Snow clearing and cavity fighting were the hot button topics at Saturday’s meet-city-council event.
The mayor and city councillors were joined by more than 30 staff from all departments who were on hand to answer questions and hear concerns at the Bower Place Shopping Centre.
Councillor Dianne Wyntjes said the message she was getting on the fluoride front is don’t spend money on a plebiscite now, but wait until the next election.
As far as snow removal, people were pleased the city was taking a look at how it is handled.
“I haven’t heard (suggestions to spend) any more money. Perhaps just doing it differently and doing it better.”
The fact, it looks the weather may finally produce a few snow melting days has helped. “I think now it’s not such a big issue because it’s starting to warm up.”
Wyntjes said the recent devastation in Japan caused by the earthquake and tsunami puts local problems in perspective.
“When you think about their challenges, our snow will melt, and we will address our problems, but their crisis is much bigger.”
Another new councillor Chris Stephan also got a taste of the fluoride debate, which he called a “split issue.”
There was clearer direction on snow removal.
“I think when it comes to snow removal I get a feeling that people really want to have us concentrate on having our snow removal policy changed so not are we only clearing more frequently but we’re also removing the windrows.”
However, others are happy with the current policy and don’t want to see a lot more money shovelled into snow removal budgets.
Other issues that came up were an extension to 22nd Street and also the possibility of building a trail between Red Deer and Sylvan Lake as a centennial project.
Councillor Buck Buchanan also ranked snow removal as the number one issue this year.
He was hearing from people complaining that the windrows removed parking spaces. But trucking away all the snow piled up would be expensive.
“Nobody really wants to pay more in taxes, but they do suggest we do something with the snow.”
Mayor Morris Flewwelling said he expected to hear comments about secondary suites but “not a word.
“I expected a little more on snow removal. And I had three people talk to me and say, ‘It’s fine. Leave it alone,’ which is interesting.”
Among the concerns brought to the attention was a desire to have the Collicutt Centre parking lot being cleared better for those trying to get back to their vehicles after a workout.
As far as a fluoride plebiscite goes, Flewwelling said he’s not anxious to spend the $160,000 needed to hold a plebiscite before the next election. But putting it on the municipal ballot could also be problematic because it’s an emotional issue with clearly divided lines.
“I’m not sure it can be answered other than by plebiscite. And even by plebiscite, I don’t think is the most informed way.
“But at least it’s a fair way with our system of government to deal with an issue like fluoride.”
Flewwelling said the Let’s Talk initiative seems to be well received by the public.
“I think, by and large, most people just appreciate the informal opportunity to speak.”
pcowley@www.reddeeradvocate.com