COUNCIL BRIEFS:
The Sarnia Library will be getting an accessibility upgrade later this month. Sarnia City Council passed a motion Monday to begin construction of a barrier free washroom at the site for nearly $138,000.
A cost of nearly $10,000 was also approved for an adult change table, which will exceed accessibility standards. Some councillors voiced concerns on investing in an old facility, while others praised the Accessibility Advisory Committee for their recommendations.
--------
Council has directed staff to reach out to the provincial government on addressing off-street pull off options for parents and buses approaching school zones. The direction stemmed from a discussion of changes in parking regulations on Talfourd St. from Ontario St. to Russell St. and on Oak Avenue between Aberdeen Ave. and Lansdowne Ave.
----------
The City of Sarnia renewed a five-year leasing and licensing extension with Ferry Dock Hill Management Corporation. The city previously acquired the law office and parking area in 2003 and expects to generate up $85,000 to $98,000 in revenue starting 2018.
---------
Parents registering their children in programs within the city's Parks and Recreation department will be able to do so online this Fall. Council accepted a proposal to upgrade the existing CLASS facility and program booking software which will now allow for online booking and payment options, program enrollment and electronic promotion of its programs.
------------
City staff will compile a report in the coming months on the City of Sarnia's owned assets. Councillor Cindy Scholten's Notice of Motion asks the report; detailing the land and building structures, along with locations and sizes, current uses, debts and revenues, be brought before council on April 11th.
Staff have also been directed to compile a second report, brought forward by Councillor Cindy Scholten, on the number of recycle bins beside every garbage can on city owned parks and green space. The report, also expected in April, will detail cost comparisons from other municipalities providing recycling options.
--------------
City of Sarnia council agendas will now be made available the Tuesday before council's Monday meetings. The motion, brought forward by Councillor Matt Mitro, was supported widely by councillors who felt they needed more time to address and ask city staff questions.
A second motion, also brought forth by Councillor Matt Mitro, asked for a report to come back to council on whether or not a small, and relatively private common-office space in city hall will be feasible for councillors to meet with members of the public. Many councillors showed their support for a meeting space outside of their personal homes.
