Council Meeting Highlights of October 11

The October 11^th Council was an interesting one with both EMS and the RCMP reporting their semi annual reports. NRCaer made a very informative presentation. In our public session thirty five local residents brought forward a critical piece on fencing and the effect of construction on the Cloverbar/Baseline intersection on their homes. Mr Gary Burns brought forward valuable comments on BBQ gas line installation permits that enlightened Council...and Lily Kleinke represented the Lions Club with an informative presentation on guide dogs. My questions brought forward a disturbing fact that Lily and her dog had been asked to leave a local convenience store – and even had trouble on a few Transit buses. Of course, we know that the law prohibits bias against our service animals....I ask my residents to speak up for those who are in a difficult situation.  

Please refer to the reports and minutes of all issues.

Sidewalk Snow Clearing Bylaw

In Council, I opposed an immediate debate and reading on the bylaw brought forward to Council on a sidewalk snow clearing bylaw. I was supported – after great discussion to have public input slated for Nov. 29, 2011 and followed by debate Dec. 13, 2011.

Why would I want to delay such a debate and fight for you to have your say in a public input session? Three of your current Councillors are brand new. They have not had the benefit that I have had of hearing your concerns every winter. Interestingly enough, my files indicate a nearly even split of residents in the pro versus anti sidewalk clearing bylaw. Beyond that, the information that was given to Council was lacking. Sidewalk clearing is critical for mobility and accessibility. The stakeholders in this bylaw are businesses and you and I – the residents. So – why did Council not receive information on the number and content of winter complaints from residents – you did call didn’t you? I know many of you did! I did not get a comment from the Chamber. I did not get a statement from the Accessibility Advisory Committee to Council. What about schools? Are they happy with current standards? Did anyone ask them?

I believe strongly that a municipality has an obligation to dialogue with and listen to its residents. Two years ago Council approved about $60,000 to bring in consultants to help us create a public engagement policy. The policy now exists – but does it permeate all departments? Not yet. We created a position for a public engagement professional. 

Back to the snow clearing bylaw – I had a problem with the lack clarity and user friendly terms in the bylaw.

Those of us that use the sidewalks in winter – and that would be about six months of the year, for recreation, getting to stores, school or work want walkways to be safe and passable within reason. So when a bylaw states “keep sidewalk clear of ice and snow” we are going to have to remember, our expectations of property owners should be reasonable. We cannot expect dry pavement after a 13cm snow storm in February. We can expect easily passable walks that have sand or kitty litter on them to prevent a fall.

I am asking our administration do a comprehensive review of other municipalities’ policies and procedures to come up with some clear and user friendly wording. I ask you to join Council on Nov. 29, 2011 at the Chamber or send in your comments to Transportation with a copy to Council.

Further I have requested that Council look closely at a program that exists in a couple of municipalities that provides for snow clearing for those who cannot do it for themselves. I was key in initiating Snow Busters and am proud of the volunteers and staff that makes Snow Busters  work. I just do not like the financial strings attached. Let’s not make people crawl through red tape. Let’s just take care of our neighbours in need – in whatever way we can. Here’s how some easterners make it work.

Winter Maintenance: Roads, Sidewalks and Parking Lots

Kudos to our Transportation Department for refining the winter maintenance program with credit to our previous Council who pressed hard, while working within budget to improve road clearance in urban and rural areas – to a standard I believe we should be proud of.  

New this year, thanks to residents’ comments...Transportation and all other departments will be working much closer together to ensure faster clearing of parking lots and bus stops. 

Also, coming up Nov. 8, 2011 is a bylaw on removal of vehicles during snow clearance. It promises to be a lively debate, so please contact me on your thoughts. I have to say I am leaning toward user pays on this one. If you make us tow you to keep the street clean. Tax dollars should not be spent, as they have been for so many years.

Councillor Inquiries & Report

I reported to administration that our Glen Allan residents truly deserve a community entrance sign. I do not want tax payers to pay. We have one landscaper willing to help. We just need a few more residents and administration support to make this happen. Call me if you are willing to support this project.

I reported that I attended a Calgary conference on community collaboration and engagement. I was pleased with the high calibre of speakers and the fact that two of our staff attended and made significant contributions. 

Webcast

I invite residents to go to the webcast to get the full flavour of how decisions are made tune into the webcast. The webcast is timed and titled so that you can refer immediately to your topic of interest. 

An E-News Bulletin is sent out from me to residents on community information and issues. It gives me an opportunity to ‘touch base’ with you on a regular basis. You can obtain your copy by sending me your e mail address.