Budget Committee

Meeting #:

Date:

Monday, January 23, 2023

Time:

Please Note: this Agenda is for January 23, 2023 (commencing at 9:30AM, immediately following Special Council), January 24, 2023 (at 9:30AM) and January 25, 2023 (at 1:30PM) if needed.

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 Alvin Tedjo, Ward 2
• Councillor Chris Fonseca, Ward 3
• Councillor John Kovac, Ward 4
• Councillor Carolyn Parrish, 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
• 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

Michelle Sanstra, Legislative Coordinator

---

1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Bonnie Crombie, Chair, called the meeting to order on January 23, 2023 at 10:24 AM following the Special Council meeting.

2.

INDIGENOUS LAND STATEMENT

Mayor Crombie, Chair cited the Indigenous Land Statement each Budget Committee meeting date.

3.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA

On January 23, 24 and 25 2023 - Approved (Councillor Tedjo)

 

4.

DECLARATION OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST

5.

PRESENTATIONS - Nil.

6.

DEPUTATIONS - Nil.

7.

PUBLIC QUESTION PERIOD - 15 Minute Limit

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

Considered on January 23, 2023

Chris Mackie, MIRANET asked the following question(s):

1. The City entered into a lease in 2005 with the lease set to expire in 2025 which includes one section of the waterfront trail historically known as the Imperial Oil section of the trail which runs along the waterfront in front of which is now the Bright Water property, will public access remain open along that section of waterfront and along that section of waterfront trail? Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services responded that the lease was extended and that the trail will stay where it is, and the City plans to continue for it to be a long term connection. Councillor Dasko thanked Mr. Mackie for his question and responded that he is aware, and also encouraged Mr. Mackie to reach out and call him directly to answer any questions.

2. How does the City ensure that the downtown core has access to a similar amount of parkland? Ms. Robillos echoed Mr. Mackie’s concerns and responded that the City has to be strategic in how the City uses the cash in lieu of parkland funds by being pro-active when it comes to purchasing additional lands for parklands. Mayor Crombie responded that there is a reserve fund to purchase parklands when the opportunity presents itself. Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building spoke to Bill 23's many challenges with respect to parkland specifically within the downtown core.  Mr. Whittemore and Ms. Robillos noted they would continue to work closely with developers regarding the challenges with Bill 23.

3. The City's 10-year Climate Action Plan and the 89 proposals in an appendix in section 3, can you confirm that all the programs are being undertaken in support of the City's Climate Action Plan. Ms. Robillos responded that the proposals are across a lot of service areas pulled together and that an update was provided to the public recently regarding the progress.

4. Two suggestions were made by Miranet to incorporate into the Climate Action Plan for the City to ban the burning of wood and other debris, and for the City to encourage home owners that have gardens to compost material rather than put it out for collection. Ms. Robillos responded that an update was provided recently to the public regarding the progress. Ms. Robillos will take the request back to staff and follow up with Mr. Mackie.

5. What is the City doing to try and moderate that increase in its utilities budget? Raj Sheth, Director, Facilities and Property Management responded that the City is doing its best in reducing its consumption, but cannot control the rates. However, the City reviews programs all the time.

6. The City introduced a virtual fitness program during the Covid shut down period and now charges participants $19.99 a month regardless of whether they are already a fitness member of the City or not. Kristina Zietsma, Director, Recreation responded that there are costs associated with running those virtual programs, the initial idea was a soft launch and evaluated if it would be included as an add-on or other tiered membership options.

Considered on January 24, 2023

Jonathan Giggs, Resident asked the following question(s):

1. Why have you not considered raising fares, for better service?  Geoff Marinoff, Director, Transportation and Works responded that with the MiWay budget increase of 1.2 million, more money from the taxpayers would be required to change the experience described.

Considered on January 25, 2023

Chris Mackie, Miranet asked the following question(s):

1.  Does Regulatory Services ticket vehicles parked or blocking cycling lanes.  Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation & Works responded yes to Mr. Mackie's question.

2. What does the City consider a cycling lane? Mr. Mackie referred to the illustration on page 105 of the Roads presentation.  Mr. Wright responded that the illustration referenced is not a cycling lane and is an edge line, which is a form of traffic calming, it provides a visual reduction of the lane width that implies that vehicles should drive slower. Moving forward the City is looking at building cycle track style of bike lanes which is grade separated and removed from the road. 

3. Explain the department’s involvement in Vision Zero? How many pedestrian deaths have occurred in Mississauga on the roads from 2019-2022? And provide the results to the Councillors.  Mr. Wright responded that he will provide Mr. Mackie with the data regarding fatalities in the municipality.

4. What responsibility does Bright Water have in repairing the damage caused to the road surface by their heavy equipment? Mr. Wright responded that developers are required to pay for any damages they make to the municipal infrastructure.

5. What approvals are required to close part of our public roads for developers to build condominiums? Mr. Wright responded that through an issuance of a road occupancy permit, the developer would apply and staff review their application and if staff are satisfied the permit would be issued. Inspectors in that field would monitor and take any corrective action as necessary.

6. Why aren’t the disruption of public roads revealed and noted at Planning and Development Committee before staff support some of these massive projects? Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building responded that the Planning and Development Committee deals with land use change.

Jonathan Giggs, Resident asked the following question(s)

7. What percentage of the roads are in good, fair or poor condition based on the pavement quality index or measurement tool used, and is the poor segment increasing in recent years? Mr. Wright responded in terms of the overall classification of our citywide pavement condition - the roads that are in poor condition are 37%, fair condition 30% and the roads that are in very poor condition are 2%, year over year change is minimal, every five years a complete survey of roads is completed.

8. Will the roads classified as being in very poor condition be rehabilitated in the coming year? Mr. Wright responded that those roads would be prioritized.

9. On the main street in Port Credit we seem to be living in the dark, what standard are you applying and what project do you have to illuminate us better going forward? Mr. Wright responded that a change was made a few years ago as part of the LED street light replacement project and have encountered some issues with the system. There is a process and contract with Alectra to fix street lights that are not working during the evening. Audits are also performed and review illumination standards which is governed by street light protocols and as the City matures what is not included in the Street Light Policy are things like pedestrian street lighting, that's an added service level that we're beginning to see more demand for. Therefore, the City is looking to expand the street light program.

8.

CONSENT AGENDA - Nil.

9.

MATTERS CONSIDERED

9.1

Service Area Presentations (10 minutes per presentation) 

To be considered on January 23, 24 and/or 25 (if needed):

1. Mississauga Library;
2. Culture;
3. Parks, Forestry & Environment;
4. Recreation (Item 9.4);
5. Fire & Emergency Services;
6. Facilities & Property Management;
7. Transit (Item 9.3)
8. Regulatory Services (Item 9.2)
9. Roads; and
10. Stormwater

a) Mississauga Library

Presented by Rona O'Banion, Director, Mississauga Library 

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns:

• Open window hub services;
• Physical circulation vs. digital;
• Accessibility; and
• Renovations and re-development.

Ms. O'Banion and Laura Reed, Manager, Central Library and Community Development responded to questions from the Committee.

Received (Councillor Horneck)

b) Culture

Presented by Kelly Reichheld, Director Arts & Culture

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns regarding: music grants, arts, culture, and future development. Ms. Reichheld responded to the questions from the Committee.

Received (Councillor Fonseca)

c) Parks, Forestry & Environment

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

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns:

• Park initiatives;
• Post-pandemic;
• Costs and revenue generation;
• Future development and growth opportunities;
• Aerospace Hub;
• Dog parks;
• Destination/community facilities;
• City trails;
• Tree planting;
• Invasive species aerial spray costs
• Amenities; and
• Sporting fields

Ms. Paladino, Stefan Szczepanski, Manager, Parks Development and Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services responded to questions from the Committee.

Received (Councillor Horneck)

d) Recreation 

Presented by Kristina Zietsma, Director, Recreation

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concersn:

• AED life cycle replacement;
• Training courses & leadership certification;
• High Five Program;
• Recreation programs and events;
• Sport tourism plan;
• Future community centre development in Cooksville;
• Re-purposing pools;
• Community projects at South Common and Burnhamthorpe Community Centre
• Concession stands;
• Cooksmart program;
• Pickle ball; and
• Golfing fees; resident vs. non- residents and seniors.

Ms. Zietsma, Shari Lichterman, Commissioner, Corporate Services & CFO and Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services responded to questions from the Committee.

Item 9.4 was moved up and discussed.

ACTION ITEM(S)

For staff to report back to the Committee regarding data specifying resident vs. non-resident registration at the Lakeview Golf Course and the cost of updating booking software to reflect the addition to implement for the next golf season.

For staff to report back to the Committee regarding senior benefits, discounts and support offered by the City.

Received (Councillor Dasko)

e) Fire & Emergency Services

Presented by Deryn Rizzi, Fire Chief

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns:

• Response times;
• Future projects;
• Vehicle replacement with EV (electric vehicles)
• Recruitment and diversity;
• Operational and capital planning;
• Efficiencies and cost saving;
• Smoke detector campaign;
• Tiered response coordination and challenges;
• Public education initiatives;
• Demographic data; and
• Personal equipment and dispatch challenges

Ms. Rizzi, Deputy Steph Malo, Deputy Sam Williams and Deputy John Croizer responded to questions from the Committee.

Received (Councillor Horneck)

f) Facilities & Property Management 

Presented by Raj Sheth, Director of Facilities & Property Management

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions regarding net zero plans, future projects, lighting replacements and escalating costs.

Received (Councillor Fonseca)

RECONVENED - On January 24, 2023 at 10:27 AM.

g) Transit 

Presented by Geoff Marinoff, Director, Transit and Dania Ciampini, Manager MiWay, Customer Experience

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns:

• Transit service increases;
• Transit ridership trends;
• Service growth and expansion;
• Customer experience;
• Service patterns;
• Fares and route prioritization;
• Bus stops;
• Service reductions;
• Senior fare;
• Expanding ridership;
• Bus shelter locations;
• Accessibility;
• Bench placement;
• Cancellations,absenteeism and delays;
• LRT;
• Adequate lighting;
• Budget fare strategy;
• Financial impact;
• Senior and child ridership;
• Fare invasion;
• Pilot project roll out;
• Data collection; and
• Messaging and the presto compensation clause.

Mr. Marinoff and Geoff Wright, Commissioner of Transportation and Works responded to questions from the Committee.

ACTION ITEM(S)

For staff to report back to the Budget Committee in July regarding trends in service levels and routes.                                                                                                                           

For staff to report back to the Budget Committee the cost/feasibility of benches at bus stops.

For staff to work with Metrolinx regarding temporary seating along the Hurontario Street corridor.

For staff to survey or pilot adding a bus line on Dixie Rd. to service from Lakeshore Road up to Dixie Plaza.

Received (Councillor Horneck)

Item 9.3 was moved up and discussed.

RECONVENED - On January 25, 2023 at 11:30 AM.

h) Regulatory Services

Presented by Michael Foley, Acting Director of Enforcement

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns:

• Vacant home program;
• Property standard issues;
• Noise Control By-law review;
• Staffing and scheduling;
• Response times;
• Fireworks;
• Option 3;
• Cost recovery;
• Police support; and
• Recruitment and progressive fines

Mr. Foley and Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works.

Item 9.2 moved up and discussed.

ACTION ITEM(S)

For staff to report back to the Committee regarding issuing Administrative Penalties System fines for failing to maintain the height of the grass to the requirement of the by-law.

For staff to report back to the Committee regarding escalating fines.

i) Roads

Presented By Andy Harvey, Director Traffic Management & Municipal Parking

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns:

• Traffic calming measures;
• Operational budget;
• Road safety initiatives trends;
• Funding;
• Road rehabilitation;
• Vision Zero Program;
• Pedestrian crossing;
• Construction disruptions and coordination;
• Supply chain issues;
• Active transport implementation plans;
• ASE program; and
• Canada Community Building Fund

Mr. Harvey and Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works responded to the questions from the Committee

Received (Councillor Tedjo)

j) Stormwater

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

Members of the Committee spoke to the matter and raised the following questions and concerns regarding the stormwater charge revenue, funding sources and development charges.

Received (Councillor Kovac)

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0007-2023

  That the following Service Area Presentations presented to the Budget Committee on January 23, 24 and 25, 2023, be received:
  •    Mississauga Library
  •    Culture
  •    Parks, Forestry & Environment
  •    Recreation
  •    Fire & Emergency Services
  •    Facilities & Property Management
  •    Transit
  •    Regulatory Services
  •    Roads
  •    Stormwater

  Carried

9.2

Enforcement Staffing

This item was dealt with under Item 9.1 Service Area Presentation - h) Regulatory Services

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0008-2023
  Moved By Councillor C. Parrish
  1. That the report from the Commissioner of Transportation and Works, dated January 6, 2023 and entitled “Options to provide enhanced overnight enforcement of municipal Bylaws”, be received.
  2. That Budget Committee approve Option 3: Increased Staffing Through a Pilot Project, which will be funded in the 2023 budget.
  3. That all necessary by-laws be enacted.
  Carried

9.3

Additional Information for MiWay Fare Strategy - 2023

This item was dealt with under Item 9.1 Service Area Presentation - g) Transit

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0009-2023
  Moved By Councillor A. Tedjo

  1.    That the City implement a pilot project for free child (6-12 years old) fares for a period of one year; and
  2.    That staff report back to Council with an interim report 6 months after the implementation of the pilot project and a final report one year after implementation.

  Carried
• RECOMMENDATION BC-0010-2023
  Moved By Councillor A. Tedjo

  1.    That the City implement a pilot project for all day one dollar senior’s fares for a period of one year; and
  2.    That staff report back with an interim report 6 months after the implementation of the pilot project and a final report one year after implementation.

  Carried

9.4

2023 Recreation Programs Fees and Rental Rates - Golf

This item was dealt with under Item 9.1 Service Area Presentation - d) Recreation 

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0011-2023
  Moved By Councillor S. Dasko

  1.    That the Recreation Golf program fees and charges incorporating a 4.4% increase to Lakeview Older Adult green fees as outlined in Appendix 1 attached to the Corporate Report dated December 2, 2022 from the Commissioner of Community Services entitled "2023 Recreation Programs Fees and Rental Rates - Golf" be approved.
  2    That the Recreation Golf program fees, as outlined in Recommendation 1 and set out in Appendix 1 be incorporated into the new 2023 consolidated user fees and charges by-law, effective January 1, 2023.
  
  

  Carried

9.5

Update: Potential New Revenue Tools

This matter was deferred to General Committee.

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0012-2023
  Moved By Councillor C. Parrish

  That the report entitled ”Update: Potential New Revenue Tools” dated January 11, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer be deferred to General Committee.

  Deferred

9.6

Capital Infrastructure and Debt Repayment Levy Options

Members of the Committee engaged in discussion and inquired about:

• Option 2;
• Pedestrian crossover costs;
• Tax increase per household;
• Project costs;
• Debt issuance;
• Section 37; and
• Savings and funding.

Geoff Wright, Commissioner, Transportation and Works, Shari Lichterman, Commissioner, Corporate Services & CFO and Jodi Robillos, Commissioner, Community Services responded to questions from the Committee.

Councillor Parrish inquired about the Goreway Drive Grade Separation and Section 37.  Ms. Robillos and Ms. Lichterman responded to the inquiry and will follow up at a future meeting.

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0013-2023
  Moved By Councillor C. Parrish

  That the Budget Committee approves Option #1 for the Capital Infrastructure and Debt Repayment Levy to be incorporated into the 2023 budget as outlined in the Corporate Report entitled “Capital Infrastructure and Debt Repayment Levy Options” dated January 17, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer.

   

  Carried

9.7

2023 Business Improvement Area Budgets Additional Information

Budget Committee deferred this matter at its meeting on January 16, 2023 as per recommendation BC-0005-2023

Wesley Anderson, Manager, Financial & Treasury Services provided an update regarding the report.

Members of the Committee engaged in discussion and inquired about date submissions and deadlines.

• RECOMMENDATION BC-0014-2023
  Moved By Councillor S. Dasko
  1. That the 2023 budget submissions for the Clarkson, Malton, Port Credit and Streetsville Business Improvement Area (BIA’s) as set out in Appendix 1 of the Corporate Report dated January 17, 2023 from the Commissioner of Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer, entitled, “2023 Business Improvement Area Budgets Additional Information”, be approved.

   

  2. That all necessary By-laws be enacted and that the necessary budget adjustments be made.
  Carried

10.

CLOSED SESSION - Nil.

(Pursuant to Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001)

11.

ADJOURNMENT

On January 25, 2023 at 3:37 PM  (Councillor Kovac)