Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-02-11Clarington If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Co-ordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 Special Council Meeting Minutes Date: February 11, 2021 Time: 5:00 p.m. Location: Council Members (in Chambers or MS Teams) I Members of the Public (MS Teams) Present Were: Mayor A. Foster Present by Electronic Councillor G. Anderson, Councillor R. Hooper, Councillor Means: J. Jones, Councillor J. Neal, Councillor C. Traill, Councillor M. Zwart Staff Present: J. Gallagher, M. Chambers Staff Present by A. Allison, G. Acorn, S. Brake, F. Langmaid, R. Maciver, T. Pinn, Electronic Means: G. Weir, R. Windle 1. Call to Order Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. 2. Moment of Reflection Councillor Zwart led the meeting in a moment of reflection. 3. Land Acknowledgement Statement Councillor Zwart recited the Land Acknowledgement Statement. Suspend the Rules Resolution # C-064-21 Moved by Councillor Zwart Seconded by Councillor Hooper That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to set a 7:00 p.m. curfew for the meeting. Carried Clar*wa February 11, 2021 Special Council Minutes 4. Declaration of Interest Councillor Hooper declared a direct interest in Item 2a of the Special General Government Committee Report (Report FND-005-21 - 2021 Operating and Capital Budget). Councillor Zwart declared a direct interest in Item 2a of the Special General Government Committee Report (Report FND-005-21 - 2021 Operating and Capital Budget). 5. Committee Reports 5.1 Special General Government Committee Report of February 1 to 2, 2021 Resolution # #C-065-21 Moved by Councillor Zwart Seconded by Councillor Anderson That the recommendations contained in the Special General Government Committee Report of February 1-2, 2021 be approved on consent, with the exception of Items 2, 2a, 2o, 2p, and 2w. Carried Item 2 - 2021 Operating and Capital Budgets Resolution # C-066-21 Moved by Councillor Zwart Seconded by Councillor Anderson That Report FSD-005-21 be received; That Council approve the 2021 Operating and Capital budgets, including "external agencies" as outlined in the 2021 Draft Budget Book, at an estimated tax levy impact of 2.00 per cent, exclusive of tax policy impacts, as directed in FSD-005-21; That the 2021 Draft Budget Book be amended to increase the Committee of Adjustment salaries and benefits by $3,153.96 to reflect four persons on the Committee rather than one; That the 2021 Draft Budget Book be amended to add a grant in the amount of $115,000 to Clarington Hospice, to be funded from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund, to offset the local portion of development charges; That the 2021 Draft Budget Book be amended to remove $40,000 from the Municipal Election budget as per Staff's recommendation in Report LGS-006-21 ($31,000 from postage, $5,000 from advertising expenses and $4,000 from printing); That reserve and reserve fund contributions and new reserve/reserve funds be approved as shown in the 2021 Draft Budget Book; Clarington February 11, 2021 Special Council Minutes That the amendments to the 2021 Operating and Capital Budget as outlined in the 2021 Draft Budget Book, be approved as follows: a) That Council approves the 2021 budgets for the Bowmanville BIA (Attachment #1), Newcastle BIA (Attachment #2), and Orono District BIA (Attachment #3); and That the 2021 Draft Budget Book be amended to reflect the required tax levy request from the three business improvement areas, and that the three budgets, be approved. b) That the Museum/Library funding "increase ask of 1.8%" be reduced to zero. c) That the $3,949 increase for the Visual Arts Centre (VAC), be deleted from the 2021 Budget. d) That the request from Newcastle Community Hall Board for 2021 funding to offset COVID-19 impacts in the amount of $51,340, be included in the 2021 Budget and be funded through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. e) That the Region of Durham be asked to pay 50% of the $20,000 for the "extension of air quality advisor services for additional environmental projects including the DYEC expansion".; and That $10,000 in revenue be added to the 2021 Budget at the discretion of the Director of Financial Services. f) That the Newtonville Community Hall Additional Funding, in the amount of $2,000; be approved, and That the Hampton Community Association Additional Funding, in the amount of $2,000, be approved. g) That the increased contribution to playground equipment reserve fund for additional annual parks in the amount of $130,000, be included in the 2021 Budget. h) That $100,000 for upgrades to Glenabbey Parkette, be included in the 2021 Budget to be funded through the tax levy. i) That the increase of $4,200 for Communications - Materials and Supplies for the Office of the CAO, be deleted. j) That Extractor and Dryer for Station 3 for the Emergency Services Department, in the amount of $35,000, be added to the 2021 Budget, to be funded through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. k) That the communication revenue be reduced from $45,000 to $15,000 and the communications expense be reduced by $60,0000 with a net savings of $30,000. 3 Clarington February 11, 2021 Special Council Minutes 1) That Legislative Services - Admin - Contracted Services, be reduced by $10,000 to a total of $10,800. m) That the additional summer student for the Energy and Climate Change Team in the amount of $11,100, be included in the 2021 Budget. n) That rural road resurfacing (additional funding for surface treatment of rural roads) in the amount of $350,000, be added to the 2021 Budget to be funded through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. o) That 0.5% of the tax levy ($315,000 for the 2021 Budget) be allocated, annually, to an "arena reserve fund". p) That Public Works - Cross/Guard Wages be reduced by $32,000 to a total of $368,987. q) That an accessible on-street parking spot in downtown Newcastle in the amount of $10,000 be included in the 2021 Budget to be funded through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund; and That temporary portable speed cushions (2) for speed reduction in the amount of $13,000 be included in the 2021 Budget to be funded through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. r) That St. Lighting-Urban/Rural, be reduced by $150,000 as agreed between the Director of Public Works and Director of Financial Services. s) That the $140,000 allocated for the sidewalk portion of road rehabilitation of Parkway Crescent, be deleted. t) That the Patterson Road retaining wall, additional funds required in the amount of $210,000 be included in the 2021 Budget and be funded through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. u) That the expansion of the Stuart Park tennis courts for pickleball courts be included in DC charges as directed by the Director of Financial Services; and That Courtice Secondary School courts be included at the discretion of the Director of Public Works of up to $50,000 to be financed by the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. v) That the Mill St Orono repairs at 55 Mill St (ditching and road repairs) in the amount of $14,000, be included in the 2021 Budget, to be funding through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. w) Whereas given the fact that many Clarington staff have been working from home since March, 2020; Whereas most conferences are only being held virtually, not requiring expenses for food, travel, or lodging; and the manner of instruction of almost all in person staff development classes has been changed; 12 • Clarington February 11, 2021 Special Council Minutes Whereas pursuant to the second provincial emergency under s 7.0.1 (1) of the Emergency Management and Civil Protection Act (EMPCA) effective January 14, 2021, a stay-at-home order was issued with the aim of limiting people's mobility and reducing the number of daily contacts with those outside an immediate household; and Whereas the second provincial emergency order remains in effect as of this Motion, February 2, 2021. Now therefore be it resolved that Staff be directed to offset discretionary department expenses including, but not limited to: conferences, travel, office supplies, and furniture, with up to $150,000 from the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. x) That Orono Gazebo (replace cedar shake roof) in the amount of $23,000 be added to the 2021 budget and be funded through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. y) Whereas Clarington Council realizes that due to COVID-19, there are rough days ahead for Clarington taxpayers and that Council needs to establish savings that are reasonable and do not compromise services levels; Whereas the last two winters had less snowfall, sleet and ice events than usual, resulting in less salt, sand and brine being deployed and a smaller budget being required; Whereas the Public Works — Winter Control budget still calls for an increase of $125,000 in funding over last year's budget of $2,010,000 for sand/salt and brine; Whereas the Director of Public Works maintains discretion to deploy salt, sand and brine as required, even if this means exceeding the budgeted amount since Winter Control is a required service, resulting in no risk to taxpayers' safety as a result of a reduction in the proposed increase; and. Whereas when the economy has returned to normal after the pandemic, salt, sand and brine funding can be restored to 100% of pre-COVID-19 levels; Now therefore be is resolved that the proposed increase of $125,000 to the Winter Control — Materials and Supplies budget line item be reduced to $62,500.00. z) That the $300,000 allocated to restoration at the Shaw House, be funded through the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve Fund. aa)That the Tourism Budget be reduced by $50,000. bb)Whereas at the regular General Government Committee Meetings on November 23, 2020, and January 4, 2021, the Council of the Municipality of Clarington approved Resolutions #GG -391-20 and #GG -032-21, that 5 Clarington February 11, 2021 Special Council Minutes directed the Public Works Department to provide winter maintenance on various trails to encourage outdoor exercise in an effort to improve the physical, mental health and general overall well-being of individuals due to COVI D-19; Whereas a popular section of the Waterfront Trail through the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area between Cobbledick Road and Toronto Street in Newcastle could not be included with this program due to the steep grades on the trail system that may potentially create an unsafe maintenance situation; and Whereas the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Advisory Committee has requested that, due to a major increase in trail usage during the winter as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, that the flat portions of the Waterfront Trail be cleared that go through the SWNA; Now therefore be it resolved: That Public Works Department be directed to provide snow removal on the flat sections of the Waterfront Trail through the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area from Cobbledick Road to approximately 350m east and also from Toronto Street to 650m west; and That approval be given to complete this additional work for the 2020-2021 Winter Season in an amount not to exceed $5,000.00; and That all interested parties be notified of Council's decision including the Clarington Active Transportation and Safe Roads Committee. cc) That the Bowmanville Boat Launch restoration in the amount of $200,000 be placed into a reserve fund and the issue be further investigated before any work is done. That any cash flow shortfall in the Development Charges Reserve Funds be interim financed from the Municipal Capital Works Reserve Fund and General Municipal Reserve Fund, to be repaid with interest, as cash flow permits; That Report FSD-005-21 be adopted by resolution in accordance with provisions of Ontario Regulation 284/09 of the Municipal Act, 2001; That the appropriate by-laws to levy the 2021 tax requirement for Municipal, Regional, and Education purposes be forwarded to Council for approval, once final tax policy information is available; and That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-005-21 and any delegations be advised of Council's decision. Yes (5): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Hooper, Councillor Jones, and Councillor Zwart A CladwwaFebruary 11, 2021 Special Council Minutes No (2): Councillor Neal, and Councillor Traill Carried as Amended on a Recorded Vote, See following Motions (5 to 2) Item 2a - BIA Budget Requests Councillor Hooper declared a direct interest in Item 2a of the Special General Government Committee Report (Report FND-005-21 - 2021 Operating and Capital Budget) as he owns a business in the Bowmanville BIA. Councillor Hooper muted his video and audio and refrained from discussion on this matter Councillor Zwart declared a direct interest in Item 2a of the Special General Government Committee Report (Report FND-005-21 - 2021 Operating and Capital Budget) as she pays a BIA Levy. Councillor Zwart muted her video and audio and refrained from discussion on this matter Resolution # C-067-21 Moved by Councillor Neal Seconded by Councillor Jones That Council approves the 2021 budgets for the Bowmanville BIA (Attachment #1), Newcastle BIA (Attachment #2), and Orono District BIA (Attachment #3); and That the 2021 Draft Budget Book be amended to reflect the required tax levy request from the three business improvement areas, and that the three budgets, be approved. Carried High St and Odell St Reconstruction Resolution # C-068-21 Moved by Councillor Hooper Seconded by Councillor Zwart That the High St and Odell St reconstruction (detailed design) in the amount of $30,000 be included in the 2021 Budget. Carried 7 Cladwwa New Staffing Resolution # C-069-21 Moved by Councillor Neal Seconded by Councillor Traill February 11, 2021 Special Council Minutes That the expense for new positions be reduced to $450,000, inclusive of benefits. Yes (2): Councillor Neal, and Councillor Traill No (5): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Hooper, Councillor Jones, and Councillor Zwart Motion Lost on a recorded vote (2 to 5) Item 20 - Arena Reserve Fund Resolution # C-070-21 Moved by Councillor Traill Seconded by Councillor Anderson That 0.5% of the tax levy ($315,000 for the 2021 Budget) be allocated, annually, to an "arena reserve fund". Yes (7): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Hooper, Councillor Jones, Councillor Neal, Councillor Traill, and Councillor Zwart Carried on a recorded vote (7 to 0) Public Works Reserve Fund Transfer Resolution # C-071-21 Moved by Councillor Neal Seconded by Councillor Traill That the Public Works Transfer to Reserve Fund be decreased by $500,000. Yes (3): Councillor Jones, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Traill No (4): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Hooper, and Councillor Zwart Motion Lost on a recorded vote (3 to 4) Item 2p - Crossing Guard Wages Resolution # C-072-21 Moved by Councillor Traill Seconded by Councillor Neal That Public Works - Cross/Guard Wages be reduced by $32,000 to a total of $368,987. ClariwwaFebruary 11, 2021 Special Council Minutes Yes (7): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Hooper, Councillor Jones, Councillor Neal, Councillor Traill, and Councillor Zwart Carried (7 to 0) Regional Councillor Ward 1 & 2 and Local Council Ward 3 Travel Budgets Resolution # C-073-21 Moved by Councillor Neal Seconded by Councillor Traill That the Regional Councillor Ward 1 and 2 and local Councillor Ward 3, Travel Budgets be reduced to $3000 each. Yes (3): Councillor Jones, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Traill No (4): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Hooper, and Councillor Zwart Motion Lost on a recorded vote, Later in the Meeting, See following Motions (3 to 4) Resolution # C-074-21 Moved by Councillor Hooper Seconded by Councillor Traill That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to allow Members of Committee to speak to the foregoing Resolution #C-073-21 for a second time. Carried The foregoing Resolution #C-073-21 was then put to a vote and lost on a recorded vote Request for General Ledgers for Certain 2020 Expenditures Resolution # C-075-21 Moved by Councillor Traill Seconded by Councillor Neal Whereas in late March, 2020 and into April 2020 at the beginning of the first COVID-19 shutdown, some Clarington staff who could work from home started to do and by the end of August, 2020, 60% to 70% percent of the Municipal Administrative Centre staff were working from home; Whereas pursuant to the second provincial emergency under effective January 14, 2021, a stay-at-home order was issued which remains in effect as of this Motion, February 11, 2021; Whereas, Clarington's travel budget in 2020 increased by $17,895.00 from $256,792.00 in 2019 to $274,687.00 in 2020; 9 Clar*wa February 11, 2021 Special Council Minutes Whereas the 2019 budget for Staff Development which includes conferences of $256,100 increased in 2020 to $276,100, and has no budgeted reduction for 2021; Whereas in 2020, $27,711.00 was spent on furniture, representing an increase of $7,750.00 over the 2019 expenditure of $19,961.00; and Whereas Clarington has "Transparency Policy F-11" which states that the Municipality of Clarington actively "encourages and fosters stakeholder participation, clarity and openness in the decision making process". Now therefore be it resolved that Staff be directed to produce the General Ledgers by department to members of Council at their earliest convenience for all furnishings purchased in 2020, for all Staff Development in 2020 and for all travel in 2020. Yes (2): Councillor Neal, and Councillor Traill No (5): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Hooper, Councillor Jones, and Councillor Zwart Motion Lost on a Recorded Vote, Later in the Meeting, See following Motions (2 to 5) Resolution # C-076-21 Moved by Councillor Traill Seconded by Councillor Anderson That "furnishings purchased in 2020", be divided from the foregoing Resolution #C-075-21. Carried Resolution # C-077-21 Moved by Councillor Traill Seconded by Councillor Anderson That Staff be directed to produce the General Ledgers by department to members of Council at their earliest convenience for all furnishings purchased in 2020. Yes (3): Councillor Anderson, Councillor Neal, and Councillor Traill No (4): Mayor Foster, Councillor Hooper, Councillor Jones, and Councillor Zwart Motion Lost on a recorded vote (3 to 4) The balance of the foregoing Resolution #C-075-21 was then put to a vote and lost on a recorded vote. The foregoing Resolution #C-066-21 was then put to a vote and carried as amended on a recorded vote thus resulting in an estimated tax levy impact of 2.04%. 10 Clarington [.1 7 Confirming By-law Resolution # C-078-21 Moved by Councillor Hooper Seconded by Councillor Zwart February 11, 2021 Special Council Minutes That leave be granted to introduce By-law 2021-026, being a by-law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of the Municipality of Clarington at a special meeting held on February 11, 2021; and That the said by-law be approved. Carried Adjournment Resolution # C-079-21 Moved by Councillor Zwart Seconded by Councillor Hooper That the meeting adjourn at 6:56 p.m. Carried 11