In which Denzil Minnan-Wong denies illicit arboreal relations and a familiar deputant calls on half the committee to resign.
Continue reading I Go To Meetings So You Don’t Have To: July 2 Executive Committee
Tangled Bank #2: My God, It’s Full of Weird Larvae
Since my last visit to the lakeside, there’s a whole new crop of increasingly bizarre insect babies to be found on milkweed, thistle, and goldenrod. Photos and explanations after the jump, brought to you by that weird person who stares at leaves.
Continue reading Tangled Bank #2: My God, It’s Full of Weird Larvae
2015: Threat or Menace?
Warning, serious wonkery ahead.
So I was a tad alarmed to see, in last month’s council agenda, this operating budget variance report projecting a year-end deficit of $1.783 million. And I’ve also been going back to David Hains’s look at the formidable 2015 budget gap and wondering if there’s anything to it. Basically, I’m wondering 1) how much of a mess will the next mayor inherit?, and 2) do they even know?
The Cheat Sheet: May 6 City Council
Guess what just happened? My birthday! And, in hobbit fashion, I have a gift for you: the Good Bits version of the upcoming City Council meeting agenda.
A few highlights: restricting campaign donation rebates; bringing EDM back to Exhibition Place; a new housing allowance program for seniors; and a proposal to appoint a Photo Laureate.
Edit: As usual, if I’ve made any mistakes or missed something important, let me know!
The Cheat Sheet: April 1 City Council
April’s agenda is one of the busiest yet: the Billy Bishop airport expansion, the Gardiner Expressway, Neighbourhood Improvement Areas, and food trucks, as well as annual audits and grants. Plus, you’ll never guess which councillor wants to look into recall legislation…
Who Pays Toronto Writers?
Update: I’ve moved Who Pays Toronto Writers to its own page!
The Cheat Sheet: Co-ops
It seems there has been some recent confusion about what exactly a housing co-operative is and how it works. This is understandable; co-ops are kind of an obscure subject. So here is my quick primer on what they are and how they work. I have greatly simplified things, and am working from my own experience living in and serving on the board of a small federal co-op. Continue reading The Cheat Sheet: Co-ops
The Cheat Sheet: February 19 City Council
This Wednesday is the first council meeting since the annual epic budget s̶h̶i̶t̶f̶e̶s̶t̶ showdown. On the agenda: hockey beer, campaign Twitter, the taxi review, and more.
A Very Special Cheat Sheet: #TObudget 2014
- A Note: Operating Vs. Capital
- First, Some Context
- Operating Budget
- Capital Budget
- The Most Disingenuous Game
I don’t usually do Cheat Sheets for special meetings, but this one is for the 2014 budget! I love the budget!!! The entire exciting process, which started all the way back in November, is culminating this upcoming Wednesday in a meeting sure to be full of delightful surprises, dramatic reversals, procedural confusion, and petty, childish infighting. Continue reading A Very Special Cheat Sheet: #TObudget 2014
The Cheat Sheet: December 16 City Council
Disclaimer: For entertainment purposes only. Check out the full agenda.
Last meeting, we saw the Mayor reduced to a figurehead, with most of his responsibilities (and office budget) going to Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly. In a fit of pique, the Mayor insisted on holding and speaking on various petty routine items until the clock ran out, and promised to do the same next time. I hope he’s forgotten, because there’s plenty of actual stuff to get done. Continue reading The Cheat Sheet: December 16 City Council