Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 1996-08-12 SCOUNCIL\1996-08-12-SPE AUGUST 12, 1996 SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES CITY OF KITCHENER A special meeting of City Council was held at 4:10 p.m. this date and chaired by Mayor R. Christy, with the following members present: Councillors G. Lorentz, T. Galloway, M. Yantzi, C. Weylie, J. Ziegler, K. Redman, Jake Smola and B. Vrbanovic. Councillor John Smola was in attendance for part of the meeting. Notice of this special meeting had been previously given to all members of Council by the City Clerk pursuant to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code. Mayor R. Christy explained that the purpose of the meeting was to consider the report of the Working Group on Local Government Reform, tabled with Waterloo Regional Council on June 27, 1996. Council was also in receipt of the report and recommendations from Mr. T. McKay dated July 15, 1996 comprising the municipal response to each of the governance and service recommendations in the report. Mr. T. McKay advised that his report was prepared following a meeting with the Chief Administrative Officers of Waterloo and Cambridge, and that a draft was reviewed by Management Committee with comment on the service related issues. Mr. McKay explained that it is expected each area municipality will set out a report stating their position, and added that it was his understanding the July 15 report, as amended by Council this date, would form Kitchener's response to the Region. Moved by Councillor C. Weylie Seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz "That the Chair of Waterloo Regional Council be elected directly by general vote of the electorate of the Region." Councillor J. Ziegler argued that direct election of the Regional Chair is appropriate on the basis that the public wishes direct input. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he would not support the motion and that he was opposed due to the likelihood of party politics entering into Regional government. He argued that access to the position of Regional Chair would be limited to those with the financial resources to campaign Region-wide, and suggested that the Chair should be selected by other members of Regional Council based on his or her ability. Councillor Redman indicated her support for the motion, and suggested that the fears voiced by Councillor Lorentz have not materialized in other Regions where the Chair is directly elected. Councillor Jake Smola indicated his preference that the successful candidate be a member of Regional Council, appointed by his or her peers. Councillor Redman offered the opinion that the method proposed by Councillor Jake Smola would erode the profile of the Regional Chair. Councillor M. Yantzi indicated his support for the recommendation, noting that the current system makes the Chair accountable to Regional Council rather than the electorate. The motion by Councillor C. Weylie, seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz, to support direct election of the Regional Chair, was voted on and Carried. Council then considered Recommendation No.2 which indicates that Regional Councillors should be elected directly to Regional Council and should either sit or not sit concurrently on local Councils. The split recommendation reflects a lack of consensus among the Working Group members. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated that he could support Regional Councillors sitting concurrently on local Councils except for the negative impact this would have on Kitchener's ward system, as it would limit the number of wards to five (5). He indicated his support for direct election to Regional Council, but suggested that whether or not representatives sit concurrently on local Councils should be left to the individual area municipalities. The effect would be that some directly elected Regional representatives may sit concurrently on the local Council and others may not. Councillor Ziegler also noted that of all the area municipalities only Kitchener is affected by this recommendation based on its size and current electoral system. Councillor M. Yantzi argued that representation has to work for the Region, and that the time has come to make a distinction between Regional and local Councils. He suggested that there is a need to sever the two bodies and to campaign at the Regional level. Mayor R. Christy suggested that communication problems will emerge with separated Councils and that this method of representation may be less effective than the current arrangement. He pointed out that only three of the existing two-tier systems in Ontario have separate Councils. Moved by Councillor M. Yantzi Seconded by Councillor T. Galloway SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 1~, 1996 - 310- CITY OF KITCHENER "That Regional Councillors be elected directly to Regional Council and not sit concurrently on local Councils." Councillor B. Vrbanovic suggested that if Regional Council is to be truly accountable and effective, it must be directly elected, and noted that there is no increased cost in having two separate Councils. Councillor Vrbanovic pointed out that the Mayor would provide continuity between the Regional and local Councils, and that separate Councils would make it easier to ensure that these remain part-time positions thereby maintaining the opportunity for any member of the community to participate. Councillors Jake Smola and T. Galloway indicated their support. Councillor G. Lorentz advised that he would not support the motion, noting that most citizens do not care about the issue of representation and the only individuals looking forward to change are Regional Councillors. He argued that local Councillors knowledgeable in Regional matters are a distinct benefit to taxpayers, and that what is proposed unnecessarily complicates the electoral system. Councillor Lorentz reminded Council that there was little participation in the public meetings relative to governance issues with the exception of some business groups. He offered the opinion that the current arrangement as regards Regional and local Councils functions well. Councillor John Smola entered the meeting at this time. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he would not support the motion, noting that the system proposed is more complicated than the current arrangement. He reminded Council of the outcome of a 1991 Waterloo referendum in which citizens overwhelming indicated that they favoured representatives sitting concurrently on local and Regional Council. Councillor Ziegler also suggested that Regional meetings should be televised to improve exposure and create an opportunity for citizen involvement. He pointed out that some other Regions do not function as well as Waterloo Region and questioned why anyone would want to copy less successful models. Councillor Redman argued that the purpose of the recommendation is not to simplify the electoral system for citizens but to improve its efficiency and accountability. She pointed out that at present elected representatives often do not have enough time to sit on all Standing Committees and keep apprised of all Regional issues. Councillor Redman stated that the proposed change is a matter of reform not cost-effectiveness, and expressed the view that the public would be better served by separated Councils. Mayor R. Christy indicated that he would not support the motion, arguing that elected representatives should sit concurrently on both Councils. He stated that separate Councils would not be as accountable or directly understandable to the average citizen, and that in this area the Region does not need reforming. He noted that communication is the most important issue, and that the Region was designed to handle larger over-arching issues and their co-ordination with and between area municipalities. Councillor C. Weylie advised that she would not support the motion, noting that she has chaired both the Region and City Planning Committees and that serving concurrently on both has worked well in the past. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned why this issue has not been put forward in a public forum to obtain input, and indicated his willingness to put a question in this regard on the 1997 ballot. He also advised that he has not had a single caller ask questions concerning Regional government structure. Mr. T. McKay advised that the Region of Niagara was set up on a model of separately elected Councils with the Mayor serving on both Councils concurrently. Twenty-five (25) years later, it is the least supported Regional governance model in the Province, and several of the area municipalities indicated they would leave the Region, indicating that the model has not worked. The motion by Councillor M. Yantzi, seconded by Councillor T. Galloway, supporting the direct election of Regional Councillors who would not sit concurrently on local Councils was voted on and Lost on a tie vote. Mayor R. Christy asked that the City's response indicate no comment in this area. Councillor K. Redman offered the opinion that it is folly to present a broken front in this regard. Council then dealt with the recommendation involving the participation by area Mayors on Regional Council. Councillor T. Galloway advised that he would have been in favour of this recommendation had Council endorsed directly elected members of Regional Council who do not sit concurrently on local Councils, and noted that the recommendation may now be redundant. Councillor J. Ziegler argued that the area Mayors should be representatives on Regional Council, and suggested that only the second part of the recommendation is redundant. Moved by Councillor J. Ziegler Seconded by Councillor K. Redman SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 1~, 1996 - 311- CITY OF KITCHENER "That the area Mayors be members of Regional Council to provide co-ordination and to promote effective communication among Councils." Carried. Council then dealt with the recommendation involving the part-time status of Regional Councillors, their role, function and responsibilities and the scheduling of meetings. Councillors K. Redman and T. Galloway indicated their support for all parts of the recommendation, and Councillor Galloway emphasized that he particularly supports the suggestion that Regional Council meetings be held in the evening to accommodate Councillors and the public. Councillor M. Yantzi questioned whether the recommendation is appropriate in the absence of Council supporting separate Regional and local Councils. He suggested that a formal job description for a Regional Councillor may not be effective given the various approaches to the position; however, the establishing of guidelines and parameters may be appropriate. Mr. T. McKay suggested that recommendation 4(b) be amended to indicate production of a Regional Council Manual. Councillor C. Weylie suggested that clause 4(c) be amended to indicate that, through consultation, lower tier municipalities would arrange their meeting schedules in light of the Regional Council schedule. Moved by Councillor T. Galloway Seconded by Councillor K. Redman "That with the exception of the Regional Chair, Regional Councillors should be considered part- time, and, That a Regional Council Manual be produced for distribution to convey information concerning the role, function and responsibility of Regional Councillors, and further, That Regional Council meetings be scheduled in the evenings to accommodate Regional Councillors and the public, and that through consultation, the lower tier municipalities arrange their meeting schedules accordingly." Carried. Moved by Councillor K. Redman Seconded by Councillor M. Yantzi "That Kitchener request that the Region examine and rationalize current Regional Council representation on various Committees, Boards and Special Purpose Bodies to determine whether or not such representation is essential." Carried. Council then considered the issue of the number of representatives from area municipalities sitting on Regional Council. Council was in receipt this date of statistics assembled by Mr. J. Gazzola concerning population of the area municipalities, the per capita tax levy split, the levy split in total dollars and as a percentage of the total levy. Councillor G. Lorentz questioned the recommendation as regards Woolwich Township, noting that with a population of approximately 18,000, they would receive two representatives on Regional Council. He suggested that with six members of Regional Council, Kitchener would not be receiving a comparable number of representatives given its population and the fact that it pays almost 41% of the Regional levy, whereas Woolwich pays approximately 4.9% with two representatives. He suggested that the distribution should more closely correspond to population, or alternately, the Working Group should re-evaluate its recommended distribution. Councillor J. Ziegler indicated his agreement. Councillor K. Redman clarified that the recommendation does not reflect representation by population but rather acknowledges the historic basis of representation and attempts to preserve the urban and rural mix. She suggested that the number of Kitchener representatives is proportionately the same as at present. Mr. T. McKay pointed out that reducing Regional Council by a further two members would result in Kitchener's six members being closer to representation by population. Councillor J. Ziegler suggested that this could be equitably accomplished by reducing one representative of each from the City of Cambridge and Woolwich Township. He also expressed concern that the distribution of representatives could be inequitably SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 12, 1996 - 312- CITY OF KITCHENER affected in future given the fact that township populations, remain relatively stable while the urban centres continue to grow. Moved by Councillor J. Ziegler Seconded by Councillor M. Yantzi "That Regional Council, including the 7 area Mayors and a directly elected Regional Chair, be reduced from 19 to 17 members through the removal of 1 representative each from the City of Cambridge and the Township of Woolwich." Carried. Councillor J. Ziegler put forward a motion that Regional Councillors be elected directly, but that it be left to the local municipalities to determine if they are elected at large or by ward. Councillor M. Yantzi argued that there should be a Regional plan to decide how this is done, and Councillor J. Ziegler replied that the only Regional guideline should be that the election of Regional Councillors be direct. Councillor T. Galloway questioned what electoral model would be used in the scenario proposed by Councillor Ziegler and whether the Ontario Municipal Board would allow this arrangement. He offered the opinion that the motion seems to bind the City to find a way that does not exist. Councillor Ziegler responded that this would depend on whether representatives sit concurrently on Regional and local Councils, and suggested that the second part of his motion could be reserved for future discussion. Mr. T. McKay pointed out that because representatives are elected at large in 6 of the 7 Regional municipalities, this does not necessarily mean that the system would apply to Kitchener which operates on a Ward System. Councillor T. Galloway questioned the nature of the electoral model which would be used for concurrent Councils and Mr. T. McKay replied that this would involve a five ward system with various options for electing Regional representatives. Councillor Galloway voiced the opinion that Kitchener should not go to a 5 ward system for the sole reason of electing a Regional Council, and that such action would not best serve the citizens of Kitchener. Councillor J. Ziegler withdrew his previous motion, and in its place asked that Mr. T. McKay convey Kitchener's comments and concerns regardng direct election to the Region in his final report. Council then considered the various recommendations relating to service delivery, beginning with transfer of full responsibility for all aspects of water and wastewater to the Region. Councillor T. Galloway indicated he agrees with the recommendation from a philosophical standpoint; however, he would like any such endorsement to contain provisos relative to the following areas of concern. Councillor Galloway noted that the status and condition of the infrastructure varies with each area municipality, and referred to one unnamed municipality which has a major infrastructure problem. He suggested that part of the transfer should include an evaluation of each municipality's infrastructure, as well as some form of compensation or adjustment over time to recognize the distinction between a well maintained and a poorly maintained system. Secondly, Councillor Galloway expressed concern over comments made in the Sweeney Report which indicated that Kitchener's rates would increase while rates in other municipalities would come down. He suggested some form of rate stabilization or the phasing-in of increases and decreases over time so as to avoid large initial impacts. Mayor R. Christy expressed similar reservations in regard to the possible rate increase. Councillor J. Ziegler noted that it was his understanding that the proposal involved area municipalities contracting operation of the system to the Region, while maintaining responsibility for maintaining the distribution system. He suggested that if this is the case, responsibility is in the right place under the current arrangement. Mr. T. McKay outlined the staff position, noting that the recommendation would likely result in approximately 200 staff layoffs. He suggested that if the savings estimated at between 10% and 30% are there, the decision on whether or not to transfer the system is a political one. Mr. McKay encouraged Council to adopt the staff recommendation that a study be undertaken to substantiate the projected savings, noting that such a study would have to be done by any new organization to prepare its operating and capital budgets. It was also noted that industrial water rates in Kitchener will likely increase as a result of the transfer. SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 1~, 1996 - 313- CITY OF KITCHENER Moved by Councillor John Smola Seconded by Councillor J. Ziegler "That with regard to the proposed transfer of all aspects of water and wastewater to the Region, a study be undertaken by a Chartered Accounting firm with consulting expertise, under a Steering Committee consisting of the Regional and area Treasurers. If the study concludes that Professor Kitchen is correct with regard to the magnitude of savings that can be achieved, the City of Kitchener should support the implementation of a one tier system, and further, That the Region be advised of the concerns expressed this date involving the variance in water and wastewater infrastructure between area municipalities and the potential rate fluctuations." Carried. Moved by Councillor J. Ziegler Seconded by Councillor T. Galloway "That full responsibility for all aspects of solid waste and recycling be assigned to the Regional Municipality of Waterloo." Carried. Moved by Councillor M. Yantzi Seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz "That a Regional Arterial Road System be retained." Carried. Moved by Councillor B. Vrbanovic Seconded by Councillor C. Weylie "That subject to equitable negotiations, the existing Regional Road System be rationalized with a view to developing new criteria for Regional roads and clarifying the contracting relationships (where applicable) and levels of maintenance in all seven municipalities, and further, That based on the above, the exact roads and lane kilometres be negotiated between area municipalities and the Region." Carried. Moved by Councillor C. Weylie Seconded by Councillor M. Yantzi "That Plans of Subdivision and Condominium and Part Lot Control Exemption By-laws be delegated to area municipal Councils in accordance with a delegation agreement, and further, That Kitchener recommends consideration be given to further delegation of other approvals toward a full community based decision-making model, such as exemption for Official Plan approvals under Bill 20." Carried. Moved by Councillor G. Lorentz Seconded by Councillor B. Vrbanovic "That a Region-wide central dispatch service for Police, Fire and Ambulance be examined for cost and operational efficiencies and possible implementation." Carried. SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 1~, 1996 - 314- CITY OF KITCHENER Moved by Councillor G. Lorentz Seconded by Councillor B. Vrbanovic "That fire protection remain with area municipalities unless it is unequivocally demonstrated that a Region-wide service would be of higher quality and lower cost." Carried. Moved by Councillor K. Redman Seconded by Councillor M. Yantzi "That business attraction and promotion activities be co-ordinated through the Canada's Technology Triangle (CTT) initiative with the Region playing a role as a full cost-sharing partner, and with business retention efforts and land sales remaining the responsibility of area municipalities, and further, That at the same time, the potential for a broader public and private participation and financial partnership be explored." Carried. Moved by Councillor J. Ziegler Seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz "That a staff committee from the area municipalities and the Region be formed to pursue potential cost savings in rationalizing central administration and support services such as legal services, staff training and development/recruitment and general maintenance." Carried. Council then considered service delivery recommendations Nos.5 & 6 dealing with the Public Transit System. Mr. T. McKay pointed out that the recommendation assumes a Regional service paid for by the urban municipalities, which when extended will be at the marginal cost. He noted that both recommendations indicate the Region should take over responsibility for Transit with the City's continuing to run the systems and deciding when to extend the service. Moved by Councillor J. Ziegler Seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz "That we recognize the urban transit system presently provided within the three urban municipalities should constantly be examined to improve co-ordination, rationalization of service and to take advantage of economies of scale between area municipalities; however, unless a detailed study proves to the contrary, it is the position of the City that the regionalization of an urban transit service would lead to increased service levels and increased costs far outweighing any efficiencies achieved to economies of scale, and as a result Kitchener cannot support service recommendations #5 and #6 of the Working Group report ." Councillor T. Galloway advised that he supports Regional transit in principle, but questioned how this could be achieved without varying levels of current service. Councillor J. Ziegler advised that he is opposed to Regional transit involving the linking of urban areas, as in his opinion this is a waste of money and would create unnecessary debt. He suggested that the need for inter-city transportation should be determined at the Regional level. Mr. McKay suggested that if transit is limited to urban areas, it should remain under the control of the urban municipality. Councillor B. Vrbanovic offered the view that the Working Group recommendation is valid if it is explicitly understood that responsibility would remain at the municipal level. The motion by Councillor J. Ziegler, seconded by Councillor G. Lorentz concerning possible regionalization of the urban transit service was voted on and Carried. SPECIAL COUNCIL MINUTES AUGUST 1~, 1996 - 315- CITY OF KITCHENER On motion, the meeting adjourned. MAYOR CLERK