Episode 34: Expanded agenda means marathon Council meeting! Toilets, sole sourcing, community safety, & international travel and more on deck!

In what can only be described as the "Mother of all Council meetings", host Daniel Fontaine and his special guest Coun. Paul Minhas review a number of key issues coming up for debate on July 8th. The council meeting and workshop is packed with dozens of items which are no doubt going to spur debate and discussion. No wonder there is talk on this podcast about bringing pyjamas and extra snacks to council!! Some of the topics discussed in this week's podcast that pertain to the upcoming council meeting include; Public toilet strategies, it's time for some clarification; Budget 2025 – have your say!; Sole sourcing, should the CAO authorization be increased to $500K?; Pay hike for politicians – again; Bus speed and reliability study; Food truck permits; East Columbia Street safety review; Royal Canadian Legion liquor license; Heat wave…what should you do to prepare?; Community Ambassador Pilot Program; New rules for international travel by elected officials; Should council be consulted before non-emergency communications are issued by Mayor Johnstone?; Why do NDP affiliated members of council need to send a motion regarding shelter aid for seniors to their NDP colleagues in Victoria?This episode is jam packed with commentary including a segment from the Jas Johal Show on CKNW focusing on the need for a municipal auditor general. We also share a clip from the Simi Sara Show with veteran political columnist Vaughn Palmer who writes for the Vancouver Sun. He comments about the provincial government's decision to close the office of the Auditor General for Local Government back in 2021. Hope you enjoy listening to this podcast as much as we've had producing it. For the Record with Daniel Fontaine is available on all major platforms.