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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-12-02 1 If this information is required in an alternate format, please contact the Accessibility Co-ordinator at 905-623-3379 ext. 2131 General Government Committee Minutes Date: Time: Location: December 2, 2024 9:30 a.m. Council Chambers or Electronic Participation Municipal Administrative Centre 40 Temperance Street, 2nd Floor Bowmanville, Ontario Members Present: Mayor A. Foster, Councillor G. Anderson, Councillor S. Elhajjeh, Councillor W. Woo, Councillor M. Zwart Regrets: Councillor L. Rang, Councillor C. Traill Staff Present: M. Dempster, J. Newman, L. Turcotte, D. Lyons, R. Maciver, T. Pinn, L. Reck, J. Gallagher, D. Speed Other Staff Present: P. Da Silva, M. Westover _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order Councillor Woo called the meeting to order at 9:34 a.m. 2. Land Acknowledgement Statement Councillor Anderson led the meeting in the Land Acknowledgement State ment. 3. Declaration of Interest There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting. 4. Announcements Members of Committee announced upcoming community events and matters of community interest. General Government Committee Minutes December 2, 2024 2 5. Presentations/Delegations 5.1 Delegation by Martin Field, Chair, Spay Neuter Initiatives Association, Regarding Pet Spay Neuter for Low -Income and Homeless People Martin Field, Chair, Spay Neuter Initiatives Association, was present regarding the Pet Spay Neuter Initiatives Association. Using an electronic presentation, Martin provided an overview of the Association, the Board members, and the Spay Neuter Initiatives Program (SNIP). M. Field outlined their services and explained that they provide a 100 per cent subsidy for the unhoused members of the community. Martin added that their general municipal metric of 5 cents per capita for the Municipality of Clarington would be $5,376. M. Field outlined the benefits to the municipality and the budget from Whitby's Mayor's Community Development Fund. Martin requested Council support for the program and consider awarding a grant to them in 2025. M. Field answered questions from Members of Committee. Resolution # GG-189-24 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Anderson That the Delegation by Martin Field, Chair, Spay Neuter Initiatives Association, Regarding Pet Spay Neuter for Low-Income and Homeless People, be referred to Staff for consideration in the Community Grant Program. Carried 6. Consent Agenda Resolution # GG-190-24 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Zwart That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of items 6.1 and 6.2, be approved, in accordance with the Agenda. Carried 6.3 FSD-050-24 - 2025 Interim Tax Levy Resolution # GG-191-24 That Report FSD-050-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the By-law attached to Report FSD-050-24, as Attachment 1, be approved; and That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-050-24, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision. General Government Committee Minutes December 2, 2024 3 6.4 FSD-051-24 - 2025 Interim Financing By-law Resolution # GG-192-24 That Report FSD-051-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the By-law attached to Report FSD-051-24, as Attachment 1, be approved; and That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-051-24, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision. 6.5 PUB-019-23 - Corporate Climate Action Plan, 2024 Resolution # GG-193-24 That Report PUB-019-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received for information. 6.6 CAO-009-24 - Status update on Outstanding Resolutions of Council Resolution # GG-194-24 That Report CAO-009-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received for information. 6.1 LGS-039-24 - Intimate Partner Violence - Support of Bethesda House Resolution # GG-195-24 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Anderson That Report LGS-039-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the IDEA Officer be directed to: a. Provide Letters of Support to Bethesda House for their future funding applications, highlighting the need for resources and funding to support victims of Intimate Partner Violence; b. Continue to dialogue with Bethesda House, to identify future opportunities to collaborate in support of victims of Intimate Partner Violence; That Clarington Community Engagement Staff continue with the following outstanding actions, arising out of the recommendations of Report LGS-003-24: a. Plan and host an Intimate Partner Violence Roundtable in December 2 025 with community partners to bring awareness and discuss potential community-based solutions that will address the lack of resources; b. Propose a funding stream, as part of the 2025 budget, within the Community Funding Program, which supports community safety programs, including IPV, especially in rural areas of Clarington. General Government Committee Minutes December 2, 2024 4 That this resolution be forwarded to all Durham MPPs, the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity, Durham Region Council, all lower-tier Durham municipalities, and Durham Regional Police Services Board; and That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-039-24, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision. Carried 6.1.1 Memo-012-24 – Update to Report LGS-039-24 Intimate Partner Violence – Support of Bethesda House Item 6.1.1 was considered during Item 6.1. 6.2 LGS-042-24 - Traffic By-law Amendments Resolution # GG-196-24 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh That Report LGS-042-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the By-law attached to Report LGS-042-24, as Attachment 1, to amend the Traffic By-law, be approved, with the following amendment: "That the fine for Item 47, parked interfere with snow removal, be changed to $50 and $75"; and That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-042-24, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision. Carried 7. Items for Separate Discussion 7.1 LGS-040-42 - Municipal Service Boards Terms of Reference Update Resolution # GG-197-24 Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh Seconded by Councillor Anderson That Report LGS-040-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That the By-law attached to Report LGS-040-24, as Attachment 1, to repeal By- law 2008-039, and to establish the Tyrone Hall Board, be approved; That the By-law attached to Report LGS-040-24, as Attachment 2, to repeal By- law 2008-038, and to establish the Solina Community Hall Board, be approved; General Government Committee Minutes December 2, 2024 5 That the By-law attached to Report LGS-040-24, as Attachment 3, to repeal By- law 2014-094, and to establish the Newcastle Village Community Hall Board, be approved; That Peter Martin, and Vincent Wong, on the Newcastle Village Community Hall Board, whose terms have expired, be thanked for their work on the Board; That the resignations of Crystal Yaki and Barry Carmichael from the Newcastle Village Community Hall Board, be received with thanks; That the appointment of Janeen Calder, to the Newcastle Hall Board, be extended until December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed; That the Committee consider the applications for appointments to the Newcastle Village Community Hall Board, and that the vote be conducted to appoint the citizen representatives, in accordance with the Appointment to Boards and Committees Policy; That the Appointment to Boards and Committee Policy, now named the Board/Committee Management Policy attached to Report LGS-040-24, as Attachment 5, be approved; and That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-040-24, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision. Carried Recess Resolution # GG-198-24 Moved by Councillor Elhajjeh Seconded by Councillor Anderson That the Committee recess for 10 minutes. Carried The meeting reconvened at 10:42 a.m. with Councillor Woo in the Chair. Newcastle Village Community Hall Board Resolution # GG-199-24 Moved by Councillor Anderson Seconded by Councillor Zwart That, in light of the new Terms of Reference, the appointments to the Newcastle Village Community Hall Board be referred to Staff to re-advertise for the vacancies. Carried General Government Committee Minutes December 2, 2024 6 7.2 LGS-041-24 - Appointments to the Agricultural Advisory Committee, Diversity Advisory Committee, and Energy from Waste – Wa ste Management Advisory Committee Resolution # GG-200-24 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Zwart That Report LGS-041-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received; That Ryan Cullen, Jordan McKay, Brenda Metcalf, and Henry Z ekvled from the Agricultural Advisory Committee, Beverley Neblett, Joe Solway, Rochelle Thomas, Dione Valentine, and Vincent Wong, from the Diversity Advisory Committee, and Glenn Baswick, Phil Haylock, Tenzin Shomar, and Jim Vin son, from the Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee, whose terms have expired, be thanked for their work on the Committee; That Dan Spaeth, Glenn Baswick, Greg Rowden, Pankaj Panchal, be appointed to the Energy from Waste – Waste Management Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed; That Staff be directed to re-advertise for the youth vacancy on the Diversity Advisory Committee; That the Committee consider the applications for appointments to the Agricultural Advisory Committee and Diversity Advisory Committee, and that the vote be conducted to appoint the citizen representatives, in accordance with the Appointment to Boards and Committees Policy; and That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-041-24 and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision. Carried Agricultural Advisory Committee That Chris Ennis, Brad Found, Henry Zekveld, and Lloyd Vandergaast, be appointed to the Agricultural Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2028, or until a successor is appointed. Diversity Advisory Committee That Koren Kassirer, Beverley Neblett, Rochelle Thomas, StarLee DeGrace, Vincent Wong, be appointed to the Diversity Advisory Committee, for a term ending December 31, 2028, or until a successor is appointed. General Government Committee Minutes December 2, 2024 7 7.3 Correspondence from the Orono Business Improvement Area, Regarding, Request for Funds from the Orono BIA Reserve Fund Resolution # GG-201-24 Moved by Councillor Zwart Seconded by Mayor Foster That the request from the Orono Business Improvement Area (BIA) to withdraw funds from the Orono BIA Fund, be approved. Carried 8. Unfinished Business 9. New Business 9.1 Veterans Crosswalk - Councillor Traill Resolution # GG-202-24 Moved by Councillor Anderson Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh Whereas a Veterans’ Crosswalk not only makes an everyday pedestrian crosswalk more vibrant, but also creates a bold, visual statement of our respect and immense gratitude towards our veterans; Whereas a Veterans’ Crosswalk at King and Temperance is an appropriate location because it is central, close to the cenotaph and because the annual Bowmanville Remembrance parade crosses King to reach the cenotaph every November 11; and Whereas the Bowmanville Veterans Crossing will serve as a permanent memorial to those who have served in the Canadian Forces; Now therefore be it resolved that Staff proceed with the painting of a Veterans’ crosswalk crossing King at Temperance, running north/south; That the cost of the crosswalk and its maintenance be referred to the Deputy CAO/Treasurer; and That the Bowmanville Legion Branch 178 be consulted with respect to design and be invited to the opening ceremony of the crosswalk, scheduled for November 11, 2025. Carried General Government Committee Minutes December 2, 2024 8 9.2 Request the Redistribution of the Provincial Land Transfer Tax and GST to Municipalities for Sustainable Infrastructure Funding - Mayor Foster Resolution # GG-203-24 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Zwart That in accordance with Section 7.16.5 of the Procedural By-law, a New Business Item, regarding Request the Redistribution of the Provincial Land Transfer Tax and GST to Municipalities for Sustainable Infrastructure Funding, be added to the Agenda. Carried Resolution # GG-204-24 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh Whereas municipalities face growing infrastructure needs, including roads, bridges, public transit, water systems, and other critical services, which are essential to community well-being and economic development; and Whereas the current sources of municipal revenue, including property ta xes and user fees, are insufficient to meet these increasing demands for infrastructure investment; and Whereas the Province of Ontario currently collects the Land Transfer Tax (LTT) on property transactions in municipalities across the province, generating significant revenue that is not directly shared with municipalities; and Whereas the Federal Government collects the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on property transactions, a portion of which could be directed to municipalities to address local infrastructure needs; and Whereas redistributing a portion of the Provincial Land Transfer Tax and GST to municipalities would provide a predictable and sustainable source of funding for local infrastructure projects without creating a new tax burden on residents or homebuyers; and Whereas a redistribution of a portion of the existing Land Transfer Tax and GST would allow municipalities to better plan and invest in long-term infrastructure initiatives, supporting local economic growth and improving the quality of lif e for residents; Now therefore be it resolved that the Municipality of Clarington Council formally requests the Provincial Government to consider redistributing a portion of the Land Transfer Tax collected on property transactions to municipalities; That the Municipality of Clarington Council calls on the Federal Government to allocate a percentage of the GST collected on property sales to municipalities; General Government Committee Minutes December 2, 2024 9 That this redistribution of the Land Transfer Tax and GST should be structured to provide predictable and sustainable funding to municipalities, allowing for better long-term planning and investment in infrastructure projects that benefit local communities, thus ensuring that local governments receive a fair share of the revenue to address critical infrastructure needs; That copies of this resolution be forwarded to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Premier Doug Ford, the Ontario Minister of Finance, the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, local Members of Parliament (MPs) and Members of Provincial Parliament (MPPs); and That copies of this resolution be forwarded to all 444 Municipalities in Ontario, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) for their endorsement and advocacy. Carried 9.3 Support of Ontario Big City Mayor's Solve the Crisis Campaign - Councillor Woo Resolution # GG-205-24 Moved by Mayor Foster Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh That in accordance with Section 7.16.5 of the Procedural By-law, a New Business Item, regarding Support of Ontario Big City Mayor’s Solve the Crisis Campaign, be added to the Agenda. Carried Councillor Woo left the Chair. Mayor Foster chaired this portion of the meeting. Resolution # GG-206-24 Moved by Councillor Woo Seconded by Councillor Zwart Whereas the Municipality of Clarington supports Ontario Big City Mayor’s SolvetheCrisis.ca Campaign and requests that the Provincial and Federal Governments take Action to Address the Growing Mental Health, Addictions and Homelessness Crisis in Ontario; Whereas there is a humanitarian crisis unfolding on the streets in our municipalities, large and small, urban and rural, across Ontario. The time for words is over, we need immediate action at all levels of government, starting with the Province of Ontario; Whereas the homelessness, mental health and addictions crisis continues to grow with 3432 drug related deaths in Ontario in 2023 and over 1400 homeless encampments across Ontario communities in 2023; General Government Committee Minutes December 2, 2024 10 Whereas the province has provided additional funding and supports, such as the recent investment of $378 million for HART Hubs that includes funding for approximately 375 beds with wraparound supports, it does not adequately address the growing crisis and the financial and social impact on municipalities and regions across the province; Whereas municipalities and regions are stepping up and working with community partners to put in place community-specific solutions to address this crisis, but municipalities and regions lack the expertise, capacity, or resources to address these increasingly complex health care and housing issues alone; Whereas this is primarily a health issue that falls under provincial jurisdiction and municipalities and regions should not be using the property tax base to fund these programs; and Whereas there is no provincial lead focused on this crisis leading to unanswered questions that span over a dozen ministries, and a lack of support to manage the increasing needs of those who are unhoused. Now therefore be it resolved that the Municipality of Clarington supports Ontario’s Big City Mayors (OBCM) SolvetheCrisis.ca Campaign; That the Municipality of Clarington calls on the provincial and federal governments to commit to immediate action to solve the humanitarian crisis that Ontario is facing as the numbers of unhoused individuals and those suffering with mental health & addictions grows exponentially; That the province officially makes Homelessness a Health Priority; That the province appoints a responsible Minister and Ministry with the appropriate funding and powers as the single point of contact to address the full spectrum of housing needs and equally as important, the mental health, addictions and wrap around supports that must be put resourced and put in place; That the provincial government strike a task force with broad sector representatives including municipalities, regions, healthcare, first responders, community services, the business community and the tourism industry to develop a Made in Ontario Action Plan; That this provincial task force reviews the current programs and policies developed by municipalities, regions and community partners that have proven successful in our communities, as well as programs and policies proposed by various stakeholders, to evaluate their effectiveness, ability to be scaled up, and to ensure that a variety of solutions are available, as there is no one-size-fits-all answer, and can be implemented quickly and effectively to tackle this crisis; That the federal government is included in these conversations; General Government Committee Minutes December 2, 2024 11 That both levels of government provide adequate, sufficient and sustainable funding to ensure that municipalities have the tools and resources to support individuals suffering with mental health and addictions, including unhoused people and those from vulnerable populations that may be disproportionately impacted; That the Members of Clarington Council call on the residents of the Municipality of Clarington to join us in appealing to the provincial and federal governments for support by visiting SolvetheCrisis.ca and showing your support; and That a copy of this motion be sent to:  The Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada  The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities of Canada  The Honourable Doug Ford, Premier of Ontario  The Honourable Sylvia Jones, Deputy Premier and Minister of Health  The Honourable Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing  The Honourable Michael Parsa, Minister of Children, Community and Social Services  The Honourable Michael Tibollo, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions  Local MPs  Local MPPs and  Ontario’s Big City Mayors Yes (5): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Woo, and Councillor Zwart Absent (2): Councillor Rang, and Councillor Traill Carried on a recorded vote (5 to 0) 10. Confidential Items 11. Adjournment Resolution # GG-207-24 Moved by Councillor Woo Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh That the meeting adjourn at 11:29 a.m. Carried