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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMarch 24, 2025 - Draft Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 1 Present: Mayor Kevin Ashe Councillors: M. Brenner S. Butt L. Cook M. Nagy D. Pickles L. Robinson Also Present: S. Cassel - City Clerk R. Perera - Deputy Clerk J. Currie - Legislative Coordinator 1. Call to Order/Roll Call The City Clerk certified that all Members of Council were present and participating electronically. 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. 4. Disclosure of Interest No disclosures of interest were noted. 5. Adoption of Minutes Resolution #681/25 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner Council Minutes, February 24, 2025 Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 2 Executive Committee Minutes, March 3, 2025 Planning & Development Committee Minutes, March 3, 2025 Special Council Minutes, March 19, 2025 Carried 6. Presentations There were no presentations. 7. Delegations 7.1 Mike Garvey, President, Pickering Pickleball Club Re: Shadybrook Pickleball Courts Noise and Community Disruption M. Garvey, President, Pickering Pickleball Club, appeared before Council via electronic connection to speak to the Motion on Shadybrook Pickleball Courts Noise and Community Disruption. M. Garvey spoke about the Club’s excitement over the opening of the new and only outdoor pickleball court in Shadybrook Park in September 2024, and that they had approximately 350 members to date who had joined with the expectation that the Club would continue to have access to the same facilities going forward. M. Garvey noted that the Motion would have a significant reduction in the number of courts by 50%. M. Garvey said that the Club recognized that Shadybrook Park was not a good location for pickleball courts due to the noise to the neighbouring houses and added that out of respect for the neighbours, the Club had reduced their play hours to 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. M. Garvey added that the Club had invested money in the courts and that they were hoping to host the inter-club playoffs with other municipalities at the Shadybrook Pickleball Courts. M. Garvey stated that they were requesting a revision to the Motion to include acoustic panels to mitigate noise disruption and that the date to vacate the Shadybrook Park be set to when the Pickleball courts become available at the Diana, Princess of Wales Park. M. Garvey concluded that pickleball was a fast growing sport and that limiting the Shadybrook outdoor courts would negatively affect the senior community who wanted to remain active. 7.2 Stephanie Burns, Pickering Resident Re: Shadybrook Pickleball Courts Noise and Community Disruption S. Burns, Pickering Resident, appeared before Council via electronic connection to speak to the Motion on Shadybrook Pickleball Courts Noise and Community Disruption. S. Burns stated that they lived 28 metres from the pickleball courts and that they had been living in the neighbourhood for almost 18 years. S. Burns said that due to a medical diagnosis, they used to enjoy swimming in their backyard as a form of therapy, however, the noise from the pickleball courts had negatively Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 3 affected their ability to enjoy their backyard and had impacted their mental health. S. Burns stated that they keep their windows closed and that they had to close their pool a month early last year due to the noise from the pickleball courts. S. Burns noted that the intent of the Motion was to address the proximity of the courts to the residential homes and that there was no other option other than to relocate the courts. 7.3 John Jensen, Pickering Resident Re: Shadybrook Pickleball Courts Noise and Community Disruption John Jensen, Pickering Resident, appeared before Council via electronic connection to speak to the Motion on Shadybrook Pickleball Courts Noise and Community Disruption. J. Jensen stated that 20 homes back onto the Shadybrook pickleball courts including their home and that 19 of these homes have signed a petition opposing the pickleball courts. J. Jensen expressed that the noise from the courts was intolerable and they have lost their right to peaceful enjoyment of their property adding that while pickleball enthusiasts can enjoy peace and quiet in their homes after a game, the residents of Shadybrook cannot until the courts close at 9:00 p.m. J. Jensen noted that the high pitch noise of pickleball rackets hitting a plastic ball is similar to the sound of gun shots and that medical journals have confirmed that prolonged exposure to such disruptive and impulsive noises release stress hormones that can lead to serious health issues. J. Jensen stated that the City failed to conduct an acoustic study prior to the installation of the courts, that the noise exceeded provincial guidelines, and that if an acoustic study had been conducted prior to the installation of the courts, they would not have been installed. J. Jensen said that building a third court to be shared between pickleball and tennis was not a win-win solution. 8. Correspondence 8.1 Corr. 02-25 Emily Elliot, Deputy Clerk, Township of Uxbridge Re: Implementation of “Buy Canadian” Policy Brief discussion ensued regarding imposing a “Buy Canadian” Policy and the potential serious unintended consequences it could have including retaliation from other countries, difficulty for Canadian companies to remain competitive in a global market, and the policy being a form of false patriotism. Resolution #682/25 Moved by Councillor Brenner Seconded by Councillor Cook Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 4 That Corr. 02-25, from Emily Elliot, Deputy Clerk, Township of Uxbridge, dated February 14, 2025, regarding Implementation of “Buy Canadian” Policy, be received for information. Carried 9. Report EC 03-25 of the Executive Committee held on March 3, 2025 9.4 Director, Community Services, Report CS 02-25 Claremont and District Lions Club No Fee Permit Approval Council Decision: 1. That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to provide a no fee permit to the Claremont and District Lions Club for the use of the Lions Club Meeting Room at Dr. Nelson F. Tomlinson Community Centre for a three-month term, from April 1 to June 27, 2025; and, 2. That the appropriate City officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. 9.5 Director, Engineering Services, Report ENG 04-25 Pine Creek Restoration Site #22 – Culvert Replacement at Lynn Heights Drive Consulting and Professional Services for the Detailed Design Council Decision: 1. That Council approve retaining Aquafor Beech Limited for consulting and professional services for the preparation of the detailed design of the Pine Creek Restoration Site #22 – Culvert Replacement at Lynn Heights Drive, in accordance with Purchasing Policy Item 10.03 (c), as the assignment is above $50,000.00; 2. That the proposal submitted by Aquafor Beech Limited for consulting and professional services for the preparation of the detailed design of the Pine Creek Restoration Site #22 – Culvert Replacement at Lynn Heights Drive, in the amount of $176,267.65 (net HST) or $195,737.47 (HST included) be accepted; Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 5 3. That the total gross project cost of $232,713.00 (HST included), including the fee amount and other associated costs, and the total net project cost of $209,565.00 (net HST) be approved; 4. That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the total net project cost of $209,565.00 as follows: a) The sum of $183,239.00 to be funded by a transfer from the Development Charges – City’s Share Reserve as approved in the 2025 Capital Budget; b) The sum of $26,326.00 to be funded by a transfer from Development Charges – Stormwater Management Reserve Fund as approved in the 2025 Capital Budget; and, 5. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. 9.7 Director, City Development & CBO, Report SUS 01-25 Pickering Environmental Schools Grant Results of the 2024 Funding Council Decision: That Report SUS 01-25, regarding the Pickering Environmental Schools Grant, be received for information. Resolution #683/25 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner That Report EC 03-25 of the Executive Committee Meeting held on March 3, 2025 be adopted, save and except Item 9.1, Report CAO 02-25, Item 9.2, Report CAO 03-25, Item 9.3, Report CS 01-25, and Item 9.6, Report OPS 04-25. Carried 9.1 Chief Administrative Officer, Report CAO 02-25 - Anti-Littering Campaign Brief discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding: Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 6 • concerns that the campaign was not addressing the root cause of littering being the lack of sufficient public waste bins in critical areas; • the Report being in response to a community driven initiative to address illegal dumping in the City; • the City of Toronto having seen positive results in reduced littering through similar anti-littering campaigns; and, • the campaign being an effective tool to provided public education on anti-littering. Resolution #684/25 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner 1. That Report CAO 02-25 regarding the Anti-Littering Campaign be received; 2. That staff be authorized to implement the digital Anti-Littering Campaign in 2025, as set out in this report; 3. That the Mayor be requested to consider including funds in the amount of $12,000.00 in the 2026 Public Affairs & Corporate Communication Current Budget to install temporary signage to promote the City’s Anti-Littering Campaign; and, 4. That appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the actions necessary to implement the recommendations in this report. Carried on a Recorded Vote as Follows: Yes: Councillor Brenner Councillor Butt Councillor Cook Councillor Nagy Councillor Pickles Mayor Ashe No: Councillor Robinson 9.2 Chief Administrative Officer, Report CAO 03-25 Beachfront Park Master Plan (Phase 1 Implementation) and Alex Robertson Park Gravel Parking Lot – Project Update Request for Tender No. T2024-7 – Milestone Report #1 Brief discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding: Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 7 • concerns that the $80,000 for the call to Indigenous artists was being funded through the casino funds and not the Public Art Reserve fund; • concerns that the $400,000 was being allocated towards a parking lot that was owned by the Ontario Power Generation (OPG); • a discrepancy between the reference at a previous meeting where the art was not referred to as “public art” but that it was called this in the current Report; and, • measures that would be used to ensure future reports accurately reflected the financial commitments for public art. Resolution #685/25 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner That Report CAO 03-25 regarding Beachfront Park Master Plan (Phase 1 implementation) and Alex Robertson Park Gravel Parking Lot Project Update, Milestone Report #1, be received for information. Carried on a Recorded Vote as Follows: Yes: Councillor Brenner Councillor Butt Councillor Cook Councillor Nagy Councillor Pickles Mayor Ashe No: Councillor Robinson 9.3 Director, Community Services, Report CS 01-25 City Property Naming - John E. Anderson Brief discussion ensued regarding concerns surrounding naming public buildings after elected officials and that naming rights for buildings should be available for purchase as exemplified by the Chestnut Hill Developments Recreation Complex. Resolution #686/25 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 8 1. That Report CS 01-25 regarding the City Property Naming in honour of John E. Anderson be received; 2. That Council approve the Exhibit Gallery at the Pickering Heritage & Community Centre to be named the John E. Anderson Gallery; and, 3. That the appropriate City of Pickering officials be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. Carried 9.6 Director, Operations, Report OPS 04-25 2024 - 2029 Corporate Energy Management Plan Brief discussion ensued regarding: • declaring a climate emergency without clear timelines and endorsing such measures that could jeopardize the ability to maintain essential services, hinder economic stability, and impose severe constraints on everyday life of Pickering residents; and, • the need to prioritize incremental changes that focus on community safety, convenience, and economic well-being. Resolution #687/25 Moved by Councillor Pickles Seconded by Councillor Brenner 1. That Report OPS 04-25 regarding the 2024 - 2029 Corporate Energy Management Plan (CEMP), prepared by IndEco Strategic Consulting Inc., be endorsed; 2. That recommendations from the 2024 - 2029 CEMP be considered, along with other municipal priorities, through future annual municipal plans and budget processes; 3. That staff annually report back to Council on the progress of the implementation of the CEMP and the energy management program; and, 4. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. Carried on a Recorded Vote as Follows: Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 9 Yes: Councillor Brenner Councillor Butt Councillor Cook Councillor Nagy Councillor Pickles Mayor Ashe No: Councillor Robinson 10. Report PD 02-25 of the Planning & Development Committee held on March 3, 2025 10.2 Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 06-25 Zoning By-law Amendment A 14/21 197229 Ontario Inc. 5329 Brock Road (“Old Brock Road”) Council Decision: 1. That Zoning By-law Amendment Application A 14/21, submitted by 197229 Ontario Inc., to legalize an existing landscape and pool installation business at 5329 Brock Road (“Old Brock Road”), be approved, subject to the provisions contained in Appendix I to Report PLN 06-25; and, 2. That staff be authorized to finalize and forward an implementing Zoning By-law to Council for enactment, after the applicant has executed a Site Plan Agreement and submitted all required financial obligations and letters of credit, to the satisfaction of the Director, City Development & CBO. Resolution #688/25 Moved by Councillor Butt Seconded by Councillor Nagy That Report PD 02-25 of the Planning & Development Committee Meeting held on March 3, 2025 be adopted, save and except Item 10.1, Report PLN 05-25. Carried 10.1 Director, City Development & CBO, Report PLN 05-25 City of Pickering Retail Market Study Background to the Pickering Official Plan Review Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 10 Brief discussion ensued between regarding who authorized and funded the Study, the accuracy of the findings in the Study, the need for adequate parking in the City, evidence to support the projected growth, and whether the Report reflect the needs of the community. Resolution #689/25 Moved by Councillor Butt Seconded by Councillor Nagy That Report PLN 05-25 of the Director, City Development & CBO, and the City of Pickering Retail Market Study, dated December 24, 2024, and prepared by Parcel Economics Inc. and SGL Planning & Design Inc., be received for information, in support of the ongoing Pickering Official Plan Review. Carried on a Recorded Vote as Follows: Yes: Councillor Brenner Councillor Butt Councillor Cook Councillor Nagy Councillor Pickles Mayor Ashe No: Councillor Robinson 11. Reports – New and Unfinished Business 11.1 Director, Corporate Services & City Solicitor, Report CLK 01-25 Amendments to Procedure By-law 8019/23 - Changes to Standing Committees and Housekeeping Matters Mayoral Decision #03-2025 Brief discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding: • the Chair already having adequate control over a meeting negating the need to restructure the chairing of the Standing Committees; • the appointment of Chairs and Vice Chairs being a tool to centralize control; • concerns regarding the removal of Elected Officials from Statutory Public Meetings; • concerns regarding the various housekeeping amendments noted in the report; and, Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 11 • the proposed structure for the Statutory Public Meetings being previously conducted in the City and the structure being a way to enhance public engagement. Resolution #690/25 Moved by Councillor Cook Seconded by Councillor Nagy 1. That Report CLK 01-25 regarding amendments to Procedure By-law 8019/23 be received; 2. That the draft By-law included as Attachment 2 to Report CLK 01-25 be approved and enacted; 3. That the list of dates for Statutory Public Meetings under the Planning Act, included as Attachment 4 to Report CLK 01-25 be approved, and that the City Clerk be authorized to include such dates on the 2025 Committee & Council Meeting Schedule; and, 4. That the appropriate City of Pickering Officials be authorized to take such actions as are necessary to give effect to the recommendations in this report. Carried on a Recorded Vote as Follows: Yes: Councillor Brenner Councillor Butt Councillor Cook Councillor Nagy Councillor Pickles Mayor Ashe No: Councillor Robinson 11.2 Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 03-25 Statement of the Treasurer Respecting 2024 Remuneration and Expenses of Members of Council and Council Appointees to Boards, Agencies and Committees Resolution #691/25 Moved by Councillor Brenner Seconded by Councillor Pickles Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 12 That Report FIN 03-25, regarding the Statement of the Treasurer respecting Remuneration and Expenses of Members of Council and Council Appointees for the year 2024, be received for information. Carried 11.3 Director, Finance & Treasurer, Report FIN 04-25 Banking and Financial Authorities Brief discussion ensued regarding: • concerns regarding the appointment of a Deputy Treasurer and the need for a competitive process for the selection of a Deputy Treasurer; • financial agreements requiring public input and Council approval; • concerns regarding accountability and transparency and the need for safeguards to ensure that Council oversees all major financial decisions; and, • clarification that all public organizations require individuals with signing authority and the direction to enter into financial agreements flowing from Council. Resolution #692/25 Moved by Councillor Butt Seconded by Councillor Nagy 1. That the Director, Finance & Treasurer be authorized and directed to undertake any and all activities, including the execution and signing of agreements and contracts, necessary to undertake, safeguard and ensure the financial affairs and banking of the City, including, but not limited to, those items and activities indicated in Attachment 1, Section A; 2. That the Mayor, Director, Finance & Treasurer, Division Head, Finance, Deputy Treasurer and Manager, Accounting Services be named Signing Officers for the purposes of conducting the financial affairs and banking of the City of Pickering, and that any two of them be authorized to undertake such activities in Attachment 1, Section B and any one of them be authorized to undertake the activities outlined in Attachment 1, Section C; 3. That the draft By-law included as Attachment 2 be adopted to appoint James Halsall as a Deputy Treasurer; and, Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 13 4. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. Carried on a Recorded Vote as Follows: Yes: Councillor Brenner Councillor Butt Councillor Cook Councillor Nagy Councillor Pickles Mayor Ashe No: Councillor Robinson 11.4 Director, Operations, Report OPS 03-25 Dunbarton Indoor Pool Roof Replacement and Foundation Leak Repair - Consulting and Professional Services for Detailed Design Resolution #693/25 Moved by Councillor Cook Seconded by Councillor Robinson 1. That Council approve retaining Barry Bryan Associates for consulting and professional services for the preparation of the detailed design of the Dunbarton Indoor Pool Roof Replacement and Foundation Leak Repairs, in accordance with Purchasing Policy PUR 010 section 10.03 (c), as the assignment is above $50,000.00; 2. That the proposal submitted by Barry Bryan Associates for consulting and professional services for the preparation of detailed design of the Dunbarton Indoor Pool Roof Replacement and Foundation Leak Repairs in the amount of $96,672.00 (net HST) or $107,350.00 (HST included) be accepted; 3. That the total gross project cost of $142,832.00 (HST included), including the fee amount and other associated costs, and the net project cost of $128,625.00 (net HST), be approved; 4. That Council authorize the Director, Finance & Treasurer to finance the net project cost of $128,625.00 as provided for in the 2025 Capital Budget, to be funded from the Casino Reserve; Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 14 5. That staff be authorized to sign the fee proposal submitted by Barry Bryan Associates; and, 6. That the appropriate officials of the City of Pickering be authorized to take the necessary actions as indicated in this report. Carried 12. Motions and Notice of Motions 12.1 Shadybrook Pickleball Courts Noise and Community Disruption Discussion ensued between Members of Council regarding: • Members visiting the affected homes and witnessing the disruptive noise of pickleball; • noise panels not addressing the noise issue and potentially creating a safety hazard for the players; • pickleball courts in Diana, Princess of Wales Park and Dave Ryan park filling the gap in the shortage of courts in the near future; • ensuring that a noise study was conducted prior to the installation of pickleball courts in the Diana, Princess of Wales Park; • clarification whether a noise study was conducted prior to the installation of the pickleball courts in the Shadybrook Park; and, • the timing between the closure of the pickleball courts in Shadybrook Park and the opening of the Pickleball Courts in Diana, Princess of Wales Park. Resolution #694/25 Moved by Councillor Robinson Seconded by Councillor Brenner WHEREAS, the Shadybrook Pickleball Courts are located in close proximity to abutting residential properties; And Whereas, due to the frequency and volume of noise arising from pickleball play, the quality of life of these residents has been negatively impacted; And Whereas, municipalities across Canada have begun restricting or banning pickleball courts in residential areas due to excessive noise and the negative impact on family’s quiet enjoyment of their homes; And Whereas, the Recreation & Parks Ten Year Plan (2024-2034) recommends that the potential for noise impacts on adjacent properties be considered when Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 15 determining new court locations and recommends that guidelines, as those set out in the Pickleball BC court guidelines, recommending setback of 50 metres for a two court complex and up to 115 metres depending on the number of courts and noise attenuation measures be considered; And Whereas, it has become evident that the current location of the Shadybrook Pickleball Courts in relation to abutting residential properties are not suitable for continued use due to noise levels in excess of 50 dBAI; And Whereas, in an effort to reduce the noise impact caused by the Shadybrook Pickleball Courts, City Staff have committed to reducing the play area from four to two courts along with the installation of noise reduction panels; And Whereas, the City of Pickering has a licence agreement with the Pickering Pickleball Club (Resolution #435/24) requiring six months’ notice for the termination of the agreement for the pickleball courts at Shadybrook Park; And Whereas, the City of Pickering remains committed to providing an alternate suitable outdoor location for dedicated pickleball courts that will enable the relocation of the Pickering Pickleball Club activities; And Whereas, the City of Pickering has funds approved in the 2025 Budget for the construction of 6 outdoor Pickleball Courts in Diana, Princess of Wales Park; Now therefore, be it resolved that the Council of The Corporation of the City of Pickering directs through the Office of the CAO: 1. That, in accordance with the licence agreement with the Pickering Pickleball Club, staff be directed to provide the Pickering Pickleball Club with six months’ notice for the termination of the licence agreement for pickleball courts at Shadybrook Park no later than April 1, 2025; and, 2. That during the notice period, the following steps be taken to mitigate the ongoing noise and disruption at Shadybrook Park: a) The number of pickleball courts will be reduced from four to two by taking the two eastern pickleball courts out of play, to minimize noise levels. b) The two eastern pickleball courts will be painted over and repurposed for stretching and non-impact activities only. No pickleball play or practice will be permitted on these surfaces. Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 16 c) Noise reduction panels will be installed on two to three sides of the enclosure to reduce noise impact on residents as soon as possible, and the panels, upon completion of the notice period may be removed and may be reused at another location. 3. That following the six months’ notice for the termination of the license agreement with the Pickering Pickleball Club, the remaining pickleball lines will be removed and the court will revert back to tennis only courts; and, 4. That all stakeholders, including residents adjacent to Shadybrook Park, and the Pickering Pickleball Club, are notified of these changes. Carried 13. By-laws 13.1 By-law 8168/25 Being a by-law to amend Procedure By-law 8019/23, being a by-law to govern the proceedings of Council, any of its Committees, the conduct of its Members, and the calling of Meetings. 13.3 By-law 8170/25 Being a by-law to exempt Blocks 59 to 68, Plan 40M-2767, Pickering from the part lot control provisions of the Planning Act. (White Sun Developments Limited) 13.4 By-law 8171/25 Being a by-law to exempt Blocks 116 to 122, Plan 40M-2773, Pickering from the part lot control provisions of the Planning Act. (Mattamy (Seaton) Limited) 13.5 By-law 8172/25 Being a by-law to exempt Blocks 5 to 51, Plan 40M-2781, Pickering from the part lot control provisions of the Planning Act. (Seaton TFPM Inc.) 13.6 By-law 8173/25 Being a by-law to exempt Blocks 140 to 170, Plan 40M-2782, Pickering from the part lot control provisions of the Planning Act. (Seaton TFPM Inc.) Resolution #695/25 Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 17 Moved by Councillor Cook Seconded by Councillor Nagy That By-law Numbers 8168/25 through 8173/25 be approved, save and except 8169/25. Carried 13.2 By-law 8169/25 Being a by-law to appoint James Halsall as a Deputy Treasurer for The Corporation of the City of Pickering. Resolution #696/25 Moved by Councillor Cook Seconded by Councillor Nagy That By-law 8169/25 be approved. Carried 14. Confidential Council – Public Report Mayor Ashe stated that prior to the Regular Meeting of Council, an In-camera session was held at 5:45 pm in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Act and Procedure By-law to receive advice subject to solicitor-client privilege and to consider a matter pertaining to a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization; and a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value. This matter was discussed in closed session as it pertains to a confidential presentation from Anthony Haines, Chair, Elexicon Corporation, regarding an update from Elexicon Corporation. No direction was provided to staff and no decisions were made by Council. 15. Regional Councillor Updates There were no Regional Councillor Updates. Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 18 16. Other Business 16.1 Councillor Butt spoke about the hate crime related incident that took place in the Ajax Public Library and stated that he had reached out to the Pickering Public Library’s CEO to ensure that the City’s libraries had adequate security in place. 16.2 Councillor Butt gave Notice of a Motion regarding a buy Canadian policy. 16.3 Councillor Robinson gave Notice of a Motion regarding creating a department of government efficiency. 16.4 Councillor Robinson gave Notice of a Motion regarding protecting municipal autonomy from external influences. 16.5 Councillor Robinson gave Notice of a Motion regarding increasing the mandatory mail out boundaries for public open house meetings. 16.6 Councillor Robinson gave Notice of a Motion regarding all Council and Committee members and staff keeping their cameras on for the duration of virtual meetings. 16.7 Councillor Robinson gave Notice of a Motion regarding revoking the state of emergency regarding climate emergency that was implemented in 2019. 17. Confirmatory By-law By-law 8174/25 Councillor Brenner, seconded by Councillor Butt moved for leave to introduce a By-law of the City of Pickering to confirm the proceedings of March 24, 2025. Carried 18. Adjournment Moved by Councillor Cook Seconded by Councillor Robinson That the meeting be adjourned. Carried Draft Council Meeting Minutes March 24, 2025 Electronic Meeting 7:00 pm 19 The meeting adjourned at 8:34 p.m. Dated this 24th day of March, 2025. Kevin Ashe, Mayor Susan Cassel, City Clerk