HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 9, 2012
ctw 00 Executive (Budget) Committee
MCKERNG Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 9, 2012
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
Present:
Mayor Ryan
Councillors:
K. Ashe
D. Dickerson
B. McLean
J. O'Connell
D. Pickles
P. Rodrigues
Also Present:
T. Prevedel - Chief Administrative Officer
E. Buntsma - Director, Community Services
N. Carroll - Director, Planning & Development
T. Melymuk - Director, Office of Sustainability
G. Paterson - Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer
B. Douglas -Fire Chief
R. Holborn - Division Head, Municipal Property & Engineering
J. Hodgson - Manager, Customer & Administrative Services
S. Karwowski - Manager, Finance & Taxation
C. Grant - CEO, Library
S. Reynolds - Division Head, Culture & Recreation
P. Bigioni - City Solicitor
D. Shields - City Clerk
L. Roberts - Committee Coordinator
(1) Disclosures of Interest
No disclosures of interest were noted.
(II) Presentations
T. Prevedel, Chief Administrative Officer thanked staff for their work on the
budget and arriving at a budget close to targets early in the process. He stated
that the first thing we had to deal with in the budget process is cost of living.
He also stated that the City needs to continue creating a budget that does not
depend on drawing from reserves.
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The Chief Administrative Officer made reference to the 4 year Capital forecast
that staff produced this year. He stated that the forecast will assist the City by
capturing the needs and desires for future budgets and stated that the
document will evolve over time and will become a useful document for
preparing yearly budgets.
Mayor Ryan thanked staff for their efforts in the preparation of this year's
Current and Capital budgets. He noted staff were cognizant of the pressures
on taxpayers in bringing in a budget that addresses the needs of the public. He
noted the City of Pickering maintains a high level of efficiency while being
hampered with low assessment growth. He stated that no reductions in service
were made and the City continues to provide a high standard of service. He
added that with a new agenda process, budgets will be coming forward in
February each year in the future. He stated the need to start thinking today
about how to build on reserves for the future.
Mayor Ryan explained the process for going through the budget agenda.
G. Paterson, Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer outlined a summary of
the 2012 Current and Capital Budgets through the aid of a power point
presentation along with hand outs. He noted a proposed levy budget of 3.49%,
noting the property tax allocation resulting in a proposed 0.97% increase on the
City's portion of the total tax bill, which translates into approximately $39.00 per
year based on an assessed value of $300,000. He also requested members
not focus on the noted percentages, but rather the dollar amounts.
Discussion period ensued with respect to current total debt, amount in reserves
and development charges. Questions arose regarding the amount of surplus
last year and the draw on reserves, as well as clarification being requested on
the rate stabilization, with staff responding accordingly.
(II) Delegations
Kelly Marconi, a resident of Claremont, appeared before the Committee
representing a group of area residents. She stated her home is located on
Sideline 20 and Regional Road 5, adjacent to the Claremont Public School.
She informed the Committee of the resident's concerns with respect to the road
conditions on Sideline 20. She noted they had been informed by the developer
over 10 years ago that an asphalt road would be put down at the completion of
construction, which was 9 years ago. She indicated their concerns with safety
issues, as this is a highly travelled road lacking adequate street lighting, used
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by trucks, school buses, cyclists and children. Ms. Marconi requested that
Council support the"paving of Sideline 20 in the 2012 Budget.
A copy of her delegation was handed in to be distributed.
(III) Matters for Consideration
1. Review and Recommendations of the 2012 Capital Budget
Detailed discussion ensued with Council posing various questions and requesting
clarification with respect to several matters. Staff provided information in relation
to each inquiry put forward.
Discussion took place with respect to Fire Services and the life span of
pumpers and fire vehicles, reserves for replacement vehicles and projected
costs in the proposed Seaton development. It was suggested that future
vehicle requirements, staffing, equipment and building needs should be
included each year to better understand future debt.
Discussion took place with respect to how roads projects were assessed and
what criteria was looked at to make decisions on which roads should be in
budgets. Questions were also raised on how Development Charges were
applied to the projects and suggestions were made that more time and detail
should be taken to make sure we use Development Charges the best way
possible.
Staff was requested to look into Moorelands and Cowan Circle and provide
information along with estimates prior to February 21St Council.
Committee took a ten minute recess and reconvened at 11:10 am.
Discussion ensued regarding the new Whitevale Bridge in respect to design
elements, lanes, sidewalks and the cultural heritage designs in the new
structure. It was questioned whether the lanes would be wide enough to
accommodate bike traffic, whether heritage elements would be built into the
bridge and if the budget was sufficient to accommodate this.
Discussion ensued with respect to the Frenchman's Bay Harbour entrance. It
was noted that this is not a municipal responsibility and that the money would
be better utilized for the Western Spit. It was noted that the improvements
could increase economic development in the area by bringing in tourism as
boaters are not currently using the harbor entrance due to the unsafe
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PICKERNG Thursday, February 9, 2012
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conditions. It was noted that the removal of this item would put the project in
jeopardy and would not impact.the 2012 tax rate.
Discussion ensued on sidewalks on Kingston Road as well as the Durham
Region Transit plans. It was suggested that staff should contact the Region
regarding cost sharing initiatives for sidewalks along Kingston Road.
Moved by Councillor Ashe
That the 2012 Capital Budget be approved and presented to Council on
February 21, 2012.
Carried Later
in the Meeting
(See following motion)
Moved by Councillor O'Connell
That the budget of $1.5 million in account 5780 Parks, 1702 Debt - 10 years
for Frenchman's Bay Harbour entrance be removed from the 2012 Capital
Budget.
Motion Defeated
2012 Captial Budget Carried
The Committee recessed at 12:37 pm and reconvened at 1:10 pm
2. Review and Recommendation of the 2012 Current Budget
Moved by Councillor McLean
That the 2012 Current budget, be approved and presented to Council on
February 21, 2012, with the inclusion of the following amendments;
Carried as amended
later in the meeting
(See following motions)
Moved by Councillor O'Connell
Councillor O'Connell proposed the following changes to her budget:
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Council Communication Policy - from $7,500.00 to $6,000.00
Reception, Promotion & Special Events - from $4,500.00 to $2,500.00
Outside Agency Services - from $4,800.00 to $3,000.00
Total Reduction: $5,300.00
Carried
Councillor Pickles proposed the following changes to his budget:
Telephones - from $1,200.00 to $900.00
Council Compensation Policy - from $7,500.00 to $6,500.00
Reception, Promotion & Special Events - from $4,500.00 to $2,500.00
Outside Agency Services - from $4,800.00 to $3,900.00
Total Reduction: $4,200.00
Carried
Councillor McLean proposed the following changes to his budget:
Council Communication Policy - from $7,500.00 to $4,000.00
Reception, Promotion & Special Events - from $4,500.00 to $2,500.00
Outside Agency Services - from $4,800.00 to $2,000.00
Total Reduction: $8,300.00
Carried
Councillor Dickerson proposed the following changes to his budget:
Cellular Phone - from $3,000.00 to $2,700.00
Communication Policy - from $7,500.00 to $6,000.00
Receptions, Promotions & Special Events - from $4,500.00 to $4,300.00
Office Supplies - from $ 750.00 to $550.00
Outside Agency - from $4,800.00 to $3,500.00
Total Reduction: $3,500.00
Carried
Detailed discussion ensued with Council posing various questions and
requesting clarification with respect to several matters. Staff provided
information in relation to each.inquiry put forward.
Discussion took place regarding the actual expenditure numbers and the
historical budgeted numbers and why actual numbers were not reflected
numbers when those numbers were consistent in numerous years.
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Clarification was requested on the temporary work place accommodation within
Customer Care. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that it was a WSIB
accommodation.
Discussion took place with respect to budgeting for studies. Clarification was
provided by staff as well as explanations with regards to studies which carry
over from one year to the next and how the City accommodated the ongoing
nature of projects. Councillor O'Connell requested a full list of all studies in the
Office of Sustainability budget that took place in 2011 as well as studies
proposed in 2012 including where they may overlap.
2012 Current Budget Carried
3. General Governance
Councillor O'Connell questioned POA revenues, noting the Region has
forecasted an increase and requested staff to investigate.
Councillor Ashe and Councillor McLean questioned whether provisions had
been placed in the budget if Council decided to approve an Integrity
Commissioner. The Director, Corporate Services noted that there was
provisions in the General Government Section.
Grants
Discussion ensued with respect to the grants for DWAC Inc. and DWAC
Foundation. Questions were raised regarding how much grant funds have
been given to these organizations and whether the City has been provided with
an update on how the are ro ressin the future needs of the organization
and financial statements. It was requested that an update be provided to
Council regarding DWAC.
Moved by Councillor Rodrigues
That the line item for DWAC in the amount of $20,000 be removed from the
2012 current budget.
Motion Defeated
Discussion ensued with respect to the grant for United Way.
Moved by Councillor Pickles
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That the grant amount of $100,470 to United Way be reduced to $75,000 in the
2012 Current Budget.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Ashe
That the grant for the joint funded Environmental Project for TRCA in the
amount of $10,000.00 be removed from the 2012 Current Budget.
Carried
Councillor Ashe left the meeting at 4:25 pm.
4. Review of Proposed Fees and Charges By-law
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the summary of fees and charges as presented be approved and
presented to Council on February 21, 2012.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Dickerson
That recommended Seaton Legal Fees in the amount of $500,000 be reduced
to $300,000.
Carried
Discussion ensued with respect to the need for a reserve to fund accessibility
projects in order to be in compliance with the Provincial legislation.
Moved by Councillor O'Connell
That an additional $60,000 be placed in the 2012 budget to be used for
accessibility improvements.
Motion defeated.
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AN-0-1 Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 9, 2012
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
Further discussion ensued with the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer noting
that they could put a recommendation in regarding any unspent funds for
accessibility projects would carry over into a reserve fund for future budget years.
The Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer noted the total reductions as amended
today would be approximately 2.93% for a final tax rate.
(IV) ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Councillor Dickerson
The meeting adjourned at 4:45 pm.
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