January 21/04 Report

Councillors in attendance:
(Chair) Murray Ferguson, Maria Pearson, Dave Braden, Russ Powers, Dave Mitchell, Phil Bruckler, Chad Collins (who arrived around 10:30) and Tom Jackson (who arrived late because of another meeting) and Terry Whitehead who came for the afternoon portion. It was interesting to note that all of the councillors were late. Seems it's a habit. Maria Pearson made a point of announcing (for the benefit of Chinta Puxley and myself) that while she was late, she was once again the first councillor present. Scheduled start time: 9:30 am.

The meeting mostly consisted of various boards and agencies making budget presentations. I have copies of all but the Art Gallery's, as they didn't have enough, and the Halton Conservation Authority. I also took notes during the proceedings. I'll see if I can get the other reports. Chinta Puxley's column in the Spec was a good summary of what went on.

The Beach Rescue Unit is asking for $51,351 to replace a storage shed and a rescue boat.

The Mardi Gras group needs more money from the City to attract other sponsors (including Dofasco). They have been receiving $2,000 each year, but want to expand, attract more visitors, possibly start a museum of costumes and artifacts. They're requesting $84,000 over 5 years. Apparently they're being wooed by the city of Niagara. Braden asked when the festival might break even, and the answer was in 5 years.

There was a brief discussion on the Hamilton Retirement Fund 2004 Pension Indexation. The recommendation was that HWRF members (Police and Firefighters) be granted a 2.16% increase effective January 1, 2004 to match the inflationary increases granted to OMERS pensioners, that the cost of $1,894,000 be amortized over 5 years at an annual rate of $433,200 and that it be funded first from the HWRF Acturial Deficiency Reserve and thereafter from the Police Current Budget, and in the case of the Firefighters, the cost would be funded from plan surplus. There is a detailed account of this in the agenda. Braden asked a few questions, and Powers said that they need time to go over a complicated process. ( I too found this hard to follow so I won't attempt to elaborate).

Phil Bruckler is on the board for the RBG. They presented a confidential report entitled "Strategic Direction". They're embarking on a major renewal plan that will make it one of the world's great botanical gardens. While they have a high awareness level, they have relatively low visitation levels, and feel they need to more sufficiently tap into the Greater Toronto Area market. Braden asked when they might be less dependent or independent of city funding, and the answer was the if attendance targets are met, by 2008 they should be able to operate on their own in the core areas of service, but may need more $ for other expenses. In other words, they "might squeak by". Bruckler and Ferguson praised their organization with the comments... "enhancement to community", "gateway and a jewel", "beneficial for tourism" etc.

Louise Dompierre and Art Gallery asking for about a $60,000 increase, making the city's contribution just over $1 million. They have been relying on the Growth Fund and it is exhausted. It was interesting to note that on a list of cities where galleries receive support from their municipal government, Hamilton ranks the lowest (presently 29% of budget). For a budget just under ours, Saskatoon receives 53%. All councillors asked questions, praised the gallery for what it has achieved.

From what I could understand the Grand River Conservation Authority and Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority presented budgets, but were not asking for more money. Dave Braden posed an interesting question about a cooperative non-profit nursery at the GRCA where trees could be provided for urban purposes, and the answer was that this was an appropriate suggestion and they were willing to discuss this.

The Hamilton Conservation Authority requested an increase of $720,000 in total. Upgrades are needed at Wild Water Works in Confederation Park and at Fifty Point Marina. They're hoping to establish a full-time Education Centre (at the Eramosa karst?) Money for Christie Dam repairs to come from grants and Flamborough reserves.

HECFI asked for a $95,000 increase. They argue that they operate in a very competitive market, and that advertising and maintaining state-of the art infrastructure and cleanliness are vital for their ongoing success. Making cuts would result in reduced revenues and an increase in municipal contributions.

The only other business was a brief discussion on the Bell Canadian Open and Road World Cycling Championships. Both groups submitted final reports.

After a long day (9:30 til 3:30) the meeting concluded with Murray Ferguson taking Chad Collins (and Sam Merulla in absentia) to task for seeking information under the FOI. He felt they weren't being team players and should have come to the standing committee first. He didn't appreciate hearing it form the press. Collins came right back at him citing the fact that he has been waiting months for said info. Ferguson replied that consultants cost have already been outlined (Collins: not the ones I asked for). Braden said he's encountered the same frustration with Expressway info requests, but thinks they need to discuss procedure because it creates ill will when they don't communicate. Pearson, Bruckler and Jackson supported Ferguson. Robertson said that if requests come via committees, results are quicker, at which point Collins scoffed and said no apology for his actions. The atmoshere crackled with tension, and it was quite the highlight of a very long meeting. (This whole argument was continued today on Roy Green show, hosted by Jason Farr).