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We have lists of capital improvements that include the expansion of ASSETS. We need to recognize the fact that a $400K rescue boat preceded this presentation and was approved by council several weeks ago. Bear in mind, there never was a less expansive alternative presented because the needs and wants were intermingled with a manufacturer's specification.

So now we have a similar asset request of similar character, in the sense Mr. Pinter has been bringing this request before council for the past 5 years (vs. Mr. Murphy's 6 year request for a fire boat). Yes, a camera/grout truck for $250,000 under review.

Interestingly, Mr. Honig's exchange was more in keeping with my experience in challenging a proposal etc. But, this was NOT the case a mere 4-6 weeks earlier with the fire boat proposal since we did not challenge the proposal on a need basis, etc.

I will take this as a positive development in council review and a new milestone, for both Mr. Honig and I are fed up!

As to the discussion with the water/rate consultant, it was clear to me that they, the consultants were here to stand their ground while supporting their position with what I understood to be gobblygoop.

I find it interesting, Mr. Magel is frustrated with the constant request by the city public works director/staff for more improvements given monies spent with engineering consultants which Mr. Magel believes should have included in their report. While in the same meeting, I am hearing the council discussing more monies for a water rate consultant that some Councillors thought was included in the original contract.

When will the city learn, if you wish to have efficient use of consultants you must use them judiciously, which requires a great deal of knowledge to which the city is limited, ie. city manager. I do not wish to be so critical, but he does not say much.

Just listen to the confusion as to the contract with the consultant for COS and rate structure.

I would have expected a clarification or statement from the city manager, but again he was closemouthed. I sometimes wonder if the purchase orders for services are ever reviewed. Based on comments from the city manager, I have to say, silence is the answer, unless as the city manager cites so often, he works for the pleasure of the board.