HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-13 - Special SPECIAL FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
JANUARY 13. 2014 CITY OF KITCHENER
The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date commencing at 7:30 p.m.
Present: Councillor S. Davey-Chair
Councillors F. Etherington, J. Gazzola, D. Glenn-Graham, B. loannidis, Z. Janecki, Y.
Fernandes, K. Galloway-Sealock, B.Vrbanovic and P. Singh.
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. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning
C. Goodeve, Committee Administrator
1. DRAFT 2014 BUDGET-PUBLIC CONSULTATION
The Committee was in receipt this date of a draft of 2014 Budget Issue Paper BD10 (Summary
of Public Input), which provides an overview of the various methods that were employed to
engage residents in the 2014 budget deliberation process. In addition, the Committee was in
receipt of a copy of Mr. Harald Drewitz's speaking notes as well as a request from Ms. Lesley
Claire for a comprehensive solution regarding the use of the Victoria Park Maintenance facility.
Mr. R. Hagey presented the draft Issue Paper providing a summary of public input, advising it
will be updated and redistributed as part of the Final Budget Day package. He reviewed the
consultative measures, including: public meetings; a dedicated telephone line; email address;
mail; posted budget information on the City's website; advertisements in local newspapers;
and social media technology. He noted that Council is anticipated to finalize the 2014 budget
on January 30, 2014.
Councillor S. Davey welcomed members of the public and advised that this special meeting
was being held to receive input and feedback from the public with respect to the draft 2014
budget. He stated that public consultation is the foundation of the budget process and
recognized the importance of reaching as many citizens as possible to provide input and
engage Council. He commented that as the intent of this meeting was to hear from the public,
Councillors were to refrain from asking any questions of the delegations; except those needed
to clarify what a delegation had stated.
Mr. James Howe addressed Council in objection to the direction given by Councillor Davey
that Councillors would not be asking any questions.
Councillor Davey advised Mr. Howe that it was not his turn to address Committee, indicating
that if Mr. Howe did not return to his seat that the Committee would be forced to take a recess.
The Committee then recessed at 7:42 p.m. and reconvened at 7:47 p.m. chaired by Councillor S.
Davey with all members present, except Mayor C. Zehr.
Following a brief discussion, the Committee agreed that each member would be permitted to
ask each delegation one question.
Mr. John Dinner, Ms. Lesley Claire, Ms. Dominique Whelan and Ms. Sandra Misquadis
addressed the Committee to express concerns regarding the increased number of City
vehicles that are utilizing the Victoria Park Maintenance Facility. They requested that the
Committee consider a comprehensive solution to this matter, suggesting that all non-park
related vehicles should be relocated outside of the Victoria Park neighbourhood.
Mr. Harald Drewitz addressed the Committee regarding the proposed 2014 tax levy and
stormwater fee, indicating that the City's rates have outpaced inflation over the current term of
Council. He expressed concern regarding the methodology used to calculate the"Impact on
Homeowner" comparison and requested a meeting with Mayor Zehr and Mr. D. Chapman to
discuss a different approach to this calculation.
Mr. Ed Redgwell expressed concern related to the debt held by the City of Kitchener and urged
Council to budget within its means to improve the financial position.
SPECIAL FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE
JANUARY 13. 2014 -5- CITY OF KITCHENER
1. DRAFT 2014 BUDGET-PUBLIC CONSULTATION (CONT'D)
Mr. James Howe spoke in support of the City exploring alternative means of raising revenues
outside of the tax base. He cautioned that when pursuing advertising revenue the City should
make sure that it is still prominently promoting its own brand and programing.
Councillor Davey thanked members of the public for their interest in the budget process and
advised that their comments would be considered as part of the deliberations on Final Budget
Day.
2. ADJOURNMENT
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 8:51 p.m.
C. Goodeve
Committee Administrator