As fall and winter approach, I am still addressing flooding issues that occurred this past summer. Thank you to everyone who has taken the initiative to clear out catch basins, drainage swales, culverts, etc. Every little bit goes a very long way. Remember also that if there is a drainage swale running through your rear yard that you should not be altering this swale, filling it in with materials, etc. This swale is put there for a reason to drain water from one end to the other of the development and it, eventually, drains to a catch basis in someone's yard further down or the city sewer. If in doubt at any time, please do not hesitate to contact my office or the City of Hamilton.

Update on the status of graffiti in the city

I am pleased to see that through the involvement of residents and police monitoring, four more offenders have recently been caught. More positive participation from citizens is needed. Damage costs all of us, especially when it happens on city-owned buildings. We all pay for the cleanup, repairs, etc. The damage on private property is certainly covered by the property owners, but it continues to be a blight on our city.

Parking issues

Parking issues continue to come in to my office. A few common complaints are vehicles blocking the visibility at intersections, especially parking too close to the intersection or near a stop sign; parking over the current 12-hour limit; and blocking driveway approaches. The bylaw requires everyone parking on the street to keep a driveway approach clear by at least one-half meter or 20" on both sides. We are also having issues with vehicles parking over sidewalks and on driveway aprons. These are also illegal.

Bike system

There have been some issues with Confederation Park/ North Service Road Bike System and through the office of Councillor Chad Collins and myself, staff will be addressing these issues by having a stop sign for cyclists and pedestrians at the gates of the park exiting onto Grays Road. Staff is supportive of and pursuing installation of 'No Parking' on both the north and south sides of Frances Avenue between Grays Road and Drake's Drive and 'No Parking' on both sides between Frances Avenue and North Service Road. Both of these blocks are truck routes. In order to allow safer pedestrian access through these areas, the initiative implemented should be a great improvement for everyone.