Online Town Hall » Operations

A Job Well Done !

Mike Salisbury — Tue, 12 Jun 2007 23:17:59 +0000

Going door to door during my campaign in November I heard stories from people who were absolutely impressed with the service they received from City staff. I recently received yet another report of a job well done by our city staff.

Just thought I would drop you a note to let you know that last Friday when I arrived home from work, I found that my 20 yr old tree was split in half and a large section was down. I called the emergency # to let the city know, the lady who took my call was most courteous and reassuring – then within about 30 min. a two man crew! Yes, that’s right, only two city workers arrived at my home, they too were very courteous and promptly went about removing the downed limb. After that, they raked up the debris and were on their way within about 10 min.

First thing Monday morning another crew came to remove what was left of my tree. Although I am in mourning for my tree after twenty years, I wanted to let you know that I was very impressed with the prompt service and the pleasant assistance we received from our city workers. Please let them know they are greatly appreciated.

I just wanted to say to City staff in the opperations department, Well Done! and keep up the good work!

Politically Speaking

Mike Salisbury — Thu, 03 May 2007 02:20:34 +0000

During my recent live-to-air interview on Rogers Television’s “Politically Speaking” with Tim Mau, a caller inquired about the recent hire of an event co-ordinator to assist the Mayor, mentioned in the papers as a “Public Relations Consultant for the Office of the Mayor.”

I did not have a full and complete answer during the interview but promised to find out the details and post the answer on this site.

Kate Sullivan, who worked as a public relations officer for the City of Kitchener for the last three years, started her new job last week. Her role includes establishing and maintaining mutual lines of communication between the mayor’s office and the city’s residents, businesses and other stakeholders. She’ll also help the mayor be informed about and responsive to public opinion, and keep the public informed about the activities of the mayor and council

Kate’s job also includes assisting the Mayor and Council to enhance intergovernmental partnerships to promote business development and secure new funding for city infrastructure and services. Specific duties include planning and coordinating special events; drafting correspondence, newsletter articles, web content, and other materials; developing communications strategies to keep residents and businesses informed of initiatives of the Mayor and Council; acting as a liaison with community groups and stakeholders; managing intergovernmental liaison activities and creating new opportunities for public input and engagement. The Public Relations Consultant will also recommend to the Mayor improvements and strategies in response to trends, complaints or community concerns.

The position is a fixed term contract to coincide with the term of office of the current Mayor and Council.

Lowest Tax Increase in 3 Years

Mike Salisbury — Thu, 25 Jan 2007 00:26:54 +0000

Guelph City council passed the city’s 2007 operating and capital budget on Tuesday evening and approved a 4.3% increase over last year’s budget. The increase is equivalent to an $88 increase on property tax bills for households with a $200,000 assessment.

This was the smallest tax increase in 3 years.

6.9% in 2004
5.1% in 2005
4.7% in 2006.

After some intense debate the cost of riding a city bus was frozen at $2. (Guelph Transit had proposed an increase in cash fare to $2.25) The $300,000 this would add back into the budget amounts to only $5 on the average tax bill, the equivalent of just over one return bus trip.

In a recorded vote, only Councillors Gloria Kovach, Karl Wettstein and Christine Billings voted against keeping fares at the current level.