Hall Monitor: Sharing the Road Ahead

Last night, city council, staff and the public gathered in City Hall for Kingston City Council meeting number 18-2013. The city has published the agenda and addeds online.

For a summer meeting, the agenda felt decidedly not summer. While we did get out on time, they got a lot done. After a number of presentations and delegations, we got a briefing regarding cuts to ambulance service which drew a large number of people to the gallery. Through the night, council ok’d the Kingston Humane Society to provide pound services for the next 5 years, approved the by-laws for the Sydenham District on-street parking program that was approved in principal in June, confirmed the new bike lanes for Williamsville and – after much debate – ok’d a seamless air conditioner installation in a heritage building… that had already been completed. Outside of that, a lot of verious minor items were completed and reports received.

A special thank you to Councillor Hector who took the time to mention my birthday during Miscellaneous Business, too.

Our complete Tweet stream from last night is below. I’m working from a new laptop, though, and didn’t quite get the A/V setup done in time… So while I took video… the audio didn’t capture. Sigh. Our summer break is still on, though – our next meeting will be on September 10th. See you then!

• 7:30 PM: Tweets tonight will begin as usual… May be a while before I get video going. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:36 PM: Looks like we’re running a little late. Should be starting soon. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:38 PM: We’ve got a full gallery… With some in the hall… And some in the overflow, I’m assuming, too. Lot of interest tonight. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:41 PM: DING DING! Away we go! 7:41pm start. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:43 PM: We start with council rising from the closed session, no report. Addeds are approved, too (One was already approved). #ygkc ^TV
• 7:44 PM: Disclosures tonight from Coun. Downes, Coun. George and Mayor Gerretsen. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:46 PM: Next is a presentation from Mayor Gerretsen to Comm. Hurdle and Jim Keech from the K-Town Tri on their 30-year mark. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:46 PM: Into presentations. Starting from Coun. Hector to council from the Rideau Canal Canoe Brigade of the Voyageur Brigade Society. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:48 PM: They’re looking to get people in Kingston to go online to vote to support the team. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:48 PM: Into delegations, first from the Cataraqui Clippers U12 Girls Soccer Team. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:51 PM: Prize in the online competition would be $125k renovation to a local field, amongst other prizes. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:54 PM: Next delegation is Arthur Milnes, speaking on to wanting August 18, 2013 to be “Franklin Roosevelt Canada-US Friendship Day”. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:56 PM: Milnes says that this Sunday marks 75 years since FDR’s speech at Queen’s U promoting peace between Canada and the US. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:57 PM: Next is Gregory Murphy, speaking about altering 8 Starr Place. On the agenda later as a heritage property. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:58 PM: The request in question was denied at the Heritage Committee. They want to install a ductless heating and A/C system. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:00 PM: In question is a vent line, which would be installed on the exterior of the house. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:01 PM: Carries 11-2; Coun. George and Coun. Scott were the opposed votes. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:01 PM: Sudden request for an additional delegation for two representatives from KCAT on the Williamsville bike lanes. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:02 PM: Jennifer Hroch and Roger Healey are our delegates, speaking about the active transportation already being done in Kingston. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:08 PM: We’re into a briefing from Mr. Terry Baker, President of OPSEU Local 462 on the reduction of service at Palace Road Station. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:09 PM: Baker says that in the first week after the reductions, the county returned a vehicle just to meet response times. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:10 PM: Baker says there is enough money in the surpluses to cover the costs. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:11 PM: Baker says that Sydenham’s new vehicle is often coming into city, leaving no ambulance between the city and Parham. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:13 PM: Baker says that residents have told him people move here because we have good healthcare; this cut will affect that. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:13 PM: Baker says that citizens in Kingston will see delays in ambulance response. In some emergencies, that delay could mean death. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:15 PM: Baker says the promised seamless system doesn’t work as promised, because there aren’t enough vehicles. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:16 PM: Baker suggests that these changes aren’t about money; that there may be an ulterior motive. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:17 PM: Baker says 6,000 signatures are on a petition to keep svc the same. Mayor Gerretsen goes to cut him off “bang on” as he finishes. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:18 PM: Coun. Neill asks about an extra vehicle in Amherstview. Baker confirms that vehicle does andwer calls; bills Frontenac for them. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:20 PM: Coun. Neill says that often, firefighters are responding to calls in place of paramedics – tying up their time. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:21 PM: Baker says that they’ve tried to change response roles so there’s less double-responses. Those changes have been cancelled. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:23 PM: Coun. George asks if Baker consulted with the county before the decisions were made. He says they weren’t. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:25 PM: Coun. George asks Baker for a report detailing how the changes are affecting the people of Kingston. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:26 PM: Baker says he’s worked at Sydenham since opening, it’s empty 70%, Adds that the county won’t let them release data citing privacy. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:28 PM: Coun. Glover asking clarification on response times. Wants elaboration on the vehicle that’s on the road to “stop the clock” #ygkc ^TV
• 8:29 PM: Baker says there’s a car on the road, the Emergency Response Vehicle, who responds and doesn’t provide care. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:29 PM: Baker says that it was up to each county to determine what a success rate was. Could be 10/%, could be 70%. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:30 PM: By arriving on scene, even without care, they can meet the response time expectations, despite not helping with care. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:34 PM: Downs asks Baker to confirm equipment on board ERV. It’s not fully equipped as an ambulance and doesn’t have the time. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:36 PM: Coun. Hector asking about response time best practices. Baker says highest is 6 minutes, 78%. Frontenac is very low on list. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:37 PM: Mayor Gerretsen asks if the county approached the union about cost measures. Baker says there were hints, but not direct asks. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:39 PM: With the briefing done, we get a petition from Coun. Osanic. 8 signatures in support of pound services at KHS. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:41 PM: Motions of congratulations and condolences pass unanimously. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:43 PM: We move to Report 101, CAO Consent. Separating a number of clauses first. Items a, b and g. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:44 PM: The three items carry unanimously. Grants RFP for pound services to KHS and confirms Sydenham District parking program. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:46 PM: After a quick Q&A from Coun. Glover, the feasibility and action plan for 9 North St carries, 12-0. (Downes out on conflict) #ygkc ^TV
• 8:47 PM: Discussing $12,500.00 to Toronto to help with cost covering. They’ve been working with legal and knowledge experts on 9B. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:48 PM: Toronto took point representing a number of communities, all impacted by the proposed reversal of Pipeline 9B. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:51 PM: Coun. Downes says this needs to be taken into context with the Quebec tragedy. Wants to make sure company can cover cleanup cost. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:52 PM: The item carries unanimously. We move into a discussion on green bin materials. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:54 PM: Discussion is on compostable bag liners. Bags would need a specific symbol on them to be collected as a bin liner. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:56 PM: Mayor Gerretsen tries to bring us back on topic… but he’s referencing an item that’s already passed. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:57 PM: Award for RFP new collection carries, 13-0. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:59 PM: Commissioner confirms to Coun. George that this was already earmarked as part of the cultural budget. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:59 PM: We move into an item that would see $59k spent on conservation of the portrait of the Hon. Christopher Hagerman. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:00 PM: Not this item, particularly, but they set aside money for conservation of city hall artifacts. Carries 11-2, Berg, George opposed. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:01 PM: Report 102 from CAO (recommend) carries 13-0. Was capital budget changes and updates. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:02 PM: We’re into Report 103 from Planning. Items 2 and 5 carry 12-0. Downes currently out of the room. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:04 PM: We’re looking at a growth and density study to be received by council now. Staff telling Coun. Hutchison that this will set goals. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:10 PM: Coun. Glover suggests there could be some room as planning applications come in to track bedroom units instead of housing units. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:11 PM: Coun. Schell comments that Portsmouth is seeing a big density increase as houses are converted to student housing. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:12 PM: Report is received by unanimous vote, 13-0. We move to 165 Wellington St, which carries 12-0 (George out on conflict). #ygkc ^TV
• 9:13 PM: We look at 168 Macdonell St. Mayor out on conflict. Carries 10-2 with Downes and Glover againstt. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:14 PM: That wraps up planning. We move to 104 from heritage, with item 2 being separated. The balance carry 13-0. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:17 PM: Quick amendment from Coun. Reitzel to approve staff’s suggested changes to the motion. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:18 PM: Coun. Hector is talking through if the proposal had of come forward with these changes initially, what would have happened. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:19 PM: Hector, going on the assumption that it would have been approved, will be supporting it. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:20 PM: Coun. Glover says that this is the third time a request has come in after the work was completed. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:22 PM: Coun. Glover says they should have come forward ahead of the work for the discussion. Not after. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:23 PM: He adds that someone could come forward with polka dots and the same discussion could happen. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:24 PM: Some procedural question on if the mover can speak in the middle. 2010-1, 14.3 says they can. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:26 PM: A thanks from Coun. Neill to the Clerk’s team for providing draft minutes to councillors. Says they’re helping. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:28 PM: We’re still discussing the amendment; would have the 8 Starr item approved with staff’s wording changes. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:30 PM: Coun. Scott went to look for the changes. Looked at other buildings and cites their changes. Will be supporting this. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:31 PM: Coun. Paterson says they need to be reasonable; need to protect heritage, but not make “taking on” the buildings cost prohibitive. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:33 PM: We’re now getting a story from Mayor Gerretsen about his first renovation and how he first started working with the bldg dept. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:34 PM: Mayor Gerretsen says that city staff need to work with citizens, not against them. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:35 PM: Coun. Schell says that city really needs to reach out to people purchasing heritage homes to teach them their responsibilities. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:39 PM: Coun. Hutchison says that this item simply wasn’t done with permission: Ignorance of the law is no excuse. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:42 PM: Coun. Hutchison says that he’ll be siding with the committee. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:44 PM: Coun. Reitzel says that the Hertiage Committee doesn’t have the authority to punish applicants, which this denial was. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:45 PM: Final motion to approve the modification approved, too. Coun. Glover, Coun. Hutchison, Coun. Neill opposed. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:45 PM: Amendment to amend motion to approve carries, 9-4. Coun. Downes, Coun. Glover, Coun. Hutchison and Coun. Neill againstt. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:47 PM: We now move EITP 106, covering cycling lanes in Williamsville. Coun. Paterson speaks that he’s concerned about the parking cost. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:47 PM: Report number 105 from EITP clears; includes receipt of 3rd crossing EA. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:49 PM: Coun. Paterson says the parking reduction could discourage the development they’re trying to encourage. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:50 PM: Coun. Downes says Times Square is going pedestrian and cycle friendly; and quotes when Market Square went car-free, too. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:50 PM: Coun. Paterson moves an amendment to revert the item to the original staff suggestion; not move forward with the new cycling lanes #ygkc ^TV
• 9:51 PM: Coun. Downes says all modes should be on the main street: walking, biking, driving, transit and carpooling. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:54 PM: Coun. Berg suggests that everything comes at a cost; reduction of parking spacees and sidewalk space is too costly. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:55 PM: Coun. Berg adds that there are already bike lanes a few blocks over that cyclists can ride along. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:56 PM: Coun. Neill says he’s disappointed with the late hour amendment. Consultant brought in found this as a compromise. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:58 PM: Coun. Neill says cyclist spend more money in Ottawa and Toronto; choose to maintain instead of tear out cycle lanes. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:59 PM: Coun. Neill says they would be making a mockery of the word sustainable if they don’t go ahead as planned. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:01 PM: Coun. Scott is talking about the 600m stretch: Would have no trees, parking, bus zones, loading zones, handicap access. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:04 PM: Coun. Hutchison will be voting against the amendment; wants to show that “sustainable” means something. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:07 PM: Coun. Reitzel says he’s not against sustainability; there’s lots of places to put bike lanes. This isn’t it. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:09 PM: Coun. Glover is quoting Rosen’s first term in office; created the Transportation Master Plan citing car as the lowest priority. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:14 PM: Mayor Gerretsen asked the horseshoe who didn’t drive tonight. Only @councillorberg raised her hand. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:16 PM: Mayor Gerretsen says he’s worried this will be similar to Brock; approved, and implemented before outrage. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:17 PM: Mayor Gerretsen is asking for deferral to Municipal Advisory and Age Friendly committees. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:18 PM: Coun. Paterson asks staff about timing. Jim Keech said they’d hoped for direction tonight. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:19 PM: A deferral tonight would mean two contractors instead of one: One for the side streets, one for the main street.
• 10:24 PM: Some debate over deferral of the bike lane item, now. Change to only weigh it againstt Age Friendly plan, now. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:25 PM: Deferral loses 7-6. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:28 PM: Coun. Osanic plans to vote against amendment, for the cycle lanes. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:29 PM: Coun. Paterson says that this area is very fragile and needs any help it can. Cycling lanes can go around it for balance. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:31 PM: Motion itself then carries, Coun. Berg, Coun. Reitzel, Coun. Scott opposed. Williamsville getting its bike lanes. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:31 PM: Vote on the amendment loses. Coun. Berg, Coun. Hector, Coun. Paterson, Coun. Reitzel, Coun. Scott in favour. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:32 PM: Former councillor George Sutherland, and citizens Brian Cameron and Jim Laidley now on council remuneration committee. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:34 PM: Into misc business. All carrying 12-0; no Coun. Hector at the table… Only an item on flag raising carried 11-1. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:35 PM: Second flag item in Misc business also had one opposed. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:39 PM: In Misc Business, @DorothyAHector mentioned my Birthday. Thanks, Dorothy. Very appreciated. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:40 PM: Mayor Gerretsen also points out that some of the lights in the sun light above us are now LEDs. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:40 PM: At @MayorOfKingston’s request: I’m also tweeting that the Mayor asked if I was going to tweet Dorothy’s comment. :) #mayorjokes #ygkc ^TV
• 10:44 PM: Going through by-laws now. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:46 PM: Coun. Glover making a point of a pecuniary interest rule in the heritage committee ahead of a by-law vote. #ygkc ^TV
• 10:48 PM: And… adjourned. 10:48pm. Thanks for following along. Watch for our recap tomorrow! #ygkc ^TV

Thanks to reneilet for today’s original photo.