Monday, November 27, 2017 Tuesday, November 28, 2017

Transcription

1 Committee of the Council of The Corporation of the City of Brampton Monday, November 27, 2017 Tuesday, November 28, 2017 Council Chambers 4 th Floor City Hall Members : See Page 2 for Record of Attendance Staff : H. Schlange, Chief Administrative Officer R. Elliott, Commissioner, Planning and Development Services A. Meneses, Commissioner, Community Services J. Pittari, Commissioner, Corporate Services J. Pitushka, Commissioner, Public Works and Engineering A. Milojevic, General Manager, Transit B. Darling, Director, Economic Development and Culture B. Boyes, Fire Chief, Fire and Emergency Services D. Sutton, Treasurer, Corporate Services M. Medeiros, Manager, Financial Planning, Corporate Services P. Fay, City Clerk, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer C. Gravlev, Deputy City Clerk, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer S. Pacheco, Legislative Coordinator, Office of the Chief Administrative Officer

2 Record of Attendance (Committee Members) November 27, 2016 Call to order 9:30 a.m. Recessed 11:48 a.m. Reconvened 12:46 p.m. Recessed 12:56 p.m. Reconvened 7:01 p.m. Recessed 7:44 p.m. November 28, 2016 Reconvened 9:30 a.m. Adjourned 11:45 a.m. Mayor Jeffrey Regional Councillor Gibson (Chair) Regional Councillor Medeiros (Vice-Chair) (Left at 12:56 p.m. Illness) Assumed Chair 11:34 a.m. 11:35 a.m. Regional Councillor Moore Regional Councillor Palleschi Regional Councillor Miles Regional Councillor Sprovieri Absent (Illness) (Arrived at 9:40 a.m. personal) (Left at 11:48 a.m. personal) (Arrived at 9:31 a.m. personal) (After 1 st recess, arrived at 12:51 p.m. personal) Absent (Illness) Absent (Illness) City Councillor Whillans City Councillor Bowman City Councillor Fortini City Councillor Dhillon (After 1 st recess, arrived at 12:49 p.m. personal) (After 1 st recess, arrived at 7:01 p.m. personal) Note: A record was not kept of Members of Council who left the chambers briefly during the meeting Page 2 of 18

3 Public Notice of this meeting was published in the Brampton Guardian, community newspapers and the City s website on November 16, 2017 and November 23, Note: These minutes are not a chronology of the discussions of Committee. Individual motions were taken during consideration of the items listed in these minutes. 1. Approval of Agenda Committee acknowledged the passing of Brian Johnston, Constituency Assistant to Councillors Palleschi and Whillans, and observed a moment of silence in his memory. BC That the agenda for the Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017 be approved, as printed and circulated. The following supplementary information was distributed at the meeting: 1. The following items were listed on the agenda to be distributed prior to the meeting: 4.1. ation by H. Schlange, Chief Administrative Officer, and D. Sutton, Treasurer, Corporate Services, re: Corporate ation Operating and Capital Budgets. Council Questions Pre-Budget Deliberations 6.1. Downtown Brampton BIA ation 7.2. Report from D. Sutton, Treasurer, Corporate Services, dated November 16, 2017, re: 2017 Operating Budget and Reserve Report (as at September 30, 2017). 2. Replacement pages for the Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets Binder Capital Budget Overview Tab Pages 13 and Handout Staff Additions / Community Investment Fund (CIF) Refinancing Page 3 of 18

4 Regional Councillor Gibson, Chair, outlined the following procedural rules for the budget deliberations: 1. The Chair will entertain a motion to receive program budget submissions and presentations, external agency and organization presentations and public delegations after consideration of that program budget. 2. Public delegations are scheduled to be heard at 7:00 pm on November All substantive motions introduced during the Committee meeting (e.g., approve as presented or amendment to a program budget) will be held (or approved in principle) for consideration in their totality during a final vote before the adjournment of the Committee meeting (under Item 10.1) to facilitate a complete set of recommendations to be presented to the Special Council Meeting on December 13, The Chair will open a 15 minute public question period at the end of each sitting day of the Committee to invite public comments on recommendations made during that specific meeting day. 2. Declarations of Interest Under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act 1. Regional Councillor Gibson declared a conflict of interest as his son works in Transit; on the union salary portion. 2. Mayor Jeffrey declared a conflict of interest on the full time portion of salaries, union, as her son is a mechanic in Transit. 3. City Councillor Fortini declared a conflict of interest as his daughter works part time in Parks and Recreation; salary portion. 4. City Councillor Whillans declared a conflict of interest on the salary portion of Public Works, as his brother works in Public Works. 3. Consent The following items listed with an asterisk (*) were considered to be routine and non-controversial by the Committee and were approved at one time. (nil) Page 4 of 18

5 4. ations 4.1. ation by H. Schlange, Chief Administrative Officer, and D. Sutton, Treasurer, Corporate Services, re: Corporate ation Operating and Capital Budgets. Council Questions Pre-Budget Deliberations Notes: Regional Councillor Gibson declared a conflict of interest, as his son works in Transit; on the union salary portion, and left the room during the vote on the compensation portion of the Transit Department budget. Regional Councillor Medeiros, Vice-Chair, assumed the Chair at this time. Mayor Jeffrey declared a conflict of interest on the full time portion of salaries, union, as her son is a mechanic in Transit, and left the room during the vote on the compensation portion of the Transit Department budget. City Councillor Fortini declared a conflict of interest as his daughter works part time in Parks and Recreation; salary portion, and left the room during the vote on the compensation portion of the Recreation Division of the Community Services Department. City Councillor Whillans declared a conflict of interest on the salary portion of Public Works, as his brother works in Public Works, and left the room during the vote on the compensation portion of the Public Works and Engineering Department budget. Chair Gibson provided information on the budget process (e.g. public engagement, budget workshops/meetings with Council Members) and thanked staff for their efforts throughout this process. H. Schlange, Chief Administrative Officer, and D. Sutton, Treasurer, Corporate Services, provided a presentation on the Budget. Committee discussion took place with respect to the Budget, including the Pre-Budget Discussion booklet, as follows: City wide infrastructure gap Clarification that the annual infrastructure levy is incremental Indication that the Long Term Financial Master Plan (LTFMP) recommends a 5% per year infrastructure levy over 10 years o Staff advised that a minimum 2% levy increase is recommended to stabilize the infrastructure gap over the next 10 years Page 5 of 18

6 Concern regarding the impact of an infrastructure levy greater than 2% on taxpayers Confirmation that infrastructure levy funds are allocated into the Capital Budget for infrastructure needs Proactive advocacy efforts by staff for infrastructure funding from senior levels of government Indication that AMO is calling for a 1% increase to the HST to raise funds for local infrastructure. Transit services and ridership increases in the GTHA and a request for information regarding the percentage of the population using transit in the GTHA (e.g. Transit rides per capita) Staff additions in the 2018 Budget and a request for information on the percentage of the budget attributed to these additions Transit debt and the need to prepare for the potential uploading of transit systems to the Province of Ontario The impact of Provincial grants on transit and the current transit subsidy Questions regarding the PRESTO agreement with Metrolinx and an indication from staff that the PRESTO card system is successful in Brampton Potential impact of a reduction to the Senior Presto Monthly Pass The need to communicate the net budget increase (3.7%) and the overall tax impact (2.7%) to the public in a clear and effective manner Current state of reserve funds Significant impact of illegal second unit dwellings on municipal resources and information from staff regarding the establishment of a task force to address this issue Indication from staff that there is no change to winter service levels in 2018 Impending Ontario Regulation for a Transient Accommodation Tax and the need to have a destination marketing program in place before the tax comes into effect Questions regarding the allocation of development charges and clarification that these charges are collected for City-wide needs Indication that staff is reviewing the forecasted growth for Brampton and the current inventory of assets (e.g. recreation centres) for a report to Council in 2018 Status and re-evaluation of road construction projects (e.g. road widenings) Prioritization of the replacement and repair of municipal assets and the importance of investing in these assets Impact of refinancing the Community Investment Fund Questions regarding the exclusion of some rent subsidies in Appendix 10 (Grant and In-kind Services) of the Pre-Budget Page 6 of 18

7 Discussion booklet and an indication from staff that information regarding all subsidies will be provided to Council Suggestion that staff update Appendix 10 of the Pre- Budget Discussion booklet to be more comprehensive and demonstrate the City s support of community groups Lack of success in delivering positive messaging about the City through the media and the need to improve communications through use of social media and message boards Brampton Guardian advertising costs Budget allocations for various projects at existing recreation centres Budget allocation for construction of the LRT south of Steeles Avenue Questions regarding the budget allocation and previous Council decision relating to funding for the Brampton Beast Questions regarding the status of a staff vacancy in the Office of the Mayor The following motions were considered. BC That the presentation by H. Schlange, Chief Administrative Officer, and D. Sutton, Treasurer, Corporate Services, to the Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: Corporate ation Operating and Capital Budgets, be received. At the request of Committee, the matter relating to funding for the Brampton Beast was voted on separately, as follows: BC That the line item under the 2018 Current Budget for Strategic Communications, with respect to Brampton Beast funding, be approved. A recorded vote was requested and the motion carried as follows: Yea Nay Absent Fortini Jeffrey Palleschi Bowman Medeiros Gibson Dhillon Sprovieri Whillans Moore 6 Yeas 3 Nays 1 Absent Page 7 of 18

8 BC That the 2018 Current Budget for the Corporate Departments and Programs be approved, except for: a. the compensation portion of the Transit Department budget b. the compensation portion of the Public Works and Engineering Department budget c. the compensation portion of the Recreation Division of the Community Services Department; d. the Strategic Communications line item with respect to Brampton Beast. 2. That the 2018 Current Budget for the Corporate Departments and Programs, as it pertains specifically for the compensation portion of the Transit Department budget, be approved; 3. That the 2018 Current Budget for the Corporate Departments and Programs, as it pertains specifically for the compensation portion of the Public Works and Engineering Department budget, be approved; 4. That the 2018 Current Budget for the Corporate Departments and Programs, as it pertains specifically for the compensation portion of the Recreation Division of the Community Services Department, be approved; 5. That the 2018 Capital Budget for the Corporate Departments and Programs be approved; and 6. That the 2019 and 2020 Current Budget for the Corporate Departments and Programs be endorsed, in principle, as presented; 7. That the 2019 and 2020 Capital Budget for the Corporate Departments and Programs be endorsed, in principle, as presented; 8. That the 2018 Current Budget for the Internal Audit Division be approved, as presented; and 9. That the 2019 and 2020 Current Budget for the Internal Audit Division be endorsed, in principle, as presented. Committee discussion took place regarding the possibility of rescheduling the Special Council Meeting on December 13, 2017 to an earlier date Page 8 of 18

9 BC That the City Clerk s Office be directed to schedule and provide public notice for a Special Meeting of City Council for Wednesday, December 6, 2017, at 4:00 pm for the purpose of considering the Budget Recommendations from the, in place of the Councilestablished meeting date of December Delegations Note: The delegations were heard at 7:00 p.m. on Monday, November 27, Delegation from David Laing, Brampton resident, re: Lack of Funding for Environmental Initiatives. David Laing, Brampton resident, expressed his disappointment regarding the lack of funding in the 2018 Budget for environmental initiatives, particularly for a Climate Change Action Plan. Mr. Laing advised that he recently participated in a Planning Vision workshop, and indicated that a common theme for Brampton s future was the need to be more environmentally friendly. He highlighted the need for Brampton to establish a Climate Change Action Plan, outlined the risks of not having a plan in place, and indicated that this plan will benefit Brampton and enhance the quality of life for residents. Mr. Laing requested that consideration be given to allocating funds for the development of a Climate Change Action Plan. Committee discussion took place with respect to the following: Information in the Pre-Budget Discussion booklet regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation initiatives, which are under the framework of the City s Environmental Master Plan Indication from staff that: o a progress update on and enhancements to the City s Environmental Master Plan will be reported to Council in 2018 o there are no plans to establish a Climate Change Action Plan for Brampton o Community Greenhouse Gas (CGC) reduction targets and a related action plan need to be developed to apply for funding under the Province s Climate Change Strategy o numerous applications have been submitted to the Province for grants relating to greenhouse gas reductions and climate mitigation, the results of which are expected shortly The need to communicate the City s environmental efforts to the public Page 9 of 18

10 BC That the delegation from David Laing, Brampton resident, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: Establishment of a Brampton Climate Change Action Plan be referred to staff for a report back to Council in early 2018, to coincide with the anticipated report on the implementation of the City s Environmental Master Plan, and specifically to address efforts required to work on greenhouse gas emission reductions through the development of a Climate Action Plan, along with the identification of appropriate funding to create the Climate Action Plan Delegations from Leo O'Brien and Dr. Maureen Harper, Citizens for the Heart Lake Wetlands and Wildlife Committee, re: Sustainability of Wetlands and Wildlife in the Area of Heart Lake Road. Leo O'Brien and Dr. Maureen Harper, on behalf of the Citizens for the Heart Lake Wetlands and Wildlife Committee, addressed Committee with respect to the sustainability of wetlands and wildlife in the area of Heart Lake Road, and provided information on the following: Encouraging responses from Members of Council regarding protection of the Heart Lake wetlands and wildlife Discussions by the Citizens for the Heart Lake Wetlands and Wildlife Committee regarding the need to protect this area and concerns relating to the potential impact of nearby developments Concerns regarding wildlife fatalities and traffic patterns (e.g. speeding) on Heart Lake Road Appreciation of the City s efforts to protect wildlife along Heart Lake Road (e.g. installation of snow fencing and tunneling, consideration of traffic calming measures, discussions with developers regarding mitigation measures) Request to work collaboratively with the City to address issues on Heart Lake Road Committee encouraged the delegations to address their environmental concerns through the City s Environment Advisory Committee. BC That the delegation from Leo O'Brien and Dr. Maureen Harper, Citizens for the Heart Lake Wetlands and Wildlife Committee, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: Sustainability of Wetlands and Wildlife in the Area of Heart Lake Road be received Page 10 of 18

11 5.3. Possible Delegations, re: Current and Capital Budget Approval, including Proposed Amendments to Transit Fares. In response to an inquiry from the Chair, no one expressed an interest in delegating Committee on this matter. 6. Local Board and Other ations (Tuesday, November 28, :30 a.m.) Note: The presentations were heard at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 28, Downtown Brampton BIA Suzy Godefroy, Executive Director, and Kristina Romasco, Board Vice Chair, Downtown Brampton BIA, presented information regarding the Downtown Brampton BIA and its 2018 budget request. Discussion took place with respect to the following: Recognition of the great work of the Downtown Brampton BIA Partnership between the City and Downtown Brampton BIA Importance of marketing the downtown and developing a strategy to minimize business disruption during the construction of the streetscaping project BC That the presentation by Suzy Godefroy, Executive Director, Downtown Brampton BIA, to the Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: Brampton Downtown Business Improvement Area (BIA) 2018 Current and Capital Budget Request, be received; and, 2. That the 2018 Current Budget submission for the Downtown Brampton BIA be approved, as presented; and 3. That the 2018 Capital Budget submission for the Downtown Brampton BIA be approved, as presented; and 4. That the 2019 and 2020 Current Budget submission for the Downtown Brampton BIA be endorsed, in principle, as presented; and 5. That the 2019 and 2020 Capital Budget submission for the Downtown Brampton BIA be endorsed, in principle, as presented Page 11 of 18

12 6.2. Brampton Public Library Minutes Jaipaul Massey-Singh, Board Chair, and Rebecca Raven, Chief Executive Officer, Brampton Library, presented information regarding the Brampton Library and its 2018 budget request. Discussion took place with respect to the following: Recognition of the great work of the Brampton Library Partnership between the City and Brampton Library Location of a new library on the south-west side of Brampton Use of the reading garden in the Gore Meadows Community Centre BC That the presentation by Rebecca Raven, Chief Executive Officer, and Jaipaul Massey-Singh, Board Chair, Brampton Library Board, to the Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: Brampton Library 2018 Current and Capital Budget Request be received; and, 2. That the 2018 Current Budget for the Brampton Library be approved, as presented; and 3. That the 2018 Capital Budget for the Brampton Library be approved, as presented; and 4. That the 2019 and 2020 Current Budget for the Brampton Library be endorsed, in principle, as presented; and 5. That the 2019 and 2020 Capital Budget for the Brampton Library be endorsed, in principle, as presented. 7. Reports 7.1. Report from A. Milojevic, General Manager, Transit, dated November 11, 2017, re: Brampton Transit Fare Increase. The following motion was introduced. Whereas affordability for has become a major challenge for many senior residents in Brampton, through increased insurance rates, property taxes, cost of living and gas prices; Page 12 of 18

13 Whereas more than half of Peel Region residents are now low income earners as reported on CBC earlier this month; Whereas Peel s senior population (65+) is increasing at almost three times the rate of Canada s senior population and by 2018 Peel s senior population will top 200k and by million; Whereas many of our seniors are currently dependent on OAS or their CPP, making it difficult to spend on full fare transit passes; Whereas due to health concerns many seniors are not able to drive, and are reliant on transit to visit hospitals and doctors; Whereas the need for active living in Peel is become necessary with diabetes affecting one in seven Peel residents; Whereas research has shown the positive impact when seniors socialize, and strategies should be in place to reduce isolation to encourage positive mental and emotional wellbeing; Whereas The City of Brampton has been a leader in meeting seniors transit needs, Therefore Be It Resolved, that Appendix B titled 2018 Proposed Fare Increase be amended such that; 1. The $52 Senior Presto Monthly Pass rate be reduced to $15; 2. That the Senior Presto Weekly Pass be eliminated; 3. Any shortfall be recouped from the remaining $300k budget from the 2017 Façade Program for a period of approximately four years, and; 4. All costs thereafter be absorbed in new future revenue growth. Committee discussion took place with respect to the above-noted motion, as follows: Challenges faced by seniors and the need to make transit more affordable Benefits of a reduced Senior Presto Monthly Pass on seniors Potential financial impact of a reduction to the Senior Presto Monthly Pass, including impacts relating to the PRESTO Agreement and fraud risks Information provided in a previous staff report (dated March 2017) regarding options for senior transit fares and related cost implications Indication from staff that the City currently provides a significantly discounted transit program for seniors, and has lowest cash fare for seniors in the GTHA Indication that low income families, students and individuals also face issues with affordability and would benefit from reduced transit fares Page 13 of 18

14 Subsidy programs available through the Region of Peel for low-income residents and an indication that staff are working with the Region in this regard Suggestion that the above-noted motion be provided to the Brampton Seniors Council and the Age-Friendly Brampton Advisory Committee for their information Current subsidization of transit fares by taxpayers A motion was introduced to refer the above noted motion to staff for report to a future meeting, in consultation with the Region of Peel; and that the motion also be provided to the Age-Friendly Brampton Advisory Committee and the Brampton Seniors Council for information. The following motions were considered. BC That the report from A. Milojevic, General Manager, Transit, dated November 11, 2017, to the Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: Brampton Transit Fare Increase be received; 2. That Brampton Transit fares and related charges be approved and set, with effective dates of March 5 and September 3, 2018, as detailed in Appendix B of the report; and 3. That a by-law be passed to update Schedule G of User Fee By-Law , as amended, to reflect the approved 2018 Brampton Transit fares and related charges, as detailed in Appendix B of the report. BC That the following motion placed by City Councillor Dhillon, in relation to the report from A. Milojevic, General Manager, Transit, dated November 11, 2017, to the Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: Brampton Transit Fare Increase, specifically regarding Senior transit fees be referred back to staff for report to a future meeting, in consultation with the Region of Peel; and that the motion also be provided to the Age-Friendly Brampton Advisory Committee and the Brampton Seniors Council for information: Whereas affordability for has become a major challenge for many senior residents in Brampton, through increased insurance rates, property taxes, cost of living and gas prices; Whereas more than half of Peel Region residents are now low income earners as reported on CBC earlier this month; Page 14 of 18

15 Whereas Peel s senior population (65+) is increasing at almost three times the rate of Canada s senior population and by 2018 Peel s senior population will top 200k and by million; Whereas many of our seniors are currently dependent on OAS or their CPP, making it difficult to spend on full fare transit passes; Whereas due to health concerns many seniors are not able to drive, and are reliant on transit to visit hospitals and doctors; Whereas the need for active living in Peel is become necessary with diabetes affecting one in seven Peel residents; Whereas research has shown the positive impact when seniors socialize, and strategies should be in place to reduce isolation to encourage positive mental and emotional wellbeing; Whereas The City of Brampton has been a leader in meeting seniors transit needs, Therefore Be It Resolved, that Appendix B titled 2018 Proposed Fare Increase be amended such that; 1. The $52 Senior Presto Monthly Pass rate be reduced to $15; 2. That the Senior Presto Weekly Pass be eliminated; 3. Any shortfall be recouped from the remaining $300k budget from the 2017 Façade Program for a period of approximately four years, and; 4. All costs thereafter be absorbed in new future revenue growth. A recorded vote was requested and the motion carried as follows: Yea Nay Absent Fortini Whillans Palleschi Jeffrey Moore Bowman Medeiros Gibson Dhillon Sprovieri 7 Yeas 2 Nays 1 Absent Page 15 of 18

16 7.2. Report from D. Sutton, Treasurer, Corporate Services, dated November 16, 2017, re: 2017 Operating Budget and Reserve Report (as at September 30, 2017). Committee discussion took place with respect to the following: Amount of surplus contributed to the General Rate Stabilization and Asset Repair and Replacement reserves Clarification from staff regarding the amount of surplus in the 2017 Operating Budget BC That the report from D. Sutton, Treasurer, Corporate Services, dated November 16, 2017, to the Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: 2017 Operating Budget and Reserve Report (as at September 30, 2017) be received; 2. That any 2017 Operating Budget year-end surplus be offset initially by a reduction in the base budget draw from the General Rate Stabilization Reserve; 3. That any 2017 Operating Budget year-end surplus in excess of Recommendation #2 be contributed to the General Rate Stabilization Reserve, to maintain the Council approved target of 10% of operating expenditures; 4. That any 2017 Operating Budget year-end surplus in excess of Recommendation #3 be contributed to the asset repair and replacement reserve, as previously endorsed by Council in the long term financial plan; 5. That any 2017 Operating Budget year-end surplus contributed as per Recommendation #4, be used to substitute for the tax supported debt for repair and replacement projects identified in the 2017 approved capital budgets at the discretion of the Treasurer; and 6. That any 2017 Operating Budget year-end deficit be funded through a draw from the General Rate Stabilization Reserve. 8. Referred Matters 8.1. Report from S. Bodrug, Manager, Capital Parks Construction, Public Works and Engineering, dated April 28, 2017, re: Shade Structures Response to Questions Raised at Committee of Council February 1, 2017 (File HC.x) Page 16 of 18

17 BC That the report from S. Bodrug, Manager, Capital Parks Construction, Public Works and Engineering, dated April 28, 2017, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: Shade Structures Response to Questions Raised at Committee of Council February 1, 2017 (File HC.x) be received. 9. Correspondence 9.1. Correspondence from Todd Letts, Chief Executive Officer, Brampton Board of Trade, re: Recommendations to Limit Tax Increase to Rate of Inflation. BC That the correspondence from Todd Letts, Chief Executive Officer, Brampton Board of Trade, to the Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: Recommendations to Limit Tax Increase to Rate of Inflation be received Correspondence from P. Fay, City Clerk, City Clerk s Office, re: Transmittal of Audit Committee Recommendation for Internal Audit Division Budget Submission. BC That the correspondence from P. Fay, City Clerk, City Clerk s Office, to the Meeting of November 27 and 28, 2017, re: Transmittal of Audit Committee Recommendation for Internal Audit Division Budget Submission, be received. 10. Other/New Business Consideration of Recommendations See Recommendations BC to BC Page 17 of 18

18 11. Council Question Period nil Minutes 12. Public Question Period nil 13. Closed Session nil 14. Adjournment nil Chair Gibson thanked Members of Council and staff for their efforts throughout the budget process. BC That the do now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Chair. Regional Councillor G. Gibson, Chair Page 18 of 18