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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-01-12 - Public Budget FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 12, 2016 CITY OF KITCHENER The Finance and Corporate Services Committee met this date commencing at 6:21 p.m. Present: Councillor S. Davey - Chair Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors F. Etherington, Y. Fernandes, K. Galloway- Sealock, J. Gazzola, B. Ioannidis, Z. Janecki, S. Marsh, D. Schnider and P. Singh. Staff: J. Willmer, Chief Administrative Officer D. Chapman, Deputy CAO, Finance & Corporate Services M. May, Deputy CAO, Community Services C. Fletcher, Director, Facilities Management J. Readman, Director, Transportation Services R. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning D. Saunderson, Committee Administrator DRAFT 2016 BUDGET - PUBLIC CONSULTATION 1. The Committee was in receipt this date of written submissions and presentation materials from: Mr. Harald Drewtiz; Mr. David Marskell, THEMUSEUM; Mr. Craig Smith, Mr. William Black; and, Dr. Peter Potts, Grand River Hospital. In addition, the Committee was in receipt this date of a video regarding how the City of Kitchener builds its annual budget, which can be viewed on the City’s Budget webpage and through the following link: https://www.kitchener.ca/en/insidecityhall/BudgetsAndFinanceReports.asp. Mr. R. Hagey provided opening remarks, advising there were a number of consultative measures used to receive feedback from the public on the 2016 Budget, including: public meetings; a dedicated telephone line; email address; mail; interactive budget calculator webpage on the City’s website; and, social media. He noted Council is anticipated to finalize the 2016 Budget on January 18, 2016. Councillor S. Davey welcomed members of the public and advised this special meeting was being held to receive input and feedback with respect to the draft 2016 Budget. He stated 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 encouraged to refrain from asking any questions of the delegations; except those needed to clarify what a delegation had stated. Mr. Joseph Soulier was called to address the Committee regarding the 2016 Budget and was not in attendance this date. Mr. Harald Drewitz addressed the Committee regarding the proposed 2016 tax levy and rate increases related to municipal services, indicating that the City’s rates have outpaced inflation. He stated in his opinion, the Budget should be decreased by an additional $300,000. Mr. David Marskell, THEMUSEUM, addressed the Committee regarding the proposed annual per capita funding allocated to THEMUSEUM. He stated the Museum has been receiving an annual per capita funding allocation of $120,000, since 2012. He requested as part of the 2016 Budget, Council consider increasing that funding allocation by $13,620. which represents the Museum’s 11% patron increase to the facility and the Downtown core. It was requested, and Mr. Marskell agreed, to circulate his presentation to all members of Council. Mr. Craig Smith was called to address the Committee regarding the 2016 Budget and was not in attendance this date. Mayor B. Vrbanovic noted a written submission has been provided by Mr. Smith summarizing his presentation. Messrs. Alfred Rempel and Joe Mancini and Ms. Carri Thorpe addressed the Committee in support of the proposed $50,000. funding allocation for community gardens as outlined on Page C-4 of the 2016 Capital Budget agenda. They indicated that Queen's Green Community Garden and the Victoria Hills Community Garden are in need of a permanent water source. Ms. Danielle Deveau addressed the Committee on behalf of the Willow Green Community Garden in support of the proposed $50,000. funding allocation for community gardens as outlined on Page C-4 of the 2016 Capital Budget agenda. FINANCE AND CORPORATE SERVICES COMMITTEE JANUARY 12, 2016 - 2 - CITY OF KITCHENER DRAFT 2016 BUDGET - PUBLIC CONSULTATION (CONT’D) 1. Mr. Doug Freure, Community Homes Group addressed the Committee in support of affordable housing and requested Council to consider taking a more proactive approach to establishing affordable housing alternatives. He indicated the current Development Charges fund could be utilized to establish Community Housing alternative where the City would invest in developments with affordable housing options. He indicated those investments would accrue interest and over time the City would then receive a return on that investment. He stated it may not be achievable for the 2016 Budget but could be given consideration in future Budgets. Mr. Keith Kenneth registered to speak this date and when called upon declined addressing the Committee at this time. Mr. Tom Mallozzi addressed the Committee regarding the City’s property tax rates in comparison to other municipalities. He stated he has reviewed the budget information on the City’s website and although the graph of comparative taxes across Ontario shows Kitchener has one of the lowest tax burdens, the property taxes per $1,000 of assessed value is considerably higher in Kitchener than other municipalities. He noted the taxes rate per $1,000 of assessment in Richmond Hill is 0.83, versus Kitchener’s which is 1.18. He acknowledged the market value of properties in the referenced municipalities are considerably different; however, he has lived in comparable homes in other municipalities including Richmond Hill and Brampton, where his annual property tax never exceeded $5,800. His stated his Kitchener 2015 property tax bill is approximately $9,300. ADJOURNMENT 2. On motion, this meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m. D. Saunderson Committee Administrator