PEOPLE LIKE YOU ...
No, its not a compliment that I received today, it ended in an arrest by Toronto Police, courtesy of a situation precipitated by a judgemental and 'higher than thou' TTC driver on the 506 College eastbound bus, a few houses down the street where I live, College and Lansdowne.
It happened at about 3:45pm today (Good Friday) and I am posting this at 6:21pm, after I ran my errands after being released from uncomfortable police custody in the back of one of their cramped cruises, while in over-tight handcuffs. They purposely have the from seats pushed back as far as it will go and I still have ligature marks on my wrists.
... But this is not about the police, who just did their jobs as a cog in the system.
This is about the Toronto Transit Commission and how customers are considered second class freight by (some) arrogant drivers. Since this record will no doubt be used in my upcoming court case, and because I believe in truth, here are the details:
1. I walked to the corner and waited at the northwest corner for the College streetcar. There were already about 20+ people there.
2. After what felt like a 15-20 minute wait (wish I had timed it), and watching bus after bus just bypass and go down Dundas (which I thought was closed), the 506 bus and the soon to be offending driver pulls up.
3. The young female driver (a rookie?) commences to have a long conversation with another young lady who boarded after me and seemed to be a friend, while about 10 people, many of them elderly, wait to board.
4. I was seated about halfway down the bus and went to the front, feeling concerned that people were waiting, and simply asked the driver "What's the holdup?"
5. She replies "Just be patient sir." I replied "We've been patient enough" . Yes I was feeling irritated at the wait, but did not express it other than to say "Let's just get moving" and turned to walk away.
6. Driver says "If you don't like it, get out and take a taxi". Now, understand that I am on disability, low income and the last time I took a taxi was when I had to go to the hospital after a fall and tore a hamstring. I resent being reminded of my poverty, and her statement was inflammatory.
7. It may have been at this time that I said was was only the worst thing that I could have said: "Oh, go to hell"... or it may have been later, since the driver continued to escalate and bait me.
9. The driver then said 'Get off my bus" and stopped just in front of the Tim Horton's I always frequent. I replied "No, I've got a valid fare" and held up my monthy April TTC pass again.
10. Driver then says "Its' PEOPLE LIKE YOU who are the problem..." Now I admit, this bothered me as I would most anyone I think, as it is a put down that is a classist statement intended to diminish the value of another human being.
11. I inform the driver I would be filing a complaint, and the driver says "Go ahead, I won't lose my job over a complaint". To me, this is obnviously a reference to the fact that the TTC has a strong union and no complaints would ever be taken seriously or have conseuences.
12. The 'won't lose my job' complaint to me was yet another further escalation, said loudly and with a smirk on her face, again intended to 'put me in my place' so to speak.
13. At this point, I am angry enough to decide then and there to stand up for my rights as a human being, entitled to some respect just like anyone else. I strongly point out that I did not swear or become abusive or threatening to the driver in any way. In fact, there was a man between me and the driver who was chatting with her during this, and a relatively full busload of passengers.
14. Now, we have one bus stopped and not moving. The driver calls TTC control to report 'an abusive passenger who won't get off the bus' and proceeds to describe me as old, balding, etc. I spoke loud enough such that the TTC controller would know who I was, giving clearly my name, address and telephone number. My thought was there was no point in delaying the bus, I was on it and they knew who I was. Besides there are in bus cameras taking down the entire exchange.
15. TTC control soon comes over the bus speakers and announces the bus out of service and told all passengers to exit.
16. At about this point I decide to document things myself using my cell phone camera to take photos and video of the bus, identifying number, etc.
17. The police have not arrived, another bus pulls up and I get off to get on it. Driver 1 (young female) says, "no dont let him on" but I already am. Driver 2 (a guy with a small beard) comes back and says his bus is now out of service.
18. I get off bus 2 and get back on bus 1. Now 2 buses are out of service. This is ridiculous.
19. Police have still not arrived (I am standing up for what I believe is an impotant issue, having to do with human rights * more on this at end of this post), so
20 I call 311 to ensure that at least there is a record of what is happening and ask to lodge a complaint against the TTC. The 311 operator doesn't know what to do, so I ask him to take my name and telephone number and to advise my local city councillor Ana Bailao. The reason for this is that I have had concerns about TTC issues of safety and customer service for some time, having posted about it on my weblog and in emails to TTC Chair Karen Stintz as well as discussions with Ana. I intend to file a complaint.
21. Police arrive and I gladly exit the bus to explain what happened, to an initially sympathetic officer - while the other officer (Hollingshead) talks to the TTC driver. I ask if I am being arrested and he says no.
22. By now there are crowds watching 2 idling buses and police questioning me and the driver, with traffic slowed and gawking at the roadside show.
23. I have to admit by this point I am disgusted with the whole over the top situation, but I am not one to back down when I feel I am being treated unfairly (by the TTC, I stress, police are still just doing their job).
24. Since the statements appear to have been taken, I try to board the bus and officer Hollingshead blocks my entry. If I am not under arrest and I have a valid fare, why not I ask. Things are fuzzy here as I think I tried to board, angry that I was being refused, in my thought, all access to TTC buses. And here I did do a stupid thing, puting my foot up to board (my stubborness did me in). I am absolutely sure I did not touch or push the officer, but in a frenzied whirl I am speedily manhandled, twisted around and handcuffed.
25. Now I am frisked over the trunk of the police car, relieved of all my belongings and consigned to the cramped back seat of the cruiser. I see out the window buses idling, 2 police cars (including the one I was in) and a TTC supervisor car. While I wait for about an hour, with the blood ciculation in my hands cut off, I think over the events. I hear on the police radio that the incident for my call is Delta 137173. I also hear a police call for an assault situation at 1011 Lansdowne and calls for a traffic car at College and Ossington.
26. I am shamed that the incident involving me was responded to in such an over the top fashion and that police resources were being taken up bt this. I am however certain of the rightness of my concerns in how the TTC often treats the 'lower classes'. I am glad to at least know that now there will be a full report of the incident so I can actually follow up and not be just ignored, as often happens to those with no power or status.
27. After what seemed an eternity, the car pulls round in front of the bus and I am told to get out of the car. I am released from the cuffs and given back my belongings. I ask why I wasn't being taken to the station and told I was being given a ticket. $50 fine for trespass. I will fight it.
28. I think at this point another bus pulls up (#3) and I go to get on it (after all I was not under arrest and had valid fare). The driver refuses me access and the supervisor comes up and say no as well. What gives? Am I being refused access to the entire TTC system?
29. The kindly police officer (good cop, bad cop teams?) comes to tell me that I cannot board. After some confusion I realize its because I 'had words' with him, ie. an interchange so the police have to document this while another bus is out of service: Driver 3: "You can't get on" Me: "Why" Driver 3: "Because I said so"... that was pretty much the entirety of the conversation.
30. NOW... bus number 4 pulls up and I am invited to board by the police.
31. As I go towards the bus, the bearded TTC Supervisor feels compelled to come to me and say "You know, it's PEOPLE LIKE YOU that cause all the problems...." He goes on to say, "My job is to protect my people from PEOPLE LIKE YOU"
...I thank him for giving me a title and sweet soundbite for the whole incident and its deeper meaning:
.... Someday People Like You.... can quickly become PEOPLE LIKE ME ....
I am looking foward to my day in court.
----
* There is background to this that bears consideration. I travel on the Queen Streetcar, the Dufferin and Ossington buses. I too often see abusive TTC drivers who give those that are 'down and out' a really hard time. They are challenged much more often to again produce valid transfers just because of the way they look. A few times, I've heard drivers say really nasty demeaning things like 'you're a waste of time' or 'what? all you can give me is pennies? or 'I don't want YOU on my bus (before they even board or speak'. I do say that it is only some drivers, in my estimate maybe 10% at most and usually not the drivers on the regular runs (probably overtime work from another more classy route).
Still, the customer deserves some respect, don't you think?
---
* Update: 8:50pm Friday - I checked the TTC website for the bylaws, since I was charged as "Failed to leave premises when directed Trespass to Property Ac 2 (1) (b). "
----
TTC bylaws make no direct mention of this, other than possibly:
3.24 No person, unless otherwise authorized, shall loiter in or on TTC property.
... Is this what I am being found guilty of ?
3.25 No person shall cause a disturbance or act contrary to the public peace on TTC property, including but not limited to:
a) urinating, expectorating or defecating, except in facilities specifically intended for such actions;
b) using profane, insulting or obscene language or gestures; ...Is the word 'hell' profane?
c) behaving in an indecent or offensive manner;
d) shining any type of light at an operator of a TTC vehicle or any other passenger;
e) fighting; or
f) behaving in a manner which would interfere with the ordinary enjoyment of persons using the transit system. ... A wonderful 'anything else we can think of' catchphrase?
----
The Trespass to Property Act says: R.S.O. 1990, CHAPTER T.21
Trespass an offence
2. (1) Every person who is not acting under a right or authority conferred by law and who,
(a) without the express permission of the occupier, the proof of which rests on the defendant,
(i) enters on premises when entry is prohibited under this Act, or
(ii) engages in an activity on premises when the activity is prohibited under this Act; or
(b) does not leave the premises immediately after he or she is directed to do so by the occupier of the premises or a person authorized by the occupier,
is guilty of an offence and on conviction is liable to a fine of not more than $2,000. R.S.O. 1990, c. T.21, s. 2 (1).
------
* Update: 9:46pm I sent in a signed, faxed complaint to TTC customer service. I am told by their site I can expect followup in 7 business days (May 3rd). Stay tuned. This was the exact complaint just sent:
Comments: Driver held up the much delayed bus with a conversation with a friend/passenger while elderly people waited to board. I asked What the holdup was, She said, Be patient, I said we've been patient enough and turned to sit down. Driver escalated several times, saying: 1. If you dont like it, get out and take a taxi; 2. It's PEOPLE LIKE YOU who are the problem; 3. I'm not going to lose my job over a complaint (laughs) - after I said I would file a complaint. Resulted in about 3+ buses being delayed, Police called, me being arrested. I shall fight this complaint in court and will be talking to the media. Note that my chief complaint is with the TTC cultural attitude of 'my people, you people'. Since I have to put this in writing it is only fair that you respond in kind. kenwood@bell.net I would be happy to speak with your new customer service guru to resolve this.
Date and Time of Event (yyyy-mm-dd): 2011-04-22 03:45 PM
Employee Badge Number: unknown
Employee Description: Young, female driver
Gender: Female
Vehicle No.: 1626
Run No.: 506 Ossington
Licence Plate: I have a photo
Route name and/or Number: 506 bus eastbound
Vehicle direction of travel: East
Location of Occurrence: College and Lansdowne
Reference Number #52481
----
Note: I have also emailed TTC Chair and Councillor Stintz and cc'd my local Councillor Ana Bailao.
Showing posts with label Ana Bailao. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Ana Bailao. Show all posts
Friday, April 22, 2011
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Transit Plans a Moving Target
Quick Synopsis of Ward 18 Town Hall on Transit
Tuesday evening, March 29, ward 18 Davenport City Councillor Ana Bailao held a town hall on TRANSIT. (The first city councillor I believe to do so)
In attendance were only about 30-40 citizens, but very engaged ones at that.
TTC Chair Karen Stintz attended and answered tough questions and concerns from the audience, after an introductory slide presentation from the Pembina Institute (Graham Haines), a non profit sustainable energy think tank that did a lot of analysis of the various iterations of Toronto's transit planning.
HISTORY:
Chair Stintz explained that "Transit City", declared dead by Mayor Ford - yet never actually voted on by the entire city council * had become a subset of "The Big Move" a provincial REGIONAL transit planning exercise led by Metrolinx, and became "Transportation City" - a new brand that referred to the city of Toronto pieces.
Essentially the plan always was (and supposedly still is) to ensure connectivity to the 4 corners of the city, with the intent of moving people quickly downtown to work. An audience member pointed out that perhaps ensuring local community transit, where people actually lkived and worked, was more sustainable (Why assume someone in Scarborough must transit to downtown Toronto? Why not build incentives for businesses to exist in Scarborough? ... there was no real answer on that)
Moving into detail, the 'Transit City" plan was too ambitious with numerous routes and connections.
Chair Stintz explained that priorities had to be decided upon, even though the federal government had (and presumably still will) dedicate $333 million to extending the Sheppard subway, while the province had committed $8.2 BILLION to the rest of transit structure.
To put it in perspective, last year's total city budget was $9.28 billion, so the funding is enormous.
Priorites, Stintz explained, were the Eglinton crosstown LRT (to be put underground where possible, as promised by Mayor Ford), followed by the Sheppard subway/LRT... with the Finch West LRT last.
Curious, but predictable, since Ms Stintz' ward is Eglinton, yet statistics show the Finch transit is in great need of expansion and development. (Councillor Maria Augimeri will not be pleased by that). Is there a conflict of interest here? (I point out there would not be, if we had a separate, elected position for TTC Chair)
A question was asked as to whether in the planning there was some sort of template or consideration about how do you value a rider in Finch versus on Eglinton? Is it development/economics driven or what? ie. Many low income people need transit on Finch West to access low paid jobs in the city core, yet the Eglinton crosstown riders would be higher in the financial status realm.... No real answer, "all riders are important."
Audience also questioned plan comparisons (transit city vs new plans) why lose 25 km above ground transit just to bury 7km underground? Again, no real answer. I suspect it's 'just because Rob Ford wants that'),
Overall it appeared to me that full analysis had not really been done as yet, and I was saddened to hear that there wouldn't really be any full public consultation on next steps. The city and the province have been doing a lot of planning in the back rooms, with the non elected Metrolinx board seeming to have a lot of power over what happens within the city of Toronto's transit structure.
Scary and undemocratic it appears.
* Ana Bailao clarified that the full city council never really approved or voted on "Transit City", but rather on the Environmental Assessments that allowed Transit City to become a plan. When I asked TTC Chair Stintz if full council would vote on any new plan, she said 'probably' but noted that if any citizens wanted input, they needed to make representations to Metrolinx.... weird arms-length manoeuvering that essentially prevents Torontonians from having a say in their own city's systems... Why?
Because he that has the Gold makes the Rules - Wizard of Id
(ie. The other levels of govt are puttting in the lion's share of money so it's their ball game, not the city's)
------------------------------------
Update: Leaked advances about Thursday, March 31st big announcement indicates that:
Losers in the New Transit Plan: ? Finch Bus Riders (Toronto Star)
Update: Critics Slam Transit Plan
Update: I spoke with someone knowledgaeble about transit who told me that the numbers of stops covered by any plan nis really irrelevant. If you want to move large masses quickly, it's the speed. Rapid Transit is anything over 30km/hr - anything less will not help and certainly won't get people out of their cars to switch to transit.
The ideal would be to use the current railway corridor: the Georgetown-Pearson-Union Station linkage to put in rapid transit, he says. Worth exploring - but did anyone bother to? In my fantasy I envisage an underground subway. rail and deidcated rlocalbus lanes above, and cycling paths.... But I guess transit planning IS a fantasy - at least in our city.
Tuesday evening, March 29, ward 18 Davenport City Councillor Ana Bailao held a town hall on TRANSIT. (The first city councillor I believe to do so)
In attendance were only about 30-40 citizens, but very engaged ones at that.
TTC Chair Karen Stintz attended and answered tough questions and concerns from the audience, after an introductory slide presentation from the Pembina Institute (Graham Haines), a non profit sustainable energy think tank that did a lot of analysis of the various iterations of Toronto's transit planning.
HISTORY:
Chair Stintz explained that "Transit City", declared dead by Mayor Ford - yet never actually voted on by the entire city council * had become a subset of "The Big Move" a provincial REGIONAL transit planning exercise led by Metrolinx, and became "Transportation City" - a new brand that referred to the city of Toronto pieces.
Essentially the plan always was (and supposedly still is) to ensure connectivity to the 4 corners of the city, with the intent of moving people quickly downtown to work. An audience member pointed out that perhaps ensuring local community transit, where people actually lkived and worked, was more sustainable (Why assume someone in Scarborough must transit to downtown Toronto? Why not build incentives for businesses to exist in Scarborough? ... there was no real answer on that)
Moving into detail, the 'Transit City" plan was too ambitious with numerous routes and connections.
Chair Stintz explained that priorities had to be decided upon, even though the federal government had (and presumably still will) dedicate $333 million to extending the Sheppard subway, while the province had committed $8.2 BILLION to the rest of transit structure.
To put it in perspective, last year's total city budget was $9.28 billion, so the funding is enormous.
Priorites, Stintz explained, were the Eglinton crosstown LRT (to be put underground where possible, as promised by Mayor Ford), followed by the Sheppard subway/LRT... with the Finch West LRT last.
Curious, but predictable, since Ms Stintz' ward is Eglinton, yet statistics show the Finch transit is in great need of expansion and development. (Councillor Maria Augimeri will not be pleased by that). Is there a conflict of interest here? (I point out there would not be, if we had a separate, elected position for TTC Chair)
A question was asked as to whether in the planning there was some sort of template or consideration about how do you value a rider in Finch versus on Eglinton? Is it development/economics driven or what? ie. Many low income people need transit on Finch West to access low paid jobs in the city core, yet the Eglinton crosstown riders would be higher in the financial status realm.... No real answer, "all riders are important."
Audience also questioned plan comparisons (transit city vs new plans) why lose 25 km above ground transit just to bury 7km underground? Again, no real answer. I suspect it's 'just because Rob Ford wants that'),
Overall it appeared to me that full analysis had not really been done as yet, and I was saddened to hear that there wouldn't really be any full public consultation on next steps. The city and the province have been doing a lot of planning in the back rooms, with the non elected Metrolinx board seeming to have a lot of power over what happens within the city of Toronto's transit structure.
Scary and undemocratic it appears.
* Ana Bailao clarified that the full city council never really approved or voted on "Transit City", but rather on the Environmental Assessments that allowed Transit City to become a plan. When I asked TTC Chair Stintz if full council would vote on any new plan, she said 'probably' but noted that if any citizens wanted input, they needed to make representations to Metrolinx.... weird arms-length manoeuvering that essentially prevents Torontonians from having a say in their own city's systems... Why?
Because he that has the Gold makes the Rules - Wizard of Id
(ie. The other levels of govt are puttting in the lion's share of money so it's their ball game, not the city's)
------------------------------------
Update: Leaked advances about Thursday, March 31st big announcement indicates that:
Losers in the New Transit Plan: ? Finch Bus Riders (Toronto Star)
Update: Critics Slam Transit Plan
Update: I spoke with someone knowledgaeble about transit who told me that the numbers of stops covered by any plan nis really irrelevant. If you want to move large masses quickly, it's the speed. Rapid Transit is anything over 30km/hr - anything less will not help and certainly won't get people out of their cars to switch to transit.
The ideal would be to use the current railway corridor: the Georgetown-Pearson-Union Station linkage to put in rapid transit, he says. Worth exploring - but did anyone bother to? In my fantasy I envisage an underground subway. rail and deidcated rlocalbus lanes above, and cycling paths.... But I guess transit planning IS a fantasy - at least in our city.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Toronto City Elections Discriminates Against the Poor
I'm In A Funk - Poor People Discouraged From Running
When I ran for election in ward 18, it was because I wanted to connect to my community and have an impact on the issues raised during the city election campaign. I had no illusions of winning first time running, but thought I had some perspectives and ideas to offer, and I wanted in on the public debates.
I was testing myself, but also testing whether someone not part of any partisan party elites or having networked money backers could really run and make some small difference. To put it another way, I wondered if someone in the low income bracket (ie., "poor") could participate in the democratic process by more than just by voting. My initial take was yes, since it seemed anyone with $100 could run for city councillor ($200 for mayor).
My conclusion, sadly, is that the system is definitely biased against those of us considered 'poor', which according to various statistics is somewhere around 15-20% of the general population.
* The biggest shock I got when I went to file my campaign expenses (and why I have been in a funk for a while) is that in order to participate in the "Contribution Rebate Program" (where the city refunds about 75% of any political donation), was that I needed to have an AUDITED financial statement by a licenced auditor. This was not something explained at the initial city hall orientation meeting; I thought it applied evenly to all candidates.
That means, of the $745 I had in donations and ran on (against partisan party competitors who easily raised the $28,747.30 maximums allowed), the current Toronto city bylaw expects me to pay an auditor between $500-$1000 to audit my meager revenue and expenditures. Anyone can see this makes no sense and is inherently unfair.
So, when I went to file my financial statement, I was not allowed to arrange for contribution rebates to be paid out. Thus, the four donors who I had honestly thought would get city funded rebates paid out by this September will NOT be paid by the city.
Now I am in a dilemma of how someone like me, who is on Ontario Disability and has about $1,000 a month to pay rent, food and all other expenses is ever going to come up with the $518.75 that my four contributors were promised and expecting. I am left feeling embarrassed and depressed that this situation is happening. I am also angry that the city has not thought their bylaws and procedures through to be inclusive in the democratic process.
As I wrote on my filing:
As someone on low income (Ontario Disability), I protest strongly that the requirement for me to pay a licenced auditor (est. cost $500-$1000) is at its core, anti-democratic. The net effect is to disenfranchise a large segment of the population who must exist on low income. Therefore, the city bylaw requiring this is discriminatory in the extreme. - Ken Wood March 24, 2011
----
Note: I spoke with my duly elected City Councillor, Ana Bailao, about this on March 24th and she has agreed to look into the bylaw at my request. I am hoping that there will be a change to eliminate this roadblock to democracy.
------
* This is from an email I received from the Toronto city elections office:
Candidates participating in the Contribution Rebate Program must submit:
- Financial Statement;
- Auditor's Report (provided by a licensed auditor);
- Photocopies of expense invoices (the Clerk will not accept originals);
- Pink copies of Contribution Rebate forms (if using EFFS, these are submitted electronically and do not need to be provided with the financial statement); and
- Any surplus reported on the financial statement (cash, cheque, money order – payable to "Treasurer, City of Toronto").
If any of these documents are not submitted at the time of filing, contribution rebates will not be paid out.
---
Candidates NOT participating in the Contribution Rebate program must submit:
- Financial Statement;
- Auditor's Report (if raised or spent over $10,000); and
- Any surplus reported on the financial statement (cash, cheque, money order – payable to "Treasurer, City of Toronto").`
---
Notes: The city bylaw in question is No. 1257-2009 and the only reference to the suditor's report I find was 11 d) The Clerk is satisfied that the candidate has filed any financial statement AND AUDITOR REPORT ...
Reference is made to the Ontario provincial Municipal Elections Act 1996 which has a lot of legalese, but states this: "Exception re auditor’s report - (5) No auditor’s report is required if the total contributions received and total expenses incurred in the election campaign up to the end of the relevant period are each equal to or less than $10,000. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 78 (5)."
Thus, there is nothing provincially that requires an audited report.
It is only a city requirement for an audited report to participate in the donor contribution program !
When I ran for election in ward 18, it was because I wanted to connect to my community and have an impact on the issues raised during the city election campaign. I had no illusions of winning first time running, but thought I had some perspectives and ideas to offer, and I wanted in on the public debates.
I was testing myself, but also testing whether someone not part of any partisan party elites or having networked money backers could really run and make some small difference. To put it another way, I wondered if someone in the low income bracket (ie., "poor") could participate in the democratic process by more than just by voting. My initial take was yes, since it seemed anyone with $100 could run for city councillor ($200 for mayor).
My conclusion, sadly, is that the system is definitely biased against those of us considered 'poor', which according to various statistics is somewhere around 15-20% of the general population.
* The biggest shock I got when I went to file my campaign expenses (and why I have been in a funk for a while) is that in order to participate in the "Contribution Rebate Program" (where the city refunds about 75% of any political donation), was that I needed to have an AUDITED financial statement by a licenced auditor. This was not something explained at the initial city hall orientation meeting; I thought it applied evenly to all candidates.
That means, of the $745 I had in donations and ran on (against partisan party competitors who easily raised the $28,747.30 maximums allowed), the current Toronto city bylaw expects me to pay an auditor between $500-$1000 to audit my meager revenue and expenditures. Anyone can see this makes no sense and is inherently unfair.
So, when I went to file my financial statement, I was not allowed to arrange for contribution rebates to be paid out. Thus, the four donors who I had honestly thought would get city funded rebates paid out by this September will NOT be paid by the city.
Now I am in a dilemma of how someone like me, who is on Ontario Disability and has about $1,000 a month to pay rent, food and all other expenses is ever going to come up with the $518.75 that my four contributors were promised and expecting. I am left feeling embarrassed and depressed that this situation is happening. I am also angry that the city has not thought their bylaws and procedures through to be inclusive in the democratic process.
As I wrote on my filing:
As someone on low income (Ontario Disability), I protest strongly that the requirement for me to pay a licenced auditor (est. cost $500-$1000) is at its core, anti-democratic. The net effect is to disenfranchise a large segment of the population who must exist on low income. Therefore, the city bylaw requiring this is discriminatory in the extreme. - Ken Wood March 24, 2011
----
Note: I spoke with my duly elected City Councillor, Ana Bailao, about this on March 24th and she has agreed to look into the bylaw at my request. I am hoping that there will be a change to eliminate this roadblock to democracy.
------
* This is from an email I received from the Toronto city elections office:
Candidates participating in the Contribution Rebate Program must submit:
- Financial Statement;
- Auditor's Report (provided by a licensed auditor);
- Photocopies of expense invoices (the Clerk will not accept originals);
- Pink copies of Contribution Rebate forms (if using EFFS, these are submitted electronically and do not need to be provided with the financial statement); and
- Any surplus reported on the financial statement (cash, cheque, money order – payable to "Treasurer, City of Toronto").
If any of these documents are not submitted at the time of filing, contribution rebates will not be paid out.
---
Candidates NOT participating in the Contribution Rebate program must submit:
- Financial Statement;
- Auditor's Report (if raised or spent over $10,000); and
- Any surplus reported on the financial statement (cash, cheque, money order – payable to "Treasurer, City of Toronto").`
---
Notes: The city bylaw in question is No. 1257-2009 and the only reference to the suditor's report I find was 11 d) The Clerk is satisfied that the candidate has filed any financial statement AND AUDITOR REPORT ...
Reference is made to the Ontario provincial Municipal Elections Act 1996 which has a lot of legalese, but states this: "Exception re auditor’s report - (5) No auditor’s report is required if the total contributions received and total expenses incurred in the election campaign up to the end of the relevant period are each equal to or less than $10,000. 1996, c. 32, Sched., s. 78 (5)."
Thus, there is nothing provincially that requires an audited report.
It is only a city requirement for an audited report to participate in the donor contribution program !
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Councillor Expense Reports
How Much Do Ward 18 Councillors Cost Us?
City Hall website has expense reports online for all councillors. To view at this link
Of peculiar interest is that Ana Bailao expensed $1022.40 for Christmas cards on Dec 31, 2010. Peculiar because there was some (valid) outrage at her predecessor, Adam Giambrone, doing the same when he knew he was leaving office.
----
So far Ana's expensing pales in comparison to big spender Adam Giambrone: (2010 filing)
These are just a few (low) highlights...
* $1,559.40 for Christmas cards July 7, 2010 (Note: TTC paid 50% of this expense, does not include postage later expensed)
* $35.62 ??? Christmas cards- cutting July 30,2010
* $236.25 to print 50 copies of Dyan Marie's Bloor Magazine July 22, 2010
* $2,299.50 French training
* $ 150 Gala Ticket for Abrigo
* $30 for Dream Team fundraiser
* $60 Ticket for Chilean Relief Fundraiser
* $500 donation to GTA Canadian Italian Youth
* $50 Ticket to Sri Lankan gala
* $125 Ticket Portugese Gala Dinner
* $ 4.90 Office supplies Grand and Tory
* $23.19 Toronto Life magazine subscription
* $1,050.56 almost all spent on taxis
* $1,175 for gardening services at constituency office, expensed in October, 2010
.... Has anyone looked at his constituency office? Outside is about a 6x6 foot area, mostly gravel, with a small bench and some ratty looking weeds.
Also of interest is the geographic locations of services chosen. Adam picked:
Zap Courier 400 Creditstone On L4K 3Z3
Reliable Flyer Distribution Services 66 Laird Drive
Media Works (to print newsletters) 2010 ellesmere Rd Scarborough
Imperial Graphics (Christmas cards) 30 Eastern Avenue
.... Shouldn't a local councillor shop locally?
Here are Adam Giambrone's 2010 expenses: Amounts shown are net of GST.
Staff Salaries & Benefits Budget Overage $ 0.00
Office Equipment and Supplies $ 804.32 Invoices
Transportation, Kilometrage & Parking $ 1,050.56 Invoices
Printing, Postage & Courier $ 14,340.29 Invoices
Telecom Services $ 0.00
Constituency & Business Meeting $ 158.95 Invoices
City Hall/Civic Centre Rent & Constituency Office Expenses $ 11,114.84 Invoices
Advertising & Promotion $ 500.77 Invoices
Professional & Technical Services $ 1,359.76 Invoices
Office Travel $ 9,686.29 Invoices
Other Expenses $ 9,846.00 Invoices
Donations Received for Community Events $ 0.00
Other Recoveries $ -2,876.70 Invoices
Expense Using Personal Funds $ 0.00
----
NOTE: This does NOT include anything Adam expensed via the TTC ! Odds are that Adam was the biggest spender on city council.
City hall policies on Councillor expense is HERE
During his last four months in office, ex-TTC chairman Adam Giambrone spent an obscene $9,307.08 jetting around the world attending seemingly obscure transit conferences....Giambrone ran up $135,504 tab before quitting TTC
City Hall website has expense reports online for all councillors. To view at this link
Of peculiar interest is that Ana Bailao expensed $1022.40 for Christmas cards on Dec 31, 2010. Peculiar because there was some (valid) outrage at her predecessor, Adam Giambrone, doing the same when he knew he was leaving office.
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So far Ana's expensing pales in comparison to big spender Adam Giambrone: (2010 filing)
These are just a few (low) highlights...
* $1,559.40 for Christmas cards July 7, 2010 (Note: TTC paid 50% of this expense, does not include postage later expensed)
* $35.62 ??? Christmas cards- cutting July 30,2010
* $236.25 to print 50 copies of Dyan Marie's Bloor Magazine July 22, 2010
* $2,299.50 French training
* $ 150 Gala Ticket for Abrigo
* $30 for Dream Team fundraiser
* $60 Ticket for Chilean Relief Fundraiser
* $500 donation to GTA Canadian Italian Youth
* $50 Ticket to Sri Lankan gala
* $125 Ticket Portugese Gala Dinner
* $ 4.90 Office supplies Grand and Tory
* $23.19 Toronto Life magazine subscription
* $1,050.56 almost all spent on taxis
* $1,175 for gardening services at constituency office, expensed in October, 2010
.... Has anyone looked at his constituency office? Outside is about a 6x6 foot area, mostly gravel, with a small bench and some ratty looking weeds.
Also of interest is the geographic locations of services chosen. Adam picked:
Zap Courier 400 Creditstone On L4K 3Z3
Reliable Flyer Distribution Services 66 Laird Drive
Media Works (to print newsletters) 2010 ellesmere Rd Scarborough
Imperial Graphics (Christmas cards) 30 Eastern Avenue
.... Shouldn't a local councillor shop locally?
Here are Adam Giambrone's 2010 expenses: Amounts shown are net of GST.
Staff Salaries & Benefits Budget Overage $ 0.00
Office Equipment and Supplies $ 804.32 Invoices
Transportation, Kilometrage & Parking $ 1,050.56 Invoices
Printing, Postage & Courier $ 14,340.29 Invoices
Telecom Services $ 0.00
Constituency & Business Meeting $ 158.95 Invoices
City Hall/Civic Centre Rent & Constituency Office Expenses $ 11,114.84 Invoices
Advertising & Promotion $ 500.77 Invoices
Professional & Technical Services $ 1,359.76 Invoices
Office Travel $ 9,686.29 Invoices
Other Expenses $ 9,846.00 Invoices
Donations Received for Community Events $ 0.00
Other Recoveries $ -2,876.70 Invoices
Expense Using Personal Funds $ 0.00
----
NOTE: This does NOT include anything Adam expensed via the TTC ! Odds are that Adam was the biggest spender on city council.
City hall policies on Councillor expense is HERE
During his last four months in office, ex-TTC chairman Adam Giambrone spent an obscene $9,307.08 jetting around the world attending seemingly obscure transit conferences....Giambrone ran up $135,504 tab before quitting TTC
Monday, March 14, 2011
Ana Bailao Rates a C+
So... How is Our New Councillor Doing?
Ana Bailao has now been the ward 18 Davenport south City Councillor for about 102 days now, a timeframe that usually means the honeymoon and learning phase is over and a reasonably accurate assessment of who and what we conbstituents voted in can be made.
There is a pretty fair (but not very hard-hitting) interview at BlogTO by Tomasz Bugajski,
A somewhat accurate comment by another reader adds: "Despite the efforts during the campaign of local documentary filmmaker Scott Dobson to highlight Bailão's reliance on developers for campaign contributions, a strong desire for change helped her take the Ward 18 seat from Giambrone's former executive assistant."...
I disagree. The fact that Ward 18 is around 50-60% Portuguese is what helped her. And yes, I'm saying that a large amount of Ward 18's Portuguese residents voted solely based on Ana being of the same background as them and not on her individual merits. (A truth: not being/speaking Portugese in this ward will continue to be an extreme liability to get elected)
Some personal observations by me based on watching Ana in action at City Council and visiting her at her current constituency meetup place (Abrigo Centre, Dufferin Mall, Saturdays 10am-noon):
REPORT CARD: C+
* Ana is a hard worker who takes her responsibilities very seriously. I believe she really thinks through and sometimes agonizes over every vote (something I wish every councillor would do).
* Ana has had a steep learning curve - despite her previous experience as Mario Silva's Executive Assistant (1998-2003). The terrific speed of the budget process pushed by Mayor Ford undoubtedly handcuffed all the rookie councillors in doing due diligence. For that reason, I give Ana a pass (this time) on not being able to do her frequently campaign-promised 'line by line" analysis of the budget to maximize city resources. Nonetheless, Ana seems to have a pretty good handle on what is going on at the new council.
* Ana's voting record shows a little initial confusion in that at first she seemed to vote aligned with the right wing Ford group, but she abruptly changed sides when the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) issue hit the fan at the March 13 spcial meeting. Averaging out overall, Ana seems to belong to the "mushy middle" voting block that is being strongly courted by both the right and left wings of council - a typical position for a Liberal party supporter. (I still suspect she may be leaning right more than left, since she sits between Fordite councillors Denzel Minnan-Wong and Michael Thompson. The latter seems to be teaching her the ropes, a lot) Ana's constituency staff is robust and skilled, sprinkled with both Liberal and Conservative types Info here
* Ana belongs to the 'wait, watch and learn' group of quiet rookie councillors. She rarely speaks at council and follows the debates closely, actively listening to points made by those who are more bold. So far, she is definitely a follower and not a leader. I fear this will continue.
* Responsiveness to contituents is excellent so far. Given that more, better and timely consultation with constituents in ward18 was probably the number one issue last election, Ana has done well. She returns emails and inquires quickly, has held a town hall on the budget and makes her office very available to people.
(Still waiting on a proper website and a regular constituency office, other than 2 hours on a Saturday)
* No doubt because of her centrist political positioning and her refusal to attack Rob Ford during the election campaign, Ana has snagged some reasonably good committee spots for a rookie: Affordable Housing, Planning and Growth, Artscape, Toronto Arts Council, Exhibition Place, Canadian National Exhibition, McCormick Playground Arena. How well she uses them still remains to be seen. Note: Ana could have used her Affordable Housing chair position to really have an impact on the TCHC special meeting debate, but did not do so, Ana is only a bit player in the political power game at city hall, so far.
Ana Bailao has now been the ward 18 Davenport south City Councillor for about 102 days now, a timeframe that usually means the honeymoon and learning phase is over and a reasonably accurate assessment of who and what we conbstituents voted in can be made.
There is a pretty fair (but not very hard-hitting) interview at BlogTO by Tomasz Bugajski,
A somewhat accurate comment by another reader adds: "Despite the efforts during the campaign of local documentary filmmaker Scott Dobson to highlight Bailão's reliance on developers for campaign contributions, a strong desire for change helped her take the Ward 18 seat from Giambrone's former executive assistant."...
I disagree. The fact that Ward 18 is around 50-60% Portuguese is what helped her. And yes, I'm saying that a large amount of Ward 18's Portuguese residents voted solely based on Ana being of the same background as them and not on her individual merits. (A truth: not being/speaking Portugese in this ward will continue to be an extreme liability to get elected)
Some personal observations by me based on watching Ana in action at City Council and visiting her at her current constituency meetup place (Abrigo Centre, Dufferin Mall, Saturdays 10am-noon):
REPORT CARD: C+
* Ana is a hard worker who takes her responsibilities very seriously. I believe she really thinks through and sometimes agonizes over every vote (something I wish every councillor would do).
* Ana has had a steep learning curve - despite her previous experience as Mario Silva's Executive Assistant (1998-2003). The terrific speed of the budget process pushed by Mayor Ford undoubtedly handcuffed all the rookie councillors in doing due diligence. For that reason, I give Ana a pass (this time) on not being able to do her frequently campaign-promised 'line by line" analysis of the budget to maximize city resources. Nonetheless, Ana seems to have a pretty good handle on what is going on at the new council.
* Ana's voting record shows a little initial confusion in that at first she seemed to vote aligned with the right wing Ford group, but she abruptly changed sides when the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) issue hit the fan at the March 13 spcial meeting. Averaging out overall, Ana seems to belong to the "mushy middle" voting block that is being strongly courted by both the right and left wings of council - a typical position for a Liberal party supporter. (I still suspect she may be leaning right more than left, since she sits between Fordite councillors Denzel Minnan-Wong and Michael Thompson. The latter seems to be teaching her the ropes, a lot) Ana's constituency staff is robust and skilled, sprinkled with both Liberal and Conservative types Info here
* Ana belongs to the 'wait, watch and learn' group of quiet rookie councillors. She rarely speaks at council and follows the debates closely, actively listening to points made by those who are more bold. So far, she is definitely a follower and not a leader. I fear this will continue.
* Responsiveness to contituents is excellent so far. Given that more, better and timely consultation with constituents in ward18 was probably the number one issue last election, Ana has done well. She returns emails and inquires quickly, has held a town hall on the budget and makes her office very available to people.
(Still waiting on a proper website and a regular constituency office, other than 2 hours on a Saturday)
* No doubt because of her centrist political positioning and her refusal to attack Rob Ford during the election campaign, Ana has snagged some reasonably good committee spots for a rookie: Affordable Housing, Planning and Growth, Artscape, Toronto Arts Council, Exhibition Place, Canadian National Exhibition, McCormick Playground Arena. How well she uses them still remains to be seen. Note: Ana could have used her Affordable Housing chair position to really have an impact on the TCHC special meeting debate, but did not do so, Ana is only a bit player in the political power game at city hall, so far.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
March 8 2011 #TOCouncil Meeting and TCHC Surprise
Fun to Watch Toronto Council Live
Link to Watch Live Following goings on via Twitter and live feed from home....
Tuesday, March 8th meeting spends about an hour with the left taking shots and exception to Mayor Ford behaviours *. (Followed by about 2 hours of debate about leaked audit reports)
* Example: kellygrant1 Councillor Wong-Tam asked @TOMayorFord to apologize for saying "there's enough garbage at city hall" in speech last week. Ford's answer ..No. Nunziata spoke on his behalf, saying the mayor doesn't want to comment on the request for an apology.
* Example: Pam McConnell complains about Mayor's staff "wandering about the council floor" #TOCouncil asks Speaker Nunziata to restore decorum Fordites complain Miller did the same thing, Speaker will answer later
The BIG SURPRISE is that by the narrowest of margins (26-16, needed 27 votes and 2 councillors not there - Grimes and Moeser), city council decided NOT to discuss the Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) item and will now not be discussed until next month.
Sad to see my supposedly Liberal #TOCouncil cnclr Ana Bailao side with the Fordites on #TCHC .... A Closet Conservative? #ward18
Tweet from I_LUVTO: @KenWood_ward18 Don't worry #ward18 people don't like Ford and if Ana Bailao keeps voting with him she will be voted out
Here is the actual vote on this:
MM 5.7 Reconstitution of Board of Directors of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) - by Deputy Mayor Holyday, seconded by Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon
Result: Lost Two-Thirds Required - MM5.7 - waive notice
Yes: 26 Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailăo, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Doug Holyday, Norman Kelly, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, Josh Matlow, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, John Parker, James Pasternak, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson
No: 16 Maria Augimeri, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Mike Layton, Pam McConnell, Joe Mihevc, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Absent: 3 Michelle Berardinetti, Mark Grimes, Ron Moeser
----
With regard to the Toronto Community Housing situation and Ford's attempts to 'evict' the board members:
Maria Augimeri's letter of refusal
Raymond Cho's letter of refusal
Frances Nunziata's agree to resignation letter
Within minutes, Fordites find a way to get around council? Goldsbie tweet:: The mayor's office has called a special meeting of the Exec Committee for lunchtime tomorrow for the purpose of dealing with the TCHC item.
Reported in Toronto Sun "Councillor Adam Vaughan agreed the vote was a reality check for the mayor. "He cannot govern this council by fiat," Vaughan said. "And he can't have hangings in the public square if he is not prepared to hold trials. The tenants have spoken up, they want a full and open airing of the auditor's report. They want that to come to council and we'll make decisions."
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11am: City Council interrogating the Auditor General, several point out that 'It's the first time in 20 years that and AG report has been leaked before release". Adam Vaughan puts AG on the hot seat. Joe Mihevc makes motion to prevent leaks to media, political interference with the Audit process.
Note: What does Mayor Rob Ford do when he loses at city council? He leaves and plays tour guide for a group of school kids. So much easier not having to defend his shaky positions and blustering rhetoric.
City Slikr tweet: Ah, look. School children appear in chambers just in time to listen to talk of fraud and misuse of power.----
City Slikr Think Cllr Fletcher just took a serious swing at Cllr Matlow for his part as a member of audit committee running with TCHC story.
goldsbie tweet: This Council debate is actually largely about who leaked the police paid-duty report....Only three people, I'm told, had the draft of the AG's paid-duty report: the Police Chief, the Police Board Chair, and the AG himself....It must be noted, however, that the "3 person" scenario is likely a vast oversimplification. As Davis says, reports always rattle around.
SO: who leaked the report and to what purpose? Will we ever really know?
Tweet from Joe Mihevc: My motion to request Auditor General to review reporting practices to ensure fair process w/o political interference around fraud passed!
1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Joe Mihevc (Carried)
That the Auditor General be requested to review reporting practices related to the Fraud and Waste Hotline to ensure to the best of his ability that proper process is being followed, that leaks to media do not occur that may jeopardize due process, and that the reporting process is not impacted by undue political pressures; and that a report on this matter be submitted to the Audit Committee as soon as possible
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Mayor Ford tweets: It's unfortunate some councillors don't want to discuss accountability at the TCHC... Yet refuses to be interviewed by the media on this.
My response: @TOMayorFord How about YOU being accountable first Mayor Ford and answer questions put to you at #TOCouncil
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Tweet from Janet Davis Special Meeting of Executive for Wed. Mar. 9. More bending and twisting of the democratic process. Extraordinary!
Spkr Nunziata has a meltdown trying to cut Janet Davis' speaking trime, gives up when challenged and recesses #TOCouncil to 2pm... Josh Matlow tweets: Council is literally debating what time it is. I'm serious.
City Slikr tweet: And so morning session of council ends with a bizarre argument over time. Spkr Nunziata is easily rattled. #TOcouncil
Why doesn't City Council elect a more neutral Speaker??? Legislature and parliament try to pick someone the whole chamber can trust.
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2pm Gord Perks only one in #TOCouncil chamber
2:08pm about 1/2 #TOCouncil there, just starting
2:12pm Janet Davis now gets her 5 mins to speak at #TOCouncil ... finally.
City Slikr tweets: Team Ford is relentless in trying to paint questions about leaks of A-G report as attacks on A-G office itself. (but they fail)
2:20pm Josh Matlow is an eloquent speaker who chooses his words wisely yet gets his message across. Wish others would emulate him... points out treating audit revelations as reason to privatize social housing is not prudent.
Pam McConnell points out that even other city councillors do not know the whole story about TCHC and audits and are relying on spurious media reports. Argues for proper process: "Have we not learned anything from MFP Inquiry?" We are hurting people and scaring people in social housing. "Doing something about it is not having heads roll" Speaker Nunziata chastizes McConnell for not knowing the rulese (she wants an extension). Unanimous 34 councillors vote to let her continue. McConnell goes on to defend Chair of TCHC board.
Paula Fletcher now chides Josh Matlow for speaking out prematurely about leaked audit.
2:55pm City Slikr tweet: Again, a Fordite in the form of Cllr Thompson stands up to defend integrity of A-G which hasn't been attacked
City Slikr tweet:Debate dynamic. Anti-Ford cllrs zeroing in on political use of media leaks. Pro-Ford cllrs demand they stop slagging A-G
Me: Michael Thompson has the calming presence of a solicitous funeral director, makes me sleepy #TOCouncil All is well, all is well
3:08pm Josh Matlow tweets: Now Council is spending time discussing who is allowed to walk around in the Council chambers. Really.
My response: Notice discussions are more to preserve fairness and democracy Whats wrong with that?
Adam Vaughan gets to the point: Mayor's staff are running around giving direction on how to vote to councillors.
Tweet from City Slikr Cllr Luby refers to the real world as the exclusive domain of the private sector...
Tweet from Goldsbie: Watching Shiner and Matlow converse with each other, I'm reminded of the Return of the Jedi exchanges between Luke and Vader.
3:41pm Ana Bailao missing votes, not in chamber, usually she is more diligent than this
City Slikr tweets: Cllr Thompson can grind down a council meeting into a full fledged, heart stoppingly somnolent event.
4:08pm City Council is now debating Item AU1.13 Governance & Management of Computer Software Needs Improvement
Spkr Nunziata has to tell Doug Ford (twice) he must sit down when votes occur at #TOCouncil
Why is Ana Bailao the only one on #TOCouncil McCormick Playground committee ? They had to do a special motion to pass that. Unusual.
4:19pm Now only 29 cnclrs at #TOCouncil Losing bodies fast
4:21pm Mike Layton pissed off he wanted to be on board of governors at Toronto Exhibition, and they set it up only for Doug Ford. Interrogating Doug Holyday.
Mike Layton chided to come to meetings if he wants appointments to #TOCouncil committees. Layton a very nervous speaker. Sound like an adolescent.
4:35pm Ward 25 Jaye Robinson usually a sleeper at #TOCouncil makes a motion to plant big trees
Questioned if she had her druthers would she want to keep the ones that are there. Yes
.... perhaps she should chain herself to a tree? (Item NY4.14 2489 Bayview Avenue - Application to Remove Private Trees)
*** 5:36PM Rob Ford tries and end run around council on TCHC isue:
Goldsbie tweets:Tomorrow's special Exec Meeting (announced just a few hours ago) been cancelled. A special Council meeting has been called for 5:30 tomorrow...
Gord Perks goes ballistic because about 100 people had registered to make deputation at Exec committee, which is their right by council's procedures. Points of Order bombard the Speaker who keps trying to derail the challenge. Points raised that TCHC shareholders' agreement specifies 6 week notice of changes... Ignored by Speaker.
City Clerk is really confused.... still doesn't know what is on agenda for Rob ford's special meeting....Guess the mayor doesnt even speak to him about his plans...
West Annex News yweets: When Perks complains of Mayor's slick procedural maneuvering to reintroduce TCHC matter tomorrow, Nunziata turns off his mike. #toCouncil
Goldsbie tweet: Perks just stormed out in a spectacular huff.
David Nickle Tweet: The special executive committee meeting tomorrow for TCHC is off. Now, it's a special evening council meeting.
Josh Matlow tweets: Seems some on left think mayor wants to overide process to privatize TCHC. Some on right might have feared left would filibuster exec cmtee
Goldsbie tweet: The mayor's office (like everyone else) mistakenly assumed it would go to the next Exec meeting. It would actually go to the next Council.
6pm Tweet from Sarah Doucette The Exec meeting for 12:30 Wed is now cancelled and special council meeting called for 5:30 Wed to discuss removing directors from TCHC
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Josh Matlow tweet: Mayor has cancelled special Exec Cmtee on TCHC board, called special council meeting instead for tomorrow. This has upset some cllrs.
My response: @JoshMatlow Why has it not upset you? Flies in the face of democracy and public consultation? Josh responds: It does.
Josh Matlow: Josh Matlow The mayor's call for a special council meeting seems to me less about TCHC & more about not letting the "other side" win.
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6:02pm Ana Bailao gets up to speak on a matter and can hear Michael Thompson coach her with what words to say... she complies.Not surprising now as I once witnessed Thmpson actually pushing her voting button for her..... lackey behaviour!
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David Shiner moves council go in camera to discuss confidential items....Toronto City Council is meeting in closed session on items CC5.2 and MM5.12
6:08pm Goldsbie tweets: I've seen a lot of farces at City Hall, and I've seen a lot of cunning tricks, but this is some new kind of dirty mess.
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MoreTweets
Kristof I'm angry, confused, embarrassed, frustrated and annoyed after watching just 1hr of #tocouncil is this how a government operates ? #topoli
Brodie Conley Man, is Nunziata ever obnoxious. #TOPoli #TOCouncil
Conley oh man! Cllr. Vaughan asking for information = "Getting out of control" according to Nunziata. #TOPoli #TOCouncil
Iain Cullen Nunziata is always quick to anger. Does she just need a smoke break? #tocouncil.
Christ on a Cracker.. Mike Layton is really out of his league, his entire microcosm consists of pointless motions #topoli #tocouncil
Joel I wonder when Doug Ford will get tired of being his brother's press secretary? #tocouncil
Justin Kozuch Wait - did Cllr D. Ford just pitch Deco Labels and Tags as an eco-friendly company? What does that have to do with #TOCouncil?
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6:20pm Just Tweeted to @Ward18AnaBailao Why do you support Ford's dirty tricks to cut out public consultation (deputations) on #TCHC issue at #TOCouncil ? #ward18
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Disgusted with my Toronto councillor... going to Digin meeting
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7:07pm Toronto City Council has reconvened its Public session
8:11pm Tweet Shelley Carroll Davis's rises to ask why a private corporation was set up by TTCommissioners today and all hell broke loose.#tocouncil
Tweet: Goldsbie In the meantime, Vaughan has sent out an email: "The fight to stop the privatization is on. The selloff of public housing must be stopped."...Council is once again stuck in procedural limbo, as a tangle of motions, votes, and points of order are somehow taking place simultaneously.
8:13pm City Council is in recess and will reconvene at 2:00pm on March 9 (Anyway, Nunziata was narrowly upheld, and Council narrowly voted to break until 2:00 tomorrow.)
Tweet: Matt Elliott Some might say that secret meetings are contrary to openness and accountability in gov. Not me, though -- I'm a stupid person.
Tweet: Josh Matlow Quote from mayor's office: "16 councillors are not interested in accountability at the TCHC". That partisan rhetoric isn't true or helpful.
================================
9:42pm and still no agenda posted for Ford's special meeting at 5:30pm Wed Secrecy is assured, plotting moves now... #TOCouncil
Link to Watch Live Following goings on via Twitter and live feed from home....
Tuesday, March 8th meeting spends about an hour with the left taking shots and exception to Mayor Ford behaviours *. (Followed by about 2 hours of debate about leaked audit reports)
* Example: kellygrant1 Councillor Wong-Tam asked @TOMayorFord to apologize for saying "there's enough garbage at city hall" in speech last week. Ford's answer ..No. Nunziata spoke on his behalf, saying the mayor doesn't want to comment on the request for an apology.
* Example: Pam McConnell complains about Mayor's staff "wandering about the council floor" #TOCouncil asks Speaker Nunziata to restore decorum Fordites complain Miller did the same thing, Speaker will answer later
The BIG SURPRISE is that by the narrowest of margins (26-16, needed 27 votes and 2 councillors not there - Grimes and Moeser), city council decided NOT to discuss the Toronto Community Housing (TCHC) item and will now not be discussed until next month.
Sad to see my supposedly Liberal #TOCouncil cnclr Ana Bailao side with the Fordites on #TCHC .... A Closet Conservative? #ward18
Tweet from I_LUVTO: @KenWood_ward18 Don't worry #ward18 people don't like Ford and if Ana Bailao keeps voting with him she will be voted out
Here is the actual vote on this:
MM 5.7 Reconstitution of Board of Directors of the Toronto Community Housing Corporation (TCHC) - by Deputy Mayor Holyday, seconded by Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon
Result: Lost Two-Thirds Required - MM5.7 - waive notice
Yes: 26 Paul Ainslie, Ana Bailăo, Josh Colle, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Doug Holyday, Norman Kelly, Chin Lee, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Giorgio Mammoliti, Josh Matlow, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, John Parker, James Pasternak, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson
No: 16 Maria Augimeri, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Mike Layton, Pam McConnell, Joe Mihevc, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam
Absent: 3 Michelle Berardinetti, Mark Grimes, Ron Moeser
----
With regard to the Toronto Community Housing situation and Ford's attempts to 'evict' the board members:
Maria Augimeri's letter of refusal
Raymond Cho's letter of refusal
Frances Nunziata's agree to resignation letter
Within minutes, Fordites find a way to get around council? Goldsbie tweet:: The mayor's office has called a special meeting of the Exec Committee for lunchtime tomorrow for the purpose of dealing with the TCHC item.
Reported in Toronto Sun "Councillor Adam Vaughan agreed the vote was a reality check for the mayor. "He cannot govern this council by fiat," Vaughan said. "And he can't have hangings in the public square if he is not prepared to hold trials. The tenants have spoken up, they want a full and open airing of the auditor's report. They want that to come to council and we'll make decisions."
---
11am: City Council interrogating the Auditor General, several point out that 'It's the first time in 20 years that and AG report has been leaked before release". Adam Vaughan puts AG on the hot seat. Joe Mihevc makes motion to prevent leaks to media, political interference with the Audit process.
Note: What does Mayor Rob Ford do when he loses at city council? He leaves and plays tour guide for a group of school kids. So much easier not having to defend his shaky positions and blustering rhetoric.
City Slikr tweet: Ah, look. School children appear in chambers just in time to listen to talk of fraud and misuse of power.----
City Slikr Think Cllr Fletcher just took a serious swing at Cllr Matlow for his part as a member of audit committee running with TCHC story.
goldsbie tweet: This Council debate is actually largely about who leaked the police paid-duty report....Only three people, I'm told, had the draft of the AG's paid-duty report: the Police Chief, the Police Board Chair, and the AG himself....It must be noted, however, that the "3 person" scenario is likely a vast oversimplification. As Davis says, reports always rattle around.
SO: who leaked the report and to what purpose? Will we ever really know?
Tweet from Joe Mihevc: My motion to request Auditor General to review reporting practices to ensure fair process w/o political interference around fraud passed!
1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Councillor Joe Mihevc (Carried)
That the Auditor General be requested to review reporting practices related to the Fraud and Waste Hotline to ensure to the best of his ability that proper process is being followed, that leaks to media do not occur that may jeopardize due process, and that the reporting process is not impacted by undue political pressures; and that a report on this matter be submitted to the Audit Committee as soon as possible
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Mayor Ford tweets: It's unfortunate some councillors don't want to discuss accountability at the TCHC... Yet refuses to be interviewed by the media on this.
My response: @TOMayorFord How about YOU being accountable first Mayor Ford and answer questions put to you at #TOCouncil
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Tweet from Janet Davis Special Meeting of Executive for Wed. Mar. 9. More bending and twisting of the democratic process. Extraordinary!
Spkr Nunziata has a meltdown trying to cut Janet Davis' speaking trime, gives up when challenged and recesses #TOCouncil to 2pm... Josh Matlow tweets: Council is literally debating what time it is. I'm serious.
City Slikr tweet: And so morning session of council ends with a bizarre argument over time. Spkr Nunziata is easily rattled. #TOcouncil
Why doesn't City Council elect a more neutral Speaker??? Legislature and parliament try to pick someone the whole chamber can trust.
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2pm Gord Perks only one in #TOCouncil chamber
2:08pm about 1/2 #TOCouncil there, just starting
2:12pm Janet Davis now gets her 5 mins to speak at #TOCouncil ... finally.
City Slikr tweets: Team Ford is relentless in trying to paint questions about leaks of A-G report as attacks on A-G office itself. (but they fail)
2:20pm Josh Matlow is an eloquent speaker who chooses his words wisely yet gets his message across. Wish others would emulate him... points out treating audit revelations as reason to privatize social housing is not prudent.
Pam McConnell points out that even other city councillors do not know the whole story about TCHC and audits and are relying on spurious media reports. Argues for proper process: "Have we not learned anything from MFP Inquiry?" We are hurting people and scaring people in social housing. "Doing something about it is not having heads roll" Speaker Nunziata chastizes McConnell for not knowing the rulese (she wants an extension). Unanimous 34 councillors vote to let her continue. McConnell goes on to defend Chair of TCHC board.
Paula Fletcher now chides Josh Matlow for speaking out prematurely about leaked audit.
2:55pm City Slikr tweet: Again, a Fordite in the form of Cllr Thompson stands up to defend integrity of A-G which hasn't been attacked
City Slikr tweet:Debate dynamic. Anti-Ford cllrs zeroing in on political use of media leaks. Pro-Ford cllrs demand they stop slagging A-G
Me: Michael Thompson has the calming presence of a solicitous funeral director, makes me sleepy #TOCouncil All is well, all is well
3:08pm Josh Matlow tweets: Now Council is spending time discussing who is allowed to walk around in the Council chambers. Really.
My response: Notice discussions are more to preserve fairness and democracy Whats wrong with that?
Adam Vaughan gets to the point: Mayor's staff are running around giving direction on how to vote to councillors.
Tweet from City Slikr Cllr Luby refers to the real world as the exclusive domain of the private sector...
Tweet from Goldsbie: Watching Shiner and Matlow converse with each other, I'm reminded of the Return of the Jedi exchanges between Luke and Vader.
3:41pm Ana Bailao missing votes, not in chamber, usually she is more diligent than this
City Slikr tweets: Cllr Thompson can grind down a council meeting into a full fledged, heart stoppingly somnolent event.
4:08pm City Council is now debating Item AU1.13 Governance & Management of Computer Software Needs Improvement
Spkr Nunziata has to tell Doug Ford (twice) he must sit down when votes occur at #TOCouncil
Why is Ana Bailao the only one on #TOCouncil McCormick Playground committee ? They had to do a special motion to pass that. Unusual.
4:19pm Now only 29 cnclrs at #TOCouncil Losing bodies fast
4:21pm Mike Layton pissed off he wanted to be on board of governors at Toronto Exhibition, and they set it up only for Doug Ford. Interrogating Doug Holyday.
Mike Layton chided to come to meetings if he wants appointments to #TOCouncil committees. Layton a very nervous speaker. Sound like an adolescent.
4:35pm Ward 25 Jaye Robinson usually a sleeper at #TOCouncil makes a motion to plant big trees
Questioned if she had her druthers would she want to keep the ones that are there. Yes
.... perhaps she should chain herself to a tree? (Item NY4.14 2489 Bayview Avenue - Application to Remove Private Trees)
*** 5:36PM Rob Ford tries and end run around council on TCHC isue:
Goldsbie tweets:Tomorrow's special Exec Meeting (announced just a few hours ago) been cancelled. A special Council meeting has been called for 5:30 tomorrow...
Gord Perks goes ballistic because about 100 people had registered to make deputation at Exec committee, which is their right by council's procedures. Points of Order bombard the Speaker who keps trying to derail the challenge. Points raised that TCHC shareholders' agreement specifies 6 week notice of changes... Ignored by Speaker.
City Clerk is really confused.... still doesn't know what is on agenda for Rob ford's special meeting....Guess the mayor doesnt even speak to him about his plans...
West Annex News yweets: When Perks complains of Mayor's slick procedural maneuvering to reintroduce TCHC matter tomorrow, Nunziata turns off his mike. #toCouncil
Goldsbie tweet: Perks just stormed out in a spectacular huff.
David Nickle Tweet: The special executive committee meeting tomorrow for TCHC is off. Now, it's a special evening council meeting.
Josh Matlow tweets: Seems some on left think mayor wants to overide process to privatize TCHC. Some on right might have feared left would filibuster exec cmtee
Goldsbie tweet: The mayor's office (like everyone else) mistakenly assumed it would go to the next Exec meeting. It would actually go to the next Council.
6pm Tweet from Sarah Doucette The Exec meeting for 12:30 Wed is now cancelled and special council meeting called for 5:30 Wed to discuss removing directors from TCHC
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Josh Matlow tweet: Mayor has cancelled special Exec Cmtee on TCHC board, called special council meeting instead for tomorrow. This has upset some cllrs.
My response: @JoshMatlow Why has it not upset you? Flies in the face of democracy and public consultation? Josh responds: It does.
Josh Matlow: Josh Matlow The mayor's call for a special council meeting seems to me less about TCHC & more about not letting the "other side" win.
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6:02pm Ana Bailao gets up to speak on a matter and can hear Michael Thompson coach her with what words to say... she complies.Not surprising now as I once witnessed Thmpson actually pushing her voting button for her..... lackey behaviour!
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David Shiner moves council go in camera to discuss confidential items....Toronto City Council is meeting in closed session on items CC5.2 and MM5.12
6:08pm Goldsbie tweets: I've seen a lot of farces at City Hall, and I've seen a lot of cunning tricks, but this is some new kind of dirty mess.
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MoreTweets
Kristof I'm angry, confused, embarrassed, frustrated and annoyed after watching just 1hr of #tocouncil is this how a government operates ? #topoli
Brodie Conley Man, is Nunziata ever obnoxious. #TOPoli #TOCouncil
Conley oh man! Cllr. Vaughan asking for information = "Getting out of control" according to Nunziata. #TOPoli #TOCouncil
Iain Cullen Nunziata is always quick to anger. Does she just need a smoke break? #tocouncil.
Christ on a Cracker.. Mike Layton is really out of his league, his entire microcosm consists of pointless motions #topoli #tocouncil
Joel I wonder when Doug Ford will get tired of being his brother's press secretary? #tocouncil
Justin Kozuch Wait - did Cllr D. Ford just pitch Deco Labels and Tags as an eco-friendly company? What does that have to do with #TOCouncil?
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6:20pm Just Tweeted to @Ward18AnaBailao Why do you support Ford's dirty tricks to cut out public consultation (deputations) on #TCHC issue at #TOCouncil ? #ward18
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Disgusted with my Toronto councillor... going to Digin meeting
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7:07pm Toronto City Council has reconvened its Public session
8:11pm Tweet Shelley Carroll Davis's rises to ask why a private corporation was set up by TTCommissioners today and all hell broke loose.#tocouncil
Tweet: Goldsbie In the meantime, Vaughan has sent out an email: "The fight to stop the privatization is on. The selloff of public housing must be stopped."...Council is once again stuck in procedural limbo, as a tangle of motions, votes, and points of order are somehow taking place simultaneously.
8:13pm City Council is in recess and will reconvene at 2:00pm on March 9 (Anyway, Nunziata was narrowly upheld, and Council narrowly voted to break until 2:00 tomorrow.)
Tweet: Matt Elliott Some might say that secret meetings are contrary to openness and accountability in gov. Not me, though -- I'm a stupid person.
Tweet: Josh Matlow Quote from mayor's office: "16 councillors are not interested in accountability at the TCHC". That partisan rhetoric isn't true or helpful.
================================
9:42pm and still no agenda posted for Ford's special meeting at 5:30pm Wed Secrecy is assured, plotting moves now... #TOCouncil
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
February 8 Council Meeting Day 2
Day 2 of Toronto Council Meeting Drudgery
This will not be a blow by blow log like yesterday as frankly - it is exhausting to do it or try to follow it. I'm glad I tried it as it shows in detail the confusing shifting of councillors speaking or voting and some of the background noise they all have to deal with.
It is evident (so far) to me that the real decisions and deal making are done behind closed doors. Why else would Ana Bailao not bother to even be there to vote on restoring the Dundas West parking yesterday?
There seems to be a few isolated cases of Councillors trying to sway colleagues with their 2 or 5 minute speeches, like Gord Perks. Much of the rest is just confusion, noise and partisan shots at the 'other side'. We still have to hear from many of the supposed neutral independent rookies, but by their votes they are opting to be on the bandwagon. Perhaps voting with the Mayor's direction is just safe bet for now.
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The place is packed with audience in the galleries.
-Tweet: Goldsbie Vaughan has a motion to rename the Dupont Parkette (on Avenue Road) after Sgt. Ryan Russell.
- Tweet: Shelley Carroll Council Chambers full of community members losing Federal Funding for their Settlement Service Agencies. Council moves condemnation of cuts
- Tweet: Toronto City Clerk Toronto City Council is debating Item CD1.9 Citizenship&Immigration Funding Link
-Tweet: Joe Mihevc At Council: we are debating the $18 million cut to toronto agencies serving new immigrants. Toronto IS a city of immigrants. These cuts hurt
-Tweet: Goldsbie Council is debating whether symbolically condemning the feds' cuts to settlement agencies should be sent to the Exec Committee for study.
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10:05am Gord Perks gets staff answer that 13% cut to settlement services in Toronto ($18 million) is happening. (He is really good at getting proof of what the consequences are in any situation)
11:20am Shelley Carroll making a passionate speech asking everyone to write letters to the feds to ensure the cuts to immigration settlement, followed by Adam Vaughan... interrupted by Mammoliti who takes offence against negative comments against Mayor Rob Ford, who is strangley silent on the whole issue.
-Tweet: Goldsbie Vaughan says the City is still fighting the 2006 census in the courts because it underrepresented low-income/high-rise populations.
11:23am Josh Matlow speaks up on the side of the lefties, by trying to play the middle road - he is begging the righties to do the right thing.
11:25am Norm Kelly is offended - nobody here is anti-immigrant. ? wants informed debate but at Executive - not logical to assume Executive is any more informed.
11:27am Frank di Giorgio speaks up on the side of the righties - big surprise.
Side note: Ironic comments by the right protest that people are making the issue political.... umm, yes?
11:32am Always entertaining Anthony Peruzza winds up into a rant about the silliness of the debate. "Hey Council: You are simply being asked to be an advocate for the people... all it costs is a stamp and a letter? Tons of audience applause.
11:34am Kristyn Wong-Tam supports the letter and not referring (ie killing) by sending to Executive.
11:36am Cesar Palacio goes on about his immigrant experience, only Spanish speaking councillor, a minority - then goes on to support his rightist Fordite buddies. Tweet: Goldsbie Rightwinger Palacio tries to establish his immigrant cred: "As the only Spanish-speaking councillor..." Mihevc, gently: "I speak Spanish
side note: There should be 'Best Suckup' awards at Council. Nominees: Giorgio Mammoliti, Cesar Palacio, Norm Kelly, Doug Holyday
11:38am Janet Davis speaks then Michael Thompson makes nasty remark about Janet's motivations is to get media attention. Yelling.... upset....Nunziata ignores points of order others are tryingto make while Thompson rants in the style of Anthony Peruzza.... FIREWORKS !!!
-Tweet: Goldsbie Thompson accuses Davis of using this issue for her own selfish grandstanding. This is getting ugly. Then holds up Doug Saunders's book. (about immigration)
Update: No doubt it is this article that got Michael Thompson so upset.
11:42am Councillor Doucette gets up to speak, visibly upset that some rightist councillors are not supporting the people.
THE VOTE:
** Worrisome: the technology breaks down again and they have to cancel the vote a few times before going to stand all in favour all opposed old style... Tweet: Goldsbie Now they're having problems with the electronic voting system. They have to do a manual head count instead....I like that councillors are being forced to literally stand up for their principles....Councillors standing in favour of the referral getting cold stare1 - Holyday's delay motion to wait for stats about Vancouver and Montreal for comparison.
Doug Holyday's amendment to delay by waiting for stats comparison to Vancouver and Montreal Passes 30-13..... new nickname? Holyday-Delay
Main Motion: Refer to Executive: Passes 22-21 (so who were the 2 who were not there to vote?... Gloria Lindsay-Luby and Pam McConnell)
Tweet Goldsbie: Referral carries 22-21. (Screw you, brown poors.)...Davis says there same hundreds of people will pack the Exec Committee on Feb. 17.
Tweet: Sattva Namaste @Sattva01 @goldsbie u have little experience with the "poors". It is not just limited to "browns". Your comment is stereotypical if not racist
Tweet: Doucette Councillor Davis motion to write a letter today to the Fed Gov. to declare Councils opposition to funding cuts failed 22-21.
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Note: ANA BAILAO voted NO on both. Guess coming from an immigrant ward she could do no less.
Then again, is it that she has to support her friends in the federal Liberal position on saying no to Stephen Harper on immigration funding cuts? Remember, she was current MP Mario Silva's Executive Assistant and owes a lot to him for the Liberal machine election support..... hmmmm.... Has she been 'whipped' too from the other side? See Tweet below *
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Noon Now Mike del Grande is questioning staff on driveway parking limits. Upset with bureaucrats.
Meanwhile, lots of media scrums on the settlement funding issue happening.
Tweet: Goldsbie After the scrums, Davis coolly confronts Mammoliti: "What more information do you need, Giorgio?" He responds it's an NDP plot.
* Goldsbie Perks tells me this was the only vote this week that the Ford team has whipped. He's confident Harper's staff contacted the mayor's staff.
Tweet: Jon Medow Ontario gov has been resoundingly critical of the federal cuts. Why would the city dither on this?
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Results of votes already posted HERE
Here is the FORDITE voting block: Leader? Mammoliti, Doug Ford, others
Paul Ainslie, Michelle Berardinetti, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mark Grimes, Doug Holyday, Norman Kelly, Giorgio Mammoliti, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, John Parker, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson (22) ... possibly also Gloria Lindsay Luby who was absent from the vote.
Here is the Lefty Pinko Voting Block: Gord Perks is Leader
Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailăo, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Josh Matlow, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam .(21)... possibly also Pam McConnell who was absent from the vote
Of course several councillors can swing left or right depending on local issues and hopes of getting power by pleasing colleagues - but looks like an evenly split council on key issues.
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Tweet: Matt Elliott So Jaye Robinson is still on Team Ford but Mary-Margaret McMahon is not? I need a score card
Tweet: City Slikr Councillors in the middle should vote against the mayor in enough numbers to defeat him once. See how it feels. Might be freeing. ---
Aside on the IMMIGRATION hot button issue: Much like racism or gays in the USA, this topic in Canada is getting really scary. Just to illustrate the nasty vitriol that goes on in comments by 'joe-anonymous-public' look at this one in The Sun:
The rush of immigration and the "open arms" of the government is stripping us 3,4 and 5th generation Canadians of our identity, we allow them to come to OUR country, we cater to THEM, they demand we stop using Christmas Tree becauser it offends them, they have taken away our bible in the schools because it offends THEM, well what about us?? Ther beliefs and ways OFFEND ME! Immigration is like a huge tidal wave coming in and pushing us generation Canadians out, this has to stop..When are the bleeding heart, vote seeking, money grabbing politicians going to grow some balls and finally stand up and say THIS IS CANADA, we speak ENGLISH and FRENCH, we celebrate Christmas and have a Christmas Trees! we read the bible and sing the National Anthem
.... I guess I'd have to say that this is an issue that Canadians across the country and politicians at every level desperately try to ignore and not get involved in. In truth, the Federal level has needed to handle the issue for decades - and has not. So, perhaps congratulations for courage is in order for those Toronto Councillors who chose to try to address the issue today!
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Tweet: GoldsbieCouncil is resuming shortly. Toronto Ombudsman Fiona Crean is sitting front-row centre in the public gallery, ready to cast judgment.2:16pm Council back in session, Ana Bailao is not there but 35 other councillors are (10 missing). Handle Notices of Motion, Community Council items.... ooo. Councillor Karen Stintz finally showed up.
Tweet 16mins ago: Ana Bailao Calling all teens! YMCA Teen Nights: Saturdays starting February 19, 7:30 - 10 pm, West End YMCA, 931 College St, http://on.fb.me/eNqiuJ #fb
Tweet:: David Nickle Democracy is still alive at City Hall. Members elected David Rider VP and yrs. trly President of the City Hall Press Gallery.
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Tweet: Goldsbie Council has voted 25-7 to waive referral on the Del Grande/Ford pay freeze motion, meaning they'll debate it today. Ugh....Side Note: Josh Matlow was on AM740 radio talk show with Dale Goldhawk over lunch talking about his conflict of interest in voting on his own salary.
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The following is tweets on what I missed when I decided to go out for a walk and see the world...
- Goldsbie Vaughan is alleging that the mayor's office has improperly interfered with the Ombudsman's report, but is being maddeningly vague as to how.
- Goldsbie (That is, the report on the treatment of residents with dementia.)
- Shelley Carroll Someone's having lunch with Jeff Lyons next week and it ain't me.
- Toronto City Clerk:Toronto City Council is now debating ItemCC3.4: Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension Project: Link
- Toronto City Clerk: Toronto City Council is now debating Item MM3.2 2011 Salary Freeze for Mayor & Councillors Link
- Goldsbie The pay freeze debate kicks off, and suddenly all the TV cameras turn on. I hate TV news.
- Denzil Minnan-Wong The debate begins on a Councillor Salary Freeze. Let's call the question and get it over with. Is there anything that hasn't been said?
- Goldsbie Mihevc reminds everyone of that time Royson James suggested that councillors who accept a pay increase be lynched in Nathan Phillips Square
- Goldsbie Nick Kouvalis just walked in. I wonder what the inflationary increase on a $1 salary is.
- David Nickle “I have the moral support of the public at large and I have the moral support of the media as well.” - Mike Del Grande, on salary freeze.
- Goldsbie Matlow argues that because the Star editorial board and Rob Ford agree on this issue, it might have merit. Flawless logic! Goldsbie Matlow clarifies that his line about Ford and the Star ed. board was intended as a joke.
- Joe Mihevc I just moved a motion at Council to direct the $$$ saved by cutting of the salary increase of Council to the Student Nutrition program
- David Nickle Cnclr. Pasternak may cut daughter's allowance if salary freeze passes. "Trickle down theory of retraint" at work, he says.
- Goldsbie Councillor Pasternak: "Torontonians are not overly gullible." Just regular gullible, then?
- Goldsbie Mihevc motion referred 23-19. Total cancellation of pay increase item passes 39-3.
- Kelly Grant Mihevc, Moeser and Filion are the only councillors who voted against pay freeze for mayor and councillors.
- Toronto City Clerk Toronto City Council is now debating Item MM3.8 Link
- Goldsbie Judging by her interview with Omni, Councillor Augimeri's Italian isn't quite as fluent as I'd assumed.
- Torontoist City Council members just voted 39-3 for a 2011 freeze on their salaries. Symbolic or practical? Debate it here:----- Link
Globe and Mail story on Council pay freeze is here "Members voted 39 to 3 in favour Tuesday of rejecting the automatic 2011 increase to their $99,619 salaries."
Toronto Star story here As a result, they will continue to receive the 2010 rate of $99,619. The mayor’s salary was also frozen at $167,770.
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? Strange motion by Mary Margret McMahon "That Council excuse the absence of Councillor Lindsay-Luby from the Feb 7 and 8 City Council meetings" Carries unanimous (39-0) even though McMahon says "I have no idea why she's not here"......... weird.
5:35pm Motion to adjourn council carried.
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* Update: Here is something Johhnathan Goldsbie caught that I missed because I took a break from the boredom:
"3:25 p.m.: Shelley Carroll (Ward 33, Don Valley East) tweets, "Someone's having lunch with Jeff Lyons next week and it ain't me," signalling that the infamous lobbyist (a key figure in the MFP scandal and the uncle of Toronto Sun columnist Sue-Ann Levy) is looking to get back into the City Hall game. Turns out he recently recruited veteran strategist Sean Hill, a former assistant to Joe Mihevc, to his firm."
This will not be a blow by blow log like yesterday as frankly - it is exhausting to do it or try to follow it. I'm glad I tried it as it shows in detail the confusing shifting of councillors speaking or voting and some of the background noise they all have to deal with.
It is evident (so far) to me that the real decisions and deal making are done behind closed doors. Why else would Ana Bailao not bother to even be there to vote on restoring the Dundas West parking yesterday?
There seems to be a few isolated cases of Councillors trying to sway colleagues with their 2 or 5 minute speeches, like Gord Perks. Much of the rest is just confusion, noise and partisan shots at the 'other side'. We still have to hear from many of the supposed neutral independent rookies, but by their votes they are opting to be on the bandwagon. Perhaps voting with the Mayor's direction is just safe bet for now.
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The place is packed with audience in the galleries.
-Tweet: Goldsbie Vaughan has a motion to rename the Dupont Parkette (on Avenue Road) after Sgt. Ryan Russell.
- Tweet: Shelley Carroll Council Chambers full of community members losing Federal Funding for their Settlement Service Agencies. Council moves condemnation of cuts
Shelley Carroll's snap of Rob Ford NOT paying attention
- Tweet: Toronto City Clerk Toronto City Council is debating Item CD1.9 Citizenship&Immigration Funding Link
-Tweet: Joe Mihevc At Council: we are debating the $18 million cut to toronto agencies serving new immigrants. Toronto IS a city of immigrants. These cuts hurt
-Tweet: Goldsbie Council is debating whether symbolically condemning the feds' cuts to settlement agencies should be sent to the Exec Committee for study.
---
10:05am Gord Perks gets staff answer that 13% cut to settlement services in Toronto ($18 million) is happening. (He is really good at getting proof of what the consequences are in any situation)
11:20am Shelley Carroll making a passionate speech asking everyone to write letters to the feds to ensure the cuts to immigration settlement, followed by Adam Vaughan... interrupted by Mammoliti who takes offence against negative comments against Mayor Rob Ford, who is strangley silent on the whole issue.
-Tweet: Goldsbie Vaughan says the City is still fighting the 2006 census in the courts because it underrepresented low-income/high-rise populations.
11:23am Josh Matlow speaks up on the side of the lefties, by trying to play the middle road - he is begging the righties to do the right thing.
11:25am Norm Kelly is offended - nobody here is anti-immigrant. ? wants informed debate but at Executive - not logical to assume Executive is any more informed.
11:27am Frank di Giorgio speaks up on the side of the righties - big surprise.
Side note: Ironic comments by the right protest that people are making the issue political.... umm, yes?
11:32am Always entertaining Anthony Peruzza winds up into a rant about the silliness of the debate. "Hey Council: You are simply being asked to be an advocate for the people... all it costs is a stamp and a letter? Tons of audience applause.
11:34am Kristyn Wong-Tam supports the letter and not referring (ie killing) by sending to Executive.
11:36am Cesar Palacio goes on about his immigrant experience, only Spanish speaking councillor, a minority - then goes on to support his rightist Fordite buddies. Tweet: Goldsbie Rightwinger Palacio tries to establish his immigrant cred: "As the only Spanish-speaking councillor..." Mihevc, gently: "I speak Spanish
side note: There should be 'Best Suckup' awards at Council. Nominees: Giorgio Mammoliti, Cesar Palacio, Norm Kelly, Doug Holyday
11:38am Janet Davis speaks then Michael Thompson makes nasty remark about Janet's motivations is to get media attention. Yelling.... upset....Nunziata ignores points of order others are tryingto make while Thompson rants in the style of Anthony Peruzza.... FIREWORKS !!!
-Tweet: Goldsbie Thompson accuses Davis of using this issue for her own selfish grandstanding. This is getting ugly. Then holds up Doug Saunders's book. (about immigration)
Update: No doubt it is this article that got Michael Thompson so upset.
11:42am Councillor Doucette gets up to speak, visibly upset that some rightist councillors are not supporting the people.
THE VOTE:
** Worrisome: the technology breaks down again and they have to cancel the vote a few times before going to stand all in favour all opposed old style... Tweet: Goldsbie Now they're having problems with the electronic voting system. They have to do a manual head count instead....I like that councillors are being forced to literally stand up for their principles....Councillors standing in favour of the referral getting cold stare1 - Holyday's delay motion to wait for stats about Vancouver and Montreal for comparison.
Doug Holyday's amendment to delay by waiting for stats comparison to Vancouver and Montreal Passes 30-13..... new nickname? Holyday-Delay
Main Motion: Refer to Executive: Passes 22-21 (so who were the 2 who were not there to vote?... Gloria Lindsay-Luby and Pam McConnell)
Tweet Goldsbie: Referral carries 22-21. (Screw you, brown poors.)...Davis says there same hundreds of people will pack the Exec Committee on Feb. 17.
Tweet: Sattva Namaste @Sattva01 @goldsbie u have little experience with the "poors". It is not just limited to "browns". Your comment is stereotypical if not racist
Tweet: Doucette Councillor Davis motion to write a letter today to the Fed Gov. to declare Councils opposition to funding cuts failed 22-21.
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Note: ANA BAILAO voted NO on both. Guess coming from an immigrant ward she could do no less.
Then again, is it that she has to support her friends in the federal Liberal position on saying no to Stephen Harper on immigration funding cuts? Remember, she was current MP Mario Silva's Executive Assistant and owes a lot to him for the Liberal machine election support..... hmmmm.... Has she been 'whipped' too from the other side? See Tweet below *
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Noon Now Mike del Grande is questioning staff on driveway parking limits. Upset with bureaucrats.
Meanwhile, lots of media scrums on the settlement funding issue happening.
Tweet: Goldsbie After the scrums, Davis coolly confronts Mammoliti: "What more information do you need, Giorgio?" He responds it's an NDP plot.
* Goldsbie Perks tells me this was the only vote this week that the Ford team has whipped. He's confident Harper's staff contacted the mayor's staff.
Tweet: Jon Medow Ontario gov has been resoundingly critical of the federal cuts. Why would the city dither on this?
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Results of votes already posted HERE
Here is the FORDITE voting block: Leader? Mammoliti, Doug Ford, others
Paul Ainslie, Michelle Berardinetti, Gary Crawford, Vincent Crisanti, Mike Del Grande, Frank Di Giorgio, Doug Ford, Rob Ford, Mark Grimes, Doug Holyday, Norman Kelly, Giorgio Mammoliti, Peter Milczyn, Denzil Minnan-Wong, Ron Moeser, Frances Nunziata (Chair), Cesar Palacio, John Parker, Jaye Robinson, David Shiner, Karen Stintz, Michael Thompson (22) ... possibly also Gloria Lindsay Luby who was absent from the vote.
Here is the Lefty Pinko Voting Block: Gord Perks is Leader
Maria Augimeri, Ana Bailăo, Shelley Carroll, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Janet Davis, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Sarah Doucette, John Filion, Paula Fletcher, Mary Fragedakis, Mike Layton, Chin Lee, Josh Matlow, Mary-Margaret McMahon, Joe Mihevc, James Pasternak, Gord Perks, Anthony Perruzza, Adam Vaughan, Kristyn Wong-Tam .(21)... possibly also Pam McConnell who was absent from the vote
Of course several councillors can swing left or right depending on local issues and hopes of getting power by pleasing colleagues - but looks like an evenly split council on key issues.
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Tweet: Matt Elliott So Jaye Robinson is still on Team Ford but Mary-Margaret McMahon is not? I need a score card
Tweet: City Slikr Councillors in the middle should vote against the mayor in enough numbers to defeat him once. See how it feels. Might be freeing. ---
Aside on the IMMIGRATION hot button issue: Much like racism or gays in the USA, this topic in Canada is getting really scary. Just to illustrate the nasty vitriol that goes on in comments by 'joe-anonymous-public' look at this one in The Sun:
The rush of immigration and the "open arms" of the government is stripping us 3,4 and 5th generation Canadians of our identity, we allow them to come to OUR country, we cater to THEM, they demand we stop using Christmas Tree becauser it offends them, they have taken away our bible in the schools because it offends THEM, well what about us?? Ther beliefs and ways OFFEND ME! Immigration is like a huge tidal wave coming in and pushing us generation Canadians out, this has to stop..When are the bleeding heart, vote seeking, money grabbing politicians going to grow some balls and finally stand up and say THIS IS CANADA, we speak ENGLISH and FRENCH, we celebrate Christmas and have a Christmas Trees! we read the bible and sing the National Anthem
.... I guess I'd have to say that this is an issue that Canadians across the country and politicians at every level desperately try to ignore and not get involved in. In truth, the Federal level has needed to handle the issue for decades - and has not. So, perhaps congratulations for courage is in order for those Toronto Councillors who chose to try to address the issue today!
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Tweet: GoldsbieCouncil is resuming shortly. Toronto Ombudsman Fiona Crean is sitting front-row centre in the public gallery, ready to cast judgment.2:16pm Council back in session, Ana Bailao is not there but 35 other councillors are (10 missing). Handle Notices of Motion, Community Council items.... ooo. Councillor Karen Stintz finally showed up.
Tweet 16mins ago: Ana Bailao Calling all teens! YMCA Teen Nights: Saturdays starting February 19, 7:30 - 10 pm, West End YMCA, 931 College St, http://on.fb.me/eNqiuJ #fb
Tweet:: David Nickle Democracy is still alive at City Hall. Members elected David Rider VP and yrs. trly President of the City Hall Press Gallery.
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Tweet: Goldsbie Council has voted 25-7 to waive referral on the Del Grande/Ford pay freeze motion, meaning they'll debate it today. Ugh....Side Note: Josh Matlow was on AM740 radio talk show with Dale Goldhawk over lunch talking about his conflict of interest in voting on his own salary.
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The following is tweets on what I missed when I decided to go out for a walk and see the world...
- Goldsbie Vaughan is alleging that the mayor's office has improperly interfered with the Ombudsman's report, but is being maddeningly vague as to how.
- Goldsbie (That is, the report on the treatment of residents with dementia.)
- Shelley Carroll Someone's having lunch with Jeff Lyons next week and it ain't me.
- Toronto City Clerk:Toronto City Council is now debating ItemCC3.4: Toronto-York Spadina Subway Extension Project: Link
- Toronto City Clerk: Toronto City Council is now debating Item MM3.2 2011 Salary Freeze for Mayor & Councillors Link
- Goldsbie The pay freeze debate kicks off, and suddenly all the TV cameras turn on. I hate TV news.
- Denzil Minnan-Wong The debate begins on a Councillor Salary Freeze. Let's call the question and get it over with. Is there anything that hasn't been said?
- Goldsbie Mihevc reminds everyone of that time Royson James suggested that councillors who accept a pay increase be lynched in Nathan Phillips Square
- Goldsbie Nick Kouvalis just walked in. I wonder what the inflationary increase on a $1 salary is.
- David Nickle “I have the moral support of the public at large and I have the moral support of the media as well.” - Mike Del Grande, on salary freeze.
- Goldsbie Matlow argues that because the Star editorial board and Rob Ford agree on this issue, it might have merit. Flawless logic! Goldsbie Matlow clarifies that his line about Ford and the Star ed. board was intended as a joke.
- Joe Mihevc I just moved a motion at Council to direct the $$$ saved by cutting of the salary increase of Council to the Student Nutrition program
- David Nickle Cnclr. Pasternak may cut daughter's allowance if salary freeze passes. "Trickle down theory of retraint" at work, he says.
- Goldsbie Councillor Pasternak: "Torontonians are not overly gullible." Just regular gullible, then?
- Goldsbie Mihevc motion referred 23-19. Total cancellation of pay increase item passes 39-3.
- Kelly Grant Mihevc, Moeser and Filion are the only councillors who voted against pay freeze for mayor and councillors.
- Toronto City Clerk Toronto City Council is now debating Item MM3.8 Link
- Goldsbie Judging by her interview with Omni, Councillor Augimeri's Italian isn't quite as fluent as I'd assumed.
- Torontoist City Council members just voted 39-3 for a 2011 freeze on their salaries. Symbolic or practical? Debate it here:----- Link
Globe and Mail story on Council pay freeze is here "Members voted 39 to 3 in favour Tuesday of rejecting the automatic 2011 increase to their $99,619 salaries."
Toronto Star story here As a result, they will continue to receive the 2010 rate of $99,619. The mayor’s salary was also frozen at $167,770.
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? Strange motion by Mary Margret McMahon "That Council excuse the absence of Councillor Lindsay-Luby from the Feb 7 and 8 City Council meetings" Carries unanimous (39-0) even though McMahon says "I have no idea why she's not here"......... weird.
5:35pm Motion to adjourn council carried.
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* Update: Here is something Johhnathan Goldsbie caught that I missed because I took a break from the boredom:
"3:25 p.m.: Shelley Carroll (Ward 33, Don Valley East) tweets, "Someone's having lunch with Jeff Lyons next week and it ain't me," signalling that the infamous lobbyist (a key figure in the MFP scandal and the uncle of Toronto Sun columnist Sue-Ann Levy) is looking to get back into the City Hall game. Turns out he recently recruited veteran strategist Sean Hill, a former assistant to Joe Mihevc, to his firm."
Monday, February 7, 2011
February 7 City Council Meeting Log
What Happened: A Blow by Blow
(Since I am immobilized by a leg injusy, I am followingfrom my home computer)
9:32 am Meeting called to order by Speaker Frances Nunziata.
Mayor Ford is going to spend the whole meeting wearing an O'Connor Blues shirt (This is the football team that beat his own Don Bosco Eagles. Photo op. Sign of Rob Ford growing into his new role: he declines to wear the pom-pom hat when it is offered to him. (Tweet by goldsbie)
9:41am Krystyn Wong-Tam making a statement about the big fire at Yonge/Gould. A thank you to fireefighters.
* Update: Police Confirm Fire was Arson
9:44am Adam Vaughan makes statement about Sgt Russell being killed and makes motion for City Council to unanimously pass motion to name park after him. Speaker says you cannot do this until community council deals with it. (grandstanding...? Vaughan is a veteran and should know this)
9:47am Giorgio Mammoliti waxing on about community centres needed as he delivers report on Community Development and Recreation Committee. Highlights childcare needs.
9:48 Councillor Michael Thompson presents Economic development meeting report.
9:51 Councillor Paul Ainslie presents Government Management Committee
9:51am Pam McConnell makes point of order asking about medical needs for homes fro the aged. Told to wait.
9:52am Cesar Palacio presents Licensing and Standards Committee report. Educates colleagues on what the committe does. Making a longggg speech... Gets his five minutes in. Dog and cat licensing fee could be abolished this year, according to licensing committee chair Palacio.
9:57am Peter Milczyn presents Growth Management Committee and mentions ANA BAILAO was elected Vice-Chair. Praises the work he and the committe does.
10:00 Denzil Minnan-Wong presents Public Works and Infrastructure report. David Shiner is vice-chair.
10:00am Mark Grimes presents Etobicoke York Community Council and takes a shot at Palacio (I won't be as long)
10:01am Maria Augimeri presents North York Community Council report (also takes shot at not being as long winded as Palacio)
10:02am Paul Ainslie presents Scarborough Community Council report. Very quick.
10:03am Gord Perks presents Toronto and East York Community Council report.
10:03am Vote to accept reports unanimous (42) Missing from meeting: Karen Stintz, Lindsay Luby, John Parker.
10:04am Declarations of Conflict of Interest. (several) Councillor Colle makes a 'ridiculous motion' according to Speak Nunziata as he says he has a conflict of interest on the salary raise issue for councillors. Josh Matlow also says he has a conflict. Speaker Nunziata rules them out of order.
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10:08am Receiving petititions. Lindsay Luby and Stintz still not there.
10:10am RM 3.6 Review of the Order Paper. No urgent items identified by the Mayor. Speaker Nunziata once again explains the rules to councillors. Palacio has a hold on urgent item about Pan Am games and the Child Care Task force. Shiner holds Toronto Public Library items.... Councillors can hold items of importance to them so they are there to discuss.... Interestingly Palacio and Mammoliti don't seem to be paying attention to who is holding what as they are too busy chatting elsewhere.... lots of administrative details being worked out.
10:24am A vote! on CC3.2 2 True Davidson Drive - Official Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Site Plan Control Applications carries unanimously.
10:26am Pam McConnell brings motion to adopt motion (2/3 needed) about medical devices needed... ?
* Did I just see Ana Bailao slap seatmate Michael Thompson's wrist from showing her how to push her vote button? a little hard to be sure from home.... ?
10:31am Vote on adopting the order paper and adjustments made: Adopted unanimously 40 in the chamber in favour. Normal re-educating of councillors on how to add motions without notice done by Speaker Nunziata. Now theyy START with agenda.
10:33am EX2.1 (Executive Committe) Interim Authority to Issue Debentures during 2011 and Authority to Enter into Lending Agreements with CMHC (Ward All) URGENT... Stephen Harper making big loan available ($22 million) to cities for subsidized housing loan. Always practical Ron Moeser asks about what the interest rate is (about 3.8%, considered very low). Mammoliti asks if there are any conditions attached to the loan. Only for capital purposes must come via city to TCHC. Vast majority of money is specific to Regent Park development. Mammoliti asks when did city recognize they needed $22 million for this. Answer - came from TCHC board meeting. Mammolitis asks if city is guaranteeing the loan - answer no, just a technical thing coming through the city. Mammoliti asks why it is coming through the city then? Answer Canada Mortagage requires it go thru the city... kind of dancing around the question. Maria Augimeri asks how Regent Park was chosen for the loan. Answer: don't know. Augimeri asks what other projects benefit? Answer don't know... so Augimeri holds down the motion. Pam McConnell asks leading questions to point out it is just to ensure a better rate and slyly suggests in her question this is urgent and money will disappear unless they approve it now. Ron Moeser asks some technical questions about priorities, City bureaucrat has no answer. Moeser continues to ask questions on effect on budget, confusing answers.
10:45am Vote on the amendment to the item Carries unanimously (only 39 in the chamber now)
10:46am Vote on main item as amended... unainous 39 again. WOW! 12 minutes on a $22million item.
10:48am Cesar Palacio asking questions about EX2.5 Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Capital Facilities and Investments (Ward All) URGENT... about need for soil remediation... involves recommended additional City funding of up to $47 million (something Ford says he was 'blindsided' on).
10:53am Technical problems.... buttons Councillors use to get on speaking/questioning list is not working
10:54am David Shiner asking questions about costs and estimates. Why so off? Answer: we were rushed and had to make a guess...
- Tweet ddale Councillors were recently told that the city needed to provide 21 million extra to accommodate inflationary increases...Holyday, back on his anti-BMX-track horse, asks staff how many BMXers there are in city. Answer: max 1,000.
11:03am Michael Thompson asking questtions... making a speech really about this being a fine investment.
11:04am Kristyn Wong-Tam asking question about issuing tender for soil remediation. City bureaucrat says 'we told you about the risk' Points out alarming documents about how the city is on the hook for all kinds of liabilities.City answer - not happy with what they got from Pan Am corporation and other levels of govt.
- Tweet: Daniel Dale A group of cute little kids just arrived in the gallery. They are listening more intently to Michael Thompson than most councillors. (St. Matthews School)
11:09am Mark Grimes is not buying that back then they did not know about cost increases. Have to deliver site by April 2012. Still will support it.
11:11am Item was held by Cesar Palacio, so now he gets his time to speak on it. Pan Am Games will bring great benefits.. sounds like a Pan Am commercial. Mentions his frustration that the previous adnministration knew all along about the need for soil remediation.... here we go, blame the leftiy Millerites! Ties in Bloor Street reconstruction, Transit City, etc. We have been forced in a corner at the eleventh hour. Why does this happen? I voted for this in 2009 because of the information I had back then. (duck and cover political maneuver)... I hope this is the last "Fiscal Fiasco" we have to encounter. I support it.
11:16am Mark Grimes speaks and supports it. We have to clean up the soil at some point and we have a partner who will pay for it. Worth it because we'll have a great aquatic centre. (He is very concise and coherent and makes his point without droning on)
11:18am Michael Thompson speaks. Makes an amendment. Takes offence at people blaming staff who could only deal with the information they had at the time. Another commercial for how great Pan Am games will be for Toronto.... This guy really sounds like a future Mayoral candidate who speaks very well.
11:24am Paul Ainslie now speaking. "This is an amazing deal for Toronto and for Scarborough" - Tweet David Nickle: In the meantime, Paul Ainslie says Pan Am Games not a "great deal" for Toronto, but "amazing." Cost overruns be darned.
11:27am Paula Fletcher speaks in support of the motion, makes an amendment about reporting on TTC access. Great opportunity to clean up contaminated land. Emphasizes importance of making sure people can get there without cars.
11:31am John Parker confirms his support. Waxes on about his youth swimming at Hart House. Main benefit is ongoing asset after the games. Great for the University of Toronto. - Tweet from goldsbie: Councillor Parker refers to the Hart House pool as an "oversized medieval bathtub."
Side Note: Josh Matlow just posted Twitpic of his voting buttons:
(Since I am immobilized by a leg injusy, I am followingfrom my home computer)
9:32 am Meeting called to order by Speaker Frances Nunziata.
Mayor Ford is going to spend the whole meeting wearing an O'Connor Blues shirt (This is the football team that beat his own Don Bosco Eagles. Photo op. Sign of Rob Ford growing into his new role: he declines to wear the pom-pom hat when it is offered to him. (Tweet by goldsbie)
9:41am Krystyn Wong-Tam making a statement about the big fire at Yonge/Gould. A thank you to fireefighters.
* Update: Police Confirm Fire was Arson
9:44am Adam Vaughan makes statement about Sgt Russell being killed and makes motion for City Council to unanimously pass motion to name park after him. Speaker says you cannot do this until community council deals with it. (grandstanding...? Vaughan is a veteran and should know this)
9:47am Giorgio Mammoliti waxing on about community centres needed as he delivers report on Community Development and Recreation Committee. Highlights childcare needs.
9:48 Councillor Michael Thompson presents Economic development meeting report.
9:51 Councillor Paul Ainslie presents Government Management Committee
9:51am Pam McConnell makes point of order asking about medical needs for homes fro the aged. Told to wait.
9:52am Cesar Palacio presents Licensing and Standards Committee report. Educates colleagues on what the committe does. Making a longggg speech... Gets his five minutes in. Dog and cat licensing fee could be abolished this year, according to licensing committee chair Palacio.
9:57am Peter Milczyn presents Growth Management Committee and mentions ANA BAILAO was elected Vice-Chair. Praises the work he and the committe does.
10:00 Denzil Minnan-Wong presents Public Works and Infrastructure report. David Shiner is vice-chair.
10:00am Mark Grimes presents Etobicoke York Community Council and takes a shot at Palacio (I won't be as long)
10:01am Maria Augimeri presents North York Community Council report (also takes shot at not being as long winded as Palacio)
10:02am Paul Ainslie presents Scarborough Community Council report. Very quick.
10:03am Gord Perks presents Toronto and East York Community Council report.
10:03am Vote to accept reports unanimous (42) Missing from meeting: Karen Stintz, Lindsay Luby, John Parker.
10:04am Declarations of Conflict of Interest. (several) Councillor Colle makes a 'ridiculous motion' according to Speak Nunziata as he says he has a conflict of interest on the salary raise issue for councillors. Josh Matlow also says he has a conflict. Speaker Nunziata rules them out of order.
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10:08am Receiving petititions. Lindsay Luby and Stintz still not there.
10:10am RM 3.6 Review of the Order Paper. No urgent items identified by the Mayor. Speaker Nunziata once again explains the rules to councillors. Palacio has a hold on urgent item about Pan Am games and the Child Care Task force. Shiner holds Toronto Public Library items.... Councillors can hold items of importance to them so they are there to discuss.... Interestingly Palacio and Mammoliti don't seem to be paying attention to who is holding what as they are too busy chatting elsewhere.... lots of administrative details being worked out.
10:24am A vote! on CC3.2 2 True Davidson Drive - Official Plan Amendment, Rezoning, Site Plan Control Applications carries unanimously.
10:26am Pam McConnell brings motion to adopt motion (2/3 needed) about medical devices needed... ?
* Did I just see Ana Bailao slap seatmate Michael Thompson's wrist from showing her how to push her vote button? a little hard to be sure from home.... ?
10:31am Vote on adopting the order paper and adjustments made: Adopted unanimously 40 in the chamber in favour. Normal re-educating of councillors on how to add motions without notice done by Speaker Nunziata. Now theyy START with agenda.
10:33am EX2.1 (Executive Committe) Interim Authority to Issue Debentures during 2011 and Authority to Enter into Lending Agreements with CMHC (Ward All) URGENT... Stephen Harper making big loan available ($22 million) to cities for subsidized housing loan. Always practical Ron Moeser asks about what the interest rate is (about 3.8%, considered very low). Mammoliti asks if there are any conditions attached to the loan. Only for capital purposes must come via city to TCHC. Vast majority of money is specific to Regent Park development. Mammoliti asks when did city recognize they needed $22 million for this. Answer - came from TCHC board meeting. Mammolitis asks if city is guaranteeing the loan - answer no, just a technical thing coming through the city. Mammoliti asks why it is coming through the city then? Answer Canada Mortagage requires it go thru the city... kind of dancing around the question. Maria Augimeri asks how Regent Park was chosen for the loan. Answer: don't know. Augimeri asks what other projects benefit? Answer don't know... so Augimeri holds down the motion. Pam McConnell asks leading questions to point out it is just to ensure a better rate and slyly suggests in her question this is urgent and money will disappear unless they approve it now. Ron Moeser asks some technical questions about priorities, City bureaucrat has no answer. Moeser continues to ask questions on effect on budget, confusing answers.
10:45am Vote on the amendment to the item Carries unanimously (only 39 in the chamber now)
10:46am Vote on main item as amended... unainous 39 again. WOW! 12 minutes on a $22million item.
10:48am Cesar Palacio asking questions about EX2.5 Toronto 2015 Pan/Parapan American Games Capital Facilities and Investments (Ward All) URGENT... about need for soil remediation... involves recommended additional City funding of up to $47 million (something Ford says he was 'blindsided' on).
10:53am Technical problems.... buttons Councillors use to get on speaking/questioning list is not working
10:54am David Shiner asking questions about costs and estimates. Why so off? Answer: we were rushed and had to make a guess...
- Tweet ddale Councillors were recently told that the city needed to provide 21 million extra to accommodate inflationary increases...Holyday, back on his anti-BMX-track horse, asks staff how many BMXers there are in city. Answer: max 1,000.
11:03am Michael Thompson asking questtions... making a speech really about this being a fine investment.
11:04am Kristyn Wong-Tam asking question about issuing tender for soil remediation. City bureaucrat says 'we told you about the risk' Points out alarming documents about how the city is on the hook for all kinds of liabilities.City answer - not happy with what they got from Pan Am corporation and other levels of govt.
- Tweet: Daniel Dale A group of cute little kids just arrived in the gallery. They are listening more intently to Michael Thompson than most councillors. (St. Matthews School)
11:09am Mark Grimes is not buying that back then they did not know about cost increases. Have to deliver site by April 2012. Still will support it.
11:11am Item was held by Cesar Palacio, so now he gets his time to speak on it. Pan Am Games will bring great benefits.. sounds like a Pan Am commercial. Mentions his frustration that the previous adnministration knew all along about the need for soil remediation.... here we go, blame the leftiy Millerites! Ties in Bloor Street reconstruction, Transit City, etc. We have been forced in a corner at the eleventh hour. Why does this happen? I voted for this in 2009 because of the information I had back then. (duck and cover political maneuver)... I hope this is the last "Fiscal Fiasco" we have to encounter. I support it.
11:16am Mark Grimes speaks and supports it. We have to clean up the soil at some point and we have a partner who will pay for it. Worth it because we'll have a great aquatic centre. (He is very concise and coherent and makes his point without droning on)
11:18am Michael Thompson speaks. Makes an amendment. Takes offence at people blaming staff who could only deal with the information they had at the time. Another commercial for how great Pan Am games will be for Toronto.... This guy really sounds like a future Mayoral candidate who speaks very well.
11:24am Paul Ainslie now speaking. "This is an amazing deal for Toronto and for Scarborough" - Tweet David Nickle: In the meantime, Paul Ainslie says Pan Am Games not a "great deal" for Toronto, but "amazing." Cost overruns be darned.
11:27am Paula Fletcher speaks in support of the motion, makes an amendment about reporting on TTC access. Great opportunity to clean up contaminated land. Emphasizes importance of making sure people can get there without cars.
11:31am John Parker confirms his support. Waxes on about his youth swimming at Hart House. Main benefit is ongoing asset after the games. Great for the University of Toronto. - Tweet from goldsbie: Councillor Parker refers to the Hart House pool as an "oversized medieval bathtub."
Side Note: Josh Matlow just posted Twitpic of his voting buttons:
11:35am Doug Holyday speaks. Takes shots at people who won't be riding bikes to Pan Am facility. Tweet from Daniel Dale: Holyday motion: find "more central site" for BMX site...and if that doesn't carry, delay decision til after public meeting. (Holyday really hates cyclists it seems) Talks also about garbage sites and how they need ongoing care - Concerned the monies normally taken from reserve funds will be depleted quickly on this site. ... oops, talked too long. Motion for an extension to speak. Unanimous.... hmm, only 31 in the chamber out of 45, only 69% of councillors there. -Tweet Daniel Dale: Says we shouldn't rip up 7.5 acres of parkland for bike track for very few people - "youth." He is unhappy.
11:44am Mary Fragedakis asks procedural question to makes ssure she knows what she'll be voting on.
11:44am Josh Matlow asks why he wants an extra public meeting - Holyday doesn't want to have to go to constituents with a done deal decision. Matlow asks about what BMX event is all about and asks if he has an alternate place in Toronto to put it. Holyday doesn't know.
11:46am Raymond Cho asks question. Pins Holyday down saying he hears him supporting project but what if your constituents do notr want it. A: Still support it.
11:47am Adam Vaughan speaks in support of the Pan Am games. Takes a shot saying the BMX facility if it were built in Etobicoke, having the facility there would generate the attendance. Gently castigates other Councillors who didn't read the wrning signs in previous reports. "It's our project and it's our time to do it right"
.... Notice from a few limited camera shots that those not speaking look really bored....
11:53am Giorgio Mammoliti speaks and makes amendment to indicate the BMX facility could be in an 'alternate' site (like his ward 7) and not 'central' as the motion said. Mammoliti goes on about how the suburbs get so little attention. - Tweet from Daniel Dale: Mammoliti: his part of the city never gets considered for projects like the BMX track. Why, he asks "because there's a lot of poor people?" - Tweet: Rahul Gupta
Does anyone on #TOCouncil grandstand as well as Mammoliti? Man should write a book
BREAKING NEWS TWEET from CBC : The City of Toronto says it has officially started work on a plan to open up garbage collection to competitive bidding. Reporters on press row just got release re: private garbage. City estimates 300 positions will b affected
11:58am Mark Grimes points out that Councillors have no say on where Pan Am Games facilities go.
-Tweet: City Slikr Actually, most of Dep. Mayor Holyday's yammerings can be summed up as Get off my lawn! #TOcouncil
12:00 noon Speakers done, Time to vote on motions. Holyday's motion asking city to look for "more central site" for BMX course loses 29-12. Second Holyday motion at least seeking public meeting on BMX site also fails, 27-14.
--- lost my link to Rogers telecast at this point ---
12:10pm Now Item EX 2.9 Filming at Frat Houses. Adam Vaughan upset that his ward not included in consultations on this complicated issue.... ( Seems like s silly nany-state overkill if it really does affect only 6 or 7 properties in the entire city ) Link to background on the item -Tweet: Rob Granatstein NFC - No Fun Council. #Toronto Councillor wants to stop frat houses from being used as film sets since frat houses use proceeds for keggers A. R. Arvelo McQuaig Another Tweet: Ugh, Shiner says of Vaughan, “I'd be only too happy if he got another job.”
--- Meanwhile another tweet: "We’re going to be outsourcing everything that is not nailed down" -- Doug Ford, as quoted in the Toronto Sun this morning.
12:29pm Mary Fragedakis introduces bill ... only 29 voting reps there right now, rest 'out to lunch' ?
12:30pm --- Council Recess until 2:00 pm ---
... Noticed Ana Bailao drinking her Tim's coffee and chatting with ever present lefty pinko recruiters Gord Perks and Shelley Carroll.
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Tweets on Council stuff during the lunch break:
Goldsbie Ford says we won't have another garbage strike like the one that crippled the city "last year."
Matlow At Mayor Ford's presser re: privatizing garbage collection. Whether supported or not, announcements before voting are never a good thing
Majot Mayoral Announcement: Ford Moves to Privatize Garbage Collection "The City of Toronto intends to expand curbside garbage pickup of “all daytime residential curbside collection west of Yonge St. to the Etobicoke border.” Even if city council approved contracting out more garbage collection, no change would happen until mid-2012.
Rob Ford made city-wide garbage pickup privatization a core promise in his election campaign. RICHARD LAUTENS/TORONTO STAR FILE PHOTO
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2:04pm About 5 or 6 councillors in the chamber milling around
2:07pm Speaker Nunziata calls people to take their seats.
2:09pm Quorum (Ana Bailao still not back from lunch along with many others)
2:10pm CC3.3 item moved by Joe Mihevc.
2:11pm ah - here comes Ana Bailao. Joe's motion carries 31 unanimous. 14 councillors missing.
... more quick release items... Karen Stintz and Gloria Lindsay Luby still missing all day.
2:22pm Back to questions aboutfilming at frat houses. Michael Thompson asking.
-Tweet: David Nickle Should frat houses not be allowed to have film shoots on their premises, to stop them from using the proceeds for wild parties? Hmm.
Michael Thompson pointing out its a silly moratorium and how is it different from other businesses. WHy do we need a 2 month moratorium to sort things out...Tweet: Daniel Dale In talking about film shoot moratorium at frat houses, Thompson notes he used to be a frat brother. "CONFLICT, CONFLICT," colleagues shout.
2:26pm Kristyn Wong-Tam asks if the moratorium would affect film industry coming here. Answer: yes it has 'an' impact. Wong Tam tries to redefine answer as hurting film industry.No. Speaks about "early morning shouting and human defecation".
2:29pm Gord Perks speaks about how city council can refuse a bar for bad behaviour to change it
Perks is an expert in proving his point via smart questioning - much like a lawyer who only asks questions when he knows what answer he will get to build support.
-Tweet: Daniel Dale Adam Vaughan believes frats are using the proceeds from film shoots at their houses to fund boozing and boorish behaviour.
2:34pm Pam McConnell asking questions. Is moratorium a significant economic impact within the area.Staff says moratorium or threat negatively impacts external perception of Toronto being not business friendly.
2:37pm Peter Milczyn questions.Staff answer: Frats are not businesses, just a co-op housing of sorts. Clear that staff confused as to whether city licensing and standards can do anything about them.
2:40pm Joe Mihevc suggests amendment to leave moratorium for 2 months so local councillor can sort things out. Only 6 of 24 frat/sororities are a problem. A deferral motion.
2:41pm Mike del Grande will not support deferral. It affects the arts community and gives city a bad name. Ourcity needs economic prosperity.
2:43pm Shelley Carroll speaks, takes shot at del Grande saying she hopes he will support the film business (as he hasn't in the past). Kind of irritable towards Speaker Nunziata who tells her to stay on the item.
Carroll fears Toronto Film Board will be axed by Ford.
2:46pm Michael Thompson speaks to support the deferral.(hmmm... not a right block with del Grande) Again, Thompson is a very accomplished, diplomatic speaker.... member of the sensible party?
2:48pm Joe Mihevc's amendment being voted on to ensure tv show "Being Erica" can continue filming as an exception. Carries 26-11 and is deferred. The no's all on the Fordite right wing block. =Tweet: Daniel Dale Council votes to extend moratorium on film shoots at a handful of frat houses for 2 months; gives community time to work things out.
2:50pm David Shiner asking questions about budget alocations for libraries.Complaining about use ofconsultants, etc.
2:56pm Vote on Toronto Library Capital Budget. Caries 34-1 (Moeser a no)
2:57pm Shiner EX2.12 Toronto Public Library 2010 Capital Budget - Technical Adjustments as of October 31, 2010 Carries 34-1
2:58pm Maria Augimeri complains about what Palacio will do with an amendment, needs to have staff answer questions.
3:00pm Ana Bailao speaks! CD1.6 Childcare Development Task Force. Expresses confusion on getting staff answers in time to vote.Michael Thompson also expresses confusion. more confusion.
3:02pm Cesar Palacio tries to explain what uis happening.Doesn't really say anything. ends with "But 'that's the way to go'" .... what ?
3:03pm Adam Vaughan speaks and putrs forward motion. Explains a hell of a lot mre about what is going on. - Tweet: Diane Dyson George Brown argued against universal public education because "schools for poor would be poor schools" 1850s .... Vaughan speaks about risk and tragedy for city's children if its not done right. "Buil;d daycare not off the balance sheet but what the children need" Argues for regulation and examining history. "Who ran on a campaign to make daycare cheaper and less safe? No one".. Passionate speech about 'Think ofthe Children'.
3:09pm Speaker Nunziata chastizes Vaughan for not following procedure with his motion by giving notice.
3:10pm Mammoliti makes motion to move this to a Mayor's task force under him. Says he is insulted by others references to motives. Childcare doesn't belong to those on left or right. It's all of us. Winding up into big speech. Complains about Paula Fletcher heckling he is yelling. (he is). Tweet: Daniel Dale Mammoliti yells at Fletcher for accusing him of yelling, says he's not yelling. Tweet: Goldsbie Mammoliti moves his new "Childcare Task Force" be referred to the mayor to become the Mayor's Childcare Task Force, chaired by Mammoliti.... promises he might include people like Adam Vaughan.... Mammoliti goes overtme and asks for more time to speak. Carries 34-1 (Mark Grimes said no)...Mammoliti says timing iis good given upcoming provincial and federal elections.
3:18pm Shelley Carroll asks what is your interpretation of the reporting pathway when something is referred to the Mayor? (wants to know if council gets cut out of the action or it could be delayed). Mammoliti says bringing back to Council and/or Executive. Prefers it that way. Carroll wants it more open.
-Tweet: Good catch: "@goldsbie: Mammoliti prev. said (task force) would be chaired by a member of (his cmte.) other than himself." Now him.
3:21pm Adam Vaughan tries to pin Mammoliti dowen to ensure it is open, transparent and includes public input.... Mammoliti basically answers "Hey. Trust us" - many councillors do not. Mammoliti talks about 'flow out' of info, Vaughan says you want to punt it off to Mayor, what about flow IN ?
3:25pm Ron Moeser speaks. Questions timetable for huge undertaking. Mamoliti says before the prov/fed elections need recommendations. Within 4 months. 'That's ambitious' says Moeser. Mammoliti seems very full of himself, ttrying to speak for the Mayor. Moeser asks smart questions about getting other members on the task force from other levels of govt.
3:28pm Joe Mihevc asks if he can ask Mayor questions on this issue since it would be his task force. No, he's not chair of committee. ooooo....Mihevc says "we need a man of greater level to answer questions" (at least I think that was his zinger. Mihevc then tries to tie Mammoliti to specific recommendations. Mammoliti ducks it.
---- During all this, I could see Mike Layton chatting with his assistants and not paying attention ---
3:32pm Josh Matlow speaks. His style is to start with the positives, trying to charm Mammoliti. "What signals can we give to partners we already listed in recommendations, how can we ensure them they will be included in task force"? Mamoliti's response is all about controlling costs for task forces.'Perhaps' your suggestions will be considered... and we'll let you know..... Will you at leastcommit that this will come back to us? Mammoliti answers basically 'there's a new sheriff in town. get with the program' Don't worry be happy.
3:37pm Janet Davis says she is still trying to understand Mammoliti's intentions.... Do you still support it? Answer: I've never changed my vote on anything..... duck, dodge....Why don't we do what you and the committe have already agreed to? Mamoliti: The administration at city hall has changed. (says he is trying to be diplomatic, read between lines: Ford put his foot down). Davis: Then why not defer it for a month and work things out.Answer: don't want to defer it. Davis: Why did you agree to everything before and now everything's changed. Mammoliti: confirms it was a Ford directive.
3:42pm Gord Perks Are you willing to amend your motion to explicitly do what the committee already did. No answer. Will it go to Committee meeting? No, to Executive.... Speaker Nunziata reminds Perks he is not in court and let Mammoliti answer..... Perks: Are you prepared to amend your motion to make a specific timetable? Yes.
3:44pm Perks makes Point of Order quoting city council rules that he cannot do this to attempt to defeat the motion by moving it to the Mayor. Asks for ruling it is out of order..... 2 seconds later, Nunziata says it is in order. No conference with clerk.... What amazing bias!
3:46pm Chair has been challenged. Vote: 19 yes, 16 no. ANA BAILAO voted YES which seems to pretty much end the debate that she is on the Ford right wing of Council, Sad. I would have voted NO. And only 35 people voted, 10 ducked out of vote. Time to chanmge Ana's colours to ANA BAILAO right wing conservative.
3:52pm Raymond Cho asking some questions of Mammoliti who tries to remind him that he always supported moving things to the Mayor's task force.
3:53pm Joe Mihevc puts forward amendment to Mammoliti motion Delayed.
3:54pm Move to Ron Moeser for 2 mins of questions. Says he will support motion.
3:57pm Joe Mihevc makes amendments to ensure specifics of committee work already done is included. Fears straight deferral to Mayor will mean cost cuts. Let's just do what the committee already agreed to.
3:59pm Adam Vaughan speaks. Suggests Mayor just wants to hide it and help Stephen Harper from having issue discussed during election. I don't feel comfortable sidelining council into the Mayor's office. Reminds comment "What happens in the Mayor's Office stays in the Mayor's office" (the dispute between Ford's former assistants). Nunziata cuts him off and tries to say his comments not on the issue.
4:02pm Shelley Carroll speaks and says Vaughan's concerns have a history and have merit. It's about the rules and how things went down before. Its about the anxiety and reporting back.
-Tweet: Goldsbie Matlow's having a private conversation with Mammoliti; I wonder if he's expressing feelings of betrayal, disappointment, or disillusionment.
4:03pm Raymond Cho speaks. Now says he will NOT support referral. (Guess Mammoliti lost his support by being bitchy)
4:04pm Gord Perks speaks.Childcare is in crisis.and people want openess, transparency and accountability. "The Mayor's staff is there to help the Mayor, not my constituents"
4:06pm Janet Davis says she will support Mihevc's detailed amendment. It is important that itcome before Community and Recreation Committeee, not just the Mayor or Executive.
4:09pm Paula Fletcher will support Mihevc's motion and to referral. Having Mayor stamp on it gives weight, but wont support it if the reporting is not fair and open.
4:10pm Mike del Grande speaks. Complains not using same actions as with previous Mayor. We haven't given the Mayor a chance. Says this is a NO CONFIDENCE matter. Raises the stakes on the vote. Asks Council if you don't want this Mayor, who do you want?
4:13pm Mike Grimes tries to amend motion to have the matterreferred to the Executive, not the Mayor. After spme confusion it is allowed.
4:14pm Mammoliti says it is not in order to move it to the Executive. Speaker says yes it is.
4:15pm Joe Mihevc confirms his motion amendment still stands. Yes.
4:15pm Ron Moeser wants to see the amendments first (They are on screen) Ready for votes:
First passes 31-5
Part 4 carries 34-3
Part 5 carries 34-5
--- Wow They flash those votes so wuick you cannot follow them ---
Part 6 carries 34-5 (nos are del Grande, Holyday and other righties)
Part 7 carries 37-2
4:22pm Motion? : Lost 19-20. Ana Bailao voted NO with her right wing friends.
Goes to Mark Grimes motion to refer to Executive Committee Carries 34-5
Main motion referral passes 34-5 ANA BAILAO voted YES but with Mihevc's detailed amendments.
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4:27pm Reall silliness. Mike del Grande moves that the CD 1.7 Ice Infrastruture Task Force item be referred to the Mayor. Gives Shelley Carroll a chance to pin him down on what that means. It 'should' be reported back. Questions from Janet Davis, and a motion in the making.
4:30pm Mammoliti waxing on about what a great sports guys Mayor Rob Ford is.
4:33pm Josh Matlow upset that everything is being referred to the Mayor's office. "If we're going to do that with everything, let's all just go home." Visibly disillusioned/
4:35pm John Parker supports the Mayor.... big surprise.
4:37pm Ron Moeser asks if it would be legal to refer this to Councillor Grimes office?... that was a joke, right? yuck.... Says he's like Grimes involved.
4:39pm Joe Mihevc motion to amend motion to include details of what was already done - yet again. Reminds people long term practice is that items that fall within a particular committee is where it should stay. Says we need ice rinks, but we also need soccer fields. Second fastest growing sport is cricket. Need more pitches. Says item should stay with Community Development and Recreation.
4:41pm Shelley Carroll speaks. Says we might as well refer everything like this to the Executive Committeee. We all see the writing on the wall here.
4:42pm Call for the vote: defeated. People still want to talk.
4:43pm Michael Thompson speaks. Adds in that the GHTL be involved as well. Defends the Mayor. He should get same respect the other mayor's got. This mayor is going to be different. He will bring things back.
4:45pm Shelley Carroll speaks - areyou not concerned the user worried about fees sitting at same table as developers. .... Nunziata interrupts and almost succeeds in shutting Carroll up.
---- This partisan BS is really nasty! Hear Councillor Carroll's mike was one and was heard saying "She does that every single time" Nunziata says be careful what you say when your mike is on....
It used to be that Michael Thompson was routinely cutoff like that by lefty Millerite Speaker Sandra Bussin.
They REALLY, really need some neutrality in a speaker! Yikes.
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4:51pm Time to vote?
Mihevc's detailed amendments vote: carries 34-2
Last part - report to community development: Lost 16-21 (Ana voted Yes)
Shelley Carroll's, refer to Executive: carries 34-2
delGrande to include GTHL Carried 31-6
Main Motion, refer to Mayor's office as amended: Caries 32-4
------
Note: Ana Bailao sits just left of Michael Thompson and strangely always seems to vote exactly as he does. More proof where her loyalties lie: right, conservative.
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5:00pm Rather boring item: GM1.10 Purchase Order Amendment for the Over-Expenditure of Contract No.'s 47013460, 47014182 and 47015236 and the Sole Source Contract for the Purchase and Maintenance of Resident Lift Systems (Ward All) ... Mike del Grande asking questions of staff.feeling zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz watching this.
----
Meanwhile, some other people's tweets I missed:
Adam C-F Mammoliti, who sat in the Rae government and subsequently joined the Liberals, tells #TOCouncil he's never changed his vote in 20 years
Shelley Carroll Madam Speaker quick to criticize but completely off base as to what is being spoken of
rbmorra @KenWood_ward18 Cast of usual #TOCouncil commentators/hangers-on ain't so hot either.
Kyle A Del Grande needs to cheer up. I don't think being in council agrees with him. He should retire to his cave and be a grump there.
Kyle A Kudos to those who cover city hall. If I had to watch this sh*t for a living I would b an alcoholic or worse
City Slikr Cllr. Del Grande can't even muster up the pretense of listening to staff responses, can he
City Slikr Cllr. Del Grande's default position whenever he's challenged is, we are not awash in money here
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5:36pm Gord Perks asking questions of a very bored Mike del Grande. Funny.... Perks in bright Red shirt and vest, del Grande in pale blue. Perks questioning why del Grande takes staff advice on some things not others. Mike: "Well maybe it should remain a mystery for you"... question about $ being spent on training and maintenance.
5:39pm Paula Fletcher asking health and safety questions. Concerns about lack of standardization for lift equipment causing problems with emergency personnel or home workers.
5:43pm Doug Ford complains that other councillors did not talk to staff and home workers. If you're so worried why don't you go out and talk to them. I did. Basically says: Hey dummies, don't sole source or they could go out of business. Also sole source means suppliers jack prices up because its the city. What's wrong with you - those staff are professionals and can figure it out. Standardization is not an issue.
.... DOUG FORD MADE HIS MAIDEN SPEECH ! Everyone applauds.
5:46pm Janet Davis speaks. Lots of praise for Homes for the Aged professionals. Then goes on to use her longterm experience in that area to caution about putting at risk health and safety by not standardizing. We already have 3 types of lifts people need to know how they work. Let's listen to the professionals that we need sole source purchasing..... very competent speech
5:50pm Shelley Carroll speaks in support of sole source. Tries to make a motion but Nunziata rules it out of order "I expected that says Carroll"
5:56pm City going in camera (actually means closed session) to talk about confidential items.
...
Ooops. First, Councillor Ana Bailao has a motion to introduce for liquor licence application for Weston Road Weird: a motion to add a motion without notice. Carries unanimously 38 to 0.
6:00pm Closed Session Motion: Carries unanimous 38-0
---------------------------------------------------
Goldsbie Rob "when I'm mayor there will be no more in camera meetings!" Ford just voted to take the meeting in camera.
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7:15pm CKLN 88.1 Ryerson community radio on air talking about Shelley Carroll with robcer, Carroll to be an on air phone in guest. ? maybe ?
07:20pm City Council getting ready to go back into public session.
7:26pm Back in session. Nunziata reports only debates occurred on confidential items, no motions made.
7:27pm Paul Ainslie makes a motion to keep items they discussed in closed session confidential
7:28pm Vote: carries unanimous 34 in favour.
*Note: Ana Bailao is not in the chamber.
7:30pm Mayor Rob Ford speaks. Wants to ask same questions in public of the Ombudsman that he talked about in private. Nunziata tells him he cannot do that in open session. ... shouldn't Rob know the meaning of confidential by now?
7:32pm Pam McConnell speaks up saying that the next item should be handled. CC 3.4 can be held down and Nunziata will continue to let McConnell handle GM 1.12 vacuum therapy item.needed for Homes for the Aged to be able to have. Required by administrative law, $ comes from OHIP = no cost.
Recorded vote carries 23-10. Ana Bailao still not there.
7:37pm GM 1.10 sole source purchase contract for lifts.... lots more speakers.
Holyday: Lets get the result of the tenders first to see if cost vastly different. Worried about best price.
7:40pm Gord Perks speaks. Lectures council on importance of how to do tenders, like keeping political considerations out of it. Points out the supplier is 1/2 way through a 10 year contract already there... Again, Perks really knows his stuff.... If you waqnt to be fiscally prudent do not vote for del Grande's motion but accept staff recommendations.
7:46pm Pam McConnell speaks. Points out lots of time has passed, there have been mergers.... complains when Nunziata stops listeningto her and chats with Mayor's staff., unsuccessfully. (Really like kindergarten with kids complaining 'somebody made a face at me'... sigh )
7:50pm David Shiner makes amotion for Holyday. Amendment to have RFP results submitted to govt mgt committee.
Votes:
Shiner's motion carries 19 to 14. Ana Bailao still not in the chamber.
del Grande's motion fails 16 to 17 about awarding sole source with specific dates.
Main motion carries 22-11.
??? Applause for the Mayor ??? who comes in seconds later on a 1 vote loss.
7:55pm People getting punchy. Rob Moeser releases some quick items. Nunziata being like a school teacher : Just sit down and vote! PG 1.2 carries unanimously.
PG 1.3 vote unanimous 35 in favour. Shelley Carroll just walked in.
PG 1.4 item vote 35 unanimous carried.
3.58 Amendment to Parking on Dundas West released by Moeser who says he was advised no effect on TTC travel. TE3.58
*** ANA's BIG VOTE: and she's not even there! ????
Carried unanimously anyways.
8:00pm Council recesses until Tuesday morning.......
-Last Tweet: Goldsbie Vincent Crisanti's maiden speech at Council consists of introducing the confirming bylaw for today's proceedings. Sounds about right
end of log.
11:44am Mary Fragedakis asks procedural question to makes ssure she knows what she'll be voting on.
11:44am Josh Matlow asks why he wants an extra public meeting - Holyday doesn't want to have to go to constituents with a done deal decision. Matlow asks about what BMX event is all about and asks if he has an alternate place in Toronto to put it. Holyday doesn't know.
11:46am Raymond Cho asks question. Pins Holyday down saying he hears him supporting project but what if your constituents do notr want it. A: Still support it.
11:47am Adam Vaughan speaks in support of the Pan Am games. Takes a shot saying the BMX facility if it were built in Etobicoke, having the facility there would generate the attendance. Gently castigates other Councillors who didn't read the wrning signs in previous reports. "It's our project and it's our time to do it right"
.... Notice from a few limited camera shots that those not speaking look really bored....
11:53am Giorgio Mammoliti speaks and makes amendment to indicate the BMX facility could be in an 'alternate' site (like his ward 7) and not 'central' as the motion said. Mammoliti goes on about how the suburbs get so little attention. - Tweet from Daniel Dale: Mammoliti: his part of the city never gets considered for projects like the BMX track. Why, he asks "because there's a lot of poor people?" - Tweet: Rahul Gupta
Does anyone on #TOCouncil grandstand as well as Mammoliti? Man should write a book
BREAKING NEWS TWEET from CBC : The City of Toronto says it has officially started work on a plan to open up garbage collection to competitive bidding. Reporters on press row just got release re: private garbage. City estimates 300 positions will b affected
11:58am Mark Grimes points out that Councillors have no say on where Pan Am Games facilities go.
-Tweet: City Slikr Actually, most of Dep. Mayor Holyday's yammerings can be summed up as Get off my lawn! #TOcouncil
12:00 noon Speakers done, Time to vote on motions. Holyday's motion asking city to look for "more central site" for BMX course loses 29-12. Second Holyday motion at least seeking public meeting on BMX site also fails, 27-14.
--- lost my link to Rogers telecast at this point ---
12:10pm Now Item EX 2.9 Filming at Frat Houses. Adam Vaughan upset that his ward not included in consultations on this complicated issue.... ( Seems like s silly nany-state overkill if it really does affect only 6 or 7 properties in the entire city ) Link to background on the item -Tweet: Rob Granatstein NFC - No Fun Council. #Toronto Councillor wants to stop frat houses from being used as film sets since frat houses use proceeds for keggers A. R. Arvelo McQuaig Another Tweet: Ugh, Shiner says of Vaughan, “I'd be only too happy if he got another job.”
--- Meanwhile another tweet: "We’re going to be outsourcing everything that is not nailed down" -- Doug Ford, as quoted in the Toronto Sun this morning.
12:29pm Mary Fragedakis introduces bill ... only 29 voting reps there right now, rest 'out to lunch' ?
12:30pm --- Council Recess until 2:00 pm ---
... Noticed Ana Bailao drinking her Tim's coffee and chatting with ever present lefty pinko recruiters Gord Perks and Shelley Carroll.
-----
Tweets on Council stuff during the lunch break:
Goldsbie Ford says we won't have another garbage strike like the one that crippled the city "last year."
Matlow At Mayor Ford's presser re: privatizing garbage collection. Whether supported or not, announcements before voting are never a good thing
Majot Mayoral Announcement: Ford Moves to Privatize Garbage Collection "The City of Toronto intends to expand curbside garbage pickup of “all daytime residential curbside collection west of Yonge St. to the Etobicoke border.” Even if city council approved contracting out more garbage collection, no change would happen until mid-2012.
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2:04pm About 5 or 6 councillors in the chamber milling around
2:07pm Speaker Nunziata calls people to take their seats.
2:09pm Quorum (Ana Bailao still not back from lunch along with many others)
2:10pm CC3.3 item moved by Joe Mihevc.
2:11pm ah - here comes Ana Bailao. Joe's motion carries 31 unanimous. 14 councillors missing.
... more quick release items... Karen Stintz and Gloria Lindsay Luby still missing all day.
2:22pm Back to questions aboutfilming at frat houses. Michael Thompson asking.
-Tweet: David Nickle Should frat houses not be allowed to have film shoots on their premises, to stop them from using the proceeds for wild parties? Hmm.
Michael Thompson pointing out its a silly moratorium and how is it different from other businesses. WHy do we need a 2 month moratorium to sort things out...Tweet: Daniel Dale In talking about film shoot moratorium at frat houses, Thompson notes he used to be a frat brother. "CONFLICT, CONFLICT," colleagues shout.
2:26pm Kristyn Wong-Tam asks if the moratorium would affect film industry coming here. Answer: yes it has 'an' impact. Wong Tam tries to redefine answer as hurting film industry.No. Speaks about "early morning shouting and human defecation".
2:29pm Gord Perks speaks about how city council can refuse a bar for bad behaviour to change it
Perks is an expert in proving his point via smart questioning - much like a lawyer who only asks questions when he knows what answer he will get to build support.
-Tweet: Daniel Dale Adam Vaughan believes frats are using the proceeds from film shoots at their houses to fund boozing and boorish behaviour.
2:34pm Pam McConnell asking questions. Is moratorium a significant economic impact within the area.Staff says moratorium or threat negatively impacts external perception of Toronto being not business friendly.
2:37pm Peter Milczyn questions.Staff answer: Frats are not businesses, just a co-op housing of sorts. Clear that staff confused as to whether city licensing and standards can do anything about them.
2:40pm Joe Mihevc suggests amendment to leave moratorium for 2 months so local councillor can sort things out. Only 6 of 24 frat/sororities are a problem. A deferral motion.
2:41pm Mike del Grande will not support deferral. It affects the arts community and gives city a bad name. Ourcity needs economic prosperity.
2:43pm Shelley Carroll speaks, takes shot at del Grande saying she hopes he will support the film business (as he hasn't in the past). Kind of irritable towards Speaker Nunziata who tells her to stay on the item.
Carroll fears Toronto Film Board will be axed by Ford.
2:46pm Michael Thompson speaks to support the deferral.(hmmm... not a right block with del Grande) Again, Thompson is a very accomplished, diplomatic speaker.... member of the sensible party?
2:48pm Joe Mihevc's amendment being voted on to ensure tv show "Being Erica" can continue filming as an exception. Carries 26-11 and is deferred. The no's all on the Fordite right wing block. =Tweet: Daniel Dale Council votes to extend moratorium on film shoots at a handful of frat houses for 2 months; gives community time to work things out.
2:50pm David Shiner asking questions about budget alocations for libraries.Complaining about use ofconsultants, etc.
2:56pm Vote on Toronto Library Capital Budget. Caries 34-1 (Moeser a no)
2:57pm Shiner EX2.12 Toronto Public Library 2010 Capital Budget - Technical Adjustments as of October 31, 2010 Carries 34-1
2:58pm Maria Augimeri complains about what Palacio will do with an amendment, needs to have staff answer questions.
3:00pm Ana Bailao speaks! CD1.6 Childcare Development Task Force. Expresses confusion on getting staff answers in time to vote.Michael Thompson also expresses confusion. more confusion.
3:02pm Cesar Palacio tries to explain what uis happening.Doesn't really say anything. ends with "But 'that's the way to go'" .... what ?
3:03pm Adam Vaughan speaks and putrs forward motion. Explains a hell of a lot mre about what is going on. - Tweet: Diane Dyson George Brown argued against universal public education because "schools for poor would be poor schools" 1850s .... Vaughan speaks about risk and tragedy for city's children if its not done right. "Buil;d daycare not off the balance sheet but what the children need" Argues for regulation and examining history. "Who ran on a campaign to make daycare cheaper and less safe? No one".. Passionate speech about 'Think ofthe Children'.
3:09pm Speaker Nunziata chastizes Vaughan for not following procedure with his motion by giving notice.
3:10pm Mammoliti makes motion to move this to a Mayor's task force under him. Says he is insulted by others references to motives. Childcare doesn't belong to those on left or right. It's all of us. Winding up into big speech. Complains about Paula Fletcher heckling he is yelling. (he is). Tweet: Daniel Dale Mammoliti yells at Fletcher for accusing him of yelling, says he's not yelling. Tweet: Goldsbie Mammoliti moves his new "Childcare Task Force" be referred to the mayor to become the Mayor's Childcare Task Force, chaired by Mammoliti.... promises he might include people like Adam Vaughan.... Mammoliti goes overtme and asks for more time to speak. Carries 34-1 (Mark Grimes said no)...Mammoliti says timing iis good given upcoming provincial and federal elections.
3:18pm Shelley Carroll asks what is your interpretation of the reporting pathway when something is referred to the Mayor? (wants to know if council gets cut out of the action or it could be delayed). Mammoliti says bringing back to Council and/or Executive. Prefers it that way. Carroll wants it more open.
-Tweet: Good catch: "@goldsbie: Mammoliti prev. said (task force) would be chaired by a member of (his cmte.) other than himself." Now him.
3:21pm Adam Vaughan tries to pin Mammoliti dowen to ensure it is open, transparent and includes public input.... Mammoliti basically answers "Hey. Trust us" - many councillors do not. Mammoliti talks about 'flow out' of info, Vaughan says you want to punt it off to Mayor, what about flow IN ?
3:25pm Ron Moeser speaks. Questions timetable for huge undertaking. Mamoliti says before the prov/fed elections need recommendations. Within 4 months. 'That's ambitious' says Moeser. Mammoliti seems very full of himself, ttrying to speak for the Mayor. Moeser asks smart questions about getting other members on the task force from other levels of govt.
3:28pm Joe Mihevc asks if he can ask Mayor questions on this issue since it would be his task force. No, he's not chair of committee. ooooo....Mihevc says "we need a man of greater level to answer questions" (at least I think that was his zinger. Mihevc then tries to tie Mammoliti to specific recommendations. Mammoliti ducks it.
---- During all this, I could see Mike Layton chatting with his assistants and not paying attention ---
3:32pm Josh Matlow speaks. His style is to start with the positives, trying to charm Mammoliti. "What signals can we give to partners we already listed in recommendations, how can we ensure them they will be included in task force"? Mamoliti's response is all about controlling costs for task forces.'Perhaps' your suggestions will be considered... and we'll let you know..... Will you at leastcommit that this will come back to us? Mammoliti answers basically 'there's a new sheriff in town. get with the program' Don't worry be happy.
3:37pm Janet Davis says she is still trying to understand Mammoliti's intentions.... Do you still support it? Answer: I've never changed my vote on anything..... duck, dodge....Why don't we do what you and the committe have already agreed to? Mamoliti: The administration at city hall has changed. (says he is trying to be diplomatic, read between lines: Ford put his foot down). Davis: Then why not defer it for a month and work things out.Answer: don't want to defer it. Davis: Why did you agree to everything before and now everything's changed. Mammoliti: confirms it was a Ford directive.
3:42pm Gord Perks Are you willing to amend your motion to explicitly do what the committee already did. No answer. Will it go to Committee meeting? No, to Executive.... Speaker Nunziata reminds Perks he is not in court and let Mammoliti answer..... Perks: Are you prepared to amend your motion to make a specific timetable? Yes.
3:44pm Perks makes Point of Order quoting city council rules that he cannot do this to attempt to defeat the motion by moving it to the Mayor. Asks for ruling it is out of order..... 2 seconds later, Nunziata says it is in order. No conference with clerk.... What amazing bias!
3:46pm Chair has been challenged. Vote: 19 yes, 16 no. ANA BAILAO voted YES which seems to pretty much end the debate that she is on the Ford right wing of Council, Sad. I would have voted NO. And only 35 people voted, 10 ducked out of vote. Time to chanmge Ana's colours to ANA BAILAO right wing conservative.
3:52pm Raymond Cho asking some questions of Mammoliti who tries to remind him that he always supported moving things to the Mayor's task force.
3:53pm Joe Mihevc puts forward amendment to Mammoliti motion Delayed.
3:54pm Move to Ron Moeser for 2 mins of questions. Says he will support motion.
3:57pm Joe Mihevc makes amendments to ensure specifics of committee work already done is included. Fears straight deferral to Mayor will mean cost cuts. Let's just do what the committee already agreed to.
3:59pm Adam Vaughan speaks. Suggests Mayor just wants to hide it and help Stephen Harper from having issue discussed during election. I don't feel comfortable sidelining council into the Mayor's office. Reminds comment "What happens in the Mayor's Office stays in the Mayor's office" (the dispute between Ford's former assistants). Nunziata cuts him off and tries to say his comments not on the issue.
4:02pm Shelley Carroll speaks and says Vaughan's concerns have a history and have merit. It's about the rules and how things went down before. Its about the anxiety and reporting back.
-Tweet: Goldsbie Matlow's having a private conversation with Mammoliti; I wonder if he's expressing feelings of betrayal, disappointment, or disillusionment.
4:03pm Raymond Cho speaks. Now says he will NOT support referral. (Guess Mammoliti lost his support by being bitchy)
4:04pm Gord Perks speaks.Childcare is in crisis.and people want openess, transparency and accountability. "The Mayor's staff is there to help the Mayor, not my constituents"
4:06pm Janet Davis says she will support Mihevc's detailed amendment. It is important that itcome before Community and Recreation Committeee, not just the Mayor or Executive.
4:09pm Paula Fletcher will support Mihevc's motion and to referral. Having Mayor stamp on it gives weight, but wont support it if the reporting is not fair and open.
4:10pm Mike del Grande speaks. Complains not using same actions as with previous Mayor. We haven't given the Mayor a chance. Says this is a NO CONFIDENCE matter. Raises the stakes on the vote. Asks Council if you don't want this Mayor, who do you want?
4:13pm Mike Grimes tries to amend motion to have the matterreferred to the Executive, not the Mayor. After spme confusion it is allowed.
4:14pm Mammoliti says it is not in order to move it to the Executive. Speaker says yes it is.
4:15pm Joe Mihevc confirms his motion amendment still stands. Yes.
4:15pm Ron Moeser wants to see the amendments first (They are on screen) Ready for votes:
First passes 31-5
Part 4 carries 34-3
Part 5 carries 34-5
--- Wow They flash those votes so wuick you cannot follow them ---
Part 6 carries 34-5 (nos are del Grande, Holyday and other righties)
Part 7 carries 37-2
4:22pm Motion? : Lost 19-20. Ana Bailao voted NO with her right wing friends.
Goes to Mark Grimes motion to refer to Executive Committee Carries 34-5
Main motion referral passes 34-5 ANA BAILAO voted YES but with Mihevc's detailed amendments.
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4:27pm Reall silliness. Mike del Grande moves that the CD 1.7 Ice Infrastruture Task Force item be referred to the Mayor. Gives Shelley Carroll a chance to pin him down on what that means. It 'should' be reported back. Questions from Janet Davis, and a motion in the making.
4:30pm Mammoliti waxing on about what a great sports guys Mayor Rob Ford is.
4:33pm Josh Matlow upset that everything is being referred to the Mayor's office. "If we're going to do that with everything, let's all just go home." Visibly disillusioned/
4:35pm John Parker supports the Mayor.... big surprise.
4:37pm Ron Moeser asks if it would be legal to refer this to Councillor Grimes office?... that was a joke, right? yuck.... Says he's like Grimes involved.
4:39pm Joe Mihevc motion to amend motion to include details of what was already done - yet again. Reminds people long term practice is that items that fall within a particular committee is where it should stay. Says we need ice rinks, but we also need soccer fields. Second fastest growing sport is cricket. Need more pitches. Says item should stay with Community Development and Recreation.
4:41pm Shelley Carroll speaks. Says we might as well refer everything like this to the Executive Committeee. We all see the writing on the wall here.
4:42pm Call for the vote: defeated. People still want to talk.
4:43pm Michael Thompson speaks. Adds in that the GHTL be involved as well. Defends the Mayor. He should get same respect the other mayor's got. This mayor is going to be different. He will bring things back.
4:45pm Shelley Carroll speaks - areyou not concerned the user worried about fees sitting at same table as developers. .... Nunziata interrupts and almost succeeds in shutting Carroll up.
---- This partisan BS is really nasty! Hear Councillor Carroll's mike was one and was heard saying "She does that every single time" Nunziata says be careful what you say when your mike is on....
It used to be that Michael Thompson was routinely cutoff like that by lefty Millerite Speaker Sandra Bussin.
They REALLY, really need some neutrality in a speaker! Yikes.
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4:51pm Time to vote?
Mihevc's detailed amendments vote: carries 34-2
Last part - report to community development: Lost 16-21 (Ana voted Yes)
Shelley Carroll's, refer to Executive: carries 34-2
delGrande to include GTHL Carried 31-6
Main Motion, refer to Mayor's office as amended: Caries 32-4
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Note: Ana Bailao sits just left of Michael Thompson and strangely always seems to vote exactly as he does. More proof where her loyalties lie: right, conservative.
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5:00pm Rather boring item: GM1.10 Purchase Order Amendment for the Over-Expenditure of Contract No.'s 47013460, 47014182 and 47015236 and the Sole Source Contract for the Purchase and Maintenance of Resident Lift Systems (Ward All) ... Mike del Grande asking questions of staff.feeling zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz watching this.
----
Meanwhile, some other people's tweets I missed:
Adam C-F Mammoliti, who sat in the Rae government and subsequently joined the Liberals, tells #TOCouncil he's never changed his vote in 20 years
Shelley Carroll Madam Speaker quick to criticize but completely off base as to what is being spoken of
rbmorra @KenWood_ward18 Cast of usual #TOCouncil commentators/hangers-on ain't so hot either.
Kyle A Del Grande needs to cheer up. I don't think being in council agrees with him. He should retire to his cave and be a grump there.
Kyle A Kudos to those who cover city hall. If I had to watch this sh*t for a living I would b an alcoholic or worse
City Slikr Cllr. Del Grande can't even muster up the pretense of listening to staff responses, can he
City Slikr Cllr. Del Grande's default position whenever he's challenged is, we are not awash in money here
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5:36pm Gord Perks asking questions of a very bored Mike del Grande. Funny.... Perks in bright Red shirt and vest, del Grande in pale blue. Perks questioning why del Grande takes staff advice on some things not others. Mike: "Well maybe it should remain a mystery for you"... question about $ being spent on training and maintenance.
5:39pm Paula Fletcher asking health and safety questions. Concerns about lack of standardization for lift equipment causing problems with emergency personnel or home workers.
5:43pm Doug Ford complains that other councillors did not talk to staff and home workers. If you're so worried why don't you go out and talk to them. I did. Basically says: Hey dummies, don't sole source or they could go out of business. Also sole source means suppliers jack prices up because its the city. What's wrong with you - those staff are professionals and can figure it out. Standardization is not an issue.
.... DOUG FORD MADE HIS MAIDEN SPEECH ! Everyone applauds.
5:46pm Janet Davis speaks. Lots of praise for Homes for the Aged professionals. Then goes on to use her longterm experience in that area to caution about putting at risk health and safety by not standardizing. We already have 3 types of lifts people need to know how they work. Let's listen to the professionals that we need sole source purchasing..... very competent speech
5:50pm Shelley Carroll speaks in support of sole source. Tries to make a motion but Nunziata rules it out of order "I expected that says Carroll"
5:56pm City going in camera (actually means closed session) to talk about confidential items.
...
Ooops. First, Councillor Ana Bailao has a motion to introduce for liquor licence application for Weston Road Weird: a motion to add a motion without notice. Carries unanimously 38 to 0.
6:00pm Closed Session Motion: Carries unanimous 38-0
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Goldsbie Rob "when I'm mayor there will be no more in camera meetings!" Ford just voted to take the meeting in camera.
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7:15pm CKLN 88.1 Ryerson community radio on air talking about Shelley Carroll with robcer, Carroll to be an on air phone in guest. ? maybe ?
07:20pm City Council getting ready to go back into public session.
7:26pm Back in session. Nunziata reports only debates occurred on confidential items, no motions made.
7:27pm Paul Ainslie makes a motion to keep items they discussed in closed session confidential
7:28pm Vote: carries unanimous 34 in favour.
*Note: Ana Bailao is not in the chamber.
7:30pm Mayor Rob Ford speaks. Wants to ask same questions in public of the Ombudsman that he talked about in private. Nunziata tells him he cannot do that in open session. ... shouldn't Rob know the meaning of confidential by now?
7:32pm Pam McConnell speaks up saying that the next item should be handled. CC 3.4 can be held down and Nunziata will continue to let McConnell handle GM 1.12 vacuum therapy item.needed for Homes for the Aged to be able to have. Required by administrative law, $ comes from OHIP = no cost.
Recorded vote carries 23-10. Ana Bailao still not there.
7:37pm GM 1.10 sole source purchase contract for lifts.... lots more speakers.
Holyday: Lets get the result of the tenders first to see if cost vastly different. Worried about best price.
7:40pm Gord Perks speaks. Lectures council on importance of how to do tenders, like keeping political considerations out of it. Points out the supplier is 1/2 way through a 10 year contract already there... Again, Perks really knows his stuff.... If you waqnt to be fiscally prudent do not vote for del Grande's motion but accept staff recommendations.
7:46pm Pam McConnell speaks. Points out lots of time has passed, there have been mergers.... complains when Nunziata stops listeningto her and chats with Mayor's staff., unsuccessfully. (Really like kindergarten with kids complaining 'somebody made a face at me'... sigh )
7:50pm David Shiner makes amotion for Holyday. Amendment to have RFP results submitted to govt mgt committee.
Votes:
Shiner's motion carries 19 to 14. Ana Bailao still not in the chamber.
del Grande's motion fails 16 to 17 about awarding sole source with specific dates.
Main motion carries 22-11.
??? Applause for the Mayor ??? who comes in seconds later on a 1 vote loss.
7:55pm People getting punchy. Rob Moeser releases some quick items. Nunziata being like a school teacher : Just sit down and vote! PG 1.2 carries unanimously.
PG 1.3 vote unanimous 35 in favour. Shelley Carroll just walked in.
PG 1.4 item vote 35 unanimous carried.
3.58 Amendment to Parking on Dundas West released by Moeser who says he was advised no effect on TTC travel. TE3.58
*** ANA's BIG VOTE: and she's not even there! ????
Carried unanimously anyways.
8:00pm Council recesses until Tuesday morning.......
-Last Tweet: Goldsbie Vincent Crisanti's maiden speech at Council consists of introducing the confirming bylaw for today's proceedings. Sounds about right
end of log.
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