Clavier S***** Up, City Manager and Ward 2 Councillor Pounce - Debt Without Regret
The following is a verbatim transcript of Brian Clavier's comments, at the August 18, 2009 council meeting, during the public hearing on a bylaw that permits the city to negotiate an $8 million loan from CMHC - at much more favourable terms than an already-passed bylaw regarding the same money from CIBC. Brian was the only person to comment. Responses from Robert Cotterill (the City Manager) and Greg Dionne (Councillor for Ward 2) are also reproduced.
This series of statements is instructive in several respects: it provides lessons about
1) shooting your mouth off
2) the necessity of including the entire context when reviewing commentary
3) critical thinking
4) civil discourse, and
5) how easy it is to take verbal shots at someone who has no opportunity for rebuttal.
****************************
BRIAN CLAVIER: This is a really good idea - especially if the two-hundred-and-twenty-two-thousand dollars in projected savings can be realized. Most people here have a mortgage - and would love to renegotiate their mortgage when rates are very low, as they are right now. And essentially, this is what the city's trying to do here: negotiate much better terms with CMHC in a program that was announced after the contract with CIBC was sound [sic - "signed"]. This bylaw, however, is premature; and the reason it's premature is because, when you try and renegotiate your mortgage, you usually pay a penalty - unless you've been smart enough to find a mortgagor [sic - "mortgagee"] who will actually give you the opportunity to change your mortgage on an annual basis without a penalty. The legal opinion that's necessary before this transaction actually occurs is absolutely required before you consider this bylaw. You need to know how much it's going to cost you to weasel out of the CIBC loan.
The other difficulty that I have arises from what's written on page two-twenty-seven - underneath the 'financial implications' - because this particular change would increase the amount paid annually on the loan of eight million dollars from $616,000 to $720,000. That's an additional hundred and three thousand [sic - one hundred and four thousand . . . .]. And below that, the author of the report has written, "This would mean that the water utility operations would be further stretched, in funding a larger loan payment. However, with the upgrades [that's what this money's for] there is the hope that operational saving would be realized." It would be nice to have some idea of how much that operational saving would be. Remember that the water utility operations are essentially being funded on an ongoing basis, without any kind of loans, and this has been the practice in the last six-seven years: to increase water and sewer rates. I happened to look at my January 2001 water bill: I was paying forty-five dollars for three months - that's fifteen dollars a month. Next week [August 24, 2009] I'm going to be paying one hundred and thirty-five dollars - that's forty-five dollars a month. So between January 2001 and August 2009 my water/sewer bill has gone up 200% - and it's going up further in 2010 and 2011. I live in a residence, I'm paying a residential water rate. The 'business' water and sewer rate has changed zero percent since January 2001. This has been talked about before at council. I think it's really unfair. So that's the other issue, besides absolutely needing the legal opinion before you pass this bylaw. You need to know how much money you're going to save. It shouldn't be a shot in the dark. Thanks.
MAYOR SCARROW: Thank you. I --- City Manager, wishes to respond.
CITY MANAGER COTTERILL: Thank you Your Worship. I don't normally comment when the public unh, make presentations, but the presentation that we just heard is totally erroneous. Uhm, we have not borrowed the money so there will be absolutely no, unh, penalty to the city, and we do have a legal opinion [in fact, the City Manager should have clearly stated that this opinion was given to council just two hours earlier, at an in camera meeting - thus, it was not available to, or seen by Mr. Clavier, or any other member of the public or the media . . . .], and we are doing what is in the best interests of the citizens.
[Note that this unusual refutation, of a "totally" erroneous presentation, is incomplete: it does not tell us which errors Mr. Clavier made in the water rate portion of his remarks . . . .]
MAYOR SCARROW: Thank you. Councillor, your wishes . . . Councillor Swystun.
COUNCILLOR SWYSTUN: Your Worhip, I'd, uh, move the recommendations, that City Council Resolution Number 0932, of December 15, 2008, Part 1A be rescinded; number 2, that Bylaw number 25 of 2009, an amendment to the long-term borrowing bylaw #49 of 2008, be approved as attached; number 3, that Bylaw number 29 of 2009, a new borrowing - new bylaw creating long-term borrowing of 8 million dollars from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation be approved; number 4, that administration continue to finalize the loan agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, including obtaining a legal opinion, as requested by the lender; and, number 5, that the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the loan agreement with Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
MAYOR SCARROW: Thank you. Seconded by?
COUNCILLOR DIONNE: Second, Your Worship, and I'd like to speak to the matter.
MAYOR SCARROW: Councillor Dionne . . . Unh, speaking to the motion - Councillor Dionne.
COUNCILLOR DIONNE: I support the motion, but I just wanna congratulate our staff. You know, to negotiate an agreement where, if we decide to change to get a better interest rate, that we can do that without penalty, and without cost to the city, and that, uh, the taxpayers of the city know that's how we operate. When we go into these big loans, like 8 million dollars, that we make sure we protect our residents, and uh, I wish the researcher that made the presentation would do a little bit more research before he made false statements [although there was no way Clavier could have known about the legal opinion given to this councillor in camera two hours earlier, Dionne still found the opportunity to deliver a shot - with no possibility of a reply from Mr. Clavier - irresistible . . . .]. Thank you.
MAYOR SCARROW: Thank you. Any further discussion? There being none, are you ready for the question? Those in favour? Opposed? Carried. Thank you.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
12th Regular meeting of 2009 - July 20
We Support Local Business, But Not Local Consumers, and a "Green Convert"!
ABSENTEES: Councillors Darcy Gervais and Shawn Williams.
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: 481 pages
PUBIC GALLERY: Rick Potratz, Charlene Miller, Marlene Frigon, Pearl Doris Morin, Grant Gustafson, Brian Clavier, Leslie Blacklock, Dr. John Steel, John Fryters, Brent Prokopie, and six others.
START: 4:10 PM
Public Hearing: To Amend the Business License Bylaw, to Allow a "Regional Resident" License for $250 [currently, these businesses pay $500]
- Brian Clavier spoke in favour of the change, saying that the creation of the new North Central Enterprise Region should be accompanied by reductions in fees charged by the city to businesses from the region. He also stated that the review of business licenses had not gone far enough: he questioned having to pay an additional $75 [in fact, it was $100] in July 2008 when his home-based business moved from 15th St. West to 11th St. East; why home-based businesses pay the same as a large retailer; the purpose of business license fees; and why it always takes until May or June [at the earliest] to receive a paper copy of his business license when he pays the fee at City Hall during the first six weeks of every year.
- Councillor Dionne [who manages one of the largest businesses in the city, the Gateway Mall] said he was called by someone who wanted the city to name the 15 businesses that will benefit from the lower fee. There would be a reduction of $3,750 in business license fees paid to the city from the change - money that could go to running the Art Hauser Centre, or the library. He was asked if any of the 15 businesses compete against the caller [apparently, local "capitalism" means city council aids oligopolies (protecting a limited number of city-based businesses), not competition among businesses, to the benefit of consumers]. He also had calls from Chamber of Commerce members (four). He asked if transient trader licenses for PA businesses operating in Duck Lake and Shellbrook would be similarly reduced.
- Economic Development & Planning Director Corneil remarked that city staff had met with the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and the suggested change had been "worked out with her." Dionne asked if she knew the 15 businesses, and "who they were competing against." She replied, "No."
- Councillor Atkinson said that changes in business licenses were made a few years ago [effective January 1, 2005], originating a registry that would help create new businesses by identifying gaps in the city; there is no indication of the total income the city receives from business licenses; and a cost analysis should be completed. He views the license fee's purpose as, ultimately, to attract new opportunities, and said the fee should be about business-expansion objectives. Finally, he noted the report given to council was incomplete [see pages 179 to 184 of http://www.citypa.ca/Portals/0/PDF2/Council_Meetings/2009/2009%2007%2020%20-%20Order%20of%20Business/Agenda%20-%20Pages%201%20-%20417.pdf].
- Councillor Zurakowski said he had elicited business responses to the proposed change. The "rubber hits the road" [???] when you remember that a business located here pays property tax. This was a very good first step, but "do we go the next step?" He found the motion to receive and file the report "intriguing," but wondered, "What do we do now?" since "our responsibility is to the taxpayer in PA, not the taxpayer in Birch Hills."
- Councillor Ring said businesses coming here are not required tojoin the Chamber, and we had gotten to this point because an Estevan business asked for fair treatment.
- Mayor Scarrrow added that, to go further, the motion to receive and file the report should be defeated, and the issue referred back to administration for another report. Dionne changed his motion, asking for a new report in two months and discussion with all parties.
- Councillor Matheson [who owns and operates a venerable men's clothing business on Central Avenue] said council was "spending too much time on this." He was not in favour of the reduction to $250, believing more study of the issue was needed. He asked if there was a motion on the table.
- Councillor Swystun agreed with Matheson - that no change to the fees was needed.
- THE VOTE (to request a further report from administration): 4 - 2 to defeat the motion, Scarrow and Zurakowski in favour. Matheson then moved the recommendation - to keep the status quo. Dionne seconded it. Motion approved 4 - 2, with Atkinson and Zurakowski opposed, and Scarrow abstaining.
4:36 PM
Public Hearing: To Allow an 88-foot Communications Tower at 597/591 - 28th St. West, for Priority Computer Services
- Brian Clavier spoke against the proposed tower. His comments were:
It should come as no surprise that I’m speaking in opposition to this 88-foot tower, since I spoke against the Bylaw to allow telecom towers in areas zoned M2 or C2, on January 26 of this year; against the bylaw to allow them in areas zoned I or IG, on March 23; against the 140-foot tower at Advantage Credit Union’s building at 215-16th St West, on March 9; and would have spoken against the 48-foot Princess Margaret School tower on April 27 if I had been able to attend council that day.
I’m going to repeat the arguments against approving these towers, arguments you have totally ignored so far this year. (By that I mean that council’s “discretion” to permit the construction of these towers apparently allows anyone carte blanche to construct a tower.)
You have consistently voted to not adhere to the Industry Canada requirements for approving telecommunications towers up to 140 feet tall. These requirements, which are detailed in the city planner’s reference to them on page 166 of the background documents for the March 9 meeting, are lumped into one phrase, a phrase that’s repeated in the middle of page 223 in the documents for today’s meeting. "Item 1." on that page says the applicant shall “provide the city with a license of approval from Industry Canada.” So if you approve this development permit, you are legally obliged to insist that a tower applicant adhere to the following Industry Canada requirements:
1. there must evidence of public consultation [none has been provided]
2. the applicant must comply with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 guideline for the protection of the general public [that means they have to find that guideline, read it, and provide written evidence that they are in compliance with it - no evidence of having done this has been provided]
3. the applicant must comply with radio frequency immunity criteria [no evidence of having done this has been provided]
4. the applicant must notify nearby broadcasting stations [the Rawlco ones, plus CTV, CBC, Missinipi, and the new Christian Radio station as well: no evidence of having done this has been provided]
5. the applicant must give evidence of having taken environmental considerations into account [which means they sought out other alternatives, and are mitigating the possibility of collisions with birds: no evidence of having done this has been provided], and
6. the applicant must obtain an Aeronautical Clearance Certificate from Transport Canada [and this Clearance Certificate has not been provided].
I am repeating the six Industry Canada criteria today because NONE of these has been met in the documents given to the city. If you understand the concept of respecting your own bylaws, you will ensure that every application for a telecommunications tower higher than 50 feet meets all of the Industry Canada requirements. I am dumbfounded about why you’re considering approval of this development permit; your insistence on applying the “discretion” to overlook the Industry Canada legal requirements is inexplicable.
- Councillor Swystun moved the recommendations [that the tower be approved], adding a ninth: that the applicant "adhere to the requirements of all jurisdictions." Matheson seconded the motion, to "get it on the floor."
- Councillor Dionne said he generally doesn't support communications towers, because they "are an eyesore."
- Councillor Swystun maintained the bylaw says the tower is legal at this size, that the city's requirements have been met, and they should meet all other requirements. Since the reason for towers is "strictly economics," council may see many more of these, which are all contingent on meeting the requirements of other agencies that have jurisdiction.
- Mayor Scarrow asked if there had been any feedback on this.
- Director Corneil replied, "No." She assured council this was the start of the project.
- Councillor Matheson noted the tower was being prposed by a tenant, and asked why it was required. Corneil responded that this would facilitate a closed, secure network for Priority Computers.
- Mayor Scarrow [still unfamiliar with council's decision-making powers, after almost three years . . . .] asked if council could deny the development permit. Corneil replied, "Yes," and that the applicant might then appeal that decision to the Development Appeal Board.
- Councillor Matheson [equally unfamiliar with council's processes, also after almost three years . . . .] asked if the tower goes ahead "if we approve it." Corneil replied, "Yes."
- THE VOTE (to approve the tower): defeated, 4 - 3, with Atkinson, Dionne, Matheson, and Ring opposed; and the Mayor, Swystun, and Zurakowski in favour.
[Consequent to Darwin Zurakowski's appearance at the August 18, 2009 council meeting, the failure to permit this tower's construction will be re-examined. . . .]
4:49 PM
Public Hearing: To Permit Ecole Valois to Add Portable Classrooms and Expand the Parking Lot
- Councillor Atkinson [who lives across the street from the school] said the parking lot is now designed for an elementary school, but is heavily used for community events, so the street becomes a parking lot. The current site plan has 23 parking stalls - one for every ten gym users. Forty-three spaces, as proposed, are inadequate, although devoting some playground space to parking is not detrimental to the play area. He has only seen parking enforcement in the area once. While parking spaces at community centres are not specified in the bylaw, he thinks there should be some consideration for the block's residents.
- Councillor Ring observed that, without living there, other councillors do not appreciate how many cars park on the street for community events. But he wants the development to go ahead.
- Councillor Atkinson countered that the street is narrow, and there are 224 seats available for community events - likely producing 180 vehicles, not 40.
- THE VOTE (to allow the development permit): 5 - 1 in favour, Councillor Atkinson opposed, Councillor Dionne abstaining.
Public Hearing: To Amend the Animal Control Bylaw to Allow Racing Pigeons at Residential Properties
4:58 PM
- John Fryters was in favour of amending the bylaw to allow 20 pigeons.
- Dr. John Steel said that problems on the West Hill were due to feral pigeons that were there before he bought his property. The report from Ken Hunter says racing pigeons are a non-issue. Dr. Steel wants to start a club, under the Canadian Racing Pigeon Association. He helped clean out feral pigeons in Regina, and both his current neighbours have written support letters.
5:08 PM
- Grant Gustafson said the report is based on information that was essentially provided by one person. The review should have produced some regulations for racing pigeon owners; as it stands there is a huge void in the proposal. Moose Jaw requires owners to be members of a club. He suggested talking to people "over that fence on twenty-first" street. There is potentially a drastic change for everyone in the neighbourhood.
- Councillor Zurakowski remarked that, in spite of Dr. Steel's explanations, his neighbours still have concerns about noise and feces. In response to the first issue, he said the noise from 100 pigeons is slightly louder than that of rustling leaves, and the same as an ordinary conversation. Steel is asking for up to 30 birds per household. Zurakowski wants a review in six months, to ensure that reality lives up to the promises made.
- Councillor Ring saw a racing pigeon loft 40 years ago in Edmonton, and remains fascinated. He sees more pigeons in his neighbourhood since the grain elevator on 15th St. East was torn down [in 2008], and wonders if racing pegeons attract feral pigeons.
- Councillor Dionne has been live trappping feral pigeons for years, and has six traps he will loan out.
- THE VOTE: the bylaw amendment was approved.
- Brent Prokopie intended to speak on this issue, but was not called. He left, saying his issue with the bylaw will be addressed in a court of law.
5:37 PM Five people remain in the public gallery.
Extending the Local Hockey Season to the End of April
- Councillor Ring asserted that a 50% cost recovery rate in April was not feasible, given a 65-68% recovery rate in winter. The drop in minor hockey and figure skating numbers is a concern (for figure skating: from 473 to 289). Prince Albert ice arena rental rates are in line with what other municipalities charge.
- THE VOTE (to receive and file the report): in favour, leaving the ice arena seasons unchanged.
Still No Transit Tracking . . . .
[None of the documents related to a TAP Communications proposal to re-brand the PA transit system contains information about current or past transit users, or any reference to user projections.]
- Mayor Scarrow noted that the tender for branding, design, and marketing of the transit system did not include the provision of new transit stop signs. The issue was forwarded to the Transit Advisory Committee for review.
[At the July 28, 2009 meeting of the Transit Advisory Committee quorum was not present. Nonetheless, Chairperson Scarrow led those present in deciding that the TAP proposal could be set aside until after the transit services Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued, and asked for ridership numbers for the next committee meeting. The RFP was approved at a special council meeting on July 31, 2009.]
Compost/Recyclables Truck Generates Heat
- Councillor Dionne objected to this $120,000 tender being added to the agenda at the last minute, so could not support it. He asked if enough material was being collected for recycling to warrant it, and does not know if that program is working. He wants to see an independent report on that. Finally, he thought the compost would be available for sale.
- Councillor Atkinson informed council that the copper content in the compost is too high. He doesn't know if the composting program is "successful," but maintains this is a potential source of revenue. Centrally-located bins should be examined. He has never seen any numbers about the cost-effectiveness of the program.
- Mayor Scarrow added that the recycling bins are used extensively in his area.
- Public Works Director Innes said the existing truck was nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Councillor Swystun retracted his original motion, and moved that an additional report be prepared.
- THE VOTE (to refer back to administration for further information): in favour.
6:04 PM
Mayor & Council Attended/Were Fed and Feted at . . . .
- Mayor Scarrow went to lots of graduation ceremonies (including Wesmor, St. Anne's, and St. Mary) and the Cooke golf course 100th anniversary weekend.
- Councillor Ring went to the River graduation (his daughter's), and said professionals were raving about the condition of the golf course. He reminded council about the RCGA Mid-Amateur Golf tournament [August 17-21].
- Councillor Matheson served cake at the Kidsfest in Kinsmen Park on July 16, an event attended by about 3500 people.
Inquiries - Another West Hill Update
6:10 PM
- Councillor Zurakowski asked for an update on the 28th Street infrastructure project.
- Director Innes said the 7th to 10th avenue section was about ready for paving, and the project was on schedule.
"Giving Notice" Means What?
- Mayor Scarrow asked what the purpose of "giving notice" was. City Clerk Skauge replied that motions were first introduced, then dealt with at a subsequent council meeting. He said the Mayor should pass the chair to Deputy-Mayor Zurakowski, then give notice of his motion. Scarrow passed the chair, then said Community Services should look at the area in Prime Ministers Park near Andy Zwack field, which is overgrown, and determine a use for this land.
- Councillor Ring noted that this was once a tree farm. Director Zeeben said it had been left as natural space.
Motions: City's Trees Deteriorating, and a "Green Convert"
- Councillor Swystun moved that a report be prepared on the condition and life expectancy of the city's boulevard trees [a report on trimming and replacing them was prepared three years ago . . . .], with attention to replacement policy, replacing trees in the areas built since the 1960s to reflect older areas' standards [eliminating local contractors' perpetual practice of removing every green object from land before starting to dig on it would aid this cause . . . .] , and filling gaps. He said trees have a "book value of hundreds of dollars" [try THOUSANDS of dollars - in Saskatoon in 2008, as much as $46,412 - see http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=d622a6c7-b5f2-4fc1-8459-715928f76531]. Councillor Atkinson said the budget for this would have to increase substantially, as street lighting and water services are affected. MOTION PASSED.
6:25 PM
- Councillor Ring asked for a report on funding options for new housing developments to incorporate "sustainable community plans." The presentations he saw at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) annual conference in June in Whistler, BC, convinced him that developers should look at LEED standards, and the FCM Green Municipal Initiatives program is worth examining - Collingwood got $166,000 to develop a sustainability plan, for example. [The sudden interest in green initiatives contrasts sharply with the councillor's perfect neglect of all of the related suggestions e-mailed to him by Brian Clavier in the past three years, and the four presentations Mr. Clavier made to council in late 2007-early 2008 on a green plan for the city - see the February 7, 2009 posting on this blog, titled "Off the Rails 2."] MOTION PASSED.
Always the Last Word
- Mayor Scarrow offered condolences to Councillor Dionne, whose sister died July 19. He also said, giving thanks to Community Services, that the city "looks spectacular." He then thanked Public Works staff for "all their extra work this year;" administration for its work, including over 700 pages of material for tonight's meeting [only 481 of which were available to the public . . . . ] ; and those who made public presentations.
END: 6:30 PM
ABSENTEES: Councillors Darcy Gervais and Shawn Williams.
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: 481 pages
PUBIC GALLERY: Rick Potratz, Charlene Miller, Marlene Frigon, Pearl Doris Morin, Grant Gustafson, Brian Clavier, Leslie Blacklock, Dr. John Steel, John Fryters, Brent Prokopie, and six others.
START: 4:10 PM
Public Hearing: To Amend the Business License Bylaw, to Allow a "Regional Resident" License for $250 [currently, these businesses pay $500]
- Brian Clavier spoke in favour of the change, saying that the creation of the new North Central Enterprise Region should be accompanied by reductions in fees charged by the city to businesses from the region. He also stated that the review of business licenses had not gone far enough: he questioned having to pay an additional $75 [in fact, it was $100] in July 2008 when his home-based business moved from 15th St. West to 11th St. East; why home-based businesses pay the same as a large retailer; the purpose of business license fees; and why it always takes until May or June [at the earliest] to receive a paper copy of his business license when he pays the fee at City Hall during the first six weeks of every year.
- Councillor Dionne [who manages one of the largest businesses in the city, the Gateway Mall] said he was called by someone who wanted the city to name the 15 businesses that will benefit from the lower fee. There would be a reduction of $3,750 in business license fees paid to the city from the change - money that could go to running the Art Hauser Centre, or the library. He was asked if any of the 15 businesses compete against the caller [apparently, local "capitalism" means city council aids oligopolies (protecting a limited number of city-based businesses), not competition among businesses, to the benefit of consumers]. He also had calls from Chamber of Commerce members (four). He asked if transient trader licenses for PA businesses operating in Duck Lake and Shellbrook would be similarly reduced.
- Economic Development & Planning Director Corneil remarked that city staff had met with the Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce, and the suggested change had been "worked out with her." Dionne asked if she knew the 15 businesses, and "who they were competing against." She replied, "No."
- Councillor Atkinson said that changes in business licenses were made a few years ago [effective January 1, 2005], originating a registry that would help create new businesses by identifying gaps in the city; there is no indication of the total income the city receives from business licenses; and a cost analysis should be completed. He views the license fee's purpose as, ultimately, to attract new opportunities, and said the fee should be about business-expansion objectives. Finally, he noted the report given to council was incomplete [see pages 179 to 184 of http://www.citypa.ca/Portals/0/PDF2/Council_Meetings/2009/2009%2007%2020%20-%20Order%20of%20Business/Agenda%20-%20Pages%201%20-%20417.pdf].
- Councillor Zurakowski said he had elicited business responses to the proposed change. The "rubber hits the road" [???] when you remember that a business located here pays property tax. This was a very good first step, but "do we go the next step?" He found the motion to receive and file the report "intriguing," but wondered, "What do we do now?" since "our responsibility is to the taxpayer in PA, not the taxpayer in Birch Hills."
- Councillor Ring said businesses coming here are not required tojoin the Chamber, and we had gotten to this point because an Estevan business asked for fair treatment.
- Mayor Scarrrow added that, to go further, the motion to receive and file the report should be defeated, and the issue referred back to administration for another report. Dionne changed his motion, asking for a new report in two months and discussion with all parties.
- Councillor Matheson [who owns and operates a venerable men's clothing business on Central Avenue] said council was "spending too much time on this." He was not in favour of the reduction to $250, believing more study of the issue was needed. He asked if there was a motion on the table.
- Councillor Swystun agreed with Matheson - that no change to the fees was needed.
- THE VOTE (to request a further report from administration): 4 - 2 to defeat the motion, Scarrow and Zurakowski in favour. Matheson then moved the recommendation - to keep the status quo. Dionne seconded it. Motion approved 4 - 2, with Atkinson and Zurakowski opposed, and Scarrow abstaining.
4:36 PM
Public Hearing: To Allow an 88-foot Communications Tower at 597/591 - 28th St. West, for Priority Computer Services
- Brian Clavier spoke against the proposed tower. His comments were:
It should come as no surprise that I’m speaking in opposition to this 88-foot tower, since I spoke against the Bylaw to allow telecom towers in areas zoned M2 or C2, on January 26 of this year; against the bylaw to allow them in areas zoned I or IG, on March 23; against the 140-foot tower at Advantage Credit Union’s building at 215-16th St West, on March 9; and would have spoken against the 48-foot Princess Margaret School tower on April 27 if I had been able to attend council that day.
I’m going to repeat the arguments against approving these towers, arguments you have totally ignored so far this year. (By that I mean that council’s “discretion” to permit the construction of these towers apparently allows anyone carte blanche to construct a tower.)
You have consistently voted to not adhere to the Industry Canada requirements for approving telecommunications towers up to 140 feet tall. These requirements, which are detailed in the city planner’s reference to them on page 166 of the background documents for the March 9 meeting, are lumped into one phrase, a phrase that’s repeated in the middle of page 223 in the documents for today’s meeting. "Item 1." on that page says the applicant shall “provide the city with a license of approval from Industry Canada.” So if you approve this development permit, you are legally obliged to insist that a tower applicant adhere to the following Industry Canada requirements:
1. there must evidence of public consultation [none has been provided]
2. the applicant must comply with Health Canada’s Safety Code 6 guideline for the protection of the general public [that means they have to find that guideline, read it, and provide written evidence that they are in compliance with it - no evidence of having done this has been provided]
3. the applicant must comply with radio frequency immunity criteria [no evidence of having done this has been provided]
4. the applicant must notify nearby broadcasting stations [the Rawlco ones, plus CTV, CBC, Missinipi, and the new Christian Radio station as well: no evidence of having done this has been provided]
5. the applicant must give evidence of having taken environmental considerations into account [which means they sought out other alternatives, and are mitigating the possibility of collisions with birds: no evidence of having done this has been provided], and
6. the applicant must obtain an Aeronautical Clearance Certificate from Transport Canada [and this Clearance Certificate has not been provided].
I am repeating the six Industry Canada criteria today because NONE of these has been met in the documents given to the city. If you understand the concept of respecting your own bylaws, you will ensure that every application for a telecommunications tower higher than 50 feet meets all of the Industry Canada requirements. I am dumbfounded about why you’re considering approval of this development permit; your insistence on applying the “discretion” to overlook the Industry Canada legal requirements is inexplicable.
- Councillor Swystun moved the recommendations [that the tower be approved], adding a ninth: that the applicant "adhere to the requirements of all jurisdictions." Matheson seconded the motion, to "get it on the floor."
- Councillor Dionne said he generally doesn't support communications towers, because they "are an eyesore."
- Councillor Swystun maintained the bylaw says the tower is legal at this size, that the city's requirements have been met, and they should meet all other requirements. Since the reason for towers is "strictly economics," council may see many more of these, which are all contingent on meeting the requirements of other agencies that have jurisdiction.
- Mayor Scarrow asked if there had been any feedback on this.
- Director Corneil replied, "No." She assured council this was the start of the project.
- Councillor Matheson noted the tower was being prposed by a tenant, and asked why it was required. Corneil responded that this would facilitate a closed, secure network for Priority Computers.
- Mayor Scarrow [still unfamiliar with council's decision-making powers, after almost three years . . . .] asked if council could deny the development permit. Corneil replied, "Yes," and that the applicant might then appeal that decision to the Development Appeal Board.
- Councillor Matheson [equally unfamiliar with council's processes, also after almost three years . . . .] asked if the tower goes ahead "if we approve it." Corneil replied, "Yes."
- THE VOTE (to approve the tower): defeated, 4 - 3, with Atkinson, Dionne, Matheson, and Ring opposed; and the Mayor, Swystun, and Zurakowski in favour.
[Consequent to Darwin Zurakowski's appearance at the August 18, 2009 council meeting, the failure to permit this tower's construction will be re-examined. . . .]
4:49 PM
Public Hearing: To Permit Ecole Valois to Add Portable Classrooms and Expand the Parking Lot
- Councillor Atkinson [who lives across the street from the school] said the parking lot is now designed for an elementary school, but is heavily used for community events, so the street becomes a parking lot. The current site plan has 23 parking stalls - one for every ten gym users. Forty-three spaces, as proposed, are inadequate, although devoting some playground space to parking is not detrimental to the play area. He has only seen parking enforcement in the area once. While parking spaces at community centres are not specified in the bylaw, he thinks there should be some consideration for the block's residents.
- Councillor Ring observed that, without living there, other councillors do not appreciate how many cars park on the street for community events. But he wants the development to go ahead.
- Councillor Atkinson countered that the street is narrow, and there are 224 seats available for community events - likely producing 180 vehicles, not 40.
- THE VOTE (to allow the development permit): 5 - 1 in favour, Councillor Atkinson opposed, Councillor Dionne abstaining.
Public Hearing: To Amend the Animal Control Bylaw to Allow Racing Pigeons at Residential Properties
4:58 PM
- John Fryters was in favour of amending the bylaw to allow 20 pigeons.
- Dr. John Steel said that problems on the West Hill were due to feral pigeons that were there before he bought his property. The report from Ken Hunter says racing pigeons are a non-issue. Dr. Steel wants to start a club, under the Canadian Racing Pigeon Association. He helped clean out feral pigeons in Regina, and both his current neighbours have written support letters.
5:08 PM
- Grant Gustafson said the report is based on information that was essentially provided by one person. The review should have produced some regulations for racing pigeon owners; as it stands there is a huge void in the proposal. Moose Jaw requires owners to be members of a club. He suggested talking to people "over that fence on twenty-first" street. There is potentially a drastic change for everyone in the neighbourhood.
- Councillor Zurakowski remarked that, in spite of Dr. Steel's explanations, his neighbours still have concerns about noise and feces. In response to the first issue, he said the noise from 100 pigeons is slightly louder than that of rustling leaves, and the same as an ordinary conversation. Steel is asking for up to 30 birds per household. Zurakowski wants a review in six months, to ensure that reality lives up to the promises made.
- Councillor Ring saw a racing pigeon loft 40 years ago in Edmonton, and remains fascinated. He sees more pigeons in his neighbourhood since the grain elevator on 15th St. East was torn down [in 2008], and wonders if racing pegeons attract feral pigeons.
- Councillor Dionne has been live trappping feral pigeons for years, and has six traps he will loan out.
- THE VOTE: the bylaw amendment was approved.
- Brent Prokopie intended to speak on this issue, but was not called. He left, saying his issue with the bylaw will be addressed in a court of law.
5:37 PM Five people remain in the public gallery.
Extending the Local Hockey Season to the End of April
- Councillor Ring asserted that a 50% cost recovery rate in April was not feasible, given a 65-68% recovery rate in winter. The drop in minor hockey and figure skating numbers is a concern (for figure skating: from 473 to 289). Prince Albert ice arena rental rates are in line with what other municipalities charge.
- THE VOTE (to receive and file the report): in favour, leaving the ice arena seasons unchanged.
Still No Transit Tracking . . . .
[None of the documents related to a TAP Communications proposal to re-brand the PA transit system contains information about current or past transit users, or any reference to user projections.]
- Mayor Scarrow noted that the tender for branding, design, and marketing of the transit system did not include the provision of new transit stop signs. The issue was forwarded to the Transit Advisory Committee for review.
[At the July 28, 2009 meeting of the Transit Advisory Committee quorum was not present. Nonetheless, Chairperson Scarrow led those present in deciding that the TAP proposal could be set aside until after the transit services Request for Proposals (RFP) was issued, and asked for ridership numbers for the next committee meeting. The RFP was approved at a special council meeting on July 31, 2009.]
Compost/Recyclables Truck Generates Heat
- Councillor Dionne objected to this $120,000 tender being added to the agenda at the last minute, so could not support it. He asked if enough material was being collected for recycling to warrant it, and does not know if that program is working. He wants to see an independent report on that. Finally, he thought the compost would be available for sale.
- Councillor Atkinson informed council that the copper content in the compost is too high. He doesn't know if the composting program is "successful," but maintains this is a potential source of revenue. Centrally-located bins should be examined. He has never seen any numbers about the cost-effectiveness of the program.
- Mayor Scarrow added that the recycling bins are used extensively in his area.
- Public Works Director Innes said the existing truck was nearing the end of its lifespan.
- Councillor Swystun retracted his original motion, and moved that an additional report be prepared.
- THE VOTE (to refer back to administration for further information): in favour.
6:04 PM
Mayor & Council Attended/Were Fed and Feted at . . . .
- Mayor Scarrow went to lots of graduation ceremonies (including Wesmor, St. Anne's, and St. Mary) and the Cooke golf course 100th anniversary weekend.
- Councillor Ring went to the River graduation (his daughter's), and said professionals were raving about the condition of the golf course. He reminded council about the RCGA Mid-Amateur Golf tournament [August 17-21].
- Councillor Matheson served cake at the Kidsfest in Kinsmen Park on July 16, an event attended by about 3500 people.
Inquiries - Another West Hill Update
6:10 PM
- Councillor Zurakowski asked for an update on the 28th Street infrastructure project.
- Director Innes said the 7th to 10th avenue section was about ready for paving, and the project was on schedule.
"Giving Notice" Means What?
- Mayor Scarrow asked what the purpose of "giving notice" was. City Clerk Skauge replied that motions were first introduced, then dealt with at a subsequent council meeting. He said the Mayor should pass the chair to Deputy-Mayor Zurakowski, then give notice of his motion. Scarrow passed the chair, then said Community Services should look at the area in Prime Ministers Park near Andy Zwack field, which is overgrown, and determine a use for this land.
- Councillor Ring noted that this was once a tree farm. Director Zeeben said it had been left as natural space.
Motions: City's Trees Deteriorating, and a "Green Convert"
- Councillor Swystun moved that a report be prepared on the condition and life expectancy of the city's boulevard trees [a report on trimming and replacing them was prepared three years ago . . . .], with attention to replacement policy, replacing trees in the areas built since the 1960s to reflect older areas' standards [eliminating local contractors' perpetual practice of removing every green object from land before starting to dig on it would aid this cause . . . .] , and filling gaps. He said trees have a "book value of hundreds of dollars" [try THOUSANDS of dollars - in Saskatoon in 2008, as much as $46,412 - see http://www.canada.com/topics/news/national/story.html?id=d622a6c7-b5f2-4fc1-8459-715928f76531]. Councillor Atkinson said the budget for this would have to increase substantially, as street lighting and water services are affected. MOTION PASSED.
6:25 PM
- Councillor Ring asked for a report on funding options for new housing developments to incorporate "sustainable community plans." The presentations he saw at the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) annual conference in June in Whistler, BC, convinced him that developers should look at LEED standards, and the FCM Green Municipal Initiatives program is worth examining - Collingwood got $166,000 to develop a sustainability plan, for example. [The sudden interest in green initiatives contrasts sharply with the councillor's perfect neglect of all of the related suggestions e-mailed to him by Brian Clavier in the past three years, and the four presentations Mr. Clavier made to council in late 2007-early 2008 on a green plan for the city - see the February 7, 2009 posting on this blog, titled "Off the Rails 2."] MOTION PASSED.
Always the Last Word
- Mayor Scarrow offered condolences to Councillor Dionne, whose sister died July 19. He also said, giving thanks to Community Services, that the city "looks spectacular." He then thanked Public Works staff for "all their extra work this year;" administration for its work, including over 700 pages of material for tonight's meeting [only 481 of which were available to the public . . . . ] ; and those who made public presentations.
END: 6:30 PM
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
11th Regular Meeting of 2009 - June 23
"Green Space" Distortion, and Tree-Cutting Faux Pas
ABSENTEES: Councillors Martin Ring and John Swystun
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: 535 pages
PUBLIC GALLERY: 29 in the chamber, and another 70 in the foyer.
START: 7:01 PM
Recognition of Girl Guides (Pathfinders)
The Mayor congratulated Chelsea Lehner and Sarah Bilyk for receiving their "Canada Cord." Chelsea will be one of 11 individuals representing Canada at a gathering in London, England later in the summer.
7:07 PM Chelsea, Sarah and their families (total of 8 people) leave.
Public Hearing: To Change the Zoning at 1203 Central Ave., to Allow a Diamond-Cutting School
- Brian Clavier spoke in favour of allowing the contract zone for ten years, rather than the five that are the norm, and repeated his hope that the sidewalks would now be cleared of snow and ice in winter [something not done for the four years the property has been owned by the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC)].
- THE VOTE (to refer the bylaw to the bylaws portion of the meeting): 7 - 0 in favour.
Public Hearing: to Change the Zoning at the former Prince Charles School Site to R3 (Two-unit Dwelling), Creating 36 Lots
- Brian Clavier was again the only speaker. He lamented the loss of "green space" at this site, and noted that none of the West Hill residents who would be speaking later [in opposition to the Northern Spruce duplexes planned for the south edge of the Angus Mirasty School site] were opposed to the loss of this large tract of green space. He said there had been a major opportunity lost at the Prince Charles site, which should have been turned into a "green showcase" housing project, one that could have applied for funding from the Prince Charles Trust. He opposed the re-zoning.
- THE VOTE (to refer to the bylaws portion of the meeting): 7 - 0 in favour.
Public Hearing: To Re-zone Part of the West Hill Community Club Park, Giving the New St. Anne's School 46 Parking Spaces [up from the current 36]
- Brian Clavier, again, was the only person who spoke about the loss of green space here; the West Hill residents opposed to Northern Spruce building on PAGC-owned land at the Angus Mirasty School were again silent [even though this was a direct loss of city-owned green space, located in their own back yard . . . .] He repeated his oft-stated view that parking [the lowest-value use to which municipal land can be assigned] for every employee should not be necessary, and said that there was lots of room on 5th Ave. West for buses to drop children off safely. He opposed giving part of the city-owned park to the school for parking spaces.
- THE VOTE (to refer to the bylaws section of the meeting): in favour.
Public Hearing: to Allow Baron Land Company to Build Four Townhouse Condos at 211-20th St. West
- Brian Clavier spoke against the proposal outlined in David Bach's letter, citing the large part of the property that would be consumed by asphalt for driveways and parking (amounting to 84% of the total square footage devoted to living area, with four parking spaces for each residence, giving a total of 16); the absence of detailed drawings of the development; and the lack of conformance with the character of the neighbourhood, including the heritage homes on 20th Street.
- THE VOTE (to delay consideration until council's next meeting): 7 - 0 in favour.
7:27 PM
Public Hearing: to Change Zoning at the Angus Mirasty School Site to Allow Northern Spruce Housing to Build Up to Five Duplexes [on about 20% of the property, currently owned by PAGC]
- Kelly Skiffington, Manager of Northern Spruce, explained that PAGC was selling this excess land to Northern Spruce, for housing, for less than market value. The duplex housing, which would be market value rental accommodation, is needed by individuals who are members of the twelve PAGC First Nations.
- Jim Bahr, speaking on behalf of himself and the writers of 14 other letters to council [as well as half the public gallery, and almost all of the foyer], was opposed to the re-zoning due to the loss of green space [albeit, space that is privately owned, which PAGC permits area residents unrestricted use of . . . .]
- Brian Clavier spoke in support of the re-zoning, noting the additional parking spaces added to the area were minimal; only about 20% of the school property was being proposed for housing development; there is ample green space available to the area's residents (at the Angus Mirasty School site, St. Anne's school - one block away from the proposed duplexes, West Hill playground/park - two blocks away, Arthur Pechey School - four blocks away, Kinsmen Park - five blocks away, and 18th St., between 2nd Ave. West and 6th Ave. West - four blocks away), whereas his nearest green space is the Midtown playground - six blocks from his home; the full, five-duplex build-out would take several years; and Northern Spruce was a landlord with a long history in the city [over 25 years, with 193 rental units now in its portfolio].
- Cathy Borrowman spoke in opposition to the re-zoning.
- Ron Burns, a founding board member of Northern Spruce, spoke in favour of the proposal. He mentioned the history of opposition from neighbours - wherever Northern Spruce proposed to build accommodation.
- Councillor Zurakowski [the councillor for the area - and expected to speak first on this] was opposed to the re-zoning, and moved a motion to deny.
- Councillor Atkinson talked about the amount of green space in different areas of the city: 19 acres/1000 people in Crescent Acres, 15 acres/1000 in the West Hill, and just 0.16 acres/1000 Midtown residents [where he lives, as does Brian Clavier]. He noted that, while the development would change the demographic makeup of the West Hill, the City had signed on to the Coalition of Canadian Cities Against Racial Discrimination [public speakers who were opposed to the re-zoning had all proclaimed their non-discriminatory attitude at the podium . . . .] If green space was the issue, he said we should start by creating some for the "least-serviced" area of the city.
- Councillor Zurakowski replied that green space needs to be within a certain range of residents. According to him, the core of the Community Services Master Plan is managing open space, and this includes "pocket" parks. If the developer in this case comes back with a proposal to reduce the loss of green space, council could re-visit the development. Pocket parks need to be sustained, and these should "rise up in all areas of the city," not "just take away from one and give to another."
- Councillor Dionne called it a "no-win situation," saying he had received more information in the previous 48 hours than in the last two weeks. He suggested a joint meeting with Northern Spruce, the owner [PAGC], and the residents. He asked people to put their biases aside. The answer, he suggested, might be selling part of the land to the city. He wanted to delay consideration for two months.
- Councillor Zurakowski repeated his request that the developer bring another proposal, and reaffirmed his motion to deny consideraton of Bylaw #8 of 2009.
- Councillor Gervais wished Northern Spruce had promoted the project more. He would like to "get them in a room to hammer out an agreement," and noted that Zurakowski is "between a rock and a hard place."
- Mayor Scarrow [still unfamiliar with council meeting procedures, after almost three years . . . .] asked if a tabling motion supercedes Zurakowski's motion to deny. City Clerk Skauge replied, "yes." Zurakowski repeated that his motion still stands, stating that his sole concern is with the lack of green space, not with the developer. Dionne conferrred with Atkinson, then asked if a delay would affect funding. Kelly Skiffington answered that Sask. Housing is funding other projects, and, as an aside, that the amount of green space on the property would not change in a new proposal. She reminded everyone that this is a small development.
- Councilllor Zurakowski said he sensed he was not getting the votes needed to deny the bylaw, and would defer to Dionne's tabling motion.
- Councillor Dionne moved to defer the bylaw for two months (to the August 18 meeting).
- THE VOTE: 6 - 1, Councillor Zurakowski opposed, in favour of deferring the bylaw for two months.
8:16 PM About 65 people leave the foyer and council chamber.
[A meeting of PAGC representatives (including Grand Chief Ron Michel, the chiefs of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation, James Smith Cree Nation, and Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation), Northern Spruce staff (Janita Kohlruss and Kelly Skiffington), the architects, West Hill residents (about 70), and a dozen other interested individuals, with the Mayor and three councillors in attendance, was held at at the PA Inn on July 28. It lasted almost two-and-a-half hours. After review of the architect's drawings and initial presentations from Chief Michel, the architects, and Kelly Skiffington, about 20 people spoke at the microphones. West Hill residents re-affirmed their concerns about the loss of [the PAGC-owned] "green space" and their lack of discrimination. Supporters of the proposal included two single mothers who benefitted from Northern Spruce housing, Chief Wes Daniels, Chief Darrell McCallum, Chief Wally Burns, and Brian Clavier.]
Former City Councillor Pans for Fee Waivers for [Yet Another] Ball Tournament
8:27 PM
- Jim Bristowe spoke to a request to waive fees for kiosks and a stage for the 2009 Canadian Midget Boys Fast Pitch Championships. He said this was the seventh time the city has hosted this event, and it brings "$1.2 million back into the community."
- Mayor Scarrow said that, although funds for such things were already expended, "we should approve" the request.
- Councillor Dionne said council should have been given more [than seven weeks'] notice.
8:33 PM City Clerk Skauge asks Stuart North if he had something to say [he had left, and was not in the chamber when the issue of moving the Crescent Heights skating rink was dealt with.] Mr. North realizes he missed his chance.
Spend, Spend, Spend on the Fieldhouse . . . .
8:36 PM
- An update on the fieldhouse refers to an additional $800,000 spent on it, including $100,000 for an accountant for the construction project.
- Councillor Atkinson asked why the $100,000 for the accountant was needed, and if the Finance Department is not funded to do this work.
- City Manager Robert Cotterill [nonchalantly ignoring the question] replied "It is the funds you approved."
- Councillor Atkinson then asked about the charge on the tax bill for the fieldhouse: why had the mill rate increased from 0.8443 to 0.8450, without any notice? Finance Director Joe Day replied that that this mill rate had been "rounded up to 0.845." Atkinson said this hurts the bottom line of housing organizations like Northern Spruce and the PA Community Housing Society.
- Mayor Scarrow asked how long the debt elimination levy has been in place. Day
responded, "Since 1997." Scarrow said it has been used for a variety of porjects, and that "this council" clarified it [only after Atkinson requested that be done, on the 2008 tax bills . . . .]
2008 Year-end Financial Report
- Councillor Atkinson wondered why the city was borrowing from reserves set aside for the CUPE members' "vested sick leave," and whether it was the intention to pay back this money. Cotterill deferred to Assistant Director of Financial Sservices Tammy McKay, who evaded the question by simply stating "We've utilized that funding source." Atkinson continued, asking if the police service was really $36,000 over [its annually hyper-inflated] budget. Cotterill replied, "yes," then added that the $8 million to pay for the city's share of water purification plant upgrades was coming from "existing rates," as opposed to debt that is paid for from property assessments [which means that residential properties will pay all of the $8 million, since business water and sewer rates have not increased in the past eight years].
8:46 PM
Princess Margaret Telecom Tower Goes Ahead - Aesthetics Irrelevant
- The information in the June 17 report from the planning department was no different from that in the May 5 report.
- Mayor Scarrow moved that the tower be permitted.
- Councillor Williams complained that the latest report did not contain the information he had asked for. He said the residents want to work with the school board to resolve the issue. The suggestion he had would be less intrusive: building the tower on the school, adding 18 feet to the existing 30-foot-tall building, rather than constructing the tower on the edge of the playground. In any case, he "would like to see (his) questions answered [about alternative technologies and possible placements of the tower] before we approve this in any form."
- Director Joan Corneil said she expected somebody from the school board to reply to Williams' questions, the tower would be the same height as most [highway] streetlights, and the tower conforms to industry standards. Atkinson said the roof structure was not designed to support a tower.
- Councillor Zurakowski said a roof-mounted tower was not an option, and the "students will be so lucky" to have this bandwidth. He understands the concerns, but it is a 48-foot tower, and when technology changes in 7 or 8 years, it can be taken down.
- Councillor Williams again asked if there was an alternate location, such as the south side of the 1972 addition (which would hide part of the tower). Zurakowski says he asked if another location was available, and the answer he got was "no."
- Councillor Gervais wondered if Zurakowski had specifically asked if the tower had to be at this location. Zurakowski replied he had asked if there was any other acceptable location.
- THE VOTE (to permit the tower): 5 in favour, Williams opposed, Atkinson abstained.
9:12 PM
Mayor & Council Attended/Were Fed and Feted by . . . .
- Councillor Dionne attended the annual street fair, and the Firemen's Fitness Challenge (where there were teams from all three prairie provinces).
- Mayor Scarrow recited the usual litany: a photo op on June 10 at the 1548 Merivale Rd. Shell station in Ottawa, where Iogen's straw-based ethanol was being sold to the public, with an Iogen project coordinator who worked on the Thames windmill project [see http://www.londonarray.com/about/ ]; participated in the 5th Honouring Our Brothers & Sisters Walk; went to the Iogen information session; met with Iogen at City Hall; received a cheque for $67,638 for Little Red River Park from the Cosmos; attended the Credenda Virtual High School grad, Lionel Smith's 100th birdthday party, the CUPE Aboriginal Day barbecue, the PA Indian-Metis Friendship Centre pow wow grand entry, and events for the National Day of Reconciliation for residential school survivors.
Inquiries: Another West Hill Update, Public Notice of Council Activities, and Tree-cutting Criminals Spur Indignation
- Councillor Zurakowski asked for an update on the 6th Ave. & 28th St. West intersection. Public Works Director Innes replied that the work there was delayed by rain, so only north-south traffic was currently passing through. Access to the hospital via 25th Street would be available in a few days. Scarrow said the alley just south of 28th St. was open.
- Councillor Dionne asked for a review of council's public notice requirements. Councl voted in favour of preparing such a report: 4 in favour, Councillors Atkinson and Williams opposed, and Mayor Scarrow abstaining. He also asked for a meeting to explain to residents why the trees on the south side of River St. West, between 4th Ave. and 6th Ave., were cut down, and the subsequent construction schedule for replacing sewer and water connections in the area. Scarrow opined that cutting those trees was "a criminal act," and something else should have been done, since they were left at "four-foot height" [in fact, the stumps were 18-24" high . . . .]. He wanted a report on this event [though no vote on this took place, as is required by rules he initiated in 2007. . . .], and a policy to ensure this never happens again, since "trees make our city." [The fervour of his indignation made a positive impression on the West Hill residents who remained in the foyer: they gave him a quick round of applause - their first since Cathy Borrowman had spoken against the Northern Spruce housing project, two hours earlier. The next morning, the stumps were trimmed down to 2-6" high.]
9:35 PM
Public Forum: Pro (Co-gen) and Con (Nuclear Power)
- Jack Jensen gave an explanation of c0-generation (using industrial process steam to generate electricity). He gave $1.5 million to $2 million as the cost per megawatt of generating this type of power, and compared it to the $5 million per megawatt that Bruce Power's nuclear proposal cites for Saskatchewan. He went on to say that Moody's Investors Service lists $7.5 million per megawatt for nuclear power. There is an opportunity for 30 megawatts of co-generated power if Iogen takes over the former pulp mill.
[Jensen's microphone was cut off after he had spoken for 6 minutes and 15 seconds . . . .]
- Rob Kelly said that nuclear power was an economically unsound idea, and was "ethically bankrupt." Using full-cycle carbon accounting, nuclear power did not come out on the positive side. The bulk of power from a Saskatchewan nuclear plant would go to tar sands oil extraction, liability for the nuclear industry was being passed to the next generation, and nuclear waste keeps "giving and giving and giving." [Rob was allowed to speak for six minutes and 33 seconds . . . .]
I Get to Speak Last - Always
- Mayor Scarrow again thanked Shaw Cable and city administration.
END: 9:48 PM
ABSENTEES: Councillors Martin Ring and John Swystun
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: 535 pages
PUBLIC GALLERY: 29 in the chamber, and another 70 in the foyer.
START: 7:01 PM
Recognition of Girl Guides (Pathfinders)
The Mayor congratulated Chelsea Lehner and Sarah Bilyk for receiving their "Canada Cord." Chelsea will be one of 11 individuals representing Canada at a gathering in London, England later in the summer.
7:07 PM Chelsea, Sarah and their families (total of 8 people) leave.
Public Hearing: To Change the Zoning at 1203 Central Ave., to Allow a Diamond-Cutting School
- Brian Clavier spoke in favour of allowing the contract zone for ten years, rather than the five that are the norm, and repeated his hope that the sidewalks would now be cleared of snow and ice in winter [something not done for the four years the property has been owned by the Prince Albert Grand Council (PAGC)].
- THE VOTE (to refer the bylaw to the bylaws portion of the meeting): 7 - 0 in favour.
Public Hearing: to Change the Zoning at the former Prince Charles School Site to R3 (Two-unit Dwelling), Creating 36 Lots
- Brian Clavier was again the only speaker. He lamented the loss of "green space" at this site, and noted that none of the West Hill residents who would be speaking later [in opposition to the Northern Spruce duplexes planned for the south edge of the Angus Mirasty School site] were opposed to the loss of this large tract of green space. He said there had been a major opportunity lost at the Prince Charles site, which should have been turned into a "green showcase" housing project, one that could have applied for funding from the Prince Charles Trust. He opposed the re-zoning.
- THE VOTE (to refer to the bylaws portion of the meeting): 7 - 0 in favour.
Public Hearing: To Re-zone Part of the West Hill Community Club Park, Giving the New St. Anne's School 46 Parking Spaces [up from the current 36]
- Brian Clavier, again, was the only person who spoke about the loss of green space here; the West Hill residents opposed to Northern Spruce building on PAGC-owned land at the Angus Mirasty School were again silent [even though this was a direct loss of city-owned green space, located in their own back yard . . . .] He repeated his oft-stated view that parking [the lowest-value use to which municipal land can be assigned] for every employee should not be necessary, and said that there was lots of room on 5th Ave. West for buses to drop children off safely. He opposed giving part of the city-owned park to the school for parking spaces.
- THE VOTE (to refer to the bylaws section of the meeting): in favour.
Public Hearing: to Allow Baron Land Company to Build Four Townhouse Condos at 211-20th St. West
- Brian Clavier spoke against the proposal outlined in David Bach's letter, citing the large part of the property that would be consumed by asphalt for driveways and parking (amounting to 84% of the total square footage devoted to living area, with four parking spaces for each residence, giving a total of 16); the absence of detailed drawings of the development; and the lack of conformance with the character of the neighbourhood, including the heritage homes on 20th Street.
- THE VOTE (to delay consideration until council's next meeting): 7 - 0 in favour.
7:27 PM
Public Hearing: to Change Zoning at the Angus Mirasty School Site to Allow Northern Spruce Housing to Build Up to Five Duplexes [on about 20% of the property, currently owned by PAGC]
- Kelly Skiffington, Manager of Northern Spruce, explained that PAGC was selling this excess land to Northern Spruce, for housing, for less than market value. The duplex housing, which would be market value rental accommodation, is needed by individuals who are members of the twelve PAGC First Nations.
- Jim Bahr, speaking on behalf of himself and the writers of 14 other letters to council [as well as half the public gallery, and almost all of the foyer], was opposed to the re-zoning due to the loss of green space [albeit, space that is privately owned, which PAGC permits area residents unrestricted use of . . . .]
- Brian Clavier spoke in support of the re-zoning, noting the additional parking spaces added to the area were minimal; only about 20% of the school property was being proposed for housing development; there is ample green space available to the area's residents (at the Angus Mirasty School site, St. Anne's school - one block away from the proposed duplexes, West Hill playground/park - two blocks away, Arthur Pechey School - four blocks away, Kinsmen Park - five blocks away, and 18th St., between 2nd Ave. West and 6th Ave. West - four blocks away), whereas his nearest green space is the Midtown playground - six blocks from his home; the full, five-duplex build-out would take several years; and Northern Spruce was a landlord with a long history in the city [over 25 years, with 193 rental units now in its portfolio].
- Cathy Borrowman spoke in opposition to the re-zoning.
- Ron Burns, a founding board member of Northern Spruce, spoke in favour of the proposal. He mentioned the history of opposition from neighbours - wherever Northern Spruce proposed to build accommodation.
- Councillor Zurakowski [the councillor for the area - and expected to speak first on this] was opposed to the re-zoning, and moved a motion to deny.
- Councillor Atkinson talked about the amount of green space in different areas of the city: 19 acres/1000 people in Crescent Acres, 15 acres/1000 in the West Hill, and just 0.16 acres/1000 Midtown residents [where he lives, as does Brian Clavier]. He noted that, while the development would change the demographic makeup of the West Hill, the City had signed on to the Coalition of Canadian Cities Against Racial Discrimination [public speakers who were opposed to the re-zoning had all proclaimed their non-discriminatory attitude at the podium . . . .] If green space was the issue, he said we should start by creating some for the "least-serviced" area of the city.
- Councillor Zurakowski replied that green space needs to be within a certain range of residents. According to him, the core of the Community Services Master Plan is managing open space, and this includes "pocket" parks. If the developer in this case comes back with a proposal to reduce the loss of green space, council could re-visit the development. Pocket parks need to be sustained, and these should "rise up in all areas of the city," not "just take away from one and give to another."
- Councillor Dionne called it a "no-win situation," saying he had received more information in the previous 48 hours than in the last two weeks. He suggested a joint meeting with Northern Spruce, the owner [PAGC], and the residents. He asked people to put their biases aside. The answer, he suggested, might be selling part of the land to the city. He wanted to delay consideration for two months.
- Councillor Zurakowski repeated his request that the developer bring another proposal, and reaffirmed his motion to deny consideraton of Bylaw #8 of 2009.
- Councillor Gervais wished Northern Spruce had promoted the project more. He would like to "get them in a room to hammer out an agreement," and noted that Zurakowski is "between a rock and a hard place."
- Mayor Scarrow [still unfamiliar with council meeting procedures, after almost three years . . . .] asked if a tabling motion supercedes Zurakowski's motion to deny. City Clerk Skauge replied, "yes." Zurakowski repeated that his motion still stands, stating that his sole concern is with the lack of green space, not with the developer. Dionne conferrred with Atkinson, then asked if a delay would affect funding. Kelly Skiffington answered that Sask. Housing is funding other projects, and, as an aside, that the amount of green space on the property would not change in a new proposal. She reminded everyone that this is a small development.
- Councilllor Zurakowski said he sensed he was not getting the votes needed to deny the bylaw, and would defer to Dionne's tabling motion.
- Councillor Dionne moved to defer the bylaw for two months (to the August 18 meeting).
- THE VOTE: 6 - 1, Councillor Zurakowski opposed, in favour of deferring the bylaw for two months.
8:16 PM About 65 people leave the foyer and council chamber.
[A meeting of PAGC representatives (including Grand Chief Ron Michel, the chiefs of the Sturgeon Lake First Nation, James Smith Cree Nation, and Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation), Northern Spruce staff (Janita Kohlruss and Kelly Skiffington), the architects, West Hill residents (about 70), and a dozen other interested individuals, with the Mayor and three councillors in attendance, was held at at the PA Inn on July 28. It lasted almost two-and-a-half hours. After review of the architect's drawings and initial presentations from Chief Michel, the architects, and Kelly Skiffington, about 20 people spoke at the microphones. West Hill residents re-affirmed their concerns about the loss of [the PAGC-owned] "green space" and their lack of discrimination. Supporters of the proposal included two single mothers who benefitted from Northern Spruce housing, Chief Wes Daniels, Chief Darrell McCallum, Chief Wally Burns, and Brian Clavier.]
Former City Councillor Pans for Fee Waivers for [Yet Another] Ball Tournament
8:27 PM
- Jim Bristowe spoke to a request to waive fees for kiosks and a stage for the 2009 Canadian Midget Boys Fast Pitch Championships. He said this was the seventh time the city has hosted this event, and it brings "$1.2 million back into the community."
- Mayor Scarrow said that, although funds for such things were already expended, "we should approve" the request.
- Councillor Dionne said council should have been given more [than seven weeks'] notice.
8:33 PM City Clerk Skauge asks Stuart North if he had something to say [he had left, and was not in the chamber when the issue of moving the Crescent Heights skating rink was dealt with.] Mr. North realizes he missed his chance.
Spend, Spend, Spend on the Fieldhouse . . . .
8:36 PM
- An update on the fieldhouse refers to an additional $800,000 spent on it, including $100,000 for an accountant for the construction project.
- Councillor Atkinson asked why the $100,000 for the accountant was needed, and if the Finance Department is not funded to do this work.
- City Manager Robert Cotterill [nonchalantly ignoring the question] replied "It is the funds you approved."
- Councillor Atkinson then asked about the charge on the tax bill for the fieldhouse: why had the mill rate increased from 0.8443 to 0.8450, without any notice? Finance Director Joe Day replied that that this mill rate had been "rounded up to 0.845." Atkinson said this hurts the bottom line of housing organizations like Northern Spruce and the PA Community Housing Society.
- Mayor Scarrow asked how long the debt elimination levy has been in place. Day
responded, "Since 1997." Scarrow said it has been used for a variety of porjects, and that "this council" clarified it [only after Atkinson requested that be done, on the 2008 tax bills . . . .]
2008 Year-end Financial Report
- Councillor Atkinson wondered why the city was borrowing from reserves set aside for the CUPE members' "vested sick leave," and whether it was the intention to pay back this money. Cotterill deferred to Assistant Director of Financial Sservices Tammy McKay, who evaded the question by simply stating "We've utilized that funding source." Atkinson continued, asking if the police service was really $36,000 over [its annually hyper-inflated] budget. Cotterill replied, "yes," then added that the $8 million to pay for the city's share of water purification plant upgrades was coming from "existing rates," as opposed to debt that is paid for from property assessments [which means that residential properties will pay all of the $8 million, since business water and sewer rates have not increased in the past eight years].
8:46 PM
Princess Margaret Telecom Tower Goes Ahead - Aesthetics Irrelevant
- The information in the June 17 report from the planning department was no different from that in the May 5 report.
- Mayor Scarrow moved that the tower be permitted.
- Councillor Williams complained that the latest report did not contain the information he had asked for. He said the residents want to work with the school board to resolve the issue. The suggestion he had would be less intrusive: building the tower on the school, adding 18 feet to the existing 30-foot-tall building, rather than constructing the tower on the edge of the playground. In any case, he "would like to see (his) questions answered [about alternative technologies and possible placements of the tower] before we approve this in any form."
- Director Joan Corneil said she expected somebody from the school board to reply to Williams' questions, the tower would be the same height as most [highway] streetlights, and the tower conforms to industry standards. Atkinson said the roof structure was not designed to support a tower.
- Councillor Zurakowski said a roof-mounted tower was not an option, and the "students will be so lucky" to have this bandwidth. He understands the concerns, but it is a 48-foot tower, and when technology changes in 7 or 8 years, it can be taken down.
- Councillor Williams again asked if there was an alternate location, such as the south side of the 1972 addition (which would hide part of the tower). Zurakowski says he asked if another location was available, and the answer he got was "no."
- Councillor Gervais wondered if Zurakowski had specifically asked if the tower had to be at this location. Zurakowski replied he had asked if there was any other acceptable location.
- THE VOTE (to permit the tower): 5 in favour, Williams opposed, Atkinson abstained.
9:12 PM
Mayor & Council Attended/Were Fed and Feted by . . . .
- Councillor Dionne attended the annual street fair, and the Firemen's Fitness Challenge (where there were teams from all three prairie provinces).
- Mayor Scarrow recited the usual litany: a photo op on June 10 at the 1548 Merivale Rd. Shell station in Ottawa, where Iogen's straw-based ethanol was being sold to the public, with an Iogen project coordinator who worked on the Thames windmill project [see http://www.londonarray.com/about/ ]; participated in the 5th Honouring Our Brothers & Sisters Walk; went to the Iogen information session; met with Iogen at City Hall; received a cheque for $67,638 for Little Red River Park from the Cosmos; attended the Credenda Virtual High School grad, Lionel Smith's 100th birdthday party, the CUPE Aboriginal Day barbecue, the PA Indian-Metis Friendship Centre pow wow grand entry, and events for the National Day of Reconciliation for residential school survivors.
Inquiries: Another West Hill Update, Public Notice of Council Activities, and Tree-cutting Criminals Spur Indignation
- Councillor Zurakowski asked for an update on the 6th Ave. & 28th St. West intersection. Public Works Director Innes replied that the work there was delayed by rain, so only north-south traffic was currently passing through. Access to the hospital via 25th Street would be available in a few days. Scarrow said the alley just south of 28th St. was open.
- Councillor Dionne asked for a review of council's public notice requirements. Councl voted in favour of preparing such a report: 4 in favour, Councillors Atkinson and Williams opposed, and Mayor Scarrow abstaining. He also asked for a meeting to explain to residents why the trees on the south side of River St. West, between 4th Ave. and 6th Ave., were cut down, and the subsequent construction schedule for replacing sewer and water connections in the area. Scarrow opined that cutting those trees was "a criminal act," and something else should have been done, since they were left at "four-foot height" [in fact, the stumps were 18-24" high . . . .]. He wanted a report on this event [though no vote on this took place, as is required by rules he initiated in 2007. . . .], and a policy to ensure this never happens again, since "trees make our city." [The fervour of his indignation made a positive impression on the West Hill residents who remained in the foyer: they gave him a quick round of applause - their first since Cathy Borrowman had spoken against the Northern Spruce housing project, two hours earlier. The next morning, the stumps were trimmed down to 2-6" high.]
9:35 PM
Public Forum: Pro (Co-gen) and Con (Nuclear Power)
- Jack Jensen gave an explanation of c0-generation (using industrial process steam to generate electricity). He gave $1.5 million to $2 million as the cost per megawatt of generating this type of power, and compared it to the $5 million per megawatt that Bruce Power's nuclear proposal cites for Saskatchewan. He went on to say that Moody's Investors Service lists $7.5 million per megawatt for nuclear power. There is an opportunity for 30 megawatts of co-generated power if Iogen takes over the former pulp mill.
[Jensen's microphone was cut off after he had spoken for 6 minutes and 15 seconds . . . .]
- Rob Kelly said that nuclear power was an economically unsound idea, and was "ethically bankrupt." Using full-cycle carbon accounting, nuclear power did not come out on the positive side. The bulk of power from a Saskatchewan nuclear plant would go to tar sands oil extraction, liability for the nuclear industry was being passed to the next generation, and nuclear waste keeps "giving and giving and giving." [Rob was allowed to speak for six minutes and 33 seconds . . . .]
I Get to Speak Last - Always
- Mayor Scarrow again thanked Shaw Cable and city administration.
END: 9:48 PM
10th Regular Meeting of 2009 - June 10
"Warm & Woolly/Fuzzy" Ads Jostle with Pigeon Poo
ABSENT: Mayor Jim Scarrow, Councillors Fred Matheson and Shaun Williams
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: 273 pages
PUBLIC GALLERY: Gordon Dupre, Grant Gustafson, Ken Hunter, Pearl Doris Morin, Brian Clavier, Sandi Pitzel, Paul Van Pul, Dr. John Steel, Julie Pitzel, Angie Bear, Brent Prokopie, Barry Birkland, and 7 others.
START: 7:01 PM
La Colle Falls Archeological Work Costs Unclear
- Paul Van Pul appeared again at council, asking for support for his as-yet-uncosted proposal to conduct an archeological dig at La Colle Falls.
- THE VOTE: 4 - 0 in favour (Councillors Atkinson and Dionne abstained), to refer to Community Services for a report.
7:13 PM
Pigeon Poo Postponed
- Dr. John Steel's May 28, 2009 letter to council asked for an amendment to the Animal Control Bylaw to allow him to keep up to 25 racing pigeons on his property in the West Hill. He offered the assistance of the local pigeon racing club in "trapping and eliminating" the city's feral pigeons, as Regina's pigeon racers did in the 1980s.
- Grant Gustafson, who lives three blocks from Dr. Steel, spoke against the suggested bylaw change, citing a lack of consultation with the neighbours, the need for the bylaw to be specific about bird banding, fees for licensing and infractions, and limits on the total number of racing birds in the city.
- Brent Prokopie spoke about the bylaw's failure to protect his dog, which had been at the SPCA for more than two weeks, from coming to harm.
- THE VOTE: 6 - 0, to postpone consideration of the item until council's July 20, 2009 meeting.
7:25 Quorum lost - Councillors Swystun and Dionne simultaneously out of the room.
7:26 Councillor Dionne returns.
7:39 Four people remain in the public gallery.
7:44 Two people left in the public gallery.
Downtown Parking Bargain
- A report from the Transportation Manager recommended renewal of the annual parking contract with employees of the federal building - 16 stalls in the city's 13th Street East parking lot, at a cost of $20 per month [cheap like borscht, considering the adjacent meters in the lot cost 50 cents an hour, or $4 for an 8-hour day, and the lot is beside a federal government parking structure that was rebuilt earlier this year; no one in the city administration (or on council) ever questions this insupportable subsidy of private passenger vehicles, at taxpayers' expense].
- Councillor Atkinson said a parking strategy for downtown is needed.
Why Get it for FREE, When You Can PAY for it [?!?!]
- A lengthy series of advertising recommendations in a report from Communications Manager Kiley Bear included $42,000 to the three Rawlco radio stations in PA [CKBI -900 AM, CHQX - 101.5 FM, and CFMM - 99.1 FM], from $146,500 in total expenditures, spread among 11 types of advertising.
- Councillor Dionne moved all the recommendations, except for the $42,000 to Rawlco [the Mayor's sole employer, in one form or another, for over fifty years] for a weekly show. He said CTV gives the city 5 minutes every Thursday, at no charge, and wanted to refer the report back to Communications Manager Bear for other options for the $42,000.
- Councillor Zurakowski, adding his "42 cents," said this money was for more than just a "little chat on the radio:" these are 60- or 90-second spots, and this is the best form of "getting our message out" - a task he said the city has failed in over the last two years [though he provided no evidence of this failure].
- Councillor Swystun reminded his colleagues that the advertising review committee [himself, the mayor, Councillors Zurakowski and Matheson, and a handful of senior city staff] had looked at these proposals very carefully, and he did not want Rawlco left out. In light of the work done to get council to this point, he thought this was the "best bang for the buck."
- Councillor Dionne disagreed, referring to the Rawlco stations' proposed announcements as "warm and woolly;" asserting the radio station already supports the city's emergency announcements very well; and calling the suggested "Our City" spots "warm and fuzzy" commercials.
- Communications Manager Bear explained the types of spots intended for radio broadcast: 1) announcers with standard messages (such as Rotary trail changes, or playgrounds' hours), 2) weekly interviews on CKBI (currently, the Mayor is on every second week, for free), and 3) "announcer talk" segments, which will give an "enhanced presence" to the city. She said this was not "new money."
- Councillor Gervais pointed out there was nothing proposed for Missinipi Broadcasting, prompting City Manager Cotterill to remark that "some funding" was kept in for MBC [though no amount, or type of spot was specified].
- Councillor Dionne was glad that Gervais mentioned this gap, since every other type of media was covered.
- Councillor Atkinson noted there was no assessment of our "obligatory"media advertising [he means the ads required by The Cities Act and city bylaws]. These legal obligations are more important than "good news" stories. He said that, while "PR is wonderful," we need to foster citizen participation; for example, there have been no committee meeting announcements publicized outside City Hall in the last two years.
- Councillor Swystun countered "we notify the public of all of our meetings." The expense for Rawlco ads, he continued, would be reviewed at budget time. The current radio time is at Rawlco's invitation - which "gives them control." By buying advertising, he claimed that "we will control the message" [as if there were some nefarious intent in what the radio stations air when they invite municipal commentators to come in . . . .] he said this was not a matter of PR, the program will be monitored [by whom was left unstated], and changes would be possible in 7 to 8 months.
- Community Services Director Chris Cvik said the radio play would drive people to the city web site.
- Councillor Zurakowski said advertising on Missinipi was considered, and this shifts advertising money to where it is more effective.
- City Manager Cotterill claimed that people are not reading [the newspaper], and most people have a radio on for a good part of the day. This expenditure is a test - one that will be reviewed in 8 months.
8:27 PM
- Councillor Gervais said that, in 8 months, Missinipi should get a portion.
- Councillor Dionne was not prepared to wait 8 months for Missinipi to get a portion of this advertising.
- Communications Manager Bear said there was $20,000 for discretionary spending in the recommendations [actually, it was $28,000, for discretionary spending by Community Services and Public Works ONLY - see item 6 on page 43 of http://www.citypa.ca/Portals/0/PDF2/Council_Meetings/2009/2009%2006%2010%20-%20City%20Council%20Meeting/Supplementary%20Agenda%20No.%201%20-%20Pages%20210%20-%20253.pdf ].
- THE VOTE: the original motion by Councillor Dionne was defeated, 3 - 2; Councillors Atkinson and Dionne in favour, Councillor Ring abstained.
- A motion to accept all the recommendations, including the $42,000 to Rawlco radio, passed 4 - 2 (Councillors Atkinson and Dionne opposed).
We ALL Need to Drive to Our Front Doors
- A request to extend the driveway in front of 160-17th St. West from 17 feet to 52.5 feet, accompanied by the owner's freehand drawing, was deemed acceptable by Public Works. The property houses a hair salon, nail care business, and offices above those two spaces.
- Councillor Swystun said the change would make a driveway of almost the entire lot frontage on 17th Street. Dionne wanted to beautify the front of the property. Atkinson was concerned that the whole block needed to be examined. Swystun replied that there were various uses of crossings and boulevards in the area. While a full report would take time, he insisted that safety had to be ensured.
- THE VOTE: 6 - 0, in favour of an additional report on the issue.
8:33 All media leave except for Shaw Cable.
Councillors Attended/Were Feted by . . . .
8:49 PM
- Councillor Atkinson attended the Pride Parade, the national conference organized by the PA Council of Women, and the Trailblazer event on the riverbank. He also received a donation to the Rotary trail.
- Councillor Dionne was at the same Trailblazer event.
- Councillor Ring was at the Ladies Northern Golf Tournament.
8:54 PM
Inquiries: Roads, Roads, and Roads . . . .
- Councillor Zurakowski asked for an update on streetsweeping. Director Innes said the West End was done, and the West Hill was completed earlier in the day.
- Councillor Ring asked about paving repair where water mains were repaired, and when the traffic lights hit by trucks at 2nd Ave. and 30th St. West would be working.
- Councillor Dionne wanted an update on the second bridge study, to which Swystun replied that a consultant was being sought to present the study (which was a regional transportation study). Although he had read it, Swystun said the technical details should be explained by a consultant [heaven forbid that a transportation study be written so that mere mortals could not understand it without another consultant to interpret it . . . .], and he is on the steering commitee to select that consultant. Atkinson said the study was over budget, and asked if the original consultant was walking away from the work. Swystun explained that extra costs were involved, and money was being sought from all the partners for the extra work requested by the committee.
Giving Notice of Motion - Boulevard Trees and "Sustainable Community Pllans"
- Councillor Swystun gave notice of his request for a report on boulevard and rights-of-way trees, with a focus on the lifespans of the existing Manitoba maples. He said there should be a policy on planting in new areas that reflects the standard in older areas. [He forgot that a report on tree pruning and survival was prepared four years ago, and is apparently unaware that "greening" new neighbourhoods would be easier if developers did not denude the land of every visible bush, tree, and shrub before starting to build new homes in this city.]
- Councillor Ring gave notice of a motion to require "sustainable community plans" for new developments, in conjunciton with the city's new industrial park [thereby indicating his failure to remember that 1. "sustainable community" needs definition first, 2. the city does not have any kind of "green plan," 3. there is no point in having PART of a city be "sustainably" planned, 4. none of the developments added to this city since the 1960s is even remotely "sustainable," and 5. a comprehensive outline for a municipal green plan for the city was presented to council by Brian Clavier from November 26, 2007 to March 24, 2008 - see the entire set of presentations in the February 7, 2009 blog post http://pacouncilnotes.blogspot.com/2009/02/off-rails-2.html ]
END: 9:08 PM
ABSENT: Mayor Jim Scarrow, Councillors Fred Matheson and Shaun Williams
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: 273 pages
PUBLIC GALLERY: Gordon Dupre, Grant Gustafson, Ken Hunter, Pearl Doris Morin, Brian Clavier, Sandi Pitzel, Paul Van Pul, Dr. John Steel, Julie Pitzel, Angie Bear, Brent Prokopie, Barry Birkland, and 7 others.
START: 7:01 PM
La Colle Falls Archeological Work Costs Unclear
- Paul Van Pul appeared again at council, asking for support for his as-yet-uncosted proposal to conduct an archeological dig at La Colle Falls.
- THE VOTE: 4 - 0 in favour (Councillors Atkinson and Dionne abstained), to refer to Community Services for a report.
7:13 PM
Pigeon Poo Postponed
- Dr. John Steel's May 28, 2009 letter to council asked for an amendment to the Animal Control Bylaw to allow him to keep up to 25 racing pigeons on his property in the West Hill. He offered the assistance of the local pigeon racing club in "trapping and eliminating" the city's feral pigeons, as Regina's pigeon racers did in the 1980s.
- Grant Gustafson, who lives three blocks from Dr. Steel, spoke against the suggested bylaw change, citing a lack of consultation with the neighbours, the need for the bylaw to be specific about bird banding, fees for licensing and infractions, and limits on the total number of racing birds in the city.
- Brent Prokopie spoke about the bylaw's failure to protect his dog, which had been at the SPCA for more than two weeks, from coming to harm.
- THE VOTE: 6 - 0, to postpone consideration of the item until council's July 20, 2009 meeting.
7:25 Quorum lost - Councillors Swystun and Dionne simultaneously out of the room.
7:26 Councillor Dionne returns.
7:39 Four people remain in the public gallery.
7:44 Two people left in the public gallery.
Downtown Parking Bargain
- A report from the Transportation Manager recommended renewal of the annual parking contract with employees of the federal building - 16 stalls in the city's 13th Street East parking lot, at a cost of $20 per month [cheap like borscht, considering the adjacent meters in the lot cost 50 cents an hour, or $4 for an 8-hour day, and the lot is beside a federal government parking structure that was rebuilt earlier this year; no one in the city administration (or on council) ever questions this insupportable subsidy of private passenger vehicles, at taxpayers' expense].
- Councillor Atkinson said a parking strategy for downtown is needed.
Why Get it for FREE, When You Can PAY for it [?!?!]
- A lengthy series of advertising recommendations in a report from Communications Manager Kiley Bear included $42,000 to the three Rawlco radio stations in PA [CKBI -900 AM, CHQX - 101.5 FM, and CFMM - 99.1 FM], from $146,500 in total expenditures, spread among 11 types of advertising.
- Councillor Dionne moved all the recommendations, except for the $42,000 to Rawlco [the Mayor's sole employer, in one form or another, for over fifty years] for a weekly show. He said CTV gives the city 5 minutes every Thursday, at no charge, and wanted to refer the report back to Communications Manager Bear for other options for the $42,000.
- Councillor Zurakowski, adding his "42 cents," said this money was for more than just a "little chat on the radio:" these are 60- or 90-second spots, and this is the best form of "getting our message out" - a task he said the city has failed in over the last two years [though he provided no evidence of this failure].
- Councillor Swystun reminded his colleagues that the advertising review committee [himself, the mayor, Councillors Zurakowski and Matheson, and a handful of senior city staff] had looked at these proposals very carefully, and he did not want Rawlco left out. In light of the work done to get council to this point, he thought this was the "best bang for the buck."
- Councillor Dionne disagreed, referring to the Rawlco stations' proposed announcements as "warm and woolly;" asserting the radio station already supports the city's emergency announcements very well; and calling the suggested "Our City" spots "warm and fuzzy" commercials.
- Communications Manager Bear explained the types of spots intended for radio broadcast: 1) announcers with standard messages (such as Rotary trail changes, or playgrounds' hours), 2) weekly interviews on CKBI (currently, the Mayor is on every second week, for free), and 3) "announcer talk" segments, which will give an "enhanced presence" to the city. She said this was not "new money."
- Councillor Gervais pointed out there was nothing proposed for Missinipi Broadcasting, prompting City Manager Cotterill to remark that "some funding" was kept in for MBC [though no amount, or type of spot was specified].
- Councillor Dionne was glad that Gervais mentioned this gap, since every other type of media was covered.
- Councillor Atkinson noted there was no assessment of our "obligatory"media advertising [he means the ads required by The Cities Act and city bylaws]. These legal obligations are more important than "good news" stories. He said that, while "PR is wonderful," we need to foster citizen participation; for example, there have been no committee meeting announcements publicized outside City Hall in the last two years.
- Councillor Swystun countered "we notify the public of all of our meetings." The expense for Rawlco ads, he continued, would be reviewed at budget time. The current radio time is at Rawlco's invitation - which "gives them control." By buying advertising, he claimed that "we will control the message" [as if there were some nefarious intent in what the radio stations air when they invite municipal commentators to come in . . . .] he said this was not a matter of PR, the program will be monitored [by whom was left unstated], and changes would be possible in 7 to 8 months.
- Community Services Director Chris Cvik said the radio play would drive people to the city web site.
- Councillor Zurakowski said advertising on Missinipi was considered, and this shifts advertising money to where it is more effective.
- City Manager Cotterill claimed that people are not reading [the newspaper], and most people have a radio on for a good part of the day. This expenditure is a test - one that will be reviewed in 8 months.
8:27 PM
- Councillor Gervais said that, in 8 months, Missinipi should get a portion.
- Councillor Dionne was not prepared to wait 8 months for Missinipi to get a portion of this advertising.
- Communications Manager Bear said there was $20,000 for discretionary spending in the recommendations [actually, it was $28,000, for discretionary spending by Community Services and Public Works ONLY - see item 6 on page 43 of http://www.citypa.ca/Portals/0/PDF2/Council_Meetings/2009/2009%2006%2010%20-%20City%20Council%20Meeting/Supplementary%20Agenda%20No.%201%20-%20Pages%20210%20-%20253.pdf ].
- THE VOTE: the original motion by Councillor Dionne was defeated, 3 - 2; Councillors Atkinson and Dionne in favour, Councillor Ring abstained.
- A motion to accept all the recommendations, including the $42,000 to Rawlco radio, passed 4 - 2 (Councillors Atkinson and Dionne opposed).
We ALL Need to Drive to Our Front Doors
- A request to extend the driveway in front of 160-17th St. West from 17 feet to 52.5 feet, accompanied by the owner's freehand drawing, was deemed acceptable by Public Works. The property houses a hair salon, nail care business, and offices above those two spaces.
- Councillor Swystun said the change would make a driveway of almost the entire lot frontage on 17th Street. Dionne wanted to beautify the front of the property. Atkinson was concerned that the whole block needed to be examined. Swystun replied that there were various uses of crossings and boulevards in the area. While a full report would take time, he insisted that safety had to be ensured.
- THE VOTE: 6 - 0, in favour of an additional report on the issue.
8:33 All media leave except for Shaw Cable.
Councillors Attended/Were Feted by . . . .
8:49 PM
- Councillor Atkinson attended the Pride Parade, the national conference organized by the PA Council of Women, and the Trailblazer event on the riverbank. He also received a donation to the Rotary trail.
- Councillor Dionne was at the same Trailblazer event.
- Councillor Ring was at the Ladies Northern Golf Tournament.
8:54 PM
Inquiries: Roads, Roads, and Roads . . . .
- Councillor Zurakowski asked for an update on streetsweeping. Director Innes said the West End was done, and the West Hill was completed earlier in the day.
- Councillor Ring asked about paving repair where water mains were repaired, and when the traffic lights hit by trucks at 2nd Ave. and 30th St. West would be working.
- Councillor Dionne wanted an update on the second bridge study, to which Swystun replied that a consultant was being sought to present the study (which was a regional transportation study). Although he had read it, Swystun said the technical details should be explained by a consultant [heaven forbid that a transportation study be written so that mere mortals could not understand it without another consultant to interpret it . . . .], and he is on the steering commitee to select that consultant. Atkinson said the study was over budget, and asked if the original consultant was walking away from the work. Swystun explained that extra costs were involved, and money was being sought from all the partners for the extra work requested by the committee.
Giving Notice of Motion - Boulevard Trees and "Sustainable Community Pllans"
- Councillor Swystun gave notice of his request for a report on boulevard and rights-of-way trees, with a focus on the lifespans of the existing Manitoba maples. He said there should be a policy on planting in new areas that reflects the standard in older areas. [He forgot that a report on tree pruning and survival was prepared four years ago, and is apparently unaware that "greening" new neighbourhoods would be easier if developers did not denude the land of every visible bush, tree, and shrub before starting to build new homes in this city.]
- Councillor Ring gave notice of a motion to require "sustainable community plans" for new developments, in conjunciton with the city's new industrial park [thereby indicating his failure to remember that 1. "sustainable community" needs definition first, 2. the city does not have any kind of "green plan," 3. there is no point in having PART of a city be "sustainably" planned, 4. none of the developments added to this city since the 1960s is even remotely "sustainable," and 5. a comprehensive outline for a municipal green plan for the city was presented to council by Brian Clavier from November 26, 2007 to March 24, 2008 - see the entire set of presentations in the February 7, 2009 blog post http://pacouncilnotes.blogspot.com/2009/02/off-rails-2.html ]
END: 9:08 PM
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