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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCouncil Minutes - 2025-03-17 S (not adopted)Special Council Meeting Minutes March 17, 2025, 5:00 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 P. Singh Councillor B. loannidis (virtually) Councillor M. Johnston Councillor D. Chapman Councillor S. Stretch 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 C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development R. Scott, Chief Procurement Officer S. Weber, Chief of Staff (Office of the Mayor and Council) B. Bennett, Manager, Business Development D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk M. Blake, Committee Coordinator 1 1. Commencement A meeting of City Council was held at 5:21 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. 1.1 International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination - March 21, 2025 Mayor B. Vrbanovic noted on March 21 st, the City of Kitchener joins cities around the world in marking the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, standing united in our commitment to eradicate all forms of racism from our community, and everywhere. 1.2 5 Year Anniversary of the Global Pandemic (COVID) Mayor B. Vrbanovic recognized the five-year anniversary of the global pandemic (COVID) and honoured all those people who lost their lives or were impacted by the crisis with a moment of silence. 2. Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof None. 3. Staff Reports 3.1 Discussion Items 3.1.a City of Kitchener Response to U.S. Tariffs and Trade, CAO -2025-135 Dan Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer, provided an update on a resolution that was approved at Special Council on February 10, 2025 related to the U.S. Tariffs. D. Chapman stated since that time the City has established a Kitchener Tariff and Trade Task Force, with proposed actions, including but not limited to: • Pursuing amendments to the city's procurement bylaw to prioritize Buy Canadian, Buy Local initiatives. • Engagement with city vendors to identify and explore Canadian alternatives. • Supporting the local business community in an effort to focus on Canada First purchases and import substitution. • Launching a community -driven Support Local campaign in collaboration with BIAs, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Kitchener Market. E C. Bluhm, Executive Director, Economic Development, R. Scott, Chief Procurement Officer, B. Bennett, Business Development Officer and S. Weber, Chief of Staff (Office of the Mayor and Council) were also in attendance to respond to questions from the Council. Questions were raised regarding supporting and communicating with local business and received responses from C. Bluhm. In response to further questions, D. Chapman stated staff are not working isolation, noting that where opportunities present themselves, staff are also leveraging other organizations such as the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation (WREDC) to help respond to the needs of the community. 4. Items Arising from In -Camera - February 24, 2025 4.1 Development Charges Act - Solicitor -Client Advice (Solicitor / client privilege - Section 239 (2) (f)), COR -2025-086 Moved by Councillor M. Johnston Seconded by Councillor J. Deneault "That staff be directed to interpret the application of the `rental housing development' discount and deferral (sections 26.2 (1.1) and 26.1(1) of the Development Charges Act ("DC Act")) as not applying to condominium developments and street -fronting townhouse developments in accordance with the advice set out in report COR -2025-086, at the discretion of the City Treasurer and City Solicitor." Carried 5. Mayoral Business and Updates - Mayor B. Vrbanovic None. 6. In -camera Meeting Authorization Moved by Councillor D. Chapman Seconded by Councillor A. Owodunni "That an in -camera meeting of City Council be held immediately following the special council meeting this date to consider a labour relations or employee negotiation matter as authorized by Sections 239 (d) of the Municipal Act, 2001, respectively." Carried 3 7. Recess and Reconvene The Special Council meeting then recessed at 5:57 p.m. and reconvened at 7:35 p.m., chaired by Mayor B. Vrbanovic, with all members present except Councillor B. loannidis. 8. Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee report - March 17, 2025 8.1 Demolition Control Application - DC25/002/C/AS, 101 Clive Rd, DSD -2025- 107 Council considered the following matter arising from the Planning and Strategic Initiatives Committee meeting earlier this date. Moved by Councillor P. Singh Seconded by Councillor D. Chapman "That Demolition Control Application DC25/002/C/AS requesting permission to demolish a two-storey single detached dwelling at 101 Clive Road, BE APPROVED, as outlined in Development Services Department report, DSD -2025-107." Carried 9. By-laws 9.1 Three Readings Moved by Councillor M. Johnston Seconded by Councillor A. Owodunni "That the by-laws be given third reading, namely: 9.1.a To confirm all actions and proceedings of the Council for March 17, 2025. 10. Adjournment On motion the meeting adjourned at 7:36 p.m. Mayor Clerk (By-law 2025-030) Carried M