TOWN OF LASALLE BUDGET MEETING

Transcription

1 TOWN OF LASALLE BUDGET MEETING January 19, 2015 Minutes of the Budget Meeting of LaSalle Town Council held this date at 9:30 a.m. in the Council Chambers, LaSalle Town Hall, 5950 Malden Road. Members of Council present: Mayor Ken Antaya, Deputy Mayor Marc Bondy, Councillors Terry Burns, Sue Desjarlais, Crystal Meloche and Jeff Renaud. Regrets: Councillor Mike Akpata Administration present: Kevin Miller, Chief Administrative Officer, Joe Milicia, Director of Finance/Treasurer, Brenda Andreatta, Director of Council Services/Clerk, Terry Fink, Director of Culture and Recreation, Larry Silani, Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives, Peter Marra, Director of Public Works, John Leontowicz, Chief of Police, Dave Sutton, Fire Chief, Ed Thiessen, Deputy Fire Chief, Dan Fantetti, Deputy Police Chief, Dale Langlois, Manager of Finance/Deputy Treasurer, Mark Beggs, Manager of Parks and Roads, Brian Geary, Chief Building Official, Diane Hansen, Supervisor of Accounting, Marilyn Abbruzzese, Supervisor of Revenue, Nick DiGesu, Supervisor of Information Technology, Bob Rudak, Superintendent of Wastewater/Drainage, Scott Holland, Manager Fleet and Facilities, Rick Hyra, Human Resources Officer, Patti Funaro, Supervisor of Programming, Tom Brydon, Supervisor of Parks, Jonathon Osborne, Roads Superintendent, Julie Augustine, Supervisor of Programming, Bob Rudak, Superintendent Wastewater and Drainage, Rick Mamak, Human Resources Generalist and Lauren Calsavara, Financial Analyst. A. Call to Order Mayor Antaya calls the meeting to order at 9:30 am. Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest Councillor Meloche discloses an interest and abstains from voting on the LaSalle Fire Service budget as her spouse is a volunteer fire fighter for the Service. B. Corporate Overview and Budget Summary Joe Milicia, Director of Finance/Treasurer, appears before Council to provide an overview of the budget process, factors affecting the budget, the tie to the strategic plan, debt management strategy and relationship of the budget to the assessment base. The budget is built on financial, strategic and departmental goals and objectives. Mr. Milicia advises that the Town's residential tax base is 91% while comparable sized municipalities are around 75%. Tax increases over the past 12 years have not kept pace with the rate of inflation with the difference being returned to ratepayers, all during a period of unprecedented capital expenditures. Dale Langlois, Manager of Finance, explains that LaSalle is middle of the pack when comparing taxes, water and waste water costs. LaSalle is the only municipality in the County that does not qualify for OMPF funding. This year's proposed budget is built on continued service levels, the building of funds for sidewalk snow removal, small transit system, hosting more festivals and events. Risks are higher than expected property tax write-offs, winter control, utilities, inflationary pressure and external legislative requirements. The proposed budget calls for a municipal tax rate increase of 2.15% combined with the expected County tax rate and 1

2 education tax room blended at 1.3%. A global amount has been included in the budget for new positions. C. Delegations Otto Stein appears before Council on behalf of the LaSalle Pickle ball Committee and expresses appreciation to Council for allowing pickle ball last year. The group has 59 players and continues to grow. He is opposed to a "time share" of the courts at Vince Marcotte Park for any other purpose and states that the ultimate goal of the group is to have four permanent regulation size courts, preferably at the Vollmer Complex. Mayor Antaya notes correspondence from Kevin O'Neil who is opposed to the padlocking of the courts at Vince Marcotte Park for the exclusive use of pickle ball key holders and in favour of the courts for general use with priority being given to pickle ball during designated days and hours. B1/15 Burns/Renaud That the existing three pickle ball courts in Vince Marcotte Park BE CONFIRMED for the exclusive use of pickle ball and that consideration BE GIVEN in the future to locating permanent courts in the parking lot and longer term, at the Vollmer Culture and Recreation Complex and further that Mr. O'Neil BE NOTIFIED of Council's decision and thanked for his suggestions. The meeting recesses at 10:42 a.m. The meeting reconvenes at 10:54 a.m. D. Departmental Review Mr. Langlois refers to pages 17 and 96 of the proposed 2015 budget and business plan that outlines the sources of revenue for the Town. Departmental budgets are reviewed as follows: Council Mr. Langlois advises that the proposed budget of $348,900 contains an increase to the conference line of $20,000 as it was reduced last year. CAO Kevin Miller, Chief Administrative Officer, reviews his 2015 goals and scorecard for 2014 objectives based on the strategic plan for 2015 to 2018, contained on pages 86 to 89 of the budget document. Finance & Administration Joe Milicia, Director of Finance/Treasurer, reviews the divisions of responsibility in the department, 2014 goal achievement and objectives for 2015 outlined on pages 90 to 100 of the budget document. Councillor Burns asks for the status of providing field staff with mobile devices and a central complaint tracking system. Mr. Milicia responds indicating Public Works has piloted a work order management system and it is being reviewed before roll out to any other departments. Councillor Burns asks about the merit of leasing versus buying vehicles and whether the life cycle of vehicles should be lessened to ensure good condition and appearance. 2

3 Mayor Antaya asks for a report on the current practice for replacement of fleet vehicles. Council Services/Clerk Brenda Andreatta, Director Council Services/Clerk provides an overview of the areas of responsibility of the Council Services Department, status report on achievement of 2014 goals and objectives for this year, referring to pages 101 to 108 of the budget. Mr. Langlois explains the proposed departmental budget and notes that new hire expenses are budgeted corporately. Deputy Mayor Bondy states that it is his understanding that the surcharge to the Town for WSIB was in the $60,000 range and asks what is being done to reduce these costs. Ms. Andreatta responds indicating several initiatives have been undertaken in this regard. Management have been trained on the new Transitional Work Rehabilitation Program so that injured employees can be brought back to work sooner based on their restrictions. Computer software is being investigated to track training needs and physical demands analyses were done for all union positions. Councillor Burns states that a risk management exercise should be undertaken. Councillor Desjarlais asks that NEER statement information from WSIB be shared with Council. B2/2015 Desjarlais/Meloche That the spay/neuter voucher program for cats BE CONTINUED in 2015 and $2500 BE APPROVED to provide 50 vouchers valued at $50. for low income families and caregivers of free roaming cats. The meeting recesses at 12:14 p.m. The meeting reconvenes at 1:00 p.m. Development & Strategic Initiatives Larry Silani, Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives, refers to pages 109 to 117 of the budget book and provides an overview of responsibilities within the department, scorecard for 2014 and goals for A new Building By-law and Fee Schedule to establish fees that reflect the full cost of delivery of the Building Services Division will be undertaken to address ongoing operational deficits. He notes that LaSalle is completely out of line with fees charged per square foot as compared to the rest of the County. He refers to Report DS on the budget agenda recommending Option 4 providing for a total building fee for a typical 1600 sq ft dwelling with a 400 ft garage in the amount of $ , with the elimination of the requirement to provide a survey. The survey is no longer needed due to title insurance. In this way, the overall cost to the applicant will remain the same. B3/2015 Bondy/Renaud That the report of the Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives dated January 12, 2015 (DS ) respecting a new Building By-law and Fee Schedule BE RECEIVED and Administration BE AUTHORIZED to schedule the required public meeting in keeping with the applicable Ontario Building Code requirements, based on Option 4 in the report and the Town no longer requiring a "final property survey" to be submitted for each new home constructed. Mr. Langlois explains the proposed departmental budget. 3

4 Fire Services Councillor Meloche having declared an interest, leaves the meeting at 1:44 p.m. Chief Sutton provides an overview of the 2014 scorecard and objectives for this year in accordance with pages 137 to 143 of the budget. Councillor Meloche returns to the meeting at 2:04 p.m. Public Works Peter Marra, Director of Public Works, provides the status of goals achieved in 2014 and the objectives for the department in Mr. Langlois takes Council through the operating and capital budgets proposed. Councillor Burns states that he is opposed to the demolition of the old arena, preferring that it be sold in its present condition. Mayor Antaya states that reconstruction of Todd Lane needs to start this year. Mr. Marra indicates that the Town is waiting for Ministry of Environment approval and is going through the Ministry of Natural Resources process regarding endangered species before any work can commence. The end of Todd Lane near 10th Street will be avoided while the Parkway project is ongoing in that area. B4/2015 Desjarlais/Meloche That Administration BE AUTHORIZED to proceed with the reconstruction of Todd Lane immediately following Ministry approvals. Mayor Antaya asks how flooding in the Laurier Parkway area after large storms can be addressed. Mr. Miller responds indicating that Dillon Consulting has been hired to conduct a study on this matter. B5/2015 Burns/Bondy That Administration BE AUTHORIZED to take the necessary steps to deal with the Laurier/Disputed drainage and flooding issue with the monies left in the Build Canada Stimulus Fund. Councillor Burns states that more money should be spent on milling and paving of roads. The meeting recesses at 3:02 p.m. The meeting reconvenes at 3:15 p.m. Mr. Marra refers to report (PW-21-14) on the agenda regarding sidewalk snow removal. Figure 1 reflects the location of sidewalk, parking lots and pathway snow removal currently undertaken. There were 45 snow events last year. Figure 2 shows the proposed improvements to snow removal by Town staff. Adding this service will require the purchase of equipment. B6/2015 Bondy/Desjarlais That Report PW of the Director of Public Works regarding Sidewalk Snow Removal Practice/Review Update dated December 10, 2014 BE APPROVED. 4

5 Mr. Marra and Mr. Silani address report (DSI ) that they co-authored being the 2015 Update to the 1999 Council Adopted Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Policy Statement and Plan of Action. B7/2015 Burns/Meloche That Report PW of the Director of Development and Strategic Initiatives and Town Engineer entitled 2015 Update to the 1999 Council Adopted Pedestrian Bicycle Facility Policy Statement and Plan of Action BE APPROVED as an addendum to the 1999 LaSalle Council adopted Pedestrian and Bicycle Facility Policy Statement and Plan and the updated action plan BE UTILIZED for capital budgeting purposes. Mayor Antaya asks that the delegation that appeared before Council recently regarding sidewalks on Superior be notified that Superior Street is designated as a Level 3 priority. The meeting recesses at 3:38 p.m. January 20, 2015 The meeting reconvenes on January 20, 2015 at 9:30 a.m. with all members of Council being present with the exception of Councillor Akpata. Administration present: J. Milicia, T. Fink, D. Sutton, L. Silani, J. Leontowicz, P. Marra, B. Andreatta, E. Thiessen, M. Beggs, D. Langlois, S. Holland, B. Geary, R. Hyra, J. Osborne, J. Augustine, P. Funaro, M. Abbruzzese, B. Rudak, T. Brydon, A. Burgess, D. Hansen, R. Mamak, L. Calsavara. Police Service Chief John Leontowicz appears before Council advising that LaSalle was rated the second safest community of 344 in Canada. 99% of residents in LaSalle surveyed indicated that they feel the police service is doing a good to excellent job. The Parkway project has caused disruption to traffic flow, domestic radicalization has prompted extra planning as well as for ebola outbreak protocols. Chief Leontowicz advises that revolvers have reached their life span and cannot be serviced anymore. The Police Services Board has requested his department to find ways to reduce facility costs which may entail capital improvements in Any recommendations having costs associated with them in the strategic business plan are not being presented at this time as Board approval is first required. The proposed 2015 budget represents a 3.9% increase. He notes that the Service has not had additional officers for the last six years. Councillor Burns asks that consideration be given to reducing the line item for fuel as prices have lowered. In response to an inquiry, the Chief advises that patrol cars are turned over every three to four years or at 160,000 kms and administrative vehicles at the five year mark. Police Services Board John Wladarski, Chair, Police Services Board, appears before Council advising the proposed Board budget for 2015 is %65,657 representing a reduction of 0.28%. Culture and Recreation Terry Fink, Director Culture and Recreation, speaks to 2014 goals and objectives for 2015, referring to pages 130 to 143 in the budget document. 5

6 Mr. Langlois reviews the departmental budget division by division, and provides an overview of the capital budget request. Councillor Burns asks that detailed budgets be presented to Council before more festivals are added as revenues have to meet or exceed expenses. Councillor Burns asks for a business plan for the establishment of a splash pad. Mayor Antaya responds regarding the Craft Beer Festival indicating it was a Council driven initiative, organized in a short time period. For a first year festival, it did fine and can be improved upon. The meeting recesses at 10:53 a.m. The meeting reconvenes at 11:05 a.m. with Kevin Miller, CAO in attendance. Non-Departmental Mr. Langlois refers to non-departmental services such as refuse collection, Essex Region Conservation Authority, Police Services Board, winter control, crossing guards, street lighting outlined on page 100 of the budget. Councillor Burns asks for historical information on revenue from selling power to the grid from the generator at the Vollmer Complex. Mr. Langlois refers to items not included in the budget including additional personnel, departmental health and safety, strategic plan projects, Town Hall beautification etc. He explains that some of the items are in the budget and are proposed to be increased and others did not appear in the budget and are before Council for consideration to be added. Councillor Burns asks for a report on departmental fuel costs in E. Reports for Council Action Clerk's Note: The reports listed on the budget meeting agenda were dealt with during consideration of their respective departmental budgets. The Draft By-law to provide for the administration and enforcement of the Building Code Act is provided for information purposes as it will be considered after the required notice period. The meeting recesses at 11:55 a.m. The meeting reconvenes at 12:45 p.m. F. Asset Management Plan Mr. Langlois and Ms. Abbruzzese, Supervisor of Revenue, appear before Council to explain the purpose of an asset management plan, rating methodology, overall asset rating, condition rating, replacement timeline, financial rating, overall funding analysis and action plan moving forward. Ms. Abbruzzese advises that the overall asset rating is B and that future plans will include drains, sidewalks and pathways. B8/2015 Bondy/Desjarlais That the Asset Management Plan updated January 15, 2015 BE APPROVED. 6

7 B9/2015 Bondy/Desjarlais That the February 24, 2015 regularly scheduled meeting of Council BE CANCELLED. B10/2015 Burns/Renaud That the matter of the disposition of Centennial Arena BE REFERRED back to Administration for further information on the condition of the building, cost of the land without the building and cost to demolish, ongoing maintenance, insurance and option to sell as is. Mayor Antaya asks for a list of park signage dedicated in memory of individuals. Mayor Antaya asks for the status of entrance signs at the north and south limits of County Road 20. B11/2015 Renaud/Bondy That Administration BE REQUESTED to review the proposed 2015 budget released in December 2014 and provide options to achieve an overall estimated blended residential tax rate in the range from the proposed increase of 1.3% to 0.00% for consideration at the January 27, 2015 meeting of Council. Mayor Antaya expresses appreciation to Administration for their efforts in the budgeting process. G. Adjournment There being no further business, the meeting is adjourned at the call of the Chair at 2:00 p.m. Ken Antaya, Mayor Brenda Andreatta, Clerk 7