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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFebruary 19, 2007 (Strategy Session) Council Strategy Session Meeting Minutes Monday, February 19, 2007 1 :30 PM PRESENT: Mayor David Ryan COUNCillORS: D. Dickerson R. Johnson B. Littley B. Mclean J. O'Connell D. Pickles ALSO PRESENT: T. J. Quinn E. Buntsma N. Carroll G. Paterson A. Allison D. Bentley J. Hodgson - Chief Administrative Officer - Director, Operations & Emergency Services - Director, Planning & Development - Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer - City Solicitor - City Clerk -Manager, Customer & Administrative Services 1. Presentation by Fire Services Methadone lab Update Gord Ferguson and Mike Gamble, of Pickering Fire Services appeared before Council with respect to the fire incident related to a methadone lab. A detailed powerpoint presentation was provided, noting the details related to the fire incident at 1895 Clements Road. The following comments were noted: . Outlined history of methadone, noting that a $150 investment yields a $10,000. street profit; . 6 out of 10 people get hooked when they try the drug, it is very addictive; . largest chemical related incident in Canada; . took place for the period of November 20-29, 2006; · outlined the fire action that took place, including the use of Unit 152; · noted possible contamination of the units and all personnel involved are being very cautious; · victim rescued and revived by paramedics; · explosion took the roof off of the building; · professionals who deal with this type of incident, including Police personnel were called in to assist · there were health and safety concerns with those involved, including access by tenants; · team briefings were held every morning with the Police for nine days; and . Post Incident Review has been completed. A question and answer period ensued. It was noted that there was concern with the businesses that have been closed and the problem due to their lack of appropriate insurance. The Chief Administrative Officer advised that there would be further financial report in this regard. 2. Completion of Salary, Expenses and Communications Respecting Members of Council The Director, Corporate Services and Treasurer provided a brief review with the aid of a powerpoint presentation, providing comments related to the computer request of Councillor O'Connell. He noted that within the telecommunication portion of the policy, the options available to members of Council would be a) City to purchase standard option, or an exception to the policy for members of Council, noting a $10,000. allowance for year one. A question period ensued with request to the allocated allowance, along with the provisions of buying versus leasing. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that a new policy would be developed by the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer with respect to the allocation and further, the computer for Councillor O'Connell would be leased as soon as possible. Based on the discussion, there was consensus to stay at the $10,000. limit for the four year term of Council. Members of Council were provided with a copy of a handout with respect to the telecommunication operating expenses for past and present members of Council. Further discussion ensued related to the Regional plan for telecommunications, benefits of shared plans, budget limit for specific plans and the need to review the City's replacement program. The Director of Corporate Services & Treasurer was requested to provide a breakdown on how the cell phone program for the City works, including the number of City issued cell phones. Discussion further ensued with respect to a limit on the number of units issued and/or purchased by members of Council, including a possible cap on expenses. With respect to the salary compensation for members of Council, the Chief Administrative Officer was requested to have the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer to review the salary information for members of Council in relation to other Greater Toronto Area municipalities, specifically municipalities with similar structures. The municipalities reviewed should be based on population and part time versus full time representation, noting a possible comparison utilizing census information. In summary, based on the review during the strategy session, the Chief Administrative Officer noted the following changes approved with respect to the existing policy; 6 d) 6 e) 7 a) 7 b) 12 a) 13 a) v) 16 a) 18 e) $60.00 per day has been changed to reflect $90.00 per day to be rewritten as it does not appear succinct chan~ed to reflect $8500 for the 1 st, 2nd & 3rd years; $7000 for the 4t year delete 'website' 13% RRSP to be reflected staff to clarify - is it the intent of staff to provide for spouse change to three years change to reflect letters can be sent out for neighbourhood issues. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that the Director, Corporate Services & Treasurer would update the policy and present to Council as soon as possible. 3. Brief Update on Leqal Matters Council moved In Camera in accordance with the Municipal Act with respect to the detailed briefings of the City Solicitor related to confidential legal matters. The City Solicitor provided an updated to members of Council with respect to the First Nations lawsuit, including a review of the EA bump up. He noted that with respect to the third Seaton related lawsuit, he had a copy of the decision if any members of Council wished to review. A brief question and answer period ensued. The City Solicitor provided a brief review of the zoning by-law appeal related to the Bay Ridges Plaza development. The City Solicitor provided an update with respect to the Knob Hill retail facility and the minutes of settlement with respect to this matter. He noted that it was agreed to recognize certain zoning provisions, and payment of the license fees to the City. He noted that he anticipated that it should conclude with a good result. The Committee rose from the In Camera session and resumed into Open session. 4. General Update & Review with Chief Administrative Officer The Chief Administrative Officer provided a detailed overview of the City sponsored functions, such as Frenchmen's Bay Festival, Canada Day and Winterfest. a) Frenchmen's Bay Committee - It was the consensus of Council that the City of Pickering will no longer participate in the Frenchmen's Bay Festival but will continue to support the waterfront programs. It was the further consensus of Council that the Chief Administrative Officer be directed to review the Committee financial records for the past seven years, and make the necessary arrangements to have the $17,000. owing to the City returned. b) Canada Day - Discussion ensued on this matter and it was the consensus of Council that a report to council be prepared providing a detailed breakdown of the expenses, specifically program breakdown, staff costs etc. Members of Council further requested that alternatives be presented in this regard. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that he would provide a further memorandum to Council with respect to the request at his earliest convenience. c) Winterfest - it was noted that the winterfest activities needs to be changed to February, rather than December in order to ensure the appropriate weather. Based on the discussion, it was the consensus of Council that the Chief Administrative Officer provide a detailed breakdown on the costs related to this function. Further discussion was held, noting that a confidential memorandum would be forthcoming from the Chief Administrative Officer with respect to fire negotiations and once received, if Council had any concerns they were to advise. Councillor Johnson raised concerns with respect to the community page and the cost to the City. He noted that the City was currently paying $120 - $130,000. per year and wondered if there had been a review completed to determine if this was the most cost efficient for the City. The Chief Administrative Officer advised that he would complete a memorandum to Council with respect to this, once he had reviewed the matter with staff. 5. In Camera Matters Due to the lateness, an update from the Chief Administrative Officer with respect to in camera matters would be deferred to a later date. The meeting adjourned at 4:50 pm.