September 15/04 Report
Adjourned at 9:30 pm

Present: ALL Councillors and Mayor DiIanni

Media: K-Lite, CATCH, CHML, Hamilton Spectator, Brabant

• The spectators' gallery was packed, especially one side; however, most people on that side were relatives of Dr. Nancy Olivieri, a native Hamiltonian, who received recognition from the City for her work in clinical research
• The outlets for taping actually WORKED!
• NO declarations of conflict of interest
• NO citizen presentations
• A number of changes to the agenda

Ceremonial Activity
Mayor DiIanni presented a Certificate of Achievement to Dr. Nancy Olivieri, honouring her for her numerous achievements and dedication to medicine.

DiIanni .I'm talking about Dr. Nancy Olivieri. And I'd like to invite Dr. Olivieri to join me at the podium. Would you come down please? . I can see from the applause that Dr. Olivieri is known to the people in the hall this evening. Certainly the people on that side of the hall because I think half of Hamilton has joined her and I think they're all related to you.. Dr. Olivieri was born and raised in Hamilton. She's the daughter and grand daughter of Hamiltonians, her parents Dr. Fernando and Victoria Olivieri. She's the professor of Medicine and Pediatrics at the University of T.O. She received her undergraduate degree from U of T in 1975, her M.D. right from McMaster in 1978, and has trained at Harvard, U of T and King's College in London. Dr. Olivieri has been honoured and has won world wide acclaim including a doctorate from the University of Windsor for her work around the ethical implications of corporate sponsored biomedical research. I'm sure that .you have followed Dr. Olivieri's story in the news media, widely covered because of its importance. She has drawn attention to the importance of research integrity and academic freedom. A founding member of Doctor's for Research Integrity, an organization that is dedicated to scientific integrity and patients in clinical trials, Dr. Olivieri is also the author of many peer reviewed papers, book chapters and reviews in areas of clinical and research interests including development of new therapies for patients with thalocemia (sp?) and sickle cell disease in Europe, Asia, United States and throughout Canada. Dr. O's research has won her numerous honours and I'm pleased to add to the list of honours this evening for numerous achievements and dedication to medicine. On behalf of all of us, in recognition of her accomplishments, I would like to present you with a simple but heartfelt plaque.. on behalf of the city of Hamilton.Best wishes.congratulations.

Dr. Olivieri . I'm very proud and honoured.With us tonight are many (relatives) of the first Olivieri who arrived in Hamilton nearly one hundred years ago in January, 1906, my grandfather Antonio Olivieri or "Papa" Olivieri. It is difficult for me to imagine what it must have been like for those first Italian immigrants, those coming before both World Wars, not only to a country but to a city that was not of their language or culture. Remarkably to me, when my grandpa arrived he was 22 and he was the older brother. he opened a store with his brothers and 1 Imperial St. at Sherman Ave. North. Together and collectively the three brothers operated the Venice Hotel, a Bank of Naples Agency and Oliveiri Brothers Grocery. and their family settled in the then thriving area of Imperial and Sherman.within a few blocks my fathers (many) cousins were among those who helped build Hamilton into what it is today. It's an honour to belong to this group of people and to this city. It was at Hamilton's McMaster University that I attained my Medical degree. Many may realize that McMaster has been the leader for less progressive schools (Harvard, U of T) which, years after McMaster, woke up to the importance of compassion in a medical education. It's hard to emphasize the importance of this kind of education. Tonight I would like to thank those in the city who supported me in a very public issue, the protection of patients in clinical trials and the preservation of academic freedom over the past seven years. This has contributed to the announcement yesterday of the editors of influential medical journals, who now have required drug companies to register trials at their outset as a prerequisite for any subsequent publication. That condition for reaching the audience of the world's doctors will make it difficult for companies to hide results that are not in their commercial interest as many companies have been accused of doing and many have been prosecuted. It would have been impossible to carry this fight over without the unfailing support of my family and other Hamiltonians.Someone once said that the children of good families start out with a naïve sense of a just universe. In a way I think the opportunity to grow up in a compassionate and progressive, in a good city like Hamilton, was a motivation to seek a just universe. Many such Hamiltonians are here tonight and I accept this award on behalf of them all. Thank you.

Di Ianni I do know that the friends and family have arranged a party. but before you go I'd like to introduce the parents of Dr. Olivieri. I can tell you that Dr. Olivieri practiced on Barton St. my mother took me there because she thought I was too skinny, didn't eat enough. I just wanted to tell Dr. Olivieri I am cured.

Morelli Mr. Chairman, I'd like to say a few words. when we think of people who stand on their principle and are commited and dedicated to fighting even the biggest giants I think that she certainly stands out as one of those individuals not only in this city but in the world. her effect on the medical community is outstanding. It is also very appropriate tonight that we are celebrating Festitalia. This clan. come from a community called GallianoEterno. there is hardly anyone there anymore. They have made an outstanding contribution to. this great city. I recall so much of what they did. To Nancy and to the family, my gratitude and my appreciation.

Approval of Minutes:
Di Ianni Thank you Councillor, well said. Councillors, may I have a verbal motion to approve the Minutes of the City Council Meeting held on August 12th, 2004.moved by Kelly, seconded by Collins. that's carried. Councillor Jackson may have a motion on communication.

Jackson . moved by myself and seconded by Ward 7 Councillor Bill Kelly that council communications item 5.1 from Mr. Desnoyers, an added communications item 5.2 from Mr. Miller, item 5.3 from Mr. Sindry, 5.4 Mr. Gage, 5.5 Mr. Foy and Mr. Cooper be received.

Di Ianni Thank you. Before we take a vote on that, Councillor Mitchell.

Mitchell Mr. Mayor, could I have 5.1 referred to public works please. It's Hamilton Community Energy and I'd like to see if we can support them in that application to the province for renewable energy resources.

Di Ianni Sure, we'll do that. Forwarded by Councillor Mitchell, seconded by Councillor Pearson. All in favour of that? That's carried and the balance of the items be received. All in favour of that? That's carried. Councillor Jackson, may I have a motion to move into Committee of the Whole for consideration of the reports.

Jackson Yes you may, Mr. Mayor. Forwarded by myself and seconded by Ward 7 Councillor Bill Kelly that council move into Committee of the Whole for consideration of the reports.

Di Ianni Thank you. All in favour? That's carried. Members of Council, the Planning and Ec Dev Committee presents its 15th report and respectively recommends item 1 (carried), 2 (carried), 3 (carried), 4 (carried), 5 (carried),.15 (carried), 16 (carried), 17 - ding a ling - Councillor Kelly?

Kelly Quickly if could, Mr. Mayor, 17 is a continuation of the Hamilton Downtown Residential Loan which is an outstanding program that council adopted a few years ago. This is the next phase of it. I believe, if - I see Mr. Moroony (?) there- that this brings us up to ~1000 units in the downtown core. If I could ask through you to Mr. Marini sp?

Marini This is correct Mr. Mayor

Kelly This is 1000 units in the downtown area. These are not geared to income, by the way. These are just units rented at market rate, people with money moving into the downtown area, revitalizing it. Of course one of the goals we have always talked about around this council table is to bring people back downtown, to live downtown, to regenerate the neighbourhood and certainly with the next few phases of this downtown residential loan program and up to 1000 new units over the last couple of years. I just wanted to bring this to the attention of not just council, but to the community too, that this is a program that is working and is moving towards the ultimate goal of moving people back into the core again. Thank you Mr. Mayor.

Di Ianni Thank you. On 17 then? (carried) 18 (carried), 19 (carried), 20 (ding a ling) - Councillor Mitchell.

Mitchell I'm going to support this, of course Mr. Mayor, as committee, but you have received emails, as well as councillor Pearson and Councillor Bruckler on the fact that we have a significant shortage of soccer fields and recreation facilities in that end of the city, in the Winona area. This property did not fit for that use, and that's been made quite clear but I appreciate all the emails we've got and we are aware that we have to supply something down there in the future and I'll refer it to the budget process when I've spoken to those people.

Di Ianni On 20 then? (carried) 21 (carried). 29 (carried) 30 (carried). Councillor Kelly, may I have a motion on the report?

Kelly Yes, Mr. Mayor, moved by myself, seconded by Ward 6 Councillor, Tom Jackson that the 15th report of the Planning and Economic Committee be adopted as amended and the information section be received. (ding a ling)

Di Ianni Councillor Braden

Braden Mr. Mayor, if I could, just mention on page 19 of this. we had a discussion that we've waited for, and it was a good one, with regard to Binbrook - sort of that Model Community sort of stuff. I need to ask - I'm not sure if I'll get an answer - but I need to ask, from the time we approved Binbrook it was going to be the sustainable, three legged model of economy. even with my memory being as bad as it is, I remember there was going to be an employment lands issue with regard to the plan. In the presentation that we had there is not opportunity for employment lands to be in the plan. I just wonder how in the planning process over 2 years, the idea of employment lands was completely lost and shelved. Does anyone have an explanation for that?

Staff I don't have an explanation, Mr. Mayor but I do recall specifically going back to 25 years when urban development was proposed in the Binbrook area, that it was always planned as a residential community but I will check the files in the more recent past relative to this question of employment lands. I will check the record on this.

Braden It's not so much to point fingers and go back. I guess clearly what I want to do is bring attention to the idea that we really shouldn't be supporting, whether it's Waterdown or Binbrook or Hamilton mountain. in a homogenious residential area we need employment lands. So that's the reason I raise it, so we don't repeat this error and if Binbrook isn't too far gone we need the courage to revisit is so that we can make it a community and not just a dormitory town.

Di Ianni Thank you. I do have Counillor Kelly and Councillor Mitchell as well. Counillor Kelly.

Kelly Counillor Braden is absolutely right, we had a very wholesome discussion about that overview of the staff presentation and talked about some of the shortcomings and some of the things we would try to improve on. What we talked about is, as we move forward with the GRIDS process and that action as well, is that we don't simply say okay, this is where we stop doing the evaluation. We have to look at it wholistically. Not withstanding the fact that we'd like to see employment lands in every residential development or every neighbourhood or every town development such as this, we have to understand that some of the developments where the jobs are going to be are within reach. We have to remember that with the Binbrook settlement area that the Glanbrook industrial park is just a few kilometres down the highway. And that has to be considered when we're looking at a wholistic approach to employment lands for those areas as well. That was something that staff brought up that day that we have to consider as well.. one that we've identified as one of the priorities for this community.

Staff In it's simplest form, Binbrook was designed so that the local boys and girls that were born and raised there could actuallylive in the town and buy a home in the town that they were born and raised in and water and sewers were need for that. That's some of the planning for Binbrook along with the fact that the landfill had to put in water and sewers and I'm sure he (Braden) is aware of that. I'm pleased that it's going forward and it's doing well.

Di Ianni Thank you. Counillor Whitehead.

Whitehead With all do respect, if that's all it was, it wouldn't be double the size of the original community. It's actually much larger than accomodating the individuals in Binbrook. I had asked for the review. And the reason I asked for the review is because I think it's a wonderful opportunity for a case study. It's not about going after this particular development but to better understand the sustainable mix in regards to development in the future. We need to spend money wisely and we need to understand the implications on a long term with respect to life cycle cost. I did ask in the committee for staff to do a review and identify the cost of that review to understand a proper mix that would be sustainable. This would be the case study. Counillor Braden brings up an interesting point. I believe that when we look at these kinds of developments we have to leverage these developments with employment lands. I don't think the industrial park in Glanbrook really responds to that. I believe we have to look at it wholistically but I don't think it responds to the immediate development. I congratulate Councillor Braden for raising that. It's not about this particular development. This development is gone, it approved, and I think it's about looking at it as a case study, learn from it and make sure we make the best decisions in the future and use best practises.

Di Ianni Thank you. Councillor Merulla

Merulla I believe councillor Whitehead supported Councillor McHattie initiative for this review but I'm sure he was very supportive at this time. I just wanted to clarify that a bit.

Di Ianni Well, be that as it may, you had a good discussion and we've got the minutes here of that discussion and you've made your points now. On the report, all in favour? (carried) The next report is the corporate administration report. That has to do with the appeal that we just heard this evening. The report has been circulated to you. Let me announce that, as you know, there was an appeal to the courts with regards to the injunction. We have heard that the injuncion has been denied. Am I right about that Mr. Corporate Council?

Corporate Council That's correct, Mr. Mayor . The reasons are very strongly in our favour and we're pleased with that result and I would like to take the opportunity to commend Mrs. Edwards from our office, Mr. Dom and Ms. VanRensberg from Gowlings who did an enormous amount of work to get ourselves ready to be in court and make our submissions.

Di Ianni Neverless we did go forward with the appeal to the Corporate Administration Committee and that committee now presents its report 04-013 and respectively recommends item 1. Do I need someone to move the report beyond that?

______ ? Moved by myself, seconded by Councillor Collins that the 13th Report of the Corporate Administration Committee be adopted and the information section received.

Di Ianni The next report is the Public Works, Infrastructure and Environment committee Report. The PWIE presents its 15th report and respectfully recommends item 1 (carried), 2 (carried), 3 (carried). 12 (carried), 13 (carried). Councillor Collins, may I have a motion on this report please?

Collins Moved by myself and seconded by Councillor Ferguson that the 15th report of the PWIE committee and the information section received.

Mitchell I believe that Councillor McCarthy has an ammendment for 5 D that had to be prepared by staff to be presented tonight.

Di Ianni Let me recognise Councillor McCarthy on 5?

McCarthy It's not an ammendment, Mr. Mayor, it's an added item D.

Di Ianni With the consensus of the group I'll recognise Item D unless there's an objection to that. Mr. Clerk, it has to be tabled as an ammendment, right?

Clerk Through you, Mr. Mayor, it should be handled as an ammendment. You're ammending Item 5 to add subsection D.

Di Ianni Well, lets hear it first then see about process.

McCarthy It's what I spoke to yesterday and what it does is the director of Water and Waste Water bring forward an annual report card with regards to the operation and maintenance of the Water and Waste Water system and that this report will be an update on how staff are performing financially and with respect to the compliance issues. This will include the impact of pay equity. If staff are not meeting their financial or legal compliance obligation after 24 months then council may want to reopen the debate on contracting the model versus the municipal model.

Di Ianni Would anyone like to second that? Councillor Mitchell?

Mitchel l We've already passed it. Don't we need a reconsideration on this?

Di Ianni Mr. Clerk indicated that to me that we could deal with it. Mr. Clerk, I'll take some advice on it.

Clerk I'd would suggest the item has been passed. If coucil was to open it up to debate and add that ammendment, that would be fine. That not being the case, I would suggest that you add the motion as a separate item to the report, being item 14 because you have not approved the entire report yet.

Di Ianni So one way or another, it's going to be dealt with tonight and I'll recognise it as an item D and I'll open it up to debate. Counillor Mitchell

Mitchell I don't think it needs a lot of debate. It was discussed yesterday as an option D. The committee has asked McCarthy to work with staff to prepare that. They've done that. It's here. I'm willing to vote on it.

Di Ianni Councillor Jackson.

Jackson I don't mind supporting the beginning of McCarthy's ammendment but I have difficulty with the last few words. Councillor McCarthy did raise it Monday, we asked her to bring it forward in a formal fashion tonight but I'm having difficulty with after the 24 month period part . It goes against the grain of what we're here approving, hopefully tonight, in bring it back as the municipal model. Secondly, I question whether or not that if the recommendation from staff had gone in the opposite direction, an AWS had been recommended for the 10-15 contract, I wonder if some of us had brought forward a 2 year review of that. I know exactly how that would have fallen upon a lot of my collegues ears around this table. They would have said a contract is a contract. I can support the annual review, I can support that fact of efficiencies, of staying on top of it and keeping council apprised of it year after year if this recommendation gets approved. It seems that after 2 years it would allow a crack in the door for some of my collegues going back to the RFP process. If the wording stays the way it is, I cannot support this ammendment. If Councillor McCarthy is willing to pull back on making it look like it will be a fait de complis in 2 years, back to the RFP process. I'd be willing to support just the review. I pleased at where we're at tonight. Our staff led by Mr. Harnem (sp?) have done a thorough, accurate job of assessing the bids that came in. We've had a long, arduous committee meeting on Monday. We heard further today with the appeal from the company, the proponent, the current incumbent and I believe the environment will physically and the human one within our community compels us to bring this back in house and I support the recommendation.

Di Ianni Council, we're just dealing with an amendment on that and I think that Councillor McCarthy will probably want to reword her amendment.

McCarthy I'll just leave off the last section of it and leave it, "the Director of Water and Waste Water bring forward an annual report card with respect to the operations and maintenance of the water and waste water treatment system and that this report will be an update on how staff are doing financially and with respect to compliance issues and that will include the pay equity issue. OK?

Di Ianni And that's seconded by you Councillor Mitchel? Councillor Merulla, you do have a.

Merulla I do have a question to staff. Based on that motion, do we not follow due diligence with respect to compliance regardless of this motion? And, is it really redundant?

Staff We do report compliance on an annual basis. We indirectly report financially but have no problem reporting in this manner, as a report card. We do that similarly in the budget book every year.

Di Ianni So you do not have a problem with that motion?

Staff No

Merulla Really there is no need for the motion, but I'll support it.

Di Ianni Councillor Whitehead

Whitehead We put an RFP and we put some expectations out, we also looked at risk as well. I'm wondering if this should be encorporated as well. Will we meet the same standards as we put out in the RFP?

Di Ianni We've delt with that in the body of the report. This is just the amendment.

Whitehead The reason I'm asking is, if I was to do some word submitting on this particular amendment, I would need to know that answer.

Di Ianni The answer is yes. Call the question on the amendment. All in favour? (carried) And we've already voted on the balance. Councillor Collins, did you give me a motion on the report? All in favour of the report? (carried) The next item is Community Services.The Public Health and Community Services Commity presents it's second report and respectfully recommends item #1 (carried), 2? (carried). #8 (ding a ling) Councillor Bruckler.

Bruckler We've received some correspondence today with respect to this item from out housing community and I'm not sure what is the right course of action. Whether to refer back to the committee or tabling?

Di Ianni Staff?

Staff If there is an appeal on a process it needs to be referred back to the corporate administration committee. In terms of the tender process, the recommendation should go back to the corporate administration committee in accordance with our bylaw. If all they want to do is make a submission on other issues, it may be referred to the social services committee.

Di Ianni Bruckler, you have a choice.

Bruckler I should refer it back to social services then.

Di Ianni Social services? The issue is the process of the bid so it is CAC. so moved and seconded by Councillor Mitchell.so the balance of the report. Councillor Merulla, may I have a motion on that as amended?

Merulla Moved by myself and seconded by Councillor Morelli that the second report of the Public Health and Community Services committee be adopted and the information section received.

Di Ianni As amended, right? Next report, the Licensing Committee presents its 7 th report and respectfully recommends item #1 (carried), 2 (carried). 5 (carried). Councillor Merulla, may I have a motion on this report please.

Merulla Moved by myself and seconded by that the 7 th report of the Licensing Committee be adopted and the information section received.

Di Ianni Thank you. All in favour? (carried) Next is the 3 rd report from the Selection Committee and respectfully recommends item #1 (carried), 2 (carried). Councillor Bruckler, may I have a motion on the report please.

Bruckler That the 3 rd report of the Selection Committee be adopted and the information section received. Seconded by Councillor Jackson.

Di Ianni All in favour? (carried) The next report is the Special Funding and Budgets and it's the 10 th report and it respectfully recommends item #1 (carried), 2 (carried) - On number 2 which asked for the poll, Clerk, could you give us the results of that poll?

Clerk Yes. There were three options put before members of Council. Option #2 which was dealing with the budget at COW and then on to Council, the majority of Council chose that option. 9 members of Council chose option 2.

Di Ianni On item #3? (carried), #4? (ding a ling) Councillor McHattie?

McHattie A general comment on #3. I wanted to thank staff for pulling all this information together. This is the start of our 2005 budget process and we're starting much earlier this year and we're taking a strategic approach to the budget. I know there's been 100's of hours put into this process - the environmental scan and the strategic plan and the road map to sustainability for the staff and that needs to be recognised. A huge commitment to sustainability by our city staff and I'm sure it will be on our website. It has tremendous background as to where we are going as a city, thanks to staff.

Di Ianni Thank you. Item 4? (carried), 5? (carried) 6? (ding a ling) Go ahead Kevin

Kevin You have a selection before you of the three options and Councillor Jackson has a motion he needs to put before Council based on the poll that we undertook.

Jackson Moved by myself, seconded by Ward 7 Councillor Bill Kelly that item 3 of the Strategic Planning and Budgets Committee report be ammended by deleting subsection C in its entirety and replacing it with the following subsections as the Clerk outlined. It'll be option 2 therewith (?).

Di Ianni All in favour? (carried) Item #5 (ding a ling) On number 5, Jim Kay is here this evening. Chief Kay, we're very pleased that you have been voted GM of Hamilton Emergency Services effective right after this Council. Congratulations. Mr. Peace with be called City Manager Peace. Councillor McHattie, may we have your item respecting the RBG please.

McHattie Moved by myself and seconded by Councillor Bruckler. The issue is to support a study to examine the roll and mandate of the RBG. Item #A is that the City of Hamilton fulfill a request by the provincial government to cost share a study jointly by the Region of Halton to examine the roll and mandate of the RBG. Item B, the the city's share of this study, in the amount of $40 000 by allocated from the capital levy reserve.

Di Ianni Councillor Whitehead?

Whitehead I certainly support the intent of the motion. As a process, did this go to committee or are we just dealing with this at Council?

Di Ianni It was raised at Strategic Planning Committee. So from there it goes to Council. Councillor Bruckler?

Bruckler I support this motion. I'd like to commend you on your positive roll in this process. I believe this contribution of the review will go a long way in the sustainability of the RBG. .

Di Ianni Councillor Jackson, may I have a motion on the report?

Jackson Moved by myself, seconded by Councillor Bill Kelly that the 10 th report by the Strategic Planning and Budget Committee be adopted as ammended and the information section received.

Di Ianni All in favour? (carried) The next item on the agenda it 7.1 (a) and (b) respecting the Leander Boat Club. Councillor Collins, will you introduce 7.1 (a) please?

Collins Moved by myself and seconded by Councillor Ferguson that the following motion be lifted from the table. The alignment of the Hamilton Waterfront Rectional trail extension including sections of the Leander Boat Club be approved.

Di Ianni All in favour? (carried) Councillor Collins, will you introduce 7.1 (b) please?

Collins Moved by myself and seconded by Councillor Ferguson that the following motion be approved. That the report respecting Hamilton Waterfront Recreation Trail Leander Boat Club operations be received and that the alignment of the HWRT sections including sections at the LBC be approved.

Di Ianni All in favour (carried) Councillor Collins, will you introduce 7.2 (a) please?

Collins Moved by myself and seconded by Councillor Ferguson that the following motion be lifted from the table. It is a three part motion before everyone this evening and I believe staff are present to answer any questions with regards to the revised terms.

Di Ianni All in favour (carried) Councillor Collins, will you introduce 7.2 (b) please?

Collins Moved by myself and seconded by Councillor Ferguson that report PW04040(a)/PD041109(a) respecting proposed land lease with Leander Boat Club at 477 Bay St. North be received and that item 13 of the Public Works report 04-010 be deleted in its entirety and be replaced with the following. And that motion is before Council, it's a 2 part motion.

Di Ianni All in favour? (carried) Councillor McHattie, do you have a notice of motion you wish to introduce?

McHattie The notice of motion I have pertains to a City of Toronto initiative to establish, in fact they have established an election review task force to examine all aspects of municipal election campaign financing and to make recommendations to Toronto Council on legistlative ammends and process improvements that will enhance the public accountability of the municipal elections. We've had a preliminary look at their approach in Toronto and I think it has some applicability to us in Hamilton. I want to put this forth as notice of motion coming back 2 weeks tonight to debate as a motion. What I'm going to be asking is that the approach being looked at in Toronto is referred to our City Clerk's department for examination for applicability to us here in Hamilton.

Di Ianni Any other notices of motion? Any information? Let's go around the table. Councillor Whitehead?

Whitehead Back on Aug. 26 th a student from St. Thomas Moore School fell to a tragic death off the escarpment and I haven't had the opportunity to publicly extend my condolences to the family. Within 2 weeks we had another tumble with Mr. Danny Koss (sp?) wheelchair. I would like to ask staff to provide information relative to these two issues. What steps are being taken to insure these accidents don't happen again.

Di Ianni Mr. Peace?

Mr. Peace I would prefer to take that as staff direction and an opportunity to review the circumstances and report back to you.

Mitchell It is a pleasure to announce that this weekend is Binbrook's 150 th anniversary fall fair. Hope that some Councillors can make it out.

Morelli Just wanted to draw attention to the Ottawa Street Fest on Saturday and invite you to the Legion on Barton for a ceremony for the veterans.

McHattie This past weekend was the Westitalia Festival in Westdale Village. A success. Special thanks to the organizers Dave Daler, Dave Simpson, Sheila Schneider. Thanks to Councillor Morelli and Merulla who came sang That's Amore. a great day.

Kelly Saturday we had our annual corn fest on Concession. also we had a tragic accident, 2 people attacked in a store. We'd like to thank police service board for the way the people handled it. There have been 2 arrests made. we're very proud of them.

Ferguson .Ancaster Fair the following week where the motto is Bringing the Country to the City.

Whitehead I set up office at Westcliff mall. It was very much a success. People came out that wouldn't or couldn't necessarily. I will be doing this every other month from now on, it was such a success.

Di Ianni Met today with the downtown merchants adressing a series of issues. Councillor Morelli was there, Councillor McHattie, Councillor Whitehead and Councillor Kelly as well. We will be coming forward with information and action plans for council in the future. Organizing a meeting with the Feds to look at the release programs of offenders in our city.

Ferguson I think we need to send a letter to the Hamilton MP's to get them on side.

Di Ianni If you'd like to draft a resolution to that, I'll introduce it with consent of the council.

Ferguson By procedure, you'll need to waive the rules to extend that motion.

Di Ianni Moved by Ferguson, seconded Collins to waive the rules. All in favour? (carried) Moved by Ferguson, seconded by Jackson to introduce the motion to express concern to all the MPs with regards to the occurances that have been happening and the mandatory release program.

Morelli I understand we have a team Hamilton approach. How often do we meet with the MP's? There has been discussion about meeting with them regularly.

Di Ianni I have met with all the new elected MP's individually. We have not met as a group but I'll take that into consideration.

Morelli I think the AMO needs to be on board

Di Ianni Yes, if we can copy FCM that would be good. All in favour of that? (carried) Will we meet before the by-elections. I encourage all the people in those Wards to take interest, get out in vote. May I have a motion to move into camera to discuss a property manner. Councillor Bruckler, seconded by Councillor Whitehead, all in favour? (carried)