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HomeMy WebLinkAboutOctober 28, 2024 - Draft Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 1 Present: Mayor Kevin Ashe Councillors: M. Brenner S. Butt L. Cook M. Nagy D. Pickles Absent: L. Robinson Also Present: M. Carpino - Chief Administrative Officer K. Bentley - Director, City Development & CBO P. Bigioni - Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor S. Boyd - Fire Chief B. Duffield - Director, Operations L. Gibbs - Director, Community Services R. Holborn - Director, Engineering Services F. Jadoon - Director, Economic Development & Strategic Projects S. Karwowski - Director, Finance & Treasurer S. Cassel - City Clerk C. Rose - Chief Planner J. Litoborski - Manager, By-Law Enforcement Services C. Redmond - (Acting) Deputy Clerk 1. Call to Order/Roll Call The City Clerk certified that all Members of Council were present and participating in- person, save and except Councillor Robinson. 2. Moment of Reflection Mayor Ashe called for a silent moment of reflection. 3. Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement Mayor Ashe read the Indigenous Land Acknowledgment Statement. Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 2 4. Disclosure of Interest 4.1 Councillor Pickles declared a conflict of interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act with respect to Item 11.3, Confidential Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Re: Potential Acquisition of Frenchman’s Bay, on the basis of the possible involvement of an organization that he was affiliated with. Councillor Pickles did not take part in the discussion or vote on this matter. There were no requests from credentialed media for filming in Council Chambers. 5. Adoption of Minutes Resolution #587/24 Moved by Councillor Butt Seconded by Councillor Cook Council Minutes, September 23, 2024 Executive Committee Minutes, October 7, 2024 Special Council Minutes, October 10, 2024 Carried 6. Presentations There were no presentations. 7. Delegations 7.1 Martin Field, Executive Chair, Spay Neuter Initiatives Association Angela Schweinitz, Media & Public Outreach, Spay Neuter Initiatives Association Re: The Spay Neuter Initiatives Association Program Martin Field, Executive Chair, and Angela Schweinitz, Media & Public Outreach, Spay Neuter Initiatives Association appeared before Council to speak to the Spay Neuter Initiatives Association Program (SNIP), and to request Council’s support for their 2025 Community Grant Program application. Through the aid of a PowerPoint presentation, M. Field provided an overview of the program, including working with an expanding network of veterinarian practices in Durham Region. A. Schweinitz provided background information on the Association and spoke to the services they provided, their funding challenges, and the need to expand the Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 3 scope of their service, including eligibility for the program. M. Field spoke to how funds and subsidies were used, and the benefits of the program for municipalities. M. Field concluded by noting that supporting the program would enhance public safety, reduce expenses, and create a more caring and harmonious environment for all residents. A question and answer period ensued between M. Field, A. Schweinitz and Council regarding: • whether the Association reached out to Pickering Animal Services to support their program; • details of the application process, eligibility for the program and if they provided services for pets of the unhoused; • the Association’s outreach program and how they advertised their services throughout Durham Region; • the number of applicants assisted in 2024, and that the goal for 2025 would be dependent on funding; and, • how the services the Association provided compared with municipal animal services. 7.2 Ryan Linkletter, Pickering Resident Re: Additional Legislative Amendments to Improve Codes of Conduct and Enforcement Ryan Linkletter, Pickering Resident, appeared before Council to speak to the Notice of Motion regarding Additional Legislative Amendments to Improve Codes of Conduct and Enforcement. R. Linkletter stated that he was disgusted that Council would bring forward a motion that would give Council the right to override the democratic rights of the people of Pickering. Mayor Ashe clarified that the motion did not allow Members of Council to remove a Member from Council but that the motion spoke to requesting the Provincial Government to implement a mechanism that might allow an Integrity Commissioner to apply to a judge for the removal of an elected official. R. Linkletter reiterated that the intent of the motion was still for that mechanism to occur, that hiding behind the recommendations of the Integrity Commissioner was undemocratic, and that Council should think about the long-term consequences of their decisions. R. Linkletter noted that Council had a choice to accept, reject or alter Integrity Commissioner recommendations, and concluded by asking Council, why they believed they had the right to remove, or request to remove, a Member of Council and banning that member from running in a subsequent election. Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 4 8. Report EC 08-24 of the Executive Committee held on October 7, 2024 8.1 Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 19-24 2023 Year End Audit and Financial Statements (Final) Council Decision: 1. That the Report FIN 19-24 regarding the results of the 2023 Audit, as submitted by Deloitte LLP, be received for information; and, 2. That the 2023 draft Audited Consolidated Financial Statements for the City of Pickering be approved. 8.2 Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 20-24 2024 Year End Audit (Interim) Council Decision: 1. That the 2024 Audit Service Plan as submitted by Deloitte LLP, set out in Attachment 1 to this report, be received for information; and, 2. That the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to sign the Engagement Letter, set out in Attachment 2 to this report, on behalf of the City. 8.3 Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Report BYL 02-24 Toys for Tickets and Food for Fines Holiday Parking Fine Program Council Decision: 1. That parking tickets issued between Monday, November 25, 2024 through Wednesday, December 18, 2024 be eligible for the Toys for Tickets/Food for Fines program; 2. That the Toys for Tickets/Food for Fines program be implemented from November 25, 2024 through December 18, 2024; and, 3. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. 8.5 Director, Community Services, Report CS 32-24 Lakeridge Health License Agreement - Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Community Exercise Clinic Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 5 Council Decision: 1. That Report CS 32-24 regarding Lakeridge Health License Agreement be received; 2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the License Agreement with Lakeridge Health, set out in Attachment 1 to this report, for use of the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Meeting Rooms 2 & 3, for the Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease Community Exercise Clinic, subject to minor revisions as may be required by the Director, Community Services and the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor; and, 3. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take necessary actions as indicated in this report. 8.6 Director, Community Services, Report CS 33-24 Community Festivals & Events - Policy Update Council Decision: 1. That Council endorse the updated Community Festivals and Events Policy CUL 070, as set out in Attachment 1 to this report, subject to minor revisions acceptable to the Director, Community Services; and, 2. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. 8.7 Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 21-24 Investment Portfolio Activity for the Year Ended December 31, 2023 Ontario Regulation 438/97 under the Municipal Act, 2001 Council Decision: It is recommended that Report FIN 21-24 of the Director, Finance & Treasurer regarding Investment Portfolio Activity for the Year Ended December 31, 2023 be received for information. 8.8 Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 25-24 Sign By-law Review Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 6 Note: This item was referred back to staff at the Executive Committee Meeting held on October 7, 2024. 8.9 Director City Development & CBO, Report SUS 09-24 Update on Diabetes Canada Textile Drop Box Initiative Council Decision: That Report SUS 09-24 be received for information. Resolution #588/24 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner That Report EC 08-24 of the Executive Committee Meeting held on October 7, 2024 be adopted, save and except Item 8.4, CS 31-24. Carried 8.4 Director, Community Services, Report CS 31-24 Shower Program Renewal - DARS Inc. Agreement Renewal Councillor Brenner provided a brief summary on the benefits and need for the Shower Program and the important work that DARS was doing in the community. Resolution #589/24 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner 1. That Report CS 31-24 regarding the agreement renewal for the DARS Inc. Shower Program be received; 2. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with DARS Inc., set out in Attachment 1 to this report, for use of the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex Arena Dressing Room shower facilities, subject to minor revisions as may be required by the Director, Community Services and the Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor; and, Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 7 3. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take necessary actions as indicated in this report. Carried 9. Reports – New and Unfinished Business 9.1 Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Report BYL 03-24 Deferral of Implementation of Accessible Service Supplement Fees Vehicle for Hire By-law A brief discussed ensued between Members of Council and staff regarding clarification that all vehicle for hires would have been subject to the accessible service supplement fees without the deferral, that the deferral of the fees would apply to ride sharing services as well as the taxi-cab industry, and that the City had deferred the fees for the past two years. Resolution #590/24 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner 1. That Report BYL 03-24 respecting a deferral of the implementation of the Accessible Service Supplement enacted in the Vehicle for Hire By-law 7739/20 be received; 2. That the implementation and collection of the Vehicle for Hire Accessible Service Supplement be deferred until January 1, 2026; and, 3. That appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report. Carried 9.2 Director, Community Services, Report CS 37-24 Safety and Security - Security Camera Procurement A brief discussion ensued between Members of Council and staff regarding the number and location of security cameras that would be installed or replaced in City facilities and parks, and that the camera footage could be accessed by appropriate staff and/or law enforcement authorities when an incident was reported. Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 8 Resolution #591/24 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Butt 1. That the quotation submitted by Phantom Security Group in response to Request for Quotation No. Q2024-24 for security camera upgrades in the amount of $304,579.04 (net HST) or $338,221.61 (HST included) be accepted; 2. That the total gross project cost of $338,222.00 (HST included) and the total net project cost of $304,579.00 (net of HST rebate) be approved; 3. That Council approve the re-allocation of the 2024 Library Capital Budget for cameras from the Central Library ($20,000) to the George Ashe Library for the same dollar amount (C10900.2411); 4. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the net project cost of $304,579.00 as approved in the 2023 & 2024 Capital Budgets as follows: a) The sum of $99,000.00 to be funded from the Casino Reserve; b) The sum of $40,000.00 to be funded from the Self Insurance Reserve; c) The sum of $73,079.00 to be funded from the Rate Stabilization Reserve; d) The sum of $45,000.00 to be funded from the Facilities Reserve; e) The sum of $27,500.00 to be funded from the Operations Centre Reserve Fund; f) The sum of $20,000.00 is to be funded from the Major Equipment Reserve; and, 5. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in the report. Carried Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 9 9.3 Director, Operations, Report OPS 18-24 Satellite Office Renovation (RFP2024-12) Resolution #592/24 Moved by Councillor Brenner Seconded by Councillor Cook 1. That the proposal submitted by Icon Restoration Services Inc., in response to Request for Proposal No. RFP2024-12 for Satellite Office Renovation at 2460 Brock Road in the amount of $572,647.17 (net HST) or $635,899.17 (HST included) be accepted; 2. That the total gross project cost of $937,610.00 (HST included), including the amount of the proposal, contingency and other associated costs, and the total net project cost of $844,347.00 (net of HST) be approved; 3. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized to finance the net project cost of $844,347.00 to be funded from the Casino Reserve, as approved in the 2023 Capital Budget; 4. That the Director, Operations be authorized to enter into and execute the CCDC-2, 2020 Stipulated Price Contract with the above-mentioned contractor pursuant to Request for Proposal No. RFP2024-12; and, 5. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary action to give effect hereto. Carried 10. Motions and Notice of Motions 10.1 Considering Schools in Downtown Pickering Councillor Pickles provided a brief summary of the purpose of the motion, and a brief discussion ensued between Members of Council and staff regarding the designation of space within high-rise developments for educational purposes, and the overall benefit to the community of having schools in downtown Pickering. Resolution #593/24 Moved by Councillor Pickles Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 10 Seconded by Councillor Butt WHEREAS, the City of Pickering’s City Centre neighbourhood is expected to grow significantly in both population and density; And Whereas, it is important to ensure schools are located close to where students live; And Whereas, developments in the City Centre neighbourhood require careful planning and take time to implement; And Whereas, City of Pickering staff work collaboratively with developers and school boards to review current student accommodation and school sites and integrate school space into new high-density, mixed-use projects, creating more opportunities for students to attend school within their community; Now therefore be it resolved, that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering, through the Office of the CAO, directs: 1. That City Development staff contact and collaborate with school board staff to assess the need for schools in Pickering’s City Centre, and explore options for integrating school space into high-density developments; 2. That staff work with developers and school boards to designate future school sites and incorporate these school sites into the planning and design of new residential developments; and, 3. That a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the Durham District School Board, Durham Catholic District School Board, the Honourable Jill Dunlop, Minister of Education, and the Honourable Peter Bethlenfalvy, MPP Pickering-Uxbridge. Carried 10.2 Anti-Littering Slogan Campaign Councillor Cook provided a brief summary of the purpose of the motion and advised that it was a community led initiative that had been prompted by residents. Resolution #594/24 Moved by Councillor Cook Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 11 Seconded by Councillor Nagy WHEREAS, residents have observed a significant increase in litter across our beachfront areas, parks and trails, most notably in sensitive watershed areas. The issue persists despite the availability of waste receptacles (i.e. fishing line disposal units, garbage and recycling bins); And Whereas, other municipalities across Canada have created clever anti-litter slogan campaigns to persuade people to take the simple step of throwing their garbage in waste receptacles instead of on the ground; And Whereas, catchy slogan campaigns have been proven to be highly effective. For example, the "Don't Mess with Texas" anti-litter campaign, created by the Texas Department of Transportation, is credited with reducing litter on highways by an incredible 72%. Similarly, “Woodsy Owl” was created in 1971 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service as an anti-pollution symbol. His catchy tag line, “Give a hoot; don't pollute!” is still used today more than 50 years later to remind us to care for the planet; And Whereas, in 2014, the City of Toronto launched the “Littering says a lot about you” campaign. This initiative effectively targeted the entire city by utilizing posters and signage on buses, newspaper ads, and bus shelters to reduce litter in public spaces; and, And Whereas, when it comes to stopping litter, a catchy phrase can make a difference. It is a proven way to raise awareness about keeping your community clean with just one simple act - tossing garbage in a trash can. Now therefore be it resolved, that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering directs through the Office of the CAO that staff: 1. Create an anti-littering campaign with a clever tag line or slogan that addresses issues related to fishing, pollution, and careless littering, and ensure that the campaign runs for a minimum of one year from its launch; 2. Assess most common critical areas where littering has been reported or identified as a problem area; 3. Create and implement a digital anti-littering campaign in 2025 using in- house resources; Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 12 4. Report back to Council no later than Q1 2025 on the above including provisions and any budgetary impacts to install permanent signage to promote the City’s anti-littering campaign; and, 5. That this resolution be circulated to the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, all Durham Region municipalities, and to the Ministry of Natural Resources. Carried 10.3 Additional Legislative Amendments to Improve Municipal Codes of Conduct and Enforcement Councillor Nagy provided a brief summary of the purpose of the motion. Brief discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding: • other governing bodies having more tools to address conduct issues and the need for municipalities to be afforded those same tools; • continuing to build on the momentum that had started in Ontario, and across the Country, and the draft Bill 207 that was currently under debate at the Provincial level; • the importance of advocating for appropriate accountability when it came to perpetuating violence and harassment in the workplace; and, • the issues experienced on Pickering Council respecting Code of Conduct violations and the need for greater sanctions. Resolution #595/24 Moved by Councillor Nagy Seconded by Councillor Cook WHEREAS, the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering, on October 23, 2023, through Resolution #310/23, adopted a motion calling on the Government of Ontario to strengthen municipal codes of conduct, and later endorsed correspondence from the Town of Aurora asking the same; And Whereas, in August 2024, Minister Paul Calandra, Municipal Affairs and Housing, committed to adopting and implementing then-forthcoming recommendations from Commissioner Wake, the province’s integrity commissioner, whose report was recently released; Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 13 And Whereas, the current tabled legislation, Bill 207, Municipal Accountability and Integrity Act, 2024, contains elements consistent with the City’s request to the Province; And Whereas, municipal governments do not have the necessary tools to adequately enforce compliance with municipal Codes of Conduct and support appropriate accountability when it comes to perpetrating violence and harassment in the workplace; And Whereas, other levels of government, such as the Board of Trustees, under the Education Act, have different sanctions that could be effectively applied in the context of municipally elected officials; And Whereas, the fundamental underlying principle of broadening diversity, equity and inclusion in politics rests on the assumption the workplace is safe; And Whereas, legislated changes are needed to require councillors to comply with workplace violence and harassment policies, and violations of those policies should allow for a process of removal from office of an elected official for substantiated cases of egregious violence or harassment, as well as restricting officials whose seat has been vacated from seeking immediate, subsequent re-election; Now therefore be it resolved, that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering: 1. Supports the call of Association of Municipalities of Ontario, Rural Ontario Municipal Association, Ontario Municipal Administrators Association, Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario (AMCTO), Ontario Big City Mayors, and over 208 municipalities and counting, for the Government of Ontario to introduce legislation to strengthen municipal Codes of Conduct and compliance with them in consultation with municipal governments; 2. Requests that in addition to the legislated changes previously requested, that the following matters be considered for both the Municipal Act and the City of Toronto Act: • Implementation of sanctions similar to those in Section 218.3 of the Education Act, Breach of Code of Conduct; and, • Implementations similar to those in the Education Act under O. Reg. 312/24: Members of School Boards - Code of Conduct; Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 14 • The establishment of a Board of Integrity Commissioners (IC); • Allowing a Commissioner of the Board of ICs, to make an application for judicial review to vacate a member’s seat and impose prescribed penalties if the Commissioner is of the opinion that the member has made certain contraventions of the code of conduct; • Provisions to allow the Commissioner to apply to a judge of the Superior Court for confirmation of certain determinations; • Provisions to prohibit a member so removed from sitting for election in the term of removal and the subsequent term of office; 3. Requests that in the event the Government cannot, for whatever reason, introduce its own legislation, that the Government support and prioritize Bill 207, Municipal Accountability and Integrity Act, 2024; and, 4. That this resolution, along with a copy of Resolution #310/23, be circulated to The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario, The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, The Honourable Doug Downey, Attorney General, The Honourable Charmaine A. Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, all Durham MPPs, the Regional Municipality of Durham, all lower tier Durham municipalities, and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO). Carried Unanimously on a Recorded Vote 11. Confidential Council – Public Report Mayor Ashe stated that prior to the Regular Council Meeting, an In-camera session was held at 5:00 pm in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Act and Procedure By-law to consider matters pertaining to personal matters about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, a proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local board and, advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, and 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 or local board. These matters were discussed in closed session as they pertained to citizen appointments to Committees, a personal matter, and the potential acquisition of Frenchman’s Bay. Carried 11.1 Citizen Appointments to Committees - Accessibility Advisory Committee Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 15 - Cultural Advisory Committee - Heritage Pickering Advisory Committee Resolution #596/24 Moved by Councillor Butt Seconded by Councillor Brenner 1. That the following citizens be appointed to the following Committees for a term ending on November 14, 2026, or until a successor is appointed: Accessibility Advisory Committee Dylan Schick Cultural Advisory Committee Samantha Almeida-Schroen Julian Baricuatro Samantha Barillaro Daniel Davis Dushanthi Jayawardena Zeynab Kazi Michael McFarland Ansonett Palmer Sasha Ramoutar Deborah Thompson Heritage Pickering Advisory Committee Sherry Croteau 2. That Katherine Hale be appointed to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for a term commencing on November 21, 2024 and ending on November 14, 2026, or until a successor is appointed. Carried Carried 11.2 Confidential Verbal Update from the Director, Human Resources Re: Personal Matter Resolution #597/24 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Nagy Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 16 That the confidential direction provided to staff at the in-camera session be approved. Carried Carried 11.3 Confidential Memorandum from the Chief Administrative Officer and the Director Corporate Services & City Solicitor Re: Potential Acquisition of Frenchman’s Bay Having previously declared a conflict of interest, Councillor Pickles did not vote on the following item. Resolution #598/24 Moved by Councillor Brenner Seconded by Councillor Cook That the confidential direction provided to staff at the in-camera session be approved. Carried 12. Regional Councillor Updates There were no updates from Regional Councillors. 13. Other Business 13.1 Councillor Cook gave Notice of a Motion regarding the creation of a Veteran’s crosswalk to be funded through the Public Art Reserve Fund. 13.2 Mayor Ashe raised the matter of trespass orders issued by the City and requested confirmation that the Mayor and Members of Council had no involvement with the issuance of Trespass Orders. M. Carpino, Chief Administrative Officer, confirmed that Trespass Orders were a mechanism available through the Respectful Conduct Policy and that although Council approved the Policy, they played no role in the administration of it. 14. Confirmatory By-law By-law 8138/24 Draft Council Meeting Minutes October 28, 2024 Hybrid Electronic Meeting Council Chambers 7:00 pm 17 Councillor Cook, seconded by Councillor Pickles moved for leave to introduce a By-law of the City of Pickering to confirm the proceedings of October 28, 2024. Carried 15. Adjournment Moved by Councillor Butt Seconded by Councillor Nagy That the meeting be adjourned. Carried The meeting adjourned at 8:16 pm. Dated this 28th day of October, 2024. Kevin Ashe, Mayor Susan Cassel, City Clerk