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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAugust 24, 2020City 6h DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm Present: Mayor David Ryan Councillors: K. Ashe M. Brenner S. Butt I. Cumming B. McLean D. Pickles Also Present: M. Carpino K. Bentley B. Duffield J. Eddy J. Flowers S. Boyd R. Holborn F. Jadoon S. Karwowski S. Cassel C. Rose T. Ryce R. Perera 1. Roll Call - Interim Chief Administrative Officer - Director, City Development & CBO - (Acting) Director, Community Services - Director, Human Resources - CEO & Director of Libraries, Pickering Public Library - (Acting) Fire Chief - Director, Engineering Services - Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects - Director, Finance & Treasurer - City Clerk - Chief Planner - Supervisor, Cultural Services - (Acting) Committee Coordinator The City Clerk certified that all Members of Council were present and participating electronically in accordance with By-law 7771/20. 2. Invocation Mayor Ryan called the meeting to order and led Council in the saying of the Invocation. 3. Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. 4. Adoption of Minutes Resolution # 403/20 Cty oh DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm Moved by Councillor Brenner Seconded by Councillor Butt In Camera Council Minutes, July 27, 2020 Council Minutes, July 27, 2020 Executive Committee Minutes, August 10, 2020 Special Council Minutes, August 10, 2020 Planning & Development Committee Minutes, August 10, 2020 Carried 5. Presentations There were no presentations. 6. Delegations 6.1 Esther Forde, Michelle Francis, and Celia Cooper Pickering Anti -Black Racism Taskforce Preparatory Sub -committee Re: Report CS 27-20 Pickering Anti -Black Racism Initiatives Esther Forde, Pickering Anti -Black Racism Taskforce Preparatory Sub -committee, joined the electronic meeting via audio connection to present the proposal for forming the Pickering Anti -Black Racism Taskforce (PABRT). Ms. Forde noted that Michelle Francis and Celia Cooper, members of the Pickering Anti -Black Racism Taskforce Preparatory Sub -committee, were also present via audio connection to answer questions if required. Ms. Forde referred to a PowerPoint presentation, which was circulated to Members of Council prior to the meeting, and stated the images in that presentation, taken locally, depicted the pain and frustration of the Black community worldwide. Ms. Forde stated that the Black residents of Pickering are requesting equal treatment, the acknowledgement of the existence of Anti -Black Systemic Racism, and for the City to engage with these issues with seriousness and consistency. Ms. Forde thanked Members of Council for allowing the Sub -Committee, alongside members of the community, stakeholders, Pickering Public Library, and Cultural Services staff to undertake the initial work of creating the PABRT. Ms. Forde noted that the PABRT will work in partnership with the Pickering community, Durham -based Black organizations, businesses, stakeholders, and the City to eliminate barriers and to identify and coordinate opportunities for stakeholder and community engagement and provide expert community input and action on matters relating to Anti -Black racism initiatives. Ms. Forde stated that the mandate of the PABRT included communicating with the residents of Pickering to identify opportunities for education and improvement, strengthening and supporting Black -led economic Cty oh DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm development and Black employment initiatives, supporting the creation and success of Black communities and cultural organizations, providing action, advocacy, support, leadership, building partnerships, and providing educational resources. She highlighted achievements of the CAC relating to Anti -Black Racism Initiatives including the City's Anti -Black Racism Statement, the lit Anti - Black Racism display at City Hall, and a report to Council seeking endorsement to establish an Anti -Black Racism Taskforce. Ms. Forde concluded her delegation with a request to Council to endorse Report CS 27-20, Anti -Black Racism Initiatives. A question and answer period ensued between Michelle Francis and Celia Cooper and Members of Council regarding: • collaborating with organizations representing the Black Community in Pickering including organizations such as, Urban Alliance on Race Relations, Break the Chains Pickering, the Durham Black Accountability Coalition, and the Pickering Canadian Caribbean Cultural Association; • the independence of the PABRT from the CAC once it is established; and, • the reporting relationship between the CAC, PABRT and Council. 6.2 Dilin Simon Re: Report CS 27-20 Pickering Anti -Black Racism Initiatives Dilin Simon, 2121 Theoden Court, joined the electronic meeting via audio connection and read an open letter, addressed to Council, from Break the Chains Pickering and Urban Alliance on Race relations that had been provided to Members of Council prior to the meeting. The letter was in response to the actions taken regarding the Pickering Anti -Black Racism Initiatives. Ms. Simon noted that the CAC is unequipped to handle Anti -Black Racism Initiatives and that the Black community's issues had not been mentioned in meeting agendas of the CAC prior to the death of George Floyd. Ms. Simon requested that Members of Council acknowledge their own privilege, provide a platform and the tools to express racial oppressions to those without a voice, listen to the needs of citizens, and to take action accordingly which would result in building of trust in the Black community. Ms. Simon concluded her delegation by asking Members of Council why the Black community of Pickering was not made aware or involved in the Anti -Black Racism Initiatives, what Members of Council intended to do with the information before them, as well as the reasoning behind not allowing the Black residents of Pickering to lead the creation of the Taskforce. A question and answer period ensued between Dilin Simon and Members of Council on how Ms. Simon would approach establishing an Anti -Black Racism Taskforce to address the issues facing the Black community in Pickering. Cty oh DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 6.3 Neethan Shan, Urban Alliance on Race Relations Re: Report CS 27-20 Pickering Anti -Black Racism Initiatives Neethan Shan, Urban Alliance on Race Relations, joined the electronic meeting via audio connection to express concerns regarding the City's Anti -Black Racism Initiatives. Mr. Shan stated that he is disappointed with Council's decision to allow the CAC to conduct work relating to Anti -Black Racism as racism is not a cultural or a diversity issue, rather it is a systemic issue. Mr. Shan expressed concern regarding the conduct of the CAC's August 6, 2020 meeting, the lack of discussion and debate by the Committee on the matter and the lack of capacity of the CAC to deal with these issues. He added that supporting Black artists, while important, is not the way to tackle Anti -Black Racism issues and stated the point was being missed and that day-to-day Anti -Black Racism was much more serious. Mr. Shan referenced Toronto's Confronting Anti -Black Racism Unit as a good example and raised questions to Council regarding diversity of staffing in the City, support for Black vendors and businesses, resources, such as library books for the Black community, and the need to reallocate resources to address these issues. Mr. Shan concluded with a request that Members of Council stop the CAC's involvement in creating the Taskforce and start fresh, by involving the Black community of Pickering, including organizations such as Break the Chains. A question and answer period ensued between Neethan Shan and Members of Council regarding: • creating a cohesive approach and involving organizations such as Break the Chains, Urban Alliance, as well as others, before establishing the Anti - Black Racism Task Force; • whether the Urban Alliance on Race Relations was equipped to lead these initiatives; • the proposed composition of the Taskforce, as outlined in Report CS 27-20, and the opportunities that would be in place to engage those groups; • the reporting relationship between the CAC, PABRT, and Council; • previous experiences of Urban Alliance on Race Relations in forming a Anti -Black Racism Taskforce and whether they were aware of any other task forces that run independently; and, • whether they had been involved with other municipalities that are creating an Anti -Black Racism Taskforce. 6.4 Paulette Senior Re: Report CS 27-20 Pickering Anti -Black Racism Initiatives Cty oh DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm Paulette Senior, 735 Sunbird Trail, joined the electronic meeting via audio connection to express concerns regarding the City's Anti -Black Racism Initiatives. Ms. Senior noted that she has been involved in advocacy work for many years and that she is deeply concerned with how this process has been addressed from the outset. She stated that Council was elected to represent multiple voices in the community and requested that Mayor Ryan provide leadership that demonstrates the same level of investment in Anti -Black Racism that Black residents of Pickering have. Ms. Senior requested that Council invite the Black residents of Pickering to hear their concerns in order to understand the issues surrounding the Black community, and noted the importance of understanding these issues prior to creating a framework to address them. Ms. Senior requested that Council put aside the decision to establish the Taskforce, to hear and understand the issues, and to consider a different approach beyond what is proposed by the CAC. 6.5 Charlene Rocha Re: Report CS 27-20 Pickering Anti -Black Racism Initiatives Charlene Rocha, 2366 Strathmore Crescent, joined the electronic meeting via audio connection to express concerns regarding the City's Anti -Black Racism Initiatives. Ms. Rocha noted that many Black residents of Pickering were not aware that a Taskforce was underway, that the taskforce must be led by the Black community of Pickering and report directly to Council, that Culture is different from Race, and that a survey is insufficient in understanding the issues surrounding the Black community. Ms. Rocha concluded her delegation noting that a taskforce is necessary and requested that Members of Council create the taskforce using a different approach. 6.6 Nathaniel Luces Re: Report CS 27-20 Pickering Anti -Black Racism Initiatives Nathaniel Luces, 1580 Kingston Road, joined the electronic meeting via audio connection to express concerns regarding the City's Anti -Black Racism Initiatives. Mr. Luces noted that a lack of transparency was present by the CAC in embarking on these initiatives and that they were not committed to listening. He stated that the Black residents of Pickering were not involved in the process which contributed to a lack of trust, noting engaging them after the fact was not the right approach. Mr. Luces concluded by stating that the 4 Black residents of the CAC do not accurately represent the almost 10,000 Black residents of Pickering. City 6h DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 7. Correspondence 7.1 Corr. 38-20 Don Lovisa, President, Durham College Craig Stevenson, President, Centennial College Re: Pickering Learning Site Closure Discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding the importance of having a post -secondary branch in Pickering and the disappointment in the closure decision. A question and answer period ensued regarding whether Staff were given prior notice of the closure, if Pickering is the only satellite operation of Durham College to close down, and if Staff are conducting discussions with other post -secondary institutions interested in coming to Pickering. Fiaz Jadoon, Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects advised that Staff were given notice at the same time as Council, Pickering is the only Satellite Operation of Durham College to close down, and that Staff have not had any discussions with other Post - Secondary Institutes to date. Further discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding a response to Durham College expressing disappointment with the closure decision, with Mayor Ryan noting that he will be responding to the letter from Durham and Centennial College expressing the concerns of Council. Councillor Ashe stated that he had a conversation with Mr. Lovisa, President, Durham College, and Mr. Stevenson, President, Centennial College prior to the issuance of the letter as Deputy Mayor, and stated that the decision was due to COVID-19 and not due to cuts to Provincial funding as there was no Provincial funding even prior to COVID-19. Further questions were raised regarding impacts to students who had already enrolled and paid for courses and whether there are any plans to invite other educational institutions to the City. Mr. Jadoon stated that the City is not involved in the internal affairs of the College and its programs and that Staff were waiting to discover more information on the new tenant. Resolution # 404/20 Moved by Councillor Ashe Seconded by Councillor Cumming City 6h DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm That Corr. 38-20, dated August 7, 2020, from Don Lovisa, President, Durham College, and Craig Stevenson, President, Centennial College, regarding the Pickering Learning Site Closure, be received for information. Carried 7.2 Corr. 39-20 The Honourable Steve Clark, Minister Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing Re: Federal -Provincial Safe Restart Agreement Municipal Operating Funding Phase 1: Immediate Funding for Municipal Pressures A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and Stan Karwowski, Director, Finance & Treasurer regarding: • whether the City has a list of incurred expenses to be included in the Phase 2 funding program; • whether Phase 1 requires the same justifications and clarifications as Phase 2; • whether the City needed to acknowledge receipt of the letter prior to providing clarification and justification; • whether costs of virtual services would be included in Phase 1 or Phase 2; and, • whether the costs of the Pickering Library services that were implemented during COVID-19 would be included in Phase 1. Mr. Karwowski noted that Staff will be bringing a report to the September 28th Council Meeting to provide a year-end projection for the current year regarding the deficit which will then form the basis for the Phase 2 application. Resolution # 405/20 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner That Corr. 39-20, dated August 12, 2020, from The Honourable Steve Clark, regarding the Federal -Provincial Safe Restart Agreement, be received for information. Carried Cty oh DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 8. Report EC 2020-05 of the Executive Committee held on August 10, 2020 8.1 Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects, Report CAO 04-20 Economic Status of Local Businesses in Pickering During COVID-19 Council Decision: 1. That report CAO 04-20 regarding the economic status of local businesses in Pickering during COVID-19 be received for information; and, 2. That Staff be directed to provide an update to Council on the economic status of local businesses in Pickering, based on the data available, at the December 14, 2020 Meeting. 8.2 Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 11-20 COVID-19 Impact on Taxation Services Council Decision: It is recommended that Report FIN 11-20, from the Director, Finance & Treasurer regarding COVID-19 Impact on Taxation Services be received for information. Resolution # 406/20 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner That Report EC 2020-05 of the Executive Committee Meeting held on August 10, 2020 be adopted. Carried 9. Report PD 2020-05 of the Planning & Development Committee held on August 10, 2020 9.1 Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 14-20 Proposed Telecommunication Tower Shared Network Canada Part of Lot 14, Concession 9, Now Parts 2 to 4, Plan 40R-20211 (2170 Ninth Concession Road) Installation #66 Report PLN 14-20 was deferred to the September 14, 2020 Planning & Development Committee meeting. Cty oh DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 10. Reports — New and Unfinished Business 10.1 Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects, Report CAO 05-20 Engagement Process for Pickering Local Food Strategy A question and answer period ensued between Members of Council and Fiaz Jadoon, Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects regarding: • timelines for reporting back to Council and engaging with the Pickering farming Community; • inventory of operating farms in Pickering and their contact information; • the amount of land used for agricultural activities and available Greenhouses in Pickering; • liaising with the Durham Agricultural Advisory Committee; and, • the distinction between food and agriculture and how Staff plan to proceed with agricultural uses versus food strategy. Resolution # 407/20 Moved by Councillor Brenner Seconded by Councillor Butt 1. That Council receive report CAO 05-20 regarding the engagement process for a local food strategy in the City of Pickering for information; and, 2. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering take necessary actions as indicated in this report. Carried 10.2 (Acting) Director, Community Services, Report CS 27-20 Pickering Anti -Black Racism Initiatives Discussion ensued regarding the commitment taken on by the CAC in conducting the initial work, acknowledgement of white privilege, and the lack of clarity and miscommunication present within the Community regarding this initiative. A question and answer period ensued regarding the reporting relationship of the Taskforce and the composition of the Taskforce, with Marisa Carpino, Interim Chief Administrative Officer noting that once appointments are made to the Taskforce, it will act independently and report directly to Council, and that the role of the CAC is only to assist with striking the Taskforce. Ms. Carpino further noted City 6h DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm that once established, the Taskforce will have the ability to amend the Terms of Reference as they see fit and present to Council for approval. Ms. Carpino noted that the action plan of the Taskforce will be rooted in community consultation to gather and listen to lived experiences of individuals in the community. Ms. Carpino stated that the preparatory subcommittee will begin this work immediately, pending approval from Council, to collect information to provide the PABRT the opportunity to get started right away with the preliminary information noting that the Taskforce may choose to do additional consultation as well. Further discussion ensued regarding: • the transparency of the process and the opportunities for engaging the community; • the importance of involving youth and high schools students in the initiatives; • the role of the Task Force going forward as it relates to addressing the concerns of the Black community; • the possibility of referring the motion back to Staff to address the concerns expressed by the delegates regarding the formation of the Task Force to date and the lack of confidence due to having not been engaged from the onset; • the process moving forward and how the key groups discussed tonight will be engaged and the timelines for such engagement; • providing an update to Council on the discussions with the groups; • the work of the PABRT Preparatory Sub -Committee and the significance of the task they have taken on; and, • the need for Council to collectively take on the responsibility of identifying and correcting systemic racism and the need to support the Sub -Committee in its efforts. Resolution # 408/20 Moved by Councillor Ashe Seconded by Councillor Butt 1. That Council adopt the Terms of Reference for the Pickering Anti -Black Racism Taskforce prepared by the Cultural Advisory Committee, as set out in Attachment 1; 2. That Council endorse the Anti -Black Racism Action Plan of the Cultural Advisory Committee, as set out in Attachment 2; and, Cty oh DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 3. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. Carried Later in the Meeting (See Following Motion) Resolution # 409/20 Moved by Councillor Brenner Seconded by Councillor McLean That Report CS 27-20 be referred back to Staff to engage with the Urban Alliance on Race Relations to facilitate a cohesive approach for the establishment of an Anti -Black Racism Taskforce and report back to Council at the September 28th Council Meeting. Yes Councillor Brenner Councillor McLean Motion Lost on a Recorded Vote as Follows: No Councillor Ashe Councillor Butt Councillor Cumming Councillor Pickles Mayor Ryan The Main Motion was then Carried Unanimously on a Recorded Vote 11. Motions and Notice of Motions There were no notices of motion. 12. By-laws 12.1 By-law 7777/20 Being a by-law to stop -up and close Part of the Road Allowance between Lots 22 and 23, Concession 3, being Part 4, Plan 40R-30725, subject to required easements. Resolution # 410/20 Moved by Councillor Butt Seconded by Councillor Pickles That By-law No. 7777/20 be approved. City 6h DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm Carried 13. Confidential Council — Public Report Mayor Ryan stated that prior to the Regular Council Meeting, an In -camera session was held at 5:30 p.m. in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Act and Procedure By-law 7665/18 to hear matters pertaining to personal matters about an identifiable individual as it relates to an appointment to the Cultural Advisory Committee and matters pertaining to a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality and provided direction to staff. 13.1 Confidential Verbal Update from the Director, Finance & Treasurer and Matthew Colley, Partner, Deloitte Re: Pickering Soccer Club Agreements Resolution # 411/20 Moved by Councillor Cumming Seconded by Councillor Pickles That the confidential recommendations and direction provided to staff at the In - Camera Session of Council, held at 5:30 pm on August 24, 2020, be approved. Carried 13.2 Appointment to Cultural Advisory Committee Resolution # 412/20 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner That Ariana Moscote Freire be appointed to the Cultural Advisory Committee for a term ending November 14, 2022, or until a successor is appointed. Carried 14. Other Business 14.1 Councillor Ashe welcomed back Mayor Ryan and stated that Members of Council are delighted to see him back. City 6h DICKERING Council Meeting Minutes August 24, 2020 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 14.2 Councillor Brenner gave notice that he may be bringing forward a Notice of Motion regarding eco -harvest to address the water-milfoil in the Frenchman's Bay with a look at funding for capital expenditures in the 2021 budget process. 14.3 Councillor Brenner requested an update from Stan Karwowski, Director, Finance & Treasurer regarding the pause and the timelines for a report back on the City Centre Project. 14.4 Mayor Ryan thanked Councillor Ashe for taking on the role of Deputy Mayor in his absence and thanked Members of Council and members of the public for their continued support to him and his family. 15. Confirmation By-law By-law Number 7778/20 Councillor Cumming, seconded by Councillor Pickles moved for leave to introduce a By- law of the City of Pickering to confirm the proceedings of August 24, 2020. 16. Adjournment Moved by Councillor McLean Seconded by Councillor Brenner That the meeting be adjourned. The meeting adjourned at 9:48 pm. Dated this 24th of August, 2020. Carried Carried David Ryan, Mayor Susan Cassel, City Clerk