  116. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Committee is adjourned for another month. Thanks for hanging in there. Good night.

     

     

    Mon, Oct 02 2017 23:37:35

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