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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-07FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 7, 2011 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date commencing at 2:45 p.m. Present: Councillor J. Gazzola - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors S. Davey, B. Vrbanovic, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway, P. Singh, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, F. Etherington and D. Glenn-Graham. Staff: C. Ladd, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services J. Willmer, Deputy CAO, Community Services P. Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services C. Smith, Director of Financial Planning J. Witmer, Director of Operations M. May, Interim Director, Human Resources S. Adams, Director, Community & Corporate Planning S. Turner, Director, By-law Enforcement M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs & Services M. Seiling, Director of Building G. Murphy, Director of Engineering A. Pinard, Director of Planning W. Malcolm, Director of Utilities J. McBride, Director of Transportation Planning K. Baulk, Director of Enterprise T. Beckett, Fire Chief R. Hagey, Manager, Financial Planning K. Kugler, Manager, Auditorium & Community Arenas G. Hummel, Manager, Park Planning, Development & Operations P. Harris, Manager of Licensing J. Billett, Committee Administrator FCS-11-001 - 2011 COMPREHENSIVE FEE REVIEW 1. The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-001, dated January 1, 2011 concerning a comprehensive review of proposed fees and charges for 2011. The list of fees includes all City fees and charges with the exception of Utility rates. It was noted that fees and charges are normally dealt with in the fall of a preceding year with new fees and charges coming into effect on January 1 of the new year. In an election year, however, the process is delayed; and therefore, 2011 fees are set to be approved by Council on February 14 with an effective date of March 1. Mr. Chapman advised that the delay in approving fees and charges results in a loss of revenue of approximately $50,000 per month. Accordingly, he asked that in the event there is a specific fee at issue this date, it be pulled from the list and dealt with separately, with the remainder of fees allowed to move forward. Mr. D. Chapman advised that when setting individual rates, departments consider a range of factors including cost recovery, legislation, rates of other municipalities and market conditions. For 2011, departments were provided with a guideline to increase fees by an inflationary amount of 2.5% - 3% and most fees are increasing within this range. This rate of increase helps to maintain parity with projected budget increases and also serves to mitigate property tax increases. Mr. Chapman highlighted several fees which are either proposed at a different percentage increase than the guideline or which are new fees, including: Cemeteries (increases ranging from 3 - 15%); Golf membership fees (adjusted to account for economic conditions); Fire - Propane Risk / Safety Management Plan Fees (new); Planning - Letter of Credit; Human Resources - Fire Fighters Recruitment Admin Fee (increasing 24% based on recruitment and testing costs); Operations - Sidewalk Snow Clearing (increasing 11 - 19% based on 5 year historic cost review); Operations - Sportsfields (increasing 13% to account for HST); Sewer Connection Fees (increasing on average by 25% based on cost recovery); and Parking - Monthly Fees (increasing 10% based on cost recovery). Mr. Chapman then referred to a request of Council to consider implications of adjusting dog license fees toward full cost recovery of annual funds paid to the Kitchener-Waterloo Humane Society for provision of animal control and shelter services. He noted that this question was FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 7, 2011 - 29 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-11-001 - 2011 COMPREHENSIVE FEE REVIEW (CONT’D) 1. raised in 2007 in discussion of 2008 rates and at that time, direction was given to bring rates in line with the City of Waterloo and they have remained in line since then. Mr. Chapman cautioned that costs associated with this service relate to far more than just enforcement and programs related to dogs; and it would be unfair to impose higher fees on dog owners to off- set operational costs associated with other types of animals. In addition, he pointed out that a significant increase in license fees may potentially cause a decrease in the number of licenses issued, resulting in a decrease overall in revenues. Discussions will be entered into with the Humane Society to review operational issues and options will be investigated that could result in further off-set of the annual costs paid to the Society. In respect to the Leisure Access Card (LAC) Program, Mr. Chapman advised that this is a subsidy program to ensure participation in recreation and leisure programs is all inclusive. The current budget is $95,000. for this program and an increase of $10,000 over the current budget is proposed in 2011 to ensure funding levels keep pace with demand and cost increases. Councillor Z. Janecki raised concerns with the 3% guideline as it is above the rate of inflation and suggested that fees should be increased by no more than 2% overall. Mr. D. Chapman advised that a 1% adjustment would equate to $200,000. in revenue and would require the same adjustment to the tax levy to account for the lost revenue, resulting in a negative impact to the budget. Mayor C. Zehr added that to raise revenues there is really only two choices, being user fees or taxes. He pointed out that user fees are specific to a particular service that not all may have need for and therefore, the fees do not necessarily impact everyone in the community. Councillor S. Davey suggested that the membership fees for the Golf Courses seem low and questioned what the impact would be of increasing the fees by an additional $10. or a 25% increase. Mr. K. Baulk responded that the goal for Golf Courses is clear, noting that aggressive tactics have been taken to address the decline in revenues and the proposed fees have been set at a more reasonable level to increase the volume of play and align with the strategic direction. Councillor Davey asked when golf fees would come back for review if no change is made at this time. Mr. Chapman advised that interim reporting on budgets occurs in May and September of each year. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned if a change in golf membership fees would impact the proposed tax levy. Mr. Chapman advised that any change to an enterprise would have no impact on the tax levy. Fire Chief T. Beckett provided explanation of fees associated with newly legislated responsibilities affecting Fire Services staff, who are now required to administer, review and approve risk / safety management plans for facilities where the dispensing of propane is taking place. It was noted that the proposed fee is based on cost recovery and facilities subject to the new legislation have been notified. Mr. A. Pinard addressed questions concerning the Letter of Credit fees, advising that the fees are held in trust and only used if the City has to complete work on site due to a developer’s failure to do so. He noted that there are 2 methods of calculation, with the preferred method being a lump sum cost estimate provided by a developer’s consultant; and the second, a formula based on lot frontage. The formula method is rarely used and was introduced at the request of the development industry to assist in expediting approvals; and the formula is being revised to reflect a fee more comparable to actual cost estimates. It was noted that a majority of developers use the lump sum method and in doing so, are not impacted by the fee increase. Councillor B. Ioannidis declared a pecuniary interest and abstained from all discussion and voting concerning fees related to “Operations - Sidewalk Snow Clearing” as his family owns property on King Street West. Mr. J. Witmer advised that snow clearing fees for downtown sidewalks are being increased based on a 5 year history of actual costs. Costs associated with the newly designed King Street are also rising due to the increased square footage now required to be cleared. He added that staff has met with representatives of the Kitchener Downtown Business Improvement Association (KDBIA) and no concerns have been received. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 7, 2011 - 30 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-11-001 - 2011 COMPREHENSIVE FEE REVIEW (CONT’D) 1. Mr. Witmer commented on Sportsfields fees, noting that based on a 2003 report, fee increases were phased in over 5 years up until 2008 and were intended to include GST. The applicable tax was not applied in error and it is now recommended for 2011 that the 2010 fee be charged but with HST applied, resulting in the 13% increase. Councillor B. Vrbanovic raised concerns with the applicable tax not being shown separately from the actual fees. Mr. D. Chapman advised that historically fees have been shown all inclusive of tax as it is easier for users to understand a simplified pricing. Mayor Zehr suggested that invoices include a statement to advise users that applicable tax is included in the price. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned if minor sports groups were aware of the proposed increase in fees. Mr. G. Hummel advised that staff have met with user groups who have indicated a preference for a higher level service at an appropriate increase in costs rather than decreasing service levels. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned how this ties in to grants given to sports groups. Mr. J. Willmer advised that the grants have been held to the 2% increase under Tier 1 grant agreements. Mr. G. Murphy responded to questions concerning Sewer Connection fees, advising that the “Subdivision Manual” is to be reviewed as it has not been updated for some time. The new product will be much larger and more comprehensive and the fee reflects the complexities of the updated manual. The Storm Water Management quality fee relates to cash-in-lieu payments made to the City by a developer who requires storm water quality improvements. The fee was established at $15,000. / ha and has not been increased over the past several years. The fee is proposed to increase by 25% per year over a 4 to 5 year period to cover actual costs and is far below what was recommended in a 2009 storm water audit at $75,000. / ha. Mr. Murphy also noted that these fees are used by Engineering to fund various projects and any unused funds are carried over at the end of the year. It was noted that proposed fees were presented to the K-W Home Builders Association and no concerns were conveyed. In regard to the refundable portion of sewer/storm inspection fees, it was noted that the City retains a portion of the fee to recover administrative costs. Councillor J. Gazzola raised concerns with the proposed increase in monthly parking as it relates to the daily surface parking rate for Hospital. Mr. J. McBride advised that the fee reflects high demand for surface parking at 2 lots near Grand River Hospital. The daily rate is increasing from $9 to $12. Councillor Y. Fernandes suggested the increase was too high a burden for those already under emotional duress visiting the hospital. Councillor Z. Janecki questioned if the 2 surface lots would be in competition with the Hospital parking garage. Mr. McBride stated that this would be the case but was unsure how the City’s rates compare at this time to the Hospital parking garage. Concerns were raised that the City’s rates should be in parity with the Hospital parking garage. Mr. McBride agreed to report back on the Hospital parking rates and determine if there is to be an increase in their rates. On motion by Councillor Y. Fernandes, it was agreed to refer the proposed fee for “Surface lot daily parking (Hospital) Daily Max” (line item 1474) to the February 14, 2011 Council meeting for further consideration. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to new fees for gas and water meter disputes, questioning why these are so significant. Mr. W. Malcolm advised that the fees relate to disputes in billing, wherein the meter must be removed and tested. The fees are reflective of actual costs for service and serve to prevent nuisance complaints. Councillor Vrbanovic stated that he would have concern if this was simply to gather additional revenues but could accept the fees on the basis of preventing nuisance complaints. Mr. Malcolm assured that it is not an attempt to increase revenues but rather to be up front with customers as to the associated costs. He added that if a meter is found to be defective there is no charge to the customer. Mr. D. Chapman advised that staff would amend the fee schedule to reflect that this fee is refundable under certain circumstances. At the request of Councillor J. Gazzola, it was agreed that discussions regarding the proposed st increase in the Leisure Access Card Program budget would be referred to the March 1 budget day deliberations. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 7, 2011 - 31 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-11-001 - 2011 COMPREHENSIVE FEE REVIEW (CONT’D) 1. Councillor F. Etherington questioned the feasibility of licensing cats in addition to dogs. Mr. S. Turner advised that this issue has previously been discussed in the context of enhancing spay / neuter programs to control cat populations. He stated that discussions are pending with the K-W Humane Society regarding a variety of options for licensing in various forms, including the issue of cats; however, it would be premature at this time to say definitively what the outcome may be. He advised that a report is to come forward in future for Council’s consideration, to which this issue will be included. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: “That the proposed fees and charges contained in the 2011 Comprehensive Fee Review attached to Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-001, be save and except the proposed fee increase for “Surface lot daily approved, parking (Hospital) Daily Max” (line item 1474) which is referred to the February 14, 2011 Council meeting for further consideration; and, That the Manager of Cemeteries be directed to forward the Cemetery Tariff of Fees and Charges to the Ministry of Government Services - Cemeteries Regulation Unit for filing; and further, That Legal Services staff be directed to prepare the necessary by-laws to amend The City of Kitchener Municipal Code Chapters for fees and charges pertaining to licensing, planning applications, building permits and Committee of Adjustment applications.” Recorded Pecuniary Interest and Abstention: Operations - Sidewalk Snow Clearing Fees - Councillor B. Ioannids as his family owns property on King Street West. FCS-11-029 - COUNCIL POLICY MANUAL - HOUSEKEEPING AMENDMENTS 2. - VARIOUS HUMAN RESOURCES POLICIES The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-029, dated January 28, 2011 concerning housekeeping amendments to Human Resources policies within the Council Policy Manual. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: “That the ‘housekeeping’ amendments to various Human Resources’ policies, as shown in Schedule ‘A’ attached to Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11- 029, be approved.” FCS-11-024 - REQUEST FOR A MIDWAY - 707 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH 3. - APRIL 21 TO MAY 1, 2011 The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-024, dated January 26, 2011 regarding a request to operate a midway from April 21 to May 1, 2011. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: “That Homeniuk Rides Inc. be granted permission to operate a midway at Weiland Ford, 707 Ottawa Street South, from April 21 to May 1, 2011, subject to the following: FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 7, 2011 - 32 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-11-024 - REQUEST FOR A MIDWAY - 707 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH 3. - APRIL 21 TO MAY 1, 2011 (CONT’D) Hours of operation; Date Start Close Thursday, April 21 3:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Saturday, April 23 10:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. Sunday April 24 Noon 10:00 p.m. Monday, April 25 10:00 a.m. 10:00 p.m. Tuesday, April 26-Thursday April 283:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Friday, April 29 3:30 p.m. 11:00 p.m. Saturday, April 30 10:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. and, Sunday, May 1 Noon 9:00 p.m. That the music at the Midway be turned down at 8:00 p.m. excepting those evenings preceding a school day when it shall be turned off at 8:00 p.m; and, That the music be turned off one hour before closing time on the evenings preceding a non-school day; and, That parking arrangements be reviewed with Transportation Planning staff to ensure adequate off-street parking will be provided; and further, That the required licence be obtained prior to operating the Midway.” FCS-11-025 - REQUEST FOR A MIDWAY - 707 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH 4. - AUGUST 18 TO AUGUST 22, 2011 The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-025, dated January 26, 2011 regarding a request to operate a midway from August 18 to August 22, 2011. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: “That Homeniuk Rides Inc. be granted permission to operate a Midway at Weiland Ford, 707 Ottawa Street South, from August 18 to August 22, 2011, subject to the following: Hours of operation; Date Start Close Thursday, August 18 3:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Friday, August 19 3:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Saturday, August 20 10:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. Sunday, August 22 Noon 10:00 p.m. and, That the music at the Midway be turned down at 8:00 p.m.; and, That the music be turned off one hour before closing time; and, That parking arrangements be reviewed with Transportation Planning staff to ensure adequate off-street parking will be provided; and further, That the required licence be obtained prior to operating the Midway.” FCS-11-026 - REQUEST FOR A MIDWAY - 707 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH 5. - SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 2, 2011 The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-026, dated January 26, 2011 regarding a request to operate a midway from September 29 to October 2, 2011. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 7, 2011 - 33 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-11-026 - REQUEST FOR A MIDWAY - 707 OTTAWA STREET SOUTH 5. - SEPTEMBER 29 TO OCTOBER 2, 2011 (CONT’D) “That Homeniuk Rides Inc. be granted permission to operate a Midway at Weiland Ford, 707 Ottawa Street South, from September 29 to October 2, 2011, subject to the following: Hours of operation; Date Start Close Thursday, September 29 3:30 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Friday, September 30 3:30 p.m. 11:00 p.m. Saturday, October 1 10:00 a.m. 11:00 p.m. Sunday, October 2 Noon 9:00 p.m. and, That the music at the Midway be turned down at 8:00 p.m. excepting those evenings preceding a school day when it shall be turned off at 8:00 p.m.; and, That the must be turned off one hour before closing time on the evenings preceding a non-school day; and further, That the required licence be obtained prior to operating the Midway.” FCS-11-027 - REQUEST TO SELL FOOD AND ALCOHOL - GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL 6. - JUNE 11 AND 12, 2011 - 527 BRIDGEPORT ROAD EAST The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-027, dated January 27, 2011 requesting permission to operate a Place of Refreshment for a special event. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: “That the Greek Orthodox Community of Saints Peter and Paul Church Kitchener- Waterloo & District, be granted permission to operate a Place of Refreshment on their premises at 527 Bridgeport Road East, Kitchener on June 11 & 12, 2011, provided the necessary licence is obtained, including Health and Fire approval; and further, That since this Festival is a celebration of our ethnic diversity it be declared a “Community Festival”. “ FCS-11-028 - REFERRAL TO A LICENSING HEARING - KENNY’S BAR & GRILL 7. - 347 LANCASTER STREET WEST The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-11-028, dated January 27, 2011 requesting that an application for a 2011 Place of Refreshment licence for Kenny’s Bar & Grill be referred to a licensing hearing. A motion by Councillor K. Galloway was brought forward to approve the staff recommendation contained in report FCS-11-028. A motion by Councillor Z. Janecki was brought forward to amend Councillor Galloway’s motion by deleting the second paragraph in its entirety related to issuance of a temporary license to operate. Councillor Janecki stated that he was not comfortable approving a temporary license for this business, suggesting that a license to continue operating should not be issued until such time as the matter of the hearing is resolved. Mayor C. Zehr cautioned that the proposed amendment could be construed as having deemed the business guilty before holding a proper hearing of the matter. He commented that it could leave the City open to liability and suggested the Committee may have to consider a recess for purposes of convening an in-camera meeting to receive legal advice on this issue. Councillor Gazzola added that it has been past practice to allow a business to continue operating in the FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 7, 2011 - 34 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-11-028 - REFERRAL TO A LICENSING HEARING - KENNY’S BAR & GRILL 7. - 347 LANCASTER STREET WEST (CONT’D) interim of a hearing and agreed that not doing so gives the appearance that a decision has been made prior to holding a hearing. Councillor Janecki inquired what would happen in the event more problems arise during the period of a temporary license to operate. Mayor Zehr suggested that further issues would only add to the evidence to be heard and create more difficulty for the business owner in seeking a renewal license. Councillor Janecki withdrew his amending motion. On motion by Councillor K. Galloway - it was resolved: “That the application for a 2011 Place of Refreshment - Class ‘A’ licence for Kenny’s Bar & Grill, located at 347 Lancaster Street West be referred to a Licensing Hearing; and further, That a temporary licence be issued to Kenny’s Bar & Grill for the period ending June 30, 2011 pending the outcome of the Licensing Hearing.” COUNCIL ORIENTATION - LEADERSHIP AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT 8. Due to time constraints, the Committee agreed to defer this presentation to a future Committee meeting. DRAFT 2011 BUDGET 9. Councillor Scott Davey raised concerns that it is too onerous for new members of Council to make decisions concerning cuts to the draft 2011 budget given their limited knowledge, complexities of the budget and the potential to cause long term harm. He expressed the opinion it would be best to rely on staff to bring recommendations for cuts given their professional expertise and without some direction he feared budget day deliberations may become unmanageable. In this regard, Councillor Davey advised that he wished to bring forward a motion at this time to direct staff to bring recommendations for Council’s st consideration on March 1 that would effect a reduction of 4.5% to the proposed 2011 tax levy of 1.94%. Councillor J. Gazzola requested clarification, asking if the intent is to ask staff to provide suggestions as to how Council can obtain a 4.5% decrease instead of the proposed 1.94% tax levy increase. Councillor Davey advised that his intent is to give staff direction to bring forward suggestions to achieve a difference between the proposed tax levy increase of 1.94% and the percentage increase related to implementation of the new SWM Utility rates; ie. a net tax levy decrease of -2.5%. Councillor B. Vrbanovic commented that staff has been asked to bring back additional information and various issue papers for further consideration of budget matters and he would not be prepared at this time to set direction on a final budget pending opportunity to weigh all pros and cons of the additional information to come. Councillor Gazzola suggested that the intent was not to set direction but rather to ask staff to recommend or provide suggestions on how to achieve the stated goal. Councillor Davey concurred, suggesting that it would be advantageous to obtain the best advice of staff; especially in light of implications they may not be aware of, similar to risks associated with the Federal Gas Tax funding pointed out during capital budget discussions. Councillor P. Singh commented that in looking at cuts Council would not want to cancel or reduce funding that would have far reaching impact; however, there is desire to reduce the tax levy especially in light of the SWM rates to be imposed. He suggested that the issue is how to go about reducing the overall costs without adversely affecting service or causing a too far reaching impact. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 7, 2011 - 35 - CITY OF KITCHENER DRAFT 2011 BUDGET (CONT’D) 9. Mayor C. Zehr suggested that rather than use language to the effect of giving specific direction and to allow more flexibility, that staff be asked to provide information as to the effect of reducing the budget by a range of percentage points of 1% up to 4%. Within the range, staff could provide options in a variety of combinations as to how to achieve a certain percentage decrease. Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that staff should indicate what is most to least favourable in respect to potential items for reduction and what it would take to get to each level of % decrease. Ms. C. Ladd stated that staff would undertake to do their best to provide a list of potential reductions based on the range of percentage decreases suggested; however, she expressed the opinion that it is not appropriate to ask staff to rank potential items for reduction as it is the responsibility of Council to determine what is most and least favourable in respect to budget reductions. Mr. J. Willmer suggested that there may be some misconception as it relates to the SWM Utility and rates to be billed. He stated that while the rates are expected to raise revenues of 6.5% that does not mean the average homeowner will see a 6.5% increase on their bill. He stated that it is not correct to add the 6.5% revenue to the proposed 1.94% tax levy, pointing out that up until the SWM Utility was established in January, residential homeowners had been over paying for storm water management. The switch to a Utility was made to effect a fairer system for the residential sector and in fact, it will be the industrial / commercial sectors who will pay substantially more. Councillor F. Etherington advised that while he is in favour of reducing taxes he was not in agreement with the level of reduction proposed by Councillor Davey as it may jeopardize important projects, such as the Victoria Park Lake remediation. Councillor K. Galloway asked that staff provide a brief explanation of how final budget day deliberations will be conducted as it may serve to alleviate some of the anxiety of new Council members. She pointed out that a visual chart is provided that will show members of Council the monetary impact as reductions and/or additions are made to the budget. Mr. D. Chapman confirmed that budget day is dealt with differently to that of the discussions held to date, as noted by Councillor Galloway. He advised that staff will provide a list of potential reductions within the range proposed, quantifying the impacts of each and it will be left to Council to decide what to include or exclude. He added that it is now planned to bring forward the additional information and issue papers requested on February 28 so that those matters can st be dispensed with and March 1 left open for full debate of the budget. Councillor Y. Fernandes supported the move to give new Councillors an overview of potential reductions, suggesting that the list should include options for reductions across the board, including staffing. Mayor C. Zehr pointed out that timing may be an issue as staff is working to bring all outstanding matters on February 28 to clear as much time for final debate of the st budget on March 1. Councillor K. Galloway added that if members of Council have specific suggestions for budget reductions they should provide same to staff now so they can be placed on the list of reductions and the associated impact known when the list is presented. Councillor J. Gazzola summarized that what is now proposed is to ask staff to prepare a list of potential reductions ranging from 1% to 5% and what is required to bring the tax levy down to each level. He suggested that staff could put some kind of priority to the list with Council to make a final decision. Mayor Zehr agreed with the proposal, except in respect to asking staff to prioritize the list, commenting that staff has already done substantial work and has come forward with what they believe to be a correct budget. He agreed that the list should provide implications associated with the potential items for reduction but that it is unfair to ask staff to rank the items as that is Council’s responsibility. On motion by Councillor S. Davey - it was resolved: FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE FEBRUARY 7, 2011 - 36 - CITY OF KITCHENER DRAFT 2011 BUDGET (CONT’D) 9. “That for budget deliberations, staff compile a list of potential items for reduction that would effect a decrease ranging from 1% up to 5% in the overall proposed tax levy increase of 1.94% for 2011 and outline the implications associated with each item listed for potential reduction.” ADJOURNMENT 10. On motion, the meeting adjourned at 4:25 p.m. J. Billett Committee Administrator