Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2023-10-02 SSpecial Council Meeting Minutes October 2, 2023, 1:30 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 P. Singh Councillor B. loannidis Councillor M. Johnston Councillor D. Chapman Councillor A. Clancy Staff: 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 G. St. Louis, Director, Utilities R. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning B. Lam, Director, Sanitary & Stormwater Utility C. Leishman, Project Manager Water Infrastructure Program D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk M. Blake, Committee Administrator 1 1. Commencement A special meeting of City Council was held at 1:32 p.m. this date, chaired by Mayor B. Vrbanovic. Notice of this meeting had been previously given to all members of Council by the City Clerk pursuant to Chapter 25 (Council Procedure) of the Municipal Code. The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Mayor. 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof 2.1 Councillor P. Singh - Item 6.1 - Potential Land Acquisition (Land Acquisition - Section 239 (c)) - in -camera agenda Councillor P. Singh declared a pecuniary interest with respect to Item 6.1 - Potential Land Acquisition (Land Acquisition - Section 239 (c)) - on the agenda this date as a member of his family owns property in the vicinity one of the subject properties. Accordingly, Councillor P. Singh did not participate in any discussion or vote regarding this matter. 3. Staff Reports 3.1 2024 Budget Process and Timelines, FIN -2023-417, FIN -2023-417 Council considered Financial Services Department report FIN -2023-417, entitled 2024 Budget Process and Timelines, dated September 26, 2023, recommending amendments to the 2024 Budget Calendar and approval of a shortened timeline for Council propose amendments to the 2024 Budget as per the regulations outlined in the Municipal Act. Moved by Councillor S. Davey Seconded by Councillor B. loannidis "That the 2024 budget timelines outlined in Financial Services Department report FIN -2023-417 be approved; and further, That Council shorten the 30 -day period that Council may pass a resolution making an amendment to the Mayor's proposed budget to coincide with the completion of the meeting scheduled on December 14, 2023." 4. Strategic Session Reports Carried E 4.1 Water Infrastructure Program (WIP) 2023 Update, INS -2023-437 Council considered Infrastructure Services Department report INS -2023-437, entitled 2024 Water Infrastructure Program Summary and Rate Options, dated October 2, 2023, which provided an overview about the Water Infrastructure Program (WIP) to date and included potential rate options and recommendations for Council's consideration related to the 2024-2024 WIP program. B. Lam, Director, Sanitary and Stormwater Utility, presented the report highlighting the purpose of the WIP, the Council endorsed principles of the program, the accomplishments of the 5 -year program from 2018-2022, notable impacts to the program that are currently being experienced, existing program gaps, potential rate options and the key considerations for the 2024-2027 WIP program. B. Lam advised the report highlights three potential rate options between 6.3% and 8.6%, which would equate to an annual increase on the average homeowner of $77 and $105 annually for their utility bill. B. Lam further advised the rate options were all developed based on the guiding principles of legislative compliance, risk, sustainability, transparency and affordability, noting staff are in attendance this date to receive feedback from Council on the proposed options, which will help to inform the utility rates for the 2024 budget process. G. St. Louis, Director, Gas & Water Utilities, R. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning, and C. Leishman, Project Manager Water Infrastructure Program were also in attendance to respond to questions from Council. In response to questions, B. Lam stated staff are satisfied with the recommendation for the proposed rate increase of 6.3% annually for the next four years, noting the increase would achieve legislative compliance and would address some of the identified program gaps, while managing affordability. The proposed rate increase would be a 33% reduction in the overall WIP program that was developed in 2018, but would still target program gaps that are in need of additional resources. In response to further questions, B. Lam indicated staff would continue to be proactive in learning and implementing new technology that would see improvements or enhancements to the WIP program. Questions were raised regarding the utility rates imposed by the Region of Waterloo and how they have been factored into the staff recommendation. J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, advised the Region does share their proposed rates for the upcoming years and consideration of those rates have been considered by staff when making the recommendation, but noted the proposed rates provided are not guaranteed. Councillor A. Owodunni entered the meeting at this time. 3 In response to questions about affordability, G. St. Louis provided an overview of various programs that are currently being offered for lower-income residents to lower their energy bills as well as home renovations, which would assist in reducing their energy consumption. Further to that, G. St. Louis and B. Lam advised staff continue to review additional options to expand on these programs to assist with affordability. Questions were raised about inflationary costs and whether if the rates go down there would be an opportunity to complete additional work. D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services Department, advised the program has long-term vision that is flexible to the economic climate. Several Council members spoke in support of the recommendation as outlined in the report to bring forward a rate increase of 6.3% rate increase each year for the next four years, starting with the 2024 budget consideration. 5. Mayoral Business and Updates - Mayor B. Vrbanovic None. 6. In -camera Meeting Authorization Moved by Councillor A. Owodunni Seconded by Councillor S. Davey "That an in -camera meeting of City Council be held immediately following the special council meeting this date to consider two land acquistion and disposition matters as authorized by Sections 239 (c) of the Municipal Act, 2001, respectively." Carried 7. Recess and Reconvene The Special Council meeting recessed at 2:35 p.m. and reconvened at 7:48 p.m., chaired by Mayor B. Vrbanovic with all members present. 8. By-laws 8.1 Three Readings Moved by Councillor M. Johnston "That the by-laws be given third reading, namely: M 8.1.a To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for October 2, 2023. 9. Adjournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:49 p.m. (By-law 2023-134) 0 erk Carried. 5