Maintenance. Not maintenance. What would this be called? Set up.
I like that word. Thank you.
Good morning, members of the corporate and finance Services Committee.
I call this meeting to order. This meeting. Is being
held using a hybrid model with both members of council
staff and members of the public participating from the council
chamber and electronically. Remind those in attendance that this meeting
is being recorded, web streamed and captioned. Therefore, the microphones
must be used at all times for those participating remotely.
The clerk has muted all microphones. If you wish to
speak, please advise the clerk via the webex chat function
and I will recognize you by name and you may
unmute your microphone. Members participating from the chamber may raise
their hands to indicate they wish to speak. If you
have a motion, it must be submitted in writing and
sent to Jennifer Lane and Pamela. Aguilera to their respective
email addresses in order for it to be displayed in
our meeting. Please note that all who attend meetings in
the council chamber do so voluntarily, and as a result.
Of their attendance at these meetings may be photographed and
or videotaped. I ask everyone for their patience as we
work with the. Hybrid meeting model and trust that we
will treat each other fairly and with respect at this
time. I'll introduce members participating from the chamber. Good morning
to members of the committee. Vice chair, Councilor Bradley Marks.
Councilor Tito Dante. Mary. Petri yeah. Good morning, Councilor Rosemary
McConkey, Councilor John Neal and Mayor Dan Carter, who is
ex officio member and turning to the visiting side visiting
councilors this morning. Include councilor Bob Chapman, councilor Jim Lee.
Good morning and welcome to you both. Do you have
anyone? Okay. And at this time. I will turn to
the commissioner to introduce staff who are in attendance. Commissioner
Stephanie, Senate the commissioner. Of corporate and finance services. Good
morning. And I'll turn it over to you. Good morning.
Chair guy. Participating in the chamber. We have Pamela Aguilera
and Jennifer Lane, council committee coordinators, to my left is
Michelle Brethrick, the director of finance services. We have Kim
Villanu, the manager of taxation services. Tina Barker, manager, procurement
and Julie McKeesak, the director of innovation and transformation. Thank
you. And I think Alicia Bioncad is supporting us in
the back. Okay, thank you. Is there anyone else? Thank
you. Okay. The city of Ashwa is situated on lands
within the traditional and treaty territory of the Mitchisag and
Shipwa Anishanabeg and the signatories of the Williams. Treaties, which
include the Mississaugas of Scugog island, curve Lake, Ayewatha. And
Alderville first nations and the Chippewaz of Georgina Island, Rama
and Boso First Nations. We are grateful for the Inish
Nabik who have cared for the land and waters. Within
this territory since time immemorial. We recognize that Oshawa, steeped
in rich indigenous history and is now present day home
to many first nations, inywit and Mati people. We express
gratitude for this diverse group of indigenous peoples who continue
to care for the land and shape and strengthen our
community. As a municipality, we are committed to understanding the
truth of our shared history, acknowledging our role in addressing
the negative impacts of the colonization continues to have on
indigenous peoples. Developing reciprocal relationships and taking meaningful action toward
reconciliation. We are all treaty people. Turning to our agenda
now. We have no additional agenda items. Are there any
declarations of pecuniary? Interest on our agenda this morning. Councilor
Neil. Good morning. Yes. Good morning, Mr. Chair. Cf 24
28, as I'm on the board of directors of the
OSCC. And they've got feedback back from that organization in
regards to that report. Thank you. Okay. We will note
that one as a poll at the time of the
public consent agenda. Thank you. Any other declarations? Seeing none,
I'll move on. Presentations, we have none delegations, we have
none referrals from council, we have none reports. From advisory
committees. There is cf 24 24 on our agenda, which
comes from the Oshwa accessibility award nomination and. They have
provided a nominee looking for a motion to endorse the
nominee. I see. Councilor. McConkey's hand. The motion is duly
moved. Did you or any members want to speak to
the item? Yes, thank you. I'd like to point out
this award will be given during. National accessibility, we can
may. It's really great that we have the OSHA blood
donor Clinic being nominated, and I hope that we have
full support on that. Thank you. Thank you. Any other
members to speak on that item? Seeing none. All in
favor of the nomination? Are there any opposed? See? None
that carries. Thank you. Okay. No items requiring direction. And
looking now on to the public consent agenda. Are there
any items to be pulled from the public consent agenda,
Councilor Neil? Just cf 24. 2007, according.
Okay, that's been pulled. That's the 2024 final tax rates
bylaw. And then councilor marks, could you also pull the
item that councilor Neil had? So 24. 28. Yeah. So
pulled. Okay, thank you. Other polls on this councilor McConkey.
Sorry. 24 29, the corporate payment report. Thank you. And
24, 30. The energy audits report. Any others to be
pulled from the consent agenda. Seeing none. Councilor Marks, I'll
turn to you for the consent motion. Thank you. Good.
Morning to you, Mr. Chair. My colleagues, staff members of
the public, listening at all items listed under heading of
public consent agenda for April eigth 2024 corporate and finance
service committee meeting. Be adopted as recommended, with the exception
of those, of course, pulled. For discussion. Thank you. Are
there any opposed to that public consent agenda? I see
none that carries. Thank you. Okay, at this time. Just
want to make sure that. I'm getting in the habit
of reading this. Okay. The following items have been pulled
from the consent agenda for discussion and separate vote, and
that's cf 24272 428-242-9243 if you're here for an item
that has not been pulled the recommendation related to the
item printed on the agenda will be recommended to city
council. So. I'm going to move through. The items that
were pulled. So the first one is CF 24 27,
the 2024 final tax rates bylaw that was pulled by
councilor Neil. Councilor Neil, you had said you pulled it
for a recorded vote. Were you moving the motion or
do I need to turn to someone? Else to move
the motion. No, I'm not moving. Okay, so councilor marks
has moved. 24 20. Seven. Was there any discussion on
this one? Councilor McConkey. Thank you. Appreciate, councilor. Neil Poly.
I was going to as well, because here we are.
Of course, this has to be. Sent out every year.
The final tax rates are listed, but this year I
have a big problem with it, so I will be
voting against it. It's no criticism of any member of
finance staff. But what I've seen just last week, region
of Durham is put together a 7.5% increase and we,
the city of Oshua, especially the city councilors wear it
people. Don't realize. The tax bill is divided between the
region and the city. But also, the fact is this
particular budget was the mayor's budget. With that strong mayor's
power, First mayor's budget. That. Basically takes away. Any input
from certain members of council like myself. And I have
tried to say at committee and council certain aspects of
what was approved and what wasn't in the budget. There
was no mention of the $9 million. That's going to
be needed for rotary park pool to be completed. No
mentioned during the budget. About the 8 million, the 4
million surplus. Four and a half million. Are from reserves
totaling eight and a half million that we discussed, tried
to discuss. Last Monday. So here's the thing at council.
Sorry. So I have a right to say no to
something. And on this one, I'm saying no, but I
also have a question. To finance staff on the report.
Just comparing what the city revenues generating from. Commercial listings.
And industrial and, of course, the bulk being residential property
owners being hit. With these increases every year. And, of
course, increases are needed to keep up with services. And
the growth of the city. But I had one particular
question about. The exempt. There's an amazing amount of money
of exempt properties. And if I could ask. The commissioner.
What is actually, like, city owned properties? Parkland? Is that
the total compass of what's exempt. Looks like they're getting
an answer for you. The exempt properties are municipal places
of worship. Or. Schools. Thank you. Okay.
Other comments on this one, Mayor Carter. I do have
to respond. I was quite proud of not only counsel,
but the process that we undertook as the mayor's. Budget.
I'm shocked to hear that it wasn't open and transparent
that people didn't get an opportunity to ask and answer
questions or to be able to bring amendments. Forward because
to my recollection, there was an. Opportunity to be able
to participate. I also understanding this is when it came
to Rotary park, it was clear and concise in regards
to what our commitment was for 2024. And that moving
forward, there would be another commitment in regards to 2025.
So. I am confused in regards to the comments that
have been made. I am proud of this council. Matter
of fact, I believe this council did a tremendous job
with our budget, and I think it was reasonable. I
don't disagree in regards to making sure we're clear and
concise about 60% of our tax bill go somewhere else.
I think that that. 's a fair observation. I think
it's important that. We make sure that people understand that
60% of that tax bill that goes out goes to
other entities in regards to operations. So. I'm going to
support, of course. The report. I understand, but the challenges
that Canadians are facing. And like I say, I am
very proud of this council for what it did throughout
that process. And staff, by the way. That worked diligently
for a full year with myself to be able. To
formulate the budget, and I'm looking forward again to working
with members of council. And staff to be able to
deliver it. And as many members know, I've already started
meetings with members of council to be able to cure
their priorities. I'm also a believer that if you don't
want to support revenue, In regards to what's necessary for
operations. Then maybe we have to have a conversation about.
How we're making investments across the city. You have to
support the revenue to be able to support the capital
projects that are going to be in your warrant. And
if you're not going to support it, just be clear
about it. That you do not support the revenue to
be able to build or invest into those wards and
allow the public to be able to be clear and
concise in regards to where you stand. On the item.
Thank you. Other speakers to the item. Councilor McConkey, back
to you. Second thank you. I don't wish the mayor
to take it personally. There was transparency. I'm not arguing
that. But what happened after the budget, and I think
the main problem here is that the city of Ojwa
budget was approved in December and at the time, like
the past five years, now that I've been on council,
I understood. The merits of getting in early, but now
we find, with the surpluses that are coming forward, And
not having really any say. It comes to council to
be approved by staff. As I mentioned, that eight and
a half million. But also. The fact that the region's
budget here was just approved the last week of March.
And truly, that 60% that's going to the region budget
and a lot of the services, of course, are absolutely
necessary. But when the mayor mentions that we have to
be responsible. To improve the revenue. I'm looking at all
sources to improve the revenue, just like the Mayor and
members of council and staff. But there's a certain point
which the voice of a member of council has definitely
changed. Look at this agenda right now. Three items at
the beginning are referred to the Mayor's budget. The Mayor
has basically say in what goes forward. Councilor really starting
to veer off. I'm just trying to reply or rebut.
The tax rates. I'm just trying to make my case
here. I'm thinking that basically. The scheduling must change. So
we have a little bit more understanding of the surpluses
that come forward and the region's budget, because this year.
In a year that should be a lot more affordable.
To Osha residents. It's not looking that way. Thank you.
Thank you. I'll turn to councilor Mayor Petri because he
hasn't spoken. Yet. And then I'll look to you. Yeah.
Councilor. Good morning, Mr. Chair. I think that. When you
get into a sort of discussion about finances and affordability.
No one wins, especially if you're in government. So in
this particular case, If we just focus in on what
the facts are, I would have to say that the
city of Osha. Actually did a pretty good job. This
committee, the finance department, the mayor. Actually a super job.
And I would hesitate. To accept other municipalities, in particular
the region of Durham's model. That's been a challenge, and
hopefully that can align with ours, because I would suggest
that maybe their timelines and the way that their budget
process. Was undertaken. And provided to both council and the
public may need. To align with ours instead. I would
have to say that it is disappointing that the same
did not happen. In other municipalities, but definitely when it
comes to ours, a lot of heavy lifting occurred, and
I'd have to say. A lot of thoughtful. And informed.
Interaction by the mayor and staff occurred here at the
city, which produced. An impact. That would have otherwise been
much, much higher. As you can tell by the regional.
Increase. That was approved. In the budget just weeks ago.
Our budget process ended months ago, which I would suggest
is intelligent because you're going. Into a calendar year. And
not having to go through. The first quarter of a
calendar year to be able to figure out how much
money you have. For that year. So. I just. Constructively.
It's not like I'm pulling any punches. It's. The same
thing that I've said at the regional level. I hope
that when we get the opportunity. Staff does interact with
us. And other municipalities that have aligned with us and
advance a process that I think is a lot more
sensible. So when it comes to affordability and finance, we
do struggle. We have tools that are very limited here
at the municipality. We've been downloaded onto. I think it's
the same rhetoric and story that you hear. Within each
municipality in Ontario and throughout Canada. But the fact of
the matter is that property taxpayers are impacted heavily as
a result of them having to finance provincial and federal
programs or initiatives such as infrastructure, and we hope that
changes in future. But that's part of the work that
we're doing to not only activate that, but raise awareness
and get the support. As the mayor has done and
other council members. To facilitate community infrastructure and the funding
that's required outside of the property tax base because it
is overburdened. Thank you, other members of committee, visiting members
of council. I'll just provide a brief closing. Remark on
this one. I am sure that we're all concerned about
the cost of living. And taxation impacts on this. But
as has already been alluded to, we're now into the
second week of April. A budget was passed at the
end of last year, so we're almost four months out.
And over three months into the year. It would be
a very awkward thing, given. That business plans are being
executed by departments and branches for council to suddenly not
approve the final tax rates by law. Having said that,
I'll turn to clerks now for the recorded vote that
was called by councilor Neil. Councilor Neil. No. Councilor Mayor
Petri. Yes, Councilor Mark. Yes, councilor mcconkey. No. Mayor Carter?
Yes. Councilor Guyrson. Yes. Or affirmative. Thank you. That carries.
Moving on to CF 24 28. And I had to
ask councilor. Mars to pull that for move the recommendation
and recorded vote. Thank you. Recorded vote for council Neil's
declaration. Was there any speakers on this one? Sorry, before
I. Jump ahead. Councilor McConky, I have a question. So
when this now. Is basically being reported. In the reporting
of the Oshwa strategic plan. When the city does see
Oshwak's, strategic plan, which we are doing right now. Should
be coming forward. I think we have the date. But
that's once every four years. Basically three or four or
five years. Depending on what timeline you pick. So does
that mean that the update on actions to address poverty
are only going to be reported? When. The city approves
an Oshwa strategic, so we'll be getting annual updates on
the strat plan. That exists once it's passed each year.
This will now get embedded in that update, so. There
will be annual updates. On these actions. And I'm just
wondering if there could be a bit of. An info
package. Not package. What do you call it? Infogram. Because
going through these items. It's nice to see the list,
but just for a little more so it can be.
Promoted better because a lot of people ask what is
the city doing to address and then to find it
now when it's part of the strategic plan reporting. Next
time, maybe we'll. Have a little bit more of a
marketing kind of like, I don't know. The correct word
to describe what I'm trying to get through, but it's
nice. To. People don't like to spend a lot of
time reading dense reports or lists and lists. Like if
there was some one page infograph. That's kind of because
this is a concern to everybody how the city of
Oshawa is addressing poverty. Thank you. Sure. I'm sure staff
have noted those comments and that can be part of.
The things that could be brought forward. I'm a big
fan of making information digestible for the public as well.
And I do think that as our communications team has
been staffing up. As proved through the last couple of
budget cycles. Part of it has been to be able
to create good material. For public consumption. Councilor marks, you
had your hand up. Thank you very much. Just briefly,
Mr. Chairman, I'd like to commend staff on number nine,
which is the property tax. Surveyors payment program. This is
a very good tool for people to catch up on
their property. Taxes should they fall into arrears. I can
tell you, as a real estate practitioner in Durham region.
This is quite the case. We are seeing a lot
of power. Sale. Applications move forward by big banks who
are ruthless in making sure that they collect. So this
is nice to see that the city of OShA has
implemented this program, which is further to affect. The recent
state of the economy. And affordability. What seems to be.
A big area right now to focus upon, but I
just wanted to commend staff on number nine and happy
to vote yes on this recommendation. Thank you. Thank you,
Councilor Marks. Any other members of committee. Visiting members. I'll
just maybe echo the commendation to staff on the report
as a whole. One of the items that I find
is often missing. In this type of. Inventory is all
the preventative work that we do. So if you look
at our recreation programs, Our arts camps and programs. Funding
into arts and culture and many of the programs, by
extension, that they run. And through our libraries. What's the
old saying? Announce of prevention is worth a pound of
cure. And as a municipality. I think we do as
well as funding OSCC. These are all preventative. These are
the things that help to keep people both out of
poverty. And to enrich their lives so that. Their long
term trajectory is improved upon. So again, thank you to
staff for preparing these particular initiatives. And I will turn
now to the committee for vote. Are there any in
opposition to this item? Oh, sorry. Thank you. Recorder vote
call by councilor Mars. Councilor mark. Yes. Councilor Mary Pittree.
Councilor McConkey. Yes. Councilor Neil has a declaration. Mayor Carter?
Yes. Councilor Geverson? Yes. Five. Affirmative. Thank you. That carries.
Moving on now to CF 24 29. And that was
pulled by. Councilor McConkey. Thank you. Discontinuing the court. Sorry.
Are you moving the motion? That's. I have actually sent
an alternate motion. Okay, so give us a moment. We're
going to get that on screen.
Okay, just briefly here. So there is one part. That.
I think that we have to strike the last sentence
just because. It isn't really for any of us on
committee. To state. What the staffing requirements are for something,
but the rest of the material part of the motion.
Is in order for the moment. Mr. Chair, can I
call point of order? Yeah, go ahead. Just to have
your review. Of. Designate something confidential, does it fall in
line with the confidential areas of the procedural bylaw which
we afforded to under the Municipal act. Just by merely
pointing something as confidential, my contention would be and I
would look for your ruling on this, is that this
is out of order because it does not fall into
the maxims of. What is deemed confidential under the procedural
bylaw. And I think also the municipal act as well,
too. And having had no chance. To really get appropriate
staff. Feedback on the procedural side of this because. The
item just came in this morning. Maybe I could help
if this is referred to. Stop, because this is the
exact wording from a report in 2015. So. If it
could be, I think the essence of. Okay. Everything in
quotes there. So anyhow, if I read it out loud,
in keeping with the role of counsel to exercise its
supervised refunction rather than discontinue reporting. The corporate payment records
to counsel that the wording from a 2015 staff recommendation
and report finance. What I'm. And if I could read
it out loud. I'm sorry, which part? Is from the
2015 report.
Fin 1582, which was proposed for the practice of producing
corporate payment records that the monthly corporate payment reports. Be
prepared as a confidential payment report to the finance committee
now. Corporate and finance committee. But back then it was
finance committee outlining monthly expenditures considered confidential and such report
will be available on the city's secured shared drive for
all counselors in the mayor to review the confidential report
will require. Minimal monthly staffing efforts and will replace the
existing format of the public report. This is an issue
that I've been involved in as a private citizen. Back
in 2015. And then. Have you ruled if you're accepting
this or not, or if the conference now that I
understand, the better the part that. This was a quote
from a previous report. And. I think what committee needs
to do is ask staff questions on the. Thank you,
sir. Okay. Do I still have the floor? Thank you.
So discontinuing the practice. I understand. It's a lot of
paperwork. That. Is reproduced. And it used to go on
the info package. But I find asking questions is the
way we basically make better decisions. Finding out as much
information as we can. And taking this away is something.
That. Is problematic in a lot of ways. The financial
oversight section. In the report 5.3, it says council has
significant oversight related to the payments. It's not actually council
that has the purchase orders and we have to ask.
For the packing slips, the whole list that goes on
there. I ask because I don't have access to the
bids and tenders to see the scope of certain things.
We approve them at committee. But we don't know in
the end, normally. Except there is one report today. On
the agenda. I know I'm getting a little off track.
I'm just finding that. We need to have as much
information as possible. When we're making decisions here. And. If
council. Sorry. The main thrust of this is that. There's
some cybersecurity elements to it, but city has spent a
lot of money on cybersecurity. And the fact that it's
time consuming for staff. The city has spent money on
new hires for finance. I don't see this as onerous.
I think. It's integral to the role of council members
to have this oversight, knowing what happens in other municipalities.
On occasion. In the past, there was an issue. In
the city of Oshawa, and it's just to make sure
that. There may be monthly reports, and I appreciate the
fact that the finance staff put. Quarterly reports in, and
I believe seeing those confidentially. Is great, but. To actually
stop producing that. And I know the report mentions the
other municipalities. Only. Brock does that provides the rule to
the mayor in Brock and the other municipalities are not
reporting on the check rules. But here's the thing. Just
because others aren't, I actually. Think we have to give
Oshwa credit that we do this. It's so important nowadays.
To ensure that. There is the transparency. And without transparency,
There's no accountability. We wear it. If we find out
that. Something's gone amiss, and hopefully that doesn't happen under.
Our term. But there's other terms. There's other. Situations that
we have to plan for the future. And. I think
that. There's really. The interest should be there in keeping
this moving forward. There was a time when they were
talking about doing away with it. And public came forward.
Right now, we're in a situation where we don't have
much media coverage on what's going on? I don't know
how transparent this is right now before the public, but
why take it? Away. I just don't believe that. It's
the best move here for us. So I will be
voting against the report if this motion. Is not either
referred or if it's not accepted. I rew the day,
actually, when this sort of thing happens, because. We have
such. I mean, we're looking through things now, like I've
said this. Before through a pinhole. We need to have
better overview on certain things, so that's. All I have
to say. Thank you. Thank you, councilor. I saw councilor
marks hand. Yeah. Briefly. I can't support this motion without
vetting the wording of the 2015 motion. That was brought
forward. We can't marry it up. We don't know. Why
the staff were indicating that the 2015 report create this
as a confidential payment report. You marry? Up the motion
against the legislation and against the procedural bylaw to see
if it falls into the confidential wording. I've spoken to
the commissioner. These aren't confidential reports. They are given. I've
also been assured by the commissioner if any one of
us or any one of our colleagues. Has any sort
of information that they require on corporate payments. I'm sure
the commissioner team would respond. In lightning quick with those
information. Members of the public also have the ability to
come into the city, make a request, and get the
information that they need. They have to be pretty precise
because it is a lot of breadth. Information, but. There's
certainly the transparency element. I'm just not buying that argument
today, I think. It's a situation where this information is
available if members of the committee or council request this
information, you contact the commissioner and her team, and I'm
sure it will be provided. But to vote this and
make it confidential, I'm just not going to support that.
Thank you. Other members. Of the committee, any visiting members
of council. Okay. For a second time, Councilor McConky. Well,
if have members not comfortable, I would like to refer
this back to staff to investigate because there's no mention
of the report from 2015, so I'm referring it back.
So. You're moving a referral motion. Referral of the motion
that I've put forward. Yes, that's understood. Thank you. So
there's a referral. Recorded vote, please. Okay, councilor McConk has
called for a recorded vote. On the referral. Councilor mcconkey.
Yes, councilor mayor petri. Councilor mark. No, councilor neil. Yes.
Mayor carter, no. Councilor guyberson, no. Ferrell. Okay. Sorry, the
referral fails. So I think that right now what we
have is this item. Were there any other speakers on
the replacement motion? Councilor McConaughey, would you like a recorded
vote on the motion? I would. Okay. Is lane back
to you. On the replacement motion, Councilor McConkey. The replacement
motion being the motion. This is what's in front of
us. So this would be the motion for the item
on the agenda? Yes. Councilor mayor Petri. Councilor Mark? No.
Councilor Neil. Yes. Mayor Carter? No. Councilor Gerson. Four negative.
Okay, so the item fails. Councilor marks. So councilor Marks
has moved the recommend. Recommendation. Did you want to speak
to the item? Members of committee on the item recorded
vote, please. Okay. Councilor McConky has asked for a recorded
vote. Are there any? Further on the report. I will
just provide. One closing remark on this one as well,
in terms of. Both the content and the intent of
the report. I think. It's important to recall that council's
role. We approve bylaws and policies. And we have oversight
of procedure. But ultimately it's up for staff to execute
on those. And as the report highlights, There are an
abundance of processes and checks. And redundancies built into the
system. The other thing that I want to note on
this item is that. As our municipality grows, we have
to decide what exercises produce value for the city and
for the community. And sometimes it means taking a look
at things that might be in this case. 60 year
old policies. And determining is this actually. Producing value for
the community and for the municipality? Or could staff resources
be deployed in ways that might be more strategic. And
policy driven and improvement initiative driven. So I think that's
the other part of this item that underlies the intent.
So every court of vote has been called by Councilor
McConky. On the main motion. As pursuant to report cf.
24 29, Councilor McConkey. No, councilor. Mayor Petri. Sorry. Can
you hit the microphone for that, just so it's on?
Yes. Thank you, councilor. Marks? Yes. Councilor Neil? No. Mayor
Carter? Yes. Councilor Guyberson, yes to four. Affirmative. Thank you.
That item carries. Moving on to the last item pulled,
which is CF 24 30, contract award c. 2024. 14
energy audits, and that was also pulled by councilor McConkey.
Councilor McConkey are you moving the item? Yes. I just
had some questions of staff. Sure you have. The floor.
And. Through you two. Commissioner, Senate. I sent a request
in asking about. The. Deep dive into the. Energy. Looking
for. That email that you sent me yesterday. I'm asking
how it compares to. This report and the audit that's
being done. What's the difference?
Commissioner. Sorry, can you repeat the question? It's not clear
to me. Okay, so I had asked you. About another
energy audit. I'm just trying to find the email that
you sent, because that was. The number. And I'm having
trouble finding my pages here.
This energy audit. Is basically related to Project 1085. And
the one that I sent and asked about. And you
replied, giving me. The financial. Approval. And the
rfp. What project number was that? Commissioner.
It was project ten. 86, as was approved in the
2024 capital budget. Thank you. So can you explain to
me the difference between Project 100 zero 85 and 100
zero 86 because they're both for a lot of money.
And it's not clear to me the difference what's being
accomplished. I'll turn to the commissioner for this, but this
really is about. Approving the outcome of the RFP for
this item. So maybe if the commissioner could answer. In
brief, but I don't want us to go too far
down the road on a different capital budget item.
So I believe the difference between the two is that
one looks at sort of energy consumption in terms of.
Reducing. The amount of energy that we would use in
a facility, and the other one deals with decarbonization. Of
a building. Okay, so the total between the two is
spread over. A number of years and a lot of
money. And in my request, when I was asking for
the RFP. For the. I didn't hear back. Is this?
Particular report that we have on the agenda. Is it
phased? The total amount. Being a lot more than what's
here. 100. And 50. Not to exceed 150. So when
this is contracted, does it continue with. The same. Supplier,
I guess. Lots of better word. The procurement was issued.
For. 2024. At energy audits for initial one year term.
With the option to renew, so it's not going back
out for another RFp. When this goes through. Is this
correct that we are sticking with. The same commissioner provider.
Through you. Chair Garberson yes, we would continue with the
same provider, provided that we have satisfactory service, satisfactory pricing,
and capital a budget. And so the total amount of
this audit over the course of what number of years
was it? Four years. Four years. The total amount. Could
you give it to me again, please? Over four years
would be $1 million. And the other one that we
were looking at. Similar going to the different facilities doing
an energy audit. But also for an extended period of
time. Sorry, which other one you're referring to? The other
capital project. Exactly. I'm just. But I'd like to know
what we're spending on energy audits at this. Point in
time. The item that's in front of us is. 85
and approving the RFP for that. Right. So the RFP
for 150 or the award of contract. Is really 150.
But. We just heard it. Over four years. Yes. I've
been saying, instead of looking narrowly, I like to see
a larger picture here. So. Thank you for that information.
That's what I was looking for. Okay. Thank you. Anyone
else? On this item, on the award of contract. See
none. All in favor? Any opposed? Seeing none that carries.
Okay, moving on to items introduced by councilors. I will
turn to councilor, mayor and Petrieus on your hand. Yeah,
nothing to introduce. I just wanted to compliment you in
the work that you're doing with staff. Did a great
job today in the meeting, and I think that our
finance staff has been under pressure. And has done an
excellent job in being able to deliver. Both our core
services and a number of capital projects which I think
are going to benefit the community into the future, so.
I just want to acknowledge that chair. Thank you, councilor.
And hopefully the commissioner can convey that. To the finance
team and the director. Okay. Sorry. Items introduced by councilor.
So, Councilor McConky. Yes. Thank you. I believe you had
three items that you sent in, so we're going to.
Do them one at a time. I don't know if
you had the chance to see. My email. The third
one, I don't think it would be an order because
there's an item pretty much identical to that that's coming
forward to the Eds committee, actually. It's not identical. We'll
come to that one when we do, but let's. Start
with them in order that they were sent. Thank you.
Just a moment while we get that first one on
screen.
Just one moment, committee.
Yeah. So, just so you are aware in advance, the
first item. The deputy city clerk has recommended that this
be referred. To to clerk staff for a report. But
we'll get it on screen first. And do this one
step at a time here.
Okay. So, Councilor McConkey, did you want to read that
motion? Thank you. In keeping with the city's commitment to
be an accessible place of employment and removing barriers. I
don't think we need the comma, that AShwa accessibility Advisory
committee, OAAC members be permitted virtual participation at all meetings.
Access. Without a restriction of notifying clerks Department 24 hours
prior to an OAAc meeting. This actually came as a
shock to members of the OAAC last month when they
were told. They needed to notify the clerks 24 hours
prior had not been in practice before. And other members
of the committee actually wanted to make the motion. But
as Jennifer will recall, Committee was told that no, it
had to. They could not make a motion to counsel
on something. That. Is council policy. But the council policy
that may be there, which I actually don't agree with
at this. Point. It came early. After Covid, but it
was never put into practice at the oaac. Members of
the oaac. Are very dedicated, give a lot of time.
Come to the city hall when they can. And some
of them are in not good health. And still come.
But others. Things crop up. Not only health issues, but.
Weather issues. The meeting, actually, when this was discussed. There
was a snow event which was unexpected. This winter has
been kind of erratic that way. We've had lots of
fine weather, and then when the snow comes, sometimes it's
been a bit of a surprise, and the snow started
in the afternoon, and by the time for the evening
committee meeting. Some were thinking that they may not be
able to get to the committee meeting and hadn't. Called
in ahead. Because like I said, In march. This was
basically a notice that all members received. And I have
discussed some of this. With staff. I just believe at
this point, virtual meetings are such a thing. I mean,
staff have the ability. To come to work or work
from home. Virtual is. Part of the everyday workplace now.
And I believe that members of. The clerk's department. Who
are monitoring a meeting would be able to make sure
there's a connection. If it might be a matter of
tuning things up and plugging something in, but I believe
hopefully it's something that all clerks. Staff are able to
do to ensure that. We have the. You know how
awkward it is when committee has a problem with connections,
but I. Think we've gotten better at it. It's been
a fair number of meetings since. The first policies about
virtual meetings came in. And especially with this particular committee,
who I know the members well. Now, after five years,
Serving with them. There's no more dedicated people on an
advisory committee than on the OAAC, and they were upset,
and I'm embarrassed that they were, that they were told
that they have to call in 24 hours before an
OAAC meeting. Those are my comments, and I'm not sure
why. This is a corporate policy. Why it would not
be before this committee. Thank you. Thank you. Is there
any other speakers? I probably turn to committee just based
on the deputy clerk's. Suggestion that I have in an
email that it be referred to staff for report. Is
that councilor Mark did. I agree with the motion in
spirit, certainly. The 24 hours policy that was in place.
Just to refresh my memory. Because I know often if
I call and there's a meeting, the clerk set up
a telephone conference. I don't get that email straight away,
so I don't know if it's a logistical issue that
maybe these hours couldn't be manipulated to certainly create. A
situation where people feel like they have some accessibility to
the meeting, but I just don't. Know the 24 hours.
Prior. Is that something that staff require or is it
something that can be a bridge? Certainly to this case.
And I'm happy to take your direction or your concern
on this, Mr. Chair. I do agree with the motion
spirit. Yeah. And just for clarification, part of it is
in the procedure bylaw. So I think that that's probably
why the deputy city clerk is asking for it to
be referred so that they can figure out what the
moving parts are, because some of it is as you're
alluding to, would be operational. But then some of it's
actually embedded in the procedure bylaw and. It isn't so
much. 24 hours prior notice it's a noon the previous
day. Previous business day. So order referral. Complicate councilor McConkey's
ability to have the next advisory committee meeting. Or would
we? I think in any case, there would have to
be a look at it, would take some time in
any case, because it would both be operational. That would
have to be looked. At and the procedural bylaw. Can
somebody tell me when the next accessibility advisory committee meeting
is? Monthly, are they? Not usually. It's the first 3rd
week. Yeah, it's coming up. Yeah. So, I mean, the
next one is coming up shortly in any case, I
think this will take a bit of time for staff.
To. Those are my question, okay? Would there be a
referral motion? Okay. Mayor Carter has moved a referral. All
in favor of the referral? Opposed. See one hand. Opposed?
Recorded vote, please. Okay, recorded vote. We'll give a record
of over this one for Councilor McCaukey. Thank you. Councilor
McConkey. No. Councilor man Petri? No. Councilor marks? Yes. Councilor
Neil? No. Mayor Carter? No. Councilor Guyrson? Yes. That. Two.
Affirmative or negative? Okay, the referral doesn't carry, so now
we have. The item that's here. Okay. A record vote
on the item. And I want to take one last
look at it here to make sure that I know
what I'm voting on. So. The difficulty here
with the wording as is, which was why I was
sort of leaning on the referral request from the deputy
city clerk is that I'm trying to determine. I don't
want to say whether it's in order or not, but
it is. Missing the part. That would require an amendment
to the procedure bylaw. For this to be accommodated so.
I'm not trying to weigh in on. Whether it might
be a thing worth investigating. And have merit to it.
It may have merit to take another look now that
it's been a couple of years since these were put
in place. It's. Missing some pieces, I guess, is. What?
I'm alluding to here. Yeah. Currently. It's contrary to the
procedure bylaw. It would need language that says a recommendation.
To amend the procedural bylaw. Would you accept? Notwithstanding the
procedural bylaw, It confines it to the accessibility advisory committee.
It's a little bit tricky because, really, it usually requires
a two thirds vote from council. To waive something that's
already in place, but. We've got two. Two weeks. Three
weeks until council. When is the three? Is it three?
So. I'll take notwithstanding. And perhaps. In that time, staff
would be able to get some elaboration on. What would
be necessary in order to do this? So that's an
amendment to add, notwithstanding. Notwithstanding the procedural bylaw, I'll take
it as a friendly. I prefer not to. It's a
bad habit we've gotten into. So I don't want to
promote that. So the amendment is notwithstanding the procedural bylaw.
And that would be right at the front of. The
moment. I'll turn to speakers on the amendment once that's
up in front of us. I mean, if it's a
point of order, someone can jump in and. Mr. Chair,
I do have a point of order, and the issue
being is 31 two, which is. Electronic participation meetings, subsection
b. It says a member must advise a clerk no
later than. The business day before the meeting. Of the
intent of the participation of electronic in order to assure
proper technology is enabled to make sure participation is possible.
Then when you go to the definitions under member says
member means according to the circumstances. A member of council,
including mayor. A member of committee, including the chair. I
don't. Know. Is that? A formal committee. Is that an
advisory committee? I'm just looking at it here and. I
just like that there might be a little bit of
wiggle room, given that it's. Not exposed. I don't know.
The issue being is I don't have a problem with
the accessibility aspects of them having it like to be
able to do it. They're an advisory group, and I'd
like to see that. I'm struggling with that anyways. Well,
Ms. Lane has reminded me that it is a committee
of council now. They have their own procedural. Yes, but
with. So. As Ms. Lane has noted, if there
isn't something that specifies. A particular procedure within. Their policy
and procedure. Then it falls back to whatever the procedure
of council. I appreciate it. The clerk's department will have
a couple of weeks just to figure out what would
be. Sort of a reasonable approach to it. I would
presume that it would either need to be an amendment
to the procedural bylaw. Or an amendment to add something.
Into their policy and procedure guidebook. Because then something would
exist and wouldn't require. Anyway, so. We have the amendment
in front of us, notwithstanding procedure bylaw.
Okay. So now I'm being told. Notwithstanding, is not allowed.
Yeah, I was going to say that, Mr. Chair. So
I have something for. You. I think in the spirit
of what you just indicated, because I was just going
to say that. We were unable to use notwithstanding earlier.
On another issue. And I would attest that the notwithstanding
could have been used here without any sort of confusion.
But. Notwithstanding the fact that we can't use it. I
think we could just indicate that the procedural bylaw be
amended accordingly. And that leaves clerks. With ample room to
be able to navigate that. And should they need to
add things accordingly, allows them to do so and bring
it back to council with the appropriate ordering. I'd be
fine with that, if that's the wording. That we want
to look at. And in that time, if clerks looks
at it and says, actually, this would be better in
the advisory committee, policy and procedure, or whatever the name
is of that document. They can certainly advise on that.
But. I would be fine with that. So I'm going
to agree that we can't. Do the notwithstanding. So we
just need wording on an amendment for it. Members. I
think what it would have to read is that, in
keeping with the city's commitment, to an accessible place. Employment.
Members. So right after members that it would say that
the procedural bylaw. Amended. Such that.
Such that. Oh, sorry, I should have said before.
Thank you. Okay, so that's the amendment there that the
procedural bylaw be amended such that. Thank you for the
input on this. Sorry, just second. So, Councilor Mary Petri,
that's. Your amendment? Any other comment to add. So, Councilor
McConkey, I'll turn it to you. And then, councilor Mark
I just wanted to say thank you to my colleagues
here on the committee for getting. This basically something that
I can announce at the next OAAC meeting that at
least the. Corporate and finance committee have come up with
this, and I'll read them the motion and it'll be
going to council this month. Thank you. Sure. Yeah. I
mean, we still needed to go through the process and
determine what's doable and all that sort of stuff. So
please let them know staff are looking at it rather
than. It's a done deal. Councilor marks. Yeah. I'm just
glad the city clerk's not in attendance, but online probably,
so. Fears, face or glares. But a procedural bylaw amendment
is a very important and serious debate. Given the sensitive
nature of the accessibility Advisory committee, this is something that
I think I'm happy to support a recommendation from this
committee to move forward to council, but in the future,
if we're going to have any procedural bylaw review, remember?
You remember, Mr. Chairman, we had lengthy conversations about. It.
It is a discussion of council as a whole. Otherwise,
you'll see procedural bylaw amendments come from every committee on
a weekly or. Sorry. On a monthly basis, which is
a very dangerous game to play. So this is. Our
governing bylaw. It governs our meetings. It's very important. So
to have any further discussion about any amendments will require.
A full meeting of council to discuss that. So happy
to support this, given the sensitive nature of the accessibility
advisory committee. But as far as I'm concerned, this is
as far as I'm willing, and I hope this committee
is willing to go to amend this bylaw. Thank you.
Point well taken. Thank you. On the amendment, are there
any opposed to that amendment that's highlighted. I don't see
any. So now it is the motion, as amended, in
front of. Us. Were there any other speakers on the
motion? As amended. Record a vote from vice chair marks.
Councilor marks? Yes, Councilor Mayor Petrie? Councilor McConkey. Yes. Councilor
Neil. Yes. Mayor Carter? Yes. Councilor Geverson? Yes. Six? Affirmative.
Thank you. That carries. So we will. Now, just give
us a moment. We're going to move on to the
next item. As councilor McConkey has sent in. I believe
this is item two of three.
Okay, Councilor McConkey, this is your motion. Did you want
to read that? Yes. Thank you. The region of Durham's
vision Zero program included an agreement that the region and
its lower tier municipalities would share in the camera revenues
on a 60 40 basis. Yet. Since the implementation of
that program, the city of OSHA has and I have
to get a t at the end of that, it.
Has not. My error has not received any revenue. Therefore,
Ashwa city staff request a detailed accounting from the region
of Durham with an explanation why and when revenue will
be shared with the city of Osha. So give me
a moment with this one because I'm going to turn
to the commissioner. And just get some clarification on both
this revenue. And do we get information from the region
of Durham on it? Thank you, chair Guy Burston. It's
my understanding that the 60 40 split is based on
provincial offenses act revenue and the region gets 60%. The
other 40% is then shared. With the area municipalities on
their share of weighted assessment. In terms of the revenue.
It's my understanding from discussions with regional staff that the
costs actually exceed the revenue. And therefore, if we were.
Sharing the costs, they would actually be sending us an
invoice. So. Yeah, councilor. I'm not really sure. What we
would given that information. I'm not sure that this motion
really would have any effect. Well, I'm sorry, but I
would like to see an actual accounting. Because you read.
In the paper. Other municipalities in Mississauga, Edmonton. The public
is calling it a cash grab. Well, if it's a
cash grab, we haven't seen the cash, but I don't
think that's. Fair. To say if 60% is going to
the region. Has the region not received a dollar of
revenue? And how is it that they would receive but
the lower tiers don't? A 60 40 should be prorated.
So it's not all going to the region, and then
what's left over is. Going to the lower tier municipal.
It just doesn't make sense to me, and I believe
that it's time that we have. I mean, this was
implemented, what, three years ago? I'm searching from the regional
counselors. Was it 2021 that I think this came into?
Play, like, surely to goodness there's revenue coming in now.
I mean, I know a lot. Of people that have
received the tickets. The city of Ash was looking at
investigating like Pickering and Ajax has, doing it on their
local roads. I think we need to know a little
bit better how this operates. So I would hope to
see. This motion pass so we can get a clear
picture. Thank you. Councilor. Neil, you had your hand up.
Yeah, I have no problem. What this suggests. But I
would hope. That. Our city manager, Tracy Adams, would, and
I've talked to her about this before. Whether they discussed
this or not. When all caos. Get together and have
their meetings with the region. I don't know when the
next one is. But perhaps Tracy would be able to
tell us if this has been brought up, because I
know, she advised me that last time I asked that
they were bringing it up. So what's? The latest update.
From those meetings with the region where they iron. They
sit down and they iron certain things out. And. It
comes back to us. That's what I'd like to throw
out. There is, has this been discussed? Because I've asked
that it be brought up at those meetings. Thank you.
If city council chooses to ask the region for information
on this, it certainly is not out of order. If
the committee wants. To send the recorded vote, please. Sorry.
Yeah. I'll turn to visiting councilor Lee. Thank you very
much, Mr. Chairman. I don't like trying to simplify this.
It seemed pretty simple to me. That how much revenue
is coming in based on the number of tickets they
give and what's? The cost of administration. It's just simple
math to me. I can't see where the difficulty would
be. Just asked the question, how much revenue comes out
of the 407? And that seems to be like, asking
somebody to split the atom around here, so thank you.
I don't know. Maybe they're still paying off the machines.
Still? I don't know enough about this to know. But.
If Merrickard did you. So, not to complicate things, but
it is a lot. More complicated than the simplicity that
we're looking at it. There was capital investments. There is
challenges in regards to the tickets coming through. There is
a process that, that's undertaking. I don't have all the
information. And again as it comes back down. Therefore, ASHra
staff request detailed accounting. I just want to remind all
members of council. When we go through the year end
with our staff in regards to their business plans. We
support those business plans. Every meeting that we bring new
items to the floor means something has to come off
their work. Plan. And then we get disappointed because the
reason that we keep on adding things. And certain things
don't get done. And then through my discussions with department
heads, as I'm asking for accountability and making sure that
they accomplish the task and that our work plans are
actually accomplished within that annual twelve month period. I just
want us to take into consideration. The amount of work
that. Is already scheduled in these departments. And every time
we bring these forward, that means if this ends, up
being a priority of this council, then that means something
has to come off their work plan. And there's a
limited amount of resources that everybody has, so I'm just
asking. Everybody please take that into consideration as. We continue?
The pylon in regards to our departments. I think this
council is being very supportive in regards to making sure
that we get the extra resources so that we can
actually achieve great customer service, which we are in the
process of undertaking. But every time we add something. This
adds another. Job. That now becomes a priority. So something
else has to come off the priority list. So I
just know little about this, but I know there's a
lot more complexities. To it than the simplicity of what
it seems. Other speakers. Yeah. Councilor McConky, second round. Thank
you. Don't need to burden. Anyone. But I do believe
in getting answers. At this point, when we see in
the paper, like I said, a lot of municipalities, how
much they're making and the number of cameras they're putting
out keeps increasing. But. The region of Durham this year
did not add any new cameras. We have, as everyone
knows, on council, we get all the calls. About the
speeding problems on city of Ashwa roads and regional roads
in the city of osha I'd like to keep this
just to find a request for financial accounting. Right, but.
The fact is, the region has not approved any new
cameras in 2024. And the number of cameras that they
have. I'm surprised there's not that many. They have eight
fixed and. Eight, rotating at six right now. Really? We
got to keep this to a request for financial there.
You go. I'm just sharing some information there. Thank you.
Okay. Thank you. And you had requested a recorded. Yes.
Okay. Thank you. Just looking one last time. Okay. Record
a vote called by councilor. Okay, councilor McConkey. Yes, Councilor
Mayor Petri? Yes. Councilor Marks? Yes. Councilor Neil? Yes. Mayor
Carter? No. Councilor Geverson? Yes. Five. Affirmative. Okay, that carries.
So, there's one last item, and councilor McConkey. I have
to rule the item out of order for two reasons.
One, the item. Exists fundamentally on the afternoon agenda at
economic and development services. The other reason being that given
that that type of program has been determined to be
in the purview of the business and economic Development Branch,
which reports to that committee. For the time being. I'm
treating it as being something that wouldn't come to this
committee. Okay, so. I could take it this afternoon to
economics. What I would suggest you do if there are
tweaks. Or some slight differences or additions to what is
in that report. That you had in mind. Take a
look at what's in that report, and then as a
visiting council. No, I. Have looked at it, and I
see quite a difference. In fact, we had someone from
the downtown email about graffiti, and I said, look at
what the city of Toronto, there's nothing on the floor
right now, and I've ruled it out of order. What
I would suggest you do come this afternoon as a
visiting councilor. Provide your feedback. Maybe there will be. Amendments
that could be brought. To that? Because if I could
clarify, what we're talking about this afternoon is $100,000. From
the city. Give me a moment, because I've already declared
a set of. Order. Give me 1 second to look
one last time. This is not from the city of
Osha. We're asking the province of. Wait while I look
at that. Thank you.
Yeah. So my suggestion would be either at committee this
afternoon, Suggest that. As an addition to that package. Or
bring it as an amendment to council. Thank you. Okay.
Thank you. Are there any other items? To be introduced
by members of council or committee. Sorry, Councilor Neil. Motion.
No, Jarrett. Well, that's not an item to be introduced,
but it's in order, so we'll take it. Are there
any opposed to adjournment? We are adjourned. Thank you.