It's now past 12noon, and #HamOnt Council is not starting on time.
Now Council is beginning. And thus my tweeting begins.
The @cityofhamilton warns you their meetings are webcast live on the City website. (This is the Joey Coleman warning)
Council is underway, @Chad_Collins5 has left his mic on, cutting in.
The @cityofhamilton warns you their meetings are webcast live on the City website. (This is the Joey Coleman warning)
Council is underway, @Chad_Collins5 has left his mic on, cutting in.
Clr Tom Jackson is eating his lunch as he says "present"
Nineteen added communications items. Many people have written to Council regarding bike share.
The meeting live stream on YouTube is here:
Twelve new letters to Council regarding anti-black violence and policing. The recommendation is to send to the Police Service Board.
The long overdue staff reports on:
- public meetings during COVID
- transportation changes due to COVID
are both delayed until an unknown date.
Hamilton is apparently more complex than any other city in the world.
- public meetings during COVID
- transportation changes due to COVID
are both delayed until an unknown date.
Hamilton is apparently more complex than any other city in the world.
Terry Whitehead wants to speak, Mayor cuts him off, and says they need to figure out how they will queue to speak.
Whitehead says that "hand up" feature of the live video conference does not work for him.
He wants to be able to call privilege during the meeting.
Whitehead says that "hand up" feature of the live video conference does not work for him.
He wants to be able to call privilege during the meeting.
Whitehead says he wanted a report on how the City is being administered during COVID. He says he was told it be on the agenda.
He wants it on the agenda, Mayor says no. Back and forth ensures. Mayor keeping a tight rein on Whitehead.
He wants it on the agenda, Mayor says no. Back and forth ensures. Mayor keeping a tight rein on Whitehead.
Whitehead says he cannot support the agenda without the staff report on how the City is being administered during COVID.
Eisenberger says he can speak to City Manager later, after meeting.
Eisenberger cuts Whitehead off, tells him to vote. Whitehead votes against agenda.
Eisenberger says he can speak to City Manager later, after meeting.
Eisenberger cuts Whitehead off, tells him to vote. Whitehead votes against agenda.
Ferguson says he does not know if he will need to declare a conflict regarding possible litigation against Uber. Staff report has not been provided to Council.
Whitehead says "Mr. Mayor"
Eisenberger retorts "Get on the speakers list, there is a process to this"
Whitehead goes back to his report issue, Eisenberger says he is not entertaining it.
Whitehead votes against minutes in protest.
Eisenberger retorts "Get on the speakers list, there is a process to this"
Whitehead goes back to his report issue, Eisenberger says he is not entertaining it.
Whitehead votes against minutes in protest.
For future Council meetings, the Council BINGO free space will be Whitehead argues with Eisenberger.
Ward 9 Clr Brad Clark says he is concerned that the Province and Federal government may not financially assist municipalities. Notes Province is imposing COVID public health costs without funding support.
Clrs Danko and Nann speak to transit correspondence. Both say there is growing concern in the community about the viability of HSR without funding support from Province and/or Federal government.
In the background, @NrinderWard3 has a Long Live Hamilton Bike Share poster. 
Clr Nann thanks all those who wrote into Council regarding anti-black violence and police. Says thank you to all who are out speaking, marching, and that Police must look at the letters and take them seriously.
Clr Ferguson says he wants the funding sources for Hamilton Bike Share added to the reconsideration motion on Bike Share later in the agenda.
Clr Merulla asks Clerk to send Ferguson updated reconsideration motion.
Clr Merulla says the City will receive a "bailout" in counter to early comments from Clr Clark.
Farr speaks to the McNally Foundation donation letter. McNally letter includes paragraphs with advice to Council - bike share needs City support Farr says they note.
Partridge: We were all hopeful that the community would support Bike Share. "This is a City-Wide Initiative" says Partridge.
Council votes to accept correspondence. Whitehead votes opposed.
Council approves consent items. Whitehead votes opposed.
Council receives written delegation from Mary Love respecting the Enbridge Proposal. Unanimous.
Council approves Art in Public Places Policy (PED20068), an update on progress on the art plan.
Now on Metrolinx bus purchasing procurement as a collective GTHA bid.
Ferguson: concerned about cost of buss, if Metrolinx prices are too high, can the City opt-out?
Public Works: I think we can opt out.
HSR mgr: "there is opt-out cooling period" ... but there are rules
Ferguson: concerned about cost of buss, if Metrolinx prices are too high, can the City opt-out?
Public Works: I think we can opt out.
HSR mgr: "there is opt-out cooling period" ... but there are rules
Ferguson: costs of buses are going up significantly, there are only two bus companies bidding, is this a problem?
Ferguson: glad there is an opt-out, because there may be a drop in HSR ridership, and we may need less buses.
Clark asks a series of questions about if Hamilton is getting the best deal from buying thru Metrolinx, compared to on its own.
HSR mgr notes the City would have to staff up to run its own bids, and all bus prices are up from all suppliers.
HSR mgr notes the City would have to staff up to run its own bids, and all bus prices are up from all suppliers.
And some discussion, Mayor Eisenberger asks the question. How many vendors for buses are there? Staff, only two.
If City joins Metrolinx and opts-out, City must use other bus company.
Ferguson says this is a problem, the marketplace only has one/two bidders for most things
If City joins Metrolinx and opts-out, City must use other bus company.
Ferguson says this is a problem, the marketplace only has one/two bidders for most things
Clr Jackson ask HSR staff to look at the future of the HSR.
HSR staff says that Public Health is best to ask as the future dependent upon social distancing needs.
HSR staff says that Public Health is best to ask as the future dependent upon social distancing needs.
Clr. Partridge: With COVID, we are not seeing the ridership that existed pre-COVID. How many buses will we actually need? We may only need "half the fleet" for the next two years.
What is staff's thoughts on fleet size?
What is staff's thoughts on fleet size?
HSR Staff: they cannot predict what the fleet size needed in the coming years due to uncertainty around COVID and social distancing.
Partridge wants to defer decision on joining Metrolinx purchasing bid group until June 17 when @HSR reports on future of transit.
Partridge 'we don't know what will happen with the $1-billion from the Province for **higher order transit**, we don't know where ridership is going, what we will need for transit'
Clr Wilson: Ridership is down because we are asking people to not use transit. Capacity is down, we are likely going to need more buses.
Clr Whitehead jumps in to argue with Wilson, says experts dispute what she says. Eisenberger sarcastly says "thank you".
Clr Clark brings it back to the matter at hand, joining the bid. Will there be a report back to Council before the bidding starts, so Council can know how many buses will be needed?
PW GM: Yes, expects to be back to Council many times on transit between now and Nov.
PW GM: Yes, expects to be back to Council many times on transit between now and Nov.
Now another round of comments from Councillors who already spoke.
We can opt-out is the theme, they are voting in favour because of this.
(For your Council BINGO card, sorry, they did not say "off-ramp")
We can opt-out is the theme, they are voting in favour because of this.
(For your Council BINGO card, sorry, they did not say "off-ramp")
Council now on Enbridge Gas natural gas pipe expansion. Clr Johnson first to speak, the pipe does run in Ward 11.
This is not the new pipeline proposal. This expansion is for airport and Red Hill business park.
This is not the new pipeline proposal. This expansion is for airport and Red Hill business park.
Clr Wilson asking process questions: is the City staff report in line with usual practices. Yes, it is. Staff explaining their recommendations.
Both Wilson and staff note that Enbridge will have to go thru full process if they actually apply to expand pipe. This is preliminary
Both Wilson and staff note that Enbridge will have to go thru full process if they actually apply to expand pipe. This is preliminary
Mayor Eisenberger cuts off Wilson, says she has used her five minutes.
Wilson continues on "I have one more question" and asks it. Wilson cedes the floor.
Wilson continues on "I have one more question" and asks it. Wilson cedes the floor.
I hadn't set up my timer, but I'll now be watching to see if Eisenberger is being consistent enforcing the five-minute rule.
Ferguson wants to have a further discussion about the cost of fuel in rural settlements areas due to lack of natural gas service in the areas.
Partridge: What is the City doing to get natural gas service in rural settlement areas?
Clark, similar line of questions.
Vanderbeek, similar questions about rural settlement areas if natural gas service is expanded.
Vanderbeek, similar questions about rural settlement areas if natural gas service is expanded.
Now on the Multi-use Keddy Trail constructuion - this is the cycle track project on the Claremont Access.
Jay Keddy was fatally struck in a hit-and-run collision in Dec 2015 bicycling home upbound on the Claremont Access. He was a teacher at Prince of Wales School.
Jay Keddy was fatally struck in a hit-and-run collision in Dec 2015 bicycling home upbound on the Claremont Access. He was a teacher at Prince of Wales School.
On today's Council agenda, approving award of the construction contract. The funding comes from a mix of funding sources, most importantly, from the Province's cycling program at $2.4-m, 80% of cycling portion cost.
Most be complete by end of year.
Most be complete by end of year.
Eisenberger holds Danko to the five-minute rule, asks him to wrap it up.
On your Council BINGO card: Clr Merulla praising himself.
Clr. Merulla is now past five minutes.
Clr. Merulla wraps just past five minutes.
Ferguson: I won't turn down provincial money. Says this is again money for downtown, and for cycling. It's a lot of money, and cyclists and people complain. "Please stop the alligator tears"
Ferguson: this means a delay to bike lanes in Ancaster (the City moved funds in the cycling master plan to Claremont from other areas)
Clr Pauls: will support.
Clr Pauls: Questions about winter maintenance of Claremont Cycle Track. City will maintain, during very heavy snow events, may need to close briefly at times to clear to make safe, especially downhill.
Signage and design will be implemented to manage downhill speeds year round
Signage and design will be implemented to manage downhill speeds year round
Clrs praise Whitehead for leadership on the Claremont Cycle Track. Whitehead now speaking, he thanks the rest of Council.
Whitehead paying tribute to Jay Keddy.
Whitehead paying tribute to Jay Keddy.
More Clrs speaking about how this cycle track is a good initiative, and an example of Council working together.
There is a tech issue involving Clr Merulla's audio. They put off his motion on La Salle Park.
Council will discuss Mohawk/McMaster UPass agreements in light of COVID after going into closed session on the item.
Clr Collins motion on the impacts of loss HSR transit revenue, he is concerned that due to Area-Rating, the tax cost of this will be put onto Wards 1-8, 14.
Motion seeks staff report.
Motion seeks staff report.
Staff recommend that Collins motion have the report go to Public Works.
Partridge objects, says Area Rating matters should go to GIC.
Mayor notes recent complaints about long GIC meetings.
Partridge objects, says Area Rating matters should go to GIC.
Mayor notes recent complaints about long GIC meetings.
Clr Clark notes Clrs can attend Public Works Cmte.
To Staff: How quickly will finance get info to Council?
Finance GM: next finance update (all city ops) June 15th
HSR deficit appears to be around $11-m in lower revenue.
Recommendations on cost containment and tax levers coming
To Staff: How quickly will finance get info to Council?
Finance GM: next finance update (all city ops) June 15th
HSR deficit appears to be around $11-m in lower revenue.
Recommendations on cost containment and tax levers coming
Clr Clark to Staff: Is there a Provincial order on bus capacity?
Finance is answering the question, there will be a report "in a week or two", "Yes, as it relates to guidelines"
Public Works: "That is correct, but I don't recall a direction from the Province"
Finance is answering the question, there will be a report "in a week or two", "Yes, as it relates to guidelines"
Public Works: "That is correct, but I don't recall a direction from the Province"
Public Works GM: by end of month, the HSR hopes to alloow more people on buses, and resume fare collection.
Clr Clark: says he is hearing from people they can't get on buses because they are full. Wants HSR to "get the buses back up and running as soon as possible"
Clark uses the HSR as his regular means of getting to City Hall pre-COVID
Clark uses the HSR as his regular means of getting to City Hall pre-COVID
NEW, of note:
From Finance GM's comments, it appears Council committees will resume on June 15. #yhmcc
From Finance GM's comments, it appears Council committees will resume on June 15. #yhmcc
Clr Danko: Question on area-rating changes (my feed cut in and out)
Mayor Eisenberger: City is following current policies, Area Rating Review Cmte cannot presently meet.
Mayor Eisenberger: City is following current policies, Area Rating Review Cmte cannot presently meet.
Clr Whitehead: I want to make it clear that some people can't wear masks for medical reasons. General public needs to be educated on this as it relates to masks on HSR.
Motion for report on HSR deficit and Area Rating policy implements passes with Johnson, Partridge, and Whitehead opposed. 13-3.
Now Merulla's make-work motion to have the City of Hamilton explore alternate uses for La Salle Park in Burlington. (Sell, Lease, Develop, Operate)
City of Hamilton owns the land, leases to Burlington, Burlington maintains, operators, pays Hamilton $1 per year
City of Hamilton owns the land, leases to Burlington, Burlington maintains, operators, pays Hamilton $1 per year
A 40-year lease is ending. The Province had to be the adult in the room 40-years ago, and if Hamilton Council wishes to fight with Burlington, the Province will step in again.
If Hamilton Council moves forward on this fight with Burlington, it will further harm Hamilton's reputation at Queen's Park as petty and small-minded.
Merulla claims that the City of Hamilton can go to LPAT to rezone La Salle Park to be developed.
1) It would cost six figures to go to LPAT
2) The Minister of Municipal Affairs will intervene long before that happens.
To say nothing of the Hamilton staff time involved.
1) It would cost six figures to go to LPAT
2) The Minister of Municipal Affairs will intervene long before that happens.
To say nothing of the Hamilton staff time involved.
Clr Wilson asks questions about the purpose of the review. What are the outcomes? What are the possibilities.
Merulla says he wants to push Burlington to make a better offer to Hamilton.
Merulla says he wants to push Burlington to make a better offer to Hamilton.
Clr Partridge amends that staff report back on La Salle Park in September.
The last time Hamilton City Council sought to have Burlington buy La Salle, 30 years ago, then Ward 1 Alderman Terry Cooke suggested a price tag of $5-mil to 10-mil
(I did research on this pre-COVID, this is from @HamiltonLibrary archives)
(I did research on this pre-COVID, this is from @HamiltonLibrary archives)
Clr Whitehead asks good questions about the Park, what Hamilton can do, and options.
Clr Clark asks similar questions about what Hamilton can do, and the purpose of Merulla's motions. Clark notes that it can't be redeveloped.
Wilson seeks clarity on recent history of the La Salle file. We just learned from Eisenberger the 2016 deal Hamilton Council rejected involved a land swap in Cootes/RBG as well.
Eisenberger to Merulla: I don't care what you think, under no circumstance will I entertain developing it into something else, it is a park, a beautiful park, and will remain a park. TAlks about need for good relations with Burlington.
Merulla, I'm in agreement, I never want to see La Salle redevelop. Now we have told Burlington this, weakened our negotiating position.
"Obviously, you care more about Burlington accessing this park than you do about the taxpayers who've been screwed over .. in Hamilton"
"Obviously, you care more about Burlington accessing this park than you do about the taxpayers who've been screwed over .. in Hamilton"
Clr Farr: Says Burlington was "suggesting silliness" on La Salle. Says Burlington is "taking advantage of Hamilton". That Hamilton needs to negotiate strongly on La Salle.
Passes 15-1 with Wilson opposed. Hamilton is now going to get a report on La Salle options in September.
Now a motion by Clark to add the Social Planning and Research Council onto the Mayor's Task Force on Economic Recovery.
Clr Ferguson concerned the Task Force is growing too large, he will seek to withdraw from the Task Force to make it more manageable.
Clr Whitehead asks if it is the Mayor's Task Force or Council's Task Force? What is it, why does Council need to approve a member, it makes it a Council Task Force.
Now a back-and-forth, Mayor, Clerk, Whitehead.
Whitehead continues on-and-on
Eisenberger says Whitehead is off-topic.
Eisenberger says Whitehead is off-topic.
Clr. Partridge: Concerned about the size of the Task Force, only nine businesses of the 27 members, we don't have time for this. Partridge is asking to step aside
Clr Merulla supports adding SPRC
Clr Nann supports, it a strength to add SPRC to Task Force.
Mayor Eisenberger
Clr Nann supports, it a strength to add SPRC to Task Force.
Mayor Eisenberger
SPRC added to Mayor's Task Force on Economic Recovery.
Now motions for Clr. Ferguson and Partridge to step off the Task Force.
Now motions for Clr. Ferguson and Partridge to step off the Task Force.
Motion to add Clr Danko and Whitehead to the Task Force.
They are added.
They are added.
Now Council member announcements.
Then closed session
After closed session, vote on allowing Hamilton Bike Share to operate bike share.
Then closed session
After closed session, vote on allowing Hamilton Bike Share to operate bike share.
Council is now in Closed Session. My next tweet will be when they return to public session.
My stream feel behind by minutes. Sorry, I didn't notice the delay.
So, I'm behind, watching at a 1.75 speed to catch up the best I can.
Sorry.
Sorry.
Summer UPass fee, the report remains confidential. I don't know if they will do another vote in open session.
The report I'm very suspicious about LS20006 was kept confidential.
Whitehead injects complaining about the technology again.
Clr Whitehead takes another verbal jab at Clr Wilson. Mayor Eisenberger allows it.
Councillors on bike share, Councillors giving praise to each other for their leadership.
Councillors expressing their frustration at Uber for its abandonment of the bike share.
Issue with how Council is communicating during e-meetings, they don't have the new motion; thus Clark and Ferguson uncomfortable with reconsideration having not seen new motion.
The new motion includes more clauses to ensure Hamilton Bike Share Inc gets the funds they list as receivable.
There was an exchange between the City Clerk and Councillors about the procedure, how Council functions, and last minute motions. The Clerk held them to proper process.
Ferguson yells at Mayor, waves papers at camera.
Ferguson yells at Mayor, waves papers at camera.
Ferguson concerned once reconsideration is passed, that a majority of Councillors could bring forth a motion he would not support.
RECONSIDERATION PASSES
15-0, Vanderbeek absent.
15-0, Vanderbeek absent.
Now onto the motion to have Hamilton Bike Share Inc operating Hamilton municipal bike share for interim period while the City gets to competitive bids for a new long-term operators.
Merulla heaping praise on Farr.
"Without costing taxpayers a cent"
"Without costing taxpayers a cent"
Farr praising the Councillors for their hard work.
"In the end, we are in a very very important place"
"No cost to the taxpayers .. that is what I heard in that defeat a week ago .. which inspired me ... at no cost to the taxpayers"
"In the end, we are in a very very important place"
"No cost to the taxpayers .. that is what I heard in that defeat a week ago .. which inspired me ... at no cost to the taxpayers"
Partridge more praise for Farr, "next to myself" Partridge says Farr is the hardest working Councillor.
Partridge "no cost to the taxpayers" where is that in the motion?
Back and forth. Motion amended to say 'no cost to the taxpayer'
Clr Whitehead again starts verbal attacks on Clr Wilson. Mayor Eisenberger continues to allow it. Whitehead says there are the "talkers" (Wilson) and the "doers" says Farr and Eisenberger are doers.
Clr Clark: Who was responsible for the GoFundMe page?
They did an excellent job, Clark's family donated to the cause. Clark praises the community.
They did an excellent job, Clark's family donated to the cause. Clark praises the community.
Clr Ferguson: Congratulates Farr
Ferguson is concerned that Bike Share may not have funds.
Farr reminds they've added the funds listed by HSBI will be used for operations.
Ferguson is concerned that Bike Share may not have funds.
Farr reminds they've added the funds listed by HSBI will be used for operations.
Clr Ferguson wants to make sure "no cost to the taxpayers"
Farr says the motion has been amended to include this.
Farr says the motion has been amended to include this.
Clr Jackson:
This is "terrific" news that Hamilton Bike Share Inc is able to step in to run municipal bike share.
"A massive thank you to Councillor Farr"
This is "terrific" news that Hamilton Bike Share Inc is able to step in to run municipal bike share.
"A massive thank you to Councillor Farr"
Clr Nann:
Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves, thank you to Clr Farr for your work on this.
Thank you to the community for funding the solution to keep bike share running.
Thank you to everyone who rolled up their sleeves, thank you to Clr Farr for your work on this.
Thank you to the community for funding the solution to keep bike share running.
Clr Nann:
Takes issue with Whitehead's statements against Wilson. "I'm sick and tired of it"
Closes thanking all the people who did the work on bike share.
Takes issue with Whitehead's statements against Wilson. "I'm sick and tired of it"
Closes thanking all the people who did the work on bike share.
Clr Nann:
On policy, want to be clear that where bike share is successful it has municipal funding support.
On policy, want to be clear that where bike share is successful it has municipal funding support.
Note: my error writing Nann was closing her remarks. She was switching to discussing policy/future.
Clr Pearson:
I supported this last week, good work by the inner-city Councillors. Says bike share is a civil good, wants it to succeed and be able to expand this.
Praises Farr for "saving this"
Says the community should toast Farr and those who did the crowdfunding.
I supported this last week, good work by the inner-city Councillors. Says bike share is a civil good, wants it to succeed and be able to expand this.
Praises Farr for "saving this"
Says the community should toast Farr and those who did the crowdfunding.
Clr Wilson opens thanking the citizens of Hamilton for the crowdfunding campaign. Thanks the McNally Foundation. Notes that many who gave to crowdfunding have limited funds due to the economic situation.
Clr Pauls:
The reason I voted no last week was that I didn't have enough information. I wanted to vote yes, but "none of the figures matched".
The reason I voted no last week was that I didn't have enough information. I wanted to vote yes, but "none of the figures matched".
Clr Pauls:
"We need an expansion" of Bike Share, says she is excited.
She wants the public to know that all the Councilors who voted know had their reasons. We have to work together for the betterment of our city.
"We need an expansion" of Bike Share, says she is excited.
She wants the public to know that all the Councilors who voted know had their reasons. We have to work together for the betterment of our city.
Ferguson: How long will it take to get bike share up and running again?
City lawyer: It will be "weeks" for legal contracts to be done, signed, it is a priority for City legal, hope to have contract by next week.
GM PED, Jason Thorne: Top priority, doing everything they can
City lawyer: It will be "weeks" for legal contracts to be done, signed, it is a priority for City legal, hope to have contract by next week.
GM PED, Jason Thorne: Top priority, doing everything they can
Bikes will remain locked out for the time being. Transfer will take time.
Council is adjourned, and I'm going for my evening walk.
Thank you for following along.
Thank you for following along.
