I was pleased to read in today's SP (Dec. 9/10) that the city successfully enforced the campaign disclosure bylaw and those in contravention were fined. However, the problem that still exists with the bylaw is that no one checks to see if the disclosures are valid and all expenses and receipts are accounted for and legitimate. It simply relies on whistle blowers to expose any infractions.
Also in today's news is the Mayor's comment that trimming the budget will be tough. No kidding. The only time the budget gets trimmed is in an election year. Did anyone note in yesterday's paper the graph on the city's spending history? In 2005 the rate increase was 3.9%. In 2006, an election year it was 1.9%. The increase in 2007 was 4.8%, in 2008 5.4% and in 2009, an election year, it was 2.9%. After the last election the rate increase was 3.9% and for 2011 it is proposed to be 4.7%. Sadly, since council is now going to a four year term we can only expect a reasonable tax increase every four years rather than the historical three.
Sadder yet, the money is not being spent on matters of importance to the public and those that affect everyday living.
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Due and Owing
Gasp! I am surprised, awed and shocked that the proposed mill rate hike starts at a mere 4.65% (SP Dec. 8/10.) Thank you to Premier Wall for the additional $9 million in revenue sharing. Thank you Prime Minister Harper for extending the deadline on the federal infrastructure program. You both helped save our bacon, at least for now.
While I like the new budget document, what concerns me is the short-sightedness on priorities within the budget. From the news report less money that is needed for bridge maintenance is allocated to that line. Given the recent issues around the Traffic Bridge, and past reports indicating that the University and Broadway bridges are nearing the end of their lifespans, I would have thought that budget item would be given major attention. Also on the fringe for funding is lane repair, accessibility ramps and cycling infrastructure, all of which are concerns raised by the public and council throughout the year. Recycling seems not to be included but I expect we will see that charge on some utility bill.
Speaking of which, aside from tax increases, the utilities are going up and up. The report is silent on any new levies or increase to existing levies.
The big winner in this budget is transit. More money for a losing proposition. I get the impression that the message on transit has not been heard. It is not about fare cost. Its about service.
The best of all is increasing fees to campsites, golf courses, the Forestry Farm, sports field rentals and, my favorite, the cemetery. I thought taxes would end with death. However, the city will get the last nickel before they plant you. Actually, I don't really have a problem with most of this with the exception of the sports fields. It will simply increase costs to children's sports activities and put average families further behind. Or worse yet, put more kids in front of a TV.
I'll leave it to others to deal with affordable housing being pushed to the civic level and what increasing taxes does to rents, the poor and young families hoping to buy a home. This part really just depresses me.
I have to go and return some of those Christmas gifts I purchased earlier. I'll need the cash to plump up my accounts for taxes, utilities and user fees.
While I like the new budget document, what concerns me is the short-sightedness on priorities within the budget. From the news report less money that is needed for bridge maintenance is allocated to that line. Given the recent issues around the Traffic Bridge, and past reports indicating that the University and Broadway bridges are nearing the end of their lifespans, I would have thought that budget item would be given major attention. Also on the fringe for funding is lane repair, accessibility ramps and cycling infrastructure, all of which are concerns raised by the public and council throughout the year. Recycling seems not to be included but I expect we will see that charge on some utility bill.
Speaking of which, aside from tax increases, the utilities are going up and up. The report is silent on any new levies or increase to existing levies.
The big winner in this budget is transit. More money for a losing proposition. I get the impression that the message on transit has not been heard. It is not about fare cost. Its about service.
The best of all is increasing fees to campsites, golf courses, the Forestry Farm, sports field rentals and, my favorite, the cemetery. I thought taxes would end with death. However, the city will get the last nickel before they plant you. Actually, I don't really have a problem with most of this with the exception of the sports fields. It will simply increase costs to children's sports activities and put average families further behind. Or worse yet, put more kids in front of a TV.
I'll leave it to others to deal with affordable housing being pushed to the civic level and what increasing taxes does to rents, the poor and young families hoping to buy a home. This part really just depresses me.
I have to go and return some of those Christmas gifts I purchased earlier. I'll need the cash to plump up my accounts for taxes, utilities and user fees.
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Follow-up
Thumbs up to the majority of Council for last night's performance. I didn't listen to all the presenters but caught the Councillor comments prior to the vote.
Although I didn't agree with Clark's position he gets credit for being consistent and speaking for those in the minority. Lorje on the other hand continued to master the position of playing both sides of the fence. I'm not sure what Hill was saying nor am I sure that he knew what he was saying. As for the rest of Council they seemed to be voicing the opinion of the majority of their constituents and it seemed to run 75% in favour of a replica and 25% against. I suspect that was pretty accurate. I hope they re-do the bridge prior to applying for heritage status. It would be a shame to get the designation and then find out as a result of the designation they can't do what they intend to do.
Many comments were made yesterday about community associations. I personally think those groups play a valuable roll in that the majority of the organizations serve their communities in providing recreational and activities of interest to their particular communities. I applaud the majority of people involved for their interest, activism and volunteerism. These groups are established and receive some funding from the city. Every association has a difficult time filling the roster of volunteer positions. They should be appreciated for what they do and they are few and far between.
Problems result when, every now and then, an individual(s) gets involved for the wrong reasons and attempts to use the association for their own personal best interest. At this point they usually over step the boundaries. When it comes to a major decision, like the Traffic Bridge, I would think that if the association wanted to speak for the community it should require community input in the form of a special meeting that is well advertised within the neighbourhood. In this particular case, although the association published its regular meeting dates, it published no agenda listing this item as a topic for discussion.
Enough said.
Although I didn't agree with Clark's position he gets credit for being consistent and speaking for those in the minority. Lorje on the other hand continued to master the position of playing both sides of the fence. I'm not sure what Hill was saying nor am I sure that he knew what he was saying. As for the rest of Council they seemed to be voicing the opinion of the majority of their constituents and it seemed to run 75% in favour of a replica and 25% against. I suspect that was pretty accurate. I hope they re-do the bridge prior to applying for heritage status. It would be a shame to get the designation and then find out as a result of the designation they can't do what they intend to do.
Many comments were made yesterday about community associations. I personally think those groups play a valuable roll in that the majority of the organizations serve their communities in providing recreational and activities of interest to their particular communities. I applaud the majority of people involved for their interest, activism and volunteerism. These groups are established and receive some funding from the city. Every association has a difficult time filling the roster of volunteer positions. They should be appreciated for what they do and they are few and far between.
Problems result when, every now and then, an individual(s) gets involved for the wrong reasons and attempts to use the association for their own personal best interest. At this point they usually over step the boundaries. When it comes to a major decision, like the Traffic Bridge, I would think that if the association wanted to speak for the community it should require community input in the form of a special meeting that is well advertised within the neighbourhood. In this particular case, although the association published its regular meeting dates, it published no agenda listing this item as a topic for discussion.
Enough said.
Monday, December 6, 2010
Speak for yourself
I will be very happy if Council finally makes a decision tonight about the damn Traffic bridge. Then we can move on to phase two - how much over budget will it go.
What annoys me most is comments from some of the proposed speakers. Mr. Bobyn, President of the Nutana Community Association, will imply that Nutana is in support of rehab rather than replica. I am a resident of Nutana. Yet outside of the City sponsored meeting at Victoria School last fall, I do not recall receiving a notice of a meeting by the Community Association or a survey on this issue. Thus Mr. Bobyn does not speak for me or for many of my neighbours that I have spoken with on the matter.
In today's SP (Dec. 6/10) Bobyn states that widening the bridge would "destabilize" the area and would funnel more traffic into a residential area already burdened by congestion. This is the same area that many want to increase the density in. If you are not an area resident, many of the eight thousand users of this bridge simply travel up Victoria and out of the neighbourhood. Those of us actually residing in the area need the bridge for reasonable access to our homes.
I can't bring myself to even respond to his idea of alternating one-way traffic.
I have no problem with people voicing their opinions, but please don't speak for me.
What annoys me most is comments from some of the proposed speakers. Mr. Bobyn, President of the Nutana Community Association, will imply that Nutana is in support of rehab rather than replica. I am a resident of Nutana. Yet outside of the City sponsored meeting at Victoria School last fall, I do not recall receiving a notice of a meeting by the Community Association or a survey on this issue. Thus Mr. Bobyn does not speak for me or for many of my neighbours that I have spoken with on the matter.
In today's SP (Dec. 6/10) Bobyn states that widening the bridge would "destabilize" the area and would funnel more traffic into a residential area already burdened by congestion. This is the same area that many want to increase the density in. If you are not an area resident, many of the eight thousand users of this bridge simply travel up Victoria and out of the neighbourhood. Those of us actually residing in the area need the bridge for reasonable access to our homes.
I can't bring myself to even respond to his idea of alternating one-way traffic.
I have no problem with people voicing their opinions, but please don't speak for me.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Back to demi-gods
All the hoopla around the Sask Party snagging Gene Makowsky as a candidate in next year's provincial election escapes me. From where I sit it appears this gentleman is nearing the end of his football career and needs a job. Not much as been noted about what he supports or opposes. His sole credential for running for office is that he is currently a sport demi-god. Come next November will he be on the field for the Riders or Wall?
What play does the government need to block that necessitates securing an offensive lineman for the team?
What play does the government need to block that necessitates securing an offensive lineman for the team?
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Giveth and taketh
On the Forum Page of today's SP (Dec. 2/10) there is an an article by Catherine Ford of Troy Media regarding urban sprawl in Calgary. The new mayor has dropped the gauntlet for developers in Calgary. In essence the Mayor stated that the developers, not the city, will pay all infrastructure costs in new areas. Needless to say the developers are not happy as it may curb their quest for urban sprawl.
Saskatoon has, and I expect continues to, levy these costs to new areas being developed. When a new area is being developed the infrastructure costs are incorporated into the cost of a lot and when the city sells the lots it recovers those costs, with a small premium, and uses those monies for the next development.
Included in the article is the tax breaks that have given to developers, and the subsequent home owners, for "enhanced" amenities.
It would seem that on one hand an attempt is being made to curb the sprawl by increasing costs, and on the other hand to encourage it with tax or other incentives.
Saskatoon seems to have half of this right, that being recovering at least some of the cost of the infrastructure. It needs to work on the second half, that being the incentives.
The writer also refers to the 'whining' by these new neighbourhoods for "police stations and fire halls and schools and all of the other urban niceties." I disagree with her on the police/fire services but take her point on the schools and other civic niceties. We have schools in older adjoining neighbourhoods that are under-utilized to which school boards could transport students rather than investing in new facilities. Perhaps swimming pools, branch libraries and recreational civic facilities should be fully financed by the sprawlers. Add large taxes to the gigantic parking lots of the big box malls that service the sprawl and eat up valuable land, yet pay relatively little for the existence.
I guess the discussion should be is Saskatoon growing to the point that we need to plan for boroughs?
Saskatoon has, and I expect continues to, levy these costs to new areas being developed. When a new area is being developed the infrastructure costs are incorporated into the cost of a lot and when the city sells the lots it recovers those costs, with a small premium, and uses those monies for the next development.
Included in the article is the tax breaks that have given to developers, and the subsequent home owners, for "enhanced" amenities.
It would seem that on one hand an attempt is being made to curb the sprawl by increasing costs, and on the other hand to encourage it with tax or other incentives.
Saskatoon seems to have half of this right, that being recovering at least some of the cost of the infrastructure. It needs to work on the second half, that being the incentives.
The writer also refers to the 'whining' by these new neighbourhoods for "police stations and fire halls and schools and all of the other urban niceties." I disagree with her on the police/fire services but take her point on the schools and other civic niceties. We have schools in older adjoining neighbourhoods that are under-utilized to which school boards could transport students rather than investing in new facilities. Perhaps swimming pools, branch libraries and recreational civic facilities should be fully financed by the sprawlers. Add large taxes to the gigantic parking lots of the big box malls that service the sprawl and eat up valuable land, yet pay relatively little for the existence.
I guess the discussion should be is Saskatoon growing to the point that we need to plan for boroughs?
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Help the challenged
I agree with Council that the streetscaping on the 25th Street project is grand (SP Dec. 1/10.) I like the architectural controls that will compliment the area. Although I understand that they couldn't re-route the rail line, I had hoped that some type of overpass would have been created to prevent the traffic jams that occur when the train takes a break and sits across Idylwyld during peak traffic periods. Is there anyway to restrict the times that the train can come through the city?
I admit to being 'directionally challenged' so help me out. Remember it is not nice to mock people with challenges and we are in the naughty or nice seson.
I cannot tell from the artist rendering in the paper the East/West connection. I get the turning lane to head North. I get the turning lane to head South. I think if I am travelling down Idylwyld North to South that at the intersection of Idylwyld and 25th I could turn left onto 25th Street East and just prior to the intersection I could turn right to 25th Street West. How do I cross over Idylwyld going from 25th Street East to 25th Street West? By example, if I'm coming off the University Bridge, travelling down 25th Street East and want to get to the Holiday Inn Express, how do I get there?
Out of necessity I'm putting a GPS on my Christmas list.
I admit to being 'directionally challenged' so help me out. Remember it is not nice to mock people with challenges and we are in the naughty or nice seson.
I cannot tell from the artist rendering in the paper the East/West connection. I get the turning lane to head North. I get the turning lane to head South. I think if I am travelling down Idylwyld North to South that at the intersection of Idylwyld and 25th I could turn left onto 25th Street East and just prior to the intersection I could turn right to 25th Street West. How do I cross over Idylwyld going from 25th Street East to 25th Street West? By example, if I'm coming off the University Bridge, travelling down 25th Street East and want to get to the Holiday Inn Express, how do I get there?
Out of necessity I'm putting a GPS on my Christmas list.
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