HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2023-12-14 SSpecial Council Meeting
Minutes
December 14, 2023, 11:00 a.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
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
R. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning
A. Fusco, Director Legislated Services / City Clerk
D. Andrade, Manager, Budgets
D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
1. Commencement
A meeting of City Council was held at 11:09 a.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.
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The meeting began with a Land Acknowledgement given by the Mayor.
2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof
Councillor P. Singh declared a conflict with regards to projects outlined in the
Capital Budget related to the following projects: Mill Courtland Community Centre
and Rockway Centre Redevelopment; Full Reconstruction - Franklin Street —
Kingsway to Wilson; and, First Street - Kingsway to Connaught due to owning
property in close proximity to the subject projects, and did not participate in any
voting or discussion regarding these matters.
3. Mayoral Business and Updates - Mayor B. Vrbanovic
Mayor B. Vrbanovic reported that the Region of Waterloo 2024 Budget was
approved yesterday with a 6.9% tax increase which included a doubling of the
Regional contribution to the Food Bank to assist with food insecurities within the
Region, as well as funding for the next two years for service continuation for A
Better Tent City (ABTC).
3.1 Mayor's Proposed 2024 Budget
With the consensus of Council the agenda was re -ordered to consider the
Mayor's 2024 Budget as the first order of business.
Council considered the Mayor's Proposed 2024 Budget, which was initially
proposed at a Special Council meeting on December 4, 2023, and was included
in the agenda package this date. Council was also in receipt of a written
submission from the Active Transportation and Trails Advisory Committee. Mayor
B. Vrbanovic acknowledged the city's economic, post -secondary, and innovative
activities, which are reflected in the strategic plan and proposed budget. The new
Provincial legislation that changed the traditional budget process was noted, and
Mayor B. Vrbanovic addressed the development of the proposed budget and
consideration of market volatility and economic inflation.
Mayor B. Vrbanovic noted that the proposed includes $1.6million to fund
additional strategic initiatives including; $400,000 for additional traffic calming
and trail connections in neighbourhoods, $200,000 to develop an arena energy
strategy as part of the City's Corporate Climate Action Plan 2.0, $300,000 to
move forward with the two additional playground replacements in 2024, $200,000
to develop a Municipal Newcomers Strategy including community engagement,
$300,000 to improve access & increase usage at Cameron Heights Pool,
$200,000 for the implementation of a city-wide data strategy to build
organization -wide data practices to deliver better services for residents.
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Following the presentation of the Mayor's budget, members of Council were
requested to send any budget amendments to the City Clerk prior to final budget
consideration and none were received.
Councillor J. Deneault left the meeting and returned to the meeting at this time.
Councillor B. loannidis entered the meeting at this time.
Councillor S. Davey brought forward motion, which was seconded by Councillor
P. Singh, save and except for the projects outlined in the Capital Forecast that
were identified in the previously declared conflict by Councillor Singh:
"That the Mayor's Budget be received; and further,
That staff be directed to implement the proposed 2024 Budget."
Councillor S. Davey brought forward a motion, which was seconded by
Councillor M. Johnston, to receive and implement the projects outlined in the
Capital Forecast that were identified in the declared pecuniary interest by
Councillor Singh.
Members of Council acknowledged the budget process, alignment with the
strategic plan, and components of the draft budget.
The Capital Projects noted in the declared pecuniary interest, were then voted on
and were Carried on a recorded vote, with Mayor B. Vrbanovic and Councillors
S. Davey, D. Schnider, J. Deneault, C. Michaud, A. Owodunni, B. loannidis, M.
Johnston voting in favour; and, Councillor D. Chapman declined to vote and in
accordance with Section 25.8.3 of Council's procedural By-law, the refusal is was
recorded as a vote in opposition. Councillor P. Singh declared a conflict and did
not participate in voting on these matters.
The following motion was then voted on, on a recorded vote. Councillor D.
Chapman declined to vote and in accordance with Section 25.8.3 of Council's
procedural By-law, the refusal was recorded as a vote in opposition.
Moved by Councillor S. Davey
Seconded by Councillor P. Singh
"That the Mayor's Budget be received; and further,
That staff be directed to implement the proposed 2024 Budget."
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In Favour (9): Mayor B. Vrbanovic, Councillor S.
Davey, Councillor D. Schnider, Councillor J. Deneault,
Councillor C. Michaud, Councillor A. Owodunni,
Councillor P. Singh, Councillor B. loannidis, and
Councillor M. Johnston
Contra (1): Councillor D. Chapman
4. Staff Report
Carried (9 to 1)
4.1 Declaration of Vacancy for the Office of Councillor, Ward 10, COR -2023-547
Council considered Corporate Services Department report COR -2023-547, dated
November 12, 2023, entitled "Declaration of Vacancy for the Office of Councillor,
Ward 10" related to the Office of Councillor, Ward 10, and the declaration of the
vacant seat.
Moved by Councillor P. Singh
Seconded by Councillor M. Johnston
That Council declare a vacancy for the Office of Councillor, Ward 10; and
further,
That the City Clerk be directed to bring a report regarding methods to fill
the Ward 10 Councillor Office to a January 8, 2024 Special Council
meeting.
Carried
5. By-laws
5.1 Three Readings
It was noted due to the previously declared conflict, the confirmatory by-law
needed to be voted on separately.
The confirmatory by-law specifically related to confirming receipt and
implementation of the projects within the Capital Forecast, was then voted on
and was Carried.
The balance of the By-laws were then voted on.
Moved by Councillor D. Schnider
Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman
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"That the by-laws be given third reading, namely:
5.1.a To further amend By-law No. 88-169, being a by-law to regulate,
supervise and govern the parking of vehicles on municipal off-street
parking facilities (Schedule A).
(By-law No. 2023-184)
5.1.b To further amend By-law No. 88-169, being a by-law to regulate,
supervise and govern the parking of vehicles on municipal off-street
parking facilities (Schedule B).
(By-law No. 2023-185)
5.1.c To further amend By-law No. 88-169, being a by-law to regulate,
supervise and govern the parking of vehicles on municipal off-street
parking facilities (Schedule C).
(By-law No. 2023-186)
5.1.d To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for December 14,
2023.
6. Adjournment
On motion the meeting adjourned at 11:57 a.m.
ayor
Clerk
(By-law No. 2023-187)
Carried
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