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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.