HomeMy WebLinkAboutFCS Minutes - 2023-01-09 - Public Budget
Finance and Corporate Services
Committee Minutes
January 9, 2023, 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers - Hybrid
City of Kitchener
200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
Present: Mayor B. Vrbanovic
Councillor S. Davey
Councillor D. Schnider
Councillor J. Deneault
Councillor C. Michaud
Councillor A. Owodunni
Councillor B. Ioannidis
Councillor M. Johnston
Councillor D. Chapman
Councillor A. Clancy
Staff: Councillor P. Singh
D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer
M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy
Chief Administrator
V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services
J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services
J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services
D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
R. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning
D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
M. Mills, Committee Administrator
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1. Commencement
The Special Finance and Corporate Services Committee held a meeting this
date, chaired by Councillor S. Davey, commencing at 7:00 p.m.
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2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
There were no conflicts declared.
3. Discussion Items
3.1 2023 Budget - Public Consultation
The Committee was in receipt this date of the 2023 City of Kitchener Proposed
Budget Summary summarizing the public input received as of date regarding the
City's proposed 2023 budget.
Councillor S. Davey welcomed members and advised this special meeting was
being held to receive input with respect to the proposed 2023 budget, stating
there has been significant public engagement within the budget process to date.
3.2 Delegations
3.2.a Christine Small
C. Small was in attendance urging Council to allocate funds to Trail Infrastructure
in the Grand River South Community. C. Small noted, the community is bound by
only two major arterial roads, Fairway Road North and Lackner Boulevard
causing increased vehicle traffic and negative health impacts for residents that
utilize active transportation. C. Small highlighted a petition signed by 494
supporters that urges Council to implement its' approval for the construction of an
off-street walking pathway to Chicopee Hills Public School. Lastly, C. Small
highlighted a decade of City reports, community plans and studies that indicate
the construction of a trail system in the Grand River South community which has
yet to be implemented.
Councillor P. Singh exited the meeting this time.
3.2.b Tony LaMantia, Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation
T. LaMantia presented the 2022 update and highlights for the Waterloo Region
Economic Development Corporation including new investments established in
the region. T. LaMantia highlighted some of the challenges the City should
expect to face including, but not limited to: responding to the global recession
forecast, developing an inventory of shovel-ready sites, supply chain
regionalization, addressing the quality of life in relation to inflation and
responding to social justice issues.
Councillor P. Singh re-entered the meeting at this time.
In response to questions from the Committee, T. LaMantia noted some
challenges Kitchener faces with being investment is developing sites available for
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large capital investments. T. LaMantia noted a presentation detailing the urgency
to focus on speed and availability of land will be circulated to the Committee.
3.2.c Jenna Petkar and Ian McLean, KW Chamber of Commerce
J. Petkar and I. McLean were in attendance outlining the activities of the
Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce in recruiting physicians to maintain
medical services at a level consistent with the City's growing population. I.
McLean noted the importance of the City's financial support in sustaining
physician recruitment efforts.
3.2.d Mary Jane Patterson, Reep Green Solutions
M.J. Patterson was in attendance presenting updates on the meaningful actions
for greenhouse gas reduction that Council agreed to achieve between 2020-
2030. It was noted about 29.3% of the meaningful actions have been achieved to
date. In addition, M.J. Patterson noted, budget allocations to Reep Green
Solutions supports with the organization's diversity of revenue sources and
bolsters the impact of sustainability efforts.
3.2.e Joshua Rampersad
J. Rampersad addressed the Committee advocating for increased funding to
cycling infrastructure as it supports environmentally friendly modes of
transportation, promotes active transportation and increases safety for road
users.
3.2.f Brooklyn Wallis
B. Wallis was in attendance noting an opinion that the City budget does not
address the rising costs of living in Kitchener. B. Wallis also expressed support
for increased funding in cycling infrastructure.
4. Adjournment
On motion, this meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Marilyn Mills
Committee Administrator
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