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HomeMy WebLinkAboutFinance & Admin - 1992-04-06FAC\1992-04-06 FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES APRIL 6, 1992 The Finance and Administration Committee met this date, commencing at 12:10 p.m., under the Chairmanship of Alderman C. Zehr with the following members present: Mayor D.V. Cardillo, Aldermen B. Stortz, T. Galloway, G. Lorentz, M. Wagner, C. Weylie and J. Ziegler. Others present: Alderman G. Leadston, Messrs. T. McKay, J. Gazzola, R. Freeborn, F.S. Graham, J. Wallace and G. Sosnoski. 1. LABOUR RELATIONS ACT REFORM The Committee was in receipt of a report from Mr. R. Freeborn dated March 12, 1992 and related information concerning a proposal to amend the above Act. They were also in receipt of a letter from Ms. Helen C. Cooper, President, Association of Municipalities of Ontario, dated February 27, 1992. City Council was previously in receipt of a request from the Regional Municipality of Niagara to endorse its resolution in this regard dated January 28, 1992. It was noted that the reforms outlined would have a potential impact on labour relations at the local government level as well as on the local economy generally. Alderman Zehr suggested that the second of these issues be dealt with by the Planning and Economic Development Committee. He then read the resolution of the Regional Municipality of Niagara. Moved by Alderman J. Ziegler - "That Kitchener Council endorse the brief entitled "The Regional Municipality of Niagara's Response to the Minister of Labour on Proposed Reform of the Ontario Labour Relations Act" and the following resolution of the Council of the Regional Municipality of Niagara: "That the Minister of Labour be advised that the proposed reform of the Ontario Labour Relations Act does not address nor reflect the labour relations environment of local government in Ontario, and if adopted, could have detrimental effects on labour relations in local government; and That a Task Force be immediately established to address difficulties that municipalities have with outdated arbitration laws and authority under the Fire, Police and Hospital Labour Disputes Arbitration Acts", and further, That acknowledgement of these endorsements be sent to the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the Association of Municipalities of Ontario and local Members of the Provincial Parliament." Alderman Lorentz acknowledged potential inequities which may effect the municipality and requested that the motion on the floor be dealt with in two parts as he can only support the section relating to arbitration. Alderman Ziegler agreed to the request. Alderman Wagner suggested that endorsing the Niagara resolution will not in and of itself be sufficient and questioned what additional actions could be undertaken by the municipality. That portion of the previous motion dealing with endorsement of the brief submitted by the Regional Municipality of Niagara was voted on and CARRIED. The remainder of Alderman Ziegler's motion concerning the proposed reform and the establishing of a Task Force relative to arbitration laws and authority was voted on and CARRIED. 2. REGION WIDE RE-ASSESSMENT FINANCE AND ADMINISTRATION COMMITTEE MINUTES - 36 - APRIL 6, 1992 Mayor D.V. Cardillo referred to various problems and public inquiries relative to the recently completed re-assessment. Alderman Ziegler inquired as to how changes in value were recorded prior to the Region adopting the Fair Market Value Assessment. Mr. Gazzola replied that adjustments were only recorded when significant changes were made to a property and highlighted through a building permit application. In light of the general instability resulting from re-assessments undertaken every fours years, Alderman Ziegler expressed a preference for an assessment system that is less subject to dramatic changes. He also suggested that the increases and decreases as a result of the present re-assessment be pro-rated over a four year period. Alderman Wagner suggested that re-assessments be undertaken on a yearly basis. Mr. Gazzola clarified that the present re-assessment is tax neutral with approximately 26,000 properties receiving increases, and 17,000 decreases. He added that provision is made in the Municipal Act to phase in the municipal portion of the levy, but cautioned that there is some uncertainty as regards the Region and School Board taxes. Alderman Stortz expressed the opinion that the current system of re-assessment is fundamentally fair, and is simply reflecting fluctuating real estate values, but agreed that action must be taken to soften dramatic changes. He suggested that Council endorse a two rather than a four year re- assessment period. Alderman Galloway suggested that the City request from Regional Assessment a one month extension to the appeal period to allow for appeals after citizens receive the next municipal tax bill. Mr. Gazzola replied that staff will endeavour to mail the next tax notice by May 6 in order to facilitate appeals. Alderman Ziegler suggested that a notice concerning the appeal procedure be included with the municipal tax bill. Alderman Galloway put forward a motion that if assessment rolls are not returned to the City by April 28, 1992, a request be filed with Regional Assessment to extend the appeal period to June 1, 1992. Mr. Wallace expressed concern that extending the appeal period would further confuse the issue and prejudice the appeals process. He expressed the opinion that the City should not be on the Market Value Assessment System at all and suggested that Council petition the Provincial government to amend its legislation in this regard. Mr. McKay indicated disagreement with the comments made by Mr. Wallace and suggested the issue be dealt with at the April 27, 1992 Finance and Administration Committee meeting. Alderman Ziegler requested reports from both Mr. Wallace and Mr. McKay in this regard. Alderman Galloway withdrew his previous motion concerning extension of the appeal period. A motion by Alderman Ziegler to petition the Province to review the Fair Market Value Assessment System was not accepted by the Chair. NEXT MEETING The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Finance and Administration Committee will be held on Monday, April 27, 1992. ADJOURNMENT On motion, the meeting adjourned at 1:05 p.m. G. Sosnoski Assistant City Clerk