Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-17 FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 17, 2013 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date commencing at 10:05 a.m. Present: Councillor S. Davey - Chair Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, Y. Fernandes, F. Etherington and P. Singh. Councillors K. Galloway-Sealock and B. Vrbanovic were in attendance for part of the meeting. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services P. Houston, Deputy CAO, Infrastructure Services M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services R. Regier, Executive Director, Economic Development L. Johnston, Director, Corporate Communications & Customer Services C. Tarling, Director, Legislated Services & City Clerk S. Turner, Director, By-Law R. Bunn, Executive Director, Integrated Planning R. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning K. Carmichael, Interim Director, Transportation Services B. Robinson, Director, Engineering Services J. Witmer, Director, Operations M. Seiling, Director, Building C. Fletcher, Director, Facilities Management M. Hildebrand, Director, Community Programs & Services M. Goldrup, Director, Human Resources A. Pinard, Director, Planning K. Kugler, Director, Enterprise T. Beckett, Fire Chief L. Majcher, Manger, Strategy & Business Planning P. McCormick, Manger, Parking Enterprise D. Murray, Interim Director, Information Services & Technology J. Billett, Committee Administrator FCS-13-102 - REQUEST FOR MIDWAY AT RIBFEST 1. - VICTORIA PARK - JULY 19, 2013 The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-13-102, dated June 7, 2013, regarding a request to operate a Midway in Victoria Park. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That GTA Midways Inc. be granted permission to operate a Midway in Victoria Park, during Ribfest from July 19-21, 2013 subject to the following: Hours of Operation Date Start Close Friday, July 19 5:00 p.m. 10:00 p.m. Saturday, July 20 Noon 10:00 p.m. Sunday, July 21 Noon 6:00 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 further, That the required licence be obtained prior to operating the Midway.” FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 17, 2013 - 74 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-13-103 - FAIR OR EXHIBITION GAMING EVENT 2. - LICENSE FOR KITCHENER-WATERLOO OKTOBERFEST The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-13-103, dated June 7, 2013, regarding a request from Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest to hold a Fair or Exhibition Gaming Event at Bingeman’s Marshall Hall. Councillors J. Gazzola and Z. Janecki raised concerns with approval of this request given recent public consultation on casinos and Council’s decision not to support hosting of a gaming facility in Kitchener. Ms. P. Harris advised that this relates to a social gaming event by a non- profit charitable organization for purpose of fundraising. The event is held for a short, specified period of time with limited opportunity to play. She added that K-W Oktoberfest has conducted this type of social event each year for the past 20 years and she has not received any complaints from the AGCO or any other source. Carried on a recorded vote, The following resolution was with Mayor C. Zehr and Councillors J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. Ioannidis, Y. Fernandes, S. Davey, F. Etherington and P. Singh voting in favour; and Councillor Z. Janecki voting in opposition. Councillors B. Vrbanovic and K. Galloway-Sealock were absent at this time and accordingly did not vote. On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That the City of Kitchener has no objection to a Provincial Lottery Licence being issued to Kitchener-Waterloo Oktoberfest to hold a Fair or Exhibition Gaming Event from October 11 to October 19, 2013 at Bingeman’s Marshall Hall, 425 Bingemans Centre Drive, Kitchener.” FCS-13-104 - REQUEST TO AMEND LIQUOR LICENSE AGREEMENT 3. - CAESARIA INC. - 320 KING ST. W. The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-13-104, dated June 10, 2013, regarding a request from Caesaria Inc. to amend Condition 4 to their Liquor License Agreement. Ms. Sana Kasim advised that the restaurant has been open for 7 months and has met with some challenges due to the unfavourable reputation of the previous establishment. Since opening they have worked hard to provide a safe, fun and unique environment, with good food and excellent customer service. In order to provide a complete entertainment experience they are requesting to extend their liquor licence to allow the business to continue to serve alcohol up until 2:00 a.m. rather than stop serving at 12:01 a.m. She noted that they are struggling to keep their business going in a challenging environment and expressed the view they have demonstrated they are responsible, law abiding business operators and fully co-operative with the rest of the downtown businesses. Councillor B. Vrbanovic entered the meeting at this time. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned if new businesses could be given an opportunity to operate for a period of time in order to establish themselves, and only if problems arise then impose stringent conditions. Ms. Harris pointed out that the owner can return to Council to request changes to conditions at any time. Alternatively, if the business is not operating as it should, conditions could be imposed after the fact on the business license through a Licensing Hearing. At the request of Councillor B. Vrbanovic, Ms. Harris agreed to follow up with Legal Services staff and provide a response for the June 24, 2013 Council meeting as to the potential to add a condition to request that in the event the business is sold and the liquor license transferred to a new owner, the AGCO provide the City with an opportunity for further comment on the liquor license. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 17, 2013 - 75 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-13-104 - REQUEST TO AMEND LIQUOR LICENSE AGREEMENT 3. - CAESARIA INC. - 320 KING ST. W. (CONT’D) On motion by Councillor D. Glenn-Graham - it was resolved: “That Condition #4 of the agreement between Caesaria Inc. located at 320 King Street West and the City of Kitchener be amended to read to stop serving alcohol by 2:00 a.m. daily.” FCS-13-061 - PERFORMANCE INDICATORS UPDATE 4. The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-13-061, dated April 30, 2013, regarding the predictive value of performance indicators for areas of budget volatility and suggested improvement for continuation of the monthly reporting. Mr. Harald Drewitz made the following suggestions for improvements to the Performance Indicators report: drop indicators categorized as ‘weak’ or ‘no correlation’; drop the average investment balance and average interest rate from the strong indicators column; add indicators closer in line with the Infrastructure Services Department; and allow flexibility for any extra- ordinary costs incurred such as contingent liabilities and supplementary taxes, tax write-offs and/or rebates. Mr. Drewitz indicated a preference to use the KISS principle rather than a Financial Dashboard and further suggested that the City should produce a quarterly actual to budget comparison report. In response to questions, Mr. Drewitz advised that he had suggested adding extra-ordinary costs as it was his view financial indicators should reflect quarterly reports so they are not as much of a surprise. He added that having done this report for a period time it was his view the City has sufficient information to make improvements to the reporting structure. In regard to removing the average investment balance and average interest rate, he suggested that this information is less meaningful because its impact on the budget is negligible. A motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic was brought forward to provide that report FCS-13-061 be accepted and staff be directed to include a summary dashboard as part of the ongoing monthly performance indicators report. Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned the feasibility of adding a dollar figure to show variances versus actual budget, citing examples of winter maintenance and sportsfields. Mr. R. Hagey stated that it would be difficult to attach a specific dollar value whereas the scope of an area could be determined by percentage and would provide better context. Mr. D. Chapman added that staff is moving in the direction of attempting to determine whether the sum of the indicators is pointing to a surplus or deficit for the year; however, more time is needed with the measures to see how closely they correlate. Councillor Fernandes questioned if chronic areas could be included in the monthly indicators report. Mr. Hagey advised that By-law Enforcement is one chronic area that is already included, adding that water and electricity is not; and as Operations is looked at as a whole, involving many variables, that makes adding indicators difficult. He stated that in setting indicators for Operations staff looked at those areas that typically arise and are weather dependent, such as winter control. Councillor Fernandes questioned if there is opportunity based on the information received in the report for Council to make change to the budget mid-year. Mr. Hagey advised that the budget is set on an annual basis and staff do adjust periodically as they see a need by looking for savings in other areas to offset temporary deficiencies and/or determine how to address any permanent deficiencies in subsequent budgets. On motion by Councillor B. Vrbanovic - it was resolved: “That Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-13-061 (Performance Indicators Update), dated April 30, 2013 be accepted and that staff be directed to include a summary dashboard as part of the ongoing monthly performance indicators report.” FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 17, 2013 - 76 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-13-062 - 2013 APRIL VARIANCE REPORT 5. The Committee considered Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-13-062, dated June 10, 2013, which provides an update on City expenditures and revenues compared to the 2013 budget and explains significant variances as at April 30, 2013. The report also responds to Council’s direction for each Department Head to identify any chronic negative variances within their respective Departmental budgets and provide suggestions and/or options as to how they may be dealt with. Mr. Harald Drewitz stated that he was pleased with the favourable outcome of the quarterly year-to-date variance report and hoped the pending review of the Operations Division would see a substantial portion of chronic negative variances within the Division mitigated. Councillor B. Vrbanovic questioned if staff had any sense that the rest of the year would see the deficit in the Planning Division level out by year-end. Mr. A. Pinard explained that the variance is due to the timing in collection of fees for site plan applications and based on projected activity for the remainder of the year staff is confident that the deficit will be substantially reduced and/or eliminated. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned if energy efficiency measures have been implemented for City facilities to reduce Utility costs. Ms. C. Fletcher advised that many strategies have been implemented in City facilities, noting that under the Infrastructure Stimulus Grant Program funds were used to install programmable building controls. Councillor Vrbanovic questioned the feasibility of using potable water for Operations sportsfields to save on water / sewer infiltration costs. Mr. J. Witmer advised that in order to irrigate the fields with potable water a reservoir would have to be installed which would require a capital investment. He added that staff is considering seeking an exemption for City facilities of the sewer portion of those costs. Councillor Vrbanovic requested clarification of the deficit in the Golf Enterprise given favourable performance indicators. Ms. K. Kugler advised that notwithstanding a slow start to the season due to a wet spring, the Golf Enterprise is trending well. She noted that membership revenues did not spike until May of this year and at end of May based on previous years comparative figures, staff anticipate meeting budget and/or ending with a slight surplus in 2013. Councillor J. Gazzola referred to the shortfall in By-law Enforcement fine revenues, requesting clarification as to how staffing costs are dealt with. Mr. S. Turner advised that Parking / Noise / Trail Officer positions are backfilled during vacation, sick and/or Court time with part time staff to maintain service levels. Councillor Gazzola questioned what happens if the work for the projected activity in Planning is done but fees have not been collected. Mr. Pinard further explained the fee structure, noting that significant changes were approved by Council that included increased fees to achieve higher cost recovery on the understanding among the development industry that the City would be able to deliver service in a more timely manner. Mr. D. Chapman added that to operate in similar manner to building permit applications wherein the fee is collected up front and the work carried out over a period of time, would require significant increase in resourcing to refine Planning accruals to that point. Mr. Chapman advised that the Auditor is satisfied with the current process and on balance it does off-set wherein some fees are collected at the back end and others at the front end. Councillor Gazzola questioned why the investment income estimate is not higher. Mr. Hagey advised that typically investment income decreases throughout the year, citing example of lower interest rates at time of investment renewals. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock entered the meeting at this time. Councillor Gazzola requested clarification of the decrease in water consumption. Ms. B. Robinson advised that consumption generally trends downward due to citizens practicing conservation and new builds using less water due to efficiencies in plumbing components required through changes in the Plumbing Code. Councillor Gazzola questioned what is being done to address sewer surcharge infiltration costs. Ms. Robinson advised that a monitoring project has been initiated to assess underground flow and what is happening in the system, with a report to come forward at a later date. Councillor Gazzola noted that only about 35% of the Storm Water Management (SWM) Credit Program budget has been expended and questioned if a status report will come forward. Ms. Robinson advised that at end of 2012, 3,900 applications had been received versus 8,900 projected and as the program evolves adjustments will be made. Councillor Gazzola questioned why gas transportation costs were not reported on. Mr. Hagey advised that the new rate structure was only recently approved by FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 17, 2013 - 77 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-13-062 - 2013 APRIL VARIANCE REPORT (CONT’D) 5. Council and the new 3 tier structure will be fully reflected in the August variance report. st Councillor Gazzola noted that gas supply rates are to decrease as of July 1 and figures show the supply component behind by about $1M. He questioned if the lower rate will cause the supply component to fall further behind. Ms. P. Houston advised that the deficit was taken into account in setting the rates and staff expect the supply component to even out by year end. Councillor P. Singh questioned if the chronic deficit in the Parking Enterprise relates to an over- supply as anticipated demand is not there yet. Mr. P. McCormick stated that it is not due to a lack of demand but rather has to do with loss of parking supply through closure of certain lots and construction improvements to the Duke / Ontario Parking Garage. He added that competitive rates within the private sector is also a factor as persons displaced from surface lots pursue cheaper alternatives to the larger, more expensive parking garages. Mr. McCormick advised that staff is in discussions with hospitals, Region of Waterloo and Police Services to look at different ways revenue could be generated in municipal lots. In regard to the impact of the LRT, Mr. McCormick advised that the system is being designed to work in conjunction with parking and Transportation Demand Management strategies to provide different alternatives and is being built into the City’s model so parking demands can be better predicted. Councillor Singh questioned why the chronic negative variance report is not as in-depth to allow decisions to be made on policy change. Mr. Hagey stated that what has been provided is what he understood was requested and if greater policy discussion is desired he suggested it would not be appropriate in the context of the variance report. Councillor Singh inquired how efficiencies achieved resulting from consolidation of the areas now housed at KOF will be reported on. Ms. Houston advised that information was provided in the close out report on the facility and in addition, Operations is undergoing a review of service levels that will come forward at a future date. She added that the review is being conducted both through in-house staff and use of a consultant and at minimum, a preliminary report is anticipated to come forward to the September Audit Committee meeting. Councillor Singh requested clarification of staff’s opinion that increasing fines is not the appropriate means to address the shortfall in By-law Enforcement. Mr. Turner advised that staff believe the ultimate goal of enforcement is to achieve compliance and focus should be on education. Mr. M. May added that By-law Enforcement is also actively conducting a service level review with a report expected to come forward in August. Councillor Z. Zanecki requested clarification of the unfunded supervisor wages under Operations Administration. Mr. J. Witmer advised that there is no budget allocation for Supervisors to address overtime costs. He added that there is no stand-by rate under current contract with the Region for recovery of overtime costs and staff is negotiating with the Region to resolve this issue as part of the new contract. Councillor Janecki inquired as to the unfunded work in the downtown and Mr. Witmer advised that this relates to operational issues with the new bollards. Councillor Y. Fernandes questioned that given a slow start to the season, why water costs for splashpads is expected to exceed budget. Ms. C. Fletcher advised that over the past two budgets, water / electricity costs have been underfunded and in regard to splashpads, staff is talking about comparators of budget to actual expenditures, rather than water usage. She added that it also relates to new splashpads added under the Infrastructure Stimulus Grant Program that do not yet have funding provision for ongoing maintenance. Mr. Hagey stated that in some cases maintenance costs were allocated but in others not, and this will require budget corrections to address the associated chronic deficit. Councillor Fernandes raised concerns with optics of City Hall being lit late into the evening. Ms. Fletcher advised that building controls are in place; however, there are a number of staff working shift hours in City Hall which require lighting during evening hours. Councillor Fernandes raised concerns regarding low capacity at Charles / Benton and Bramm Street Parking Garages and questioned that given youth in the high tech sector generally trend toward alternative transportation why money was spent to surface the Bramm Street lot. Mr. R. Regier advised that the City lost parking to construction by the Region at the corner of Victoria and King Streets, as well as close to Duke and Weber Streets. The Region’s parking in this area is to be temporary and will become unavailable once construction of the multi-modal station is initiated and it is anticipated some of those parkers will move over to the Bramm lot. He stated that the Bramm Street lot is also critical in terms of decisions that will be made on the next buildings to be constructed around the Tannery and the Breithaupt development. New buildings FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 17, 2013 - 78 - CITY OF KITCHENER FCS-13-062 - 2013 APRIL VARIANCE REPORT (CONT’D) 5. constructed will not only generate parking demand but also displace existing parking during the construction phase. Mr. Regier provided data in support of the need for parking and suggested that a move toward alternative modes of transportation will be transitional over the next 4 to 5 years. Councillor Fernandes questioned if an increase in building permit activity is anticipated to off-set the deficit. Mr. M. Seiling advised that increased activity is anticipated, noting that activity during the month of May alone has surpassed the 5 year average. Councillor Fernandes expressed interest in seeing how infill development is trending and Mr. Willmer advised that infill versus greenfield development is reported on annually as part of the Kitchener Growth Management Plan update. Councillor Fernandes questioned if the deficit in the SWM Utility would be eliminated given limited uptake on the credit program. Mr. Hagey stated that if there is less uptake on the program it would result in less expense, equating to a larger surplus or smaller deficit, and would allow the Utility to come out of a deficit position at a faster pace. At the request of Councillor B. Ioannidis, Mr. S. Turner agreed to provide additional information regarding the percentage of costs associated with enforcing student housing. Councillor J. Gazzola advised that he wished to bring forward a motion to provide that staff be directed to issue monthly financial statements in a format similar to that found on pages 5-7 to 5-20 of report FCS-13-062, without necessity to include the final two columns on the right hand side of the report which relate to analysing and process that can be time consuming; and that the greater detail of those columns should continue to be reported on in the quarterly reports using the same format. Ms. J. Billett advised that a Motion to Reconsider would be required in order to proceed with Councillor Gazzola’s motion as a motion requesting issuing of monthly financial statements was previously voted on and lost at the March 19, 2012 Finance and Corporate Services Committee meeting. Alternatively, Councillor Gazzola was advised that he could give Notice this date of his intent to introduce his motion at the June 24, 2013 Council meeting. It was further noted that Councillor Gazzola’s motion would not require a Motion to Reconsider at Council as the matter was not dealt with in the Council realm but rather was only dealt with at the Committee level. Councillor J. Gazzola gave notice this date that he intended to introduce his motion to request monthly financial statements at the June 24, 2013 Council meeting. e Councillor P. Singh requested considration of including more clarity in the variance report, such as noting when projected negative variances are related more to timing than a perceived deficit; and in other areas where there are multiple factors related to a negative variance actual values and/or other associated factors be conveyed. It was agreed that Mr. Hagey would come back with suggestions on how this information could be included. Councillor Singh referred to the chronic negative variance report, asking that staff outline suggestions and/or efforts they are making to meet some of the shortfalls; as well as, provide suggestions for Council to consider, such as service cuts or changes that could be made to mitigate shortfalls. Mr. D. Chapman suggested that at the point staff determine a negative variance is trending toward a true deficit at year-end more would be brought forward for discussion on how to mitigate the deficit than simply recommending it be addressed through capital close-outs. He raised concerns, however, that in the case of some Divisions with a small, truly uncontrollable one time adjustment versus other areas that have positive variances, it would create a lot of time and effort where there is no overall deficit for the Corporation. Councillor Singh accepted the suggested approach. On motion by Councillor B. Ioannidis - it was resolved: “That Finance and Corporate Services Department report FCS-13-062 (2013 April Variance Report), dated June 10, 2013 be received.” FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 17, 2013 - 79 - CITY OF KITCHENER CAO-13-015 - INTEGRATED PLANNING CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE 6. - 2013 BUSINESS PLANNING STATUS UPDATE The Committee considered Chief Administrator’s Office report CAO-13-015, dated June 11, 2013, concerning the status of departmental and Corporate projects as at April 30, 2013. Ms. L. Majcher presented the update, advising that of the 184 projects included in the Business Plan, it is intended that progress will be made on 160 in 2013, with the remainder to start in 2014 or 2015. 26 of the projects planned for 2013 have been identified as Corporate priorities, of which 12 have been carried over from 2012 and 14 are new commitments. Ms. Majcher advised that as of the end of April 2013 significant progress has been made on active Corporate projects and a review was given of notable achievements. It was also noted that th 78% of the 134 Divisional projects are either completed and/or on track as at April 30, and those on hold or delayed are contributed to a number of factors including dependencies on progress of other initiatives, external partners, staff vacancies and/or workload constraints. Ms. Majcher stated that the Business Plan is a work in progress with more work to be done to incorporate core services, budget information, measurement framework and management processes, of which it will be part of her role to help develop in the coming year. Councillor J. Gazzola questioned the number of person hours and cost of this program, suggesting that without it is difficult to assess its worth. Mr. J. Willmer stated that in the past staff have attempted to identify the dollar cost of the staff involved in Integrated Planning which has been answered. He added that the general principle of what gets measured gets done and this is a way of measuring work so that staff stay on target and are able to ensure the work continues to advance forward. Councillor Gazzola raised concerns with difficulty in reading and understanding the report, suggesting that to be meaningful it should be easy to understand. Councillor K. Galloway-Sealock requested clarification as to the priority status of the Centennial Stadium project. Mr. May advised that this is one component of the Leisure Facilities Master Plan that will come forward to Council later this year for consideration and be included in the 2014 Business Plan. Staff provided additional explanation to Councillor Fernandes concerning the Corporate Portfolio Management Office; Enterprise (Integrated) Risk Management Approach; Community Services Departmental plan; and Volunteer Strategy. Councillor Fernandes questioned how projects that are delayed get kick started again. Mr. Willmer stated that once aware, Department Heads can become involved to either help overcome or assess if resources need to be reallocated and in instances where external factors beyond control are the cause of a delay, be accepted and work reprioritized. Councillor Fernandes questioned if the business plan is seen as being tied to the budget process so that if projects do not have sufficient funds or resources it would be reflected in the variance reports. Mr. Willmer advised there is a connection and is the reason staff reports on the business plan at time of the variance report. However, he stated that it does not mean there will be a shifting of significant financial resources as it is staff’s job to implement the budget approved by Council and to do the work within that budget. He added that there may be minor shifting of people and/or financial resources which is in staff’s purview to do but this is really the big picture of Corporate projects and a means to hold staff accountable to Council and the community for updating on where projects stand that were committed to at the beginning of the year. Councillor P. Singh spoke in support of exploring a 311 system with the Region of Waterloo in conjunction with the City’s Customer Service Strategy. He then referred to the review of the City’s website, questioning if this is the first review or an ongoing one and how the review is to be conducted. Ms. L. Johnston advised that this is the first review since launch of the new website 3 years ago and will be a comprehensive review completed in house to assess functionality of the site and implement new tools / modules. Councillor B. Vrbanovic referred to development of a Corporate Brand Strategy, noting the timeframe listed suggests a 3 year project. Ms. Johnston advised that the end date of 2015 was incorrect and should be 2013. Councillor Vrbanovic requested clarification that redesign of the intranet (internal) web site has been bumped ahead of the external review of the site. Ms. Johnston advised that was correct, noting that the decision around the intranet had to do with results of the Employee Culture Survey and People Plan wherein internal staff FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JUNE 17, 2013 - 80 - CITY OF KITCHENER CAO-13-015 - INTEGRATED PLANNING CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE 6. - 2013 BUSINESS PLANNING STATUS UPDATE (CONT’D) communications was rated quite highly and therefore, this project was advanced to address those concerns. Councillor D. Glenn-Graham referred to the Older Adult Strategy implementation and requested clarification on the reasons for delay of the project. Mr. M. Hildebrand advised that there are a number of recommendations that not only include the older adult section but also Neighbourhood Associations, Sports, Aquatics and Athletics. He stated that some of these services are in the process of being shifted and it is a matter of getting the groups together to determine appropriate action going forward. He added that the Rockway Feasibility Study recently dealt with was a significant piece stemming from the Older Adult Strategy recommendations that required substantial dedicated staff resources to complete. Mr. May also noted that now that the Rockway Feasibility Study is complete, this project will move forward later this year. Councillor Glenn-Graham asked that staff share the Business Plan report with Compass Kitchener. Councillor S. Davey questioned the status of implementation of additional WiFi sites. Mr. D. Murray advised that some of the initial work to implement Voice-Over-Internet Protocol (VOIP) in City facilities is still to be completed and once done, staff will be looking at opportunities for additional WiFi sites at other locations. Councillor Davey questioned when work is to start on the Accountability and Transparency Policy update. Ms. C. Tarling advised that it is anticipated work will begin in the fall of this year. Councillor Davey asked that staff involve Council early on in this project. Several members of Council commented that the Business Plan report is an important tool in that, a proper business plan is needed for a large Corporation and this report is a good way to keep Council informed from a governance point of view by showing the status of projects Council has asked staff be involved with and/or they have brought forward themselves; and the direction same is headed on a go forward basis. ADJOURNMENT 7. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 1:00 p.m. J. Billett, AMCT Committee Administrator