Why Bother to Vote on October 28?
Too many people think municipal government is irrelevant to their daily lives. Nothing could be further from the truth. Your sidewalk is a municipal responsibility, as are the boulevard and trees in front of your home; the street you drive on to get to and from work; the water that comes out of your tap; streetlights and playgrounds; and, of course, the fire and police services you rely on in emergencies. But most important, recall what I wrote when this election campaign started.
"Think about this the next time you flush the toilet: the Premier, the Prime Minister, and their elected colleagues don't give a rat's patoot if the doodoo doesn't disappear."
Polls are open from 9 AM to 8 PM.
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Two more issues came up during visits to downtown businesses today.
Dangerous Sidewalk on 11th St. East
The sidewalk in front of 54 - 11th St. East has as many craters as the dark side of the moon. It's a serious hazard - even for able-bodied pedestrians. Last year a traffic cone was placed there (to warn of danger, we presume), but the sidewalk wasn't repaired. A complete repair is now under review.
River St. Snow Plowed onto Sidewalk/Parking in Front of Businesses
Rather than plow the snow onto the grass on the north side of River St. West, plow operators pushed a large snowfall's deposit onto the sidewalk and parking spaces adjacent to the businesses on River St. West. This situation persisted for several days before being rectified. The roads manager hired in early 2009 was alerted to the problem, and it shouldn't happen again.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Special Post - More Election Issues
Ward 2 Voter Issues - Part 2
Having visited every residential address, and most of the businesses, as well as delivered 1767 flyers in Ward 2, I can now address the remaining concerns that were raised.
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Nordale Potholes - Patch 1, Leave 2
The explanations for why this happens are that time constraints on the crew sometimes prevent all the potholes from getting filled, and locations of potholes are usually identified by an address, rather than by city blocks that need attention. The current roads manager (who started early this year) has instructions to identify clumps of potholes that need repair, and schedule repairs to larger accumulations of potholes where patches are most appropriate. Direction to repair potholes is also being done by block, in many instances. “Cold mix” is used as a temporary fix in the spring, when the average daily temperature warms to over zero; “hot mix” is used for potholes and larger patches. In the fall, hot mix can be used as long as the average daily temperature is above minus 5.
Riverside Drive Speeding & Heavy Truck Traffic, Speeding in School Zones and on River St. West
Speeding vehicles, especially during times when school buses are picking up or dropping off children, are reduced during the (infrequent) appearances by police radar. Speed patrols - at any location in the city - do not follow a pre-determined schedule; it was suggested that they should. Speed bumps on Riverside Drive were suggested two years ago by the current councillor, but no follow-up on this suggestion is evident. I think they’re worth careful examination. [La Ronge (on Riese Drive) and Air Ronge (at Gordon Denny School) both installed rubber speed bumps in summer 2009 - the same type as those installed on the 13th St. West access to Zellers’ north parking lot in PA.] One constituent suggested a cul de sac at the city limit on Riverside Drive. This is not possible, but restricting the permitted vehicle weight on this street would make a difference. Vehicle weight restrictions on city streets are found in the Traffic Bylaw - see pages 28 to 30 at http://citypa.ca/Portals/0/PDF2/Bylaws/Bylaw%20No.%2016%20of%202005%20-%20Traffic%20Bylaw.pdf City council could be asked to change this bylaw to restrict heavy vehicles from operating on Riverside Drive.
Police Foot Patrols Downtown
Though it seems otherwise, police spokespeople assert that the schedule for foot patrols downtown during the summer months has not changed in the past two years. Many people have remarked about the diminished police presence in the mall, on Central Avenue, and in the downtown generally since the substation on the west side of Central (just south of 11th St.) was closed early in 2009. It was suggested that evening patrols be implemented - something I favour - and a schedule that makes officers more visible to workers in the downtown be instituted. (The complaint was that they may be there, but police aren't seen by people who work downtown.) The lease for the substation property was simply not renewed. The police service has moved some of its staff into the former Pandila law office building (beside the viaduct - purchased for $600,000), and has acquired new parking spaces by taking over the former city parking lot adjacent to Marquis Audio-Video. Police “visibility” downtown is not expensive; these three changes do not enhance it.
Police Response to Snowmobiles and Break-and-enter in Nordale
A constituent noted how quick city police were to respond to snowmobiles in Nordale, and how slow they were in responding to a break-and-enter where the would-be perpetrator was scared off by the family dog. Remembering that there are normally five marked patrol cars in service at any given time, and that different types of calls result in two or more being dispatched to an incident (I have seen five marked cars at a location where a firearm was discharged), response time is also directly related to how busy they are. For example, a Sunday afternoon snowmobiler in January in the city is likely to get ticketed because not much else is probably going on that requires a police presence. A break-and-enter in progress is a high priority call; but a response to a break-and-enter that happened over a hot summer weekend, but isn’t reported until it’s discovered late Sunday evening, usually waits a long time because more urgent calls require a police presence.
Rationalization of police resource allocation is a difficult task (and it quickly becomes tiresome to hear the same mantras repeated over and over about how uniquely busy our police service is . . .), but it is relevant that intoxication-related incidents take up an extraordinary amount of patrol officers’ time. The detoxification centre that opened up adjacent to the Victoria Hospital on October 19 will alleviate some of the issues with detaining these people at the 15th St. West cells.
Dangerous Left Turn from Highway 55 onto Birch Lane
Eastbound traffic trying to turn north onto Birch Lane must constantly be aware of vehicles coming from behind them that are passing on both sides, creating very dangerous situations. The centre paint marking on the road surface is dashed-yellow, “passing permitted” marking. The simple solution - changing the paint marking to two solid “no passing” yellow lines - would help the school buses that have to turn in here. The city could paint these solid lines, after consulting with Sask. Highways. The ideal solution - a dedicated left-turn lane, with a flashing yellow light - is a cost that should be seriously considered.
Snow-shovelling for Seniors and the Disabled
It was suggested that such a service be offered by organizations such as young offenders. In North Battleford, Territorial Youth Services and the local Canadian Mental Health Association offer this service to seniors. Snow clearing is usually $10 to $20 per visit. Grass cutting is also offered there, for $30. Implementing this type of service in Prince Albert would require an agency to initiate it.
City Not “Neat and Clean”
The “Neat and Clean” program was a temporary venture, one that included regular maintenance items and $28,700 in alterations to the mayor’s office and city council chamber. Fire hydrants were painted, flower pots appeared, and the bottom eight feet of light poles were painted. Picking up garbage was NOT expanded: there’s a cleanup week coordinated by the PA Downtown Improvement District in May, and there used to be fine-option garbage picking (as well as a few volunteers who did it for exercise in the 2nd Avenue West corridor). Property owners and tenants are responsible for picking up whatever lands on the property where they live. (This was a time-consuming endeavour when I lived less than a block from a 7-11, the Co-op gas station, and a donut shop.) We could hire students to pick garbage from May to August, and also engage the young offenders in such work. Trying to educate people to use a garbage can is extremely difficult . . . .
Lack of Enforcement - Spitting, Urinating, Bikes on Sidewalks
The concern was that, while city council passed bylaws dealing with these, bylaw officers and the police do not enforce them. “Selective,” or “arbitrary” enforcement of the various laws is one aspect of a larger concern that the local police service is sensitive about. Aside from the explanation given above (see Police Response to Snowmobiles and Break-and-enter in Nordale), keep in mind that police and bylaw officers have to assess every situation they encounter in terms of 1) the ultimate benefit to the public; 2) the time the officer needs to allocate to the event; 3) the likelihood of achieving a successful “penalty” for the infraction; and 4) the potential for a positive impact on the behaviour of the offender. These are valid considerations, but they do not excuse a police officer who doesn’t follow up on a theft because the perpetrator was under 16.
Minimum Standards for Rental Properties
Councillor Atkinson, following up on discussion at the Housing Committee (which he chairs), suggested several years ago that council direct administration to prepare such standards, then have bylaw officers enforce them. Council “received and filed” his request. We desperately need such standards, and I support spending money to create and enforce them.
Programs for Youth
The real problem is not that there aren’t programs for youth, but that the sports-related ones outside of school are usually too expensive for a large number of city residents. I’m talking about hockey, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, figure skating, speed skating, downhill skiing, bike racing, and lacrosse. We have a skateboard park that gets a lot of use, but it’s located on the edge of town, rather than in the city centre. There are programs at the West Flat Community Centre and Margo Fournier Centre, but sustaining them over time has become difficult. Community schools also have after-school programs. Addressing this issue starts at home; schools and city-funded agencies can only offer what children might (or, better yet, do) want to get involved in, and it’s more difficult for them than it is for parents to get kids involved in “constructive” activities.
Diversity among City Employees
There is no employment equity program at the city, so the numbers of First Nations, Métis, and visible minority employees are unlikely to reflect the city’s population. The police service has made great progress in this area; the fire department, through its mentorship program, is headed in that direction. A formal personnel policy on this issue is desirable.
Parking Space Scarcity at Sherman Towers, Northcote Manor, and Carment Court
This issue came up at a Sherman Towers monthly meeting: vehicles left parked on the north side of 9th St. East for more than 48 hours were being ticketed by bylaw officers. On October 5, the current councillor told the tenants’ association executive that he had brought a pile of 3-day parking passes to Sherman Towers a few years ago. The problem is, no one at Sherman Towers could remember ever seeing these passes. (In fact, the city’s yellow-and-black “top hat” courtesy parking passes are stamped with only ONE day’s date on them . . . .) A suggestion was made that land on the side of the building be bought for additional parking. Before the meters were removed a few years ago, there were 9 metered spaces on 9th St. East adjacent to Sherman Towers. With a request to city council, perhaps 5 or 6 of these could be designated as “residential permit parking only” - similar to the 200 block of 14th St. West, and the spaces on 10th St. East by Ecole Valois. However, this is a short-term solution.
PA Housing Authority staff told me Sherman Towers has 19 resident parking spaces, and 8 waiting for a space. Carment Court has 33 resident parking spaces, with 5 on a waiting list; Northcote, with 21 spaces, also has 5 waiting. The total number now waiting for a parking space (18) in this area is the highest number they have ever experienced. But this is actually a transportation problem, not a “parking” problem. To address it, there needs to be an attempt to ensure that vehicles are being used (not merely re-insured and registered each year), and that vehicles not driven in the winter (a common practice) are moved elsewhere, before a Transportation Co-op can be implemented for the three buildings. One space could be allocated to the co-op at each building, and the cars could be purchased from three residents who decide they don’t need to own a vehicle. Transportation co-ops are common in larger cities, and there’s financial assistance from the Saskatchewan government to help set up co-operative organizations.
Unruly Bus Patrons
The comment was that bus drivers were not refusing to allow drunk, drugged, or fighting people to get on the bus. Urinating and defecating on the buses were also noted. The bus drivers now allow such individuals on the bus, but police are called to meet the bus and deal with them. Bus drivers do not sit in a protected (cordoned off) area of the vehicle. A policy for these situations is being developed, and should be implemented in the new contract with the bus service provider. (The contract with First Bus expires on December 31, 2009.) The 14th St. East transfer station should be completed by mid-November - if the weather stays warm and the daily rains cease.
Having visited every residential address, and most of the businesses, as well as delivered 1767 flyers in Ward 2, I can now address the remaining concerns that were raised.
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Nordale Potholes - Patch 1, Leave 2
The explanations for why this happens are that time constraints on the crew sometimes prevent all the potholes from getting filled, and locations of potholes are usually identified by an address, rather than by city blocks that need attention. The current roads manager (who started early this year) has instructions to identify clumps of potholes that need repair, and schedule repairs to larger accumulations of potholes where patches are most appropriate. Direction to repair potholes is also being done by block, in many instances. “Cold mix” is used as a temporary fix in the spring, when the average daily temperature warms to over zero; “hot mix” is used for potholes and larger patches. In the fall, hot mix can be used as long as the average daily temperature is above minus 5.
Riverside Drive Speeding & Heavy Truck Traffic, Speeding in School Zones and on River St. West
Speeding vehicles, especially during times when school buses are picking up or dropping off children, are reduced during the (infrequent) appearances by police radar. Speed patrols - at any location in the city - do not follow a pre-determined schedule; it was suggested that they should. Speed bumps on Riverside Drive were suggested two years ago by the current councillor, but no follow-up on this suggestion is evident. I think they’re worth careful examination. [La Ronge (on Riese Drive) and Air Ronge (at Gordon Denny School) both installed rubber speed bumps in summer 2009 - the same type as those installed on the 13th St. West access to Zellers’ north parking lot in PA.] One constituent suggested a cul de sac at the city limit on Riverside Drive. This is not possible, but restricting the permitted vehicle weight on this street would make a difference. Vehicle weight restrictions on city streets are found in the Traffic Bylaw - see pages 28 to 30 at http://citypa.ca/Portals/0/PDF2/Bylaws/Bylaw%20No.%2016%20of%202005%20-%20Traffic%20Bylaw.pdf City council could be asked to change this bylaw to restrict heavy vehicles from operating on Riverside Drive.
Police Foot Patrols Downtown
Though it seems otherwise, police spokespeople assert that the schedule for foot patrols downtown during the summer months has not changed in the past two years. Many people have remarked about the diminished police presence in the mall, on Central Avenue, and in the downtown generally since the substation on the west side of Central (just south of 11th St.) was closed early in 2009. It was suggested that evening patrols be implemented - something I favour - and a schedule that makes officers more visible to workers in the downtown be instituted. (The complaint was that they may be there, but police aren't seen by people who work downtown.) The lease for the substation property was simply not renewed. The police service has moved some of its staff into the former Pandila law office building (beside the viaduct - purchased for $600,000), and has acquired new parking spaces by taking over the former city parking lot adjacent to Marquis Audio-Video. Police “visibility” downtown is not expensive; these three changes do not enhance it.
Police Response to Snowmobiles and Break-and-enter in Nordale
A constituent noted how quick city police were to respond to snowmobiles in Nordale, and how slow they were in responding to a break-and-enter where the would-be perpetrator was scared off by the family dog. Remembering that there are normally five marked patrol cars in service at any given time, and that different types of calls result in two or more being dispatched to an incident (I have seen five marked cars at a location where a firearm was discharged), response time is also directly related to how busy they are. For example, a Sunday afternoon snowmobiler in January in the city is likely to get ticketed because not much else is probably going on that requires a police presence. A break-and-enter in progress is a high priority call; but a response to a break-and-enter that happened over a hot summer weekend, but isn’t reported until it’s discovered late Sunday evening, usually waits a long time because more urgent calls require a police presence.
Rationalization of police resource allocation is a difficult task (and it quickly becomes tiresome to hear the same mantras repeated over and over about how uniquely busy our police service is . . .), but it is relevant that intoxication-related incidents take up an extraordinary amount of patrol officers’ time. The detoxification centre that opened up adjacent to the Victoria Hospital on October 19 will alleviate some of the issues with detaining these people at the 15th St. West cells.
Dangerous Left Turn from Highway 55 onto Birch Lane
Eastbound traffic trying to turn north onto Birch Lane must constantly be aware of vehicles coming from behind them that are passing on both sides, creating very dangerous situations. The centre paint marking on the road surface is dashed-yellow, “passing permitted” marking. The simple solution - changing the paint marking to two solid “no passing” yellow lines - would help the school buses that have to turn in here. The city could paint these solid lines, after consulting with Sask. Highways. The ideal solution - a dedicated left-turn lane, with a flashing yellow light - is a cost that should be seriously considered.
Snow-shovelling for Seniors and the Disabled
It was suggested that such a service be offered by organizations such as young offenders. In North Battleford, Territorial Youth Services and the local Canadian Mental Health Association offer this service to seniors. Snow clearing is usually $10 to $20 per visit. Grass cutting is also offered there, for $30. Implementing this type of service in Prince Albert would require an agency to initiate it.
City Not “Neat and Clean”
The “Neat and Clean” program was a temporary venture, one that included regular maintenance items and $28,700 in alterations to the mayor’s office and city council chamber. Fire hydrants were painted, flower pots appeared, and the bottom eight feet of light poles were painted. Picking up garbage was NOT expanded: there’s a cleanup week coordinated by the PA Downtown Improvement District in May, and there used to be fine-option garbage picking (as well as a few volunteers who did it for exercise in the 2nd Avenue West corridor). Property owners and tenants are responsible for picking up whatever lands on the property where they live. (This was a time-consuming endeavour when I lived less than a block from a 7-11, the Co-op gas station, and a donut shop.) We could hire students to pick garbage from May to August, and also engage the young offenders in such work. Trying to educate people to use a garbage can is extremely difficult . . . .
Lack of Enforcement - Spitting, Urinating, Bikes on Sidewalks
The concern was that, while city council passed bylaws dealing with these, bylaw officers and the police do not enforce them. “Selective,” or “arbitrary” enforcement of the various laws is one aspect of a larger concern that the local police service is sensitive about. Aside from the explanation given above (see Police Response to Snowmobiles and Break-and-enter in Nordale), keep in mind that police and bylaw officers have to assess every situation they encounter in terms of 1) the ultimate benefit to the public; 2) the time the officer needs to allocate to the event; 3) the likelihood of achieving a successful “penalty” for the infraction; and 4) the potential for a positive impact on the behaviour of the offender. These are valid considerations, but they do not excuse a police officer who doesn’t follow up on a theft because the perpetrator was under 16.
Minimum Standards for Rental Properties
Councillor Atkinson, following up on discussion at the Housing Committee (which he chairs), suggested several years ago that council direct administration to prepare such standards, then have bylaw officers enforce them. Council “received and filed” his request. We desperately need such standards, and I support spending money to create and enforce them.
Programs for Youth
The real problem is not that there aren’t programs for youth, but that the sports-related ones outside of school are usually too expensive for a large number of city residents. I’m talking about hockey, baseball, soccer, gymnastics, figure skating, speed skating, downhill skiing, bike racing, and lacrosse. We have a skateboard park that gets a lot of use, but it’s located on the edge of town, rather than in the city centre. There are programs at the West Flat Community Centre and Margo Fournier Centre, but sustaining them over time has become difficult. Community schools also have after-school programs. Addressing this issue starts at home; schools and city-funded agencies can only offer what children might (or, better yet, do) want to get involved in, and it’s more difficult for them than it is for parents to get kids involved in “constructive” activities.
Diversity among City Employees
There is no employment equity program at the city, so the numbers of First Nations, Métis, and visible minority employees are unlikely to reflect the city’s population. The police service has made great progress in this area; the fire department, through its mentorship program, is headed in that direction. A formal personnel policy on this issue is desirable.
Parking Space Scarcity at Sherman Towers, Northcote Manor, and Carment Court
This issue came up at a Sherman Towers monthly meeting: vehicles left parked on the north side of 9th St. East for more than 48 hours were being ticketed by bylaw officers. On October 5, the current councillor told the tenants’ association executive that he had brought a pile of 3-day parking passes to Sherman Towers a few years ago. The problem is, no one at Sherman Towers could remember ever seeing these passes. (In fact, the city’s yellow-and-black “top hat” courtesy parking passes are stamped with only ONE day’s date on them . . . .) A suggestion was made that land on the side of the building be bought for additional parking. Before the meters were removed a few years ago, there were 9 metered spaces on 9th St. East adjacent to Sherman Towers. With a request to city council, perhaps 5 or 6 of these could be designated as “residential permit parking only” - similar to the 200 block of 14th St. West, and the spaces on 10th St. East by Ecole Valois. However, this is a short-term solution.
PA Housing Authority staff told me Sherman Towers has 19 resident parking spaces, and 8 waiting for a space. Carment Court has 33 resident parking spaces, with 5 on a waiting list; Northcote, with 21 spaces, also has 5 waiting. The total number now waiting for a parking space (18) in this area is the highest number they have ever experienced. But this is actually a transportation problem, not a “parking” problem. To address it, there needs to be an attempt to ensure that vehicles are being used (not merely re-insured and registered each year), and that vehicles not driven in the winter (a common practice) are moved elsewhere, before a Transportation Co-op can be implemented for the three buildings. One space could be allocated to the co-op at each building, and the cars could be purchased from three residents who decide they don’t need to own a vehicle. Transportation co-ops are common in larger cities, and there’s financial assistance from the Saskatchewan government to help set up co-operative organizations.
Unruly Bus Patrons
The comment was that bus drivers were not refusing to allow drunk, drugged, or fighting people to get on the bus. Urinating and defecating on the buses were also noted. The bus drivers now allow such individuals on the bus, but police are called to meet the bus and deal with them. Bus drivers do not sit in a protected (cordoned off) area of the vehicle. A policy for these situations is being developed, and should be implemented in the new contract with the bus service provider. (The contract with First Bus expires on December 31, 2009.) The 14th St. East transfer station should be completed by mid-November - if the weather stays warm and the daily rains cease.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Special Post - Election Issues
Ward 2 Voter Issues - Part 1
In the course of distributing over 1300 pamphlets since September 10, Pearl and I have kept track of the issues brought to our attention by Ward 2 residents, employers, and employees. This is the first compilation of those concerns, with my responses and comments from the appropriate city officials.
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Train Whistle Blown at Length, at Ridiculous Hours
The current councillor raised this at the September 8, 2009 council meeting. It seems Carlton Trail Railway (CTR) has a new conductor, one who pulls the train whistle too much - in the late, early, and other hours of the day - disturbing (to distraction) residents of Columbian Centre and Hazeldell, in particular. Phone calls to local CTR employees from Public Works do not produce a response, so it appears the company’s Denver head office will need to be contacted before this issue gets addressed. Common sense should dictate that the whistle emits just a couple of short blasts as the front of the train approaches a roadway.
Recycling Surplus Household Goods
Even stuffy Ottawa now does this: a day was set aside this spring for residents to leave out household items they no longer wanted for people to peruse and remove. It happens all over the Greater Vancouver Regional District (except in Vancouver and Burnaby), Montreal, Nanaimo, and in Japan, with varying degrees of formality. One constituent suggested a place at the landfill where people could leave such items. A special recycling centre in Nanaimo performs the same function. In BC’s lower mainland, many residents leave these out a couple of days before a designated garbage day, and anything not taken is picked up for disposal at the landfill. Surrey has a web site to facilitate “transfer” of useful items to new homes. I think we could run a program like the paint/dangerous goods recycling day currently held at the city yards on 10th St. East. Public Works Director Colin Innes said he would consider this suggestion.
Continual Damage to Riverside Drive Overpass
The current procedure is that all Highway 55 westbound “over height” traffic coming into the city is directed by signs to 1) turn north onto Central Ave. North, then 2) west on 15th St. NE, then 3) left onto Highway 2, consequently entering the city from the north. This traffic flow pattern was implemented in 2009, after the overpass was hit yet again. The problem stems from the fact some drivers forget how high their vehicle is. It was suggested by a constituent that the roadway under the overpass be excavated on the west side (where clearance is less than on the east side). Unfortunately, implementing this solution is hampered by the need for the roadway to be at the same elevation as the train tracks at the point where the two intersect. The other alternative is a visible and audible warning - obviously, flashing lights and a blaring horn - when an over height vehicle has been detected by a measuring device. This option was deemed too costly by the city.
Grass Cutting (800 block of 16th St West, Hazeldell, and airport subdivision ditches)
Most of the problem areas get done once a summer. The ditches adjacent to the train tracks are not going to be done by CTR. I suggested that Public Works monitor rainfall amounts (easily done via the http://www.theweathernetwork.com “Historical” tab), and use that data to determine when grass should be cut [rather than sending these employees on a set rotation - one that saw them cut the 200 block of 15th St. West every ten working days, whether needed or not, and always between 7 AM and 8 AM when I lived there . . . .] Colin Innes thought this was a good idea.
Hazeldell Rink Not Open Last Winter
There was no money to operate the rink in the winter of 2008-09. Heather Vallee, the President of the Hazeldell Community Club, should be contacted to see if the budget includes rink operation this winter.
Road Grading (18th St West, lane behind 800 block 15th St. West, rear lanes generally, airport area subdivisions)
Grading is usually done in June by Public Works. Out by the airport, too much soil was brought to the centre of Valley View Rd. this year. Similar to grass cutting, a work schedule that utilizes rainfall monitoring was suggested to Colin Innes. Again, he thought this was a good idea.
Drugs, Prostitutes, and Gangs in the Neighbourhood
The province established a Northern Drug and Gang Enforcement Unit, with staff headquartered in PA, in September 2009. This probably won’t have much impact in the short term. These problems are best addressed by improvements in health, social, and education programs, rather than law enforcement. On the other hand, if you have a specific problem with a particular address, call 1-866-51-SAFER. It may take a while for surveillance to happen [let alone have an impact: one resident told me the wait was almost 4 years . . . .], but complaints to the building’s owner are usually ineffectual and the results of building inspections take time to implement. An innovative, five-year anti-gang program, called Warrior Spirit Walking, is being run by Prince Albert Youth Outreach. This program is now in its third year, and I think it’s making a difference.
Late-night Hours at Georgie’s/National Hotel
The law allows them to be open until 3 AM, and on Sundays they’re open until midnight. The new drive-through window may speed up service, eliminate some of the street noise, and make it more likely that service to intoxicated clients will be safely refused. But I am opposed to drive-through windows on principle: they contribute to air pollution and physical inactivity, and waste valuable land. No new drive-throughs should be permitted in Prince Albert, and those that exist now should be required to pay a substantial annual fee to the city to compensate for the additional environmental degradation they generate [the banks, fast food, and coffee shops that have them could recoup this fee by charging customers $1 extra to utilize their drive-through lane]. The fact that Georgie’s is attached to a hotel with a bar exacerbates liquor-related problems. Few people live in the area, so complaints about noise aren’t made often. Six or seven years ago the city approved the construction of a “convention centre” beside the National, though the persistence of the empty lot suggests there was no intention of actually building it. What this area needs (as does all of the downtown) is housing - for all ages and income brackets, of various types. Since local developers refuse to show an interest here, the city should issue a request-for-proposals (RFP) for specific land (Scarrow Plaza, on River St., for example) and start the ball rolling. THERE IS MONEY AVAILABLE FOR SUCH HOUSING - from Western Diversification Canada's new Urban Development Agreements. Downtown will NEVER be “safe,” or vibrant, without a major influx of permanent residents.
Parking on 13th St. Near St. Mary (300 block)
During school hours, 13th St. is dangerous to drive down, due to parking on both sides of the street by students. The 50-odd spaces in the cathedral parking lot are also used by students (funeral times excepted), as are those on the lot north of the new football field. The solution is to encourage other means of getting to school (I have never seen more than 15 bicycles in the fenced area at the northwest corner of the school, and the total of student vehicles parked on 13th St., 14th St., plus in the cathedral and old St. Paul’s lots never totals less than 60 . . . .) Walking, cycling, taking the bus, and getting a ride with your parents to school aren’t “cool,” but they do make street traffic less problematic for the neighbours. The neighbours could ask for permit-holder parking only on the north side of 13th, but this would only move students’ vehicles onto other blocks. When the new St. Mary building was before city council a few years ago, I was the only person to object to the proposal, and parking wasn’t the primary issue: the additional building height cuts off access to winter sunlight for the houses on the north side of 13th St.
Parking Bylaw Enforcement
A constituent suggested that this service be contracted out to Sask. Seniors Association Inc. Local #4, and that large retail (South Hill Mall, Superstore, Cornerstone stores, Canadian Tire) be required to participate in enforcement of handicapped parking stalls. I disagree, since SSAI #4 has a large block of rural members, and there’s a better way: Saskatoon uses the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires as the primary parking bylaw enforcement agency (in a three-way contract with the City of Saskatoon and the police department). The 5-year contract has been renewed several times. Maybe PA should issue an RFP for parking enforcement.
Inadequate Bus Service
We’re on the fourth route map and schedule since mid-2006. The complaint is that insufficient consultation with riders takes place when routes and schedules are changed. I was at a bus service open house in summer 2008, and was the only member of the “public” to show up. For ongoing feedback, and the next time route and schedule changes are proposed, there should be forms given out to bus patrons over an entire week - which they could fill out during their trip, then give back to the bus driver.
Dangerous Intersection - 4th Ave. & 15th St. West
This intersection was to have been “re-configured” (a right-turn lane allowing northbound traffic to turn east without blocking 4th Ave.) in 2003. The property needed was never purchased, and the intersection was forgotten about. It came up twice in the past three years, due to pedestrian safety concerns. Painting crosswalks is unlikely, unless it’s across 15th St. at the east side of the intersection. Construction of traffic islands on 15th St. would separate eastbound and westbound traffic more effectively, and allow a “safe” zone for pedestrians. Colin Innes will consider this suggestion, in light of the fact that the 2010 budget contains $30,000 for a "Pedestrian Refuge and Half Signal" here - an expenditure that was scheduled for 2009.
Property Maintenance Issues (weeds not cut, junk in yards)
Call the bylaw enforcement officers, at 953-4903, then give them a couple of business days to get to the location you’ve identified for attention.
Cambridge St. Asphalt Millings Not Replaced
The city replaced water lines in the 300 block of Cambridge St. NW in 2008, but did not replace the asphalt millings that it removed at the time. Colin Innes said this work will be scheduled.
In the course of distributing over 1300 pamphlets since September 10, Pearl and I have kept track of the issues brought to our attention by Ward 2 residents, employers, and employees. This is the first compilation of those concerns, with my responses and comments from the appropriate city officials.
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Train Whistle Blown at Length, at Ridiculous Hours
The current councillor raised this at the September 8, 2009 council meeting. It seems Carlton Trail Railway (CTR) has a new conductor, one who pulls the train whistle too much - in the late, early, and other hours of the day - disturbing (to distraction) residents of Columbian Centre and Hazeldell, in particular. Phone calls to local CTR employees from Public Works do not produce a response, so it appears the company’s Denver head office will need to be contacted before this issue gets addressed. Common sense should dictate that the whistle emits just a couple of short blasts as the front of the train approaches a roadway.
Recycling Surplus Household Goods
Even stuffy Ottawa now does this: a day was set aside this spring for residents to leave out household items they no longer wanted for people to peruse and remove. It happens all over the Greater Vancouver Regional District (except in Vancouver and Burnaby), Montreal, Nanaimo, and in Japan, with varying degrees of formality. One constituent suggested a place at the landfill where people could leave such items. A special recycling centre in Nanaimo performs the same function. In BC’s lower mainland, many residents leave these out a couple of days before a designated garbage day, and anything not taken is picked up for disposal at the landfill. Surrey has a web site to facilitate “transfer” of useful items to new homes. I think we could run a program like the paint/dangerous goods recycling day currently held at the city yards on 10th St. East. Public Works Director Colin Innes said he would consider this suggestion.
Continual Damage to Riverside Drive Overpass
The current procedure is that all Highway 55 westbound “over height” traffic coming into the city is directed by signs to 1) turn north onto Central Ave. North, then 2) west on 15th St. NE, then 3) left onto Highway 2, consequently entering the city from the north. This traffic flow pattern was implemented in 2009, after the overpass was hit yet again. The problem stems from the fact some drivers forget how high their vehicle is. It was suggested by a constituent that the roadway under the overpass be excavated on the west side (where clearance is less than on the east side). Unfortunately, implementing this solution is hampered by the need for the roadway to be at the same elevation as the train tracks at the point where the two intersect. The other alternative is a visible and audible warning - obviously, flashing lights and a blaring horn - when an over height vehicle has been detected by a measuring device. This option was deemed too costly by the city.
Grass Cutting (800 block of 16th St West, Hazeldell, and airport subdivision ditches)
Most of the problem areas get done once a summer. The ditches adjacent to the train tracks are not going to be done by CTR. I suggested that Public Works monitor rainfall amounts (easily done via the http://www.theweathernetwork.com “Historical” tab), and use that data to determine when grass should be cut [rather than sending these employees on a set rotation - one that saw them cut the 200 block of 15th St. West every ten working days, whether needed or not, and always between 7 AM and 8 AM when I lived there . . . .] Colin Innes thought this was a good idea.
Hazeldell Rink Not Open Last Winter
There was no money to operate the rink in the winter of 2008-09. Heather Vallee, the President of the Hazeldell Community Club, should be contacted to see if the budget includes rink operation this winter.
Road Grading (18th St West, lane behind 800 block 15th St. West, rear lanes generally, airport area subdivisions)
Grading is usually done in June by Public Works. Out by the airport, too much soil was brought to the centre of Valley View Rd. this year. Similar to grass cutting, a work schedule that utilizes rainfall monitoring was suggested to Colin Innes. Again, he thought this was a good idea.
Drugs, Prostitutes, and Gangs in the Neighbourhood
The province established a Northern Drug and Gang Enforcement Unit, with staff headquartered in PA, in September 2009. This probably won’t have much impact in the short term. These problems are best addressed by improvements in health, social, and education programs, rather than law enforcement. On the other hand, if you have a specific problem with a particular address, call 1-866-51-SAFER. It may take a while for surveillance to happen [let alone have an impact: one resident told me the wait was almost 4 years . . . .], but complaints to the building’s owner are usually ineffectual and the results of building inspections take time to implement. An innovative, five-year anti-gang program, called Warrior Spirit Walking, is being run by Prince Albert Youth Outreach. This program is now in its third year, and I think it’s making a difference.
Late-night Hours at Georgie’s/National Hotel
The law allows them to be open until 3 AM, and on Sundays they’re open until midnight. The new drive-through window may speed up service, eliminate some of the street noise, and make it more likely that service to intoxicated clients will be safely refused. But I am opposed to drive-through windows on principle: they contribute to air pollution and physical inactivity, and waste valuable land. No new drive-throughs should be permitted in Prince Albert, and those that exist now should be required to pay a substantial annual fee to the city to compensate for the additional environmental degradation they generate [the banks, fast food, and coffee shops that have them could recoup this fee by charging customers $1 extra to utilize their drive-through lane]. The fact that Georgie’s is attached to a hotel with a bar exacerbates liquor-related problems. Few people live in the area, so complaints about noise aren’t made often. Six or seven years ago the city approved the construction of a “convention centre” beside the National, though the persistence of the empty lot suggests there was no intention of actually building it. What this area needs (as does all of the downtown) is housing - for all ages and income brackets, of various types. Since local developers refuse to show an interest here, the city should issue a request-for-proposals (RFP) for specific land (Scarrow Plaza, on River St., for example) and start the ball rolling. THERE IS MONEY AVAILABLE FOR SUCH HOUSING - from Western Diversification Canada's new Urban Development Agreements. Downtown will NEVER be “safe,” or vibrant, without a major influx of permanent residents.
Parking on 13th St. Near St. Mary (300 block)
During school hours, 13th St. is dangerous to drive down, due to parking on both sides of the street by students. The 50-odd spaces in the cathedral parking lot are also used by students (funeral times excepted), as are those on the lot north of the new football field. The solution is to encourage other means of getting to school (I have never seen more than 15 bicycles in the fenced area at the northwest corner of the school, and the total of student vehicles parked on 13th St., 14th St., plus in the cathedral and old St. Paul’s lots never totals less than 60 . . . .) Walking, cycling, taking the bus, and getting a ride with your parents to school aren’t “cool,” but they do make street traffic less problematic for the neighbours. The neighbours could ask for permit-holder parking only on the north side of 13th, but this would only move students’ vehicles onto other blocks. When the new St. Mary building was before city council a few years ago, I was the only person to object to the proposal, and parking wasn’t the primary issue: the additional building height cuts off access to winter sunlight for the houses on the north side of 13th St.
Parking Bylaw Enforcement
A constituent suggested that this service be contracted out to Sask. Seniors Association Inc. Local #4, and that large retail (South Hill Mall, Superstore, Cornerstone stores, Canadian Tire) be required to participate in enforcement of handicapped parking stalls. I disagree, since SSAI #4 has a large block of rural members, and there’s a better way: Saskatoon uses the Canadian Corps of Commissionaires as the primary parking bylaw enforcement agency (in a three-way contract with the City of Saskatoon and the police department). The 5-year contract has been renewed several times. Maybe PA should issue an RFP for parking enforcement.
Inadequate Bus Service
We’re on the fourth route map and schedule since mid-2006. The complaint is that insufficient consultation with riders takes place when routes and schedules are changed. I was at a bus service open house in summer 2008, and was the only member of the “public” to show up. For ongoing feedback, and the next time route and schedule changes are proposed, there should be forms given out to bus patrons over an entire week - which they could fill out during their trip, then give back to the bus driver.
Dangerous Intersection - 4th Ave. & 15th St. West
This intersection was to have been “re-configured” (a right-turn lane allowing northbound traffic to turn east without blocking 4th Ave.) in 2003. The property needed was never purchased, and the intersection was forgotten about. It came up twice in the past three years, due to pedestrian safety concerns. Painting crosswalks is unlikely, unless it’s across 15th St. at the east side of the intersection. Construction of traffic islands on 15th St. would separate eastbound and westbound traffic more effectively, and allow a “safe” zone for pedestrians. Colin Innes will consider this suggestion, in light of the fact that the 2010 budget contains $30,000 for a "Pedestrian Refuge and Half Signal" here - an expenditure that was scheduled for 2009.
Property Maintenance Issues (weeds not cut, junk in yards)
Call the bylaw enforcement officers, at 953-4903, then give them a couple of business days to get to the location you’ve identified for attention.
Cambridge St. Asphalt Millings Not Replaced
The city replaced water lines in the 300 block of Cambridge St. NW in 2008, but did not replace the asphalt millings that it removed at the time. Colin Innes said this work will be scheduled.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
16th Regular Meeting of 2009 - October 5
Soccer Centre Supporters & Silly Season Soapboxes
ABSENTEES: Councillor Shawn Williams
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: 138 pages
PUBLIC GALLERY: Rick Sawa, Brian Clavier, Susan Holbird, Steve Lawrence, and 5 others
START: 7:02 PM
Fire Chief Recognition
Fire Chief Les Karpluk was recognized for the award he received from his peers - 2009 Fire Chief of the Year. He has been with the PA fire department for twenty-seven-and-a-half years, and chief since 2006. The award was partly due to the youth mentoring program that the department runs.
7:07 PM Three members of public gallery leave.
Golf Course Less Deserving of Heritage Designation than Other Facilities
- Brian Clavier spoke against giving the golf course municipal heritage designation. His remarks are reproduced below.
This bylaw isn’t needed, or warranted. I can think of several other properties that deserve municipal heritage designation for their architectural, historical, or natural value. Unlike the golf course, these are properties that don’t consume millions of liters of treated water every year, don’t use thousands of taxpayer dollars for pesticides and herbicides to maintain an unnatural landscape, don’t have a mobile beer cart, and they don’t take up a huge tract of valuable land for a pastime with minimal health benefits.
Five deserving municipal heritage properties that quickly come to mind are:
- the Bank of Ottawa building on 1st Avenue West;
- Bryant Park - now assigned the bland label of “Kinsmen Park;”
- the old North Park Centre property - in spite of the demolition of the historically-important main building 10 years ago; and
- the old public library, at 56-12th Street West - in spite of the mis-matched, incomplete, decade-long renovations underway there.
Then there’s the old railway bridge, which is also 100 years old this year. But I don’t recall any effort by council this year to formally recognize its historical significance.
- THE VOTE (to refer to the bylaws portion of the meeting): 7 - 0 in favour, Councillor Atkinson initially abstaining. When the Mayor asked about his vote, Atkinson raised his hand and said, "Whatever."
Marquis Rd. / 4th Ave. West Development Vague and Unsustainable
- Brian Clavier spoke in opposition to the 15-unit, 37-parking-space development permit application for 3601-4th Ave. West. His comments are reproduced below.
I hope you have a lot more information from your in camera meetings about this application than what the public can see, because what’s on pages 61 to 70 of the meeting documents shows multiple outstanding issues that were not resolved at the September 15 meeting with the developer.
For example: the size and precise layout of the 37 parking spaces is unknown (and yes, “37” is an excessive number of parking spaces for a 15-unit building); the type of housing unit is not specified anywhere; there’s no mention of traffic impacts from the development, or a bus stop location; and, most significantly, there’s no evidence of environmental sustainability. This last point is supposed to be important to council - you did, after all, give unanimous support to a motion about sustainability of new housing developments, at your July 20, 2009 council meeting. For these reasons, I suggest you refer this item back to administration - for much more information.
- Councillor Zurakowski noted that the need for a buffer strip was recognized, but he wondered if the developer would do it. He said the city should ensure this happens, and asked for detail about the design and implementation timeline. Director Corneil deferred to Community Services Director Greg Zeeben, who said the buffer would be done first thing in the spring of 2010.
- Councillor Dionne asked if trees would be planted on Marquis Road this year at this site. Zeeben replied, "Yes."
- THE VOTE (to approve the development permit): 8 - 0, in favour.
7:21 PM Steve Lawrence arrives, one person leaves public gallery.
BAD Nuclear! (Good Renewable)
- Rick Sawa talked about the provincial Uranium Development Partnership (UDP) study, saying that the participants were proponents of nuclear power, and thus not impartial. Dan Perrins' report, on the other hand, supports research into energy alternatives. Sawa asked council to forward his resolution (which was critical of the UDP for "propping up the uranium industry," and supported an energy needs study and renewable energy assessment for Saskatchewan) to the provincial government. [The presentation was largely a repeat of Sawa's September 21 public forum commentary.]
- Councillor Atkinson led off the responses. He said there was merit in Mr. Sawa's proposal. He moved a motion to have the city lobby the province to explore green energy options, and the feasibility of pursuing these in tandem with the city's [so far, extraordinarily nebulous] green industrial park [see the September 21 blog post for Brian Clavier's public forum comments on this initiative]. After a pregnant pause, Councillor Swystun seconded the motion, "to get it on the floor."
- Councillor Gervais asked Atkinson to explain the motion.
- Councillor Atkinson replied that there are alternatives to nuclear power; we have manufacturing capacity and technological expertise in the city; there are industrial properties that are idle; we can be a leader in alternate energy; and there are alternatives to atomic fusion [sic - fission] in this province. He concluded by saying that we need to look at the future, and think about long-term sustainability.
- Councillor Matheson said the motion was premature, given initiatives that are "ongoing as we speak." He maintained that nuclear facilities were not in the green industrial park plans, and said that things similar to what Atkinson talked about will come forward.
- Councillor Ring spoke in support of Atkinson's motion, saying the original proposed by Mr. Sawa was a "slap against uranium." He said we want to "prop up" the people who live here who are involved in the uranium industry. Besides, if you have 50 experts opposed to nuclear power, you can find 50 who support it. Atkinson's motion allows us to explore alternatives that fit in with the green industrial park.
- Councillor Swystun agreed, calling Atkinson's motion a positive one, that "avoids the controversy of the nuclear debate."
- THE VOTE (on Atkinson's motion): 7 - 1 in favour, Matheson opposed.
7:32 PM
Skating Club Ice Rental Reduction Left in the Lurch
- The Prince Albert Figure Skating Club is hosting a competition in February 2010. In a September 22 letter, they had asked for a reduction in the expected total fees of $9,200 for ice time at the Art Hauser Centre and the Dave Steuart Arena.
- Susan Holbird said the competition would involve about 300 skaters, with at least $350 spent in the city for each skater, for a total of more than $100,000 in expenditures at local businesses. The ice time expenditure she cited was $10,000.
- Mayor Scarrow said this should be decided by the next council, although past profits from PA Figure Skating Club events had been turned over for ice arena needs.
- Councillor Zurakowski [who was acclaimed in ward 8, so is returning to council in November] said this will be on the agenda in November, and the speaker would be invited back then.
- Councillor Atkinson said a "destination marketing fee," charged by hotels for the city, would help with this kind of request. City administration needs to explore this.
- Councillor Swystun said such a fund has been pursued for two years [in private, obviously, since this was the first public mention of such an effort . . . .] He said the Tourism Bureau has been involved in these negotiations.
- Councillor Gervais asked how much the club spends for ice time. Susan said about $76,000 per year.
- THE VOTE (to refer to Community Services for a report): 8 - 0 in favour.
7:41 PM One person remains in the public gallery.
Mayor & Councillors Attended/Were Feted by . . . .
- Mayor Scarrow's calendar included attendance at Tapestrama, the Treaty 6 Adhesion Ceremony in La Ronge (the 120th anniversary of that signing), the United Way campaign launch at Berezowsky School, and the Cemetery Columbaria dedication.
Inquiries: $occer Centre Soapbox Supplants Street Concerns
- Councillor Ring asked about the intersection of Marquis Road and Central Avenue: the northbound lanes' manhole cover sticks up too high above the road surface.
- Councillor Matheson thanked Scott Golding for helping with the pedestrian light at Holy Cross School. He then praised the soccer centre, describing it as "very impressive" and "nice to drive by now." [As if this were relevant to "inquiries" . . . .] He went on to say that those who talk of the soccer centre being over budget should remember that this "came to us in February 2007 as an $11 million dream," it wasn't a budgeted item, and "we added $4.6 million with some extras." With fund-raising and provincial help, the project is "on target." He claimed the project is "costing the tax base $6.8 million" [actually, it's $8 million . . . .] and has given us a fantastic facility that will keep people in, and bring others to the community. He finished by saying it is NOT a "white elephant." [Pom-pom-waving cheerleaders were absent when Matheson grandiloquently led off the soccer centre support speeches with this prepared piece . . . .]
- Mayor Scarrow continued on the same topic, saying that the soccer centre was approved by council in July 2008 at $15.7 million. [He crowed about it being given the go-ahead at $11 million in his January 24, 2008 State of the City address . . . .] The tax notices, he affirmed, identify the levy for each property owner [thanks to a request by Councillor Atkinson in early 2008 . . . .]
- Councillor Swystun chimed in, stating that soccer centre critics allege extravagance and safety issues. He said keeping youth active means they don't get into trouble, the numbers of participants exceed those for hockey, and soccer is a year-round activity. The number of soccer participants exceeds 1400 in the city, of which females constitute more than 50% [including his grandaughter, a skilled teenage player whose father is Police Chief Dale McFee]. He summed up by saying this is probably the most important project the city has undertaken in the past few years.
- Councillor Zurakowski added that the 7 AM meetings, twice a month, were worth it, because this is a multi-purpose facility - which is why the city bought in [even if it started as simply a $3 million soccer facility]. He said that $5.3 million of the $16 million cost was coming from taxpayers [apparently, he did not hear Matheson say "$6.8 million" a few minutes earlier - or maybe the centre's supporters found a $1.5 million error during the time Matheson, Scarrow, and Swystun were speaking]. He spoke next of getting "our heads out of the sand" and preparing for the city's growth.
- Councillor Atkinson commented that amenities in the city help employers attract people. This is "wonderful and good," but what are the centre's operating costs [a question he has asked at least ten times at council meetings - without ever receiving an answer] ? People frequently ask him this. Council should be given these numbers, plus those for expected revenue, and then there won't be criticism of the soccer centre.
- Mayor Scarrow needed to get in a few more thoughts on this topic, stating that this will spur development on the west side of the city, and to watch what happens south of 28th St. in the next 10 to 15 years.
- Councillor Gervais was thankful Matheson brought this up. The soccer centre was in his pamphlets last time [the 2006 election], soccer is a sport that lower-income people can participate in, the road to it is "like the autobahn," and it is "within walking distance from my area" [Ward 1 , which Gervais represents, actually includes both the soccer centre and the hospital: everything west of 9th avenue, south of the river, is in that ward]. He said when you try and give people opportunities, "you never seem to win," and we have to give kids something to do.
- Councillor Dionne said, "I know we're in the silly season," then added that he would like to say "I love the soccer centre." Instead, he reminded council about the communications tower that was removed from 27th St. and 2nd Ave. West, thanks to the city solicitor.
- Councillor Ring [returning everyone to his original query about the manhole cover] asked if the Director of Public Works could reply. Colin Innes said, as a temporary fix, the edges could be ground down now, and that a layer of white-topping would be applied next year.
8:10 PM
- Councillor Atkinson inquired about the cost of a second "lift" for the new 28th St. West asphalt, and whether that amount was included in the 2010 budget. Innes said: over $200,000, they had always planned on doing the road surface this way because of the lousy soil, and the budget is there for 2010. Atkinson continued, asking if there was a program to help homeowners replace their lead pipes in conjunction with the city's replacement of its lead pipes. He suggested the program could emulate what was done for West Hill residences subject to repeat flooding, which was cost-effective. Scarrow replied, "This council took up flooding" as an issue that needed to be addressed. Atkinson countered that there was a budget item for a lead service replacement program.
- Councillor Zurakowski asked if Innes was aware of water coming from the street at 2nd Ave. and 24th St. West. Innes said yes, but there was no immediate drop in pressure, and they were looking for the best place to correct this problem.
Giving Notice (of cancelling public council meetings)
- Mayor Scarrow said that often the last meeting before a civic election was cancelled, as "there is little for council to do." [Although this happened in 2006, the meeting immediately prior to the election was not cancelled at the last minute - it was done at the September 18, 2006 regular meeting. Moreover, no "special meetings" were held between October 10 and November 6, 2006, and the October 10 meeting had a 13-page agenda (including six reports from administration). As for there being "little for council to do," this circumstance is by design - of the Mayor and City Manager, the individuals who move things onto council's meeting agendas.] He asked City Manager Cotterill what items remained for council to do on October 19. Cotterill replied "a small number," that could be delayed until November, plus a rezoning. Zurakowski said the agenda for today was thin, with only one report, and "the public may trip over soapboxes if we have a meeting [if they didn't trip over the soccer centre soapbox from minutes earlier . . . .] He moved to cancel the October 19 meeting, Dionne seconded the motion. City Clerk Skauge said they needed a 2/3 majority to deal with the motion immediately. Atkinson could not recall ever cancelling an October council meeting in an election year, and was opposed to having a special meeting if anything urgent came up. He asked if committee meetings were also going to be cancelled, and if council would "go into hibernation." Information should be delat with at a regular council meeting, he maintained. Skauge could not remember if such meetings were cancelled [though the sole occupant of the public gallery, Brian Clavier, shook his head repeatedly]. Dionne piped up, "We should not bind the new council. We should be at home or campaigning" [if not attending to city business . . . .]
- THE VOTE (to consider a motion to cancel the October 19 regular meeting): 5 - 2 in favour, Councillor Gervais abstaining, Councillors Ring and Atkinson opposed.
- Councillor Swystun asked if the October 12 executive committee meeting would be cancelled. Skauge replied, "yes," and Zurakowski clarified that the motion was to cancel both meetings. Atkinson said, if the intent was to "stop the soapboxes," then are committee meetings also to be cancelled? If the intent is to cancel council activity, then these should be cancelled as well. Scarrow said it wasn't about soapboxes, it was that there wasn't going to be any agenda [maybe he didn't want an actual council agenda interfering with campaigning . . . .] Dionne went overboard, saying he seconded the motion in appreciation of the City Clerk's work on the election, and the need to organize for that election: "We should give the clerk's office some relief." Gervais called out, "Soapbox!"
- THE VOTE (to cancel the October 12 executive and October 19 regular meetings): 6 - 2 in favour, Councillors Ring and Atkinson opposed.
8:31 PM
Oh Please, NOT AGAIN!!
- Councillor Zurakowski again cancelled his motion to rename the three fields at Prime Ministers Park after John Diefenbaker, Mackenize King, and Wilfrid Laurier . [This was the fifth time he has cancelled consideration of this (non-contentious) motion.]
Same Old, Same Old Last Words
- Mayor Scarrow thanked Shaw Cable, administration, and city staff for their work.
END: 8:32 PM
ABSENTEES: Councillor Shawn Williams
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS: 138 pages
PUBLIC GALLERY: Rick Sawa, Brian Clavier, Susan Holbird, Steve Lawrence, and 5 others
START: 7:02 PM
Fire Chief Recognition
Fire Chief Les Karpluk was recognized for the award he received from his peers - 2009 Fire Chief of the Year. He has been with the PA fire department for twenty-seven-and-a-half years, and chief since 2006. The award was partly due to the youth mentoring program that the department runs.
7:07 PM Three members of public gallery leave.
Golf Course Less Deserving of Heritage Designation than Other Facilities
- Brian Clavier spoke against giving the golf course municipal heritage designation. His remarks are reproduced below.
This bylaw isn’t needed, or warranted. I can think of several other properties that deserve municipal heritage designation for their architectural, historical, or natural value. Unlike the golf course, these are properties that don’t consume millions of liters of treated water every year, don’t use thousands of taxpayer dollars for pesticides and herbicides to maintain an unnatural landscape, don’t have a mobile beer cart, and they don’t take up a huge tract of valuable land for a pastime with minimal health benefits.
Five deserving municipal heritage properties that quickly come to mind are:
- the Bank of Ottawa building on 1st Avenue West;
- Bryant Park - now assigned the bland label of “Kinsmen Park;”
- the old North Park Centre property - in spite of the demolition of the historically-important main building 10 years ago; and
- the old public library, at 56-12th Street West - in spite of the mis-matched, incomplete, decade-long renovations underway there.
Then there’s the old railway bridge, which is also 100 years old this year. But I don’t recall any effort by council this year to formally recognize its historical significance.
- THE VOTE (to refer to the bylaws portion of the meeting): 7 - 0 in favour, Councillor Atkinson initially abstaining. When the Mayor asked about his vote, Atkinson raised his hand and said, "Whatever."
Marquis Rd. / 4th Ave. West Development Vague and Unsustainable
- Brian Clavier spoke in opposition to the 15-unit, 37-parking-space development permit application for 3601-4th Ave. West. His comments are reproduced below.
I hope you have a lot more information from your in camera meetings about this application than what the public can see, because what’s on pages 61 to 70 of the meeting documents shows multiple outstanding issues that were not resolved at the September 15 meeting with the developer.
For example: the size and precise layout of the 37 parking spaces is unknown (and yes, “37” is an excessive number of parking spaces for a 15-unit building); the type of housing unit is not specified anywhere; there’s no mention of traffic impacts from the development, or a bus stop location; and, most significantly, there’s no evidence of environmental sustainability. This last point is supposed to be important to council - you did, after all, give unanimous support to a motion about sustainability of new housing developments, at your July 20, 2009 council meeting. For these reasons, I suggest you refer this item back to administration - for much more information.
- Councillor Zurakowski noted that the need for a buffer strip was recognized, but he wondered if the developer would do it. He said the city should ensure this happens, and asked for detail about the design and implementation timeline. Director Corneil deferred to Community Services Director Greg Zeeben, who said the buffer would be done first thing in the spring of 2010.
- Councillor Dionne asked if trees would be planted on Marquis Road this year at this site. Zeeben replied, "Yes."
- THE VOTE (to approve the development permit): 8 - 0, in favour.
7:21 PM Steve Lawrence arrives, one person leaves public gallery.
BAD Nuclear! (Good Renewable)
- Rick Sawa talked about the provincial Uranium Development Partnership (UDP) study, saying that the participants were proponents of nuclear power, and thus not impartial. Dan Perrins' report, on the other hand, supports research into energy alternatives. Sawa asked council to forward his resolution (which was critical of the UDP for "propping up the uranium industry," and supported an energy needs study and renewable energy assessment for Saskatchewan) to the provincial government. [The presentation was largely a repeat of Sawa's September 21 public forum commentary.]
- Councillor Atkinson led off the responses. He said there was merit in Mr. Sawa's proposal. He moved a motion to have the city lobby the province to explore green energy options, and the feasibility of pursuing these in tandem with the city's [so far, extraordinarily nebulous] green industrial park [see the September 21 blog post for Brian Clavier's public forum comments on this initiative]. After a pregnant pause, Councillor Swystun seconded the motion, "to get it on the floor."
- Councillor Gervais asked Atkinson to explain the motion.
- Councillor Atkinson replied that there are alternatives to nuclear power; we have manufacturing capacity and technological expertise in the city; there are industrial properties that are idle; we can be a leader in alternate energy; and there are alternatives to atomic fusion [sic - fission] in this province. He concluded by saying that we need to look at the future, and think about long-term sustainability.
- Councillor Matheson said the motion was premature, given initiatives that are "ongoing as we speak." He maintained that nuclear facilities were not in the green industrial park plans, and said that things similar to what Atkinson talked about will come forward.
- Councillor Ring spoke in support of Atkinson's motion, saying the original proposed by Mr. Sawa was a "slap against uranium." He said we want to "prop up" the people who live here who are involved in the uranium industry. Besides, if you have 50 experts opposed to nuclear power, you can find 50 who support it. Atkinson's motion allows us to explore alternatives that fit in with the green industrial park.
- Councillor Swystun agreed, calling Atkinson's motion a positive one, that "avoids the controversy of the nuclear debate."
- THE VOTE (on Atkinson's motion): 7 - 1 in favour, Matheson opposed.
7:32 PM
Skating Club Ice Rental Reduction Left in the Lurch
- The Prince Albert Figure Skating Club is hosting a competition in February 2010. In a September 22 letter, they had asked for a reduction in the expected total fees of $9,200 for ice time at the Art Hauser Centre and the Dave Steuart Arena.
- Susan Holbird said the competition would involve about 300 skaters, with at least $350 spent in the city for each skater, for a total of more than $100,000 in expenditures at local businesses. The ice time expenditure she cited was $10,000.
- Mayor Scarrow said this should be decided by the next council, although past profits from PA Figure Skating Club events had been turned over for ice arena needs.
- Councillor Zurakowski [who was acclaimed in ward 8, so is returning to council in November] said this will be on the agenda in November, and the speaker would be invited back then.
- Councillor Atkinson said a "destination marketing fee," charged by hotels for the city, would help with this kind of request. City administration needs to explore this.
- Councillor Swystun said such a fund has been pursued for two years [in private, obviously, since this was the first public mention of such an effort . . . .] He said the Tourism Bureau has been involved in these negotiations.
- Councillor Gervais asked how much the club spends for ice time. Susan said about $76,000 per year.
- THE VOTE (to refer to Community Services for a report): 8 - 0 in favour.
7:41 PM One person remains in the public gallery.
Mayor & Councillors Attended/Were Feted by . . . .
- Mayor Scarrow's calendar included attendance at Tapestrama, the Treaty 6 Adhesion Ceremony in La Ronge (the 120th anniversary of that signing), the United Way campaign launch at Berezowsky School, and the Cemetery Columbaria dedication.
Inquiries: $occer Centre Soapbox Supplants Street Concerns
- Councillor Ring asked about the intersection of Marquis Road and Central Avenue: the northbound lanes' manhole cover sticks up too high above the road surface.
- Councillor Matheson thanked Scott Golding for helping with the pedestrian light at Holy Cross School. He then praised the soccer centre, describing it as "very impressive" and "nice to drive by now." [As if this were relevant to "inquiries" . . . .] He went on to say that those who talk of the soccer centre being over budget should remember that this "came to us in February 2007 as an $11 million dream," it wasn't a budgeted item, and "we added $4.6 million with some extras." With fund-raising and provincial help, the project is "on target." He claimed the project is "costing the tax base $6.8 million" [actually, it's $8 million . . . .] and has given us a fantastic facility that will keep people in, and bring others to the community. He finished by saying it is NOT a "white elephant." [Pom-pom-waving cheerleaders were absent when Matheson grandiloquently led off the soccer centre support speeches with this prepared piece . . . .]
- Mayor Scarrow continued on the same topic, saying that the soccer centre was approved by council in July 2008 at $15.7 million. [He crowed about it being given the go-ahead at $11 million in his January 24, 2008 State of the City address . . . .] The tax notices, he affirmed, identify the levy for each property owner [thanks to a request by Councillor Atkinson in early 2008 . . . .]
- Councillor Swystun chimed in, stating that soccer centre critics allege extravagance and safety issues. He said keeping youth active means they don't get into trouble, the numbers of participants exceed those for hockey, and soccer is a year-round activity. The number of soccer participants exceeds 1400 in the city, of which females constitute more than 50% [including his grandaughter, a skilled teenage player whose father is Police Chief Dale McFee]. He summed up by saying this is probably the most important project the city has undertaken in the past few years.
- Councillor Zurakowski added that the 7 AM meetings, twice a month, were worth it, because this is a multi-purpose facility - which is why the city bought in [even if it started as simply a $3 million soccer facility]. He said that $5.3 million of the $16 million cost was coming from taxpayers [apparently, he did not hear Matheson say "$6.8 million" a few minutes earlier - or maybe the centre's supporters found a $1.5 million error during the time Matheson, Scarrow, and Swystun were speaking]. He spoke next of getting "our heads out of the sand" and preparing for the city's growth.
- Councillor Atkinson commented that amenities in the city help employers attract people. This is "wonderful and good," but what are the centre's operating costs [a question he has asked at least ten times at council meetings - without ever receiving an answer] ? People frequently ask him this. Council should be given these numbers, plus those for expected revenue, and then there won't be criticism of the soccer centre.
- Mayor Scarrow needed to get in a few more thoughts on this topic, stating that this will spur development on the west side of the city, and to watch what happens south of 28th St. in the next 10 to 15 years.
- Councillor Gervais was thankful Matheson brought this up. The soccer centre was in his pamphlets last time [the 2006 election], soccer is a sport that lower-income people can participate in, the road to it is "like the autobahn," and it is "within walking distance from my area" [Ward 1 , which Gervais represents, actually includes both the soccer centre and the hospital: everything west of 9th avenue, south of the river, is in that ward]. He said when you try and give people opportunities, "you never seem to win," and we have to give kids something to do.
- Councillor Dionne said, "I know we're in the silly season," then added that he would like to say "I love the soccer centre." Instead, he reminded council about the communications tower that was removed from 27th St. and 2nd Ave. West, thanks to the city solicitor.
- Councillor Ring [returning everyone to his original query about the manhole cover] asked if the Director of Public Works could reply. Colin Innes said, as a temporary fix, the edges could be ground down now, and that a layer of white-topping would be applied next year.
8:10 PM
- Councillor Atkinson inquired about the cost of a second "lift" for the new 28th St. West asphalt, and whether that amount was included in the 2010 budget. Innes said: over $200,000, they had always planned on doing the road surface this way because of the lousy soil, and the budget is there for 2010. Atkinson continued, asking if there was a program to help homeowners replace their lead pipes in conjunction with the city's replacement of its lead pipes. He suggested the program could emulate what was done for West Hill residences subject to repeat flooding, which was cost-effective. Scarrow replied, "This council took up flooding" as an issue that needed to be addressed. Atkinson countered that there was a budget item for a lead service replacement program.
- Councillor Zurakowski asked if Innes was aware of water coming from the street at 2nd Ave. and 24th St. West. Innes said yes, but there was no immediate drop in pressure, and they were looking for the best place to correct this problem.
Giving Notice (of cancelling public council meetings)
- Mayor Scarrow said that often the last meeting before a civic election was cancelled, as "there is little for council to do." [Although this happened in 2006, the meeting immediately prior to the election was not cancelled at the last minute - it was done at the September 18, 2006 regular meeting. Moreover, no "special meetings" were held between October 10 and November 6, 2006, and the October 10 meeting had a 13-page agenda (including six reports from administration). As for there being "little for council to do," this circumstance is by design - of the Mayor and City Manager, the individuals who move things onto council's meeting agendas.] He asked City Manager Cotterill what items remained for council to do on October 19. Cotterill replied "a small number," that could be delayed until November, plus a rezoning. Zurakowski said the agenda for today was thin, with only one report, and "the public may trip over soapboxes if we have a meeting [if they didn't trip over the soccer centre soapbox from minutes earlier . . . .] He moved to cancel the October 19 meeting, Dionne seconded the motion. City Clerk Skauge said they needed a 2/3 majority to deal with the motion immediately. Atkinson could not recall ever cancelling an October council meeting in an election year, and was opposed to having a special meeting if anything urgent came up. He asked if committee meetings were also going to be cancelled, and if council would "go into hibernation." Information should be delat with at a regular council meeting, he maintained. Skauge could not remember if such meetings were cancelled [though the sole occupant of the public gallery, Brian Clavier, shook his head repeatedly]. Dionne piped up, "We should not bind the new council. We should be at home or campaigning" [if not attending to city business . . . .]
- THE VOTE (to consider a motion to cancel the October 19 regular meeting): 5 - 2 in favour, Councillor Gervais abstaining, Councillors Ring and Atkinson opposed.
- Councillor Swystun asked if the October 12 executive committee meeting would be cancelled. Skauge replied, "yes," and Zurakowski clarified that the motion was to cancel both meetings. Atkinson said, if the intent was to "stop the soapboxes," then are committee meetings also to be cancelled? If the intent is to cancel council activity, then these should be cancelled as well. Scarrow said it wasn't about soapboxes, it was that there wasn't going to be any agenda [maybe he didn't want an actual council agenda interfering with campaigning . . . .] Dionne went overboard, saying he seconded the motion in appreciation of the City Clerk's work on the election, and the need to organize for that election: "We should give the clerk's office some relief." Gervais called out, "Soapbox!"
- THE VOTE (to cancel the October 12 executive and October 19 regular meetings): 6 - 2 in favour, Councillors Ring and Atkinson opposed.
8:31 PM
Oh Please, NOT AGAIN!!
- Councillor Zurakowski again cancelled his motion to rename the three fields at Prime Ministers Park after John Diefenbaker, Mackenize King, and Wilfrid Laurier . [This was the fifth time he has cancelled consideration of this (non-contentious) motion.]
Same Old, Same Old Last Words
- Mayor Scarrow thanked Shaw Cable, administration, and city staff for their work.
END: 8:32 PM
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Candidates' Vehicles
Are Ward 2 Candidates Environmentally Sensitive ?
Greg Dionne's "environmentally-friendly" campaign vehicle - a 1984 Dodge Ram - reduces need for signs (except for 2nd Ave. West, River Street, and Riverside Drive; excessively loud exhaust intentional - click to enlarge).
Brian Clavier's "environmentally-friendly" campaign vehicle - a 1994 Raleigh Deore LX - eliminates need for hydrocarbon fuel (cycling silently since 1959 - click to enlarge).
Greg Dionne's "environmentally-friendly" campaign vehicle - a 1984 Dodge Ram - reduces need for signs (except for 2nd Ave. West, River Street, and Riverside Drive; excessively loud exhaust intentional - click to enlarge).
Brian Clavier's "environmentally-friendly" campaign vehicle - a 1994 Raleigh Deore LX - eliminates need for hydrocarbon fuel (cycling silently since 1959 - click to enlarge).
Monday, October 5, 2009
Special Post
How Much Does a Ward 2 Vote Cost in 2009?
everybody drinks some type of beverage, so why not give them a disposable container for that purpose.
Ultimately, Brian's 2006 mayoral campaign cost $3,875.58. The ward 2 campaign he's running has a budget of less than $800.
Hmmmm . . . Good question. But don't bother asking Brian Clavier, whose campaign for Ward 2 councillor is being run on a shoestring so taut his cat's illness could easily snap it. In fact, he told Carment Court residents last week that he couldn't afford to buy them peaches - and even if he could, he had more respect for them (and the political process) than to try and "buy their votes." Besides, he has this quaint idea that buying gifts for electors is simply wrong (even if it stays on the sunny side of the law). Maybe this query should be directed to his opponent.
Greg Dionne shelled out for extra boxes of peaches for Carment Court residents this year. The rationale: everybody eats, so why not give them free food. Similar reasoning must apply to the polystyrene cups he provides to organizations in the downtown (see photos below):
everybody drinks some type of beverage, so why not give them a disposable container for that purpose.He forgot that these cups aren't recyclable in Prince Albert [or weren't, until Crown Shred started a trial recycling service for plastics numbered 1 to 7 on October 1, 2009. This service costs $9.58 per month, per household. . . .]
The flip side of the cup reminds Prince Albertans how important it is to profess their love for the city. 
This type of expenditure doesn't win local elections, of course. That requires 4-foot-square plywood signs, a vehicle plastered with your name and photograph [even if it's parked in Crescent Acres most of the time, where Ward 2 residents can't appreciate its artwork], and donations to various community events.
One such event is the annual Metis Fall Festival. The current Ward 2 councillor is a long-time supporter, as is the mall he manages. The Festival's 2009 program gives him credit for sponsoring the prize money for the amateur talent show (on the fourth page after the centrefold - click to enlarge the reproduction).
This is not unusual, except that the only other elected official recognized in the program for his financial support of this excellent event [I missed the talent show, but attended the square dance and jigging finals on Sunday] is the former Conservative MP for Prince Albert [he was replaced by another Conservative in the November 2007 election]. His recognition appears two pages after the city councillor's.
The current Ward 2 councillor is indeed generous to a fault.
In the run-up to the 2003 and 2006 municipal elections, his largesse provided residents of the three housing authority high rises in the ward with various items - toasters, microwaves, fruit, and, of course, lunch.
Brian Clavier accidentally encountered the free lunch the councillor sponsored at the Union Centre on September 18, 2006. As part of Brian's mayoral campaign, a meeting with Sherman Towers residents was set for 11 AM that day. The poster advertising the meeting appears below (click to enlarge). Arriving early to the scheduled event, Brian got no response after repeatedly buzzing his contact in the building. 
After a few minutes, one of the residents appeared, explaining that no one was going to be in the Common Room at 11 AM: everyone was at the Union Centre for a free lunch - put on by the Ward 2 councillor. Brian went to the hall, and passed out his card to many of the seniors eating there. Two of the other three mayoral candidates showed up later. At least two hundred people were fed at this event, which went on until 1 PM.
After a few minutes, one of the residents appeared, explaining that no one was going to be in the Common Room at 11 AM: everyone was at the Union Centre for a free lunch - put on by the Ward 2 councillor. Brian went to the hall, and passed out his card to many of the seniors eating there. Two of the other three mayoral candidates showed up later. At least two hundred people were fed at this event, which went on until 1 PM.Ultimately, Brian's 2006 mayoral campaign cost $3,875.58. The ward 2 campaign he's running has a budget of less than $800.
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