Hall Monitor: Quick Fare

Last night, city council, staff and the public gathered in City Hall for Kingston City Council meeting number 20-2013. The city has published the agenda and addeds online.

While not our quickest adjournment, it certainly was the earliest in recent memory, letting out in a brisk 2 short hours. Council used the time efficiently though, with the biggest (though not costliest) item on the table being a forgiveable loan of $60,000.00 to help the Kingston Area Taxi Commission with the purchase of three accessible taxis. This money is set to be managed by the commission, and in the event that it can’t find owners or operators who want tp make the purchases within three years, gets returned to the city.

Council also approved $138,000.00 for an affordable housing project on John Street, roughly $40k to help with the YMCA’s Kingston Gets Active program, approved the zoning requirements for new 5-story residences to be built at the corner of Stuart and Albert streets, and started on the process for an art installation at the Time sculpture for November 2014 and to change procedural by-law with respect to how councillors report back following attending a conference, training opportunity or other similar event. Then, right towards the end, we got a notice of motion, hoping to change the postering by-law; so we’ll see that floored next meeting.

Our complete Tweet stream and video from last night is below. Please note that the video has a few minor sound and display issues. Due to an oddities of scheduling with how they moved the September meetings, our next meeting will be next week, October 1st in council chambers. See you then!

• 7:30 PM: Council members are coming into chambers now. We should be starting soon. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:31 PM: Stream is live at http://t.co/MyTgnzbkD8; audio will be live when the meeting begins. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:37 PM: We’re under way at the council meeting. Motion to rise from closed meeting without report carries 11-0. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:39 PM: Absent tonight are Coun. Glover and Coun. Reitzel. Disclosure from Coun. George on closed session items. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:39 PM: We get a pecuniary from @MayorOfKingston on an item, too. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:40 PM: No presentations, so we move to a delegation from Erica Robinson, Art Tech Head, Frontenac Secondary School. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:41 PM: Robinson is looking at putting together a project at the ‘Time’ sculpture using 100-300 students for the 100th anniv of WWI. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:43 PM: The project would combine the work of two artists, while tying the project to Remembrance Day. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:45 PM: The request is non-monetary, but needs approval for grant funding. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:46 PM: Quick petition (67 signatures) tabled from Coun. Downes opposing a casino in Kingston. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:46 PM: We move to a motion of congratulations; and motions of condolences to the families affected by the collision in Ottawa… #ygkc ^TV
• 7:46 PM: … and also to the family of Joanna Lam. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:48 PM: Those carry; so we move to the CAO report 111. Dealing with b-g first, coming back to a and h. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:49 PM: This bulk is a few contracts (parking spaces, sanding, plowing) and a lease for a sign installation. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:49 PM: Also includes $40k for the YMCA’s Kingston Gets Active project and $138k for affordable housing on John St. All carry unanimously. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:50 PM: We move to a noise exemption request for a noise exemption for construction at 58 Leroy Grant Drive. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:51 PM: Coun. Neill asks about the extended timeline. Staff says that it’s a long time period, but they’ree limited to total num of days. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:52 PM: Staff also says that this developer (Homestead) has been good about providing notice to neighbours in the past. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:52 PM: Motion carries 10-1; Coun. Neill is the only opposed. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:53 PM: We move to a request from the KATC for funds ($60k) to help purchase accessible vehicles. Staff says 3 companies participating. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:54 PM: Coun. Downes asks if there’s language that would stop the purchased cabs from being used outside of the city. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:55 PM: Staff says the cabs can be used outside of the city; there’s a limit, but they don’t know how far. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:56 PM: Coun. Downes asks if the cabs could be used outside of the city. Staff says they could be. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:57 PM: Coun. Downes says he’s heard that the initiative has been one car owner. Wishes the companies would get involved, too. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:58 PM: Coun. Downes says he will not be supporting it. Wants more company involvement, and the cabs shouldn’t do business outside city. #ygkc ^TV
• 7:59 PM: Coun. Downes also clarifies that Kingston Access Services wants accessible cabs, but hasn’t formally approved this plan. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:00 PM: Says he’ll be voting no on this, but can get to yes. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:01 PM: @councillorberg speaking next; she’s the only councillor on Taxi Commission. Says KATC has been working for years on the issue. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:01 PM: She says that KATC passed taxi by-law 3 on Sept 11; this would be the by-law to regulate accessible cabs. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:02 PM: @councillorberg says Loyalist Township approved a motion of support last night with respect to this project; includes some money. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:03 PM: 83% of taxi calls are within a small area of the city (North end, Williamsville, downtown, SCL and train station) #ygkc ^TV
• 8:05 PM: @councillorberg says the KATC has plans to repay the money as a forgiveable loan. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:06 PM: Coun. Neill asks staff if they’ve found other municipalities who have helped fund taxi purchases. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:06 PM: Staff says they haven’t; but also, the city sets money from accessible parking fines for accessibility projects, most don’t. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:07 PM: That account is at appx $55k; has been used in the past for training and accessibility at the @Kingston_Grand. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:08 PM: Coun. Neill asks about the repayment plan. Staff says the agreement hasn’t been written; paid back if cabs aren’t purchased. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:09 PM: CAO steps in; forgiveable loan is between city and KATC, not any company or owner. Up to the KATC to work on implementation. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:10 PM: CAO says KATC has agreeed to pay back loan if the plan doesn’t go ahead as expected. Adds this money was already set aside. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:11 PM: Coun. Neill asks about timelines. Staff says that the province has no deadline for this. City plan has 2015 deadline, though. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:13 PM: Coun. Neill says that the number of taxi licenses in the city are limited. This would bring three new licenses to the city. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:14 PM: Coun. Neill says he’s reluctantly voting against; because it’s a forgiveable loan and there aren’t other cities who subsidize. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:16 PM: @MayorOfKingston says government routinely steps in to level playing fields. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:17 PM: @MayorOfKingston says fare raising won’t work; it will just result in less riders. Compares this to the kneeling buses. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:18 PM: @MayorOfKingston says it’s a good proposal; is glad to see something finally coming to fruition. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:19 PM: @MayorOfKingston says he hopes council can come together and vote unanimously on this issue. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:20 PM: Coun. Hector asks if there’s wording about returning money from vehicle sale to the city. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:21 PM: CAO says the agreement here isn’t with the purchaser, it’s with the KATC. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:22 PM: Coun. Hector says city uses user-pay models. A past-proposed 5c-per-ride fare inc. was turned down as it wasn’t users, it was all. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:23 PM: Coun. Hector says she sees this as a download onto the city; generally opposed to those. Will be supporting this motion, though. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:23 PM: Adds that the KATC should remember the value of the vehicles at end-of-usefullness. Suggests KATC add that to purchaser agreement. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:25 PM: Coun. Hutchison asks about the loan; CAO confirms this is a one-time transfer from the city to the KATC. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:25 PM: CAO confirms to Coun. Hutchison that KATC would be administering the money, as they see fit for the purchase of the vehicles. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:27 PM: Coun. Hutchison asks if they’ll never hear about this again. CAO says this req is for the intro, doesn’t foresee more money. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:28 PM: Coun. Hutchison asks if staff know why other cities don’t subsidize this. Comm. Hurdle says she doesn’t have that with her. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:29 PM: … but she adds again about the fund created from accessible parking fines; most cities don’t do that. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:29 PM: Coun. Hutchison says he’ll be supporting this. Says it’s a relatively small investment and the community needs this. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:31 PM: Coun. George adds that there’s an accessibility plan already in place and supported by this council. This is issue of equality. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:32 PM: Coun. George says that this money is already coming from funds; won’t be coming form the tax base. Wants full support. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:32 PM: Coun. Scott asks if the cab would be available to all residents, including rural. Staff confirms. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:34 PM: Coun. Scott says residents at Country Pines are becoming isolated. Rural residents have no bus, but pay for transit. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:34 PM: Coun. Scott says he’s glad to see it and will be supporting. Coun. Osanic asks staff what happens if 3 cabs aren’t bought. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:35 PM: Comm. Hurdle confirms to Coun. Osanic; if funds aren’t spent within the 3-year pilot, they’re returned to the city. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:35 PM: Coun. Osanic says she’d rather see a 1-yr project. Is concerned other cities aren’t doing this, but will support it. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:36 PM: Coun. Schell says she’s uncomfortable with a forgiveable loan to a for-profit company, but will support it. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:37 PM: Kingston City Council votes 9-2 to subsidize 3 accessible taxis in #ygk. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:37 PM: Vote was 9-2; Coun. Downes and Coun. Neill opposed. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:38 PM: We move to report 2 from planning committee. Dealing individually with each due to conflicts. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:39 PM: We start with a proposed new residence at 82 Albert and 222 Stewart. Coun. Schell opens with comments opposed to the request. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:40 PM: She says the building proposal will be large and will not add to the area. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:41 PM: Coun. Schell comments that queens can build as tall as they want; but only for educational buildings, not housing. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:42 PM: Coun. Paterson says that keeping housing with housing makes sense. If they turn it down, another building (edu) may pop up. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:42 PM: Passes 9-1; only Coun. Schell opposed. @MayorOfKingston not voting on a conflict. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:43 PM: We move to item t, for 1136 Lisa St. Coun. George out on conflict. Carries 10-0. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:44 PM: And we’re back to 11 people for amendments to zoning by-law 32-74. No debate; carries 11-0. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:45 PM: We move to report 113 from Heritage. Pass together as one vote, 11-0. No discussion on information reports. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:46 PM: Council declares October 2013 as “Public Library Month” and Oct 20-26, 2013 as “Ontario Public Library Week” @KFPL #ygkc ^TV
• 8:47 PM: City has also declared Oct 16, 2013 as “Recognition of World Food Day” and Nov 20, 2013 as “Transgender Day of Remembrance” #ygkc ^TV
• 8:48 PM: Those three proclamations, by the way, carry 11-0. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:48 PM: Council passes motion to raise the Transgender Flag on Nov 20 9-2; Coun. George and Coun. Paterson opposed. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:49 PM: October 6, 2013 to October 12, 2013 as “Fire Prevention Week” also proclaimed by council 11-0. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:50 PM: We’re now appointing deputy mayorships for much of the final year of this council. Selected tonight, then ratified at next meeting #ygkc ^TV
• 8:51 PM: Tentatively, Councillors Berg, Glover, Hector and Neill will each serve 2 months in order; starting in November. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:52 PM: We have a new motion now, receiving a report from Coun. Hector about the FCM meeting in NL. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:53 PM: Coun. Downes asks why the Intergovernmental Affairs staff member went and isn’t providing a report. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:54 PM: @MayorOfKingston says one of the jobs of that office is communication with other municipal governments, too, FCM is part of that. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:54 PM: The position, btw, is inside of the Mayor’s office. @MayorOfKingston says she does return a report to him, he’s willing to share. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:56 PM: Coun. Downes says he’s asking publicly because council voted a councillor to go and report to council. Not a staffer. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:56 PM: @MayorOfKingston says conferences always have both elected officials and staff members. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:56 PM: @MayorOfKingston says questions need to be on the report, not procedure. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:57 PM: Coun. Hector says it’s only on the agenda tonight this way because they councillors can’t table reports any other way. #ygkc ^TV
• 8:58 PM: Coun. Hector also comments that some of Kingston’s work already in progress, FCM is now moving forward on. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:00 PM: Coun. Neill asks about the reports from the manager of intergovernmental affairs; would like to see them made available. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:01 PM: @MayorOfKingston says they will be made available. Item to receive Coun. Hector’s report carries 11-0. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:02 PM: We move to new motion 2 which would direct the clerk to work with the APC to change by-law 1 for reports of Coun. Hector’s nature. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:03 PM: The change would see reports from councillors who attend conferences and training on city cost able to be on the agenda. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:05 PM: Coun. Scott says that he’s going to support this; has been to events and would have loved to pass on the knowledge. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:06 PM: Coun. Downes says he didn’t know about alternate ways of funding attendance at events. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:07 PM: A previous speaker said that they could dip into the “Mayor’s account”. Coun. Downes said he wasn’t aware of that option. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:07 PM: Amendment on the floor now from Coun. Downes; would make the reports required, and would disclose expenses at each event. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:08 PM: Coun. Hector asks if staff resources are available for the expense itemizing. CAO says that they do. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:09 PM: CAO adds that there’s already an annual report done, too. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:09 PM: @MayorOfKingston, who is seconding Coun. Downes’ amendment. Says seeing the details for each event is important. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:10 PM: Coun. Downes says he’s confused as to how staff needs to get involved. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:12 PM: Correction, the amendment is just to add the claimed expenses; the motion itself would require the report. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:13 PM: Coun. Downes also says he’d like all information about what “other money” is available beyond the alotted $3500.00. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:14 PM: @MayorOfKingston confirms via the clerk that there no longer is a $3500.00 cap; all councillors share the pool. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:14 PM: Amendment carries 11-0. We now return to the motion itself as amended. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:15 PM: Coun. Hutchison asks where the item would be. @MayorOfKingston says that will probably come out during this planning. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:15 PM: Motion would have staff plan the changes and come back to council by March 2014. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:16 PM: @MayorOfKingston says this is a great initiative in transparency and accountability. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:17 PM: @MayorOfKingston adds that he hopes this passes unanimously. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:18 PM: Coun. Neill asks about what information would come back and where it would go. Clerk says they’ll research best practices. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:19 PM: Coun. Hector, speaking last, says she’s thankful for the supportive words. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:20 PM: Motion passes unanimously, 11-0. Reminder that Coun. Glover and Coun. Reitzel are absent. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:21 PM: Last new motion is the item regarding the art project for the Time sculpture in Nov 2014. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:22 PM: Friendly amendment moves the report from 1st meeting in Oct to the 2nd. Coun. Hector says artist’s estate has been contacted. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:23 PM: Coun. Neill comments to thank the mover and seconder (now Coun. Schell); says it’s a brilliant project. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:23 PM: Item carries 11-0. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:25 PM: We now get a notice of motion from Coun. Osanic regarding a motion coming next week about community postering on city property. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:25 PM: The motion coming forward would ask staff to come up with changes to the postering by-law. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:26 PM: The report would be brought to the APC by Q4, 2014. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:27 PM: @MayorOfKingston: “Can never accuse Coun. Osanic of not having a thorough motion.” #mayorjokes #ygkc ^TV
• 9:27 PM: Quick change on the minutes motion (Said moved by Coun. Scott, who wasn’t here), and it carries. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:28 PM: No questions on communications; no other business. We move into by-laws. #ygkc ^TV
• 9:31 PM: And the by-laws all carry (some with separation on conflicts). #ygkc ^TV
• 9:32 PM: We’re done. Adjournment at 9:32pm. Thanks for following!. Recap online tomorrow. Next meeting is next week, Oct 1! See you then! #ygkc ^TV

Thanks to reneilet for today’s original photo.