Catherine Fournier

The meeting addressed several items, including adopting the agenda and proceeding to a question period covering topics such as a proposal to rename the agglomeration to 'Champlain Agglomeration,' concerns about an uninstalled stop sign in Sainte-Adèle, disrespect perceived during an interaction with an elected official, and the rationale for using police officers for fireworks supervision versus hiring signage companies. Further discussions involved the unavailability of a prior meeting's recording online, the annual budget for the Public Communications Department of Longueuil, and questions regarding the recent order of gasoline-powered versus electric van trucks, referencing available government subsidies. Actions taken included filing minutes from the Agricultural Advisory Committee, approving a support structure for organic food businesses, setting the 2023 council session calendar, requesting the renewal and increased funding for Solidarity Alliances, modifying the SPAL organizational structure, approving employment contracts for Deputy Directors, appointing members to the Firefighters' Pension Plan Committee and the Agricultural Advisory Committee, appointing a member to the Public Safety Commission, authorizing budget transfers, filing treasurer's comparative statements, amending contracts for ladder and pumper trucks, reviewing contracts for industrial clothing rental/laundry service and work clothes/safety shoes supply for blue collar employees, and awarding a contract for the treatment of excess organic waste volume during the transition period.

The meeting commenced with the adoption of agenda item 1.1.2 without amendment, followed by the public question period. A significant portion of the discussion focused on traffic safety concerns in specific areas, including Caribou Street and Rennes Street, with residents requesting measures to protect children, such as educational signage and speed reduction tactics. A discussion ensued regarding the ongoing 'My Street for Playing' pilot project and the process for submitting follow-up analyses for traffic and safety initiatives. Council members discussed the City's Vision Zero goal to eliminate serious injuries or deaths on roads, noting planned systematic safety measures such as sidewalk widening, bike lane integration, and traffic calming techniques like raised curb extensions. There was also a lengthy public intervention detailing various forms of mistreatment experienced by elderly residents, including psychological, physical, sexual, and financial abuse.

The virtual council session addressed several citizen inquiries during the question and answer period. Key discussions involved noise nuisances from aircraft, where a petition regarding flight operations was acknowledged, though further action on specific noise reduction requests may fall under other jurisdictions. There were multiple inquiries regarding road safety and infrastructure improvements, particularly concerning the intersection of Curé-Beaulieu and Roland-Therrien, where traffic light installation, sidewalk construction, and right-turn restrictions were discussed in light of a recent tragic accident. Other topics included evaluations for city service requests, progress updates on boulevard extension works, and discussions related to the 'Lacan Ciel' neighborhood initiative, which saw increased participation. Elected officials also addressed concerns regarding congestion on Roberval street and the need for continuous attention to safety issues that have been raised by citizens over several years.

The special session convened to adopt the City of Longueuil's budget pertaining to local jurisdictions for the 2009 fiscal year, including setting allocations for each borough. Discussions included rules regarding tax burden increases between fiscal years 2009 and 2010, and authorization for the treasurer to pay various 2020 expenses such as the city's share to the agglomeration and CMM. Council members debated the budget's rigor and responsibility, particularly concerning the tax freeze burden and avoiding increased taxation on the commercial sector to protect small businesses. A key point of contention was the omission of funding for the Longueuil Social Development Fund, which aims to support local initiatives to improve living conditions. Several council members expressed pride in the budget's rigor, emphasizing service preservation despite difficult choices, while others voted against it due to concerns over tax burden distribution and the lack of prioritization for the Social Development Fund.

The extraordinary council meeting focused on adopting a regulation concerning taxation for 2022 and discussing related municipal finances. Key discussions included a public question regarding a proposed tax increase (2% to 4%) and a request for councilors to freeze their salaries in solidarity, which was declined as elected officials have personal financial obligations. Another major topic concerned the justification for a tax increase higher than the inflation rate, despite significant property value increases in Longueuil, with explanations citing destabilized finances, anticipated deficits, and the need to cover increased spending pressures like inflation and labor shortages. The council also addressed the adoption of an interim control regulation concerning asset demolition to prevent further issues, and regulations imposing property taxes and a surtax related to agricultural land consolidation. Furthermore, the agenda included procedural matters such as the adoption of the agenda, approval of an extension to a marina lease agreement with the River Park Society of Longueuil until December 31, 2022, conditional on state approval, and orientation points for the upcoming agglomeration council meeting. Finally, the council addressed citizen concerns regarding budget strains, service rates, fines, and public works, including reassurance about police presence and potential school crossing guards for the opening of school, and the extension of a sidewalk in 2022.