Council votes to pay MMC

Free Press. Feb. 13, 2013. Click to enlarge.

 

I have always voted against payments to the Metropolitan Community.  Cote Saint-Luc derives very little value for its nearly half-million dollar annual expense.  Of course, we are also bound by law to pay this amount and therefore have no choice.

I feel it is better for this expense not to be adopted unanimously and for the public to be aware of how we are overburdened with multiple layers of regional government costing us in dollars, in bureaucracy and in confusing, complex and contradictory regulations and services.

Quebec is the most heavily taxed territory in North America.  This has an impact upon our economy, job creation and personal and corporate wealth.  Do we really need to be spending $500,000 on the MMC?

Hampstead honours the memory of Mayor Irving Adessky

Click to enlarge

The Town of Hampstead rededicated their main park chalet in the memory of longtime Mayor Irving Adessky this week.  Adessky served on Hampstead Council for some 35 years, 27 of them as mayor.  A Hampstead icon, the popular Adessky passed away nearly two years ago.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Mark Adessky reminisced how town’s folk would visit the family home routinely to discuss issues of importance and to seek assistance from the mayor.  He remembered how his father would drive around the town each morning taking note of whatever needed fixing and would promptly send out crews to make the repairs.

Irving Adessky presided over the town during its expansion on what used to be a 9-hole golf course north of Fleet.  He served for many years on the Montreal Urban Community security commission and was one of the longest serving mayors on the Island of Montreal.

Mayor William Steinberg welcomed current and former Hampstead Town Councillors as well as Cote Saint-Luc City Councillors (pictured below), Lachine Borough Mayor Claude Dauphin and Pointe Claire Mayor Bill McMurchie.  Family and friends also attended along with Town staff and other invited guests.

Irving Adessky will be remembered as a pillar in his community and a builder of his town.  He was prudent, personable and proud.  It is most fitting that his memory be captured in perpetuity in the official dedication of this central meeting place in the town.

Local government officials present to honour the memory of Mayor Irving Adessky include: (left to right) Cllr. Steven Erdelyi, Fmr. Cllr. Barbara Seal, Cllrs. Allan Levine, Glenn J. Nashen, Ruth Kovac, Mike Cohen, Bonnie Feigenbaum, Mayor Claude Dauphin, Cllrs. Abe Gonshor and Michael Goldwax.

Federation of Canadian Municipalities unite local leaders

A playground that is safe and fun for kids of all ages, public security agents patrolling in environmentally friendly vehicles, major green spaces returned to public use and residential streets that are designed to slow down traffic making it safe for children to play – these are the dreams dancing through councillors’ heads upon returning from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities‘ annual general meeting.

Cote Saint-Luc Councillors Sam Goldbloom, Ruth Kovac, Steven Erdelyi, Allan Levine and I were in Saskatoon from June 1 to 4, and we returned eager to share best practices from other Canadian municipalities.

Councillors Ruth Kovac, Glenn J. Nashen and Sam Goldbloom discuss local issues with Cote des Neiges – NDG Borough Mayor Michael Applebaum (2nd from left)

We had a unique and privileged opportunity to sit in on plenary sessions to hear from the national leaders, including the Conservative  government’s infrastructure Minister Denis Lebel, NDP Leader of the Opposition Thomas Mulcair, Liberal Leader Bob Rae and Green leader Elizabeth May.  All political parties spoke of the necessity to continue the infrastructure program that allowed Cote Saint-Luc, as one example, to build a first-class Aquatic and Community Centre.  The government announced that steady funding of municipalities would continue to great applause.

Councillors Steven Erdelyi, Sam Goldbloom and Glenn J. Nashen meet with newly elected FCM president Karen Lebovici

We also took part in learning sessions on a wide array of topics from the environment to public safety, financing to waste management.  The study tours were particularly motivating.  Saskatoon has designed parks and playgrounds with incredible imagination to make them educational and entertaining and fully respecting the environment.  They built in maximum involvement from the community, in planning, and financing partnerships.  There was so much to learn from their examples that could benefit the residents of Cote Saint-Luc and I am looking forward to working on the redesign of our flagship Trudeau Park in creating an even better use of public spaces.

Saskatoon has done a remarkable job at revitalizing their waterfront along the North Saskatchewan River. This water play feature is a major drawing for young children to learn about the local history, geography and culture and to have a good time splashing around.

We are bringing back best practices from across the country as to how other municipalities deal with issues that we all have in common, whether it’s water management, roads and sewer, recreational facilities or disaster readiness.

The river passes through downtown and the suburbs. Saskatoon is in the midst of a 100 year development plan to rehabilitate the area for recreation and leisure.

I was particularly impressed with the human touch offered by the Saskatoon Police Service (SPS).  The officers, from Deputy Chief Parnel to Sargent Patrick Barbar (relocated from the Montreal area)  were friendly and approachable, pleased to teach anyone interested about all the SPS does for its local citizens.

Saskatoon Police Services has acquired an armoured personnel carrier used in operations where the safety of its officers is better protected and dangerous situations are able to be neutralized quicker.

The SPS demonstrated the effectiveness of its K-9 force, remote-controlled camera-mounted mini-helicopter used to get close to situations where their personnel might otherwise be in direct danger and explained how they work with landlords in high crime areas to create safer and more hospitable areas.

Councillor Ruth Kovac meets the friendliest Sargent in Saskatchewan, officer Patrick Barbar.

Similarly the Saskatoon Transit folks were friendly, personable and very helpful.  Granted they were shuttling 1500 local government officials around their city however it showed how all civil servants are the front line personnel interacting with our citizens and that their style of communications and expression plays an important role in creating a customer-service oriented city.

We elected a new FCM president to lead the organization for the next year.  Councillor Karen Lebovici of the City of Edmonton, Alberta is no stranger to Cote Saint-Luc.  She visits our city regularly as her parents live here.  We invited her to meet our council on an upcoming trip to discuss how our local government can continue to be a voice on the national stage.

Green Party leader Elizabeth May addresses municipal leaders on the role we play locally in protecting the environment for future generations

Outgoing President Berry Vrabanovic of Kitchener, Ontario gave a humourous and engaging speech about his work at the national and international level.  Watch this terrific short episode as Berry does a Rick Mercer style rant about on the importance of Canada’s communities and cities – the place we call home.

Fascinating encounters in Halifax

The annual conference of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is an interesting educational experience for municipal elected officials for many reasons.  Study tours, panel discussions, keynote speakers, federal leaders and networking all top the list.  It is a rare and unique opportunity for continuing education to benefit communities across Canada.  In addition, it affords the chance to speak individually to other Mayors and Councillors on matters of mutual importance and for all to speak with one voice to the federal leaders.

What a privilege it is to represent Cote Saint-Luc before all levels of government.

Not only is there the chance to meet 2300 local elected officials and MNAs, MLAs and MPs from coast to coast to coast but this year representatives of local governments came from as far away as Mali and Burkino Faso in Africa, Ukraine, Cambodia, and several South Americans.

  Seydou Zsgre, Exec. Sec. Assoc. of Municipalities of Burkino Faso and his colleague meet CSL Cllrs. Sam Goldbloom, Ruth Kovac, Glenn J. Nashen and Allan Levine

Joel Arsenault is the Mayor of the Magdalen Islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence and President of the Quebec Federation of Municipalities (FMQ).  Also known as Iles de la Madeleine, this is one of the most beautiful locations in Quebec, not well-known to many CSLers but well worth a visit.

Joel Arsenault, Mayor of the Magdalen Islands and President, Federation of Quebec Municipalities, Glenn J. Nashen and Maurice Cohen, Cllr. St. Laurent (Montreal)

The Quebec caucus of the FCM is well represented by elected men and women from across the province who we elected to serve in this role last weekend.  These include Borough Councillor Maurice Cohen a 29 year veteran of St. Laurent Council. Mayor Scott Pearce of the Township of Gore near St. Sauveur and Dorval Mayor Edgar Rouleau.

Lachine Borough Mayor Claude Dauphin becomes the 2nd Vice-President of the FCM.

Hampstead Cllr. Bonnie Feigenbaum, Baie D'Urfeé Mayor Maria Tutino, CSL Cllr. Ruth Kovac

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Happy Chanukah – Joyeux Hanoukah

Chanukah is one of my favorite holidays as the joyous festival spreads across Cote Saint-Luc and throughout the world.  Here at City Hall we look forward to welcoming Chabad CSL’s Rabbi Mendel and Mrs. Sarah Raskin and his entourage for the traditional lighting of the giant Menorah, singing, dancing, eating latkes and jelly-filled donuts, or sufganiot, and of course, the famous Menorah Car Parade.

Lighting the Chabad Chanukah Menorah at Cote Saint-Luc City Hall in the first snow storm of the season are Lawrence Bergman, MNA, Councillor Glenn J. Nashen, Mayor Anthony Housefather and Councillor Allan Levine

The miracle of Chanukah has been felt for generations and spans our community around the globe.  Here is a terrific video produced by Federation CJA to commemorate Chanukah:

And on a fun and musical note, watch this talented group of guys from Yeshiva University, suitably named the Maccabeats:

Happy Chanukah to all !!

CSL shuttle launch

It’s not the space shuttle!  It’s the all-new CSL Golden Shuttle.

  

 

 

 

Golden Shuttle 262 takes to the road on November 2

 

 

Today the City of Cote Saint-Luc and the Montreal Transit Corporation launched a special shuttle aimed particularly at senior citizens.The bus line is numbered 262 – and the official title is the “Navette Or Côte Saint-Luc”.The service was launched in District 6 at the Caldwell Residences by the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Société de transport de Montréal, Michel Labreque and Councillors Dida Berku, Allan Levine and myself.

I am particularly pleased to be officiating at the inauguration of this service, something that I have spoken a great deal about over the last few years in anticipation of this day.

Cote Saint-Luc places enormous importance in providing quality services to our senior population.  It is fitting that the first stop on the 262 route will be at our intergenerational and aquatic centre, now under construction.

The ability to remain active and mobile are key factors in maintaining a high quality of life and we hope that our seniors will take great advantage of this new service.

The route ia served by a minivan based on a schedule with 4 departures per direction between 9 am and 6 pm Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.  The route begins at the future site of the Cote Saint-Luc Aquatic and Community Centre, at Parkhaven and Mackle Roads (northern terminus), and zigzags past seniors residences, the library, city hall, the Cavendish Mall / CLSC, Cote Saint-Luc Shopping Centre, several condos and ends up at Carrefour Angrignon (southern terminus).

The round trip route has 32 stops (16 per direction) offering front door access to 1180 homes.  The journey takes 44 minutes in each direction. 

 

 

L-R: Charles Senekal, Manager, CSL Engineering, Beverly Akerman, President, CSL Senior Social Centre, Sidney Margles, President, CSL Senior Mens Club, Cllr. Michel Labreque, President, MTC/STM, Cllr. Dida Berku, Cllr. Allan Levine, Cllr. Glenn J. Nashen, Tanya Abramovitch, CSL City Manager

 

The shuttle service will begin November 2, 2010 and anyone can hop on with an Opus card or by paying the usual STM fare.

For the detailed route of the 262 from the STM website click here. For the 262 pamphlet click here. For the STM press release click here.

 Read it in the West End Times.



 

Celebrating the “Time of Our Joy” in Cote Saint-Luc

This evening I joined Mayor Anthony Housefather and Councillors Allan J. Levine and Steven Erdelyi in Rabbi Mendel and Mrs. Sarah Raskin’s Chabad Cote Saint-Luc Sukkah for a lovely dinner in celebration of the holiday of Sukkot.

For forty years, as our ancestors traversed the Sinai Desert prior to their entry into the Holy Land, miraculous “clouds of glory” surrounded and hovered over them, shielding them from the dangers and discomforts of the desert. Ever since, we remember G‑d’s kindness and reaffirm our trust in His providence by dwelling in a sukkah – a hut of temporary construction with a roof covering of branches – for the duration of the autumn Sukkot festival. For seven days and nights, we eat all our meals in the sukkah – reciting a special blessing – and otherwise regard it as our home.

Rabbi Raskin welcomed the Mayor and Councillors, first congratulating the Mayor and the five Councillors (Ruth Kovac, Mitchell Brownstein, Sam Goldbloom, Mike Cohen, Dida Berku) who were elected by acclamation “on the first day of Sukkot” and then by expressing his firm wish that Steven, Allan and I would be returned to Council on November 1, “with a big majority”.  He invited each of us to say a few words to the overflow crowd.

The Mayor spoke of the harmony and friendship that exists in Cote Saint-Luc among all groups, be it linguistic, religious or any other.  He praised the work of the Rabbi in bringing young families into Cote Saint-Luc and wished him good luck in speedily completing the Hechel Menachem Chabad Centre, now under construction on Kildare Road.

I spoke about how Cote Saint-Luc is a big Mishpacha, a family, and how residents help one another through volunteerism to strengthen our community one family at a time.  I made the point, in Yiddish, French, Hebrew and English, that no matter the language, nor one’s religious affiliation, we are a close community, highly respectful of one another.  This experience has made Cote Saint-Luc a magnet for families emigrating from France, Russia, Argentina and other places where their religious beliefs and background could not be publicly displayed nor celebrated.

By contrast, after an elaborate five course meal for over 100 invited guests, the Rabbi lead us onto Cavendish Boulevard to dance in the streets.

Sukkot is also called “The Time of Our Joy” (Zman Simchateinu) - a special joy pervades the festival. Celebrations and festivities fill the synagogues and streets with song, music, and dance until the wee hours of the morning.

Thanks to the good work of Cote Saint-Luc Public Security two lanes of Cavendish were secured for the revelers to dance in safety in the streets.

Thanks to Rabbi Mendel and Mrs. Sarah Raskin for bringing overwhelming joy and deep compassion to the people of Cote Saint-Luc and beyond. 

 

Rabbi Raskin of Chabad Cote Saint-Luc and Councillor Glenn J. Nashen

 

Ce soir, j’ai rejoint le maire Anthony Housefather et conseillers Allan J. Levine et Steven Erdelyi dans le Soucca du rabbin Mendel et Mme Sarah Raskin de Chabad Cote Saint-Luc  pour un dîner très agréable dans la célébration de la fête de Souccot.

Depuis quarante ans, comme nos ancêtres ont traversé le désert du Sinaï, avant leur entrée dans la Terre sainte, miraculeuse “nuages de gloire” entouré et planait sur eux, les protégeant contre les dangers et inconvénients du désert. Depuis, nous nous souvenons la gentillesse de Dieu et de réaffirmer notre confiance dans sa providence par habitation dans une soukkah – une cabane de construction temporaire avec une couverture de toiture de branches – pour la durée de la fête de Souccot. Pendant sept jours et nuits, nous mangeons tous nos repas dans la Souccah – réciter une bénédiction spéciale – et par ailleurs le considérer comme notre maison.

Le Rabbin Raskin s’est félicité le maire et les conseillers, féliciter d’abord le maire et les 5 conseillers qui ont été élus par acclamation, le premier jour de Souccot, puis en exprimant sa ferme volonté que Steven, Allan et moi serions retourné au Conseil le 1 Novembre, “avec une majorité importante.” Il a invité chacun de nous de dire quelques mots à la foule.

Le maire a parlé de l’harmonie et l’amitié qui existe en Côte Saint-Luc entre tous les groupes, qu’elle soit religieuse, linguistique, ou autre. Il a salué le travail du rabbin à amener les jeunes familles en Côte Saint-Luc et lui a souhaité bonne chance pour achever rapidement l’Hechel Menachem Chabad Centre, aujourd’hui en construction sur le chemin Kildare.

J’ai dit que Côte Saint-Luc est un Mishpacha, une famille, et comment les résidants s’entraident grâce au bénévolat de renforcer notre communauté une famille à la fois. J’ai fait le point, en yiddish, français, hébreu et anglais, que peu importe la langue, ni son appartenance religieuse, nous sommes une communauté soudée, très respectueux les uns des autres. Cette expérience a permis à Côte Saint-Luc d`acceuillir les familles immigrantes de la France, la Russie, l’Argentine et d’autres endroits où leurs croyances religieuses et le contexte ne pouvait pas être affichés publiquement, ni célèbré.

En revanche, après un diner sophistiqué pour plus de 100 invités, le rabbin nous a inviter sur le boulevard Cavendish à danser dans les rues.

Souccot est appelé aussi “Le temps de notre joie” (Zman simchateinu) – une joie particulière imprègne le festival. Célébrations et fêtes de remplir les synagogues et les rues avec des chants, de musique et de danse jusqu’aux petites heures du matin.

Merci à l’excellent travail de la sécurité publique de Côte Saint-Luc deux voies de Cavendish ont été proteger pour les fêtards à la danse en matière de sécurité dans les rues.

Merci à Rabbi Mendel et Mme Sarah Raskin pour apporter la joie immense et une profonde compassion pour le peuple de Côte Saint-Luc et au-delà.

Most CSL council members committed to re-election, Suburban

Most CSL council members committed to re-election

By Joel Goldenberg

The Suburban Newspaper, May 13, 2009

Côte St. Luc mayor Anthony Housefather and most city councillors said they will definitely be running for re-election this November.

The Suburban was prompted to ask the question after Hampstead council regular Lorne Gold asked his town council about their intentions. All but one said they would run. Councillor Clifford Borden has decided not to seek re-election.

Côte St. Luc council members were asked their intention by e-mail.

“It is certainly my intention to run for re-election,” wrote Housefather, who was elected mayor in late 2005.

Councillor Glenn Nashen, as of last Wednesday, said he was focused on the impending birth of his latest child.

“Beyond that, I absolutely intend to run for re-election this fall,” he wrote. “As to running for mayor, I’ll have to discuss that with the current one as I would never run against someone doing such a stellar job as he is,” Nashen further clarified he has no intention of running for mayor this year. Nashen has been a councillor since 1990 — except during the merger years — and has been acclaimed several times.

Councillor Mitchell Brownstein’s answer was “absolutely.

“We have achieved more in this mandate than ever before,” he wrote. “I’m looking forward to the next.” Brownstein has a similar history to that of Nashen in terms of council longevity and acclamations.

Councillor Dida Berku had no comment — she was also first elected in 1990 and served continuously except between November 1994 and November 1998. Councillor Allan Levine, the veteran on council, wrote that he will seek re-election.

Councillor Mike Cohen, elected in 2005, wrote that he is “definitely” running. “After gaining 92 percent of the vote in the last election, I began my re-election campaign the day our mandate began which is why I initiated the district meeting concept,” he wrote. “I meet and speak with my constituents on a regular basis. Whereas I ran as a newcomer in 2005, I am pleased to say that I already have a team in place representing every street and building in my district.”

Councillors Sam Goldbloom and Steven Erdelyi, both elected in 2005, told The Suburban Monday that they will also be running. Councillor Ruth Kovac, first elected in 1990 and also acclaimed several times, was out of town and unavailable for comment.

CSL poised to collect own garbage

CSL poised to collect own garbage
By Joel Goldenberg, The Suburban

In an unprecedented move, Côte St. Luc is preparing to save money by having its own public works employees collect the city’s garbage. Council rejected a tender for garbage collection of $991,000 from $450,000, a number representing a 120 percent increase over last year.

Montreal West accepted a similar tender increase late last month, and Hampstead rejected theirs last week and is renegotiating. Côte St. Luc will further debate the in-house collection proposal at a later meeting.

“We looked at other alternatives, and instead of contracting out for the collection of garbage, we are going to be purchasing garbage trucks and doing collection in-house,” councillor Mitchell Brownstein said at Monday night’s city council meeting. “If we have a pilot project for composting in certain areas of streets, we’ll have total control. And we’ll also give our public works department additional work to do in-house. It’s a challenge for them, it’s a challenge for us, and we’ll save money for the city – hopefully, a bit this year but more each year.”

Councillor Dida Berku supports the move, saying the total cost for collection would have jumped to $1.5 million, including $550,000 for dumping fees.

“It is high time we say no to these huge increases,” she said. “There’s a tremendous consensus on council now that we’re harming the environment and it’s costing us a fortune in the short term. We have to reduce, reuse, recycle, compost and do everything possible to improve our waste management.”

Berku proposed waste management controls “to put a cap on our costs and invite the public to see what wasteful practices really cost us.” She also suggested “using the $200,000 or $300,000 in potential savings into composting and spreading recycling into apartment buildings.”

But council is far from united on the issue.

“Before councillor Berku spends the savings, show me the money,” councillor Glenn Nashen said. “I am less convinced that there will be any great savings, and that by going in-house, we will see any savings or have any kind of efficient service – that’s without disparaging any of our staff.

“We don’t have the expertise, we don’t know what we’re doing in this area. This isn’t our business. The residents have a certain expectation of having their garbage picked up properly, efficiently and on time twice a week. I don’t know if we can deliver on that. I’m not in favour of bringing that in-house, we have to find other alternatives.”

Councillor Allan Levine agreed, but earned the wrath of councillor Ruth Kovac when he said the employees of the private contractors who currently do the regular garbage collection “get up at 7 a.m. and run right until 2 p.m., they run after the garbage truck, throw the stuff in and move like crazy. The last time I saw anybody in public works running, he had fallen asleep in Trudeau Park, it was five minutes to three and he finished at 3 p.m.”

“They work hard, but they don’t run like the independent contractors.”

Kovac accused Levine of disparaging the public works employees. Levine apologized, saying he was speaking in “jest.”

CSL proposes increase in overnight parking fee

CSL proposes increase in overnight parking fee

2006-10-18

By Joel Goldenberg, The Suburban

Côte St. Luc plans to raise its monthly fee for long-term overnight parking permits to $35 from $10, Mayor Anthony Housefather announced at Monday night’s city council meeting.

Overnight parking is generally prohibited in Côte St. Luc for security and snow clearing/street cleaning reasons.

Côte St. Luc’s monthly parking fee was $50, but dropped to $10 after the mergers. While it was part of the borough of Côte St.HampWest, 680 long-term permits were granted, with 280 going to Côte St. Lucers, compared to some 20 to 30 long-term permits handed out pre-merger.

Housefather said copies of the permit fee bylaw will be available by Friday at the city clerk’s office for public view. Kingsley resident Gad Medalsy and building owner Michael Hirsch objected, saying the fee is too high.

“There’s two situations in which [permits would be granted],” Housefather said. “One, where there is no space in your residence to park. If you live in anything other than a multi-family dwelling, if there is no space in your driveway or garage for the number of registered cars to your address, a resident can obtain a permit for that extra vehicle.

“If you live in a multi-family dwelling, you would need an attestation from your landlord that there are no spaces available in the parking garage of your dwelling. A second exemption is if someone has a driveway slope that is too dangerous, in our determination, for someone to park there safely.”

But councillors Allan Levine and Dida Berku are calling for different fees for different categories of residents, with Berku urging a public debate on the issue at a special 7 p.m. Oct. 30 council meeting, instead of council voting on the bylaw at that meeting. Berku proposed that single-family home dwellers with too many cars for one driveway pay a higher fee than those living in multi-family dwellings and duplexes.

“We found over the past few years that we had excessive demands from homeowners that had four or five cars, and that is exaggerated. We want to get those cars off the street. On the other hand, we have very legitimate requests from apartment dwellers who just don’t have enough spaces in their garage. With one price, we might not be able to achieve a fair solution.”

Levine proposed a lower fee for areas such as the “village” along Côte St. Luc Road near Walkley, for “people who are living in relatively modest housing and cannot afford a lot of money for their apartment buildings, and who don’t have a public place to park.”

Councillor Sam Goldbloom rejected Levine’s idea.

“That would be opening up a complete Pandora’s Box of problems. The next thing you’ll have is a means test to establish whether someone should pay $35, $40, $20 or $50 or very, very wealthy people should pay $200.” Housefather agreed with Goldbloom.

CSL councillors getting their own portfolios

CSL councillors getting their own portfolios

By MARTIN C. BARRY The Chronicle

2005-11-30

In a move signaling a departure from the way things were done in pre-merger Côte St. Luc city council, Mayor Anthony Housefather has decided to assign portfolios to each of the eight new city councillors.

As long as anyone can remember, the responsibilities of CSL city councillors have usually been for the districts they represented, with some additional duties serving on one or more municipal committees.

However, with comprehensive portfolios assigned all the councillors from now on, it will be their job to deal with those issues, establish related committees and make recommendations to city council.

Residents will be able to bring issues to councillors handling specific portfolios, while also contacting the mayor or their district councillor.

“As someone who served as a member of a council for 11 years, I strongly believe in giving members of council responsibility for dossiers in which they develop an expertise,” said Housefather.

“I believe this format was a long time in coming. Finally, residents will know whom to approach, not only on matters related to their district, but also on a certain dossier. This all lends itself to a stronger and more active council which becomes accountable to the public.”

Housefather will personally oversee human resources, collective agreements, legal issues, relationships with other cities and government entities, and will be the city’s representative on the agglomeration council.

Traffic and Seniors Issues have been given to District 1 councillor Sam Goldbloom. He will focus on traffic calming, road network improvements and working with Hampstead and CDN/NDG on completing the synchronization of Fleet Road’s traffic lights.

Communications, Corporate Identity and Inter Community Relations have been handed to District 2 councillor Mike Cohen. A public relations specialist, he has the potentially delicate responsibility for toponymy, which could involve the renaming of certain CSL parks.

Finance and Environmental Issues are being handled by District 3 councillor Dida Berku. She will be working on the budget, pension and audit committees, recycling and waste management. Berku has special responsibility for the Cavendish extension and the Meadowbrook Golf course.

Library and Culture have been assigned to District 4 councillor Steven Erdelyi.

His responsibilities include joint programs and special events such as Canada Day.

Town Planning and Railway issues are the responsibility of District 5 councillor Allan J. Levine. Among other things, he will handle matters concerning the renewal of the city centre and Cavendish Mall.

Public Safety is in the hands of District 6 councillor Glenn J. Nashen. His portfolio includes Emergency Medical Services, Fire Prevention, Public Security, Emergency Preparedness and the updating of the City’s Emergency Measures Plan.

Public Works and Engineering is the responsibility of District 7 councillor Mitchell Brownstein. His mandate will include getting vital services back to pre-merger levels. He will also play an active role negotiating new collective agreements.

Recreation has been given to District 8 councillor Ruth Kovac. She is responsible for all sports and recreation programs (not including library and culture) and parks.

CSL council split over logo study, Suburban

Click: csl-council-split-over-logo-study-suburban-2000-04-19

Two CSL councillors oppose $275,000 for radio system

two-cllrs-oppose-radio-system-suburban-1999-04-07

Nashen asks Hampstead to desist from legal action on barrier

Nashen asks Hampstead to desist from legal action on barrier, Suburban, 1997-08-13

Let’s look at legal options regarding CP

Let’s look at legal options regarding CP, Suburban, 1995-07-05