Records are meant to be broken—this is one of the typical phrases in the sports world.
As far as I can remember, a City Council meeting lasting 10 hours had never taken place, even though some previous ‘marathons’ might have caused concern.
In any case, the record has been broken, and the municipal councilors who showed stoicism can always claim: who says that elected officials don’t work?
But is there no way to better organize the work of the territorial collectivity by having administrative deliberations approved in committee and reserving political subjects for the assembly? And, at least minimally, by organizing training courses for elected officials to present their responsibilities in a less convoluted, simpler, and more effective way?
The morning began with the now-traditional verbal clash between Olivier Bettati and Christian Estrosi; these two clearly cannot tolerate each other: a virulent attack from the former when speaking on the Ethics Commission report, a somewhat venomous response from the latter, and a grand finale with the first leaving the room, accompanied by acidic comments from his rival.
What to say? Meh!
Yet it all started well, in a somewhat formal way, with the submission of the annual reports of the Ethics Committee, the mediator, and the consultative communal council.
If the first—the Ethics Committee—was commented on by the opposition for the high number of cases of family employments of elected officials—its president wanted to highlight its function of prevention and support by improving rules and behaviors—the second, mediation, has already shown with true figures (138 cases handled amicably between 2016 and 2017) its usefulness, solving many cases administratively which otherwise would have turned into litigation.
Once again, it’s about spreading modernization practices in public life. It’s not easy; it will take time, but this is the path.
And what about the possibility of bringing proposals from civil society to the city’s administration with the help of volunteer representatives from society who thus participate in the implementation of projects and actions known as “common goods”—following a trend that is gaining momentum globally to encourage active citizen participation in community life? This is the aim of the Consultative Council.
Did all of this deserve nothing more than a backyard brawl?
But many cases have been voted on…
The Transformation of the Var Plain
A 2.0 Green Corridor is about to be established. On a total space of 25 hectares of greenery located to the west of the city, the creation of this landscaped park
aims to strengthen the fight for the environment and biodiversity. With a width of 100 meters, this park will stretch from the Nikaïa Palace to the Allianz Riviera stadium.
Maintenance of the City Cemeteries, Nice is Definitely Becoming a Pesticide-Free City
Initially causing a controversy around the use of pesticides, a long debate took place on the subject of maintaining the alleys of the city cemeteries. Notably, due to heavy periods of rain, weeds abound—here and there—along the tombstones. Since 2009, Nice has been involved in a plan to eliminate the use of pesticides in gardens and part of the roadway. But Christian Estrosi was questioned about the feelings and emotions of bereaved families when they notice a lack of cemetery maintenance.
Despite this and some unnecessarily exaggerated controversies, the “zero-pesticides” approach is confirmed and reinforces the city’s commitment to sustainable development.
New Developments in Phoenix Park
This leisure area located to the west of the city aims to convey scientific, educational, and entertaining elements to everyone. This park, housing more than 2,500 species of plants, should soon expand, notably with the construction of a high-ropes course. With varying levels of difficulty depending on age group, this sports course will be available to regulars and visitors of this green space. Are we leaning towards commercial entertainment to hide a decrease in attendance? some councilors wondered? Will the arrival of the tram, which will facilitate access, be enough to increase the number of visitors?
Parking for Professionals
Professional subscription rates are 40€ per month or 440€ per year, with a maximum parking duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes. Beyond this time slot, they can stay by paying without being penalized like other users. A measure that is in the right direction of addressing differentiated situations.
Furthermore, every paid parking spot will be free on strike days, to avoid any saturation of public transport.
Social Prevention and Solidarity for Youth
A partnership between the city of Nice and the Community Local Mission aims to help 50 young people aged 17 to 25 obtain their driving licenses while lacking resources. In exchange for a volunteer mission of collective interest, driving license candidates can benefit from aid of 450 euros.
A Departmental Plan was Approved to Combat All Forms of Violence Against Women.
It involves the city’s participation in the prefectural delegation’s initiative. The evident goal is to implement a range of measures and apply them in a context that is not always culturally receptive. Despite appearances and grand statements, much remains to be done in practice.
2017 Administrative Account
It shows a positive result of 27 million euros compared to the budget (the annexed Opera budget of over 1 million).
But, but, this good result is only apparent—the right-wing—far-right and related—and the left—socialist, ex-socialist—diverse and environmentalist oppositions claimed.
The debt is increasingly significant, exceeding 500 million euros despite large transfers to the Metropolis—in this case, it approaches 1.5 billion euros—, financial burdens weigh heavily, the capacity to control operating expenses is diminishing, and the combination of reduced State transfers and local fiscal policy and public service rates shows its limits.
The most striking of all the speakers was Patrick Allemand (Another Future for Nice) who did not mince his words: “the city has never been so bad, even if you signed a financial agreement with the State.”
Management savings continue to plummet: 71 million euros in 2015, 51 million euros in 2016, 42 million euros in 2017.
Gross savings follow the same path: 49 million euros in 2016, 45.5 in 2017.
But, even incorporating extraordinary financial products, this year, you can’t manage, and for the first time, net savings are negative at -0.53 million euros.
Debt exceeds 509 million euros, of which 109 correspond to the Allianz Riviera debt, which decreased again this year and continues to decrease regularly. This means that the current debt explosion is not attributable to the Allianz Riviera, it’s indeed the specific debt of the city of Nice that continues to rise.
“The debt clearance capacity is currently estimated at 13 years. This is very concerning”—is his conclusion.
After that, how can you not vote against this “good management” that isn’t that good after all!!!
Urban Renewal of the Lisérons Neighborhood
This is one of the most sensitive hot spots in the city. While significant investments and structural interventions carried out in the two ZUP neighborhoods, Ariane and Moulins, have initiated improvements in daily life, it’s evident that this area is a lawless zone.
The recent intervention by law enforcement that dismantled an organized currency trafficking is the most recent evidence.
It is clear that it cannot end there. The state’s intervention must be accompanied by a vast special plan addressing the social aspects of the situation.
Safe City
Nice has been chosen alongside Paris La Défense for the experimentation of this project which should link all information for better territory management. A recognition of the city’s role by its Mayor, a highlight of the Big Brother option for Paul Cuturello. Who will be right?
Wishes
In conclusion of the session, two wishes were presented by the left-wing groups: the first requests the formation of a commission for the development of a cycling and soft mobility plan. It was referred to a working group within the Metropolis.
The second denounces the tense situation of the health service in the broader sense of the term and the requirement for maintaining the quality of service support for staff put under severe strain. Who could be against this simple declaration?
