CITY HALL NOTEBOOK

Speed limit cut on Evans Road after Jasmin’s death

The city will reduce the speed limit on the Waterdown road where 10year-old Jasmin Hanif was struck by a vehicle and killed.

Ward Coun. Judi Partridge put forward the motion Wednesday at council.

Jasmin’s father, Shakeel Hanif, made an emotional plea to councillors earlier this month to improve pedestrian safety on Evans Road and across the city.

The speed limit will change from 50 to 40 km/h. Other pending changes include new street lighting and digital speed signs.

Council also endorsed a speed limit reduction to 40 km/h requested by Coun. Sam Merulla on parts of Ottawa Street and Kenilworth Avenue.

Civic Rings debate becoming circular

A contentious suggestion to give taxpayer-funded rings to retired councillors has been punted back for more committee study.

The city’s finance committee endorsed a staff proposal to spend up to $5,000 every four years to buy “civic rings” to honour council members who retire or are voted out.

The idea has endured public criticism and a split reaction from councillors.

Coun. Terry Whitehead, however, suggested studying whether councillors would be interested in funding eventual rings themselves via payroll deductions.

“I like the ceremony of it ... but I don’t think taxpayers need to pay for it,” he said.

‘Gated community’ pitch killed after complaints

Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson has withdrawn a contentious request for “privacy” gates on a new condo development.

Ferguson withdrew the request after hearing from residents.

Ferguson originally asked for the city to require gates on the private road, arguing residents deserved the separation given they won’t receive public services like snow removal.

But a flood of letters and complaints about the proposed “gated community” prompted the councillor to backtrack and hold a community meeting.

So council formally removed the gate proposal in a vote Wednesday.

Vacant building tax rebates to be phased out

Council has voted to phase out tax rebates for owners of vacant commercial and industrial properties.

The decision will eventually save the city $2.5 million a year. Staff will report back on whether the extra cash should be targeted at needs like social housing.

Some councillors had suggested simply using the savings to ease the tax levy.

The city also expects to study a similar rebate program for vacant land.

City to study ‘cooling off’ for would-be lobbyists

The city will study the feasibility of preventing former councillors from doing paid lobbying work at City Hall for two years after leaving office.

Council endorsed the motion from Coun. Matthew Green to study a “cooling off ” period similar to that the city insists on for retiring top bureaucrats.

Council also voted to maintain its lobbyist registry.