Logan Sol

While I appreciate Councillor Inch's sentiments, it's crucial we also acknowledge the significant financial commitment to City Hall staff. The 2024 Sunshine List reveals 99 Corporation of the City of North Bay employees earning over $100,000. Among the top earners are Domenic Schiavone, Director of Public Works and Parks, at $244,424, Chief Administrative Officer John Severino at $231,564, and Fire Chief Jason Whiteley at $195,237.

These are substantial salaries, and while we value dedication, transparency regarding compensation for public service is paramount, especially when considering the city's financial landscape.

Source:
https://www.ontariosunshinelist.com/employers/the-corporation-of-the-city-of-north-bay

17 3 0

I'm confused. The article mentions "forever home" twice, yet, the buyer of the home is concerned with the property value?

What happens when the property is worth less than the mortgage that was taken out on said house?

"finding full-time work for herself and her son along the Highway 11 corridor. "

IMO this isn't a smart move. I can understand moving somewhere for work, but moving somewhere and taking on a mortgage, the property maintenance, taxes and utilitiy costs without a job is reckless.

7 1 2

Hold on to your hats, North Bay, because the latest reveal about Councillor Tanya Vrebosch's travel expenses is certainly raising eyebrows! From eye-popping hotel rates of up to $432 a night to those tricky meal claims, we're talking serious questions about financial transparency.

While the city's policy allows for "best reasonable value" in accommodations, that hefty price tag, especially with a "second person" along for the ride, definitely begs a closer look. Did it truly offer the best bang for our buck? And those meal claims? If they stretched beyond what conference packages covered, well, that's a direct hit to the public's trust and our city's per diem policy.

Councillor Vrebosch's social media explanation about the "senior discount" being tied to her parents' booking? It just underscores how vital meticulous record-keeping and a crystal-clear line between personal and city expenses truly are.

What expenses did Councillor Vrebosch claim when she worked for the DNSSAB?

6 5 2

I have witnessed time theft when I worked in the public sector. When I confronted the individuals I was told "It's okay the government is paying"

We really need a '"Department of Ministry Efficiency" and a "Department of Municipal Efficiency" many people in the public sector are overpaid, overcharge, and use government property for personal use / gain.

5 0

@gimmeaBrak - breakfast at tim Hortons can be less than $10, Subway sandwich for lunch is less than $15. Most fast food joints you can get a meal for dinner under $25. If Tanya is doing this now I wonder what she was expensing when she worked for the DNSSAB? Many people in North Bay and Canada have a daily food budget for 1 person that is less than $50.

4 3

The public release of North Bay Mayor Peter Chirico’s corporate credit card expenses for 2023-2025 sparks significant moral and legal concerns. While he claims all personal charges were reimbursed, the extensive list, including golf memberships, hockey tickets, and even dog treats, creates a strong perception of the card being used as a "personal expense account."

Morally, this erodes public trust. Citizens expect officials to be careful with taxpayer money. The "no receipt" entries further compound accountability issues.

Legally, while the Mayor denies wrongdoing, the key question is whether these expenditures, reimbursed or not, violated city policies governing corporate card use. Breaches could constitute misuse of public funds or conflicts of interest, depending on specific bylaws. The council's rejection of a forensic audit is particularly concerning, as it represents a missed opportunity for a thorough, impartial review.

20 3 1

Maybe thousands of years from now, this "graffiti" will be studied in the same way archaeologists study hieroglyphs today.

2 11 0

"Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law." Romans 13:8

"For the whole Law is fulfilled in one word, in the statement, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Galatians 5:14

"You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
Matthew 19:19
Matthew 22:39
Mark 12:31
Luke 10:27
Romans 13:9
James 2:8

Mr. Richards, is 500 square feet really worth this amount of your time, adding stress and frustration to a situation that went unnoticed for years?

"the fence was constructed nine years ago by the previous owner. The current owner bought the property as it came and didn't know about the situation."

Will paying for a survey, legal fees, and the removal of the fence and shed be worth it in the end, even if it means losing a relationship with a neighbour?

What happens if the neighbours move out because of your actions and a worse neighbour takes their place, what then?

1 4 0

The failure to advance a forensic audit into the mayor's expenses highlights ongoing disunity within North Bay Council. Councillor Vrebosch's frustration, stating "Tonight was not my North Bay," resonates with concerns about trust and accountability. She emphasized the importance of addressing wrongdoing.

It's relevant to note that Vrebosch previously held the role of Supervisor of Employment and Client Outcomes at the District of Nipissing Social Services Administration Board (DNSSAB). A complaint was submitted regarding her prioritizing her Ontario election campaign in 2022 over her duties at the DNSSAB. This past situation echoes the current council's struggles with accountability and perceived lack of commitment to their public roles. The article underscores a clear divide, with some councillors questioning their collective ability to function.

NB Council and Mayor show a concerning lack of accountability. The failed audit motion erodes public trust in their leadership.

9 1 0

Gavin Pigeau powerfully highlights North Bay Council's inaction on critical issues, despite a "glowing" financial audit and $120 million in reserves. The housing crisis is dire, yet the city's housing plan falls short on tangible affordability.

Pigeau's call for supporting non-profit housing, regulating short-term rentals, and creating a municipal housing fund offers concrete solutions. The lack of transparency regarding the mayor's spending scandal, following North Bay being voted Canada's "most secretive city" (CTV News, 2019), further erodes public trust and demonstrates a failure to uphold democratic duties.

Council's fiscal conservatism, hoarding millions while residents face homelessness and food insecurity, is not responsibility—it's a dereliction of duty. Strategic investment, as economists advise, is crucial now. Residents deserve a transparent, accountable council prioritizing people over optics.

How much corruption and deceit has there been over the past 20 years?

5 0 0