By Pepper Parr

November 22, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

When Mayor Meed Ward announced that she was required to use the Strong Mayor Powers she was given by the province and would be putting a budget forward many took the position that Meed Ward was wrong.

When delegating on Tuesday Ann Marsden challenged Council and said that there was no requirement for the Mayor to provide a budget.

Councillor Sharman said he was put the question to staff and later in the day he asked  CFO Joan Ford:

“Would you explain the process that we are under with respect to strong mayor’s legislation. And whether the mayor has the ability to not present a budget or to delegate that stuff.

“It was raised by several of the delegations and there seems to be some confusion about the process. So could you explain the process we’re in right now?

Ford responded: “Thank you very much for the questions.  So under the strong mayor’s legislation, it does say that the head of council shall prepare a budget and provide that budget to council.

“It does further say that if the head of council does not propose a budget to council by February 1, then Council share shall prepare and adopt the budget for the municipality.”

Joan Ford might be correct when she uses the word “shall” – it depends on which version of the Strong Powers she is referring to.

There were two Strong Mayor Power decisions.  Toronto and Ottawa were given strong powers; then, many months later, the rest of the municipalities were given the power.

However, they were not identical.

On July 1^st, the rest of the municipalities were given Strong Mayor Powers;  but several,  Guelph is the best local example, did not chose not to use the Strong Mayor Powers.

For those who require more detail the following should satisfy them.

The Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022, the Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022, and associated regulations give the head of council (HOC) of certain municipalities strong mayor powers and duties. Currently, Toronto and Ottawa are the only municipalities where the HOC has strong mayor powers and duties.

The Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing is proposing amendments to O. Reg. 530/22 under the Municipal Act (MA) to expand the list of municipalities where the HOC has strong mayor powers and duties, to include certain single-tier and lower-tier municipalities that have committed to the province to move forward on shared provincial-municipal priorities and support the provincial priority to build 1.5 million homes by 2031.

In addition, the Ministry is proposing to clarify that existing dual vacancies rules in the Municipal Act (i.e., the lower-tier municipality, not upper-tier, is required to fill the vacancy) also apply in municipalities where HOC has strong mayor powers and duties.

Proposing that amendments to O. Reg. 530/22 would come into effect on July 1, 2023. Other amendments to designate additional municipalities where HOC has strong mayor powers and duties may be made in the future.

Analysis of Regulatory Impact:

By amending this regulation, the strong mayor framework would apply to more municipalities. Currently the framework applies to two municipalities – the City of Toronto and City of Ottawa.

Local impacts will depend on how the heads of council (HOC) in designated municipalities choose to use these strong mayor powers and how the municipality will support the implementation of these powers and duties for the HOC.

There are no requirements in the regulations that would result in new administrative costs for municipalities. Municipalities may choose to update local processes and policies at any time, based on their local needs and circumstances.

Further Information:

Bill 3: Strong Mayors, Building Homes Act, 2022
Bill 39: Better Municipal Governance Act, 2022   
O. Reg. 530/22 – Municipal Act

Did Joan Ford make a mistake and confuse the first piece of legislation (Bill 3) with the second(Bill 39) or did Councillor  Sharman lead her into saying what he needed to cover the story he and the Mayor have been spouting for the past three months.

Or were they both fibbing?

There are those who are very angry with the Mayor’s insistence on sticking to her position that she is required to deliver a budget.

They maintain the Mayor is lying; knows that she is lying and will stick to her position – she is already putting together an information base on what she wants to put forward in the way of a budget for 2025.

During one of her election campaigns for the ward 2 Council seat Marianne Meed Ward said to a group of people gathered at the Art Gallery that while she wanted their vote – what she really wanted was their trust.

You can’t continue to tell less than the truth and expect to have the trust of the people you represent.

 

 

 

 

By Pepper Parr

November 22, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

After a twelve hour session during which Motions were withdrawn or deferred Council reported on what they had achieved. It was a 5.06% increase for the city’s portion; the blended rate came in at 6.74%.

But they weren’t done.

They will be back at it on Thursday when they expect to complete the budgeting exercise.

For a bunch of important technical reasons the tax  recommendation is expected to go to City Council on November 28^th.

Mayor Meed Ward lost one battle on a project she dearly wanted.  She appeared to have lost track of what had been deferred and what had been withdrawn.  It will be interesting to see how the Mayor manages the process to get the item back on.

There were a number of technical jobs that are going to go unfilled.  There were three in particular that Chief Information Officer Chad Macdonald wanted but didn’t get.

Both he and City Manager were not happy.

Commisso gave it a shrug as he looked toward Macdonald

 

By Pepper Parr

November 21^st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

At 1:10 PM – Council is close to totally confused.

The only thing we have learned after lunch is that the increase will be 6.68% – increase was due to a new budget from the Regional government.

The Mayor has just asked if there was a benefit to delaying the whole budget process to February, CFO Ford said that there was a benefit to setting a budget in order to get lower construction and supply costs.

If this keeps on going to way it has been going – there is going to be little in the way of satisfaction from the public.  Understanding what Council is doing will be a challenge.

By Pepper Parr

November 21st, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Budget Committee Meeting  that lifts off at 9:30 this morning will hear 10 people delegating on the budget.  Based on the comments we are seeing in the Gazette this should be interesting.

We will report in depth on all of them.

There are also 50 pieces of correspondence on the 2024 Budget Review – that people will not hear and we suspect very few will take the time to dig into the web site and read letters written.

We wonder how many members of Council have taken the time to get the funny bone ticked and read what the people of the city have to say.

In the 12 years we have been covering city council we have never seen anything like this.

There are now 2898 signatures on the citizen based petition.

It will take some time to work through all the correspondence.  Taken at random:

I oppose the 2024 tax increase. We believe there are many things in this budget that are not necessities and not required on an emergency basis.

It appears that this City government is spending money unnecessarily and it seems foolish given the fact that many can’t afford food, mortgage payments, utilities, etc. The spending should be much more controlled considering the economic climate we’re currently in.

Many things in our opinion should be scrapped or left for another more prosperous time.

Smart spending and no fluff.

There is something going on out there.

And if you are interested – the city is doing a Zoom on what would you like to see done with Civic Square.

Public engagement opportunities

• Nov. 21, 7 to 9 p.m. Online. Register at getinvolvedburlington.ca/civicsquare

By Staff

November 20^th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

On November 2nd, a new report, At what Cost? Ontario hospital privatization and the threat to public health care confirmed the negative impact of the Ford government’s plans on Ontario’s public hospitals and patients.

Report author Andrew Longhurst of the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives (CCPA) rebuts the government’s rationale for privatization by showing that sufficient funding for public hospitals can significantly improve surgical backlogs.

Among the report’s startling revelations is the massive difference in stated government expenditures on private clinics versus the actual spending.

Days after the report was published, we learned that former Health Minister Christine Elliott, who gave private clinic Don Mills Surgical Unit a 278% funding increase while she was minister, is now a lobbyist for the clinic’s parent company, Clearpoint Health Network. Her official registration says her lobbying goals are to “engage the government in updating and increasing the base funding amount available to Clearpoint.”

A CBC investigation found that procedures at Don Mills Surgical are paid for by the government at double or triple the cost of procedures performed in public hospitals. These findings are the tip of the iceberg of the lack of accountability, higher costs, corruption and profiteering that the Ford government is unleashing with Bill 60.

The Ontario Health Coalition is holding an on-line forum on Tuesday November 28th at 7 pm eastern

If you are interested Please register and fill in the information here (you will receive the Zoom link by email after you register):

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEpdemrrzwtHNL1RXFYd_uZv7woAZRskSPf

Join them for this forum to hear from researchers and advocates about how Ford’s reckless policies can be exposed and defeated.

• Andrew Longhurst, research associate, Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives; author of the recently published report, ‘At What Cost? Ontario hospital privatization and the threat to health care‘
• Pam Parks, nurse, co-chair, Durham Health Coalition
• Kevin Skerrett, Ottawa Health Coalition
• Natalie Mehra, executive director, Ontario Health Coalition

Co-Sponsored by:  Brampton-Caledon Health Coalition, Durham Health Coalition, Grey-Bruce Health Coalition, Halton Health Coalition, Hamilton Health Coalition, Kingston Health Coalition, London Health Coalition, Mississauga Health Coalition, North Bay Health Coalition, Ottawa Health Coalition, Oxford Coalition for Social Justice, Peterborough Health Coalition, Port Dover Health Coalition, Renfrew County Health Coalition, Simcoe Health Coalition, Waterloo Health Coalition.

 

 

By Pepper Parr

November 20th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

The following are the 19 Motions to amend the Mayor’s Budget submitted by Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan.

Motion for Council to Consider:

Consider a package of amendments to maintain the reduced tax rate of 4.99% while funding top and high priority positions.

Reason:

Below is a summary table of amendments I am putting forward. Together they represent a rationalizing of proposed FTEs while maintain the tax rate at the 4.99% as proposed by the mayor.

Financial Matters:

Although these amendments do not need to be approved as a package, I am prioritizing the need to maintain the tax rate at 4.99% while funding key positions not currently funded in the mayor’s budget but recently identified as higher priorities. Items below are listed in the thousands.

Motion Seconded by: Not Required Share with Senior Staff

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:    none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Add 2024-032 – Manager Organizational Development ($157,373) to 2024 budget, subject to offsetting savings having been found through earlier approved 2024 budget reduction amendments to maintain tax rate at 4.99%.

Reason:

While this is a very challenging budget, the above position has been identified as a top priority by staff.

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through savings found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. Specifically, I suggest redeploying savings from cutting 2024-022 (Expansion and Customer Experience in Community Gardens) and 2024-035 (Burlington Lands Partnership 1.75 FTE) to fund this position. These positions were identified as medium priority.

Motion Seconded by: Not Required Share with Senior Staff

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:                         none City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Add 2024-014 – Station 8 Firefighters – Year 2 ($301,419) to the 2024 budget, subject to offsetting savings having been found through earlier approved 2024 budget reduction amendments to maintain tax rate at 4.99%.

Reason:

While this is a very challenging budget, the above positions have been identified as a high priority by staff and by approving four positions rather than two we can significantly increase the life-saving coverage provided by the Fire Department.

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through saving found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. Specifically, I suggest redeploying savings from 2024-28 (Community Planning Housing Initiative-Housing Strategy) and 2024-33 (Planner II-Community Initiatives) to fund this position. These positions were identified as medium priority.

Comments:

City Clerk:  none City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove 2024-020 – Winter Maintenance – School Cross Walks ($88,000) from the 2024 Budget and request that the Mayor consider inclusion of this item in the 2025 Budget.

Reason:

To deliver a tax rate residents can afford, some difficult choices must be made. As important as an enhanced maintenance of school cross walks may be, this motion defers the expenditure to 2025 budget, allowing a lower tax impact to the community.

Financial Matters:

Savings from deferring this item, as well as savings from deferring 2024-042 (Winter Maintenance – Expanded Parking Lots) may be redeployed to fund Vision Zero programming position while maintaining a tax rate of 4.99% for the city portion.

Regardless of whether the Vision Zero position is funded, I recommend deferring the item.

Comments:

City Clerk: none City Manager:      none

 

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove 2024-022 – Expansion and Customer Experience in Community Gardens ($38,200) from the 2024 Budget and request that the Mayor consider inclusion of this item in the 2025 Budget.

Reason:

To deliver a tax rate residents can afford, some difficult choices must be made. While the community garden program is important, this motion defers the expenditure to 2025 budget, allowing a lower tax impact to the community. I suggest a relook at the program considering the cost per garden plot and ongoing demand.

Financial Matters:

Savings from deferring this item, as well as savings from deferring the 1.75 FTEs included in 2024-035 (Burlington Lands Partnership) may be redeployed to fund two FTEs identified as top priorities: 2024-031 (Enterprise Business Services Support – Workday/EAMS Training Coordinator) and 2024-032 (Manager Organizational Development) while maintaining a tax rate of 4.99% for the city portion. Regardless of whether these top priority positions are funded, I recommend deferring the item.

Motion Seconded by: Not Required

Share with Senior Staff

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:   none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove 2024-028 – Community Planning Housing Initiative ($172,414) from the 2024 Budget and request that the Mayor consider inclusion of this item in the 2025 Budget.

Reason:

To deliver a tax rate residents can afford, some difficult choices must be made. While bolstering the housing initiative is important, this motion defers the expenditure to 2025 budget, allowing a lower tax impact to the community. This position was noted as a medium priority, and significant investments are being made in the 2024 budget that will promote the housing file (e.g. 2024-036 – Permit and Application Streamlining).

Financial Matters:

Savings from deferring this item, as well as savings from deferring 2024-033 (Planner II – Community Initiatives) may be redeployed to fully fund 2024-014 (Station 8 Firefighters – year 2), a high priority, while maintaining a tax rate of 4.99% for the city portion. Regardless of whether these high priority positions are funded, I recommend deferring the item.

Motion Seconded by: Not Required Share with Senior Staff þ

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Add Solicitor – General Litigation, Municipal Law, Insurance Practice (2024-030) for $190,512 to the 2024 budget offset by a recovery from the capital program.

Reason:

While this is a very challenging budget, the above position has been identified as a high priority by staff and can be funded by savings on capital projects that will no longer require outside legal counsel to the same degree.

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through savings found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. Specifically, as this position will create savings by no longer needing to depend on outside counsel to the same extent, it is suggested that the financing be funded through a recovery to capital. Doing so will not result in fewer capital projects being completed.

Motion Seconded by: Not Required Share with Senior Staff þ

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: one

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Add 3 positions (Data Engineer, Manager of Experience Strategy and Design, and M365 Product Manager) in 2024-030 – Burlington Digital Service ($486,569) to 2024 budget, subject to offsetting savings having been found through earlier approved 2024 budget reduction amendments to maintain tax rate at 4.99%.

Reason:

This motion does not include the solicitor role which is included in separate case due to being funded from capital.

While this is a very challenging budget, the above positions have been identified as a high priority by staff.

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through savings found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. Specifically, I have another amendment to remove the $1M provision to the Innovation and Transformation reserve fund.

• Deliver customer centric services with a focus on efficiency and technology transformation

Motion Seconded by: Not Required

Share with Senior Staff

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Add 2024-031 – Enterprise Business Services Support – Workday/EAMS Training Coordinator ($109,220) to 2024 budget, subject to offsetting savings having been found through earlier approved 2024 budget reduction amendments to maintain tax rate at 4.99%.

Reason:

While this is a very challenging budget, the above position has been identified as a top priority by staff.

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through saving found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. Specifically, I suggest redeploying savings from cutting 2024-022 (Expansion and Customer Experience in Community Gardens) and 2024-035 (Burlington Lands Partnership 1.75 FTE) to fund this position. These positions were identified as medium priority.

Motion Seconded by: Not Required

Share with Senior Staff

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

 

Motion for Council to Consider:

Add 2024-031 – Application Analyst Workday / EAMS ($136,391) and Workday Analyst ($124,512) subject to offsetting savings having been found through earlier approved 2024 budget reduction amendments to maintain tax rate at 4.99%.

Reason:

This motion does not include the solicitor role which is included in separate case due to being funded from capital.

While this is a very challenging budget, the above positions have been identified as a high priority by staff.

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through savings found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. Specifically, I have another amendment to remove the $1M provision to the Innovation and Transformation reserve fund.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Add 2024-032 – Transit Maintenance Supervisor ($108,470) to 2024 budget, subject to offsetting savings having been found through earlier approved 2024 budget reduction amendments to maintain tax rate at 4.99%.

Reason:

Funding more buses and drivers means, eventually, support positions must also be funded as part of the expansion of the service. Funding a transit maintenance supervisor will ensure safety of the mechanics and other employees, and improve the overall maintenance of the busses, improving the public transit system.

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through saving found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. Specifically, I suggest redeploying savings from increased revenue assumptions to transit to fund this position.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

 

Motion for Council to Consider:

Add 2024-032 – Transit Operations Supervisor ($108,470) to 2024 budget, subject to offsetting savings having been found through earlier approved 2024 budget reduction amendments to maintain tax rate at 4.99%.

Reason:

Funding more buses and drivers means, eventually, support positions must also be funded as part of the expansion of the service. Funding a transit operations supervisor will improve safety of drivers and riders on the road and improve the overall system.

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through saving found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. Specifically, I suggest redeploying savings from increased revenue assumptions to transit to fund this position.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Add 2024-032 Web Designer ($119,562) to 2024 budget, subject to offsetting savings having been found through earlier approved 2024 budget reduction amendments to maintain tax rate at 4.99%.

Reason:

While this is a very challenging budget, the above position has been identified as a high priority by staff.

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through savings found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. Specifically, I have another amendment to remove the $1M provision to the Innovation and Transformation reserve fund.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

 

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove 2024-033 – Planner II – Community Initiatives ($130,906) from the 2024 Budget and request that the Mayor consider inclusion of this item in the 2025 Budget.

Reason:

To deliver a tax rate residents can afford, some difficult choices must be made. While bolstering the planning department is important, this motion defers the expenditure to 2025 budget, allowing a lower tax impact to the community. This position was noted as a medium priority, and significant investments are being made in the 2024 budget that will promote the housing file (e.g. 2024-036 – Permit and Application Streamlining).

Financial Matters:

Savings from deferring this item, as well as savings from deferring 2024-028 – (Community Planning Housing Initiative) may be redeployed to fully fund 2024-014 (Station 8 Firefighters – year 2), a high priority, while maintaining a tax rate of 4.99% for the city portion. Regardless of whether these high priority positions are funded, I recommend deferring the item.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

 

Motion for Council to Consider:

Reduce the 2024-035 – Burlington Lands Partnership item by the 1.75 FTEs ($250,000) in the 2024 Budget and request that the Mayor consider inclusion of this item in the 2025 Budget.

Reason:

To deliver a tax rate residents can afford, some difficult choices must be made. While the Burlington Lands Partnership is important, this motion defers the expenditure to 2025 budget, allowing a lower tax impact to the community. The $200K purchased services are not included in the deferral and proposed to remain in the budget.

Financial Matters:

Savings from deferring this item, as well as savings from deferring 2024-022 (Expansion and Customer Experience in Community Gardens) may be redeployed to fund two FTEs identified as top priorities: 2024-031 (Enterprise Business Services Support – Workday/EAMS Training Coordinator) and 2024-032 (Manager Organizational Development) while maintaining a tax rate of 4.99% for the city portion. Regardless of whether these top priority positions are funded, I recommend deferring the item.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove 2024-042 – Winter Maintenance-Expanded Parking Lots ($75,000) from the 2024 budget and request that the Mayor consider inclusion of this item in the 2025 budget.

Reason:

To deliver a tax rate residents can afford, some difficult choices must be made. While plowing more parking lots is important, this motion defers the expenditure to 2025 budget, allowing a lower tax impact to the community.

Financial Matters:

Savings from deferring this item, as well as savings from deferring 2024-020 (Winter Maintenance – School Cross Walks) may be redeployed to fund the Vision Zero programming position while maintaining a tax rate of 4.99% for the city portion.

Regardless of whether the Vision Zero position is funded, I recommend deferring the item.

Motion Seconded by: Not Required Share with Senior Staff

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Add Vision Zero / Active Transportation programming position ($124,129) to 2024 budget, subject to offsetting savings having been found through earlier approved 2024 budget reduction amendments to maintain tax rate at 4.99%.

Reason:

The Integrated Mobility Plan has been unanimously supported by committee and is an on-the-ground transportation reality going forward.

A Vision Zero plan has been a priority for council since at least 2019 when it was referenced in our Vision to Focus strategic plan. Recent tragedies on our roads reinforce the need to accelerate our work to make our roads safe for all. Active Transportation Coordination is critical to the Vision Zero plan. Approved plans need to be operationalized with sufficient funding.

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through saving found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. Specifically, I suggest redeploying savings from 2024-020 (Winter Maintenance – School Crosswalks) and 2024-42 (Winter Maintenance – Expanded Parking Lots) to fund this position.

Motion Seconded by: Not Required Share with Senior Staff

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove the provision to Innovation and Transformation Fund ($1M) from the 2024 Budget and reduce 2024-036 Permit and Application Streamlining by $1M.

Reason:

To deliver a tax rate residents can afford, some difficult choices must be made. While the Innovation and Transformation Fund was developed with the right intentions, one of those was to reduce pressure on future year tax rates as a safety valve for strategic items. This has not worked out as expected as the financial needs tax rate is nearly as high as last year.

Financial Matters:

Savings from deferring this item may be redeployed to fund eight FTEs identified as top priorities: 2024-030 (Burlington Digital Services) 2024-031 (Application Analyst and Workday Analyst) and 2024-032 (Recruitment Coordinator and Web Designer) while maintaining a tax rate of 4.99% for the city portion.

Motion Seconded by: Not Required

Share with Senior Staff

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Increase the Senior’s Tax Rebate from $575 to $837, increase the City’s provision to support this program by a further $116,000 and request that the Region of Halton continue to participate in the cost sharing of their portion of this program, subject to offsetting savings having been found through earlier approved 2024 budget reduction amendments to maintain tax rate at 4.99%.

Reason:

Many residents are facing difficult decisions with their home budgets next year. The most vulnerable residents are low and fixed-income seniors who have little or no capacity to increase their income or reduce their already minimized expenses. The Low- Income Seniors Property Tax Rebate currently offers $550 per year to support this vulnerable community. Staff recommend an increase to $575 this year.

I recommend a rebate of $837. This will result in the average senior currently accessing the program receiving an increased rebate that mitigates the proposed 4.99% city tax increase. This is based on the average home value (CVA) of a qualifying senior currently in receipt of the program. The total cost to City to allow for the increase to

$837 is a further $116,000 in addition to the $150,000 currently budgeted for this program.

The Region of Halton and School Boards participate in the cost sharing of the current program. The rebate for the education component of the rebate is automatically shared by the School Boards. To note, I will be approaching the Region of Halton to seek their continued participation for their increase for their portion of the rebate to ensure full mitigation of the overall 2024 tax increase to Burlington residents accessing this program. Should the Region of Halton not continue to fully cost share in this program the amount of the Region’s share would be the responsibility of the City to fund requiring a further budget increase of $31,000.

These figures are based on the current number of residents in the program and does not account for additional participants.

More details on the program and eligibility requirements can be found at https://www.burlington.ca/en/property-taxes/low-income-seniors-property-tax- rebate.aspx

Financial Matters:

This item is recommended to be included in the budget through saving found elsewhere so that the tax rate is not increased. My overview document includes $218k in savings.

Motion Seconded by: Not Required

Share with Senior Staff

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager: none

 

By Pepper Parr

November 19th, 2023

BURLINGTON, ON

 

Ward 6 Councillor Angelo Bentivegna submitted the following Motions to change the Budget Mayor Meed Ward presented to Council in October.

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove item # 2024-037 Planning Development Services Organization Design including the one-time funding of $100,000 from the 2024 budget.

Reason:

 The Provincial Government has not finalized the responsibility roles currently of Conservation Halton nor that of Halton Regions. The transition plan has not been outlined and there is no clear timeline moving forward.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove the Planner 2 position (Targeted Realignment of Burlington’s Official Plan # 2024-033) from the 2024 budget resulting in a reduction of $130,906 and continue to retain this position as over-complement on a contract basis.

Reason:

Planner 2 position area of responsibility is focused on area specific planning work for the city’s primary growth areas around our three Major Transit Go Stations. We have continuously discussed that developers have been reluctant to put shovels in the ground due to poor condo high-rise sales. Economists are predicting that these trends will continue in 2024.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Reduce the Burlington Lands Partnership item (# 2024-035) from $450,000 to $225,000 in the 2024 budget. Request that $225,000 of the $238,000 of net savings identified in Transit from additional budgeted fare and shelter advertising revenues less increased diesel expenses be applied to support BLP.

Reason:

Council has been supported of BLP and it’s progress these past few years. It is anticipated that these activities will continue to progress in the future. Without having a continuous source for funding, BLP programs will not be able to fulfill the goals it was intended to accomplish. We will need to make some difficult decisions and look for opportunities to re-distribute funding resources that will advance our future needs.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Reduce the Bateman Phase 1 Operating costs of $512,000 to $256,000 in the 2024 budget resulting in a reduction of $256,000.

Reason:

Bateman’s target Phase 1 opening (UoB) is slated for September 2024. I’m unclear why

$512,000 will be needed for operations in 2024 knowing that only Brock University will be the tenant. Therefore, I am suggestion that conservatively 50% of the operating funding cost be removed.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove the 1 By-law Licensing Clerk position (2024-027) from the 2024 budget resulting in a reduction of $92,940.

Reason:

2023 Budget was set up to stabilize operations by centralizing service department for bylaw matters. Additionally, to implement Customer Service Management and an Administrative Penalty System. The APS progress will be reported in 2024. Once implemented this initiative will allow staff to collect violations funds quicker, adding a main revenue source for the department. Business licensing is another area of revenue for this department. Various business data is available from numerous agencies to ensure that business who are required be licensed to operate are actually paying their fair share. Presently only about 1100 business are registered and a number of them have not paid for their license to operate. Collecting the funds outstanding would reduce the dependency to raise taxes.

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove the One Brand project (#2024-039) including the one-time funding of $150,000 from the 2024 budget and request that staff complete the project using existing internal resources, citizen advisory committees and other stakeholders.

Reason:

The “One Brand” story was created in 2002. Since then, much has changed. Having said that, our city is going through the biggest change that we at the present time due to changes downloaded from the federal and provincial governments. Other than knowing our growth targets at the present times, there are numerous uncertainties. As mentioned previously in committee workshop, perhaps we need to engage with citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders first to determine what their thoughts on what Burlington should and will become.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove Performance Management Phase 1 (#2024-038) including the one-time funding of $100,000 from the 2024 budget.

Reason:

The Financial needs Multiyear Forecast Binder ( Pg 117) says.

“Phase 1 is intended to include non-union staff training, system configuration, that will result in implementing individual goal setting, tied to the strategic Plan, Department Workplans, and individual targets.”.

My concern is what is the timetable for phase 1. What is expected in phase 2 and at what cost?

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove the business case for Winter Maintenance – School Crosswalks (#2024-020) from the 2024 budget resulting in a reduction of $88,000.

Reason:

Sidewalks are presently cleared in and around school crossing areas. Trying to coordinate school bell times with clearing school walks can be a scheduling nightmare. I have not heard a single complaint from any resident in Ward 6 since I’ve been a Councillor. This appears to me that these school cross walks will be cleared twice….once at school bell times, and again when the regular sidewalk plow drives by to clear the same sidewalk up the street. This is a “Nice to Have”

 Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Reduce Skyway Arena Operating Costs from $ 646,000 to $ 215,332 for the 2024 Budget to reflect four (4) months operating costs vs twelve (12).

Reason:

Skyway will not be open until the Fall of 2025 (September?)

The reduction amount was calculated by removing the funding allocation from January to August. The annual $646,000 amount allocated for operations and divided by 12 months equaling $53,833 to operate per month. Using September 2024 anticipated opening the amount for four (4) months amounts to $269,167.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: one

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Approve the Transportation Planning Staff (#2024-023) to be funded from Planning Application fees but defer the hiring of these positions until Planning Application volumes and associated revenues have recovered from current levels.

Reason:

Concerns about fee funded options, subject to bounce back of planning application moving forward. Concerns that if there is not enough activity development-wise- funding will need to come from Reserves.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove Urban Forestry Service Adjustment (# 2024-021) from the 2024 budget resulting in a reduction of $120,000.

Reason:

This budget item ask is to cover operational expenses due to insufficient funding in the base budget to maintain a 7-year cycle for preventive tree maintenance as per approved level of service.

Do we need to have a discussion about investigating new criteria or service levels in the future. Do all areas of the city need a 7-year cycle. Some city areas have less trees and are less dense than others.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove Vision 2050 project (2024-040) including the one-time funding of $150,000 from the 2024 budget and request that staff complete the project using existing internal resources, citizen advisory committees and other stakeholders.

Reason:

Council has set the vision and there has been some shared uncertainty on this topic.

In a previous amendment I removed “One Brand” from the 2024 budget stating that we would be better served at this time by engaging with residents, businesses and other stakeholders. I believe the same is true with respect to “Vision 2050”

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove item Winter Maintenance Expanded Parking Lots (#2024-042) from the 2024 budget resulting in a reduction of $75,000.

Reason:

These parking lots have not been cleared previously. They are not adjacent to recreation facilities, nor are they a short cut for students going to school. Have there been reports on risks occurring. Do we need more city trucks on the roads. This is a “Nice to Have”

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Reduce the total 2024 inflationary impacts identified in the 2024 budget from

$2,784,000 to $1,464,000 resulting in a reduction of $1,320,000.

Reason:

Although overall inflation for September was 3.8% the economists are predicting continued lower inflation for 2024 and possible recession. I am not aware what dollar values are of each contract assigned. What is the inflation value percentage-wise for each individual contract. Why was there an inflation factor negotiated?

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk: none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Remove the Manager of Housing Strategy position (Community Planning Housing Initiative #2024-028) from the 2024 budget resulting in a reduction of $172,414.

Reason:

Currently housing strategy discussions to date have been complex due to continuous legislated changes at the Provincial level. Developers have experienced financial pressures with interest hikes and softening of condo sales. These pressures are ongoing and will limit the opportunities to implement and administer without a clear understanding and direction of the province with respect to their role in legislation and available funding to Municipalities. I also would add that this Council has committed to create to a new citizen, stakeholders and Councillor lead committee to create a strategy that is a made in Burlington Housing Strategy. This Budget request position is premature currently.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:   none

City Manager:      none

Motion for Council to Consider:

Reduce the Permit and Application Streamlining business case (#2024-036) by 50% to

$1,140,000 and reduce the one-time funding accordingly in the 2024 budget.

Reason:

Reduce the use of “one-time funding” to begin implementation of program. Operationally this project will eventually enhance the organization ability to improve numerous aspects of our services, optimize workflow, and create efficiencies to achieve fee funding through accelerated permitting. This project should also see efficiencies that translate to a reduction in HR. These strategic initiatives cross all departments and effectively eliminate overlaps.

Approved as per form by the City Clerk,

Reviewed by the City Manager – In accordance with the Code of Good Governance, Council-Staff Relations Policy and an assessment of the internal capacity within the City to complete the work based on a specific target date (quarter/year).

Comments:

City Clerk:  none

City Manager:      none