HomeMy WebLinkAboutMay 20, 2004 (Budget)Budget Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 20, 2004
9:00 am
A meeting of the Executive Committee of Council of The Corporation of the
City of Pickering was held on May 20, 2004, at 9:00 am in the Main
Committee Room to consider the Proposed 2004 Budget.
PRESENT:
Mayor David Ryan
COUNCILLORS:
K. Ashe
M. Brenner (arrived at 9:25 am - for personal reasons)
R. Johnson
M. Holland (arrived at 9:20 am)
B. McLean
D. Pickles
ALSO PRESENT:
T. J. Quinn
E. Buntsma
G. Paterson
B. Douglas
A. Greentree
R. Holborn
S. Karwowski
S. Kibble
T. Moore
C. Rose
S. Reynolds
B. Starr
L. Taylor
- Chief Administrative Officer
- Director, Operations & Emergency Services
- Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer
- Fire Chief
- Supervisor, Legislative Services
- Division Head, Municipal Property & Engineering
- Manager, Finance & Taxation
- Financial Analyst
- Chief Building Official
- Manager, Policy
- Division Head, Culture & Recreation
- Supervisor, Development Control
- Manager, Development Review
The Mayor opened the meeting with comments from the Chief Administrative Officer
and a presentation given by the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer summarizing
the proposed 2004 Current and Capital Budgets. The proposed budget results in a levy
increase of 8.9%, which translates to a 2.3% increase on the total residential tax bill.
On behalf of Council, Mayor Ryan thanked staff for their work on the proposed 2004
Budget and commended them on the recent positive administrative improvements to the
organization. He repeated the Director's message that due to limited growth in the City,
this 2004 Budget is a "safety and maintenance budget". He pointed out that the CAO
Budget Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 20, 2004
9:00 am
has instituted a hiring freeze in an effort to keep costs down; and acknowledged the
various external pressures (outside of Council's control) resulting in increased
expenditures.
DEPARTMENTAL CAPITAL BUDGETS
Moved by Councillor McLean that the Proposed 2004 Capital Budget be approved and
forwarded to Council for the June 1st Special Council Meeting.
CARRIED
Council considered the following motions in conjunction with the above motion:
#2320-6003 Road Construction
Moved by Councillor Johnson that Account 2320-6003 Road Construction be increased
to $400,000 to include the capital road work on Sideline 16.
LOST
Councillor Johnson stated, for clarification purposes, that although there are minimal
capital roads projects identified in the Operations & Emergency Services section of the
Budget there are capital road projects totalling $2.6 million included in the Planning &
Development- External Subdivision section of the Budget.
Committee recessed at 10:45 am.
Committee reconvened at 10:50 am.
DEPARTMENTAL CURRENT BUDGETS
Councillor Ashe declared an interest in Account 1400 Employer Contributions
(throughout the cost centers) as he has a relationship with a firm that provides
consultant services to the City of Pickering.
Councillor Brenner declared an interest in Account 2711-1100, Culture & Recreation -
Salaries & Wages, as a family member provides contract services.
Budget Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 20, 2004
9:00 am
Moved by Councillor McLean that the Proposed 2004 Current Budget be approved and
forwarded to Council for the June 1st Special Council Meeting.
CARRIED
Council considered the following motions in conjunction with the above motion:
Moved by Councillor McLean that the Proposed 2004 Current Budget, with the
exception of Account 1400, Employer Contributions (for all applicable cost centers) and
Account 2711-1100, Culture & Recreation - Salaries & Wages, be approved and
forwarded to Council for the June 1st Special Council Meeting.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor McLean that, Account 1400, Employer Contributions (throughout
cost centers) of the Proposed 2004 Current Budget be approved and forwarded to
Council for the June 1st Special Council Meeting.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor McLean that Account 2711-1100, Culture & Recreation -Salaries
& Wages of the Proposed 2004 Current Budget be approved and forwarded to Council
for the June 1st Special Council Meeting.
CARRIED
In considering the budget and supporting documentation, Council requested staff
address the following action items:
1. Staff confirmed that they would continue with the on-going audit of facilities
concerning energy efficiencies. As well, staff shall investigate any provincial grant
funding opportunities for efficiency implementations.
2. Councillor Johnson requested staff to review our existing fees and charges
schedule and investigate opportunities for revenue generation. Staff were encouraged
to consider progressive solutions while taking into account current market trends and
issues, as well as fee regulations.
Budget Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 20, 2004
9:00 am
3. Council requested staff to follow the same approach for budgeting, scheduling,
tracking and implementing capital roads projects as has traditionally been done for
playground projects.
4. The Director, Operations & Emergency Services was requested to provide
Members of Council with a list of the 2005 proposed capital roads projects (toalling $2.3
million).
5. There was a consensus that the description for Account 6129 Parks, 04-2718-
001-03 would be amended to read "Trail Development - Duffins Creek" to allow the
Director, Operations & Emergency Services to determine trail priorities.
6. Staff confirmed that they are continuing to work with the Ministry of
Transportation to replace the damaged sign at the Pickering Museum. As well, the
design for the new on-site sign at the Museum has been completed and staff are waiting
for the Ministry of Transportations approval. Funding from our 2003 Budget will be used
to pay for this new sign.
7. The CAO confirmed that he has requested the Directors of Corporate Services
and Planning & Development to report back to him in the fall providing an update on
staffing as a result of the recent restructuring. The CAO will in-turn report to Council.
Councillor McLean requested that this review take into consideration the need for by-
law services outside of the traditional hours of operation.
8. Councillor Ashe commented briefly on a recent ruling concerning eady payment
of fines and interest charges. The Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer stated he
would take these comments under advisement and ensure that our fee structures are
compliant.
9. In light of recent vandalism in our parks, Councillor McLean requested staff to
contact the Durham Regional Police and request that they step up their patrol in the
parks in Pickering.
10. Councillor Johnson requested staff to investigate opportunities for increasing
advertising revenues as listed in the 217 Program Cost Centre under Account
2712.9940.
The Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer distributed a draft of the Staff
Recommendations of a Report to Council concerning the 2004 Current and Capital
Budgets to Members of Council and staff. This Report shall be considered at the June
1st Special Council Meeting.
Budget Meeting Minutes
Thursday, May 20, 2004
9:00 am
The Meeting adjourned at 12:00 pm.