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General Government Committee
Minutes
Date: January 13, 2025
Time: 9:30 a.m.
Location: 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 L. Rang, Councillor C. Traill, Councillor W. Woo,
Councillor M. Zwart
Staff Present: M. Dempster, J. Newman, L. Turcotte, R. Maciver, T. Pinn, J.
Gallagher, D. Lyons, L. Reck, M. Machacek
Other Staff Present: P. Pirri, M. Westover
1. Call to Order
Councillor Elhajjeh called the meeting to order at 9.30 a.m.
2. Land Acknowledgement Statement
Mayor Foster led the meeting in the Land Acknowledgement Statement.
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.
5. Presentations/Delegations
6. Consent Agenda
Resolution # GG-001-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of items 6.3 and 6.4, be
approved, in accordance with the Agenda.
Carried
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January 13, 2025
6.1 Correspondence from the City of Guelph, Regarding Enabling
Municipalities to Charge Fees for Use of Municipal Property by Gas Utilities
Resolution # GG-002-25
Whereas, across most of Canada, municipalities charge for -profit gas utilities
fees for the use of municipal property to support municipalities in managing
abandoned gas distribution infrastructure and any conflicts with municipal
infrastructure without increasing the financial burden on property taxpayers;
And whereas, if the charging of these fees is permitted, revenues would provide
much needed funding towards essential municipal services and programs, and
support municipalities in funding any future work associated with gas distribution
infrastructure;
And whereas, in Ontario, Section 9 of O.Reg. 584/06 under the Municipal Act,
2001 prohibits municipalities from charging for -profit gas utilities these fees;
Now therefore be it resolved that the Province of Ontario be requested to amend
Section 9 of O.Reg. 584/06 under the Municipal Act, 2001, to permit
municipalities to charge fees to for -profit gas utilities for their use of public
property; and
That the Municipality of Clarington expresses its support, in principle, for Bill 219
— the No Free Ride for Fossil Fuels Act, 2024, which would enshrine the right of
municipalities to charge fees under the Municipal Act, 2001, and the City of
Toronto Act, 2006.
6.2 FSD-001-25 - Reserve and Reserve Fund Reorganization
Resolution # GG-003-25
That Report FSD-001-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Staff be authorized to reallocate funds within the Municipality's reserve
funds, in accordance with the proposed consolidations provided within Report
FSD-001-25; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-001-25, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
6.5 PDS-001-25 - Whistle Cessation at CN Rail Grade Level Crossings at
Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road
Resolution # GG-004-25
That Report PDS-001-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Staff be directed to continue with work to implement whistle cessation at the
Bennett Road and Cobbledick Road CN Rail grade level crossings;
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January 13, 2025
That Staff be directed to report back with a draft resolution in Q1 2025 to
implement whistle cessation and to provide notice of intent to the public in
accordance with the applicable Federal legislation; and
That all interested parties listed in Report PDS-001-25 and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
6.6 CAO-001-25 - Economic Development Action Plan
Resolution # GG-005-25
That Report CAO-001-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the 2025-2026 Economic Development Action Plan attached to Report
CAO-001-25, as Attachment 3, be endorsed;
That deferral of the remaining items in the Economic Development Strategy, be
supported;
That Priority G1.4 of the Clarington Strategic Plan be postponed at this time; and
That all interested parties listed in Report CAO-001-25, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
6.3 FSD-002-25 -Alternative Revenue Sources
Resolution # GG-006-25
Moved by Councillor Rang
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That Report FSD-002-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That Staff be directed to take the necessary steps to implement a Municipal
Accommodation Tax and report back to Council with the required revenue -
sharing agreements and enabling by-law;
That Staff be directed to take the necessary steps to implement a Stormwater
Management Fee by January 1, 2028, and report back to Council with the
required agreements and by-laws as required;
That Staff be directed to review User Fees and include additional fees for
consideration in the User Fee Bylaw under the principle that services benefitting
individuals should be funded by the individuals;
That the Region of Durham be requested to reconsider the Vacant Home Tax and
assist the municipalities who would want to implement such tax; and
That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-002-25, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
Carried
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6.4 PUB-001-25 - Respectful Conduct Policy and Customer Service Excellence
Related Management Directives
Resolution # GG-007-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That Report PUB-001-25 Respectful Conduct Policy and Customer, be referred
back to Staff.
Motion Withdrawn
Resolution # GG-008-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That Report PUB-001-25, and any related delegations or communication items
be received;
That Council approve the proposed draft Respectful Conduct Policy, attached as
Attachment 1, to promote a respectful, tolerant, and harassment free workplace
for all Staff and the public utilizing our services for their personal enjoyment with
the following amendment:
That Section 5.3.9 be amended by removing the words "including taking
photographs, video, or audio recordings, of persons without their consent";
and
That all interested parties listed in Report PUB-001-25, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
Carried
7. Items for Separate Discussion
7.1 Correspondence from Hon. Paul Calandra, Minister of Municipal Affairs and
Housing, Regarding Municipal Accountability Act 2024
Resolution # GG-009-25
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Woo
Whereas in a letter dated December 12, 2024, Minister Paul Calandra, Minister
of Municipal Affairs and Housing, requested feedback from municipalities related
to the proposed Municipal Accountability Act, 2024, Clarington Council submits
the following for consideration:
• The Council endorses the recommendations submitted by AMCTO to the
Ministry on July 14, 2021;
That, when passed, the Bill be immediately implemented and not be
delayed until the term of the new councils in 2026;
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• That the Code of Conduct make reference to and hold Councillors
accountable to policies approved by their local municipal Councils;
• That private phones, e-mails, or other private electronic means not be
used in the conduct of municipal business and that in the event of an
investigation by the Integrity Commissioner, the IC be given access to
those records pertinent to the investigation; and
• That annual attendance records be included on Council agendas.
Yes (6): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Rang,
Councillor Woo, and Councillor Zwart
No (1): Councillor Traill
Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 1)
7.2 LGS-001-25 -Appointment to the Public Library Board
Resolution # GG-010-25
Moved by Mayor Foster
Seconded by Councillor Rang
That Report LGS-001-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the resignation of Steven Cooke be received with thanks;
That the Committee consider the applications for appointments to the Public
Library Board, and that the vote be conducted to appoint the citizen
representatives, in accordance with the Board / Committee Management Policy;
and
That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-001-25, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
Carried
Public Library Board
That Alanna Hamdic be appointed to the Public Library Board for a term ending
December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.
Alter the Agenda
Resolution # GG-011-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the Agenda be altered to consider Item 8.1 Report PUB-002-25 - Open Air
Burn By-law Addendum, at this time.
Carried
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8. Unfinished Business
8.1 PUB-002-25 - Open Air Burn By-law Addendum
Resolution # GG-012-25
Moved by Councillor Zwart
Seconded by Councillor Traill
That Report PUB-002-25, and any related delegations or communication items,
be received;
That the By-law attached to Report PUB-002-25 as Attachment 1, reflecting
Scenario One, which allows for both recreational fires and open-air burning, be
approved;
That By-law 2012-062, to regulate open air burning, be repealed; and
That all interested parties listed in Report PUB-002-25, and any delegations be
advised of Council's decision.
Yes (5): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Rang, Councillor Traill,
and Councillor Zwart
No (2): Councillor Elhajjeh, and Councillor Woo
Carried on a recorded vote (5 to 2)
Recess
Resolution # GG-013-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Mayor Foster
That the Committee recess for 10 minutes.
Carried
The meeting reconvened at 11:19 a.m. with Mayor Foster in the Chair.
7. Items for Separate Discussion
7.3 Proposed Amendments and/or Shortening the Time Period for the 2025
Budget Update
Suspend the Rules
Resolution # GG-014-25
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to extend the meeting for an
additional 20 minutes.
Carried
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Suspend the Rules
Resolution # GG-015-25
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Elhajjeh
That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to extend the meeting for an
additional 10 minutes.
Carried
Resolution # GG-016-25
Moved by Councillor Zwart
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the Committee recess for a 45-minute lunch break.
Carried
The meeting reconvened at 1:15 p.m. with Mayor Foster in the Chair.
7.3.1 Request for Staff and Creation of Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee
(Councillor Anderson)
Resolution # GG-017-25
Moved by Councillor Anderson
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the Municipality of Clarington, elevate the Anti -Black Racism Task Force
from a working group of the Diversity Advisory Committee to a separate Advisory
Committee of Council, to be called the Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee;
That all current members of the Anti -Black Racism Task Force be appointed to
the Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee and have their term extended to the
end of this Council term;
That staff review and update the Terms of Reference for both the Diversity
Advisory Committee and newly formed Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee
and bring back to Council for approval;
That the Terms of Reference for the Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee
include a Councillor Representative, and Councillor Rang be appointed as the
Council Representative for a term ending November 14, 2026;
That the Terms of Reference for both committees include a Staff Liaison;
That the 2025 budget be amended to include an additional staff resource for the
IDEA portfolio (Grade 6 — non-affiliated); and
That all interested parties be notified of Council's decision.
Carried
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Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee
That Lauren Reyes -Grange, Rochelle Thomas, Dione Valentine, Hawa Mire,
Nadia Nembard-Hunt, Jodie Glean, Joseph Adesanya, and Angela Todd
Anderson, be appointed to the Anti -Black Racism Advisory Committee for a term
ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.
7.3.2 Jury Lands Provision Funds (Councillor Traill)
Resolution # GG-018-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the net difference of the Jury Lands Provision funds be set aside in the Rate
Stabilization Fund.
Carried
7.3.3 Shorten Time Period for the Budget (Councillor Woo)
Resolution # GG-019-25
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Anderson
That in accordance with Ontario Regulation 530/22 Section 7 (4), of the
Municipal Act, Council shortens the 30-day period to pass resolutions making an
amendment to the proposed budget; and
That the period be shortened to January 13, 2025.
Yes (6): Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Elhajjeh, Councillor Rang,
Councillor Woo, and Councillor Zwart
No (1): Councillor Traill
Carried (6 to 1)
9. New Business
10. Confidential Items
10.1 LGS-002-25 - Potential Property Disposition
Resolution # GG-020-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Woo
That the recommendations contained in Confidential Report LGS-002-25 -
Potential Property Disposition, be approved.
Carried
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10.2 LGS-003-25 - Proposed Acquisition of Property by the Municipality
Closed Session
Resolution # GG-021-25
Moved by Councillor Woo
Seconded by Councillor Zwart
That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the MunicipalAct, 2001, as amended,
the meeting be closed for the purpose of discussing a matter that deals with a
proposed or pending acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality or local
board.
Carried
Rise and Report
The meeting resumed in open session at 3:13 p.m.
Mayor Foster advised that one item was discussed in "closed" session in
accordance with Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 and one resolution
was passed to provide direction to Staff.
11. Adjournment
Resolution # GG-022-25
Moved by Councillor Traill
Seconded by Councillor Zwart
That the meeting adjourn at 3.13 p.m.
Carried
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