Open Council

Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Open Council

Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

September 7, 2021, at 4:00 PM

Original link

The meeting is called to order at 4:08 PM; it being noted that the following Members were in remote attendance: M. van Holst, M. Salih, J. Helmer, M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Turner, E. Peloza and S. Hillier.

1.   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

That it BE NOTED that Councillor S. Lehman disclosed a pecuniary interest in item 4.2, having to do with a proposed appointment to the London Downtown Business Association (LDBA), by indicating that he is a member of the LDBA.

2.   Consent

None.

3.   Scheduled Items

None.

4.   Items for Direction

4.1   Request for Delegation Status - 4 Pillars of Medical Ethics - Courtney Roddis

2021-09-07 Submission - Request for Delegation-Medical Ethics

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Turner

That the communications listed on the public agenda as items 4.1 a. through ac., inclusive, BE RECEIVED for information, and no further action be taken with respect to these submissions; it being noted that there are no current related decisions or considerations before the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee at this time.

Motion Passed (13 to 1)

4.2   Downtown Business Improvement Association Appointment

That Councillor J. Helmer BE APPOINTED as the Municipal Council representative on the Downtown Business Area Board to replace Councillor A. Kayabaga, on an interim basis until such time as the leave of Councillor Kayabaga is resolved; it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated August 19, 2021 from A. McClenaghan, Chair, LDBA and D. McCallum, Chair, MSL and a communication dated August 17, 2021, with respect to this matter.

Motion Passed

Voting Record.

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by P. Squire

That consideration of an interim Councillor appointment to the London Downtown Business Association Board of Directors BE REFERRED to a future meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee in order to allow for members of Council to express their interest in the appointment.

Motion Failed (4 to 9)

Moved by S. Turner

Seconded by A. Hopkins

That the communications from London Downtown Business Association and Councillor Kayabaga be received, and Council members be given an opportunity to be selected for the interim appointment.

Motion Passed (13 to 0)

Interim Appointment to the London Downtown Business Association

Majority Winner: J. Helmer

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by M. van Holst

That Councillor J. Helmer BE APPOINTED as the Municipal Council representative on the Downtown Business Area Board to replace Councillor A. Kayabaga, on an interim basis until such time as the leave of Councillor Kayabaga is resolved.

Motion Passed (13 to 0)

4.3   5th Report of the Diversity Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Advisory Committee

2021-09-07 DIAAC Report

Moved by S. Lehman

Seconded by M. Cassidy

That the following actions be taken with respect to the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Advisory Committee from its meeting held on August 19, 2021:

a)  the following actions be taken with respect to the Awards and Recognition Sub-Committee update:

i)   the request from the Awards and Recognition Sub-Committee for budget allocation of up to $700.00 for the 2021 Diversity, Race Relations and Inclusivity Award, BE APPROVED; and,

ii)  it BE NOTED that the verbal update from A. Husain with respect to the Awards and Recognition Sub-Committee meeting was received; and,

b)  that clauses 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 5.2, 5.3, 5.4, 6.1 and 7.1 BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

4.4   London Transit Commission Vacancy

2021-09-07 Submission - LTC Vacancy

Moved by P. Squire

Seconded by P. Van Meerbergen

That the resignation of Tanya Park from the London Transit Commission as of October 22, 2021 BE ACCEPTED and the City Clerk BE DIRECTED to publicly advertise for a replacement appointment with applications to be considered at the next meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

4.5   Appointment to the London Hydro Inc. Board of Directors

2021-09-07 Memo from CSC to SPPC

Moved by M. van Holst

Seconded by S. Lewis

That, on the recommendation of the Corporate Services Committee, the attached proposed by-law (Appendix “A”) BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held September 14, 2021 to:

a)     ratify and confirm the Resolution of the Shareholder of London Hydro Inc., attached as Schedule “A” to the by-law; and

b)    authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the Resolution of the Shareholder of London Hydro Inc. attached as Schedule “A” to the by-law;

it being noted that Tania Goodine was selected for appointment to the London Hydro Inc. Board of Directors in accordance with the selection process held at the Corporate Services Committee on August 30, 2021.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

5.   Deferred Matters/Additional Business

5.1   (ADDED) Request of Appointment of Councillor Lehman to the Hyde Park BIA

2021-09-07 Submission - Hyde Park BIA

That the resignation from Councillor J. Morgan from his appointment to the Hyde Park Business Improvement Association BE ACCETPED, and Councillor S. Lehman BE APPOINTED to the Hyde Park BIA to fill the vacancy, for the term ending November 15, 2022.

Motion Passed

Voting Record:

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Turner

That the resignation of Councillor J. Morgan from the Hyde Park BIA, BE ACCEPTED.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by E. Peloza

That nominations for an appointment to the Hyde Park BIA be opened.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

Moved by S. Turner

Seconded by E. Peloza

That nominations be closed and Councillor S. Lehman BE APPOINTED to the Hyde Park Business Improvement Association Board of Directors, for the term ending November 15, 2022.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

6.   Adjournment

Moved by P. Van Meerbergen

Seconded by A. Hopkins

That the meeting be adjourned.

Motion Passed

The meeting adjourned at 5:13 PM.

Full Transcript

Transcript provided by Lillian Skinner’s London Council Archive. Note: This is an automated speech-to-text transcript and may contain errors. Speaker names are not identified.

View full transcript (1 hour, 23 minutes)

[13:00] Colleagues and the public that’s able that’s streaming in this now. We’re having a little bit of difficulty on the YouTube components, so we’ll just ask you bear with us in other couple of moments, please. Paulies, can I ask for screens on, please? So colleagues, thank you. We’ll start in just a few moments just to let you know we and for the benefit of the public as well.

[22:22] E-Scribe is working. Our city website is working and YouTube corporate communications is currently working on that, but I don’t think it’s appropriate that we delay this meeting further. So with your indulgence, we’re going to start in just a moment. I’ll ask the clerk to confirm quorum, please. Through the chair, yes, I can confirm quorum. Thank you. Thank you. So colleagues, and to the public, welcome to the 12th meeting of the strategic priorities and policy committee.

[23:00] There’s a virtual meeting held during the COVID-19 emergency, and we’d ask the public to check the website for current details of COVID-19 service impact. Meetings can be viewed via livestreaming on YouTube and the city website. The City of London is committed to making every effort to provide alternate formats and communication supports for council, standing or advisory community meetings and information upon request. To make a request for any city service, please contact accessibility@london.ca or 516.661.249, extension 2425, to make a request specific to this meeting. Please contact as PPC@london.ca. I will look for any disclosures of opinion or interest.

[23:47] I see none. I will remind colleagues, as is our way, that we have one of our colleagues who is on leave at this point, Councillor, and that’s the only absence of which I’ve been made aware. We have no items on the consent agenda, no schedule items. We do have, though, five items that we will deal with separately. And the first is a quest for delegation status for pillars of medical ethics.

[24:26] And we have a number of added. You will see that we have a significant number of added more than at least up to 29 at this count, and there may be some additional ones where they have requested delegation status. I’ll call on Councillor Lewis, please go ahead. Thank you, Your Worship. With regard to item 4.1, I want to put a motion on the floor. I will see if there’s a seconder for that, and then I’ll speak to it briefly. But I would like to move that communications listed on the public agenda as items 4.1 A, 4.1, and then A through AC inclusive be received for information and no further action be taken with respect to these submissions.

[25:15] It being noted that there are no current related decisions or considerations before the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee at this time. Would you have a seconder for that motion? Councillor Turner. Thank you. Comments or questions? Councillor Lewis, please go ahead. Thank you, Your Worship. I just want to be really brief, but very clear on this. All of the requests for delegation status reasons outlined in the communications we’ve received are not in fact, within municipal jurisdiction, whether they are under the jurisdiction of the province of Ontario, or whether they are under the jurisdiction of the chief medical officer of health with our health unit.

[26:05] They are not decisions for Council to be making. I think with respect to both the members of the public, to our staff and to colleagues, it quite frankly does not represent a good use of everyone’s time to me to listen to something presentation wise that we are not going to ultimately be able to do anything about at the end of the meeting because it’s not within our jurisdiction to do so. I think that actually feeds into the cynicism we often hear from people that, well, Council doesn’t listen, Council didn’t do anything about it. Respectfully, this is a situation where we can’t. And so I think with respect to everybody’s time, we should receive the communications and then move on to the next item on the agenda. Thank you. Next on the list. Councillor. Thank you. Worship, I don’t agree with Councillor Lewis. There does seem to be a decision before this Council.

[27:06] At our corporate services committee, there was the move to create a proof of vaccination policy for Council. And for that reason, we actually are making a decision and therefore setting example for the rest of the community point of order point of order, Councillor Lewis, please. Thank you, Worship, with respect to the Council’s objection, the vaccination policy for City Hall staff is an item on the corporate services agenda, which comes to Council next. It is not on the strategic priorities and policy committee agenda. I will pull that point of order. Go ahead, Councilor.

[27:50] Okay, thank you. That’s the Council is correct about the staff policy. So I guess my question through you to our staff, then, is the policy that’s going to be created for Council. Specifically, where will that policy go for a final decision, or will it be the corporate services committee, or will it be this committee. Let’s ask. Thank you for that. Let’s ask the clerk.

[28:30] Thank you through the chair. Before that, providing that additional clarification, I would like to remind the committee that that’s only a recommendation from the corporate services committee, and it has not been approved by Council yet. I can’t say with confidence that there’s been a determination of which committee that would go to. Thank you, Councillor. I think that generally the, the COVID related related matters were coming here. And this would certainly be a decision that would be made. Since it applies to all the Councillors would likely be made by all the, all the Councillors. And so I think this is actually the appropriate place to have this discussion.

[29:18] And so for that reason, if the motion is defeated and, and I hope it is, then I’ll move that we receive the delegations. And because we certainly, we certainly have the time this evening. And there are, there are people who would like to like to comment. So that will be my, my course of action in your worship. Thanks very much. Councillor Turner. Thanks to your worship and thanks to Councillor Lewis for putting this motion forward. It is almost word for word, what I was going to say. So I think it’s important that to recognize that we entertain delegations very frequently, and we provide a fair amount of latitude to that delegation requests. In fact, often we receive those requests on the same day and allow them to speak at that point.

[30:13] It’s important for our process that that we have opportunities for delegations but those delegations need to be related to items within the Council’s purview. This is absolutely not within our purview. We’ve had two items on COVID policy that this Council has, has put into place or will put in place perhaps the first was a masking policy for for businesses. There’s a bylaw and that bylaws since been rescinded. The other is an internal policy for corporate staff and for potentially for Council as well. Those are not within the public debate. And those are not within the municipal purview beyond those. There’s nothing within the municipal purview as Councillor Lewis correctly identified.

[31:00] The policy for our region is set by the province and by the medical officer of health. So it’s not pertinent to our discussion here. This is, this is not to interfere with debate in any way, but it’s the wrong place for that debate. And I respectfully suggest to the people who have made the delegation request to make that application to the province and not to us. Any other speakers to the issue? I have Councillor Square. Thank you very much, Mr. Chair. I think it’s important to say obviously that we do have a lot of delegations. We hear from the public a lot and I very seldom seen a delegation turn down at Council where it is pertinent and relates to a matter that is before us.

[31:48] And since it started, we’ve stayed out of what I think is a dangerous thing to do is that for politicians to start getting into debates about health issues. We are not health experts and we should be deferring to the health unit and the provincial officers of health to give us advice and pass the regulations that they’re passing and the orders that they’re passing. And then across that line, which I think we’re getting very close to doing if we allow these delegations tonight, we’re getting into a general debate on whether people should be vaccinated or not, whether people should wear masks or not. And quite frankly, I refuse to get into that debate because it’s not something that I will express an opinion on as a municipal politician, nor do I think any of us should.

[32:34] Any delight in opportunities to discuss about discuss things that we may be interested in, but that doesn’t make them within the jurisdiction of a municipal council. So I’ll be supporting this motion. Thank you. Any other comments or questions. In that case, there’s a duly moved and seconded motion. We will call the question. I’m sure Councilor Van Holst, I just saw you at the end there. I apologize. Go ahead. Okay. Yes. Thank you, Your Worship. And so this is a question through you to our staff.

[33:13] It’s been suggested that we are, we are not decision makers with a purview in this matter, and that we act on the advice of the medical officer of health. And I do believe that the, when the medical officer’s health provides us advice, we are actually acting, and that the, the health unit can if they want implement their own rules, but that’s not what’s happening here. I’m not, this is not a policy. What’s happening here, either for the staff or for the counselors is not a policy that’s being brought down from the province. This is one that we are in fact initiating and my question, I guess, if we are provided with advice. Or if we ask for advice, are we obliged to come up with a policy based on that? I’m not sure that I, if I might direct this to Mr card or Mr card, do you want to comment on that?

[34:19] I will your worship. Thank you. The provinces recently issued a regulation that does require businesses organizations actually I think it’s the term to whom medical public health advice provided by the chief medical officer of health to respond as directed by the chief medical officer of health so in that case, there is certainly an obligation. When it comes to policies, we have throughout the pandemic and following the advice of our local medical officer of health and we continue to do that. We do that because as counselor squares said we’re not experts in these matters. And we have tried to align our policies with the advice that we’ve been receiving both at the provincial level, and from the local medical officer of health.

[35:15] In other cases, the province through the chief medical officer of health has issued directives. They apply for example to our long term care facility and to hospitals and continuing care by generally speaking, employers and other organizations in the province are responsible for acting on appropriate advice. And this is particularly important when it comes to occupational health and safety matters. And our own internal policy is a policy that is an administrative policy for our staff, and for contracting parties with the city of London. What the council would be considering at the request of corporate services committee would be a policy applicable to counselors, which would be something that the council would presumably do in the interest of maintaining the occupational health and safety that the administration is applying to the administration. So, you know, do we have to do these things. Technically, no, but indirectly, yes, because we have responsibilities under a number of acts to ensure that our workers are adequately protected and that we deliver public services in a safe manner.

[36:26] Thank you, counselor and host any further comments. Thank you. I appreciate the answer. Thank you. Any other comments. Call it up. Councilor Homer, please. Thank you. I guess I have a more expansive understanding of what is and isn’t within our jurisdiction in terms of passing bylaws. And if we were dealing with a bylaw. I think it would be fine to hear from delegates about their views on the bylaw. We have done that in the past, even on very closely related matters to the one that’s being suggested today. I don’t agree with this that we need to turn over a big chunk of the meeting to have people talk about whatever issue they want to bring up in the moment. I just don’t think that that’s necessary. And, you know, we don’t have a decision to make.

[37:19] We’re not working on a bylaw, or we need to get input from the public. And I just don’t think it’s appropriate to do it at this particular meeting. We’re going to support the motion that the counselor Lewis is put on the table. I think it’s appropriate way to handle. And, you know, we can’t just have people saying, I’d like to talk about this issue and then have a whole hour and a half long discussion. Where we just hear from people about what they think on an issue when we’re not actually making a decision. There’s no bylaw in front of us. We’re not getting into a public participation meeting. There’s no plan for delegation status. I just don’t think it’s a good process to follow up. So I’ll support what comes to us to suggest it. Thank you. Any other comments, seeing them, we’ll call the question, the vote, the motions passed. Thanks very much.

[38:31] Our communications related to the improvement association. And you’ll note that the chair of the LDBA has communicated to the clerk. That they’re in receipt of Councilor Caiavaga’s request for political campaign leave and have authorized to request and specifically what they are looking for. If you’ll look at what they have that their boards have approved have been both from LDBA in Main Street, London, that given the current disposition of the strategic planning cycles for London LDBA in Main Street, London. The letter be sent draft and sent by leadership, but to the clerk requesting the council be petitioned to extraordinarily nominate and confirm a temporary placement elected representative until the timing of.

[39:25] Of Councilor Caiavaga’s leave is resolved, and they have further requested the correspondence appointment be brought forward at the next appropriate standing committee, which happens to be this particular meeting. And then there’s a separate communication from Councilor Caiavaga, but more importantly, I’d like to know the will of Council for this purpose here. Councilor Lehman, do you have a thought? Thank you. Your worship. I should have mentioned this at the start of the meeting. I will disclose a pecuniary interest. I’m 4.2 as I am a member of the LDBA. So noted. Thanks very much. So where do we want to go with this? Councilor Lewis? Give a thought.

[40:02] Thank you, your worship. I know we’re entering into a little bit of discussion without a formal motion on the floor, but I just want to share my thoughts with colleagues and see what they actually I’d like to get a motion on the floor, and then we can have that discussion, please. So if someone’s prepared to move it, I’m not sure if you are, but I did see Councilor Helmer’s hand up. What’s your pleasure, Councilor Lewis? I recognize you first. Well, I will yield to Councilor Helmer. I will share that my thought would be a motion to refer this to a meeting after the 20th of September, rather than fill a spot twice. Councilor Helmer, you had your hand. Sure. I had a discussion with Councilor Kibaga and she asked me if I’d be willing to fill in for her and I said, sure. And so it seems like something we should take care of soon. Yeah, they seem to be without a representative and dealing with a rather important issue.

[41:02] I don’t know what’s going to happen with the election. It could be a very long view of absence that turns out to be permanent, or it could be very short and she could be coming back very soon. Okay, either way, it seems like making the change now would make sense. Okay, I’m mindful, revving discussion before emotions on the floor, and I’m going to stop that. If I could please, I’d like to have a motion on the floor. I’ll recognize Councilor. I think I see Councilor. I apologize. Hopkins and then Councilor Turner. Yes, thank you, Mr. Chair. I’m pleased to put the motion to have Councilor Helmer be appointed to the board. I appreciate his comments. I understand that there are decisions that need to be made sooner than later. So happy to remove the motion.

[41:46] Councilor Hopkins, I’m going to not challenge that. I just need some clarity around this because if you look at the wording from LDBA and Main Street, London, they were talking about things like temporary replacement. They were talking about until the Councillors leave as resolved. I don’t know how specific you would choose to be, but I think we need to need some clarity around that. From your perspective, your moving emotion. What would you like to see in that, please? The motion that Councilor Helmer be appointed to as municipal Council representative to the downtown business. Councilor Kalabaga, I agree that we need a representative right away, regardless what the outcome will be representation is needed. And I don’t understand why we can’t make that decision today.

[42:49] Okay, I’ve got, I’m still looking for a seconder for that. Councillor Turner, is that you seconding? Yeah, perhaps I could add some clarity to that that the appointment be on an interim basis until such time as Councilor Kalabaga status as a result. So that reads a lot like what we’ve received from Main Street, London and LDBA, then is what I’m hearing from you. Okay, then we have a mover and a seconder to that. And we have a speakers list. Let’s start with Councillor Squire, please. This is, I think, an important point. The decision is to who sits on boards as a council decision. And we’ve been through this before, unfortunately, where the counselor who’s leaving a position names the person they would prefer to be their replacement. And there’s nothing against Councilor Helmer and he should be nominated and have a chance to run for this.

[43:44] We can’t go back and start saying, well, you’re leaving a board. So you make the recommendation as to who’s going to replace you and we’ll, we’ll agree with that. So I want to, I think there should be a chance to nominate other interested people for the position. If they, there may be others here. I’m certainly aware that there are other people who may be interested in this position. I’d be content to nominate them and have a vote. I think it should be an open fair process. And before we go right to saying, well, we’re going to, we’re going to appoint the person that the counselor prefers. Let’s, let’s have a democratic and proper process here. I might as a, as a point of clarification did speak with the clerk because there was communication from Councillor Kabbaga did it August 17.

[44:27] And at that point, the counselor was on, was on leave, I believe. So I think the question is, though, with a motion on the floor, which is very specific. Versus the more open process Councillor Squire that you are talking in terms of, I think for us to have that, that broader open nomination process for all council members. We do have a motion on the floor, but I’m just going to come back to the clerk. Just bear with me from one of colleagues in terms of procedure that we would typically use to select committee members. So just bear with me a second, please. And you can talk amongst yourselves for a moment. Thanks very much in conferring with the clerk. A couple of things were clear.

[45:30] As colleagues know, SPPC is the committee that, that makes, that, that makes the recommendations ultimately for council. So this motion is within, within propriety and is correct. If we do not, if we, if we wish to have a more open process, then we would defeat the motion and, and then work from there. But this is a legitimate process by which we would consider selecting as per the wording and temporary replacement. Mr. Halmer, go ahead, please. It simplifies things. I’m happy to have the vote on who wants to be the replacement. I think it’s a bit silly. We just need someone to fill in for a while, but if someone really wants to battle it out for the replacement on the LDBA.

[46:25] Let’s go ahead and do that. We don’t need to have a vote just on me. We can have a vote on who people prefer and we’ll see who gets the most votes. I guess that’s fine. If that’s the case, then we would ask Councillor Hopkins, a second by Councillor Turner, just to them to withdraw that in which case that we can go to that broader, more open approach. Councillor Hopkins, yeah, it was easy. Councillor Turner, are you, are you sure sure. I can agree to that. I think it probably makes sense to change the motion to that. The council appoint a interim replacement for council. Okay. And that the council be pulled to see if there are any nominees.

[47:22] So, clerk’s advisement, there’s nothing to vote on here. So what I think the motion ultimately would do would be to approve, whoever that temporary replacement ultimately is. So with that in mind, what I would like to do is open this up for any member of council who is interested in providing replacement status on a temporary basis for the position on LDBA mainstream. So with that, I’ll look for nominations. Councillor Turner, and I recognize you were looking at the screen and went to Councilor Turner first, but I think this is going to take precedence. And that is that I would like to move a referral of this item to the next cycle of SPPC.

[48:21] I will look to see if I have a seconder and then I will speak very briefly to the reasoning for that. Okay, I would accept that that’s a duly constituted motion. Second by house or squire. Thank you, worship and briefly, colleagues, I agree with Councilor squire and that it’s, it’s actually not helpful to me. And I think it’s actually difficult for other members of council to consider if they’d want to put their name forward. When a letter is coming in, essentially hand picking a replacement for something. I also remember respectfully, because I do understand, you know, strategic plans are important and I understand the downtown London association is developing that. At the same time, I’ll reiterate what I said earlier, the federal election is two weeks away.

[49:08] Very shortly after that, we will know whether there is a permanent vacancy on this board, or whether Councilor Kaivega will be returning to that board. And so I am not genuinely. And this is not any slight against Councilor Halmer because I know he would do a great job there. And I do appreciate the language of the Councilor Turner outline in terms of making it very clear the interim nature of it. I’m just not interested in filling a position twice in the course of two to three weeks. I think that any member of council could attend as a non voting member of the London downtown London association and offer their feedback on their strategic plan.

[49:51] I don’t think that, you know, the lack of a counselor, a voting counselor on the board right now presents an issue for quorum or anything of that nature. So I just do not see the urgency in this and I see in fairness to other members of council. One cycle to let folks decide whether or not they would want to put their name forward is being fair. Thank you. I have Councillor Cassidy. Thank you. Thank you or worship. What we generally try to do when we’re dealing with board appointments. We certainly do this often with London hydro. We, we listen to their advice. They, they come forward and they say this is the type of person that we would like on our board when we need these kinds of skills.

[50:39] And we’re proposing this particular person, a city council generally tries to accommodate a board. So what this board has done is they’ve asked us to extraordinarily nominate. We have to recognize that the next time that this committee meets is September 28. And then after that, it has to go to council before the nomination takes place. We’ve had these this agenda since last Tuesday online. We were sent a version of this agenda last Tuesday. That’s almost a full week that everybody had time to ponder this. I’m sure if there’s anybody on this committee that is interested in serving for a very short, possibly a very short period of time on this board that they know, they already know anybody that’s interested in this. I’m not saying that we automatically do whatever a counselor is suggesting, but given that everybody is busy on this council, given that we all have standing committees of council that we sit on and outside boards and commissions and neighborhood groups and our own constituency that we are all looking after and interacting with the counselor who’s on leave.

[52:01] And we took it upon herself to check and see if somebody would be interested in serving on this board. So that is really how I see the letter. Someone’s interested. Consider this person. I’m willing to look at multiple nominations and make the decision tonight, but we’re going to leave a board without a voting member. They have asked us to appoint someone that asked us to do it as as an extraordinary intro measure. And I think we should listen to them and do what they’ve asked. We’ve had a week to think about it ourselves. And I hope that this committee defeats the referral. Thank you. Other comments or questions. I have, I’m sure it’s kind of hard to tell with just hands help but I’ll start with Councillor Hopkins please then I’ll go to Councillor Helmer and Councillor Turner.

[52:59] Yeah, I’m thinking Mr chair. I’m just really surprised that we’re having this conversation but I think it really shows the importance of trying to support boards and their requests. And if the, I don’t understand why we would not do that. I am supportive of Councillor Helmer being appointed. He’s opened it up to whoever wants to put their names forward to have that vote. I’m okay with that. I’m supportive of Councillor Helmer just because he’s a downtown board counselor. Why would I support that. It just is really confusing to me why we would even refer this back when the board itself is asking that we make a decision and I will not be supporting the referral back.

[53:53] Councillor Helmer, please. Yeah, just on the idea of referring it. It’s my understanding from both the communication from the chairs of these two organizations and from my conversation with Councillor. The boards dealing with an important matter which is why they want to have a municipal representative on there right now. So that’s why they’ve written to us. That’s why she asked me, can you fill in for me while I’m on leave. So, referring it seems to be totally frustrating, both what the chairs are asking for and what Councillor Kailabaga as the current municipal representative who’s on leave is asking for. They’re the ones who know this organization, the best. I’m taking my cue from them about what they actually need from us. I’m happy to do it. And if somebody else is interested, perhaps we should move on to the voting about who the temporary replacement is going to be referring it is a very bad idea.

[54:49] We have Councillor Turner. Thank you. Thanks. I’ll be brief. I’ll concur with the Councillor Halmer. The rationale is exactly as as Councillor Halmer pointed out there further. It wouldn’t be the same as just having a Councillor, Councillor attend these meetings. They wouldn’t have the rights and privileges associated with an appointed member, including in camera discussions, which might be pertinent to the discussions that are immediate and at hand. So, the importance of having a municipal government liaison directly within the LTBA is large. And I think the matter of time is important. Once once the election is resolved, we can return to this and restore or continue as appropriate. But for right now, I think it’s important that somebody’s in place, whomever it is.

[55:41] I’m going to ask the deputy mayor to take the chair, please. I have the chair and I’ll go to the mayor. Thanks very much. Colleagues, I am not going to support the motion. And if it is defeated, then I think the recommendation is that we appoint a council member on some interim basis. I’ve heard it referenced. I just want to touch on something here. It probably would have been cleaner, frankly, if the communications from Main Street and LDBA came through the clerk, which it did. Without a without a subsequent letter from the counselor who, while certainly is the closest to the downtown BIA and knows it best, the problem was took leave on August 13th, the letters dated August 17th.

[56:35] And so I don’t think the letter was appropriate, not the content, frankly, but the fact that it was sent at all. But having said it, I’ve indicated my position on this and that we can make an appropriate decision potentially tonight if the if the motion is defeated. So I’m going to add to that back to you, Deputy Mayor. I’ll turn the chair to the mayor. Any other comments or questions? Okay, I’ll ask the clerk just to read the motion just because we’ve talked about two different things here. If you would please click. Thank you through the chair. The motion is moved by Councillor Lewis and seconded by Councillor Squire that consideration of an interim counselor appointment to the London Downtown Business Association Board of Directors be referred to a future meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee in order to allow for members of council to express their interest in the appointment.

[57:30] So with that, we will call the question. Closing the vote, the motion is lost four to nine. Thank you. I’m Claire Turner is for, I think, in fairness to the motion that you are directing. Thank you.

[58:11] You received communications from the LDBA and from Councillor Karyabaga and and seek nominations amongst our colleagues to fill the position on an interim basis until such time as the election has been decided. Seconder for that. I see Councillor Hopkins. Thanks very much. Any comments or questions about that before we get into the content of determining interest from colleagues. Any comments or questions? I see none. We’ll call the question. I’ll ask the clerk to read the motion. The motion is moved by Councillor Turner and seconded by Councillor Hopkins that the communications from London Downtown Business Improvement Association and Councillor Karyabaga be received and members and council members be given an opportunity to be selected for the interim appointment.

[1:00:09] With that, we will now call the vote. Closing the vote. The motion is passed 13 colleagues now look for the floor of council members and or individual indications of interest. If you so choose. I’ll try again. I’ll nominate to counsel. Counselor. Counselor. Thank you very much. Counselor Squire. Counselor Hellier has indicated to me an interest in this position and given that I’m ready to nominate him.

[1:01:02] Thanks very much. Other nominations. I’ll look for a motion that nominations be closed. Counselor blows the second by Councillor Van Merbergen. We were about to open up the selection process. The clerk is so ably put together. So with that for that motion to close nominations, I’ll just do a hand vote. All those in favor. Screens on please. I don’t have a vote from Councillor Salih. Councillor Salih. The clerk is absent for the vote and I know there is any abstentions. Your worship I see Councillor Salih’s hand has been raised.

[1:02:21] Yes, I do see it as well. Thank you Councillor Salih. I appreciate that. I will open the vote for the selection process. My apologies through the chair the previous. So colleagues what that means is that we will now put those names forward on your screens for voting. Sorry through the chair. I would just like to confirm this is an interim appointment to the London Downtown Business Association Board of Directors. I’m getting nods. Yes. Thank you.

[1:03:06] I know it is colleagues as a point of clarification. I know it’s temporary, but here we have the interesting scenario of the incumbent Councillor who is currently on leave. And if that person that leave gets extended, this temporary could be something more significant than depending on Councillors to want to add some comment to this. I think Councillor Turner’s language, your worship about until the Councillor’s leave is resolved was completely appropriate. And if we had that included, that would, I’d be comfortable with that. So noted. Thanks very much. Councillor Vanholst. Yes, your worship. I’m just wondering if either Councillor Hillier or Councillor Helmer wants to speak to their.

[1:04:28] We’re past that I think because we’ve opened up the vote, but otherwise. Oh, I see it. Okay. I see it’s come up. Thank you. Thank you. Seeing the vote and Councillor Halmer has very much looked for a motion to accept Councillor Halmer as the interim representative on the LDBA Main Street London board.

[1:05:27] Councillor Lewis, is there a seconder? Councillor Vanholst, thank you. Comments, questions, call the question. Sorry, your worship. I did have my hand up for a comment. I’m sorry, go ahead, please, Councillor Plaza. Just thank you to Council colleagues. For me, it’s the same as the issue I raised when we build the vacancy for London Police Services Board that every colleague have an equal opportunity to have a chance to be of service to Londoners. So thank you for this process. And for the Councillors who are willing to serve. I think that’s thoughtfully said. Thank you. Any other comments before we ask the clerk to put the vote up to confirm.

[1:06:13] Councillor Hummer, excuse me. Go ahead, Clerk. Councillor Hummer, closing the vote. The motion is passed, 13 to 0 with one recused. Councillor Hill, your installations, Councillor Hummer, on the added responsibilities there. Thank you very much.

[1:07:11] Colleagues, I’ll turn your attention to 4.3, which is the fifth report of the diversity inclusion and anti-oppression advisory committee in your package. This meeting, which took place on August the 19th, there are a number of items there and beyond the items for discussion, the additional business that that embers Ali be elected chair for the remainder of the current term. I’ll look for a motion to receive this report and then invite any discussion or commentary as you wish. Is there a motion to receive? Councillor Layman, seconded by Councillor Cassidy, comments or discussion? Seeing none, then we will call the question. Closing the vote, the motion is passed, 14 to 0.

[1:08:29] There’s a vacancy on the London Transit Commission as a result of the resignation of Tanya Park. She’s no longer a resident of London and therefore doesn’t meet the qualifications to serve on the commission to bring to your attention the commission passed a motion to recommend to council. The vacancy be filled for the remainder of the term, which is November 2022. We appreciate it as part, by the way, as indicated, or willingness to continue to serve on the commission until the vacancy can be filled as is the will of council.

[1:09:09] So that’s from Ms. Pletchney, the CEO, general manager of London Transit Commission. So I met your pleasure. We typically have had a process by which we, by which we have filled these vacancies. I’ll remind you, this is a public vacancy and as such, there is a process, a public process that we use. I wonder if I could just call on the clerk for a moment just before we just to help clarify the process by which we use to ask her to just to advise council of that public process. Thank you through the chair. We have re advertised the positions and we’re directed by council. We have been in contact with any persons with applications on file to see if they want their applications to stand.

[1:10:07] So we need to, based in the spirit of that, if it’s the will of council, we need to direct the clerk to put a process and motion to be able to fill that that vacancy. So I’ll be looking for some wording, very appropriate. Councillor Squire, you might like to start us off. Yeah, I just wanted to indicate just to update that this part is indicated that she’s actually going to be leaving London on September 29th. That’s a date of our next meeting. So she’ll actually be moving to St. Thomas on that particular date. And just to remind everyone that it’s a requirement for this position that you do be a resident of London. So we will not have a commissioner on starting out the September 29th meeting. So it’s supposed to sooner the the better and I’d be prepared to make a motion that this be referred is supposed to be done by SPPC the next SPPC meeting with appropriate candidates brought forward by the clerk’s office.

[1:11:06] And that appropriate motion. Is that sufficient wording for you clerk to work with? She will do her best, which means yes. So in the spirit of that, I will look for a seconder for that. I never read her the same way. She may be saying yes, but you’re probably going to tell me when the meeting’s over, but that’s that’s the way it goes. So we’re directing the clerk to put a process together for this public appointment for the transit, London Transit Commission, but I will require a seconder before we open it up for any discussion. I see Councillor van Mirberg and thank you comments or questions deputy mayor. Yes, this is just a comment for the clerk.

[1:11:51] I find when a lot of time has passed, sometimes people have done really impressive things between the time of their original application and today so maybe when you reach out to ask. If those before want their application to stand, you could strongly encourage them to perhaps update their application with what they’ve done since and that way. I think that’ll give them the most competitive chance in the process. Thank you. Other comments or questions? All right. Is there sufficient clarity then clerk as we as we move to vote on this? Thanks very much. Let’s take a vote. Closing the vote. The motions passed 14 to 0. Thanks very much. Looks like we’re leaning on a amount of things to be done going forward.

[1:13:05] All these I’ll turn your attention at a 4.5. The appointment to the London Hydroing Board of Directors. You’ll note that the Corporate Services Committee recommended that the application of Tanya Goodeam be forwarded to us as the shareholder for appointment to the London Hydro Board of Directors. So with that, I will look to look for a motion to accept the report from Corporate Services Committee. I see Councillor Van Halst as their seconder. I see Councillor Lewis. Thank you. Comments or questions? Councillor Van Halst. Thank you, worship and also I’d like to extend my thanks to all the applicants.

[1:13:48] This was an interview process with excellent people engaged in hoping to participate. The voting was very even. So every candidate received a vote. One received two. So, although I’m I’m delighted to move the appointment of Ms. Tanya Goodeam. I will also in the future suggest that when our new co is established that both Ms. Parks and Mr. Stavanko be be invited to sit on that on that board. Thanks very much. Any other comments or questions? Seeing none, we will call the question. Closing the vote. The motion is passed 14 to 0.

[1:14:59] Like Deco Councillor Unhal’s comments colleagues about those who serve on our boards. We’ve said this before as we have appointed people. But I think it takes some focus to want to do this and that commitment to service in our community is sincerely appreciated. So we thank them colleagues. We have under item five and deferred matters some additional business actually. And what you’ll see in front of you in item 5.1 is kind of a quasi letter of resignation from the deputy mayor from the it is a letter of resignation. He tells me from the Hyde Park BIA and by virtue of the fact that that we have two Councillors in ward seven and eight who have responsibilities that covered the Hyde Park BIA. He has made a separate record.

[1:15:50] A recommendation to support Councillor Lehman in a sense it was kind of like the the other the most recent item that we dealt with where where we were wondering whether whether that should be open to all or not. This might be a little bit different, but having said it, I think the first thing we have to do is we can I think we have to accept the resignation of the deputy mayor as representative of the BIA if that goes through. Then we open up for nominations though not standing if we want to be consistent with what we’ve done in the past. So if we’re all good with that, I think that’s it may sound obvious or whatever but I think we have a process we have to respect.

[1:16:38] So with that, I’ll look for a motion to use this letter to we won’t say that but to accept the resignation of of Councillor Morgan from the Hyde Park BIA is the remover to that Councillor Lewis is there a seconder Councillor Turner comments or questions. I’m not sure this is where you give your retirement speech and deputy mayor, but I see no comments or questions so let’s call the question. I’m closing the vote the motions passed 14 to 0.

[1:17:32] Now we could stop there but I don’t think we vacancy there in the Hyde Park BIA. We look for someone to move motion to open up this position to members of council. And to that effect I see Councillor Lewis moving that my seconder is Councillor Palosa. Thanks very much. So with that, we will call that question. I’m closing the vote the motions passed 14 to 0. Look for nominations for the replacement of the irreplaceable Councillor from Ward 7 for the Hyde Park BIA representation.

[1:18:44] Is there someone that wishes to either nominate someone or put their name for it? Councillor Helmer. Can you nominate Councillor Lehman? An inspired choice. Seconded by Councillor Vanholst. Is there any other nominations or were you looking to put your name forward? Councillor Vanholst, I’m sorry, you weren’t okay. Any other nominations. Seconded by Councillor Vanholst. Well, actually, I think what we do now is we we’ve got one nomination. I will look to see if rather than accept that we put a name forward. Look for nominations to be closed. Is there a mover.

[1:19:28] Councillor Turner seconded by Councillor Palosa. That question we can call which then implies the recommendation. Let me amend that slightly that we and I’ll look to Councillors Turner and Palosa that we close nominated that we close nominations and through that have a selected candidate for the role. Frankly, we have something to speak to the motion after all Deputy Mayor Wood. Yes, thank you, Your Worship. So first off, I’ll apologize for not following the proper process in the submission of my letter.

[1:20:17] I will endeavor to do that in the future. What I will say is my observation of the Hyde Park BIA, which is new and I am the only Councillor who who has served on it since his creation is that it is fairly divided between two separate wards and I know we’ve had the award Councillor to serve on the BIA’s when they’re willing to do so, although it’s obviously an open selection. I think that this is a it’s a fairly unique thing and I’m glad that Council has accepted my resignation and I’m glad Councillor Layman is nominated because again, this is a BIA that is split pretty evenly between our wards and I think that it’ll be an excellent opportunity for us for Layman to have a turn on this BIA. And I think I’ll turn my mind to our process. I certainly think it should be open and competitive, but it might be advantageous to approach this particular BIA a little bit differently in the future, given the connections to ward Councillors, although I’ll think about that in the future and we’ll see where it goes and obviously the new member can give his opinion as well after he served for a little bit.

[1:21:21] Maybe a harder vote than I thought. Councillor Layman, go ahead. Yeah, thank you. Your worship. I just want to chime in here. I appreciate the confidence of the committee. I have served on the LDBA and in board position. I have attended meetings of the Hyde Park BIA as well as an ongoing member. This gives me a chance to represent businesses in my ward that has been stated and I will do my best to fill the big shoes of the deputy mayor on this board. Thank you. So then I hope you secure the vote with all of that. Folks, we have a motion that nominations be closed and that we accept Councillor Lehman as the representative. Let’s call the question.

[1:22:06] Opposing the vote, the motion’s passed 14 to 0. Thanks very much. Congratulations, Councillor Lehman. Colleagues, before we adjourned just a couple of things, you know, I’ve been away for a couple of weeks and I’d like to thank the deputy mayor for filling in admirably through that time and and Council blows as well on the weekend most recently. And sincerely appreciated. Thank you very much. But really, the additional thanks has to go to our staff.

[1:22:49] Since our last meeting that we have had, there’s been so much going on and there’s been some dramatic things that councils had to deal with in that time. But Miss Livingston, please to you and all of our staff from across the spectrum of the city are deep’s depreciation to them on behalf of council. We’re very grateful for the work that they consistently do. And summer hasn’t deferred them any sense to do what they need to do to keep the city running well and smooth. So again, since you’re a thanks model. So with that colleagues, I will look for a motion to adjourn. I see Councillor and Mirberg and seconded by Councillor Hopkins. Let’s just do a hand vote for this for fun. All those in favor.

[1:23:38] That motion’s passed. Colleagues, thanks very much. We’ll see you all soon.