This is a regular CATCH summary of votes at committee and council meetings. This report covers the month of September 2015. 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. Links are instead provided to the agenda where the documents can be accessed.
Payday loan regulation
A motion by Green asking the province to strengthen the Payday Loans Act and allow municipalities “to limit the number and regulation the locations of payday loan and cheque cashing outlets” was unanimously adopted in a standing recorded vote. The motion also directed staff to research the feasibility of licensing these outlets and require them to post comparative and annualized rates and information on debt counseling, and map the locations and make recommendations for alternative financial services.
At City Council, September 9 Minutes p9-10 (15-0)
For: Collins, Conley, Duvall, Farr, Ferguson, Green, Jackson, A Johnson, B Johnson, Merulla, Partridge, Pasuta, Pearson, Vanderbeek, Whitehead
Against: none
Absent: Eisenberger
Food Bank
A staff recommendation that (a) the city provide $200,000 to the Neighbour to Neighbour Community Food Centre for capital improvements, and (b) refer consideration of an annual operating grant of $200,000 to the 2016 budget as an enhancement was approved.
At Board of Health, September 21 Report p1, 5
Recorded opposed to section (b): Ferguson
Sign variance
Staff recommended denial of the appeal by Urban Solutions to overturn a decision of the director of planning to deny the company’s request to erect a triple-facing sign on the top of the existing telecommunications tower at 1775 Stoney Church Road East. Committee heard from Sergio Manchia representing the developer and on a motion by Conley voted to approve the sign and the required variance. Staff explained that the appeal could be approved but the variance making the sign legal can only be approved by Committee of Adjustment. The motion was consequently amended and approved, with Conley dissenting.
At Planning Committee, September 15 Minutes p17-18
Recorded opposed: Conley
Budget guidelines
Staff presented the outlook for the 2016 budget and recommended that boards and agencies as well as city departments explain any increases over the inflation rate of two percent. A motion by Partridge reduced that to one percent and removed the reference to inflation and the amended motion was approved 11-3
At General Issues Committee, September 16 Minutes p10-13 (11-3)
For: Collins, Duvall, Farr, Ferguson, Green, A Johnson, Merulla, Partridge, Pasuta, Vanderbeek, Whitehead
Against: Conley, Jackson, Pearson
Absent: Eisenberger, B Johnson