MINUTES
CORPORATE SERVICES AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE
REGIONAL MUNICIPALITY OF OTTAWA-CARLETON
CHAMPLAIN ROOM
26 JANUARY 1998
3:00 P.M.
PRESENT
Chair: R. Chiarelli
Members: D. Beamish, B. Hill, P. Hume, G. Hunter, A. Loney, M. Meilleur,
W. Stewart. R. van den Ham
CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee confirm the Minutes of the 21 October 1997 Regular and Confidential meetings and the Minutes of the 17 December 1997 Confidential meeting.
CARRIED
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS
ELECTION OF VICE-CHAIR
Moved by W. Stewart
That Councillor Peter Hume be appointed Vice-Chair of the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee for the Term of Council 1997 - 2000
CARRIED
REGULAR ITEMS
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER/FINANCE
1. 1998 BUDGET DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY
-Chief Administrative Officer and Finance Commissioner’s joint report dated 8 Jan 98
The Chief Administrative Officer, M. Beckstead, introduced the report. He indicated the Regional Chair had facilitated a meeting between regional officials and officials from the provincial Ministry of Finance, but this meeting was delayed because of the recent ice storm. Mr. Beckstead added the 1998 budget process will be largely different from that of other years and the report before Committee will propose a timeframe for its consideration.
The Finance Commissioner, Mr. J C. LeBelle, began by saying that, while this is not staff’s preferred method of recommending a budget to Council, it is made necessary by the substantial uncertainties that have prevented staff from developing meaningful draft estimates before now. A number of unprecedented changes in the funding of municipal government, coupled with uncertainty about how these changes will manifest themselves have also contributed to the delay. Mr. LeBelle indicated staff are still hopeful of meeting with provincial officials to discuss these issues.
He described the following proposal and schedule:
Councillor D. Beamish sought clarification regarding Step 4, inquiring why it would be necessary to go before Committees after Council has approved expenditure reductions necessary to achieve zero tax increase. Commissioner LeBelle reiterated that Step No. 4 will provide additional direction in the form of two documents, albeit only one set of budget documents. These will advise Members of Council about the reductions required to meet established targets and will allow for public consultation to take place the weeks of 23 March and 20 March.
The Regional Chair, R. Chiarelli, informed the Committee negotiations/discussions on the full impact of Megaweek will be held at Queen’s Park throughout February. Because of these discussions, it will be difficult to get a handle on this aspect before March 1st and to recommend options for budget control other than expenditure controls within the operating departments. He added it will not be known until sometime in mid-to-end of February whether adjustments made by the Province to assist the City of Toronto through its transition period will apply to the RMOC. These uncertainties will make it necessary to deal with the budget process with many unknown factors.
Councillor G. Hunter asked whether area municipalities have been given directions regarding the collection of the regional share of one and possibly two interim tax bills. Mr. LeBelle replied that, in keeping with a policy adopted in 1997, staff will bring forward an Interim Levy report: the only variation from previous years will be that the actual payment of the levies will tie-in with the due-date in area municipalities.
Councillor Hunter asked what is happening to the commercial levies, and to what extent Council will be asked to exempt non-profit/charitable organizations from having to pay Business Occupancy taxes (BOT); also, what impact will this have on the mill rate? Mr. LeBelle indicated that any assistance with BOTs might have to take the form of a grant requiring yearly approval. Regional staff are looking at a number of taxation initiatives and working with area municipalities to assure consistency in these areas. In reply to questions from Councillor Hunter on the impact property reassessment will have, Commissioner LeBelle indicated this will be one more item in the equation. He added that, given the assessment process done by the RMOC in 1992, reassessment is not likely to have a large impact.
Councillor M. Meilleur queried the consultation process, asking about the time reserved for this facet of the budgetary exercise. Mr. LeBelle replied that consultations to March 4 would likely remain at a high level, focusing on recommendations to reach a target; up to the weeks of March 23 and March 30, departmental staff would be preparing detailed impact analyses for Policy Committees’ review. As the RMOC gets into the public consultation process, the proposed date for Council review,15 April, may have to be reconsidered.
Councillor Meilleur said she foresaw a two-stage consultative process, firstly, does the public agree with a zero tax increase. If this is the case, they will be need to be made aware of the repercussions of this decision. The second consultation would focus on identifying which services have to be cut to reach this goal. Councillor Meilleur indicated she had heard a two-fold message during and after her re-election campaign, i.e., there should be no tax increase but not at any cost. Constituents would like to be able to "pick and choose" the services they pay for but it is difficult to predict which services these would be. Commissioner LeBelle said staff will provide commentary and advice on 11 Feb and this exercise in itself should convey a message to the public about recommended expenditure reductions and their possible impacts.
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee recommend Council receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORTATION
2. ROBERT O. PICKARD ENVIRONMENTAL CENTRE COGENERATION EQUIPMENT MAINTENANCE-
CONTRACT CS-8800
- Environment and Transportation Commissioner’s report dated 1 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council approve the award of Contract No. CS 8800 for the maintenance of the cogeneration equipment at the Robert O. Pickard Environmental Centre from January 1 1998 to 31 October 2002 to Toromont, Concord, Ontario, for a total contract price of $1,435,574.
CARRIED
3. Supply of Hydrofluosilicic Acid
Extension of Tender No. 0885-75-T1/97
- Environment and Transportation Commissioner’s report dated 2 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council approve the extension of Tender No. 0885-75-T1/97 for the supply of Hydrofluosilicic Acid to Stanchem Inc., Montréal, for a contract period from 1 February 1998 to 31 January 1999, for a total contract provision of $142,160.37, based on estimated quantities.
CARRIED
4. SUPPLY OF SULPHURIC ACID
EXTENSION OF TENDER NO. 0180-04-t1/97
- Environment and Transportation Commissioner’s report dated 2 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council approve the extension of Tender 0180-04-T1/97 for the supply of Sulphuric Acid to Stanchem Inc., Lachine, for a contract period from 1 March 1998 to 28 February 1999, for a total contract provision of $45,675.51 based on estimated quantities.
carried
5. Water meters - tender 0890-44-T1/98 tender award
- Environment and Transportation Commissioner’s report dated 19 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council approve the award of tender 0890-44-T1/98 as follows:
1. The supply of small Water Meters (Schedule A of Annex A) to Wamco Municipal Products Inc., Barrie, Ontario in the amount of $72,694.38 based on the Region’s portion of the estimated quantities from the date of award to 31 December 1998;
2. The supply of large Water Meters (Schedule B of Annex A) to Schlumberger Canada Ltd, Mississauga, Ontario in the amount of $38,419.48 based on estimated quantities from the date of award to 31 December 1998;
3. The supply of Fire Service Meter Assemblies (Schedule C of Annex A), and Strainers (Schedule D of Annex A) to Wamco Municipal Products Inc., Barrie, Ontario in the amount of $27,410.25 based on estimated quantities from the date of award to 31 December 1998.
CARRIED
6. SUPPLY OF QUICKLIME
TENDER NO. 0885-78-AAq-t1/98
- Environment and Transportation Commissioner’s report dated 23 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council approve the award of Tender 0885-78-AAO-T1/98 for the supply of Quicklime to Graybec Calc. Inc., Boucherville, for a contract period from 01 February 1998 to 31 January 1999, for a total contract provision of $225,338.15, based on estimated quantities.
CARRIED
7. SUPPLY OF LIQUID ALUMINUM SULPHATE
TENDER 0885-44-t1/98
- Environment and Transportation Commissioner’s report dated 24 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council approve the award of Tender 0885-44-T1/98 for the supply of Liquid Aluminum Sulphate (Alum) to Alcan Chemicals, Montréal, Québec, for a contract period from 01 March, 1998 to 28 February, 1999, for a total contract provision of $758,597.90, based on estimated quantities.
CARRIED
8. SUPPLY OF LIQUID CHLORINE
TENDER 0885-38-t1/98
- Environment and Transportation Commissioner’s report dated 23 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council approve the award of Tender 0885-38-T1/98 for the supply of Liquid Chlorine to Stanchem Inc., Montréal, for a contract period from 01 February 1998 to 31 January 1999, for a total contract provision of $257,864.65, based on estimated quantities.
CARRIED
FINANCE
9. CASH INVESTMENTS AND LOANS RECEIVABLE
(AS AT 7 OCTOBER 1997)
- Finance Commissioner’s report dated 28 Oct 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
10. CASH INVESTMENT AND LOANS RECEIVABLE
(AST AT 7 NOVEMBER 1997)
- Finance Commissioner’s report dated 11 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
11. TEMPORARY BORROWING BY-LAW FOR 1998 CURRENT OPERATIONS
- Finance Commissioner’s report dated 08 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee recommend Council approve the enactment of a By-law authorizing temporary borrowings for current purposes for the year 1998 in accordance with existing legislation.
CARRIED
12. TILE DRAINAGE DEBENTURES
- Finance Commissioner’s report dated 17 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development and Council receive this report for information.
RECEIVED
HEALTH
13. 1996/1997 SETTLEMENT
HOME CARE PROGRAM
- Medical Officer of Health report dated 2 Dec 97
That Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council approve the 1996/97 Home Care Settlement/financial statement submissions to the Ministry of Health.
CARRIED
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS
14. SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY
96 MCEWEN AVENUE
CITY OF Ottawa
- Planning and Development Approvals Commissioner’s report dated 23 Oct 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council:
1) Declare the property described as being part of Lot 24, Concession 1, Ottawa Front, formerly Township of Nepean, now City of Ottawa, surplus to Regional needs;
2) Approve the sale of the land described in Recommendation 1 to Erica Smith, in trust, for the amount of $185,000.00 pursuant to an agreement of Purchase and Sale that has been received.
CARRIED
15. SALE OF SURPLUS PROPERTY
1250 BYRON AVENUE/1060 RICHMOND ROAD
CITY OF OTTAWA
- Planning and Development Approvals Commissioner’s report date 12 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee and Council:
1) Declare the property described as being part of Lots 41, 42 & 43, Byron South, and part of Lots 48 &49, Richmond South, City of Ottawa, surplus to Regional needs;
2) Approve the sale of the property described in Recommendation 1 to Sherbrooke Urban Developments Ltd., for the amount of $225,000.00 pursuant to an Agreement of Purchase and Sale that has been received.
CARRIED
16. LAND ACQUISITION - 4 BURGESS AVENUE
WEST TRANSITWAY EXTENSION PROJECT -PHASE I
OWNER: ESTATE OF LORETO AND MARIA GIANNATONIO
- Planning and Development Approvals Commissioner’s report dated 11 Dec 97
Councillor M. Meilleur wondered whether it was not premature to acquire this property, given the possibility of a light rail pilot project and of postponing the prolongation of the West Transitway. The Regional Chair, R. Chiarelli, said it was his understanding that, should there be a decision to postpone the project, the subject property would become part of the properties acquired for this purpose and would be available for subsequent re-sale.
Councillor G. Hunter suggested that, if there is a serious intent to look at light rail as an option for the west, the Committee keep in mind that this property, as well as the previously approved two, may be required for future transportation corridors.
and the pre, if there is serious intent to suggest light rail as an option for the west and the conversion of existing Transitway to light rail then better not have voted for the sale of the previous two properties, they would be needed when no longer able to use the Western Parkway, suggest keep the entire issue in mind, also when considering disposing of surplus properties.
In reply to a question from the Chair, the Director, Property Services Division, R. Ennor, confirmed that the properties were acquired initially for the Transitway, in anticipation of the time when the Western Parkway will no longer be utilized for transit vehicles. This means the properties would have to be held for 40 years before they can be sold. Chair Chiarelli added there is no suggestion of converting the entire Transitway system to a light rail system nor of using that part of the West Transitway for this purpose.
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee approve the acquisition of 4 Burgess Avenue, City of Nepean, from the Estate of Loreto and Maria Giannantonio for the construction of the West Transitway Extension, for a consideration of $163,216.84.
CARRIED (M. Meilleur dissented)
REGIONAL CLERK
17. ONTARIO GOOD ROADS ASSOCIATION 1998 CONFERENCE
- Regional Clerk’s report dated 17 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee approve the attendance of Councillor Richard Cantin at the Ontario Good Roads Association 1998 Annual Conference, to be held 22 - 25 February 1998 in Toronto, Ontario.
CARRIED
SOCIAL SERVICES
18. REFRIGERATORS AND STOVES
EXTENSION OF TENDER 0045-00AA-T1/97
-Social Services Commissioner’s report dated 18 Dec 97
That the Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee recommend Council approve the extension of the contract award to Aurum Refrigeration & Technical Services Inc. for the provision of used refrigerators and stoves for an additional one year period from 1 January, 1998 to 31 December, 1998 at an estimated cost of $ 526,000.
CARRIED (B. Hill dissented)
RESPONSE TO INQUIRIES
ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORTATION AND
INFORMATION AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS
19. INQUIRY NO. C&E - 12(97): CORPORATE IDENTIFICATION
FOR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS
- Environment and Transportation Commissioner and Information
and Public Affairs Acting Director report dated 24 Nov 97
Councillor P. Hume emphasized the importance of developing a strong strategy to facilitate the identification of the services provided by the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton and some of its assets, i.e., regional child care centres. He proposed the following:
Moved by P. Hume
That the CAO in conjunction with the Acting Director of Information and Public Affairs develop a strategy to clearly identify to the Regional taxpayers the services the Region provides.
This strategy should include clear and understandable identification of Regional Construction projects, Regional buildings (child care centre), and Regional services whether provided by Regional Forces or by contract ie. garbage collection, ambulance.
This strategy should develop a strong brand identification between the Region and the services it provides and the public.
CARRIED
INFORMATION PREVIOUSLY DISTRIBUTED
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICE
- Chief Administrative Officer’s memorandum dated 15 Jan 98
ENVIRONMENT AND TRANSPORTATION
2. Modification to Mechanical/Electrical Systems at the
Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography (CMCP)
Contract 97-535 (Part of Rehabilitation of Plaza Bridge Project)
(In Accordance with Corporate Policy Manual Section 4.6.7.)
- Engineering Division Director’s memorandum dated 16 Oct 97
FINANCE
3. Capital Quarterly Report (July - September 1997)
Finance Commissioner’s memorandum dated 24 Nov 97
REGIONAL CLERK
4. Record of Tender Openings for the Month of October 1997
(As Per Corporate Policy Manual Section 4.6.6)
- Regional Clerk’s memorandum dated 31 Oct 97
5. Appointment to the Ottawa-Carleton Regional Housing Authority
- Regional Clerk’s memorandum dated 13 Nov 97
6. Attendance at 1998 Rural Ontario Municipal Association (ROMA) Conference
- Regional Clerk’s memorandum dated 12 Jan 98
7. Contracts Approved by the Chief Administrative Officer under Special Delegated Authority (as per Corporate Policy Manual Section 4.6.7.5. during the Period 31 October 1997 - 6 January 1998.
- Regional Clerk’s memorandum dated 6 Jan 98
INQUIRIES
C&E - 1(98) - UNIFIED SANITARY SEWER SYSTEM
Councillor P. Hume made the following Inquiry:
What would be the sewer surcharge to operate the sanitary sewer system, strictly within the geographical boundaries of the City of Ottawa, in a unified manner?
OTHER BUSINESS
REPAIR TO THE URBAN FOREST AND RE-FORESTATION
The following directive was given to staff:
That the Chief Administrative Officer and the Environment and Transportation Commissioner report on initiatives to respond to the issues of repair to the urban forest and re-forestation of regional and other properties.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
NEXT MEETING
3 Feb 97
____________________________ _____________________________
CHAIR ACTING CO-ORDINATOR