Belleville Mayor Taso Christopher speaking at city council, July 11, 2016. (Photo: Mary Thomas/Quinte News)
Belleville has decided to not support an application to the provincial government for solar panels on two local schools, but not without some opposition at Monday night’s city council meeting.
Ameresco Canada had sought the endorsement for its application to the province through the city’s planning committee, but the committee recommended city council not support it.
Councillor Paul Carr, a member of the planning committee, argued they should not support the province’s FIT program for solar panels when hydro prices are too high and not affordable for many people.
CAO Rick Kester pointed out the city is actively pursuing provincial FIT contracts for its own buildings.
Mayor Taso Christopher.
Council decided on a recorded vote of 5 to 4 to not support the application, with the mayor and councillors Garnet Thompson, Egerton Boyce, and Mike Graham voting against.
New snow dump
Belleville has awarded a contract for development of its new city snow dump at 119 Lahr Drive.
The city had approved $600,000 in its capital budget for the project.
Monday night council awarded the contract to Cooney Excavating for just under $500,000.
Catherine Street bridge
Plans for a new Catherine Street pedestrian bridge in downtown Belleville are moving ahead.
Monday night council hired Read Jones Christofferson Limited for $151,000 for consulting services on the project.
A Belleville councillor hopes the public will have some input into just how the future proceeds from the casino operation will be handled by the city.
Councillor Mitch Panciuk told council last night he was pleased to see treasurer Brian Cousins’ recommendations on a policy for allocation of the casino revenues but would like the public to give some suggestions as well, since there is still lots of time before the revenue is available.
The treasurer is recommending 65% would go to infrastructure maintenance, 10% for economic development, and the rest spread over five other areas.
Cousins told council “you shouldn’t spend money before it’s in your pocket.”
