Budget Committee

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
Immediately following General Committee
Location:
Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 2nd Floor
300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C1
and Online Video Conference
Members
  • Chair and Councillor Brad Butt, Ward 11
  • Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Ward 1
  • Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Mayor
  • Councillor Alvin Tedjo, Ward 2
  • Councillor Chris Fonseca, Ward 3
  • Councillor John Kovac, Ward 4
  • Councillor Natalie Hart, Ward 5
  • Councillor Joe Horneck, Ward 6
  • Councillor Dipika Damerla , Ward 7
  • Councillor Matt Mahoney, Ward 8
  • Councillor Martin Reid, Ward 9
  • Councillor Sue McFadden, Ward 10
Staff Present
  • Eglantina Gondia

Diana Rusnov, Director, Legislative Services and City Clerk 
Sacha Smith, Manager/Deputy Clerk, Secretariat and Access & Privacy  

1.
CALL TO ORDER

 

Councillor Butt, Chair, called the meeting to order at 12:22PM.

2.
INDIGENOUS LAND STATEMENT

 

Councillor Butt, Chair recited the Indigenous Land Statement.

3.
APPROVAL OF AGENDA

 

That the October 2, 2024 Budget Committee agenda be approved, as presented.

Approved (Councillor S. McFadden)

4.
DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

 

Nil

5.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETING

 

5.1
Budget Committee Minutes - September 18, 2024

 

Approved (Councillor A. Tedjo)

6.
PRESENTATIONS - Nil

 

7.
DEPUTATIONS - Nil

 

8.
PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD - 15 Minute Limit - Nil

 

9.
CONSENT AGENDA

 
  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0007-2024
    Moved ByCouncillor S. McFadden

    That the following item(s) were approved on the consent agenda:

    • 10.3 2025 Fire & Emergency Services Fees and Charges
    • 10.5 2025 Library Fees and Charges
    • 10.8 2025 Road Occupancy, Lot Grading and Municipal Services Protection Deposits Update
    YES (9)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor Natalie Hart
    Carried (9 to 0)

10.
MATTERS CONSIDERED

 

10.1
MiWay Fare Strategy - 2025

 

Sam Rogers, Acting Commissioner of Transportation and Works spoke to the senior fare strategy requesting direction from the Budget Committee on the senior fares options outlined in the report.

Members of Council inquired about costs associated with free senior fares and percentages of cash vs. PRESTO card users; in response, Fritz Youaleu, Supervisor, Transit Revenue spoke to the full year costs and confirmed the percentage of cash fares.

Mayor Parrish spoke in support of the free senior fares strategy and noted additional strategies to improve senior access to community recreation centres.

Councillor Kovac commented and inquired on the alignment of fares with Brampton Transit and S. Rogers noted factors to consider for alignment.

Further, Councillor Kovac inquired about the revenue associated with wrapping buses, and F. Youaleu confirmed the amount.

Councillor Reid inquired about the age definition of seniors for MiWay and whether the free senior fares applied to residents and non-residents of Mississauga; and F. Youaleu confirmed the age and noted free senior rates would apply to all seniors.

Councillor Dasko inquired about the total yearly cost associated with free senior fares, and F. Youaleu confirmed the amount.

Councillor Dasko commented on the fare box impact, rear bus boarding, bus wrapping and revenue, and inquired about food bank program recipients’ fare cards and F. Youaleu responded.

Councillor Hart spoke to education on the PRESTO senior fare change and one-fare program.  In response, Geoff Wright, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer commented on a communications strategy for MiWay. 

Councillor Damerla commented on a reciprocal arrangement with Brampton Transit to allow free access for Mississauga seniors and inquired about how Brampton Transit determines senior eligibility.  In response, G. Wright provided information regarding senior eligibility.

Further, Councillor Damerla inquired about determining the impact of fare evasion and enforcement in relation to senior fares; and asked about opportunities to generate revenue through bus wrapping to offset the additional costs related to free senior fares.  G. Wright noted that at the direction of the Budget Committee, staff can come back with cost-savings related to restricting free senior fares to Mississauga only residents; and spoke to bus wrapping revenue.

Direction was provided to staff to look into opportunities to maximize advertising revenue through advertising contracts and report back.

Councillor Tedjo inquired about fare rates and F. Youaleu provided clarity on the fare rates between GO Transit and MiWay.

Councillor Fonseca commented on advocacy to the province around extending current transfer periods and inquired about the Sauga Summer Pass; and Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services responded.

  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0008-2024
    Moved ByMayor Carolyn Parrish
    1. That the MiWay fees and charges outlined in Appendix 1 of the Corporate Report dated September 16, 2024, from the Acting Commissioner of Transportation and Works entitled "MiWay Fare Strategy – 2025”, be approved.
    2. That free PRESTO Senior Fares be effective July 1, 2025, as outlined in the Corporate Report dated September 16, 2024, entitled "MiWay Fare Strategy – 2025" from the Acting Commissioner of Transportation and Works. 
    3. That User Fees and Charges By-law 0199-2023, as amended, be repealed effective December 31, 2024.
    4. That a consolidated Fees and Charges By-law be enacted, effective January 1, 2025, to incorporate and establish new, revised, and existing MiWay fees and charges as well as those from various City departments, as outlined in the Corporate Report dated September 16, 2024, "MiWay Fare Strategy – 2025".
    5. That all necessary by-laws be enacted.
    YES (11)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor Natalie Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

10.2
2025 Transportation and Works Fees and Charges

 

Councillor Dasko spoke to the replacement of municipal parking cards with a digital solution and inquired about stormwater charges; in response, Sam Rogers, Acting Commissioner of Transportation and Works commented on the subject matter.

Further, Councillor Dasko commented on the increase in road occupancy permits; in response, S. Rogers and Helen Noehammer, Director, Works and Operations and Maintenance, spoke to the cost-recovery associated with reviewing permit applications.

  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0009-2024
    Moved ByVice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko
    1. That the Transportation and Works Department fees and charges, as outlined in Appendix 1, Appendix 2 and Appendix 3, attached to the Corporate Report dated September 17, 2024 from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works entitled "2025 Transportation and Works Fees and Charges" be approved.
    2. That User Fees and Charges By-law 0199-2023, as amended, be repealed effective at the end of December 31, 2024.
    3. That a new consolidated user fees and charges by-law effective January 1, 2025, which will incorporate the approved fees and charges of various City departments, be enacted to incorporate and establish new, revised, and existing fees and charges for the Transportation and Works Department as outlined in the Corporate Report dated September 17, 2024 from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works entitled, "2025 Transportation and Works Fees and Charges."
    YES (11)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor Natalie Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

10.3
2025 Fire & Emergency Services Fees and Charges (CONSENT)

 
  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0010-2024
    Moved ByCouncillor S. McFadden
    1. That the Fire & Emergency Services fees and charges, as outlined in Appendix 1 attached to the Corporate Report dated August 13, 2024 from the City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer entitled “2025 Fire & Emergency Services Fees and Charges” be approved.
    2. That User Fees and Charges By-Law 0199-2023, as amended, be repealed effective at the end of December 31, 2024.
    3. That a new consolidated fees and charges by-law, effective January 1, 2025, which will incorporate the approved fees and charges of various City departments, be enacted to incorporate and establish, revised and existing fees and charges for Fire & Emergency Services as outlined in the Corporate Report dated August 13, 2024 from the City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer entitled “2025 Fire & Emergency Services Fees and Charges”.

       

    YES (9)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor Natalie Hart
    Carried (9 to 0)

10.4
2025 General Fees and Charges

 

Councillor Horneck inquired about wildlife removal enforcement on private properties and the potential impact on fees and charges; in response, Georgios Fthenos, Director, Enforcement, noted the majority of service calls are in response to public properties and spoke to the parameters around wildlife removal.

Councillor Dasko requested clarification around the parking ticket surcharge for internet payments; G. Fthenos noted staff will followup with information.  

Councillor Dasko inquired about the rationale and cost calculation for property reinspection fees and G. Fthenos addressed the inquiry.  Further, Councillor Dasko commented on opportunities to increase reinspection fees and G. Fthenos noted staff are considering multiple reinspection fees.

Councillor Dasko inquired about fees associated with medical marijuana licensing, and G. Fthenos spoke to benchmarking and future report to Council on overall licensing and fees for medical marijuana facilities. 

Councilllor Dasko asked about short-term accommodations and compliance rates; and G. Fthenos noted upcoming updates on regulations.  In addition, Councillor Dasko inquired about fines related to non-compliant accommodations and G. Fthenos explained how fees are setup and specific amounts can be provided at a future meeting.

Councillor Dasko further asked about meeting room bookings at the Hazel McCallion Central Library and Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services responded commenting on the uptake in bookings and the Noel Ryan Auditorium. 

  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0011-2024
    Moved ByCouncillor J. Horneck
    1. That the General Fees and Charges outlined in Appendix 1 attached to the Corporate report dated September 6, 2024, from the City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer entitled “2025 General Fees and Charges” be approved.
    2. That User Fees and Charges By-law 0199-2023, as amended, be repealed effective at the end of December 31, 2024.
    3. That a consolidated fees and charges by-law, effective January 1, 2025, which will incorporate the approved fees and charges of various City departments, be enacted to incorporate and establish new, revised and existing fees and charges for the 2025 General Fees and Charges as outlined in Appendix 1 attached to the Corporate Report dated September 6, 2024 from the City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer entitled, “2025 General Fees and Charges”.

       

    YES (10)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, and Councillor M. Reid
    Carried (10 to 0)

10.5
2025 Library Fees and Charges (CONSENT)

 
  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0012-2024
    Moved ByCouncillor S. McFadden
    1. That the Library Fees and Charges incorporating new, revised and existing Library fees as outlined in Appendix 1 attached to the Corporate Report dated August 12, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community Services entitled “2025 Library Fees and Charges” be approved.
    2. That User Fees and Charges By-law 0199-2023, as amended, be repealed effective at the end of December 31, 2024.
    3. That a consolidated fees and charges by-law, effective January 1, 2025, which will incorporate the approved fees and charges of various City departments, be enacted to incorporate and establish the new, revised, and existing Library fees and charges as outlined in the Corporate Report dated August 12, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community Services entitled, “2025 Library Fees and Charges”.
    YES (9)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor Natalie Hart
    Carried (9 to 0)

10.6
2025 Parks, Forestry & Environment Fees and Charges

 

Councillor Dasko inquired about fees related to tennis and pickle ball courts and Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services responded noting the rationale for the fees, the types of facilities impacted, and piloting limited opportunities to rent public facilities.

Councillor Tedjo inquired about operational costs for artificial fields and J. Robillos and Nadia Paladino, Director, Parks, Forestry and Environment, responded with information.

Councillor Hart spoke to the weekday funeral surcharges and restrictive timings and J. Robillos responded with information related to surcharges.

N. Paladino noted that staff are working on an overall cemetery review of fees to be shared with Budget Committee at a later date.

  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0013-2024
    Moved ByCouncillor Natalie Hart
    1. That the Parks, Forestry & Environment fees and charges, as outlined in Appendix 1, Appendix 2, and Appendix 3 attached to the Corporate Report dated August 7, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community Services entitled “2025 Parks, Forestry & Environment Fees and Charges” be approved.
    2. That User Fees and Charges By-law 0199-2023, as amended, be repealed effective at the end of December 31, 2024.
    3. That a new consolidated user fees and charges by-law, effective January 1, 2025, which will include the approved fees and charges of various City departments, be enacted to incorporate and establish the new, revised, and existing fees and charges for the Parks, Forestry and Environment division as outlined in Appendix 1, Appendix 2 and Appendix 3 attached to the Corporate Report dated August 7, 2024 from the Commissioner of Community Services entitled, “2025 Parks, Forestry & Environment Fees and Charges”.
    YES (10)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor Natalie Hart
    Carried (10 to 0)

10.7
2025 Recreation & Culture Program Fees and Rental Rates

 

Councillor Dasko spoke to culture production fee increases and Kristina Zietsma, Director, Recreation and Culture explained the increase.

Members of Council engaged in discussion regarding freezing increases for facility rentals for one year for arts and culture groups and direction was provided to staff to conduct a further review of freezing fees and report back at a future meeting.

Mayor Parrish spoke to providing free access to community centre activities for seniors who already have PRESTO cards and direction was provided to staff to report back on the financial implications of offering free access to seniors.

Councillor Fonseca spoke to group fees and swimming passes for families, and board education fees; and K. Zietsma and J. Robillos provided clarity around fees.

Councillor Tedjo inquired about the Living Arts Centre naming and J. Robillos provided comments around the agreements, re-engagement, and sponsorship opportunities.

Councillor Tedjo asked about rates provided by school boards and K. Zietsma spoke to the affiliate rates.

  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0014-2024
    Moved ByMayor Carolyn Parrish

    That the corporate report from the Commissioner of Community Services entitled “2025 Recreation and Culture Programs Fees and Rental Rates” dated September 10, 2024, be referred back to staff for further review and that staff report back to the Budget Committee.

    YES (11)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor Natalie Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

10.8
2025 Road Occupancy, Lot Grading and Municipal Services Protection Deposits Update (CONSENT)

 
  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0015-2024
    Moved ByCouncillor S. McFadden
    1. That a by-law be enacted to amend Schedule “A” of the Lot Grading and Municipal Services Protection By-law 0172-2020, as amended, effective January 1, 2025, to effect housekeeping measures and general amendments as outlined in the report from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works, dated September 17, 2027 and entitled “2025 Road Occupancy, Lot Grading and Municipal Services Protection Deposits Update".
    2. That a by-law be enacted to amend Schedule “A” of the Road Occupancy Permit By-law 0173-2020, as amended, effective January 1, 2025, to effect housekeeping measures and general amendments as outlined in the report from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works, dated September 17, 2024 and entitled “2025 Road Occupancy, Lot Grading and Municipal Services Protection Deposits Update".

       

    YES (9)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor Natalie Hart
    Carried (9 to 0)

10.9
2025 Planning Act Processing Fees and Charges

 

Councillor Tedjo spoke to fees associated with development charges and inquired about a jurisdictional scan and historical fees year over year.  In response, Chris Rouse, Director, Development and Design spoke to the types of fees and increases.  Further, Stephen Stirling, Manager, Development and Design Initiatives spoke to the analysis report on fees and increases, factors for addressing fees, and the comparative standing of the City with other municipalities.

Direction was provided to staff to share the analysis report on fees and charges with Members of Budget Committee.

Councillor Dasko inquired about costs related to draft severance conditions; and S. Stirling provided clarification on fees, timelines, and legislation.

  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0016-2024
    Moved ByCouncillor A. Tedjo
    1. That the Planning Act processing fees and charges, as outlined in Appendix 1 attached to the Corporate Report dated September 13, 2024 from the Commissioner of Planning and Building entitled "2025 Planning Act Processing Fees and Charges" be approved.
    2. That User Fees and Charges By-law 0199-2023, as amended, be repealed effective at the end of December 31, 2024.
    3. That a consolidated fees and charges by-law, effective January 1, 2025, which will incorporate the approved fees and charges of various City departments, be enacted to incorporate and establish new, revised, and existing fees and charges for the Planning and Building Department, Corporate Services Department, and Transportation and Works Department as outlined in Appendix 1 attached to the Corporate Report dated September 13, 2024 from the Commissioner of Planning and Building entitled, "2025 Planning Act Processing Fees and Charges".
    YES (11)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor Natalie Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

10.10
MiWay 2025 and 2026 Bus Procurement

 

Councillor Tedjo asked about the number of new buses, replacement buses, 60 ft fleet, and operational costs.  In response, Stephen Bacchus, Manager, Transit Fleet Assets and Engineering spoke to the fleet composition and fuel savings, and Geoff Wright, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information regarding fuel savings.

S. Bacchus further spoke to the need for 60 ft fleet to meet service levels and capacity.

Councillor Tedjo commented on increasing service for MiWay and whether the fleet exists to support the increase.  In response, G. Wright spoke to fleet utilization and maintenance, and future implications.

Councillor Tedjo inquired about ICIP funding and S. Bacchus noted the funding status.

  • RECOMMENDATIONBC-0017-2024
    Moved ByCouncillor A. Tedjo
    1. That the report entitled “MiWay 2025 and 2026 Bus Procurement” dated September 9, 2024 from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works be approved.
    2. That Budget Committee pre-authorize the funds of $110,500,000, to allow the 2025 and 2026 procurement of Hybrid-Electric and Clean Diesel buses as outlined in the Corporate Report dated September 9, 2024 entitled "MiWay 2025 and 2026 Bus Procurement" from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works for the bus purchases of (88) transit buses total. The purchase of (13) hybrid-electric buses and (10) sixty-foot clean diesel buses are to be pre-approved for delivery in 2025. The purchase of (65) hybrid-electric buses to be pre-approved for delivery in 2026.
    YES (11)Mayor Carolyn Parrish , Vice-Chair and Councillor Stephen Dasko , Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor Natalie Hart
    Carried (11 to 0)

11.
OTHER BUSINESS - Nil

 

12.
CLOSED SESSION - Nil

 

13.
ADJOURNMENT

 

2:08PM (Councillor S. McFadden)

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