The City's Budget document was released last Wednesday to both Council and members of the public. The following dates have been confirmed by my office for ward discussion of this document:
April 14, 1998 at 7:30 p.m.
April 21, 1998 at 7:30 p.m.
These will be small group discussions where each participant will receive a copy of the budget. The objective is to encourage a thorough discussion of budget alternatives. Please call my office to book a space for yourself.
In addition the City has placed ads containing a budget survey which we request that you complete. It was in the latest Hunt Club/Riverside News. Do complete the survey for us. Any members of the public interested in attending a budget Open House had nine opportunities to do so in the past month. Budget input will also be received directly by full Council on April 25 and 26. Contact Lori Ferrari at 244-5300, ext. 3619 to secure a spot. Copies of the Budget will be available at all City libraries, fire halls and community centers, as well as at City Hall itself. You can also access a copy on-line at: http://www.city.ottawa.on.ca (indicate at this screen whether you wish to continue in English or French; at the next screen, click on "Inside City Hall", then click on "Budgets").
Each newsletter has a full set of the recommendations and options for the operating and capital budgets upon which Council will have to take votes. Do provide me with any feedback on these options which you may wish to provide. The HCCO may take formal votes, or individuals may call, write or fax me your opinions. Alternatively, you may attend one of my personalized budget workshops.
Now that the Citizens' Panel is defunct and it appears that there is little political will to rekindle it, (although my preference is to continue it), the process has evolved such that the public or a neutral body is no longer in control. Politicians are beginning to fill the void, particularly the Mayors' group, which includes the Regional Chair. One proposal is to jointly agree on the wording of a plebiscite (referendum) and/or to call an early election to have the vote. Another proposal is to ask for a Commissioner to be imposed by the Province on November 13, 1998, should we not be able to create a home grown solution agreed to by triple majority. I do not want the Mayors' group to produce a compromise if it is not based on broad public opinion and basic principles. A compromise is likely to make no one very happy, but satisfy most municipalities. That model is likely to be the three-City model with common service boards. This compromise will not respond sufficiently to the call for efficient marketing of our area abroad. Some are saying that one big City/Region is preferable but will not be politically acceptable to the Province. One big City of Ottawa/Region would satisfy local businesses. One tier would respond to the message received from constituents. I have decided, based on the above information and discussions with many people throughout the region, that the best position I can take is to bring the following motion to Council. The motion was referred by Council to this Thursday's Policies, Priorities & Budgeting Committee:
WHEREAS various fiscal realities make it desirable to consider further efficiencies to reduce costs of local government;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Chief Administrative Officer initiate discussions with the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton with the objective of preparing a comprehensive plan and framework for the consolidation of any services where it would be of net benefit to the taxpayers of the City of Ottawa;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the plan and framework is to be submitted to each of Ottawa and RMOC Councils for their consideration by November 12, 1998.
The rationale behind this motion is outlined below:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Mr. Peter Fodor of Ontario Hydro for his co-operation in quickly addressing the concerns of the community. The billboard company, Gould, was very understanding when it came to the concerns of the local residents. Gould had erected the sign in compliance with existing City by-laws, yet agreed to remove the large sign at their own expense. This is a wonderful example of the real effect of vocal citizens who can successfully influence decisions made by public and private corporations.
A survey of our ward from last term indicated that constituents are divided 49 to 51 percent on the issue of casinos. The province has now granted the right to each of two corporations to establish a small charity gaming club in Ottawa. I supported a staff report which recommended that these clubs be considered on a site by site basis, relative to a long list of criteria, and subject to full public consultation at the time the application rises to Committee. Contrary to what was implied on the front page of the Citizen roughly a month ago, this does not mean that I support casinos, per se. Council decided instead to do consultation on the principle of allowing casinos and on the list of criteria.
The City adopted a corporate sponsorship policy last year to provide us with partnering guidelines. I moved to restrict tobacco and alcohol company sponsorships, but Council overruled the latter. We agreed to require sponsors to meet certain human rights policy standards, even though these do not apply to general corporate purchasing. Staff recommended a NIKE/Raptors Foundation sponsorship or a $50,000.00 floor in the Carlington gym in our ward. Staff had researched the human rights component and were satisfied that the City standards were met. Based on a 3 or 4 page print-out of internet discussion and news clips, Council referred the matter to Committee for further inquiry. I disagreed because staff had done the "due diligence" work and there was no evidence to contradict their decision. I knew that the sponsor's reputation would be clouded by the process and doubted that we could fairly pass judgement on such a complex issue. After listening to the submissions I have no reason to question NIKE's labour practices or human rights policies. I believe they were treated poorly and unfairly by my Council. We lost the sponsorship. We also sent a dreadful message out to any future potential sponsors. I support high standards of corporate ethics; the issue here is about how to have a fair hearing in the political arena.
The City of Ottawa Urban Forest Citizens' Committee and the Urban Ecosystem Stewardship Council are holding their fourth annual Workshop series. The focus of this years' discussion will be on the care and treatment of trees in the aftermath of the ice storm. A total of three sessions are being offered; details for each are provided below:
Session 1 - April 21, 1998; 6:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Nepean Civic Square
Nepean Civic Square
City of Ottawa, Whitton Hall
The Mayor's Task Force on Re-Treeing Ottawa is also holding a Community Forum Tuesday, April 14th, 1998 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Whitton Hall. The purpose of the forum is to allow citizens the opportunity to share their ideas for fund-raising and community involvement in the re-treeing project. Information on how to repair damaged trees and greenery will additionally be provided.
Stop Signs - Cahill Drive and Twyford Street
As per the decision taken at the last meeting, my office has instructed staff to go ahead with the installation of a stop sign at Cahill Drive and Twyford Street, and has since been informed that the work order has been submitted for this project. Staff have indicated that we can expect completion of this job within a month's time.
Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
Saturday, March 21, 1998, marked the "United Nations' Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination". On this day, students attending schools in the City of Ottawa were asked to submit artwork, essays, stories, and poems that address the theme of racial unity. In preparation for these projects, participants are encouraged to reflect upon the limitations of festivals for promoting change, and to consider more effective ways for realizing the goal of racial unity. An awards ceremony will be held on May 14th from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. to publicly recognize the efforts of contestants across Ottawa.
On Wednesday, March 11, 1998, the City hosted an Open House to discuss alternative plans for the future of Hunt Club, particularly the Southern Corridor. It was a resounding success as hundreds of residents attended and gave written comments. The majority asked for the Southern Corridor to remain as Open Space. The reality is that there is a real imperative for the NCC to develop some of these land holdings. I will not compromise this vision of a corridor unless the majority want me too. I will not make back room deals even though experience tells me that sometimes more can be won that way. (Remember Heron/Walkley, the Eastern Corridor?) You have my guaranty that you are in the driver's seat. A small working group will guide my approach and strategy over the next month. Call if you want to take part.
Assurances have been received from the Director of Planning that even if the staff faces change, the project will continue on schedule despite recent layoffs at the City.
I would like to commend the efforts of three teens from the Coady Co-Op, David Lafleur, Joshua McKinstry and Michael Gravelle. They all showed great initiative by working to form a Teen Committee that encourages teen involvement in the community while providing teens with essential organizational skills. The committee's first successful venture was a bake sale fund-raiser which enabled them to raise money for a ski trip.
Reassessment of Property Values
The Province of Ontario has produced a request form entitled the "Ontario Fair Assessment System Request For Consideration" which allows a property owner to list reasons why they feel their property is over assessed. This is not an appeal. Since many people will not be able to attend the open houses for one reason or another, or are having difficulty getting through to the assessor by telephone, this is an alternate form of ensuring that your concerns are addressed. If you feel that you did not receive a fair assessment please call my office (244-5365) and we will be happy to send you a request form. The form may be mailed or faxed to the Regional Assessment Office. An assessor will review the 1996 market value and get back to the property owner. If the assessor agrees, a change to the value will be made and reflected on the Assessment Roll for 1998 taxation. My office was informed last week that the Assessment Roll will be extended from April 30, 1998 to the end of May. If there is no change or the reduction does not meet the property owner's expectations, appeals may be filed until the end of July 1998 (an extension was also granted in this case from the initial due date in June). For details, please call: (613) 526-3890.