Aid to Councillors engaged in debate

In my previous post, I presented the text of my "virulent" oral submission delivered to Council on November 12. I had submitted my text in advance (and changed only a few words in oral delivery). I also provided Councillors with a series of questions which they might wish to use in their debate on the Lansdowne Partnership Plan [LPP].

For your interest and entertainment, here are the questions:

-In the staff report for the Sept. 2 meeting of Council, it is noted that "The proposal also included the development of complementary commercial space, the revenue streams from which were identified as necessary to offset the operational costs of the stadium and civic centre functions." Do such offsets represent a subsidy to tenants and users of the stadium and civic centre, the principal users being the professional sports tenants? As such does this represent a subsidy to professional sports teams as forbidden in motion of Council of April 22?
　
- In the motions adopted at the meeting of Council of April 22, it was resolved that "the City’s contribution to the revitalization of Lansdowne Park be limited to a dollar amount to be established during the negotiations, to be based on not increasing the overall cost to the taxpayer." It is proposed that the budget allocation for capital costs in the future be increased from the present level of less than $2 million to approximately $3.8 million. Does this represent an increase in overall cost to the taxpayer?

- The staff report to the Sept. 2 meeting of Council stated "The financial due diligence carried out by the City and its consultants on the OSEG proposal has demonstrated, among other things, that the City would be receiving fair value under the Plan." Because there was an absence of competitive bidding, the usual assurance of fair value was not available. What other procedures to demonstrate fair value were employed? Are those studies available for scrutiny?

- It is proposed that Council await a review of the financial assumptions and projections of the partnership proposal. Should the Auditor General be required to prepare such a report using his office’s resources or should he be provided with resources to retain outside expertise to prepare such a report? Is Council prepared to wait until May 2010 for such a report?

- In the staff report for the Nov. 12 meeting of Council it is noted that the proposed Stage Three would involve "...construction of the retail and parking components. Subsequent to this, would be the Civic Centre and Frank Clair stadium rehabilitation...". Why does the rehabilitation of the civic centre and stadium need to await completion of the retail and parking construction?

- In view of the fact that there is no zoning or like issue which could be appealed to the Ontario Municipal Board, is there any reason that the rehabilitation of the civic centre and stadium could not be initiated immediately?

- It is proposed that the Implementation Plan include a "detailed assessment of the forecasted property tax revenues to be paid by retail and commercial development proposed by the LPP with the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation...". Will this examination reveal whether the land value under the retail development will be subject to property tax or will remain exempt from tax as City property?

- It is proposed that a termination agreement form part of the final project agreement for the LPP. Can the City terminate the process now without incurring additional cost?

- It is intended that the partners of the LPP provide "programming that suits Council’s objectives for the site". Is there at present a document setting forth Council’s objectives for the site or is this document yet to be written?

- It is indicated that a Municipal Service Corporation could be created under the provisions of the Municipal Act, 2001 and its regulation 599/06 which forbids the creation of subsidiaries. There is also reference to the Ontario Business Corporations Act and the creation of Hydro Ottawa (which clearly does have subsidiary companies). What exactly is the recommendation for creation of a corporation? Which legislation is applicable to the LLP?

- It is indicated in the staff report that the requirement for public consultation regarding the establishment of a Municipal Service Corporation has been fulfilled as part of the LPP featured in the six public consultations held in September and October. How did the prospect of an MSC feature in those consultations?

- It is proposed that shuttle services be instituted to bring patrons to events at Lansdowne from satellite parking locations. Is it envisaged that by-laws protecting the monopoly over transit service enjoyed by OC Transpo will need to be altered to allow such shuttle service?

- Parks Canada is reported as having a "willingness to work with the City to achieve Council’s objectives for the site". Has an outline of Council’s objectives for the site been conveyed to Parks Canada? Is this document available for examination?

- It is proposed that the City’s property of 59 acres adjacent to the Albion Road site of the Central Canada Exhibition Association (CCEA) be transferred to the CCEA for use as parking. Is the property to be sold or granted to the CCEA? What is the value of the property in question?

- How was it determined that the requirement of the trade and consumer show industry "...would create significant conflicts to achieving the other goals set out by Council for Lansdowne...". Which specific goals create conflicts?

- It is indicated that "...purpose built trade and consumer show facilities in most cities are usually located outside the central areas of thos cities..." How was this determined? Is there a list of cities studied to produce this statement?

- Why should the search for an alternative site for trade and consumer shows be initiated with Shenkman Corporation particularly? Are there no other landowners in Ottawa who could have property which could be used for this purpose? Why is it not intended to issue a general request for proposals?

- If no alternative site for the trade and consumer show industry is identified, does this render void the LPP and require that show space be provided at Lansdowne?
　
- It is proposed that the lease for the stadium be a "net net lease". What is this exactly and why is it proposed? Are similar arrangements proposed for the civic centre?

- At the public consultations held in September and October, "city staff and other subject matter experts were available to receive input from residents...". Was any report prepared about the input received at those events by staff and experts?

- In the motion of Council adopted on September 2 authorizing public consultations reference is made to "...public consultation plan included in the Lansdowne Partnership Plan". In the plan document appears the the text "The format would be a series of open houses, with the opportunity to ask questions of City staff and the private sector principals. Similar to the Official Plan Review’s ‘City Café approach, these sessions would allow for a comprehensive discussion of the proposed redevelopment...". Did the public consultations conducted in September and October follow the procedures set out in the Plan and subject to Council motion?

I will be following the debate with interest to see if any of these questions arise. If nothing else, it would be a way for a Councillor to give the impression that he/she had actually read some of the documentation.