The Corporation of the City of St. Catharines
REGULAR COUNCIL MINUTES
Monday, February 27, 2017
Present: | Mayor Walter Sendzik Councillors Sandie Bellows, Mike Britton, Mark Elliott, N. Carlos Garcia, Matt Harris, David A. Haywood, Joseph Kushner, Bill Phillips, Mathew Siscoe, Sal Sorrento, Jennifer Stevens, and Bruce Williamson |
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Officials Present: | Dan Carnegie, Chief Administrative Officer Shelley Chemnitz, Commissioner of Corporate Services Bryan Shynal, Commissioner of Operations Jeanette Pillitteri, Director of Corporate Support Services Brian York, Director of Economic Development and Government Relations Kristine Douglas, Director of Financial Management Services David Wood, Director of Fire and Emergency Management Services Heather Salter, Director of Legal and Clerks Services/City Solicitor Phil Cristi, Acting Director of Parks, Recreation and Culture Services Jim Riddell, Director of Planning and Building Services Dan Dillon, Director of Transportation and Environmental Services Steve Solski, Executive Director of FirstOntario Performing Arts Centre Bonnie Nistico-Dunk, City Clerk Deanna Haine, Council and Committee Coordinator |
Mayor Sendzik took the chair and called the meeting to order in Council Chambers at 6:48 p.m. |
In the spirit of truth and reconciliation, the Mayor recognized the traditional territories of the First Nations where Council meets today, the territory of the Haudenasaunee, and Anishnaabeg and nearby Six Nations of the Grand River. The Mayor said, Mii'gwech.
(Note: The order in which the items were discussed was not the same as listed in the agenda) |
1. | Mayor's Report |
Mayor Sendzik provided an overview of the Scotties Tournament of Hearts. He stressed the importance of this event for the City. The Mayor thanked the organizers for its success.
2. | Adoption of the Agendas |
Seconded By: Councillor Elliott
That Council adopt the agendas for the meeting of February 27, 2017, as presented.
Carried
3. | Adoption of the Minutes (Council and General Committee) |
3.1. |
Seconded By: Councillor Sorrento
That Council adopt the minutes of the Special meeting of Council held on Monday, February 6, 2017.
Carried
3.2. |
Seconded By: Councillor Sorrento
That Council adopt the minutes of the Special General Committee meeting held on Monday, February 6, 2017.
Carried
4. | Declarations of Interest |
None were declared at this time.
5. | Public Meetings Pursuant to Planning Act |
There were none this evening.
6. | Delegations |
6.1. | Public Meeting (Pursuant to Notice By-law) 2017 Proposed Operating Budget |
The Mayor advised that public notice had been published in accordance with the City's Notice By-law to consider the 2017 Proposed Operating Budget.
Shelley Chemnitz, Commissioner of Corporate Services, presented the 2017 Operating Budget.
Councillor Siscoe, Budget Standing Committee Chair, addressed Council to present the draft operating budget for 2017 as approved by the Budget Standing Committee.
The Mayor advised that those who had registered with the City Clerk in advance of the public meeting would be heard first. Kim Bauer registered to be heard. His questions and comments are summarized below:
• asked if non-budget committee councillors find the standing committee's practice helpful
• asked if staff are supportive of the standing committee concept and if there are recommendations to improve or further streamline it
• asked if the City is able to complete the budgets in the current year for the following year
• asked about the payroll portion of the accounting software
• he stated that he likes the practice of answering the speaker's questions at the conclusion of the presentations
Members of Council answered some of the presenter's questions.
The Mayor asked if anyone else present this evening would like to speak. No one else wished to speak to the matter.
Kristine Douglas, Director of Financial Management Services, responded to the presenter's and Council's questions.
Seconded By: Councillor Phillips
That Council receive and refer the public meeting regarding the 2017 Proposed Operating Budget to General Committee for consideration later this evening (see General Committee minutes, February 27, 2017, Item 3.1).
Motion to Refer Carried
Council moved on to Item 10
7. | Presentations |
There were none.
8. | Call for Notices of Motion |
There were none.
9. | Motions |
The motion was presented following Item 12.
9.1. | In-Camera Session March 6, 2017, 5:30 p.m. Start Time |
Seconded By: Councillor Sorrento
That Council approve an In-Camera meeting on Monday, March 6, 2017, beginning at 5:30 p.m. for receiving advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege.
Carried
Council moved on to Item 13
10. | Resolve into General Committee |
City Council recessed at 7:26 p.m. and General Committee convened. General Committee adjourned at 10:59 p.m. and City Council reconvened.
11. | Motion Arising from In-Camera Session |
There was no In-Camera session this evening.
12. | Motion to Ratify Forthwith Recommendations |
Seconded By: Councillor Sorrento
That Council adopt those items approved FORTHWITH by the General Committee on Monday, February 27, 2017.
Carried
Council now moved to Item 9.1
13. | By-laws |
13.1. | Reading of By-laws |
The Mayor advised the by-laws listed on this evening's agenda will be deferred to the next meeting.
14. | Agencies, Boards, Committee Reports |
There are none this evening.
15. | Adjournment |
Seconded By: Councillor Williamson
There being no further items of business, this meeting be adjourned at 11:00 p.m.
Carried
Certified Correct:Confirmed by:
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City ClerkMayor