Last night’s council meeting gave us our first glimpse at the upcoming property taxes. On December 15th I wrote we would be looking at 7% due to the Coast Meridian Overpass cost overruns – and that is the figure we are looking at for 2009. And for 2010. But not to worry, in 2011 we go down to 4.8%, just in time for election season.
The worst part of this is that Port Coquitlam will now not be hiring three much needed police officers nor is there a plan to add a third Bylaw Officer. With already one of the worst police to citizen ratios in the region this latest cut will push us lower on the list. Forgot about the list for a second, this lowers the standard of community safety.
Budget input opportunities start tonight (5:30pm at City Hall). For a complete schedule, click HERE. Hopefully together, we can find a way to lower the tax rate while focusing on our protective services.
ADDED: Here are stories from the Coquitlam Now (where I am mentioned), Tri-Cities News and an opinion piece from the Coquitlam Now (where again I am mentioned).
Here is how the Council voted on two major items along with some commentary from me.
Coast Meridian Overpass Temporary Borrowing Bylaw No. 3661
This was the final reading on borrowing up to $25 million to finance the cost overruns on the CMO. A number of speakers shared my concerns from October that this project continues to go up in cost while we were told it was a “fixed cost project”. The Council further confirmed that costs could continue to go up but hopefully that will not happen. I agree – hopefully that does not happen.
At this stage Council has no choice but to vote yes on this loan. What is needed in the future, is tighter controls on costs and far better unvarnished non-government speak communication to the public on the details of such projects.
YES (7)
Carroll Forrest Moore
Penner Pollock West
Wright
Zoning Amendment Bylaw No. 3656 for 2643-2669 Bedford Street
A continuation of the Public Hearing and third reading was held on this item. The gist is should this project go forward as it will be close to Maple Creek.
Back in December, the Public Hearing was held. The proponent – Mosaic Homes – had worked with the City, the Department of Fisheries and several local environmental groups. Mosaic thought they had worked through all the objections with the environmental groups. Then at the public hearing a number of these groups spoke against the project, contridicted each other with what they wanted and blindsided Mosiac. This led to confusion and the Council decide to extend the Public Hearing until last evening.
During this break, Mosaic attended a Smart Growth Committee Meeting (for which I am the citizen representative). They outlined in great detail their project, the communication they had with all the stake holders, letters of support, etc. While the environmental groups did not attend, they did have seperate meetings with staff before last evening’s meeting.
Having looked at the housing plan and the creek, I am in support of this project. Mosaic will be doing everything reasonably possible to build a quality development while protecting this creek. I was glad to see Council voting in favour as well.
YES (6)
Forrest Moore Penner
Pollock West Wright
NO (1)
Carroll
Phew! That dragged on forever! I am pleased with the results of the votes though. However I’m still at a loss as to how Carroll got elected in the first place. No campaign, no profile, no website, and apparently now, no logic.
On a side note, what axe does Alambets have to grind? Did someone from the city kill his dog or something? I also found it somewhat amusing how Wright was answering his rhetorical questions seriously. I guess Alambets is like the council chamber pet.