LIVE BLOG: City Council Meeting for November 22, 2017

Published on by Adam A. Donaldson

Members of the general public will be able to have their say on the 2018 Tax-Supported Budget at this week’s meeting. You can click here for the agenda from City Hall, and you can click here for the Politico preview. For the complete blow-by-blow of tonight’s council meeting, you can follow me on Twitter, or follow along below via Storify.

 

by
Adam A. Donaldson
Thu, Nov 23 2017 04:26:17

#GuelphBudget Meeting – November 22, 2017

Live blog from the meeting starting at 6 pm

  1. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The people get there say on the #GuelphBudget tonight.  https://guelphpolitico.blogspot.ca/2017/11/city-council-preview-whats-on-agenda.html …

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 20:54:50

  2. A bit late, but I'm here at the #GuelphBudget meeting. Erin Harvey of the @GuelphNSC is now presenting. https://t.co/dTiuTCWC3z

    A bit late, but I’m here at the #GuelphBudget meeting. Erin Harvey of the @GuelphNSC is now presenting. pic.twitter.com/dTiuTCWC3z

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:06:58

  3. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Right now, we’re going over a laundry list of the services offered by the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition. “We are the most successful that we ever hope we can be, we want to sustain those successes.”

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:09:06

  4. Can’t find the council meeting on Rogers? (not surprised) You can watch it now on YouTube.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuwWy7PBHUg&feature=youtu.be …

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:11:35

  5. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Hofland asks if the GNSC will have to cut programs if they don’t get $100K? Harvey said they had to scrape by this year, but they need two other positions, but until then, yes, services would have to be cut to get more overhead.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:15:05

  6. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Allt praises GNSC for programs success. Onward Willow has taken area teen pregnancy rate from highest in the city to the lowest.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:16:20

  7. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Harvey says there’s a concern for her group spending so much time “chasing grants” that are temporary or limited. They need to have more time for oversight and that the group have the support they need.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:17:23

  8. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Harvey says there are issues with finding sustainability with staff. Whether it’s a grant for $1,000, or a grant for $100K, it’s the same amount of work.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:19:13

  9. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Wettstein says we’re not too happy with the province downloading social services on the city, and that province is not contributing in a meaningful way. Says council has to find $4 mill in savings to get tax rate for 2018 to something “reasonable”.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:20:40

  10. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Harvey disagrees that this is a provincial responsibility. GSNC isn’t a social service, but an incubator for democracy and leadership in a “healthy and robust city”.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:21:36

  11. The list of speakers for tonight's meeting. (We're still on #1). https://t.co/7FnRMLPxzj

    The list of speakers for tonight’s meeting. (We’re still on #1). pic.twitter.com/7FnRMLPxzj

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:27:11

  12. Mayor Guthrie introduces “the only police officer in the room” Arif Hasham…

    And then @ChiefDeRuyter rose… pic.twitter.com/CJ9TQVL7qF

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:29:27

  13. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Sgt Hasham is also talking about the work of the Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition. Their advocacy game is on point tonight with no less than 6 delegations.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:30:33

  14. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Currently, the city has 13 neighbourhood groups. These groups play a vital role in neighbourhood policing, says Hasham.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:31:48

  15. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr MacKinnon asks if the community would be better with $100K for GNSC, with reduction of Guelph Police budget by $100K, or the opposite?

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:33:43

  16. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hasham says there’s an unseen benefit, but he admits yes, the $100K is better spent on Neighbourhood groups with the benefits down the road.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:34:28

  17. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up is Lynne Kloostra of the Brant Avenue Neighbourhood Group

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:35:03

  18. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Kim, who has been helped by the Brant Neighbourhood Group, is talking about the inspiration and positive effect that being involved has had on her life, and on her sons’ lives.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:37:06

  19. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Several members of the GNSC team are waving their hands at the end of comments, since clapping violates decorum. It’s kinda funny.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:41:12

  20. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Allt asks how significant supports for mental health are in the GNSC. Kim has social anxiety, and has developed relationships with many of the neighbours. Local kids know they can get help from her.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:42:09

  21. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Gibson has some staff questions. Guthrie says that might depend on how long it takes to get through the rest of the delegations.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:43:52

  22. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up is Jennifer Macleod of the Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, who’s also here to speak to GNSC.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:44:33

  23. Overcoming poverty barriers in Guelph in 3 diagrams. pic.twitter.com/Qg7hSuR5Zl

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:47:58

  24. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Bottomline: @WDGPublicHealth wants to see the work of the GNSC continue and thrive in order to deliver positive change in the city.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:49:05

  25. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Van Hellemond notes that the data gathered is from 2006. Most organizations didn’t use 2011 data from census because of the methodology, but their stats will be refreshed with the release of 2016 data.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:51:11

  26. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up is Alisha Arnold of the Two Rivers Neighbourhood Group, and her daughter Kia. She couldn’t afford childcare, so couldn’t go back to work and leaned on the help of the Two Rivers group.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:52:34

  27. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Arnold says that relationship building that’s offered through the community groups is not offered by accessing provincial serves. It’s hands on, and direct.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:54:17

  28. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up is Helen Fishburn of Guelph Neighbourhood Support Coalition. Notes that Guelph’s is the largest organization of its kind in Canada, and they offer “cradle to grave” services. Also they see a lot of people with mental health issues.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:57:44

  29. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Here 24/7 service gets about 5,000 calls per month from people looking for mental health services. Hundreds are on wait lists, and their needs are “very significant” says Fishburn.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:59:06

  30. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    A lot of people call don’t trust the system, and need help in order to get people to allow them to get help.

     

     

    Wed, Nov 22 2017 23:59:48

  31. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up is Barb McPhee of the North Riverside Neighbourhood Group

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:02:50

  32. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    McPhee talking about her own experiences with poverty and abuse. Received assistance and support from Onward Willow, and then became involved with the group and became a community leader.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:05:38

  33. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    McPhee says that the return on investment on the help she’s gotten is worth way more than $100K, and then when you multiply that by the hundreds helped…

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:08:18

  34. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next is Raechelle Devereaux of the Guelph Community Health Centre.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:09:03

  35. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Devereaux compares the GNSC to an allen key, a vital tool that allows all the various neighbourhood groups to establish their goals, whatever they are.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:11:14

  36. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Now Maryann Sly-Kensley, also of the @GuelphCHC, is speaking to support for the GNSC. Impacts on community, and response to needs would not be possible without the partnership, she says.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:12:58

  37. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The final delegation of the GNSC caucus is Brendan Johnson himself. Calls himself the luckiest guy in the city being able to work along side all these people who’ve come out to speak tonight.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:17:50

  38. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Johnson says that they want everyone to feel that they can participate, and that they can celebrate. This is important.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:19:00

  39. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The GNSC summer camps feature 8 camps servicing 1,400 kids, with 60 leaders in training and creating 40 jobs.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:20:02

  40. This is concise. https://t.co/B0SDpdfxyD

    This is concise. pic.twitter.com/B0SDpdfxyD

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:22:45

  41. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Gordon says he’s not seen a more inspiring presentation to the city as the one GNSC has organized tonight. Question: does the $100K get you caught up to match capacity?

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:24:27

  42. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Johnson: Yes, there’s a lot of stuff to do, a lot of initial success, and they money will help a little with expansion, but more about meeting present need. Have had to say no to a lot of people.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:25:26

  43. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gordon asks Johnson if he’s a victim of his own success, and that the City is relying on GNSC, What does an ask for expansion look like? Johnson says that’s a big question that he may have to bring back next year.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:27:30

  44. The council live stream continues here:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMfcbrhJ2QI …

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:34:13

  45. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt asks about the issues being face by people of colour and trans people. Equity committee formed and equity coordinator hired. Coming in January there’ll be an all-day conference on equality. Trying to further dialogue on power and privilege.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:36:50

  46. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt jokes that Johnson has “half of Guelph” out for $100K. Johnson says there there’s a myth of sustainability through grants, you’re constantly chasing it, and then they reform everything…

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:40:50

  47. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Community relations doesn’t come to a nice sound bite too often, but Johnson says that it’s nice to show off what his organization does.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:43:49

  48. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland withdraws her questions because she wants to wrap the delegation with humour. Guthrie says that’s not a great segue for him since he does have question.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:44:53

  49. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks Johnson if GNSC gets their $100K will they stop looking for other money?
    Johnson: No.
    Guthrie: The equity coordinator, was that a paid position?
    Johnson: Yes, it was through a Trillium grant, but no ongoing funding.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:46:34

  50. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    No further Qs for Johnson. Guthrie notes about 9 more delegations, and thinks this is a good time for a break. Downer suggests councillors should ask questions of staff now so that people here for GNSC can hear the ask.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:48:47

  51. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks if community benefit agreements have increase embedded in them. DCAO Clack says there is an annual cost-of-living increase worked in, and that’s included in the base.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:49:39

  52. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    13 total community benefit grants in the city, fyi.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:49:52

  53. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Each go through a review process when they come up for renewal depending on the individual agreement. Danna Evans notes that GNSC has a 5-year agreement currently.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:51:02

  54. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    The GSNC agreement comes up for renewal in 2020.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:51:34

  55. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson asks staff to review talks with the city so far. Clack says they knew the ask was coming, had to do juggling to get the 1.5% increase for community grants to fit in the limited .5% increase department wide.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:53:10

  56. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks if its worthwhile to look at a wholesale policy review of CBAs. Clack says it’s better still to handle them one-on-one as they come up for renewal. Everyone’s strapped.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 00:54:56

  57. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie calls a 10 minute break. Enjoy!

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:00:21

  58. A startling sign of things to come... https://t.co/cmlWhJL34Q

    A startling sign of things to come… pic.twitter.com/cmlWhJL34Q

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:05:10

  59. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    We’re back at it with @chamberadvocacy as the next delegation. We’re pausing to make sure the live stream is streaming.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:11:03

  60. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Mwanzia says that the commentary tonight is being driven by feedback from Guelph’s businesses and business leaders with the goal of continued economic sustainability in the city.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:13:05

  61. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Mwanzia talks about the important role of Transit in economic sustainability. Asking for route review with an eye on more consideration for Guelph’s manufacturing and industrial base. This all includes continued pressure for two-way, all-day GO service.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:15:22

  62. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Mwanzia also advocates for keeping the property tax rate increase inline with the rate of inflation.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:15:59

  63. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Salisbury asks for clarity in private sector involvement for route review. Mwanzia says he doesn’t think anything should be off the table. City should look to work with businesses with large work forces.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:17:14

  64. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland aks for clarity on rate of inflation, does that include the infrastructure levy too? Mwanzia says that council knows the Chamber stance on levy. For the rest of you:  https://www.guelphmercury.com/news-story/6265381-business-leaders-voice-concern-over-city-s-proposed-2-special-levy/ …

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:20:18

  65. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson asks about competitiveness and the prolonged investment cycle, asks Mwanzia how Guelph can look welcoming.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:24:49

  66. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Mwanzia says the formula for competitive does include property taxes, transit, etc, but can’t lose site that taxes is still a consideration and there’s been successive years of 2x the rate of inflation increases.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:25:50

  67. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says to bring the rate down council will have to come up with $7 million in cuts, that will also affect the attractiveness of Guelph, yes? Mwanzia says he can’t speak to that #, but he says that taxes is a concern for members.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:29:23

  68. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Also, decisions made around the board room table that are often made based on the cold hard numbers from the rates.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:30:22

  69. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks if the service review of Transit should be done before Mwanzia’s proposed route review, and Mwanzia agrees with that.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:31:26

  70. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Skipping over the next 2 delegates who do not seem to be here, we come to perennial delegate Pat Fung. Believes Guelph has a spending cost problem.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:32:33

  71. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    This year, Fung is using Barrie, a single-tier municipality like Guelph as a comparator and we’re spending $3K per person vs almost $2,600 per person in Barrie.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:33:46

  72. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Fung says that operating costs should be cut to make infrastructure a priority. Plus the City has too many people on staff apparently.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:35:34

  73. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Fung makes the point: # of fires is going down but fire costs are going up, what’s the deal?

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:37:17

  74. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson agrees on some of points that Fung made that the City needs to investigate, but has Fung broadened it through other communities? Fung says he’s looked at it, but it’s time consuming.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:38:56

  75. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt offers a point of order, might ask staff questions later about his report.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:39:44

  76. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up is Christine Hassan. Hasn’t heard anything about Guelph Transit’s place in the budget this year because of lack of newspaper.
    

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:40:35

  77. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Many routes running less frequently, gaps in service, though to get anywhere unless it’s the university. (No #10 stop in the West End Rec Centre, hard to access the therapy pool for people with mobility issues.)

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:41:59

  78. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hassan makes the point that while students are on the priority, the amount paid by citizens is the equivalent of 2 people. In other words, 10 people on the bus in the summer = 20.
    

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:44:12

  79. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hassan reminds transit is a need not a want, gets cars off the road, all that…

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:45:01

  80. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Next up, my arch-enemy @steven_petric to talk on behalf of the Transit Advisory Council.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:46:02

  81. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Good news transit nerds: no cuts to summer service, according to Petric through TAC.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:48:15

  82. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Weekends suck, according to TAC, says Petric. There needs to be expanded service especially on Sunday.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:49:33

  83. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Petric is on fire, says that council and mayor have talked about the positives of realignment, and that needs to be followed up with more investment.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:51:14

  84. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt asks if TAC has any numbers about the people who would take expanded service on Sunday. Nothing specific, but its something heard about.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:52:19

  85. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    A delegation in a delegation. A gentleman says his two kids worked on Sunday and had to be driven to get their jobs on time. A lot of students in same boat.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:53:05

  86. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Chris Keleher is here on behalf of those working 60 hours per week, seniors and all those concerned about rising taxes. Confident that there’s tax savings that might be found. Says council should get to picking the high-hanging fruit.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:57:58

  87. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Keleher doesn’t want to offer suggestions since he isn’t informed enough. Wants this council to set precedence for the next by digging deep and finding savings.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:59:19

  88. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Ted Pritchard of Fair Tax Campaign is back for his yearly appearance to advocate for equal service delivery to condo owners.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 01:59:59

  89. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Pritchard says that there’s a chance on Dec 5 for council to make things fair. Much of that new MPAC money discovered comes from condo owners by the way.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:03:57

  90. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie thanks Pritchard for his multiple presentations over the years. I hate to say it, but I think Pritchard is going to be written off the show in the season finale…

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:05:04

  91. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland asks Pritchard about the dwindling interest over 10 years. Are members of the Fair Tax Campaign doubtful that council will ever move forward with their concerns?

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:06:30

  92. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Pritchard says he’s failed at that aspect. No members of the exec in the gallery, even though this is the year they have the chance to do something. But Pritchard doesn’t have an answer.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:07:29

  93. Hofland says she didn’t ask the question to show how Pritchard has failed. She appreciates his tenacity. pic.twitter.com/72Pp0wkbZL

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:09:28

  94. Hofland: We had a ward 3 budget meeting and 5 people came,
    Pritchard: We had 4.
    Guthrie I had 4 people at my townhall and 2 were my parents. pic.twitter.com/susaAC5C0M

     

     

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    ·

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:11:34

  95. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Susan Ratcliffe is the last speaker. Says that Guthrie comments on making priority a low rate increase is the wrong approach, the priority should be creating a robust community.
    

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:12:25

  96. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Ratcliffe supports the elimination of the Vacancy Tax Rebate, but… wants to but the savings into preserving heritage buildings and stop destruction through neglect.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:13:18

  97. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Ratcliffe says that council screwed up on 75 Dublin last year by not following regular process. The matter is now before the OMB cost the city in legal costs. Those were tax savings.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:16:18

  98. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Ratcliffe also says that council shouldn’t put emphasis on all the “anonymous” taxpayers that want to slash spending, but if they are looking for $7 million in savings, don’t build the new Niska Bridge.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:17:10

  99. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Back to council questions and discussion now.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:17:39

  100. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt begins by asking CAO Thomson about questions concerning how staff is managing of budgets. i.e. Fung’s report.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:19:52

  101. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Thomson says MBA is not “apples to apples” comparison across municipalities. Council makes decisions based on community priorities, which is not universal across all of Ontario’s 400+ municipalities.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:20:48

  102. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Thomson suggests that Fund review recent arbitration costs across Ontario vis-à-vis fire costs.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:21:26

  103. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Thomson adds that staff was given a mandate to meet .5% rise in spending this year outside of compensation. .5% is well below the rate of inflation.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:22:49

  104. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt asks about transit, and the stats about people using the bus on Sundays. Clack says that’s some of the work that will be done during the service review.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:24:58

  105. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cost of electric buses too, Allt asks. Clack says any contemplation of changes needs to wait for the completion of the service review.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:26:41

  106. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland asks about transit budget changes, aren’t we buying a new community bus? Transit GM Spicer says the bus will be bought in 2018, in service in 2019.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:28:02

  107. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie asks when council might get the service review on transit back. Thomson says its a 12 month process. It could be Dec 2018, or Jan 2019. There’s a $100K expansion to complete review in the budget.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:29:55

  108. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie ponders the possibility of raising the funding for the review to get it complete for July, but will take those ponderings offline.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:30:55

  109. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gordon says there are perceptions of inefficiencies, that there’s gaps in service with focus on mainline, does that mean there’ll be no changes for a year till review complete.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:31:49

  110. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Thomson says Transit has done best it can with budget. Needs thorough review so that it can get the best possible service and get efficient system. Need time to do it right.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:32:33

  111. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Clack says adjustments will be made to address needs. Larger changes, they’re going to wait for the service review before doing those.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:33:30

  112. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    MacKinnon wants to confirm that cash rates and affordable pass use is part of the review. It will be.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:34:15

  113. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury asks if there’s a way to get results more timely? DCAO Stewart says no, they’ve learned a lot since January and 1st review. Can do it in 11 months, but not 2 no matter the # of consultants.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:35:37

  114. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Allt asks what’s a “tweak” to transit. Spicer says boardings and ridership are being reviewed, and from that will be the targets.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:36:38

  115. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Spicer notes that despite the mainline, still about 5 or 6 bus loads being left on sidewalk. Also, people still missing their transfers.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:38:05

  116. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    On West End Rec Centre, number of people getting on there was less than 3 boardings an hour, but mobile service to WERC has picked up as a consequence.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:40:26

  117. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    We’re going to start with intentions. Guthrie says he’ll work his way around the horseshoe so that the public knows where council’s head is at.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:43:16

  118. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Billings wants to look at efficiency target to keep the rate increase low.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:45:06

  119. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Hofland wants to support request from GNSC, and bring forward her own expansion pack to change income threshold for city to subsidy programs to the low income measure.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:46:11

  120. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Hofland cont’d: To build consensus with colleagues, consider new hires carefully, support increase fair and equitable, still considering $480K (??) can’t commit right now. Also, National Housing Strategy came out today.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:47:30

  121. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr MacKinnon: Live streaming of council meetings, tying increase to GNSC to commensurate decrease in Police budget. Also willing to let some things slide till next council considering pressures. Wants 3% all in

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:48:57

  122. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    MacKinnon pledges no questions on budget night. Going to get all questions answered in advanced, hope rest of council will do the same.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:49:43

  123. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Salisbury would like also get feedback from police as per MacKinnon’s idea. Wants more clarity on actual out-of-pocket real cost vs lost income on transit fares.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:51:15

  124. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Downer wants clarification on the surplus. What’s the policy? Doesn’t it go into reserve?
    Thomson says this will come up Monday. It’s a forecast, not real yet. But yes, Downer’s right about the policy.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:52:42

  125. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Treasurer Baker says the surplus is at council’s will in terms of what it can be used for.
    Downer notes that it can be used to relieve the burden this year.
    Thomson reminds again that this is a *forecast*.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:54:47

  126. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Thomson says that direction is at council’s will, and there are tools in order to do that. Meanwhile, Baker’s staff preparing to post the mechanics on the budget board.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 02:56:20

  127. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Cllr Gibson wants to make sure that staff is never used as political cover. Staff brings recommendations, council makes decisions.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:00:23

  128. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    That being said, he wants to voice his support for increase in infrastructure, but wants every half per cent increase in levy be matched by half per cent decrease in operating.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:01:14

  129. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Gibson also looking at purchasing limits as a way to create savings. Looks to bring forward motions on departmental spending to generate $500K in savings.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:02:37

  130. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer says if that’s Gibson’s intention then staff should create awareness about the potential impacts.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:03:08

  131. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says he will ask staff along the lines as Downer just mentioned, about what the impact of not proceeding with spending will be. Staff already good at looking at efficiencies.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:04:27

  132. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says he’s going to look at yard waste pick-up and affordable housing. Thinks its premature to go into full funding so soon after passing the policy this year.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:05:14

  133. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury says he struggles with the message board, maybe because he’s “old school”, asks about reduction in serves on one end to address increase in serves on the other.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:07:11

  134. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says some of the expansions don’t look like expansions. Related to changing of service or growth of the city.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:08:38

  135. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    That seems to be a wrap for intentions. Guthrie adds that he’s unlikely to approve any of the expansions except for some programs: Yard waste and paramedics are likely passes.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:10:15

  136. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Guthrie says he looks to be fair and equitable to build consensus. Doesn’t want to make it about services and values, looks to council to figure it all out. Sometimes he feels like he has to compromise up, not down.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:11:20

  137. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Mayor says he feels like he’s here to keep tax burden down. Wants to reach middle ground to make things palatable for him, council, and the community. Wants to hit a home run, here.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:12:04

  138. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Dec 5: Guthrie says he will ask at the beginning for anything new. Wants no questions unless it’s something new. Changes for this year we ask for comments then vote for each expansion.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:14:00

  139. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Let’s make it a really good night, Guthrie adds. No relationship meltdowns.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:14:56

  140. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Salisbury says last budget there was an incremental passing of the budget last year, will it be the same this year? Guthrie says it will be the same.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:15:47

  141. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    DCAO Lee says best way is middle ground, to follow the expansion as they go and keep the running tally of the build so that the final budget reaches consensus.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:18:57

  142. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Thomson says there’s board budget, base, expansions and levy. Advises that the best place to start is base and follow as Lee suggests a running total.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:19:38

  143. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Further feedback on process will happen offline

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:21:46

  144. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Wettstein says he can see council getting to the last item, it doesn’t matter how he votes by the time it gets to the end, that’s the budget. Baker says staff will work on the recommendation.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:22:43

  145. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Downer says she’s seen councillors vote for the things they support and then in the end vote against the budget. A bit of sliminess to that.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:23:34

  146. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    Thomson says that council has to vote, you can’t show your intention and vote on nothing in the end.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:25:03

  147. adamadonaldson

    Adam A. Donaldson@adamadonaldson
    That’s it for tonight’s meeting. Guthrie thanks staff for their hard work. #GuelphBudget will commence again for the final votes on December 5.

     

     

    Thu, Nov 23 2017 03:26:23

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