Nanaimo downtown parking has been an issue since well before I became a founding member of the city's Transportation Advisory Committee.
In fact it was part of the reason the TAC was formed - to deal with the report from a consultants study of the parking situation in downtown Nanaimo and area.
Parking somewhere- downtown, in Hospital area or around Vancouver Island University - has been on the TAC Agenda almost constantly.
About 2 years ago I will say a new face appeared on the staff side of the table at our meetings. Rod Davidson was a clear spoken, confident sort that came to us from Penticton with a resume of accomplishment in Parking. I was happy to know that someone, somewhere had been thru this and had survived.
In a nutshell - Rod is good and he does have a plan. I had a chance to review it with him on Wednesday.
A year from now expect to see Smart Parking Meter Machines sporadically spaced along the streets in the affected downtown area. These machines will have smart phone interfaces so you do not have to physically be there to add time. Cash will be accepted.
Also there will be a car with cameras rushing around in areas without meters to check on the position of your tire stem. Yes I said "tire stem". Amazing what technology can do at 80 km/hr.
So the idea is that the best parking will be available for people who want it the most at a reasonable price. There will be sufficient parking and signage to direct people to it.
That is the plan. Others have been through this before and survived. It is the way growing progressive communities handle the issue of parking.
Perhaps like an older sibling going through adolescence - it sounds awful, can't be avoided and in the end gets us somewhere better than before
Keep the faith and consider a bicycle :)
TOMORROW ........................FINAL JEOPARDY 21%
Friday, November 7, 2014
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Good or Lucky - which is better - for Nanaimo
Good or Lucky - Which Management Selection Process is better - for Nanaimo ?
1) GOOD:
A Balanced argument on the "education standard" for a top level manager between the overall business standard of an MBA (Masters of Business Administration) vs the more recently evolved specialized standard for Public & Non Profit orientation of a MPA (Masters of Public Administration)
"MBA" vs "MPA" Which is better for a 600 employee, $200 Million Civic Organization?
Don't listen to me - look for yourself please.http://www.economist.com/whichmba/forum/miscellaneous/mppmpa-vs-mba
2) LUCKY
Nanaimo has had 30 years of "lucky" stemming from Jerry Berry's amazing good fortune in being promoted by Grayden Hayward from "Assistant City Clerk to "Assistant City Manager" (arguably a 12 - 21 year career shortcut). Both subsequent Nanaimo City Managers benefited from that same stroke of good luck. Who hired both of them? Has Nanaimo's last 30 years, current and future management been determined by a single "LUCKY" move?
Is it better to be lucky or good?
Is it time to address 2013's poor & slow results with a "good" move.
How about picking a manager based on "WINNING" a competition?
Who has the best education, training & experience?
Who really WINS that race?
LOOK FOR JIM'S UPCOMING BLOG POSTS:
1) Friday: DOWNTOWN PARKING - WHAT IS THE PLAN?
2) Saturday: FINAL JEOPARDY - 21%
3) Sunday: GREAT NATIONAL
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Leadercast-Nanaimo's Challenger disaster
Leadercast-Nanaimo's Challenger disaster - demonstrates the need for management change at the highest level.
In large complex structures there are safety systems designed to protect key elements and keep overall operations functioning. Like a car engine thermostat, a bathtub overflow drain or gas pump handle shut off, small safety mechanism prevent catastrophe. They exist to prevent major problems that could impact the overall operation of the main structure. Failure of these relatively small parts can have tragic consequences. There are many examples.
The infamous and ill fated space shuttle "Challenger" disaster was caused by the failure of a part called an "O" ring. This "O"ring was designed to stop hot burning combustion gasses from coming in contact with explosive fuel. It failed to do its job, the flames touched the fuel.
Nanaimo's Leadercast fiasco was a similar safety system failure. The wrong tool was used. It was like using a hammer to clean a window. It was wrong. The safety system that could have caught this, that monitors the appropriate use of tools, failed.
There are several overarching Provincial Acts, Legislation and Regulations governing and affecting Municipal operations. The Legislative Services department of any City government organization exists to interpret and apply these various rules. The rules are many, varied, connected and complex. This is not a game for the faint of heart, hobbyist or armchair quarterback. Like any trade, profession or sport there is a specific and detailed level of knowledge required and the ability to apply this in a timely and accurate manner. A reasonable level of education, training & experience is necessary to function at a reasonably high standard on a reasonably consistent basis.
Nanaimo's Leadercast fiasco was caused by a motion being passed that was later rescinded.
The motion was wrong, the safety mechanism failed, disaster occurred.
The real scary part of Leadercast - Nanaimo's "O" ring failure - is that it could happen again.
The space shuttle was different after Challenger. Parts, processes & procedures were redesigned and implemented. Lessons were learned, things moved, things changed.
Has anything moved here in Nanaimo as a result of Leadercast. The election may see movement on the governance side due to Leadercast. Is this right? Is this appropriate?
I call this a civic management issue, not a governance issue. I suggest that this is only one of a series of slow and poor results in the past year. It is only 1 bad game in this season. It is a very telling issue or "game" that clearly demonstrates the inability current management to produce quality results.
I suggest it clearly demonstrates the need for a higher level of management sophistication and a more "systems" oriented approach. One small part can bring down the show. A commitment to the highest level of education, training and experience at all levels of the organization has to start at the top in order to be applied beyond and below.
Monday, November 3, 2014
Sad Day for Nanaimo Builders-Ray Menard passes
From: "Kelsey Botting" <admin@chbacvi.com>
Subject: City of Nanaimo - Passing of Ray Menard
Date: November 3, 2014 at 9:18:50 AM PST
To: "Kelsey Botting" <admin@chbacvi.com>
It is with deep sadness that the Building Inspection Section wishes to advise that Ray Menard, Plumbing Inspector with the City of Nanaimo Building Inspection Section, has passed away suddenly. The details related to Ray’s passing are unknown at this time. All members of the City of Nanaimo, Building Inspection Team are extremely saddened and our thoughts are with Ray’s family.
Currently, Senior Management are assessing the number and nature of Inspections booked for today. We ask for your patience during this time.
Thank you,
Nelda L. Richardson, Manager
Development Support Services & Business Licencing
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIVISION
City of Nanaimo
Mail: 455 Wallace Street
Nanaimo BC V9R 5J6
Office: 411 Dunsmuir Street
(250) 755-4448
"Working with the community promoting liveability, fire, health, and life-safety standards"
P SAVE TREES - PLEASE DO NOT PRINT THIS EMAIL UNLESS YOU REALLY NEED TO.
Kelsey Botting
Executive Officer
CHBA-Vancouver Island
170 Wallace St, Nanaimo, BC V9R 5B1
Phone: 250-755-1366 Fax: 250-714-1155
email: admin@chbacvi.com
Upcoming Events:
Next Members Meeting – Thursday, October 9th at Coast Bastion Hotel, Nanaimo
Suppliers’ Night & Auction – Friday, December 12th, 2014 at The Nanaimo Golf Club
There are MANY opportunities & advantages for CHBA Members… check out our website or contact us for specifics. J
Speech Speech - Nov 4 All Candidates Format
FAQ’S FOR ALL-CANDIDATES FORUM
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 4 • 5 PM
VANCOUVER ISLAND CONFERENCE CENTRE
WHICH CANDIDATES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND?
All candidates running for Mayor, Council and School District 68.
HOW DOES THIS “SPEED CAMPAIGNING” FORMAT WORK?
School Board Trustee candidates will be in Newcastle Lobby, City Council candidates will be in Mount Benson Ballroom A and B, and Mayoral candidates will be in the Departure Bay Rooms A and B.
Each candidate has their own table so they can display materials and use it as a ‘speaking space’. We will keep as much distance as possible between tables. Tables will be in alphabetical order, arranged clockwise. Depending on how many candidates register, we will ring a reminder bell every 5-8 minutes to indicate that if a voter is trying to see all the candidates, they must move on to another table.
IS IT MANDATORY FOR VOTERS TO MOVE ON?
No, they can visit as many or as few candidates’ tables as they like and spend however long they wish with each candidates.
ARE VOTERS GETTING ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH CANDIDATES?
Yes and no. The experience we are taking this from indicated that voters would visit tables in clusters; everyone gets a chance to speak and, the best part is, it most often resulted in a small group discussion and debate.
WILL A VOTER BE ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH ALL THE CANDIDATES?
Not likely. Voters are encouraged to educate themselves about candidates by attending other Forums prior to this one, to seek information online, and to check out Candidate Profiles in the local media, such as the November 4th Nanaimo News Bulletin. When a voter has settled on the candidates they would like to know more about, they can create a check list of whom to speak with at this event.
WHAT TIME DOES THIS START?
5:00 - 7:30 pm School Trustees and City Council candidates ‘speed campaigning’. 6:30 - 7:30 pm the Mayoral candidates ‘speed campaigning’.
WHICH CANDIDATES ARE INVITED TO ATTEND?
All candidates running for Mayor, Council and School District 68.
HOW DOES THIS “SPEED CAMPAIGNING” FORMAT WORK?
School Board Trustee candidates will be in Newcastle Lobby, City Council candidates will be in Mount Benson Ballroom A and B, and Mayoral candidates will be in the Departure Bay Rooms A and B.
Each candidate has their own table so they can display materials and use it as a ‘speaking space’. We will keep as much distance as possible between tables. Tables will be in alphabetical order, arranged clockwise. Depending on how many candidates register, we will ring a reminder bell every 5-8 minutes to indicate that if a voter is trying to see all the candidates, they must move on to another table.
IS IT MANDATORY FOR VOTERS TO MOVE ON?
No, they can visit as many or as few candidates’ tables as they like and spend however long they wish with each candidates.
ARE VOTERS GETTING ONE-ON-ONE TIME WITH CANDIDATES?
Yes and no. The experience we are taking this from indicated that voters would visit tables in clusters; everyone gets a chance to speak and, the best part is, it most often resulted in a small group discussion and debate.
WILL A VOTER BE ABLE TO MAKE IT THROUGH ALL THE CANDIDATES?
Not likely. Voters are encouraged to educate themselves about candidates by attending other Forums prior to this one, to seek information online, and to check out Candidate Profiles in the local media, such as the November 4th Nanaimo News Bulletin. When a voter has settled on the candidates they would like to know more about, they can create a check list of whom to speak with at this event.
WHAT TIME DOES THIS START?
5:00 - 7:30 pm School Trustees and City Council candidates ‘speed campaigning’. 6:30 - 7:30 pm the Mayoral candidates ‘speed campaigning’.
7:30 pm we will ask voters to take a seat in the main ballrooms for the Mayoral
presentation and debate.
WILL THERE BE ANY SPEECHES FROM A PODIUM OR STAGE?
At 7:30 pm we will begin hearing from Mayoral candidates in the main ballroom. Unfortunately, with 49 School District and Council candidates we don’t feel the night is long enough to accommodate everyone speaking from a stage.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE STAGE PRESENTATION BY MAYORAL CANDIDA TES?
They will be invited to provide an opening address of 2 minutes in alphabetical order. We will then proceed with a moderated, pre-screened question and answer period. Question forms will be available when people arrive, questions are also invited in advance of the event and can be emailed to info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca.
There will not be questions from the floor. Scrutineers will screen submitted questions to keep them clear and concise and eliminate duplication. Our moderator, Hilary Eastmure, will address questions to Mayoral candidates as they have been directed by the questioner or will try to ensure equal distribution of the questions.
Mayoral candidates will also have 'rebuttal chits' that they can cash in to challenge an answer or add their opinion. These are limited so that Mayoral candidates can only cash them in at the best opportunity to rebut. The Q & A period will continue for up to one hour. The Mayoral candidates will have 1 minute each to offer closing remarks at the end of the hour.
IS THERE A COST TO ATTEND?
Only for candidates. There is a small cost recovery fee of $25 (plus GST) for table rental for any candidate wishing to participate. Order your table by emailing info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca or calling Marsha at 250-756-1191
ARE TICKETS OR RSVP’S REQUIRED?
Not for voters. Candidates MUST pre-register so we know how many tables to put out and can prepare an invoice that they will need when filing their income and expense disclosure after the election.
WILL THERE BE ANY SPEECHES FROM A PODIUM OR STAGE?
At 7:30 pm we will begin hearing from Mayoral candidates in the main ballroom. Unfortunately, with 49 School District and Council candidates we don’t feel the night is long enough to accommodate everyone speaking from a stage.
WHAT IS THE FORMAT OF THE STAGE PRESENTATION BY MAYORAL CANDIDA TES?
They will be invited to provide an opening address of 2 minutes in alphabetical order. We will then proceed with a moderated, pre-screened question and answer period. Question forms will be available when people arrive, questions are also invited in advance of the event and can be emailed to info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca.
There will not be questions from the floor. Scrutineers will screen submitted questions to keep them clear and concise and eliminate duplication. Our moderator, Hilary Eastmure, will address questions to Mayoral candidates as they have been directed by the questioner or will try to ensure equal distribution of the questions.
Mayoral candidates will also have 'rebuttal chits' that they can cash in to challenge an answer or add their opinion. These are limited so that Mayoral candidates can only cash them in at the best opportunity to rebut. The Q & A period will continue for up to one hour. The Mayoral candidates will have 1 minute each to offer closing remarks at the end of the hour.
IS THERE A COST TO ATTEND?
Only for candidates. There is a small cost recovery fee of $25 (plus GST) for table rental for any candidate wishing to participate. Order your table by emailing info@nanaimochamber.bc.ca or calling Marsha at 250-756-1191
ARE TICKETS OR RSVP’S REQUIRED?
Not for voters. Candidates MUST pre-register so we know how many tables to put out and can prepare an invoice that they will need when filing their income and expense disclosure after the election.
Sunday, November 2, 2014
I am being told JOBS, JOBS, JOBS
I received this note in reply to my request for campaign support.
I am being told loud and clear what to do.
I am being told loud and clear what to do.
Jim,I live in the rdn, not in the city and as such can't vote. We share an admiration for Nanaimo but perhaps not at the same level. I was born and raised here but moved away for college and again for work, where I lived in Calgary for nearly 10 years. I returned in 2004 but still fund myself working elsewhere. Why? Because there is no industrial activity here. Being a construction manager in the energy and utility sector I know more about most take for granted. I understand business and I have an entrepreneurial spirit but this place is broken and does not allow it to flourish as it would elsewhere. Nanaimo has a big problem and unless guys like you change it, I'm afraid this next term and the one after it will see a massive and unexpected decline in taxes to the point where more than 75% of this place will live below the poverty line. No one wants to pay attention to that. The special interest groups that chase away development, big business and industrial tax, are a cancer here and only you can change it.If you fail to recognize that, you too will fall. I suspect however you won't though.Now, I've really got to find some work. I don't build condos or hi rise towers though so...Where's the WTE? The bio burner, the multiplex? The wind farm? The pellet facility?
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