Budget Committee

Meeting #:

Date:

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

Time:

Please Note: this Agenda is for November 27, 28, and 29, 2023 Budget Committee Meetings commencing at 9:30AM

Location:

Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 2nd Floor

300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C1

and Online Video Conference

Members

• Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Chair
• Councillor Stephen Dasko, Ward 1
• Councillor Chris Fonseca, Ward 3
• Councillor John Kovac, Ward 4
• Councillor Carolyn Parrish, Ward 5
• Councillor Dipika Damerla , Ward 7
• Councillor Matt Mahoney, Ward 8
• Councillor Sue McFadden, Ward 10
• Councillor Alvin Tedjo, Ward 2
• Councillor Joe Horneck, Ward 6
• Councillor Martin Reid, Ward 9
• Councillor Brad Butt, Ward 11

Staff Present

Paul Mitcham, City Manager and CAO

Shari Lichterman, Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer

Geoff Wright, Commissioner of Transportation and Works

Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner of Planning and Building

Jodi Robillos, Commissioner of Community Services

Diana Rusnov, Director of Legislative Services and City Clerk

Sacha Smith, Manager of Legislative Services and Deputy Clerk

Dayna Obaseki, Legislative Coordinator

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Crombie, Chair called the meeting to order at 9:37 AM.

2.

INDIGENOUS LAND STATEMENT

“We acknowledge the lands which constitute the present-day City of Mississauga as being part of the Treaty and Traditional Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, The Haudenosaunee Confederacy the Huron-Wendat and Wyandotte Nations. We recognize these peoples and their ancestors as peoples who inhabited these lands since time immemorial. The City of Mississauga is home to many global Indigenous Peoples.

As a municipality, the City of Mississauga is actively working towards reconciliation by confronting our past and our present, providing space for Indigenous peoples within their territory, to recognize and uphold their Treaty Rights and to support Indigenous Peoples. We formally recognize the Anishinaabe origins of our name and continue to make Mississauga a safe space for all Indigenous peoples.”

Mayor Crombie, Chair recited the Indigenous Land Statement at both Budget Committee meeting dates.

3.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

On November 27, 2023 – Approved, as amended (Councillor Fonseca)

The amendments included:

• Removal of “Item 6.2 Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development with respect to Mississauga’s Economic Update”
• Addition of Nabeela Irfan, Peel ACORN speaking during Item 6.4 “Item 6.3 – Nabeela Irfan and Michelle Sarantos, Peel ACORN Members”

On November 28, 2023 – Approved, as amended (Councillor Reid)

The amendments included:

• Addition of Item 6.8 “Item 9.1.7 - Colin Tyler, Applewood Hills & Heights Residents Association”

4.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Nil

5.

PRESENTATIONS - Nil

6.

DEPUTATIONS

Any member of the public interested in making a deputation to an item listed on the agenda must register by calling 905-615-3200 ext. 4915 or by emailing by November 23, 2023 before 4:00 PM.

Each Deputation to Committee is limited to speaking not more than 10 minutes.

Pursuant to Section 57.1 of the Council Procedure By-law 0044-2022, as amended:

Deputations shall be received and the matter shall be referred to staff for a report, unless there is a resolution or recommendation passed to “receive” the Deputation. After a Deputation is completed, Members shall each have one opportunity to make a preamble statement and ask questions to the Deputant(s) or staff for clarification purposes only, and without debate.

To be considered on November 27:

6.1

Andrew Grantham, Executive Director and Senior Economist, CIBC Capital Markets with respect to the Economic Outlook

Councillor D. Damerla arrived at 9:45 AM.

Andrew Grantham provided an overview on the Ontario and overall Canadian Economy, which included the following subject matters: Canadian inflation, interest rates, population growth, employment, and housing costs.

Members of Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns regarding housing demand, impact of mortgage rate increases on inflation, and the impact of inflation on property taxes. A. Grantham responded to questions from the Committee

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0042-2023
  Moved By Councillor J. Horneck

  That the deputation and associated presentation from Andrew Grantham, Executive Director and Senior Economist, CIBC Capital Markets with respect to the Economic Outlook be received.

  Received

6.2

Christina Kakaflikas, Director, Economic Development with respect to Mississauga’s Economic Update

This item was removed during the approval of the agenda (Item 3) on November 27, 2023.

6.3

Marisa Chiu, Director of Finance and Treasurer with respect to the 2024 Proposed Budget Overview

Marisa Chiu provided an overview on the 2024 proposed budget, which included: timelines, priorities, strategies, and allocation.

Members of Committee spoke to the matter and enquired about loss of revenue, traffic calming, public consultation, public education on tax allocation, and funding tools. Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works, Shari Lichterman, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, and M. Chiu responded to questions.

Councillor C. Fonseca requested that letters be sent to the province and the federal governments emphasizing funding programs that are working well once the 2024 budget is approved.

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0043-2023
  Moved By Councillor D. Damerla

  That the deputation and associated presentation from Marisa Chiu, Director of Finance and Treasurer with respect to the 2024 Proposed Budget Overview be received.

  Received

6.4

Item 6.3 - Michelle Sarantos, Peel ACORN Members

Nabeela Irfan and Michelle Sarantos spoke to the need for a tenant defence fund/tenant support program and the Mississauga Apartment Rental Compliance (MARC) program.

Councillor D. Damerla advised that she would work with staff to explore the Toronto and Hamilton models. Councillor B. Butt cautioned members of Committee of stepping into provincial jurisdiction. Councillor M. Mahoney expressed support for more exploration.

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0044-2023
  Moved By Councillor M. Mahoney

  That the deputation and associated presentation from Nabeela Irfan and Michelle Sarantos, Peel ACORN Members regarding Item 6.3 – 2024 Proposed Budget Overview be received.

  Received

6.5

Trevor McPherson, President & CEO, MBOT and Brett McDermott, Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations, MBOT regarding the 2024 Budget

Trevor McPherson spoke to the 2024 proposed budget and expressed concerns regarding higher interest rates, impact to tourism, commercial tax increase, and Municipal Accommodation Tax (MAT) increase. T. McPherson, noted support for transit innovation, and active transportation. Members of Committee spoke to the matter and enquired about the MAT increase, transit innovation, and Community Improvement Plans (CIP). T. McPherson and Shari Lichterman, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions.

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0045-2023
  Moved By Councillor J. Kovac

  That the deputation from Trevor McPherson, President & CEO, MBOT and Brett McDermott, Director, Government and Stakeholder Relations, MBOT regarding the 2024 Budget be received.

  Received

6.6

Meghan Nicholls, CEO, Food Banks Mississauga with respect to short-term and long-term financial needs of the food bank

Budget Committee reconvened on November 28, 2023 at 9:39 AM.

Meghan Nicholls spoke to the projected shortfall from the budget, the increased community need for food banks, and food security funding at the Region of Peel. Members of Committee spoke to the matter and enquired about food security funding, rent, reserves, and provincial funding. M. Nicholls responded to questions.

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0046-2023
  Moved By Councillor C. Fonseca

  That the deputation and associated presentation from Meghan Nicholls, CEO, Food Banks Mississauga with respect to short-term and long-term financial needs of the food bank be received.

  Received

6.7

Item 9.1.6 - David Fisher, Resident

David Fisher spoke to the lack of quality of service, bus hours, lack of buses, the need for a third bus garage, and recommended that in the interim space be leased as a third garage for buses. Members of Committee spoke to the subject matter and enquired about federal and provincial funding, overcrowding, the increase in service budget, and equipment. Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works responded to questions.

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0047-2023
  Moved By Councillor J. Horneck

  That the deputation from David Fisher, Resident regarding Item 9.1.6 –Transit Service Area Presentation be received.

  Received

6.8

Item 9.1.7 - Colin Tyler, Applewood Hills & Heights Residents Association

Colin Tyler spoke to the proposed 2024 budget for roads and expressed concerns with the funding proposed for the Bloor Street Integrated Road Project and requested that funding for this project be reallocated to affordable housing.

Councillor C. Fonseca spoke to the project and enquired about cost savings, efficiency and addressing road safety. Geoff Wright, Commissioner Transportation and Works responded to questions.

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0048-2023
  Moved By Councillor C. Fonseca

  That the deputation from Colin Tyler, Applewood Hills & Heights Residents Association regarding Item 9.1.7 - Roads Service Area Presentation be received.

  Received

7.

PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD - 15 Minute Limit

(Public Question Period will be considered at each Budget Committee Meeting Date)

Public Questions: Members of the Public that have a question about an item listed on the agenda may pre-register by contacting the Legislative Coordinator at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting . Following the registered speakers, if time permits the Chair will acknowledge members of the public who wish to ask a question about an item listed on the agenda. Virtual participants must pre-register.

Pursuant to Section 58 of the Council Procedure By-law 0044-2022, as amended:

Budget Committee may grant permission to a member of the public to ask a question of Budget Committee, with the following provisions:

1. Questions may be submitted to the Clerk at least 24 hours prior to the meeting;
2. A person is limited to two (2) questions and must pertain specific item on the current agenda and the speaker will state which item the question is related to;
3. The total speaking time shall be five (5) minutes maximum, per speaker, unless extended by the Mayor or Chair; and
4. Any response not provided at the meeting will be provided in the format of a written response.

(Public Question Period was considered at each Budget Committee Meeting Date) Considered on November 27, 2023

Chris Mackie, Resident enquired about the allocation of tax dollars and the impact on residential property taxes, the difference between "Maintain Current Service Levels” and “Normal Operations”, the economic adjustment for non-unionized staff salaries, and 2024 capital budget funding. Marisa Chiu, Director, Finance and Treasurer responded to questions and spoke to the City of Mississauga's portion of the tax allocation, the education allocation, and the impact on property taxes. M. Chiu further advised that "Normal Operations" was a net number, the 2% economic adjustment for non-unionized staff salaries, and spoke to the funding split for the 2024 capital budget.

(Public Question Period was considered at each Budget Committee Meeting Date) Considered on November 28, 2023

Chris Mackie, Resident enquired about Station 125 regarding, it's opening, the budget allocation for the station, the amount of fire trucks it could hold, the need for a division chief. C. Mackie additionally enquired about the fire inspections program. Shari Lichterman, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions and spoke to the summer 2024 opening, the full annual budget for the additional firefighters, the station beginning as a one-truck station. S. Lichterman further spoke to the public safety levy, the tax impact, and noted the division chief would be for the dispatch centre. S. Lichterman additionally spoke to the fire inspections program, and the public education program. S. Lichterman advised that Chief Deryn Rizzi would follow-up with C. Mackie directly to answer any remaining questions.

Jonathan Giggs, Resident enquired about transit service hours in 2024 compared to 2019, and closed-door boarding. Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works responded to questions and spoke to the gap between services from 2019 to 2024. G. Wright spoke to closed-door boarding, the impact on customers, and the key pressures affecting service levels.

8.

CONSENT AGENDA

Nil

9.

MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED

9.1

Service Area Presentations (10 minutes per presentation)

To be considered on November 27, 28, and 29:

9.1.1

Mississauga Library

Presented by Rona O'Banion, Director, Library 

Members of Committee spoke to the Hazel McCallion Central Library renovation and enquired about the grand re-opening, tours of the library, and the open window hub. R. O'Banion responded to questions.

9.1.2

Parks, Forestry & Environment

Presented by Nadia Paladino, Director, Parks & Forestry & Environment

Members of Committee spoke to the matter and enquired about tree replacement backlog, gaps in the Culham Trail, dog parks, kits on invasive species for schools, and spongy moth budget. N. Paladino and Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services responded to questions.

Councillor C. Fonseca spoke about an informal trail by the Etobicoke Creek Trail from Dixie Road to Willow Creek Park in Ward 3 and requested that staff report back to the Councillor on whether that portion of the trail will be formalized. 

9.1.3

Recreation & Culture

Presented by Kristina Zietsma, Director, Recreation & Culture 

Members of Committee spoke to the matter and enquired about the music strategy, advertising and promotion, active living next steps, and warm water pools. K. Zietsma and Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services responded to questions.

9.1.4

Fire & Emergency Services

Presented by Deryn Rizzi, Fire Chief

Members of Committee spoke to the matter and enquired about the tiered response system, fire education, and the public safety levy. D. Rizzi and Shari Lichterman, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions.

Considered on November 28:

9.1.5

Facilities & Property Management

Presented by Asad Qureshi, Director, Facilities & Property Management

Members of Committee spoke to the matter and enquired about facility rehabilitation plans, net zero plans, government grants, electric vehicle charging stations, security services, impact of the transition of furniture from the Region of Peel. A. Qureshi, Raj Sheth, Commissioner, Corporate Services, and Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services responded to questions.

9.1.6

Transit

Presented by Eve Wiggins, Director, Transit

Members of Committee spoke to the matter and enquired about the impact to maintenance costs, new systems in buses, and service capacity adjustments. E. Wiggins and Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works responded to questions.

9.1.7

Roads

Presented by Sam Rogers, Director, Infrastructure Planning & Engineering Services

Members of Committee spoke to the matter and enquired about the state of regional roads, concerns with dull lighting from the L.E.D. streetlights, the Vision Zero program, traffic calming measures, and road resurfacing. S. Rogers, Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and works, and Andy Harvey, Director, Traffic Management & Municipal Parking responded to questions.

G. Wright noted that staff are coming forward with two reports; one related to speed limits and another related to the Vision Zero program metrics. 

9.1.8

Stormwater

Presented by Sam Rogers, Director, Infrastructure Planning & Engineering Services

Members of Committee spoke to the matter and enquired about education on the levy and reserves, and options for education or more details on the stormwater levy in future budget documents. S. Rogers responded to questions.

Councillor C. Fonseca enquired about opportunities for provincial and federal funding regarding disaster mitigation or infrastructure. Staff noted they would look into it and follow up with Councillor Fonseca.  

9.1.9

Corporate Transactions (Verbal)

To be considered on November 27:

Councillor J. Horneck enquired about the infrastructure levy and return on investments. Marisa Chiu, Director of Finance and Treasurer responded to questions. 

Members of Committee enquired about next steps and timelines for approval of the 2024 budget, and the strong mayor's powers. Shari Lichterman, City Manager, Chief Administrative Officer advised that any amendments to the budget should come in the form of motions at the next special Council meeting on December 6, 2023.

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0049-2023
  Moved By Councillor J. Horneck

  That the following service area presentations presented to Budget Committee on November 27 and 28, 2023 be received:

  1. Mississauga Library
  2. Parks, Forestry & Environment
  3. Recreation & Culture
  4. Fire & Emergency Services
  5. Facilities & Property Management
  6. Transit
  7. Roads
  8. Stormwater
  9. Corporate Transactions (Verbal)
  Received

9.2

2024 Business Improvement Area Budgets

This item was considered on November 27:

No discussion took place regarding this item.

RECESS - 1:00 PM (Councillor S. Dasko)

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0050-2023
  Moved By Councillor S. Dasko
  1. That the 2024 budget submissions for the Clarkson, Cooksville, Malton, Port Credit and Streetsville Business Improvement Areas (BIA’s), as set out in Appendix 1 of the Corporate Report dated November 12, 2023, from the City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, titled “2024 Business Improvement Area Budgets” be approved.
  2. That all necessary By-laws be enacted and that the necessary budget adjustments be made.

  YES (12)

  Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac, Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor S. McFadden, Councillor A. Tedjo, Councillor J. Horneck, Councillor M. Reid, and Councillor B. Butt

  Carried (12 to 0)

10.

CLOSED SESSION - Nil

11.

ADJOURNMENT

On November 28, 2023 at 12:33 PM (Councillor J. Kovac)