Council

Meeting #:
Date:
Time:
-
Location:
Council Chambers, Civic Centre, 2nd Floor
300 City Centre Drive, Mississauga, Ontario, L5B 3C1
Members
  • Mayor Bonnie Crombie
  • Councillor Stephen Dasko, Ward 1
  • Councillor Karen Ras, Ward 2
  • Councillor Chris Fonseca, Ward 3
  • Councillor John Kovac, Ward 4
  • Councillor Carolyn Parrish, Ward 5
  • Councillor Ron Starr, Ward 6
  • Councillor Matt Mahoney, Ward 8
  • Councillor George Carlson, Ward 11
Members Absent
  • Councillor Dipika Damerla, Ward 7
  • Councillor Pat Saito, Ward 9
  • Councillor Sue McFadden, Ward 10

Mayor Crombie called the meeting to order at 1:03 PM

"Welcome to the City of Mississauga Council meeting.  We would like to acknowledge that we are gathering here today on the Treaty Lands and Territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit, and the traditional territories of the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee, Wyndot and Huron people. We also acknowledge the many First Nations, Inuit, Metis and other global Indigenous peoples who call Mississauga home.  We welcome everyone."

Mayor Crombie recited the Indigenous Land Statement.

  • RECOMMENDATION
    Moved ByCouncillor C. Fonseca
    Seconded ByCouncillor M. Mahoney

    That the agenda for the Council meeting of March 19, 2020 be approved.

    Carried
  • RECOMMENDATION0044-2020
    Moved ByCouncillor C. Fonseca
    Seconded ByCouncillor C. Parrish

    WHEREAS pursuant to subsection 238(3.1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 a procedure by-law may provide for electronic participation by a member of council in a meeting which is open to the public, in the manner set out in the by-law provided that any such member shall not be counted in determining whether quorum of members is present at any point in time;

     

    AND WHEREAS pursuant to subsection 238(3.2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, a procedure by-law shall not provide that a member of council can participate electronically in a meeting which is closed to the public;

     

    AND WHEREAS, the World Health Organization has declared a worldwide pandemic respecting the spread of the COVID 19 virus (the “Pandemic”);

     

    AND WHEREAS on March 17, 2020, the Government of Ontario enacted a declaration of emergency for the Province related to the outbreak of the Pandemic;

     

    AND WHEREAS, it is desirable that Mississauga City Council have the ability to continue to meet on the basis of electronic participation of members affected by quarantine or self-isolation (including participation in voting at the meeting) upon a Resolution of Council to establish an Emergency Period that Pandemic related quarantine or self-isolation makes this necessary for the continuing discharge of the responsibilities of the Council;

     

    NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that an amendment to the Council Procedure By-law 0139-2013 for the purpose of enabling full electronic participation (including voting participation) by Members of Council in meetings provided that those who participate electronically do not count towards quorum in the circumstances recited herein be enacted by means of a combination of this resolution and the confirming by-law for today’s meeting of Council;

     

    AND FURTHER, that any notice requirement under Council Procedure By-law 139-13 Section 90(2) be considered to be waived or amended in the like manner as required for the purposes of this resolution on the basis that Pandemic related quarantine or self-isolation constitute and are considered to be an emergency for these purposes;

     

    AND FURTHER, that the government of Ontario be requested to make an immediate legislative amendment, in this situation, to subsection 238(3.1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 to remove the provision that members participating electronically not be counted in determining whether or not a quorum of members is present.

    YES (8)Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac , Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor R. Starr, Councillor M. Mahoney, and Councillor G. Carlson
    ABSENT (4)Councillor K. Ras, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor P. Saito, and Counicllor S. McFadden
    Carried (8 to 0)

Mayor Crombie made opening statements regarding the COVID-19 virus and spoke to the effects on City operations, social and economic impacts and providing updates to the public.

Dr. Lawrence Loh, Peel Medical Officer of Health, provided an update from Peel Public Health’s response to the virus and spoke to the following:

  • Number of cases in the Region of Peel
  • How to reduce the risk of spreading virus
  • Impacts of virus to the public
  • Actively engaging and updating public with information
  • Self-isolation
  • Lack of vaccine or cure
  • COVID-19 Symptoms
  • Online self-assessment tools available on the Peel Public Health as well as the provincial and federal websites

Members of Council engaged in a discussion regarding the information provided by Dr. Lawrence Loh and spoke to the following:           

  • COVID-19 test results
  • COVID-19 virus in relation to influenza, SARS and H1N1 virus
  • Testing standards
  • Seasonal patterns
  • The effectiveness for masks
  • The increase need for Foodbank donations
  • Outdoor activities and not attending public parks
  • Possibility of a COVID-19 vaccine
  • Breaking down COVID019 Statistics based on demographics

Michelle DiEmanuele, President & CEO, Trillium Health Partners, provided an update from Trillium Health’s response to the COVID-19 virus and spoke to the following:

  • Impacts of COVID-19 on Trillium Health and all hospitals
  • Steps the hospital is taking to reduce contraction of COVID-19
  • The number of COVID-19 assessment centres
  • Reduction in out-patient care
  • The cancellation of elective surgery’s
  • The implementation of a temporary visitor policy         

Members of Council thanked the efforts made by hospital staff and raised concerns regarding homeless individuals diagnosed with COVID-19. In response, Ms. DiEmanuele, noted that transition of care is currently being reviewed to address this issue.

Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, provided an update on City Operations in light of COVID-19. Ms. Baker provided the following information regarding City Operations:

  • Closure of City facilities until April 5, 2020 except those that are deemed essential services
  • Staff with the ability to work from home are working from home
  • Staff at home and not in a position to work from home will be paid.
  • Financial impacts to the City

Tim Beckett, Fire Chief/Director of Emergency Management provided update on the City’s essential services and spoke to which services are still operating. Mr. Beckett spoke to the following:

  • Staff policy adjustments
  • Masks for first responders
  • Declaration of Emergency by the Province
  • Recovery phase for the City
  • Available funding from the province, if any.
  • Paid leave for staff until April 5th

Members of Council engaged in a discussion regarding the information provided by Mr. Beckett and spoke to the following:

  • Accommodations for vulnerable people
  • Public washrooms and increasing cleaning frequency
  • Outreach programs for the community
  • Availability of food at food banks
  • State of Emergency in the City

In response, Paul Mitcham, Commissioner Community Services, spoke to the Region of Peel and their role in accommodating the homeless and vulnerable population. Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, spoke to the province declaring a State of Emergency and the impacts on the City.

Gary Kent, Commissioner Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, provided an update on the financial impact to the City and presented the following:

  • Provincial and Federal Announcements in relation to COVID-19 efforts
  • The City’s Financial Position
  • Economic Development Advisory Board
  • Feedback received by businesses thus far
  • Options to consider
  • Property tax recommendation

 

Members of Council engaged in a discussion regarding the report (Item 12.1.) and spoke to the following:

  • Property tax deferral
  • Free transit services
  • Parking
  • The impacts on upcoming events and festivals in the City
  • MAT funding to assist arts, culture and heritage groups

Shari Litcherman, Director, Recreation, spoke to the City reimbursing fees paid for upcoming booked or scheduled events.

  • RECOMMENDATION0045-2020
    Moved ByCouncillor R. Starr
    Seconded ByCouncillor M. Mahoney

     

    1. That the 2020 interim tax levy instalments for the months of April, May and June for properties enrolled in the City’s pre-authorized payment plan be deferred to their chosen withdrawal date in the months of July, August and September, 2020, respectively.
    2. That the 2020 interim tax levy instalment dates of April 2 and May 7 be deferred to July 2 and August 6, 2020, respectively.
    3. That the Region of Peel be requested to defer their payments requirement by 90 days to align with the change in instalment dates.
    4. That the Province of Ontario be requested to defer the June and September school board payment requirements by 90 days.
    5. And that the necessary by-laws be enacted.
    YES (12)Mayor Crombie, Councillor S. Dasko, Councillor K. Ras, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac , Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor R. Starr, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor P. Saito, Counicllor S. McFadden, and Councillor G. Carlson
    Carried (12 to 0)

Councillor Dasko spoke to the Port Credit BIA requesting that the contributions paid into PIL be given back. Members of Council engaged in a discussion regarding the proposed motion.

Janice Baker, City Manager and Chief Administrative Officer, and Gary Kent, Commissioner Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer spoke to the possible challenges with this request.

 

 

  • RECOMMENDATION
    Moved ByCouncillor S. Dasko
    Seconded ByCouncillor C. Parrish

    That the contributions paid into PIL over the years be given back to Port Credit BIA, in the amount of $447,000.

    YES (1)Councillor S. Dasko
    NO (11)Mayor Crombie, Councillor K. Ras, Councillor C. Fonseca, Councillor J. Kovac , Councillor C. Parrish, Councillor R. Starr, Councillor D. Damerla, Councillor M. Mahoney, Councillor P. Saito, Counicllor S. McFadden, and Councillor G. Carlson
    Defeated (1 to 11)

Councillor Saito raised a question regarding the tax deferrals and whether residents can still make payments for the regular scheduled April payments.

In response, Gary Kent, Commissioner Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer noted that April cheques will not be cashed however, residents can still make payments on time if they wish.

Diana Rusnov, Director Legislative Services and City Clerk spoke to the inquiries received by residents.

Council moved in Closed Session at 4:44 PM.

  • RECOMMENDATION0046-2020
    Moved ByCouncillor C. Parrish
    Seconded ByCouncillor J. Kovac

    WHEREAS the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended (the "Act"), requires Council to pass a resolution prior to closing part of a meeting to the public;

    AND WHEREAS the Act requires that the resolution states the act of the holding of the closed meeting and the general nature of the matter to be considered at the closed meeting;

    NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that a portion of the Council meeting held on March 19, 2020 shall be closed to the public to deal with the following matters:

    • Pursuant to the Municipal Act, Sections 239 (2) and (3.1):
    • Labour relations or employee negotiations - Verbal Update from Janice Baker
    Carried

0048-2020      A by- law to confirm the proceedings of the Council of The Corporation of the City of Mississauga at its meeting held on March 19, 2020.

5:23 PM