2004-11-27_Minutes--Procès-verbal
November 27,2004
Minutes of the Portion of the Committee of the Whole Meeting Open to the Public
Saturday, November 27,2004,8:10 o'clock a.m.
Council Chamber, City Hall
Present:
Mayor McFarlane,
Deputy Mayor Hooton and Councillors Chang, Court, Farren, Ferguson,
McGuire, Tait, Titus and White
- and -
1. Totten, City Manager; J. Nugent, City Solicitor; A. Beckett, Commissioner of
Finance and Corporate Services; P. Groody, Commissioner of Municipal
Operations; W. Edwards, Commissioner of Buildings and Inspection Services; R.
Simonds, Fire Chief; A. Bodechon, Chief of Police; G. Yeomans, Comptroller P.
Woods, Common Clerk and Deputy City Manager; and E. Gormley, Assistant
Common Clerk
1. MeetinQ Called To Order
The Mayor called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order.
2. 2005 OperatinQ BudQet
Corporate Services:
The Corporate Services Budget presentation having been given on November 17, 2004,
the Mayor and Councillors proceeded to ask questions with Mr. Beckett and the City
Manager responding.
The issue of possible cost savings by consolidating some boards and commissions was
raised with Mr. Beckett explaining that there could be some savings realized and noting
the successes achieved by some commissions, such as the Transit Commission.
Councillor Tait suggested that this issue be analyzed in 2005.
In response to Councillors' questions, Mr. Beckett advised that Electronic Records and
Document Management will be implemented in 2005 using a staged approach, which
will include lap top computers for Council members; that a business analysis has been
completed on Public Service Communication Centres (PSCC's) with a proposal having
been submitted to the Province and that the payment of salaries on a bi-weekly basis will
be explored for potential cost-savings. He added that absenteeism continues to be a
problem costing the City $1.5 -$2 million per year, and that this will be a major focus in
the future particularly as it relates to facilitating employees' return to work.
Councillor Titus suggested that areas of interest be divided among Councillors to avoid
duplication of effort. He explained that with two or three Council members attending to
specific issues would probably lead to increased efficiency.
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Public Committee of the Whole
November 27,2004
Saint John Police Department:
Police Chief Bodechon introduced members of the Police Commission present in the
Chamber, and presented the 2005 Police Department's submitted operating budget with
a total of $16,969,816. He advised that the Department is requesting an additional three
positions which is not included in the submitted figures.
Discussion followed on the issue of providing services outside of the City with the Chief
explaining that compensation is provided for some services, and reciprocal services
offered for others.
Councillor McGuire advised that the issue raised most often by the public was a desire
to increase the number of police on "beat patrol". The Chief responded that, for the most
part, this type of policing has no practical results.
Councillor Chang asked for statistics such as the average percentage of charges related
to drugs, and more specifically marijuana and prescription drugs. Chief Bodechon
advised that he will provide those statistics.
The Committee directed the Common Clerk to reschedule to 2005 the Police
Commission's presentation, presently scheduled for December 20, 2004.
City Manager's Remarks:
The City Manager advised Council that the tax base figures have been received and that
Council has had budget presentations from the larger Departments. He added that the
issue of grants will have to be addressed in the next couple of weeks and that he will be
putting together a draft budget which will include projections for the next couple of years.
On motion of Councillor Titus
Seconded by Councillor McGuire
RESOLVED that the Committee of the Whole meeting scheduled
for Monday, November 29,2004 be cancelled.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
Water and Sewerage:
Referring to an electronic slide presentation, Mr. Groody explained the importance of
focusing on the long term strategy for water and sewerage and offered a document for
Council's information entitled, "Water Safe, Clean, Healthy - Water and Environmental
Outcomes Essential for Saint John" dated November 2004. The document focuses on
Wastewater Treatment/Harbour Clean-up; Drinking Water Quality, Safety and Service;
Sustainable Municipal Infrastructure; A Financial Management Model and a 2005
Revised Funding Support Model.
Mr. Groody outlined the City's essential needs for Water and Wastewater and related
expenditures together with capital projects planned to address those needs in the next
ten years. He advised that the City has two serious deficiencies: 1. the absence of real
treatment and 2. a very old infrastructure.
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Public Committee of the Whole
November 27,2004
Recommendations presented to the Committee for Council to consider are as follows:
1. Reaffirms its commitment to high quality, safe drinking water and to an
environment free of raw municipal sewage and further that these objectives
remain foremost priorities of The City of Saint John.
2. Endorses the strategies outlined herein for harbour clean-up (100% wastewater
treatment), high quality (safe) drinking water, and transition to sustainable utility
i nfrastructu re.
3. Endorses the financial management model proposed.
4. Supports in general terms the long-term capital programs outlined in the
submitted report (formal program approval would be part of the budget process).
5. Commits to securing the required funding support from other levels of
government to achieve these outcomes essential for Saint John.
6. Commits to a comprehensive communications and public information program for
water and wastewater initiatives.
7. Supports the various other recommendations and action steps outlined in the
submitted report
The meeting adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
Common Clerk