In the public-input segment of the Committee of the Whole (COW), 20 Feb, 2017, a senior citizen presents a strong case against the increase. Admonishing Council for supporting it and reminding them that this will not be forgotten by (our substantial numbers of) seniors in the next local election.
Good for them!
Springing this whopping cash-grab on seniors now - regardless of whether-or-not an increase in itself is reasonable - in its suddenness shows a lack of sensitivity towards a large segment of the electorate. A lack of caring.
It is this lack which upsets many much more than the increase.
The manner in which the topic is discussed/passed later in the same COW shows a disconnect between City Hall and this ever-growing segment.
Which is just about all this administration seems to know about local seniors: generally they're increasing. Under what circumstances is another matter of no acknowledged interest here - except from Councillors Adams and Cherbo. Who are to be commended for wanting to consult with seniors.
Mayor Kozak seems to be under the impression that those elderly having bought into Nelson Commons are a conclusive example of "although some seniors live on fixed incomes, others have more money than many young people". This according to the Star: "some" and "others".
Passing a motion - after the fact - to have "management staff" meet with the "Seniors Coordinating Society" is an attempt at damage-control only. This meeting should have taken place before bringing the increase to Council.
Shades of the 'aggressive-panhandling bylaw', while we had few panhandlers - and none aggressive.
This increase-approval once again shows how Council frequently comes to meetings poorly informed/prepared - to then discuss/decide with anecdotal reasoning and info spoon-fed by Staff.
Even though in this case relevant factual information of numbers/levels was made available to City Hall by and is available at the
Nelson & District Seniors Coordinating Society
719 Vernon St (Civic Centre)
250.352.6008
info@nelsonseniors.ca
What with City Hall's need for additional revenue through parking and this pass-increase to fund road-work, the following is worth noting:
There has been free parking (no meters!) for 20 cars, 24/7, over the last 10 months, in the so-called Hall Street Plaza.
The same applies to 21 spaces on Hall, between Baker and Vernon, while there for a somewhat shorter period due to Nelson Commons construction.
Altogether 41 spaces!
More Stores-to-Shores Phase 1 shenanigans.
This loss of revenue through meterless parking is substantial - do the math! - while a non-issue at City Hall.
Absurdly - just around the corners on Baker metered parking is enforced.
So, what gives here?
Raising the seniors' pass-price incrementally - while immediately installing 41 parking-meters - is the reasonable and more revenue-creating way to go.
Caras Ionut
favim.com
Deb Kozak, Mayor
dkozak@nelson.ca
Colin McClure, CFO
cmacclure@nelson.ca
Kevin Cormack, CAO
kcormack@nelson.ca
Colin Innes, Public Works
cinnes@nelson.ca
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