Sjbo
3723 
Other seniors centres surprised by exclusion from mayor's funding plan
PrinceGeorgeCitizen
9And why would the Mayor even think that of the 120 non profits in PG, they too might interested in getting funding. Perhaps someone like the City Manager might remind the Mayor they have a formal funding grant process that requires applications, and just maybe they should follow the process. Certainly support ALL of the seniors programs, not just one. What about organizations?
3- Sjbo
Councillor walks out before development fast-track plan vote
PrinceGeorgeCitizen 3Grandstanding at its best.. If Brian wants to demonstrate integrity, adhere to council rules and procedures by dealing with staff complaints in closed session, not open!!
6- Sjbo
Sampson enters Prince George mayoral race
PrinceGeorgeCitizen 4And you need to look at his record with working with his fellow council members - Council is severely divided and Kyle shows his inexperience in dealing with differing views.. my view is he spends more time self promoting.. heard today Garth is running for mayor and he has my support.
5- Sjbo
Councillor walks out before development fast-track plan vote
PrinceGeorgeCitizen 3There is a process for all local gov'ts called “in camera”. Its fundamental objective is to consider agenda items that deal with “land, legal and labour issues” Brian Skakun is fluent in this process and intentionally ignored it to voice concerns about an employee. If you’re looking for accountability, it should start with Skakun following the rules.. Unfair and inappropriate to disparage city staff in an open council session. City Manager did the right thing.
5- Sjbo
Prince George terminates manager of bylaw services
PrinceGeorgeCitizen 6Regardless staff being terminated, the phone interview with Mayor Yu clearly shows “his” lack of leadership. He stated this was an “administrative issue” yet decided to imply there’s a cultural issue at City Hall. That may be the case, but from a HR perspective, he should have remained silent and referred the issue to the City Manager. This is the typical of Mayor Yu wanting residents to think he’s knows how to deal with these issues, yet lacks the basic understanding on how local government works.. In my view, the key issue at City Hall is the lack of leadership at the council and administration. Take a survey of staff at city hall about their work environment and results would be surprising.
1- Sjbo
Prince George mayor to face disciplinary panel for engineering work
PrinceGeorgeCitizen 6This has everything to do about the rules, process and standards from professional associations that oversee structural and geotechnical in the province. The associations, based on evidence, have decided to proceed with a review based on a complaint - that is standard practice. Lou is correct - let the process unfold and skip the assumptions and gossip
- Sjbo
Council chooses direction for Civic Core Plan after more than two hours of discussion
PrinceGeorgeCitizen 3Interesting Trudy indicates she’ll work hard for a “better plan”. Based on the article, council approved a final motion directing staff with actions. Unsure how she plans to get a better plan when council debated, amended and approved a final plan..
- Sjbo
Vacant storefront pilot project discussion to continue at next council meeting
PrinceGeorgeCitizen 3So many issues with this but let’s target a couple.1. Total dysfunctional city council - can’t get united or work towards consensus building. 2. Why would Trudy present this motion without consulting with council members and staff? Seems counterproductive to not do her homework and then ask staff to bring back options on her proposal and criticize her colleagues.3. The mayor has a building downtown - should he have removed himself from the deliberations as that may be a perceived conflict of interest?If this group of elected officials were part of a private sector board of directors, they wouldn’t last in the positions.
- Sjbo
City confirms plainclothes police presence at April 9 public hearing
PrinceGeorgeCitizenI suggest the key issue is the inability of Skakun and Klassen’s unwillingness to seek consensus from “all of council” by presenting their concerns in camera. That is what the process if for.. this was a decision of administration and just because they don’t like it, they want to use the court of public opinion to support their position.. maybe more effort on something that is important…
2- Sjbo
Council votes to adopt social procurement criteria
PrinceGeorgeCitizenA key part of this change is point being made to support local businesses. A very slippery slope if the intent is to use criteria giving preference to local suppliers. The City can support local businesses, but it can’t simply give preference to local suppliers if the procurement is covered by Canadian trade agreements. Agreements such as the Canadian Free Trade Agreement (CFTA) generally require open, non-discriminatory procurement above certain thresholds. If a “local resilience” policy is used to favour local bidders over equally qualified out-of-town bidders, it could face legal challenges unless it falls within a specific exemption. The key question isn’t whether the policy mentions “local resilience”—it’s whether it results in discriminatory procurement practices.
1- Sjbo
Bennett, Klassen to propose riverfront strategy at next council meeting
PrinceGeorgeCitizenDidid either of the councillors consult with UNBC regarding the request they create a waterfront plan? What is the cost to undertake the plan? Are the expected costs in the current budget or planned for 2016? Why UNBC? Do they have the expertise to undertake this engagement? The article lacks any details on these questions (which I believe are important)
- Sjbo
Councillor walks out before development fast-track plan vote
PrinceGeorgeCitizenTammy, Coun. Ron Polillo said he thought Skakun’s allegations were out of order and that Skakun's experiences were not the same as his own. This implies we have two opinions on the issue - should we accept Brian’s view of situation? Before make broad statements about a city department, maybe next time Brian can present facts…
- Sjbo
