January 11, 2005 Report
Budget Meeting

Summary of Topics:

* Emphasis on no enhancements

• Economic Development
  3 of the 6 FTEs - all are for a period of 2 years or less
  1 junior position for "brownfields"
  1 junior position for arts and culture - filming in Hamilton
  1 senior position for marketing of downtown
  Discussion of contribution ($) made by McMaster to Hamilton , expansion to Burlington
  Collins was pushing for "benchmarks" to measure commercial and industrial growth. This idea was taken up by other councillors. Sampson wanted it applied to brownfields cleanup, cited a program in Calgary . Staff to look into this. Urgent need for larger parcels of shovel-ready land for economic expansion.
  
  
• Tourism Presentation by David Dedanes
  Discussion of what staff does, revenue generated, and answered questions from councillors - role in Music Hall of Fame bid? - how they work with other agencies to promote local museums, attractions, and bid on events, conventions; possible overlap? - payback on city's investments? - what would be on your budget wishlist?
  Presented Hamilton Sport Tourism Action Plan
  
  
• Planning and Development
  Total of 6 FTEs - all temporary, and paid for thru' Development Reserves
  Answered questions
  how are development reserves generated?
  28 vacancies at City Hall, - why? - is this unusual? - will we lose others? - are downtown projects being held up because of this?
  how can we increase development in downtown?
  Went through various dept's to show budget allocations