Town Council

General presentations

• 2011293 – Council Tax percentage for the 2021 levy

  Item 2 from the minutes of the Town Council meeting of 19 November.
  The following proposal is before the meeting:
  The Town Council proposes to the Municipal Council that the business rates percentage for the 2021 assessment be 14.481%.

  Rósa Steingrímsdóttir, Director of the Finance Department, is in attendance at the meeting under this item.

  Proposal by the Centre Party, the Civic List and the Social Democratic Alliance:
  Representatives of the Centre Party, the Civic List and the Social Democratic Alliance propose that the council tax rate for the 2021 assessment be 14.521%.
  Explanatory note:
  Fully utilising the tax rate cap (14.521%) would have meant a cost increase for a person on a one-million-króna monthly salary of around 400 króna per month. The cost increase for a person on a 500,000-króna monthly salary would be 200 króna.
  The council, however, is affected by this difference in income tax of 14.521%/14.481%, amounting to 50 million a year, which is an amount the council is in dire need of.

  The motion is defeated by a majority of three votes. The representatives of the Centre Party and the Social Democratic Party vote in favour of the motion.

  The motion is carried by a majority vote. The representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Centre Party vote against.

  A representative of the Social Democratic Party submits the following statement:
  It is now clear that the coalition of the Independence and Progressive Parties does not intend to fully utilise the property tax. Instead, it is choosing to raise service charges. With this decision, the majority is sparing the broad backs in society while placing heavier burdens on vulnerable groups. For this reason, among others, the Social Democratic Alliance cannot approve this proposal and will vote against it.

  A representative of Viðreisn submits the following statement:
  A representative of Viðreisn requests that several scenarios be created to show how the proposed tariff increases will affect families of different sizes. The representative of Viðreisn considers this essential in order to make an informed decision about how the overall increases will affect households in Hafnarfjörður. The scenarios that need to be examined are increases in absolute figures for a single person, for a single parent with one child, for a married couple with one child, and for a married couple with 3 children.

  A representative of the Centre Party submits the following statement:
  It is sheer hypocrisy of the majority of the Independence Party and the Progressive Party to maintain the council's business rate at its current level (14.48%), given the town's difficult financial position. The problem has been met, among other things, by selling off the town's companies, increasing charges, and so on. Maximising the council tax rate (14.52%) would have meant an increase of around 400 krónur per month for someone on a one-million-króna monthly salary. The increase for someone on a 500,000-króna monthly salary would have been 200 kr.
  For the municipality, however, this difference in the tax rate of 0.0014521 versus 0.0014481 represents 50 million per year, an amount the municipality is in dire need of. Therefore, to be able to wave around keeping the council tax rate unchanged is mere posturing and, in reality, irresponsible.

  A representative of the Civic List party submits the following statement:
  The representative of the Civic Party expresses surprise at the majority's decision not to make full use of its powers to levy a council tax, for use in services for vulnerable groups.
  This represents a budget of approximately 50 million krónur that the council could be using to support services for vulnerable groups, which would amount to only a few hundred krónur per month for a person on an average salary in terms of their personal tax.
  At a time when the incomes of certain groups in the labour market have been hit hard, making full use of council tax would be a sensible way to increase the council's revenue for the benefit of essential services in the education and family sectors.

  Representatives of the Independence Party and the Progressive Party submit the following statement:
  One of the priorities of the current majority has been not to increase charges for residents. A council tax rise would result in a reduction in residents' disposable income; in other words, the residents' take-home pay would be lower. Such a move is not in line with the current majority's policy, which aims to ease the burden on families and to ensure that all tariffs affecting the most vulnerable groups in society are always among the lowest when compared to similar local authorities. Therefore, the majority party's representatives propose to the town council that the percentage rate should not be increased. The economy, commerce and services can ill afford millions in their operations.

  Speaking are Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir and Guðlaug Kristjánsdóttir, who proposes a motion that the business rate percentage for the 2021 assessment be 14.521%.

  Then Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson and Sigurður Þ. Ragnarsson speak. Ingi Tómasson replies to Sigurður's speech, who in turn replies to the reply.

  The Chair then first puts forward the proposal made by Guðlaugur Kristjánsson that the business rate percentage for the 2021 assessment be 14.521%.

  The proposal is defeated, as 4 representatives from the Social Democratic Alliance, the Centre Party and the Civic List vote in favour, while 6 representatives from the Independence Party, the Progressive Party and Viðreisn vote against.

  Next, the mayor put forward the council's pending proposal that the council tax rate for the 2021 levy be 14.48%, and the proposal was passed with the 7 votes of the Independence, Progressive and Reformation parties. Representatives of the Social Democratic Party, the Centre Party and the Civic List vote against the proposal.

  Guðlaug Kristjánsdóttir makes the following reservation:

  A representative of the Civic List party submits the following statement: The representative of the Civic List party expresses surprise at the majority's decision not to make full use of its powers to levy a council tax, for use in services for vulnerable groups. This represents a potential revenue of approximately 50 million króna that the council could be utilising in areas such as services for vulnerable groups, which would amount to only two to three hundred króna per month for a person on an average salary in terms of council tax payments. At a time when the incomes of certain groups in the labour market have been hit hard, fully utilising the council tax would be a sensible way to increase the council's revenue for the benefit of essential services in the education and family sectors, in a way that spares those residents struggling with unemployment and a fall in income from the increases.

  Guðlaug S Kristjánsdóttir
  Councillor for the City of Hafnarfjörður

  August Bjarni Garðarsson makes the following reservation:

  Representatives of the Independence Party and the Progressive Party submit the following statement:
  One of the priorities of the current majority has been not to increase charges for residents. A council tax rise would result in a reduction in residents' disposable income; in other words, the residents' take-home pay would be lower. This is not in line with the policy of the current majority, which aims to make life easier for families and to ensure that all tariffs affecting the most vulnerable groups in society are always among the lowest when compared with similar local authorities. Therefore, the majority's representatives have proposed that the percentage rate should not be increased. The economy, businesses and services can ill afford a loss of millions in their operations.

  Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson makes the following statement:

  Representatives of the Social Democratic Party submit the following motion:
  It is now clear that the coalition of the Independence and Progressive Parties does not intend to fully utilise the property tax. Instead, it is deciding to raise charges. With this decision, the majority is sparing the broad backs in society while placing heavier burdens on vulnerable groups. There is also a great need for the 50 million króna that the town is forfeiting by keeping the property tax unchanged, for various investment projects or for working on important projects aimed at caring for the young and the elderly who are less well-off in the community. Representatives of the Social Democratic Party cannot support this proposal and will therefore vote against it.

  Jón Ingi Hákonarson makes the following statement:

  The representative of Viðreisn records the following
  Fee increases and a substantial rise in the charge for rubbish collection are an added burden on the residents of Hafnarfjörður. Viðreisn believes that every effort should be made to streamline operations before resorting to tax increases. Scenario analysis shows that the cumulative increase in the amount paid is considerable for families in Hafnarfjörður. Viðreisn supports keeping the rate of charge unchanged.

  Sigurður Þ. Ragnarsson makes the following reservation:

  Booking of the Miðflokkur party councillor.
  It is incredible that the majority of the Independence Party, the Progressive Party and also the Reform Party intend to maintain the municipality's tax rate unchanged (14.48%), given the town's extremely difficult financial position. Maximising the council tax rate (14.52%) would have meant a cost increase for an individual on a one million króna monthly salary of around 400 króna per month. The cost increase for a person earning 500,000 króna per month would be 200 króna per month. In other words, a negligible amount for each individual.
  However, the council is very concerned about this difference in income tax of 14.52%/14.48%, which amounts to between 50 and 60 million a year. This is an amount the council is in dire need of. It is therefore hypocrisy for the majority to be able to wave this in the faces of the town's residents, claiming that taxes are not being raised, at the same time as service charges for the town council are increasing.

• 2007447 – Fjörður Shopping Centre, request for partnership, submission

  Item 6 from the minutes of the Town Council meeting of 19 November.
  An agreement between the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður and 220 Fjarðar is presented. For action.

  The Town Council approves the attached agreement between the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður and 220 Fjarðar. The matter is referred to the Town Council for ratification.

  The Social Democratic Party representative abstains from the final vote on the matter.

  A representative of the Social Democratic Party submits the following statement:
  I am impressed by the idea of a new library in the town centre, but I feel the matter has not received sufficient discussion in the community and residents have not been involved at all. I would have liked to see this matter examined more thoroughly, both in its entirety and in relation to the work currently underway regarding the future accommodation for the administration. On that basis, I abstain from this decision.

  Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir speaks.

  The town council approves the town board's decision with 10 votes in favour, while Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson and Sigrún Sverrisdóttir abstain.

  Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson makes the following statement on behalf of the Social Democratic Party's representatives:

  We are, in many ways, impressed by the ideas for a new library in the town centre, but we feel there is a great rush surrounding the matter, that it has not received sufficient discussion within the community, and that residents have not been involved at all. We would have liked to see this matter examined more thoroughly, both in its entirety and in relation to the work currently underway regarding the future accommodation for the administration. On that basis, we are abstaining from this decision.

• 2005379 – Petition, notification, HS Veitur

  Item 3 from the minutes of the Town Council meeting of 19 November.

  Notice of a petition has been submitted. For consideration.

  Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir speaks.

  Sigrún Sverrisdóttir also speaks. Rósa replies.

  Then Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson takes the floor.

  The town council rejects the current proposal regarding the petition, with 6 votes to 5.

  August Bjarni Garðarsson makes the following reservation:

  Representatives of the Independence Party and the Progressive Party record the following:
  On 23 October, the City of Hafnarfjörður received a notification from three individuals about a planned petition drive in Hafnarfjörður „regarding a demand for a public referendum in the municipality on the decision of the town council to sell Hafnarfjörður's 15.42% stake in HS Veitur, as per the town council meeting held on 22 October,“ as stated in the letter. The letter refers to Article 108 of the Municipal Act No. 138/2011 and to Regulation No. 155/2013 on petitions for referendums in accordance with the Municipal Act. A similar letter had been received in May, largely from the same parties, regarding the town council's decision of 22 April to initiate the sale process for the town's stake in HS Veitur. The Town Council then approved at its meeting on 4 June that a petition be held, and the title of the petition was as follows:

  „At a meeting of the Hafnarfjörður Town Council on 22nd April, it was decided to begin preparations for the sale of the town's shares in HS Veitur hf. We demand that the people of Hafnarfjörður be given the opportunity to express their views in a public referendum before a decision is made to sell the town's shares in the company.“
  The signature collection took place from 15 June to 13 July, and a total of 1,593 people signed the petition, or 7.61% of those on the electoral register. The results of the collection were presented to the town council on 16 July.
  Accordingly, it is clear that a petition has already been submitted calling for a referendum on the sale of the council's stake in HS Veitur, and the outcome of that petition is known. It does not appear that a new petition can be submitted on the same matter.

  In accordance with the available information, the majority of the town council rejects the current request concerning the proposed petition, in accordance with section 2 of article 108 of the Local Government Act.“

  Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson makes the following statement:

  This is a case of the majority's poor working practices. It is clear that a response has not been provided within the specified timeframe. Notification of the proposed petition was received by the local council on 23rd October. The Act states that after a local council has received notification of a proposed petition, it shall, within four weeks, assess whether the provisions of paragraph 3 of Article 108. Article of the Municipal Act prevents a general referendum from being called on the matter, and to notify the person responsible for the petition of its decision without delay.
  The local authority shall advise the person responsible on the wording of the notification and other procedural matters as necessary, and shall grant them an extension of time to rectify any deficiencies, if appropriate.
  Representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance consider it important that the democratic rights of the town's residents are respected. We believe this is a normal and legitimate demand for residents to collect signatures to protest the sale of the council's stake in HS Veitur and to demand a referendum on the matter, where this decision could be overturned if the majority of residents so wish.

• 2010604 – Völuskarð 18, application for a semi-detached house plot, allocation

  Item 11 from the minutes of the Town Council meeting of 19 November.
  A request was submitted for Ingunn Stefánsdóttir and Eiríkur Stefánsson to become landowners along with Jóhann Ögga Elvarsson and Rut Helgadóttir, who were allocated the plot on 11 November.

  The Town Council approves the request for Ingunn Stefánsdóttir and Eiríkur Stefánsson to become joint holders of the plot of land at Völuskarði 18, and refers it to the Town Council for ratification.

  The town council unanimously approves the town council's decision.

• 2011037 – Völuskarð 22 and 34, application for a plot of land

  Item 12 from the minutes of the Town Council meeting of 19 November.
  Applications from Jóhann Ögga Elvarsson and Rúta Helgadóttir for plots no. 22 and 34 at Völuskarð are presented. The applicants' request for a phased completion of the works is also presented.

  The Town Council proposes to the Municipal Council that the plots at Völuskarð 22 and 34 be allocated to Jóhann Ögga Elvarsson and Rúta Helgadóttir. The Town Council also approves the pending request for a phase separation and refers it to the Administrative and Financial Services Department for processing.

  The town council unanimously approves the town council's decision.

• 2011114 – Völuskarð 20, application for a plot of land

  Item 13 from the minutes of the Town Council meeting of 19 November.
  Application from Gylfi Andrésson for the plot no. 20 at Völuskarð was presented.

  The Town Council proposes to the Municipal Council that the plot of land at Völuskarð 20 be allocated to Gylfi Andrésson.

  The town council unanimously approves the town council's decision.

• 2011087 – Glimmerskarð 2(-6), 8(-12) and 14(-16), application for a plot

  Item 14 from the minutes of the Town Council meeting of 19 November.
  Application from Sjónvers ehf. for plots no. 2-6, 8-12 and 14-16 at Glimmerskarð.

  The Town Council proposes to the Town Board that the plots at Glimmerskarði 2(-6), 8(-12) and 14(-16) be allocated to Sjónvers ehf.

  The town council unanimously agrees that the plots of land at Glimmerskarð 2 and 8 be allocated to Sjónvers ehf.

• 1908176 – Hverfisgata 12, application for a plot, allocation, handover

  Item 15 from the minutes of the Town Council meeting of 19 November.
  A letter was submitted from the plot holders of 12 Hverfisgata requesting to relinquish the plot allocation for the plot.

  The Town Council proposes to the Borough Council that the handover of the plot at 12 Hverfisgata be approved.

  The town council unanimously approves the current proposal from the town board.

• 2010454 – Álhella 1, zoning plan amendment

  Item 8 from the minutes of the Planning and Building Committee of 17 November.
  Kári Eiríksson's application dated 20.10.2020 for a change to the conditions of the plot is referred to the Planning and Building Committee from the Planning and Building Officer's Meeting. Instead of being a site for a backup power station for Landsvirkjun, the plot will be classified as B3, with a density factor of 0.5.

  The Planning and Building Committee agrees to advertise an amendment to the current detailed plan in accordance with section 43 of the Planning Act, and refers the matter to the Borough Council for approval.

  Ingi Tómasson speaks.

  The town council unanimously approves the decision of the planning and building committee.

• 2005141 – Kaldársel, Kaldárbotnar and Gjárnar, zoning plan amendment

  Item 9 from the minutes of the Planning and Building Committee of 17 November.
  At a meeting of the Hafnarfjörður Town Council on 30 September, a proposal for an amended detailed plan for Kaldársel, Kaldárbotnar and Gjáin was approved, which provided for the expansion of a car park. At the same time, a change to the boundaries of the detailed plan for Sléttuhlíð was advertised. The consultation period has ended, and no comments were received.

  The Planning and Building Committee approves the local plan amendment for its part and that the matter be concluded in accordance with Section 42 of the Planning Act. The matter is also referred to the Borough Council for ratification.

  Ingi Tómasson speaks.

  The town council unanimously approves the decision of the planning and building committee.

• 2009385 – Sléttuhlíð, change to planning boundaries

  Item 10 from the minutes of the Planning and Building Committee of 17 November.
  At a meeting of the Hafnarfjörður Town Council on 30 September, a proposal for a revised detailed plan for Sléttuhlíð was approved and published. A concurrent amendment to the detailed plan for Kaldársel, Kaldárbotnar and Gjánna was also advertised, which proposed an extension to the car park. The consultation period has now closed, and no comments were received.

  The Planning and Building Committee approves the local plan amendment for its part and that the matter be concluded in accordance with Section 42 of the Planning Act. The matter is also referred to the Borough Council for ratification.

  Ingi Tómasson speaks.

  The town council unanimously approves the decision of the planning and building committee.

• 1903239 – Pros and cons of summer closure of nurseries

  Item 13 from the minutes of the Education Committee meeting of 18 November.

  The Independence Party, the Progressive Party and the Independents, and the Reformation Party agree that Option B will be pursued. The Social Democratic Alliance and the Centre Party maintain their neutral position regarding the course of action to be taken. The matter is referred to the Department of Education and Public Health for processing and implementation.

  The representative of the nursery head teacher submitted the following statement, the representative of the nursery staff concurred with the statement;
  Kindergarten managers in Hafnarfjörður reiterate their objections to the summer opening of kindergartens in the summer of 2021 and draw attention to the signatures of around 400 kindergarten staff who were opposed to it, as well as the professional arguments that accompanied the signatures and were submitted to the Education Council. Furthermore, we would like to remind you that the Association of Playgroup Teachers and the Association of Playgroup Managers issued resolutions urging the Education Committee to reverse its decision.
  Nursery heads believe that greater interests are being sacrificed for lesser ones and that the interests of nursery children are not being prioritised. Consultation with nursery professionals did not take place until after a decision had been made, and only then was a working group established. We believe the costs underlying this decision are significantly underestimated. This change is not intended to improve the working environment within nurseries, and there is a risk that the proportion of professional staff will decrease, particularly with the introduction of a single licence. In a frequently cited survey conducted by the education board in 2019, it was found that 94% of parents were able to be with their child, either partially or fully, during the summer holidays under the current system. Since the survey was conducted, parental summer leave has increased, as everyone now has 6 weeks of holiday. Parents therefore have a total of 12 weeks, 6 weeks each over the summer, which more than covers the 4 weeks that the nursery is closed. We do not see that this measure increases the time children and parents spend together, as the children are still going on a 4-week holiday.
  Oddfríður Sæbý Jónsdóttir, sign.

  The representatives of the Independence Party, the Progressive Party and Independents, and the Rebuilding Party hereby submit the following motion;
  The report of the working group states the following;
  The aim of the summer opening is to meet parents' wishes for the nursery to be open in July, thereby increasing the possibility for parents to be on their summer holiday at the same time as their children. The demand for year-round opening is also in keeping with modern society, Icelandic business life, and the children's right to enjoy as many opportunities as possible with their families during their holidays. Representatives wholeheartedly support the objectives set out in the report.
  The working group worked on solutions that would have the least possible impact on professional work in Hafnarfjörður's nurseries over the summer period. The emphasis was on ensuring that work and organisation within the nurseries would be similar to the past, and that the summer opening would not affect the children's safety or well-being at the nursery.
  Representatives of the Independence Party, Representatives of the Independence Party, the Progressive Party and the Independence Party, and Viðreisn expect to ensure that the path taken with the year-round opening of nurseries will not affect parents' confidence in the service, and that nursery staff will see an opportunity to develop the service in line with the changes that will result from the summer opening.inner.
  The Independence Party, the Progressive Party and Independents, and Viðreisn propose that Option B from the working group's report be pursued, as this option goes further when it comes to the children's best interests, since permanent staff take leave from May to September, as is common practice in many parts of the Icelandic labour market in their view. Furthermore, it is emphasised that a performance measurement be carried out, as proposed in the report, in order to improve procedures if necessary after the summer of 2021.
  Kristín María Thoroddsen, sign
  Bergur Þorri Benjamínsson, sign
  Margrét Vala Marteinsdóttir, sign
  Audubjörg Ólafsdóttir, sign

  Representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Centre Party submit the following statement;
  By insisting on the decision to have nurseries open all summer from and
  As of summer 2021, representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance and the Centre Party believe that the professional is being undermined.
  a position within the Hafnarfjörður nursery school system.
  The results of a survey conducted in the spring of 2019 on the staff's morale and
  Parental feedback showed that only 19% of the staff who responded wanted a change.
  arrangements regarding the summer closures of the nurseries. Following a decision on
  The vast majority of staff then protested the decision and declared
  concerns about professional work within the schools.
  The decision to appoint a working group following this decision does not appear to have
  has resulted in silencing these dissenting voices, and the booking of nursery representatives clearly demonstrates this.
  We share those concerns and regret that this has been the working group's conclusion.
  Sigrún Sverrisdóttir, sign
  Hólmfríður Þórisdóttir, sign

  The following motion was put forward in the town council by Friðþjóf Helgi Karlsson:

  „It is proposed that the town council overturn the education committee's decision on the summer opening of nurseries and that the town maintain the current arrangement. For the good of the pupils.

  Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson speaks.

  Kristín María Thoroddsen then takes the floor, and Friðþjófur Helgi replies, to which Kristín responds. Friðþjófur Helgi then replies a second time.

  Then Guðlaug Kristjánsdóttir takes the floor and puts forward a motion to postpone the education board's decision on the summer opening of nurseries by a year. Kristín María Thoroddsen replies. Guðlaug then responds to the reply. Kristín María then replies for a second time.

  Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir speaks. Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson replies.

  Also speaking is Sigurður Þ. Ragnarsson.

  Then Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson speaks for the second time. Ágúst Bjarni Garðarsson rises in his defence, and Friðþjófur replies to the defence. Then Kristín María rises in her defence. Friðþjófur Helgi replies to the defence.

  Sigrún Sverrisdóttir also speaks.

  Then Jón Ingi Hákonarson takes the floor.

  Sigrún Sverrisdóttir also speaks for the second time.

  Then Guðlaug speaks a second time and puts forward the following proposal:

  It is proposed that the change to the summer closure of the nursery school be postponed for one year, in light of the challenging circumstances due to Covid and the strain this has placed on the town's nursery schools, as well as the uncertainty regarding the final cost. Uncertainty in the council's finances and the pressure on staff provide a reason to pause and examine the matter more closely. This delay would also provide an opportunity for better consultation with nursery staff, who have noted that such dialogue has, to date, been limited.

  The President then puts forward the proposal that was before the meeting at the start, i.e. that the town council annuls the education committee's decision on the summer opening of the nursery school and that the town maintains the current arrangement. The motion is defeated with seven votes from the majority, along with the representative from Viðreisn, voting against it. The other representatives vote in favour of the motion.

  The Chair then puts forward the proposal made by Guðlaug Kristjánsdóttir to postpone the education committee's decision on the summer opening of the nursery school. The motion was defeated, as six representatives from the majority voted against it, the representative for Viðreisn abstained, and the representatives for the Centre Party, the Social Democratic Party and the Civic List voted in favour of it.

  Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson and Kristín María Thoroddsen explain their votes.

  In addition, Kristín María makes the following reservation:

  Representatives of the Independence Party and the Progressive Party record the following:
  In the report of the working group on summer opening of nurseries, the following is stated: „The aim of summer opening is to meet parents“ wishes for the nursery to be open in July and thus increase the possibility that parents can be on their summer holiday at the same time as their children. The demand for year-round opening is also in keeping with modern society, Icelandic working life and the right of children to enjoy as many opportunities as possible with their families during their holidays". The objectives set out in the report are wholeheartedly supported. The working group focused on finding solutions that would have the least possible impact on the professional work of Hafnarfjörður's nurseries during the summer. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that the work and organisation within the nurseries would be similar to the previous arrangement, and that the summer opening would not affect the children's safety or well-being at the nursery. Representatives of the Independence and Progressive Parties expect that the approach taken for the year-round opening of the nurseries will not affect parents' confidence in the work, and that the nursery staff will see an opportunity to develop their work in line with the changes that will occur due to the summer opening.opening. The majority concur with the decision of the majority of the Education Committee on the approach to be taken in the procedure for summer opening, as this approach goes further when it comes to the children's interests, since permanent staff share their holidays from May to September, as is common practice in many parts of the Icelandic labour market. Furthermore, it is emphasised that an evaluation will be carried out, as proposed in the report, in order to improve procedures if necessary after the summer of 2021. It is reiterated that the permanent staff will be working in the nurseries in July, while staff from the Work Club aged 18 and over will be added to the team as required. It should be noted that the Education and Public Health Department is currently working on the preparations for implementing the changes and on an introduction for staff.

  Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson also makes the following reservation:

  Representatives of the Social Democratic Alliance submit the following motion;
  It is incredible how this matter has been handled and pushed forward by the majority, in complete opposition to the staff of Hafnarfjörður's nurseries, the nursery teachers' unions, the association of nursery managers, and the trade union Hlíf in Hafnarfjörður. By insisting on this decision to keep nurseries open all summer, starting from the summer of 2021, the representatives of the Social Democratic Party believe that the professional work within Hafnarfjörður's nurseries is being seriously undermined. This decision by the majority is indefensible; it is anti-democratic and full of contempt. It clearly highlights the majority's position that the nursery is, first and foremost, a service provider rather than an educational institution. Not the first stage of education, which the nursery school most certainly is, and as such is of immense importance for the future development of our society.

  Then Sigurður Þ. Ragnarsson makes the following reservation:

  During the Covid era, we have listened to experts advising us on how best to behave to avoid the nasty virus.
  Experts within the nurseries have spoken out and advised us to avoid summer opening of nurseries, with the child's welfare as our guiding principle. But now it so happens that the majority in Hafnarfjörður and Viðreisn are turning a deaf ear to the advice of our most capable experts who work within the nursery. The majority and Viðreisn talk about taking the business community into account. But where is the responsibility towards our youngest pupils, aged three to five, who have no say in who they spend eight to nine hours a day with, in a small space and possibly without their best friends or a familiar member of staff, if this decision on summer opening is not reversed?
  Can the schools be staffed in such a way that the work remains unchanged and pupils feel secure when they arrive at their school, where new staff are filling in during the teachers' summer holidays? Or will the children experience anxiety and even develop an anxiety disorder, as we all know that change causes anxiety and sadness, especially for our children. Our experts in the nursery system in Hafnarfjörður strongly advise against this approach, of keeping the nurseries open all summer. We should listen to our experts; there are no better people to look at this professionally.

Minutes

• 2001041 – Minutes 2020, for presentation to the Town Council

  Minutes of the Education Committee from 18 November.
  Minutes of the Sports and Leisure Council meeting of 11 November.
  Minutes of the Town Council from 19 November.
  a. Minutes of the Harbour Board from 4th and 6th November.
  b. Minutes of the Culture and Tourism Committee from 12 November.
  c. Minutes of the SSH board meetings of 27 October and 2 November.
  Minutes of the Family Council from 13 and 18 November.
  Minutes of the Planning and Building Committee from 17 November.
  Minutes of the Environment and Operations Committee from 16 and 18 November.
  Minutes of the Presidential Commission from 23 November.

  Sigrún Sverrisdóttir speaks on item 12 of the minutes of the Education Committee meeting of 18 November.

  Kristín María Thoroddsen then addresses items 8, 9 and 10 of the Education Committee's minutes from 18 November.

• 2001456 – Budget of the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður and its enterprises for 2021 and 2022-2024, first reading.

  Item 1 from the minutes of the Town Council meeting of 19 November.
  The budget for the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður and its enterprises for 2021, and the long-term plan for 2022-2024, were presented.

  The 2021 fee schedules for the Municipality of Hafnarfjörður were presented.

  Rósa Steingrímsdóttir, Director of the Finance Department, attends the meeting.

  The Town Council refers the current proposal for the 2021 budget and tariff schedule for the Borough of Hafnarfjörður and its enterprises, and the long-term plan for 2022-2024, to the first reading in the Town Council.

  Rósa Guðbjartsdóttir speaks.

  Also Friðþjófur Helgi Karlsson, who also submits the following proposals to the budget:

  Proposals from the Social Democratic Alliance presented during the first reading of the 2021 budget in the Hafnarfjörður Town Council.

  Local authorities are economically significant in Iceland. Everything we do has an impact on the community. We need to be careful about the measures we take. For example, cuts to operations can come back to haunt us in the future, manifesting as unforeseen social and financial problems later on.

  It will be our great task in the coming years, not just for local authorities or for us here in Iceland, but all over the world, to invest in systemic changes in the labour market that enable us to move people from jobs that technology can handle into sectors that require human closeness.
  Such a transformation requires investment in solutions, new processes and systems. It is important to use the time in the current downturn to maintain service levels, whilst also investing in new knowledge and solutions in education, social and welfare matters. Investing not least, and perhaps even more so, in people than in concrete.

  In the current economic downturn, it is most sensible for us to significantly increase funding for innovation, education, social and welfare issues, and the creative industries.

  Jobs must be increased directly, both in the public and private sectors. Both are necessary; in an economic downturn, there is no time to argue about the relative importance of public services and private enterprise. Now is the time to launch a campaign against under-staffing in welfare services and educational institutions, but it is clear that under the current circumstances, cuts and redundancies by local authorities would deepen and prolong the recession. It is therefore absolutely essential to increase jobs in public services.

  It is proposed that the council will hire a prevention officer for 50–100%.
  It is important that a prevention officer is appointed to a 50–100% post, reporting to the sports and leisure officer. It is clear that young people have experienced considerable distress and hardship in connection with the coronavirus pandemic, and some have dropped out of their studies. It is therefore important to allocate additional funding to support young people during these difficult times and prevent them from increasingly turning to substance misuse and other unhealthy lifestyles. Strong preventative measures are crucial to tackle the aftermath of the pandemic and reduce the damage it can cause to young people in society.
  Appoint to the Education Council, the Sports and Leisure Committee and the Town Council.

  2) Strengthen the activities of the Youth Centres in Hafnarfjörður
  The number of staff and operating funds for Hamar and Musik og Motor must be increased to further strengthen their work. It is important that young people, aged 16-25, are offered a diverse range of services, especially during the strange and difficult times we are currently living in. There are indications of worsening mental health among this age group and increased isolation among individuals within it, which calls for immediate action. The youth centres play different roles in the leisure activities of young people in Hafnarfjörður, but they share the common goal of promoting culture and improving services for young people through the projects they participate in. The role of the youth centres is twofold: on the one hand, to offer young people leisure activities that have a preventative, educational and developmental value, taking into account their age and maturity. Their role is also to provide a facility for leisure and socialising with peers in a safe environment. Emphasis is placed on diversity and ensuring that everyone feels welcome.
  We therefore propose that 2 posts be added in Hamrin and 1 post in Music and Motor in the next financial year.

  Appoint to the Education Council, the Sports and Leisure Committee and the Town Council.

  3) Development and Innovation Fund for Preschool and Primary Education.

  Innovation and development is an important part of school work. Given the current circumstances in society, it is extremely important to encourage the strengthening of professional work in schools, such as the development of teaching methods and technology that can be used for the benefit of pupils in the town's schools. It is planned to allocate 23 million to this fund next year. That is far from sufficient in the current circumstances. Therefore, we propose that an additional 50 million be allocated to a development and innovation fund for nursery and primary schools, from which both public and private bodies can seek funding to develop new solutions and methods for the benefit of students in Hafnarfjörður.
  Refer to the Education Committee and the Town Council.

  4) Construction of a nursery school in the Öldutúnsskóli area

  We, the representatives of the Social Democratic Party, propose that work begin without delay on the further development of a nursery in the school catchment area for Öldutúnsskóli.

  It is foreseeable that with the increase in the neighbourhood's population, changes in the age structure due to regeneration in the area, and further plans to lower the school entry age, the demand in the neighbourhood is unlikely to decrease. It is therefore important to look to the future. Action will be taken as early as next year to establish this vital core service within the neighbourhood, with an emphasis on co-locating the core facilities of nursery and primary schools and thereby reducing the separation between the different educational stages.
  Refer to the Education Committee and the Town Council.

  5) To strengthen the work of Brúin by increasing the number of full-time equivalent posts.
  The number of posts must be increased and the work of Brúin further strengthened. It is clear that the interdisciplinary work in the town's primary schools has never been more important than it is at present. In the wake of the pandemic and its economic and social impact, there will be a great need to meet the needs of pupils in nurseries and primary schools in a targeted manner through early intervention. We therefore propose that at least two full-time equivalent posts be added to strengthen this important work as soon as next year.

  Referral to the Family Council, the Education Council and the Town Council

  6) Child protection increases staff numbers to meet increased demand
  It is clear that it is urgent to increase the number of staff in child protection due to the impact the pandemic has already had on our society. It is also clear that the need for child protection services will not be any less in the coming year. It is not wise to expect our excellent local professionals in this field to just work faster and faster; this will ultimately harm the service and lead to staff burnout. To tackle the challenges that await us in the town next year, we believe it is essential to increase the number of full-time equivalent posts in child protection by at least two.
  Refer to the Family Council and the Town Council

  7) Innovation in welfare services
  A development fund should be established to promote innovation in social services. It is important to invest in expertise for services that require human closeness. The consensus among economists worldwide is that social services must be strengthened and innovation encouraged, whether in projects, solutions or ideas from the public or private sector. We therefore propose that 50 million be allocated to a fund to strengthen social services in the municipality.
  Refer to the Family Council and the Town Council

  8) Services for the elderly
  A smaller budget is planned for this service area next year, when we should actually be strengthening the service or at least maintaining it at current levels. It is unacceptable that a 6% cut in elderly care services in the municipality is planned.
  We propose that this be reversed and an increase of at least 3% be made to this line item in the budget. Many of the town's older residents have experienced significant isolation in recent months. It is therefore important for the mental and physical health of this group to strengthen their social activities as well as other services for them.
  Refer to the Family Council and the Town Council

  9) Invest in culture and the arts
  The Covid-19 situation has meant a complete loss of income for artists in our community. It is therefore important to increase funding for this area and invest in it for the future. It is particularly important to support young artists from Hafnarfjörður. We propose that a platform for young people's artistic creation and exhibition be established. Furthermore, a special 20 million króna fund should be set up to support artists in the town, with a particular focus on young artists.
  Refer to the Town Council and the Culture and Tourism Committee

  10) Environmental and Resource Policy of Hafnarfjörður – climate change measures
  50 million will be allocated to implement the environmental action plan, which is part of Hafnarfjörður's environmental and resource policy, in order to make strong progress based on it. Funding will be obtained by reducing the budget for the LED lamp retrofit of streetlights and for the purchase of Christmas lights.

  Refer to the Environment and Operations Committee and the Council Committee

  11) Green Investment Fund? Innovation in environmental matters
  50 million will be invested in a green investment fund. Both public and private bodies can apply to this fund to promote environmental innovation in the municipality.
  Funding will be obtained by reducing the budget for the LED lamp retrofitting of streetlights and for the purchase of Christmas lighting.
  Refer to the Environment and Operations Committee and the Council Committee

  12) Construction work should be undertaken on Ola Run Farm.
  The development of green and recreational areas in the town increases quality of life and encourages more outdoor activities and family time together. Which in turn leads to better mental and physical health. An important investment for the future that will pay for itself many times over in the long run.

  Refer to the Environment and Operations Committee and the Municipal Council.

  13) Natural gems in our surroundings and the development of recreational areas in Hafnarfjörður

  Helgafell, landmarks and signs

  It is important for Hafnarfjörður to work quickly and effectively to improve the conditions in the area around Helgafell, making them better and safer.

  The walking route up the hill needs to have waymarkers or something similar to reduce the chances of people getting lost, which happens there quite regularly. It also speeds up the response if someone gets into trouble, as they can point to a landmark to help locate them.and. There is a dire lack of detailed information about the area around Helgafell; information on walking routes, distances, etc. should be provided, and the history and place names of the area should be covered. Traffic through the area is heavy and dense, and we should do everything in our power to enhance the experience of those who visit and ensure safety as far as possible.
  Hvaleyrarvatn and its surroundings.

  A plan needs to be developed to make the area an even greater outdoor paradise than it is today; it lacks a car park, We could get the Scouts to join us in creating a comprehensive adventure and outdoor recreation area, with facilities including shower blocks, good toilet facilities, many more benches and tables for picnics and barbecues, a covered barbecue shelter, and the list goes on. Ski and sledge racks at Stórhöfði would be a fantastic addition to this enjoyable area.

  Play area for those who take part in winter sports in the town or the countryside.
  It is important to look into the facilities in the town for skiers and snowboarders, and of course for those who want to go sledging and snowmobiling.
  Víðistaðatún would be an ideal venue for this, but one could also imagine creating such an area on the Holt by the new footbridge to Ásvellir; such an area would then be within walking distance of Ásvellir, the Holt and even part of Suðurbær. The possibility of moving snow and even building a ramp and more should be considered when the weather permits.

  The plan for the area around Seldal and Stórhöfði includes a ski slope. It would be worth considering the possibility of carrying out detailed planning work in that area next year.

  It is proposed that 50 million be allocated for the preparation and implementation of the above proposals concerning natural gems in our environment and the development of recreational areas in Hafnarfjörður, and that these be taken from the completed sports development.- and outdoor recreation areas and/or from the renewal of the town's lamppost bulbs and its Christmas lighting.

  Referred to the Environment and Operations Committee and the Municipal Council.

  14) Employment matters
  A strong business sector is the foundation of any community. It is important that every local authority has a clear, goal-oriented policy on employment matters. Unfortunately, such a policy does not exist in Hafnarfjörður at present. It is vital that this is rectified as soon as possible.
  It should be clear to everyone that it is important for the local authority to strive to create favourable conditions for the town's business community and companies. To ensure the City of Hafnarfjörður's effective involvement in general and specific projects, it is necessary to formulate a clear policy on employment matters. The City of Hafnarfjörður should strive to create a business environment where individuals and companies see an opportunity to start a business. The local authorities should also make every effort to ensure that the business life in Hafnarfjörður is based on diversity, a high level of expertise, creativity, strong exports and value creation.

  We therefore propose that 15 million be allocated to the work of creating an ambitious employment strategy and establishing policies based on it for Hafnarfjörður in the next financial year.
  Refer to the town council.

  15) Reduction in the remuneration of town councillors

  Finally, we propose that the salaries of town councillors be reduced to what they were before the increase this spring. This would save funds that could be put to good use on many important projects in the community.
  Refer to the town council

  We request that the proposals be referred to the appropriate councils and/or committees for thorough and professional consideration.

  Kristín María Thoroddsen replies, responding to Friðþjófur Helgi's reply.

  Then Guðlaug Kristjánsdóttir takes the floor. Friðþjófur Helgi replies.

  Sigurður Þ. Ragnarsson also speaks and puts forward the following proposals to the budget:

  A proposal from the Miðflokkur councillor for the preparation of the 2021 budget.
  The Centre Party in Hafnarfjörður considers it important to exercise the utmost restraint in the town's spending, in light of the revenue shortfall the municipality has experienced in an unprecedented situation. Nevertheless, the Centre Party proposes that 10 million króna be allocated for street cleaning to reduce winter particulate matter in the town's atmosphere.

  Explanatory note:
  One of the biggest causes of particulate matter is the wear that cars cause to the road network, especially cars with studded tyres. On cold days and when the wind is light, particulate matter levels are all too often measured above health protection limits. This must be addressed. By using specialised street-sweeping vehicles to clean the streets, the concentration of particulate matter in the atmosphere can be significantly reduced, and the number of days when levels exceed health protection limits can be lowered, for the benefit of residents.
  It is proposed that the matter be referred to the Environment and Operations Committee for a decision.

  Then Jón Ingi Hákonarson speaks up and puts forward the following proposals to the budget:

  The proposals of Viðreisn
  1. Add a psychologist position to the Education Department/Brúin (Education Department)
  2. Increase funding for the Hamarsins Youth Centre (Education Department)
  3. Place a greater emphasis on combating the social isolation of older people (Department for Families)
  4. Accelerate the smart city's digitalisation (Municipal Administration)
  5. Increase the number of full-time equivalent posts at Child Protection (Family Board)
  6. Present a detailed plan for how the proceeds from the sale of a stake in Hafnarfjörður will be allocated (Administrative Services Department)
  7. To increase employment opportunities through the Áfram project. (Family Department)
  8. To undertake extensive measures to increase and improve walking/running and cycle paths (Environment and Operations Council)
  9. To increase the supply of plots (Planning Council)

  Fridthjof Helgi also speaks for the second time.

  The Chair then puts forward a proposal that the proposals for amendments to the budget, which have been put forward, be referred to the relevant committees for further work on the budget. This is unanimously approved.

  The Mayor then proposes that the motion on the 2021-2024 financial plan be referred to a second reading at the Town Council meeting to be held on 16 December. The motion is passed unanimously.