Mayor Brian Bowman's salary, other cutbacks OK'd by EPC

Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman's proposal to reduce his salary as well as top-ups for various committee positions hasbeen given unanimous support.

The executive policy committee, also know as the mayor's cabinet, approved the motion at a meeting on Wednesday.

In addition to scaling back the mayor's pay, the motion calls for an end totop-ups for committee chairpersons, the Speaker and deputy speaker.

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Coun. MartyMorantz, one of six councillors who make up the EPC, saidsalary reductions are a symbol to the rest of city in a time when budget tightening is coming.

TheEPCalso voted in favour of cutting the number of deductions councillors can take for certain expenses, such as sports tickets andhome internet service.

Other motions put forth by Bowman andsupported by theEPCinclude working on a long-term strategy to end homelessness in Winnipeg andmakingsurface parking lots safer downtown.

The motions must still goto city council next week for a final discussion and vote.

TheEPCalso discussed but did not vote on amotioncalling forseverance payments to be dropped for municipal politicians who lose an election or don't seek another term.

That one was simply forwarded to council for further debate.

EPCmemberCoun. BrianMayes, who is also onEPC, says he is not in favour of the severance cut as it is written but would like to see changes to the payout.

"Is this why I ran for council, to get severance? God no. I ran to work for the people of St. Vital," he said. "I don't mind reducing it, making it a lot less for people who leave voluntarily.ButI do think it needs some more thought."

"I'd probably reduce it (severance)to 10weeks and maybe less if you leave voluntarily, but I think there is something to be said for givingpeople a transition period."

First 100

All the motions are among thepromises Bowman made for his first 100 days in office.

However, some won't happen within that time frameas they will have to wait for city staff to produce reports within 180 days.

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Another is to incorporate more indigenous art in new capital projects.

Bowman wants city officials to prepare a report within six months on the feasibility of integrating aboriginal art and cultural themes into all future city-financed capital projects.

While the idea is still in its early stages, it excites people in Winnipeg's indigenous arts scene like Daina Warren, director of the Urban Shaman Gallery.

"It would be really great to see artists working even with the developers on starting the projects and, like, how they can integrate really great ideas," she told CBC News.

Warren said she has already written to Bowman, hoping to set up a meeting to discuss ways to make his proposal a reality.

She said she also wants to convince the mayor to support other arts initiatives in the city.

"I'm just really hoping that he would be able to see the amazing projects and activities that we're doing and instead of reinventing the wheel, being able to help develop those into really great, maybe more accessible projects as well," she said.