March 8th was General Committee, at the virtual Barrie city hall. 

As usual, many agenda items were passed unanimously -- meaning they’ll be before city council next week. 

The first item that prompted some discussion was a water drinking operations report. That’s the yearly report on the quality and state of drinking water in the city. 

Specifically, Deputy Mayor Ward asked about the increase in water usage in 2020, as Council has previously voted to enquire about deferring water payments. 

City Staff reported that, as is expected, a higher than usual amount of water was used residentially in 2020. 

Next item held was regarding an indoor gun range. Councillor Harvey spoke on how the applicants had submitted inaccurate information, and councillors voted. 

Next, councillor Riepma suggested an amendment to the parks and patios dining permits under the patios everywhere program. This would give Barrie more control over which businesses can operate food trucks and beverage trucks — in part to ensure they are operating without undue competition being posed to downtown businesses. 

Next was a discussion on task forces -- a motion which seems to focus on three central concerns in the city. Specifically, Mayor Lehman proposes three task forces be assembled to focus on affordable housing, performing arts and a market precinct task force. Each will be made up of a councillor, community stakeholders and city staff. 

While the motion received broad support, Councillor Kungl brought up an interesting point on Council’s priorities -- what about the issues not covered by these taskforces? How can the public stay informed about council’s progress on these other issues? 

There were a few inquiries of staff. Councillor Morales asked about how residents can report damage from snowplows -- Councillor Riepma asked about potholes -- both questions were answered by staff: call Service Barrie. 

In announcements? Councillor Kungl spoke about the Communities in Bloom program -- sprucing up the flowers and more around Barrie businesses and homes.

And she also issued a challenge to other councillors about international women's day: encourage women they know to get involved with local politics and municipal affairs. 

Councillor McCann spoke about the I love Barrie competition, and thanked Rebecca James Reid from access Barrie for helping to organize the event. 

He also spoke about a recent rally on the weekend, where over a hundred gathered to protest lockdown measures. Photographs of the rally show multiple anti-mask signs. 

Lastly a referral motion from councillor Ward -- Engage Barrie submitted questions for staff regarding a workplace harassment case: specifically the corrective actions taken. 

This summary is by no means a full recap of General Committee. Visit the Barrie Legistar for a full agenda and report.