I thank everyone who attended our January 17th Town Hall Meeting. I also wish to thank CAO Gerard Hunt and Commissioner Lanie Hurdle for their attendance and presentations.
The success of these meetings depends on the attendance and engagement received from residents, and so far we have been very successful.

I fully understand the concern residents have regarding property taxes. This is never an easy topic to discuss as it is the most direct form of taxation we have. Responsible taxation is what we as a city council are using as our guide. Responsible taxation is meeting the needs and expectations of city residents, while not overburdening any one taxpayers ability to pay.

A new year and a new city budget: This City Council has worked very co-operatively during the past year to ensure that we are able to deliver the best in services and facilities for 2012. As many of you are aware from previous columns I have written, and from our Town Hall Meetings, that the actual budget work began with the first ever Strategic Plan.

I begin this month writing about the dreaded T-Word, Taxes. I am certain that I will not find anyone who would admit that they enjoy paying taxes, let alone getting an increase. We all enjoy living in one of the best managed cities in Ontario, if not in Canada.

Where has the year gone? I hear this more as each day passes. As I write this column I am certainly reflecting back on the events of a year ago. The civic election had just run its course and a new Mayor and City Council were elected. My column this month will reflect on my past year as your elected representative.

Thank you to the 80 plus residents who attended our third Town Hall Meeting of the year on September 28th. This was our most successful meeting. It was very gratifying to me as your District Councillor to see so many people. The very positive comments I have received gives me the assurance that we, as a District, are very engaged and are moving in the right direction with the Town Hall format.

As summer draws to a close, I would like to invite all residents of Pittsburgh District to attend our third Town Hall Meeting at the ANAF Hall on Gore Road. The meeting will take place on September 27th from 7:30pm – 9:30pm. The main topic is the City of Kingston’s Strategic Plan, which was formally endorsed by City Council in August. I will have copies available for those who wish to have one.

I sincerely hope everyone is enjoying our beautiful summer weather and taking the opportunity to visit the many amenities right here in our own city. Beginning August 5th right here in our own District of Pittsburgh are the Kingston Sheep Dog Trials which take place until August 7th. This is an event that the whole family will enjoy while also enjoying Grass Creek Park and perhaps even taking a tour of the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum. It will make a fun, informative family and or friends …

Brian Reitzel’s “Town Hall” meeting concept is gaining momentum. Thirty-three residents attended the meeting and were enlightened on the City’s tax structure, how the Kingston Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) operates, and a variety of topics that were generated during the question and answer period.

I hope everyone is keeping their heads above water, literally. Please notify the City of Kingston Customer Service if you are experiencing drainage issues in ditches, culverts etc. The number is 613.546.0000 or e-mail contactus@cityofkingston.ca The service is very efficient, but please contact me directly if your complaints are not being acted upon within a work week.

What a spring we have had in Kingston so far. Colder than normal, then wet and warm, then downpours with local flooding and now we survived the hurricane of April 28th. This weather has kept our city works department very busy unplugging storm drains, street cleaning, keeping up with minor power outages and clearing debris from sidewalks, roads and parks. I believe the works department, under the direction of Damon Wells, has done a remarkable job for all of us. There may be issues that have been overlooked and I invite you to contact me if I am able to assist you.