2007-01-04_Minutes--Procès-verbal
January 4, 2007
Minutes of the Portion of the Committee of the Whole Meeting Open to the Public
Thursday, January 4, 2007, 5:00 p.m.
Council Chamber, City Hall
Present:
Mayor Norm McFarlane,
Deputy Mayor Hooton and Councillors Chang, Chase, Court, Farren, Ferguson,
McGuire, Tait, Titus and White
- and -
T. Totten, City Manager; J. Nugent, City Solicitor; A. Beckett, Deputy City
Manager of Programs and Priorities; G. Yeomans, Commissioner of Finance and
Treasurer; J. Baird, Commissioner of Planning and Development; W. Edwards,
Commissioner of Buildings and Inspection Services; A. Bodechon, Chief of
Police; R. Simonds, Fire Chief; P. Groody, Commissioner of Municipal
Operations; B. Morrison, Commissioner of Leisure Services; P. Woods, Deputy
City Manager and Common Clerk, and E. Gormley, Assistant Common Clerk
1. Meeting Called To Order
The Mayor called the Committee of the Whole meeting to order.
1.1 2007 Operating and Capital Budget - General Fund
Referring to submitted electronic slide document and alternative budget statements, the
City Manager presented statistics on growth in the City and listed projects undertaken in
2006 and those planned for the future. He outlined the City’s financial obligations,
additional revenue and possible options for establishing the 2007 budget.
Several Councillors expressed their desire to ensure that the required payments to
satisfy the pension deficit are made, and not to increase taxes.
On motion of CouncillorTait
Seconded by Councillor McGuire
RESOLVED that the City Manager bring back a draft budget,
holding the tax rate, addressing the Pension deficit with the assistance of the Unions,
Management and Non-union employees, and outlining the impact and concerns that the
City Manager and staff might have with such a position.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Court
Seconded by Councillor Tait
RESOLVED that Council meet in closed Committee of the Whole
on Monday, January 8, 2007 to discuss staffing issues as they relate to the 2007 budget,
and in open Committee of the Whole session on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 to have
further discussions on the budget.
Question being taken, the motion was carried.
On motion of Councillor Ferguson
Seconded by Councillor Farren
RESOLVED that the Province of New Brunswick be requested to
conduct an independent review of the City of Saint John Pension Plan.
Question being taken, the motion was defeated with the Mayor and Councillors voting
nay with the exception of the mover and seconder.
Common Clerk