HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 14, 2019 (Budget)Present:
Mayor Ryan
Councillors:
K.Ashe
M. Brenner
S.Butt
I. Cumming
B. McLean
D. Pickles
Also Present:
T. Prevedel
K. Bentley
P. Bigioni
M. Carpino
J. Hagg
R. Holborn
S. Karwowski
T. Sinclair
S. Cassel
C. Rose
B. Duffield
J. Halsall
F.Jadoon
R. Michaud
J. Hanna
D. Schlueter
Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
-Chief Administrative Officer
~ Director, City Development & CBO
-Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor
-Director, Community Services
--Fire Chief
-Director, Engineering & Public Works
-Director, Finance & Treasurer
-CEO, Chief Engagement Officer, Pickering Library
-City Clerk
-Chief Planner
-Manager; Facilities Operations
-Manager, Budgets & Internal Audit
-Manager, Economic Development and Strategic Projects
-(Acting) Deputy Clerk ·
-Supervisor, Administrative Services
-Network Analyst
(I) Disclosure of Interest
1. Councillor Brenner declared a confliGt of interest with respect to Community
Services and Animal Services 2019 current budgets as he has family
members employ~d in these areas. Councillor Brenner did not take part in
the discussion or vote on these matters.
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(II) Delegations
There were no delegations.
(Ill) Presentations
Executive {Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
Mayor Ryan welcomed everyone to the meeting and thanked staff for their hard work
and efficient budget preparation, noting that this is the first budget meeting for this
term of Council.
Tony Prevedel, CAO, expressed his thanks to staff and Members of Council for the
extensive budget review meetings in preparation of the 2019 Budget. He stated that
the budget had come in just under the budget target set by Council at 2.19% and
further noted that Pickering assessment growth is up by 2.92% due to the impact of
the development in the 407 Innovation Corridor which allows the City to continue to
provide property tax grants, seniors' snow removal programs, transfer of funding to
reseNes and the ability to move forward with the Civic Centre Project.
Stan Karwowski, Director, Finance & Treasurer, provided a PowerPoint presentation
to Committee outlining the 2019 Draft Current and Capital Budgets. The presentation
included the budget impacts on residential taxpayers, asset management and the
City's financial position and debt.
S. Karwowski highlighted that this is the lowest bUdget increase for the City in 19
years noting that the City of Pickering's share of the· residential tax bill is 30.27% with
the Region of Durham receiving 54.99% and the School Board 14.74%. He stated
that the average impact on a taxpayer, based on a $500,000 property value, would
be approximately $105. He further added that the 2019 property tax increase is below
the 2% inflation rate. ·
Mr. Karwowski highlighted some of the City's key initiatives, including but not limited
· to, the extension of the deadline to allow more time for the organizations to prepare
and submit applications for community grants; conversion of the City's fleet vehicles
from gas to electric or hybrid vehicles resulting in fuel and maintenance savings; and
the development of the new Civic Centre. He noted that Seni~r Staff would be
presenting a business case for the Civic Centre in April or May, which would focus on
costs, revenues/assessment and legal agreements. He added that this development
. is one of the largest investment decisions for consideration by Pickering Council, as it·
will affect the future of the City for the next 50 years and more.
A question and answer period ensued regarding innovative opportunities for vacant
farm land as it relates to the collection of property taxes and abilities to shift the
property tax base. Members of Council requested further details on the revenues to
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Executive {Budget) Committee
· Meeting Minutes·
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
be realized as well as samples of the budget levy comparison with other
municipalities such as Toronto and Markham. ·
A further question and answer period ensued regarding current investment strategies
and the amounts transferred to reserve funds with Staff advising that they would
report to Council with this information.
Further discussion ensued regarding the property tax grant program offered by the
City and the possibility for the Region of Durham to provide a similar program; the
City's Community Grant Program and the ability for staff to have delegated quthority
to apply minor contingencies for oversights in the application process; the need to
identify percentages of revenues that are directed at debt reduction; ·and the Senior
Government Grant Funding Opportunities to assist with the Recreation Complex
Main Entrance & Core Renovations and the Pickering Heritage and Community
Centre. Staff advised that grant applications have been prepared and submitted and
that they are looking at all possible secondary grants available, such as accessibility'
funding.
(IV) Matters for Consideration
1. Review and Recommendation of the 2019 Capital Budget
Moved by Councillor McLean
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Office of the Mayor be approved and presented
to Council on February 25, 2019. ·
Carried
Mov~d by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Office of Council be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019. -
Discussion ensued regarding the life expectancy of the Dunbarton Pool and
clarification whether the City or the School Board owns the pool. Staff advised·that
the facility is in good condition, that the pool is owned by the City, and that there is an
agreement with the Schoof Board and the City for maintenance.
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Capital Budget for Civic Complex be approved and presented to
· Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
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Moved by Councillor Pickles
Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Capital Budget for Dunbarton Pool be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Capital Budget for Don Beer Arena be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Discussion ensued regarding the timeline for the construction of the new Heritage
Centre and the feedback from the consultation process. Staff advised that the
·consultation process was completed and that they have received positive comments
from the community. Next steps included preparing a submission for tender later this
year with construction starting in 2020.
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 201 S Capital Budget for Community Centres be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Recreation Complex -Core be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried·
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Recreation Complex -Pool be approved and
presented to CouncH on Febr~ary 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Recreation Complex -Arenas be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
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Moved by Coundllor Pickles
Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Museum be approved and presented to Council
on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Capital Budget for _Property Maintenance be approved and presented
to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Cumming
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Roads Equipment be approved and presented
to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
A question and answer period ensued regarding the sale of the Operation Centre
lands to the School Board once the new Operations Centre opens. Staff confirmed
that the soil would be tested and the site cleaned up in preparation for the sale once
the land becomes vacant.
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Operations Centre be approved and presented
to Council on February 25, 2019. '
Carried
Discussion ensued regarding the consulting services and engineering design for the
change rooms and washrooms at Rotary Frenchman's Bay West Park and it was.
requested that staff consider alternatives for the required structure that would be less
intrusion and reduce costs. Staff were requested to change the wording for final
budget to better reflect the project description.
Further discussion ensued regarding other parks within the City and whether staff
could provide a detailed list of renovation projects for all parks. Staff were directed to
explore additional capital funds for parks in the north end.
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Moved by Councillor Brenner
Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Parks be approved and presented to Council on
February 25, 2019.
Committee.recessed at 10:55 am and reconvened at 11:10 am.
Moved by Councillor Butt
Carried
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Fleet Vehicles be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Cumming
That the 2019 Capital Budget for Information Technology be approved and presented
to· Council on February 25, 2019.
· Carried
Moved by Councillor McLean
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Streetlights & Signalization be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried -
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Sidewalks be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019. ·
Carried
Discussion ensued regarding the Flood Control Project on Franklin Street in
Claremont and questions were raised as to whether there would be a consultation
process with area residents. Staff advised that the consultation process would occur
in June and that they expect to have the study completed in time to start the project
in 2020.
Additional questions were raised regarding other streets in the City where flooding
occurs regularly. Staff advised that they would be conducting an in-house study to
review flooding and provide design improvements for these areas with details to be
provided to Council.
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Moved by Councillor Brenner
Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Stormwater Management be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Roads Project be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Water Resources & Development Services be
approved and presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Discussion ensued regarding sidewalk improvements, and whether there were plans
for urbanization of the roads and sidewalks around the new Durham Live project to
ensure pedestrian access. Staff advised that the intersection is a Regional Road
and that detailed plans have not yet been released.
Further discussion ensued regarding other Regional and City streets that require
sidewalk improvements, namely those along Kingston Road, Finch/Altona and Sandy
Beach Road.
Staff were requested to provide Members of Council with semi-annual reports to
update Council on DC funded projects.
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 201 Q Capital Budget for Development Projects -(DC Funded) be approved
and presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
.Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Finance & Taxation be approved and presented
to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
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Moved by Councillor Butt
Executive {Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Capital Budget for Fire Services be approved and presented to Council
on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the 2019 Capital Budget for the Library be approved and presented to Council
on February 25, 2019.
Carried
2. Review and Recommendation of the 2019 Current Budget
Discussion ensued regarding the new proposed position in Economic Development
and whether staff would be bringing this back to Council prior to the hiring of an
individual. Further questions were raised regarding the summer student position in
the CAO's office and what type of work this position would be performing. Staff
advised that they would be reporting back to Council on the new Economic
Development position. ·
Moved by Councillor Cumming
That the 2019 Current Budget for the Office of the CAO -Administration be approved
and presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Members commended the Customer Care staff for their professional and courteous
manner when dealing with the public and enquired if the Customer Care Centre is .
adequately staffed. Staff advised that current staffing levels are adequate and that the
office of the CAO is available to provide additional support to the Customer Care
Centre if needed.
Discussion ensued about the possibility of providing after hours service to provide
more flexible hours for residents to contact the City. The CAO advised that Staff
were currently reviewing staffing models in other municipalities and that they would
take this under advisement as part of that review. ·
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Moved by Councillor Pickles
Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Curr~nt Budget for Customer Care Centre be·approve'd and presented
to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for Public Affairs & Corporate Communications be
approved and presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for City Development -Administration be approved
and pres~nted to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Current Budget for City Development -Planning & Design be approved
and presented to Council on February 25, 2019. ·
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for City Development -Building Services be approved
and presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
· Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Current Budget for City Development -Strategic Initiatives &
Sustainability be approved and presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
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Moved by Councillor Butt
Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Current Budget for City Development -Committee of Adjustment be
approved and presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for City Development -Heritage Pickering be
approved and presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Cumming
That the 2019 Current Budget for Culture & Recreation-Admin be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for Pickering Arts Centre be approved and presented
to Council on February 25, 2019. ·
Carried
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Current Budget for Civic Centre be approved and presented to Council
. on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the 2019 Current Budget for the Senior Citizens Centre be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried ·
Moved by Councillor Cumming
Thatthe 2019 Current Budget for Programs be approved and presented to Council
on February 25, 2019. ·
Carried
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Moved by Councillor Ashe
Executive (Budget) Committee ·
Meeting Minutes
Thursday; February 14, 2019
9:00am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Current Budget for Dunbarton Pool be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
A question and answer period ensued regarding the new Summer Ice Program being
offered by the City. Staff advised that due to th~ closing of the Art Thompson arena
in April, an opportunity was identified for a summer ice rental program at the Don
Beer Arena. Staff noted that the reaction to the program had been very positive with
most of the time slots already sold out.
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 20·19 Current Budget for the Don Beer Arena be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Co_uncillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for the Community Centres be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget the Recreation Complex -Central Core be approved
and presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Cumming
That the 2019 Current Budget the Recreation Complex -Pool be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
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Moved by Councillor Pickles
Executive {Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Current Budget for the Recreation Complex -Arenas be approved and
presented to Council on February 26, 2018.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for the Museum be approved and presented to Council
on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the 2019 Current Budget for Operations Administration be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Discussion ensued regarding the number of street sweepers that are currently in
operation and the frequency schedule. Staff advised that the City has three street
sweepers and the goal is to sweep all streets twice a year.
Further discussion ensued regarding the new proposed criteria for the Seniors Snow
Removal Program. Staff advised that the eligibility is based on income and other
factors, such as ODSP and that a memo would be provided to Council outlining the
suggested approach.
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the 2019 Curr~nt Budget for Property Maintenance be approved and presented
to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for Fleet Services be approved and presented to . .
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
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Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Com111ittee Room
Discussion ensued about the staffing complement for winter/snow clearing and
whether the City should consider outsourcing this service. Staff advised that they are
currently able to meet the snow-clearing schedule and will be ready for the impact of
increased snow clearing in the Seaton area.
Moved by Councillor Cumming ·
That the 2019 Current Budget for Roads be approved and presented to Council on
February 25, 2019:
Carried
Discussion ensued regarding the increased labour for park maintenance. Staff
advised that the increase is due to term labourers being extended into September to
continue grass cutting as this was previously ~and led by arena staff who are now
needed for the ice programs being offered at various facilities.
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for Parks be approved and presented to Council on
February 25, 2019. ·
Carried
The committee recessed for lunch at 12:15 pm and reconvened at 1:00 pm.
Moved by Councillor Sutt
That the 2019 Current Budget for Information Technology be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Discussion ensued regarding fines for parking ori snow routes; legal fees associated
with OMB/LPAT hearings and whether the City is able to recover any costs; ability to
share legal resources with the Library; and, when the review of the City's Sign By-law
occurs. Staff advised that costs for LPAT hearings are not recoverable like civil
proceedings in Superior Court; that they would continue to· look for efficiencies and
savings to assistthe Library where possible; and that there was no defined timeline
mandated for review of the Sign By-law but that Staff had formed a working group
which was in its early stages, to l9ok at opportunities to improve the By-law and
include new types of signs not currently provided for.
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Moved by Councillor Pickles
Executive {Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Current Budget for Legal Services be approved and presented to
· Council on February 25, 2019. ·
Carried
Questions were raised regarding the timing of the Ward/Boundary Review and
whether it would be completed before the next election. Staff advised that the Clerk's
Office would be working on this project and that it would be completed for the 2022
Municipal Election.
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the 2019 Current Budget.for Clerk's Office be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Questions were raised regarding whether there were any plans in place to implement
a digital strategy with a move to paperless options. The CAO advised that Staff would
take this under advisement when looking into future options for the Corporation.
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for Records Management & Elections be approved
and presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for the Print Shop/Mail Room be approved and
presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Discussion ensued regarding the addition of two new full-time positions for By-law
services. Staff indicated that this is to provide efficiencies in recovering unpaid fines
and to provide support for current staff in parking and licensing administration.
Further discussion ensued regarding the licensing of Uber in Pickering. Staff advised
that the Taxicab By-law is currently under review and Staff would be looking into a
model to present to the industry and Council.
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Moved by Councillor McLean
Executive {Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Current Budget for By-law be approved and presented to Council on
February 25, 2019. ·
Carried
Moved by Councillor Cumming
That the 2019 Current Budget for.Animal Services be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Discussion ensued regarding the location of the proposed skate park behind the
Pickering Recreation Complex; the needs assessment of the Waterfront Park and
what elements should be included; and whether Staff could include updates on
projects that would car~ over to the next year in a semi-annual report to Council.
Moved by Councillor McLean
That the 2019 Current Budget for Engineering Services -Administration be approved
and presented to Council on February 25, 20-19.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for Crossing Guards be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for Water Resources & Development Services
be approved a·nd presented to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the 2019 Current Budget for Sidewalks be approved and presented to Councii
on February 25, 2019. .
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
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Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the 2019 Current Budget for Streetlights be approved and presented to Council
on February 25, 2019, as follows; ·
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the 2019 Current Budget for Finance be approved and presented to Council on
February .25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the 2019 Current Budget for Supply & Services be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Discussion ensued regarding whether City Fire Services charges for inspections
relating to fire prevention. Further discussion ensued regarding the support services
available for firefighters suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the 2019 Current Budget for Fire Protection be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the 2019 Current Budget for Emergency Operations be approved and presented
to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the 2019 Current Budget for Human Resources be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
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Moved by Councillor Butt
Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
. That the 2019 Current Budget for Health & Safety be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the 2019 Current Budget for Libraries be approved and presented to Council on
February 25, 2019. '
General Government
Moved by Councillor McLean
Carried
That the Current budget for General Government be approved and presented to .
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor McLean
That the Current budget for Mayor Ryan be approved and presented to Council on .
February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Cumming
That the Current budget for Councillor Ashe be approved and presented to Council ·
on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the Current budget for Councillor McLean be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
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Moved by Councillor Ashe
Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
That the Current budget for Councillor Pickles, Councillor Brenner, Councillor
Cumming and Councillor Butt be approved and presented to Council on February 25,
2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the Current budget for Council Support be approved and presented to Council
on Febru.ary 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the Current budget for Grants to Organizations be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Butt
That the Current budget for Annual Charges -2018 Budget -Externa Debentures &
Internal Loans by Function be approved and presented to Council on February 25,
2019. ·
Carried .
Moved by Councillor Pickles
That the Current budget for Transfers to Reserves be approved and presented to
Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
Moved by Councillor Brenner
That the Current budget for Transfer to Reserve Funds be approved and presented
to Council on February 25, 2019.
Carried
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Executive (Budget) Committee
Meeting Minutes
Thursday, February 14, 2019
9:00 am
Main Committee Room
3. Review of Proposed Fees and Charges By-law
Discussion ensued regarding the increased user fees for the rental of sport fields and
parks for special events and sports teams. Staff advised Members of Council that
user groups had been consulted over the l?st number of months and were aware of
the adjustment to the fees and that they would be consulted again in the Spring. A
question and answer period ensued regarding the City's building permit fees and how
they compared to other surrounding municipalities as well as whether there was a
process in place, and the applicable fee structure, for developers who were seeking
priority for permits. Staff advised that the City's fees are comparable with other
municipalities and that they were looking into various strategies regarding priority
building permits in hopes of advancing this in the future.
Moved by Councill~r Butt
That the Current budget for User Fees be approved ;and presented to Council on
February 25, 2019.
(V) Other Business
There were no items of other business.
(VI) Adjournment
Moved by Councillor Butt
Seconded by Councillor Pickles
That the meeting be adjourned.
The meeting adjourned at 2:25 pm.
Carried
Carried
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