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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCtee of the Whole - 1996-01-08CW\1996-01-08 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES JANAURY 8, 1996CITY OF KITCHENER The Committee of the Whole held a special meeting this date with the following members present: Mayor R. Christy and Councillors John Smola, G. Lorentz, K. Redman, B. Vrbanovic, T. Galloway, M. Yantzi, J. Ziegler, M. Wagner and Jake Smola. Officials Present: Ms. V. Gibaut, Messrs. T. McKay, J. Shivas, R.W. Pritchard and L.W. Neil. Mayor R. Christy advised that the purpose of this special Committee of the Whole meeting was to begin consideration of issues that have arisen following tabling of the Waterloo Region Review Report on Local Governance produced by Mr. J. Sweeney. In accordance with Council's Procedural By-law, Councillor Jake Smola took the chair to conduct this special meeting. He pointed out that Council was previously in receipt of the following reports: Waterloo Region Review on Local Governance, a City of Waterloo Report from its Mayor and C.A.O. commenting on the Regional Review, and a report "In Pursuit of the Best Government" from Cambridge Councillor Doug Craig. Mayor R. Christy pointed out that there were a number of resolutions before Regional Council pertaining to Local Governance and that while Regional Council had passed a City of Cambridge resolution supporting a strong two-tier local government system, it was his view that the proposed Provincial Bill 26 (Omnibus Bill) will impact previous municipal positions on governance and its impact on municipal government must be taken account of. Councillor M. Wagner strongly recommended that Kitchener not simply react to documentation produced by other organizations, but instead begin to develop its own ideas respecting governance based on exploratory discussion only at this meeting. Councillor T. Galloway pointed out that a few Kitchener Councillors did not support the Cambridge resolution at Regional Council with his refusal being based on a view that no option should be excluded. It was Councillor Galloway's view that a great deal more information, especially financial, needs to be gathered and analyzed before reaching any conclusions after having given weighting other issues. He emphasized no decision should be made at this meeting. Mayor R. Christy agreed that Council must undertake comprehensive discussion of issues in order to find a balanced position on governance. Councillor J. Ziegler agreed with the remarks of Councillor T. Galloway and indicated that empirical data of cost-savings associated with any proposed changes to local governance was essential. He noted that the Waterloo Region Review recommendations lack supportive data. Councillor M. Yantzi commented that the Regional/Local Government model was a complex one that facilitates the provision of some services on a broad scale while others were better provided at the local community level. He indicated that community should strive to maintain a process of open participation and involvement but also keep an open mind to consider new ways of doing things such as the provision of specialized services on a fee basis to other agencies. Councillor K. Redman commented that it must be demonstrated that there is value to any proposed changes and that elected officials must remain accessible. She noted that the Sweeney Report had pointed out that governance did not equate to community and that ultimately decisions would reflect what was in the best interest of the people and a study in this regard may be appropriate. Councillor T. Galloway pointed out that there were monies remaining in the Waterloo Region Review budget that could fund a review analysis. Councillor G. Lorentz stated that he considered any local government restructuring would be a long process particularly since the two-tier approach has worked well in Waterloo Region as evidenced by the fact that citizens did not respond to hearings held by the Sweeney Commission. He did not foresee the direct election of the Regional Chairman position as a viable and realistic option as part of any change to local governance in the Region. Councillor M. Wagner was of the view that the two-tier government approach should remain and that people were not dis-satisfied with the existing system. He agreed there was a need for functional cost analysis to determine where the Region or City could improve and also determine which level could provide a better service of certain functions. Councillor Wagner stated that he was opposed to direct election to the Region and to election of separate City and Regional representatives to their respective Councils. Mayor R. Christy referred to the Kitchener submission to the Palmer Commission which reviewed Regional Government some years ago and the findings produced in that regard. He stated that he considered that the crux of the current debate on Regional/City Governance was that change must be sought and that Provincial Bill 26 provides an opportunity to develop more efficient government that would in the end strengthen both Kitchener and the Region. It was his view the Regional Chairman position should be elected first at the local level and subsequently, elected to the position by members COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE MINUTES JANUARY 8, 1996- 2 -CITY OF KITCHENER of Regional Council. He also recommended retaining an external consultant to develop a business plan for the City following a functional review of City departments and service delivery. Accordingly, he supported calling for proposals in this regard at the local level which in turn might serve as a model for all municipalities in the Region. Mayor Christy suggested that the Province would not ignore any concrete proposals for change to Local Governance that were presented to them. Councillor B. Vrbanovic expressed serious concern with the lack of empirical data in reports produced on governance. He suggested external examination was appropriate to review how the City is performing but cautioned that bigger does not necessarily mean better, nor does it necessarily lead to cost-savings. Mayor Christy suggested Council meet with management staff in a round table meeting format to consider a business review of the City's operating structure after which it could be suggested the Region consider a similar approach. Following further discussion, consensus was reached that Council would meet with senior management staff in round table format to discuss relevant issues of local governance. It was agreed that this round table meeting would be held on Monday, January 22, 1996 following the conclusion of the Planning and Economic Development Committee meeting that date (approximately 5 p.m.). On motion the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m.