THUNDER BAY – A decision on whether to apply a recommended punishment to one of their own after an integrity investigation dominated Monday’s city council meeting.
As well as considering whether to confirm a sanction against Coun. Aldo Ruberto for his online conduct, council heard an update on the stalled indoor turf project and public transit procurement and the move to electric vehicles Monday.
Ruberto escapes sanction for online comments
Council reversed its own previous vote to dock Coun. Aldo Ruberto's pay for social media comments about an active police investigation, a result the at-large councillor called a vindication.
Council remained split on his conduct, however, with a vote to confirm the sanction failing on a 5-5 tie.
The issue centred around Facebook comments Ruberto made last fall, as reports emerged that a man had driven over a tent at a homeless encampment and police investigated.
The integrity commissioner found his comments expressing hope there could be an innocent explanation for the incident risked appearing to influence the investigation or judicial process, and raised serious concerns over Ruberto’s online conduct generally.
You pushes to release indoor turf proposals
During an update on the proposed indoor turf complex, Coun. Peng You again expressed his desire to see five expressions of interest to build the facility received last year from the private sector made public.
Five proposals – two for short-term solutions like a bubble, and three for long-term solutions – submitted last year are being held on the sidelines until the city gets an answer on a $22 million funding ask to the federal government, which would cover half the facility's cost.
It’s uncertain when that answer will come. In the meantime, You suggested releasing the short-term proposals so the city could begin engaging the public on them.
“Why don’t we release the EOI now, so especially user groups can tell whether these proposals are any good?” he asked. “If we have this process… and we don’t have any answer, what are we doing here?"
Staff said You’s question had previously been addressed in closed session, with city solicitor Patty Robinet saying she had provided confidential legal advice that addressed the issue. However, she promised to follow up with additional communication.
You initially pushed toward a vote on the issue, but city clerk Krista Power advised council his motion would be out of order, since it contradicts a previous council vote to pause the EOI process until an answer is received from the federal government
City renews transit fleet, with potential electrification around the corner
Council authorized $880,792 in spending to purchase four new low-floor specialized transit buses, though the city itself is on the hook for only about $212,000 of that.
The remainder will be covered by the federal and provincial governments through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
The buses had reached their expected life cycles of seven years, staff reported, after which maintenance can become prohibitively expensive.
Coun. Rebecca Johnson asked why staff were still seeking approval for diesel-fueled buses and hadn’t yet turned to electric vehicles.
It’s the last time administration will bring a recommendation to purchase new fossil fuel-powered specialized buses before council receives a report on electrifying transit, outlining a path to decarbonize the fleet, staff said.
The city has committed to electrify its public transit fleet by 2035 under its net-zero strategy.
City hall prepares to reopen on March 21
City hall will reopen to the public with no capacity limits and no masking required as of March 21, embracing the lifting of provincial health restrictions.
Councillors, and the public, will retain the ability to connect virtually for the foreseeable future, while ward meetings will also move to a virtual format hosted at city hall.
Councillors have expressed their desire to preserve the right to join meetings and vote virtually, saying it will bring numerous benefits.
