 | A full house attended the Cornwall City Council meeting of August 8, 2011. City Council voted to establish a committee to review the Cultural Plan in detail. First, Coun. Bernadette Clement put forth a motion that the number of members on this committee should be increased from nine members to eleven members. | |
Cornwall - Aug. 9, 2011 - Council votes to establish an Arts Committee
City Council voted to establish a committee to review the Cultural Plan in detail. First, Coun. Bernadette Clement put forth a motion that the number of members on this committee should be increased from nine members to eleven members. Coun. Maurice Dupelle seconded Clement's motion. Coun. Denis Carr wanted to table the initial motion to establish an art's committee until Coun. Denis Thibault returned. Thibault who spear-headed the Cultural Plan is on vacation and was absent from the Council meeting. Coun. Glen Grant said, "lets move this thing forward". Dupelle agreed, "people want to see us move forward". Carr's
motion to table the initial motion was easily defeated.
The newly established committee will include two City Councillors, five artists, and four more members from the community at large. Carr said, "We should have five supporters of the Arts, but not necessarily artists". Carr also wanted to make sure the Counties are included in any committee created. Mayor Bob Kilger added the stipulation that only if the counties wanted to be included, and the rest of Council was in agreement. A lay appointment committee will be established and people in the community who are interested can apply.
Artists in attendance at City Hall
There was about thirty artists and supporters of the arts in attendance. Rose Desnoyers who is president of the Centre Culturel de Cornwall said, "It's a great recommendation that allows for the inclusion of artists". Sandra Taylor who is the President of Focus Art reflected on what she saw. "We had a good representation of all the arts here tonight. Tonight's resolution is a step in the right direction. The process will take time, and there is no purpose to delay". Rodney Rivette who is the spokesperson for the Seaway Cultural Arts Committee said, "Artists are united, and all groups are ready to work together to accomplish this goal".
Veterans' Service Clubs get Municipal Tax Exemption again
City Council supported the request for a municipal tax exemption for the four veterans' service clubs to be granted for the years 2012 to 2017. Coun. David Murphy moved the motion for a municipal tax exemption for the four veterans' service clubs. Coun. Syd Gardiner seconded the motion. Murphy noted, "some bar and restaurant owners have concerns, but most support this exemption". For example Steve Ouderkirk of Rangatang's was critical of this exemption during the 2010 Municipal Election. Councillors Murphy, Clement, and Coun. Elaine MacDonald all emphasized the
excellent work these Service Clubs do for our community. The tax exemption for Service Clubs easily passed. Coun. Leslie O'Shaughnessy was the only Councillor to vote against it.
E-Bikes on the Agenda
City Council endorsed allowing e-bikes on municipal bike paths until further public consultation and input from the Recreation Advisory Committee and the Accessibility Advisory Committee is received. Like artists, there were many E-bike users in attendance at the Council Meeting Monday night. Coun. Andre Rivette was concerned about E-Biker's safety, noting the close proximity of the St. Lawrence river to the bike path, and he also sited a near accident with a bicycler and a child near the splash pad. Despite Rivette's concern, the interim measure allowing e-bikes on the bike path passed. "We want to create an inclusive community", said Coun. Dupelle.
City of Cornwall will show it's Rainbow Colours
City Council proclaimed the week of August 29th to September 4th 2011 as "Pride Week" in the City of Cornwall. Furthermore Council approved the Pride Cornwall Flag to be flown at 340 Pitt Street during this same week. Pride Cornwall members in attendance were pleased with City Council's decision to support the LGBT community.
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