SAINT JOHN - The construction of a single water treatment plant by 2012 is common council's top priority - but not all city politicians are satisfied with the remaining goals.
A new water treatment plant heads the list of 10 priorities council members endorsed Monday night as the main goals they will seek to achieve over the next four years.
They also include conducting a value-for-money audit of city services, boosting investment in recreational facilities and assuming responsibility for revitalizing the city's five priority neighbourhoods.
Council's top priority - a single, new water treatment plant - is a critical issue for many city residents, who faced three boil water orders within the first six months of this year.
The existing distribution facilities provide almost no protection against cryptosporidium, a bug that can cause serious waterborne epidemics. They offer only part-time protection against giardia, an intestinal parasite.
The water will not meet impending federal health guidelines and, over many decades, it may cause cancer. That's because the water system uses large volumes of chlorine and harmful byproducts of the chemical trihalomethanes could lead to cancer if ingested over a sustained period of time.
The priorities will be incorporated into ward meetings and council will meet with management and staff to discuss the goals and develop plans. Council also plans to meet with Enterprise Saint John regarding the priorities, and it will hold a follow-up meeting in January, 2009.
Council's priorities include:
* Water treatment plant built by 2012.
* Complete value-for-money audit and establish management benchmarks. Upon completion, staff will develop a plan that mandates a report on efficiency and effectiveness three times a year.
* A significant reinvestment in existing recreational facilities and programs with the goal of planning and constructing one new recreational facility based on the needs in the community.
* Create a greener community by championing strategies for reducing waste while encouraging the sustainable development and use of renewable energy.
* Build comprehensive funding for cultural infrastructure.
* Update the Municipal Plan in line with Council priorities.
* The City must take ownership in the revitalization of our five priority neighbourhoods through leadership embedded in City Hall.
* Establish a clear mandate for accessible workplace for the disabled.
* Expand the role of Saint John Non-Profit Housing to be responsible for housing in Saint John with appropriate level of resources.
* Establish an economic development function within the City's administration.
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