city council group pictureA major city project comes into focus Monday at city council.

The construction phase of the Mattagami Wastewater Plant will be discussed, as well as an update on gateway and street signs.

Our live blog starts at 6:00pm.

(Keep refreshing the page as the night goes along for updates!)

First up is a zoning amendment on the former Lionel Gauthier School.

The applicant wants to turn the school into a 28-unit apartment building, and also develop two more apartment buildings on the land.  One of which is a 32-unit and the other is 40-units.

Tonight is the opportunity for nearby residents to voice concerns.

They’ve already received three letters objecting the move.

Bamford says we definitely need more affordable housing in the city, but when it comes to new construction, we have to be careful.

He also brings up parking options on the lot, adding there could be concerns of more people parking on the side of the road.

Campbell says before anything, he’d like to see a site plan.

The two new buildings would be on Commercial Avenue.

Black adds this is just a first meeting on the subject, and “we’re not jumping the gun.”

Eric Beaucage is the developer of the site.

“I haven’t gotten any negative calls,” he said.

He also wants some greenspace on the roofs, which is why he’s asking about height requirements.

Residents are now asked to come forward.

Robert Barrette, a 43-year resident in the area, says there’s no extra parking.  He says by today’s standards, everyone owns a car and there needs to be one parking spot per unit as well as visitors parking.

He adds there’s no area around for kids to play.

A report will come back on this.

By the way, here’s a couple pictures of what they think the area would look like once construction is complete:

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Up next is KPMG on the operational review.

Oscar Poloni is presenting an overview of how the review is being done, as well as council’s role in the process.

They are breaking the review down to six stages, and look to answer key questions like what someone does, why they do it and how it’s done.

They also look at how a structure can be realigned to better execute what the city wants to do.

There’s a laundry list of things that can be done, but the rep says not all of them will be changed.

The city is a $140-million company, with lots of employees who may not all be contacted throughout this.

Poloni says they put together multiple teams to look at all aspects.  Two teams on corporate services, three on public works, three on community services, and one each for protective services, transportation, the Golden Manor and the police.

To see their full presentation, CLICK HERE.

There’s going to be four opportunity categories for this: efficiency and effectiveness enhancements, service level reductions, cost recoveries and alternate service delivery.

He brings up a story on going to the Timmins Library, and how he wasn’t charged to use a room and Internet access.  He mentions he doesn’t pay taxes in the city, but the taxpayers are paying to have the service.

“I am big on transparency,” he said.

He adds he doesn’t necessarily need to talk to staff or council members to come up with options.

KPMG says any involvement with council can be problematic.

Doody says he’s open to everything.

Dubeau says he has a lot of confidence in the review.

Dubeau reiterates that council doesn’t want to be a part of the review.

Poloni says once the information comes to council in an open session, it’s out there so they need to get the information right.

Grzela says he doesn’t want this to be a “deadline thing.”

He asks about the timing of everything.

Bamford asks about the large, geographic areas, mentioning a resident that lives on the city limits and doesn’t get the same services as the ones in the downtown core.

Dubeau says he’d like to get the final report at the same time as the CAO.  The report is currently slated to go to the CAO first, and then to council a couple weeks afterwards.

He reiterates he’d like to have some oversight, not control.

Black thanks Poloni for coming.

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Next is the Urban Park street closures.

This will be Wednesday’s, Thursday’s and Friday’s from June 17th to August 27th at 7:30am to 5pm.

The closures would go from Third Avenue between Spruce and Pine; Third between Pine and Cedar; and Third between Cedar and Balsam.

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Next is a letter from a resident concerning the decision last week to refrain from saying a prayer before meetings.

David Whissel, whose dad was a minister, says they should continue to pray, but not to God.  He says praying to the Holy Spirit would cover any religion.

Campbell asks where we are on this, but it was reiterated that council voted unanimously to have a moment of silence.

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Next is fuel tender with Jim Howie.

The fuel tender will go to Suncor Energy Partnership for $1,485,233.

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Now to the Mattagami Wastewater Plant audit.

They say it will cost around $131,663.50.

This will come back.

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Now to an encroachment request for 189 Wilson Avenue.

This is for an overhanging canopy to raise it another 300mm.

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Sale of undeveloped roadway at Argento Boulevard.

A recommendation is to close a portion of the laneway and sell to land owners.

This will come back.

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Onto updates to gateway signs and street signs.

These signs have the newest logo, and the colour maroon is prominent.

The welcome sign is about 17 feet in height and 27 feet wide.

Duval says there was dollars available to re-brand street signs in the community.

These would be installed in early July.

The service club sign could go on the Chamber of Commerce land.

downtown signs

 

 

 

 

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Next is an asphalt contract for 2015.

Doody brings up Professor Hesp’s presentation about asphalt quality.

Duval says if we can get 20-30 years out of the asphalt, that would be a success.

The price difference based on Hesp’s recommendations is unknown, but year-over-year could see less than 5%.

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Onto supply of cover material at the Deloro Landfill.

Duval says the estimated volume is for the year.

This will come back in a report.

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Next is a five-year review for the official plan/zoning by-laws.

Mark Jensen says they are seeking approval to do the five-year review,

This will come back.

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No questions or comments for public land sale on Louis Street and Paul Avenue; land donation on Frank Street or truck purchases.

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Wawrzaszek asks about the loader purchase, if it’s the same as the last ones.

Dubeau asks about the truck purchases, says there’s a local supplier and asks if council always has to take the lowest bid.

Howie says there’s no preference to local bids.

Dubeau asks if there can be something in place to have a local bid looked at in a certain percentage.

Palmateer says there is legislation in place to not have local preference.

The recommendation for the trucks is to buy from Jack Findlay Motors in Matheson, rather than Timmins Garage.  The difference in price is just over $1,200.

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Now to by-laws!

Agreement with Miller Paving for asphalt paving on various streets is passed.

Agreement with Esker Aggregates Company for cover material for Deloro Landfill is passed.

and council is adjourned!