Open Council

Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Open Council

Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

December 2, 2021, at 9:30 AM

Original link

The meeting is called to order at 9:34 AM; it being noted that the following members were in remote attendance: Mayor E. Holder; Councillors M. van Holst, M. Salih, P. Van Meerbergen and S. Hillier.

1.   Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

Councillor S. Turner discloses a pecuniary interest specific to items 4.8, 4.9 and 4.10, with respect to any direct connection(s) to the London Public Library (LPL), by indicating that his wife is an LPL employee.

Councillor J. Helmer discloses a pecuniary interest specific to items 4.8 and 4.9 with respect to any direct connection(s) to the municipal golf system by indicating that his father employed by golf course owners association of which the City of London is a member.

2.   Consent

None.

3.   Scheduled Items

3.1   (ADDED) 2022 Annual Budget Update Presentation

2021-12-02 Presentation - Added

Moved by S. Lehman

Seconded by J. Fyfe-Millar

That the overview presentation, as appended to the added agenda, by the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports with respect to the 2022 Budget Update BE RECEIVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.   Items for Direction

That the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Annual Budget Update:

a)    Case P-1 - Various Services - Budget Right Sizing - Operating Expenditure ($4,982,000); Tax Levy ($6,994,000) BE APPROVED;

b)    Case P-2 - Middlesex London Health Unit - Inflationary Pressures - Operating Expenditure $1,280,000; Tax Levy

$1,280,000 BE APPROVED;

c)    Case P-3 - RBC Place London - Funding Support - Operating Expenditure $850,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED;

d)    Case P-4 - Private Parking Enforcement - Increased Fines -Operating Expenditure $0; Tax Levy ($200,000) BE APPROVED;

e)    Case P-5 - Child Care and Ontario Works - Reduction in Required Investment - Operating Expenditure ($2,773,000); Tax Levy ($2,773,000) BE APPROVED; and,

f)    Case P-6 - Infrastructure Gap and Community Building Projects - Reductions - Operating Expenditure ($1,300,000); Tax Levy ($1,300,000) BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed

Voting Record:

Moved by M. Hamou

Seconded by M. Cassidy

a)    Case P-1 - Various Services - Budget Right Sizing - Operating Expenditure ($4,982,000); Tax Levy ($6,994,000) BE APPROVED;

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Moved by M. Cassidy

Seconded by S. Lehman

b)    Case P-2 - Middlesex London Health Unit - Inflationary Pressures - Operating Expenditure $1,280,000; Tax Levy

$1,280,000 BE APPROVED;

Motion Passed (13 to 2)

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by Mayor E. Holder

c)    Case P-3 - RBC Place London - Funding Support - Operating Expenditure $850,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by J. Fyfe-Millar

d)    Case P-4 - Private Parking Enforcement - Increased Fines -Operating Expenditure $0; Tax Levy ($200,000) BE APPROVED;

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Moved by M. Cassidy

Seconded by S. Lewis

e. Case P-5 - Child Care and Ontario Works - Reduction in Required Investment - Operating Expenditure

Case P-5a – Child Care - Operating Expenditure ($1,630,000); Tax Levy ($1,630,000)

Motion Passed (13 to 1)

Moved by M. Cassidy

Seconded by S. Lewis

e. Case P-5 - Child Care and Ontario Works - Reduction in Required Investment

Case P-5b – Ontario Works - Operating Expenditure ($1,143,000); Tax Levy ($1,143,000)

Motion Passed (14 to 1)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

f)    Case P-6 - Infrastructure Gap and Community Building Projects - Reductions - Operating Expenditure ($1,300,000); Tax Levy ($1,300,000) BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (10 to 5)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

That a recess BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed

The Strategic Priorities and Policies Committee recessed at 11:18 AM and resumes at 11:32 AM.

4.2   2021 Middlesex-London Health Unit Funding Request

2021-12-02 Staff Report - 2021 Middlesex-London Health Unit Funding Request(1)

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by M. Cassidy

That the 2021 Middlesex-London Health Unit additional funding request in the amount of $640,233 BE RECEIVED and no action be taken with respect to the request; it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a verbal update from K. Murray, noting that the request was no longer required.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.3   Review of For Consideration Property Tax Operating Budget Amendments (2022-2023 totals rounded to the closest $1,000)

That the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Annual Budget Update:

a)     Case P-7 - Neighbourhood Strategic Initiatives and Funding and Sports Services - Reduction to Neighbourhood and Athletic Travel Grant Programs - Operating Expenditure ($200,000); Tax Levy ($200,000)

i.    Case P-7a – Neighbourhood Decision Making Program - NOT SUPPORTED

ii.    Case P-7b – Neighbourhood Small Events Fund - NOT SUPPORTED

iii.    Case P-7c – Athletic Travel Grants - Operating Expenditure ($200,000); Tax Levy ($200,000); and,

b)    Case P-8 - Parks Planning and Design, Parks and Horticulture and Urban Forestry - Naturalization and Reduction in Tree Trimming - Operating Expenditure ($516,000); Tax Levy ($516,000) BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed

Voting Record:

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by J. Fyfe-Millar

That Case P-7a BE APPROVED:

Case P-7 - Neighbourhood Strategic Initiatives and Funding and Sports Services - Reduction to Neighbourhood and Athletic Travel Grant Programs - Operating Expenditure ($470,000); Tax Levy ($470,000)

i.    Case P-7a – Neighbourhood Decision Making Program - Operating Expenditure ($250,000); Tax Levy ($250,000)

Motion Failed (3 to 12)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by E. Peloza

That Case P-7b BE APPROVED:

ii.    Case P-7b – Neighbourhood Small Events Fund - Operating Expenditure ($20,000); Tax Levy ($20,000)

Motion Failed (5 to 10)

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by M. Hamou

That Case P-7c BE APPROVED:

iii.    Case P-7c – Athletic Travel Grants - Operating Expenditure ($200,000); Tax Levy ($200,000)

Motion Passed (13 to 2)

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by A. Hopkins

That part b) BE APPROVED:

b.    Case P-8 - Parks Planning and Design, Parks and Horticulture and Urban Forestry - Naturalization and Reduction in Tree Trimming - Operating Expenditure ($516,000); Tax Levy ($516,000)

Motion Passed (14 to 1)

Moved by M. van Holst

Seconded by S. Hillier

That a recess BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed

The Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee recesses at 12:53 PM, and resumes at 1:30 PM.

That the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Annual Budget Update:

a)    Case P-9 - Invasive Species Management - Capital - Capital Expenditure $750,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED;

b)    Case P-10 - Transportation - Capital Project Adjustments -Capital Expenditure $9,191,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED;

c)    Case P-11 - Long-term Disposal Capacity - Revised Costs -Capital Expenditure $1,720,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED; and,

d)    Case P-12 - LTC - Zero Emission Buses - Capital Expenditure$25,960,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED.

Voting Record:

Moved by S. Lehman

Seconded by A. Hopkins

That the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Annual Budget Update:

a)    Case P-9 - Invasive Species Management - Capital - Capital Expenditure $750,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED;

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by S. Hillier

b)    Case P-10 - Transportation - Capital Project Adjustments -Capital Expenditure $9,191,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED;

i)    TS-1496 – Sunningdale Road Project - Capital Expenditure $4,791,000; Tax Levy $0

ii)    TS1629-1 – Southdale Road West - Capital Expenditure $1,400,000; Tax Levy $0

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by S. Hillier

b)    Case P-10 - Transportation - Capital Project Adjustments -Capital Expenditure $9,191,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED;

iii)    TS1355-1 – Wharncliffe Road Grade Separation Project - Capital Expenditure $3,000,000; Tax Levy $0

Motion Passed (14 to 1)

Moved by M. Hamou

Seconded by J. Fyfe-Millar

c)    Case P-11 - Long-term Disposal Capacity - Revised Costs -Capital Expenditure $1,720,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED; and,

d)    Case P-12 - LTC - Zero Emission Buses - Capital Expenditure$25,960,000; Tax Levy $0 BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.5   Reserves and Reserve Funds Overview

Moved by J. Morgan

Seconded by S. Lehman

That the Reserves and Reserve Funds Overview BE RECEIVED for information; it being noted projections are subject to annual review and adjustment.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.6   Debt Overview

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by J. Helmer

That the Debt Overview BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.7   Reconciliation of the Draft Property Tax Budget to the Public Sector Accounting Board Budget

Moved by M. Hamou

Seconded by S. Hillier

That the reconciliation of the draft Property Tax Budget to the Public Sector Accounting Board financial statement budget BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.8   Operating Budget

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

That in accordance with section 291(4)(c) of the Municipal Act 2001, as amended, the following actions be taken with respect to the operating budget (Appendix A):

a)  the amended 2022 operating budget BE READOPTED in the gross expenditure amounts as follows: 

     i.    the amended 2022 operating budget for London Public Library BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $21,741,937 and the tax levy amount of $21,741,937;

     ii.    the amended 2022 operating budget for Children’s Services BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $58,666,453 and the tax levy amount of $7,145,081;

     iii.    the amended 2022 operating budget for Golf BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $3,740,834 and the tax levy amount of $57,062;

     iv.    the amended 2022 operating budget, excluding London Public Library, Children’s Services, and Golf BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $989,370,443 and the tax levy amount of $672,905,283 after recognizing $9,430,132 of increased taxation from assessment growth;

it being noted that the amended total 2022 operating budget being readopted is the gross expenditure amount of $1,073,519,667 and the tax levy amount of $701,849,363 after recognizing $9,430,132 of increased taxation from assessment growth;

b) the amended 2023 operating budget BE READOPTED as follows:

i.    the amended 2023 operating budget for London Public Library BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $22,128,694 and the tax levy amount of $22,128,694;

ii.    the amended 2023 operating budget for Children’s Services BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $60,815,173 and the tax levy amount of $8,835,703;

     iii.    the amended 2023 operating budget for Golf BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $3,787,965 and the tax levy amount of $75,564;

     iv.    the amended 2023 operating budget, excluding London Public Library, Children’s Services, and Golf BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $1,012,085,786 and the tax levy amount of $698,023,097;

it being noted that the amended total 2023 operating budget being readopted is in the gross expenditure amount of $1,098,817,618 and the tax levy amount of $729,063,058.

Motion Passed

Voting Record:

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

Motion to approve part a) i)

That in accordance with section 291(4)(c) of the Municipal Act 2001, as amended, the following actions be taken with respect to the operating budget (Appendix A):

a)  the amended 2022 operating budget BE READOPTED in the gross expenditure amounts as follows: 

i.    the amended 2022 operating budget for London Public Library BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $21,741,937 and the tax levy amount of $21,741,937;

Motion Passed (13 to 1)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

Motion to approve a) ii)

ii.    the amended 2022 operating budget for Children’s Services BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $58,666,453 and the tax levy amount of $7,145,081;

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

Motion to approve a) iii)

iii.    the amended 2022 operating budget for Golf BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $3,740,834 and the tax levy amount of $57,062;

Motion Passed (13 to 1)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

Motion to approve a) iv):

iv.    the amended 2022 operating budget, excluding London Public Library, Children’s Services, and Golf BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $989,370,443 and the tax levy amount of $672,905,283 after recognizing $9,430,132 of increased taxation from assessment growth;

it being noted that the amended total 2022 operating budget being readopted is the gross expenditure amount of $1,073,519,667 and the tax levy amount of $701,849,363 after recognizing $9,430,132 of increased taxation from assessment growth

Motion Passed (14 to 1)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

Motion to approve b) i):

b) the amended 2023 operating budget BE READOPTED as follows:

i.    the amended 2023 operating budget for London Public Library BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $22,128,694 and the tax levy amount of $22,128,694;

Motion Passed (13 to 1)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

Motion to approve b) ii):

ii.    the amended 2023 operating budget for Children’s Services BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $60,815,173 and the tax levy amount of $8,835,703;

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

Motion to approve b) iii):

iii.    the amended 2023 operating budget for Golf BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $3,787,965 and the tax levy amount of $75,564;

Motion Passed (13 to 1)

Moved by S. Lewis

Seconded by S. Lehman

Motion to approve b) iv):

iv.    the amended 2023 operating budget, excluding London Public Library, Children’s Services, and Golf BE APPROVED in the gross expenditure amount of $1,012,085,786 and the tax levy amount of $698,023,097;

it being noted that the amended total 2023 operating budget being readopted is in the gross expenditure amount of $1,098,817,618 and the tax levy amount of $729,063,058

Motion Passed (14 to 1)

4.9   Capital Budget

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by M. Hamou

That, in accordance with section 291(4)(c) of the Municipal Act 2001, as amended, the following actions be taken with respect to the capital budget (Appendix B), excluding Library Services and Golf:

a.    The amended 2022 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $311,174,000.

b.    The amended 2023 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $407,389,000.

c.    The amended 2024-2029 capital forecast BE APPROVED in principle the amount of $1,585,802,000.

d.    That the following actions be taken with respect to the Library Services capital budget:

     i.    The amended 2022 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $745,000.

     ii.    The amended 2023 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $745,000.

     iii.    The amended 2024-2029 capital forecast BE APPROVED in principle the amount of $7,425,000.

e.    That the following actions be taken with respect to the Golf capital budget:

     i.    The amended 2022 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $150,000.

     ii.    The amended 2023 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $150,000.

     iii.    The amended 2024-2029 capital forecast BE APPROVED in principle the amount of $900,000.

Motion Passed

Voting Record:

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by M. Hamou

Motion to approve parts a), b) and c):

That, in accordance with section 291(4)(c) of the Municipal Act 2001, as amended, the following actions be taken with respect to the capital budget (Appendix B), excluding Library Services and Golf:

a.    the amended 2022 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $311,174,000;

b.    the amended 2023 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $407,389,000;

c.    the amended 2024-2029 capital forecast BE APPROVED in principle the amount of $1,585,802,000;

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by M. Hamou

Motion to approve part d):

d.    That the following actions be taken with respect to the Library Services capital budget:

i.    The amended 2022 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $745,000.

ii.    The amended 2023 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $745,000.

iii.    The amended 2024-2029 capital forecast BE APPROVED in principle the amount of $7,425,000.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

Moved by J. Fyfe-Millar

Seconded by M. Hamou

Motion to approve part e):

e.    That the following actions be taken with respect to the Golf capital budget:

i.    The amended 2022 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $150,000.

ii.    The amended 2023 capital budget BE READOPTED in the amount of $150,000.

iii.    The amended 2024-2029 capital forecast BE APPROVED in principle the amount of $900,000.

Motion Passed (14 to 0)

4.10   By-laws Regarding Tax Levy, Operating and Capital Budgets

Moved by S. Hillier

Seconded by J. Helmer

That the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to bring forward any necessary by-laws regarding the tax levy, the operating and capital budgets for introduction at Municipal Council.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.11   Review of Water Budget Amendments (2022-2023 totals rounded to the closest $1,000)

Moved by S. Hillier

Seconded by J. Fyfe-Millar

That the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Annual Water Budget Update:

a)    Case W-1 - Schedule Changes for Water Lifecycle Renewal Projects - Operating Expenditure $0; Operating Revenue $0; Capital Expenditure $0 BE APPROVED; and, 

b)    Case W-2 - Schedule Changes for Water Growth Projects -Operating Expenditure $0; Operating Revenue $0; Capital Expenditure $0 BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.12   Water Reserves/Reserve Funds Overview

Moved by S. Lehman

Seconded by P. Van Meerbergen

That the Water Reserves/Reserve Funds Overview for the 2020 to 2023 Multi-Year Budget BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.13   Reconciliation of the Draft Water Budget to the Public Sector Accounting Board Budget

Moved by M. Cassidy

Seconded by A. Hopkins

That the reconciliation of the draft Water Budget to the Public Sector Accounting Board financial statement budget BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.14   Water Services

Moved by M. Cassidy

Seconded by J. Fyfe-Millar

That, in accordance with section 291(4)(c) of the Municipal Act 2001, as amended, the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 to 2023 operating budgets and 2022 to 2023 capital budgets and associated forecasts for Water Services:

a) the amended 2022 operating budget for Water Services BE READOPTED in the gross expenditure amount of $90,530,000 and gross revenue amount of $90,530,000;

b)  the amended 2023 operating budget for Water Services BE READOPTED in the gross expenditure amount of $93,695,000 and gross revenue amount of $93,695,000;

c)  the amended 2022 capital budget for Water Services BE READOPTED in the amount of $34,654,000;

d)  the amended 2023 capital budget for Water Services BE READOPTED in the amount of $84,508,000; and,

e) the amended 2024 to 2029 capital forecast for Water Services BE APPROVED in principle in the amount of $278,507,000;

it being noted that all rates and charges related to the provision of Water Services were increased by 2.5% effective January 1, 2020 as approved by Council on November 26, 2019, increased by 2.5% effective January 1, 2021 and will be increased by 2.5% effective January 1 each year for 2022 to 2023 as approved by Council on October 27, 2020.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.15   Review of Wastewater and Treatment Budget Amendments (2022-2023 totals rounded to the closest $1,000)

Moved by J. Helmer

Seconded by M. Hamou

That the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 Annual  Wastewater and Treatment Budget Update:

a)   Case WWT-1 - Reduce Energy Budget at Greenway Wastewater Treatment Plant and Create Dedicated Program for Sewage By-pass and Overflow Elimination - Operating Expenditure $0; Operating Revenue $0; Capital Expenditure$1,417,000 BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.16   Wastewater and Treatment Reserves/Reserve Funds Overview

Moved by P. Van Meerbergen

Seconded by S. Hillier

That the Wastewater and Treatment Reserves/Reserve Funds Overview for the 2020 to 2023 Multi-Year Budget BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.17   Reconciliation of the Draft Wastewater and Treatment Budget to the Public Sector Accounting Board Budget

Moved by M. Cassidy

Seconded by J. Fyfe-Millar

That the reconciliation of the draft Wastewater and Treatment Budget to the Public Sector Accounting Board financial statement budget BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.18   Wastewater and Treatment Services

Moved by S. Turner

Seconded by S. Hillier

That in accordance with section 291(4)(c) of the Municipal Act 2001, as amended, the following actions be taken with respect to the 2022 to 2023 operating budgets and 2022 to 2023 capital budgets and associated forecasts for Wastewater and Treatment Services:

a)  the amended 2022 operating budget for Wastewater and Treatment Services BE READOPTED in the gross expenditure amount of $113,668,000  and gross revenue amount of $113,668,000;

b)  the amended 2023 operating budget for Wastewater and Treatment Services BE READOPTED in the gross expenditure amount of $117,544,000 and gross revenue amount of $117,544,000;

c)  the amended 2022 capital budget for Wastewater and Treatment Services BE READOPTED in the amount of $98,873,000;

d)  the amended 2023 capital budget for Wastewater and Treatment Services BE READOPTED in the amount of $96,168,000; and,

e) the amended 2024 to 2029 capital forecast for Wastewater and Treatment Services BE APPROVED in principle in the amount of $606,551,000;

it being noted that all rates and charges relating to the provision of Wastewater and Treatment Services were increased by 2.5% effective January 1, 2020 as approved by Council on November 26, 2019, increased by 2.5% effective January 1, 2021, and 2.7% effective July 1, 2021, and 2.5% effective January 1 each year of 2022 and 2023 as approved by Council on October 27, 2020.

Motion Passed (15 to 0)

5.   Deferred Matters/Additional Business

None.

6.   Adjournment

Moved by S. Turner

Seconded by J. Helmer

That the meeting BE ADJOURNED.

Motion Passed

The meeting adjourned at 3:17 PM.