It may or may not be a violation of council's code of conduct but it certainly was unusual. Councillor Norm Kelly last week sent an email to his fellow councillors and to the mayor that solicited business for a private coffee company.
"The Holiday Season is around the corner, and the Second Cup at 1881 Yonge St. would be delighted to custom design the perfect gift for everyone on your list," Kelly wrote.
The code of conduct states that "No member of council should use, or permit the use of, city land, facilities, equipment, supplies, services, staff or other resources ... for activities other than the business of the Corporation."
Kelly said he understands that but was simply trying to help people in his ward at Christmas.
"They asked me to send something to everyone at City Hall but I didn't feel comfortable with that," he said. "This only went to council members."
Kelly said he has no financial interest in the coffee company.
Taken for a ride
Sometimes limo rides are cheaper than taxis.
At least that's what Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti says when he tried to explain late-night taxi and limo rides that were charged to his $53,100-a-year office budget.
"The $200 limo ride was a series of different rides. It was for ground transportation – all legitimate," Mammoliti said.
"The limo was actually cheaper. Taxi use is sometimes more expensive."
When asked to explain how that was possible, the councillor said if it's "a constant service," it can be cheaper. For example, sometimes a file needs to go from his city hall office to his constitutency office in the north end of the city, so having a service on hand to do that is more efficient.
But when pressed if a limo was used to courier documents, Mammoliti's responses became even more muddled, insisting the limo rides were for ground transportation only.
As for late-night rides, including a $115.25 taxi charge to Bolton, Mammoliti said he was still looking into those. He couldn't give an explanation yet because he had staff members on vacation last week.
CNE weathers good year
Exceptional weather this August has helped the Canadian National Exhibition turn a hefty profit this year – almost $800,000.
"The Grand Old Lady is spilling out dollars," said Councillor Brian Ashton.
Deputy Mayor Joe Pantalone, who chairs the board of governors at Exhibition Place, credits ideal weather for this year's results. Last year, the CNE was in the red, in part, because of rainy weekends.
"This year, we had good weather and good programming," he said of the 18-day fair that more than one million people attended.
Jim Byers, Vanessa Lu
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