This is a regular CATCH summary of votes at committee and council meetings. This report covers the month of August 2016. The first line of each entry identifies the issue, followed by a brief description. This is followed by the location of the vote. Multiple votes on the same issue are reported together. Absentees are only listed where reported in the minutes and where the missing councillors are members of that committee or decision-making body. Links are provided to source documents. Note that the vast majority of council decisions are unanimous and the votes are not officially recorded. Changes to the city’s website mean it is no longer possible to provide direct links to motions and staff reports.
Land development task force
In response to council direction staff proposed an eight part motion to establish a land development task force to consider repurposing, consolidation or disposition of some of the city’s 2000 properties. Parts (b) and (c) recommended reassigning existing staff except for hiring a program manager on a three year contract. These parts were defeated 6-7 at committee with the remaining recommendations approved. On a motion by Eisenberger, the two parts were re-inserted at city council and approved 12-2.
At General Issues Committee, August 8 Minutes p3, 30 (6-7)
For parts (b) and (c): Eisenberger, Farr, Jackson, A Johnson, Merulla, Pearson
Against: Collins, Conley, Ferguson, B Johnson, Partridge, Skelly, Whitehead
Absent: Green, Pasuta, Vanderbeek
At City Council, August 12 Minutes p7-8 (12-2)
For re-insertion of parts (b) and (c): Conley, Eisenberger, Farr, Jackson, A Johnson, Merulla, Partridge, Pasuta, Pearson, Skelly, Whitehead, Vanderbeek
Against: Collins, B Johnson
Absent: Ferguson, Green
Seniors centre construction
Staff recommended approving the lowest bid of $22.1 million for construction of the Bernie Morelli seniors recreation centre on the site of the former Scott Park secondary school, despite the bid being $5.1 million higher than budgeted. Committee approved the recommendation.
At General Issues Committee, August 8 Minutes p4, 30
Recorded opposed: Ferguson
Land acquisition strategy
Staff recommendations related to acquisition of properties on Lloyd Street and Gage Avenue were discussed in closed session and approved. Part (c) of the recommendation authorized staff to negotiate for residential properties fronting on Lloyd between Chapple and Gage.
At General Issues Committee, August 8 Minutes p14-15, 38
Recorded opposed to part (c): Ferguson