Minutes

Budget Committee

The Corporation of the City of Brampton

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

1:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

Council Chambers - 4th Floor, City Hall - Webex Electronic Meeting

Members Present:

• Mayor P. Brown
• Regional Councillor P. Vicente
• Regional Councillor R. Santos
• Regional Councillor M. Palleschi
• Regional Councillor M. Medeiros
• Regional Councillor P. Fortini
• Regional Councillor G. Dhillon
• City Councillor D. Whillans
• City Councillor J. Bowman
• City Councillor C. Williams
• City Councillor H. Singh

Staff Present:

• David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer
• Michael Davidson, Commissioner, Corporate Support Services
• Richard Forward, Commissioner, Planning, Building and Economic Development
• Derek Boyce, Acting Commissioner, Community Services
• Jayne Holmes, Acting Commissioner, Public Works and Engineering
• Bill Boyes, Fire Chief, Fire and Emergency Services
• Alex Milojevic, General Manager
• Mark Medeiros, Acting Treasurer, Corporate Support Services
• Sameer Akhtar, City Solicitor
• Peter Fay, City Clerk
• Charlotte Gravlev, Deputy City Clerk
• Sonya Pacheco, Legislative Coordinator

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1.

Call to Order

Note: In consideration of the current COVID-19 public health orders prohibiting large public gatherings of people and requirements for physical distancing between persons, in-person attendance at this Budget Committee meeting was limited and physical distancing was maintained in Council Chambers at all times during the meeting.

The meeting was called to order on November 23, 2020 at 1:01 p.m., recessed at 3:55 p.m., reconvened at 7:01 p.m. and recessed at 8:59 p.m. 

On November 26, 2020, Committee reconvened at 5:15 p.m. and recessed at 7:39 p.m.

On November 30, 2020, Committee reconvened at 9:30 a.m. and recessed at 1:50 p.m.

On December 1, 2020, Committee reconvened at 1:01 p.m., recessed at 3:24 p.m., reconvened at 4:03 p.m., and adjourned at 4:26 p.m.

As this meeting of Budget Committee was conducted with electronic participation by Members of Council, the meeting started with the City Clerk calling the roll for attendance at each session of Budget Committee.

Members present for each meeting session:

Mayor Brown (Chair), Councillor Santos, Councillor Vicente, Councillor Whillans, Councillor Palleschi, Councillor Bowman, Councillor Medeiros, Councillor Williams, Councillor Fortini, Councillor Singh, Councillor Dhillon 

Members absent for each meeting session: Nil

2.

Approval of Agenda

The following motion was considered.

• BC023-2020

  That the agenda for the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, be approved, as amended.

  Carried

3.

Declarations of Interest under the Municipal Conflict of Interest Act

City Councillor Bowman declared a conflict of interest with respect to the economic development grant section of the budget, as his son does graphic design work for a few organizations that have received grants in past.

Regional Councillor Fortini declared a conflict of interest with respect to the compensation portion of the Enforcement and By-law Services Division budget, as his daughter works in this division.   

City Councillor Whillans declared a conflict of interest with respect to the compensation portion of the Public Works and Engineering Department budget, as his brother and nephew work in this department.

4.

Consent

The following items listed with a caret (^) were considered to be routine and non-controversial by the Committee and were approved at one time.

(nil)

5.

Presentations

Tuesday, November 24

5.1

Presentation by D. Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, and M. Medeiros, Acting Treasurer, Corporate Support Services, re: 2021-2023 Operating and Capital Budgets

Prior to the presentation, Mayor Brown presented a slide entitled "Comparison of Residential Tax Rates Over Three Years" and provided information on Brampton's tax competitiveness with comparable municipalities and the impact of tax rates on Brampton residents.

D. Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, and M. Medeiros, Acting Treasurer, Corporate Support Services, provided a presentation regarding the proposed 2021-2023 Operating and Capital Budgets.

Committee discussion took place and included the following topics:

• Reserve contributions and re-payment rates
• Value of unspent capital
• Council and non-union staff compensation adjustment for 2021
• Operational savings from unfilled staff vacancies ("gapping")
• Sustainability and potential impacts of a 0% tax increase 
• Tax competitiveness with comparable municipalities
• Comparative analysis of salaries
• Municipal revenue tools and impact of the COVID-19 emergency on municipal revenues
• Attracting business investment through quality of life attributes
• The need to provide temporary financial relief to residents due to the impact of COVID-19 
• Collection and use of development charges
• Indication that the City has not budgeted for the COVID-19 emergency
• Request for information regarding:
  • reserve payout and total amount of transfer journals in 2020
  • breakdown of compensation adjustment into union and non-union components by actual number/percentage
  • comparator municipal tax rate breakdown for other municipalities
  • impact of a series of past 0% tax increases on the City of Mississauga
  • reserve position of GTA municipalities

The following motion was considered.

• BC024-2020

  That the presentation by D. Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, and M. Medeiros, Acting Treasurer, Corporate Support Services, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: 2021-2023 Operating and Capital Budgets be received:
  a. CAO – Introductory Budget presentation
  b. Treasurer – Financial Context and Budget Proposal.

  Carried

Tuesday, November 24 and Thursday, November 26

5.2

Departmental Presentations

a. Public Works and Engineering

J. Holmes, Acting Commissioner, Public Works and Engineering, presented the 2021-2023 Capital and Operating Budget for the Public Works and Engineering Department.

Committee discussion took place and included the following topics:

• Environmental Master Plan (EMP) and CEERP implementation timelines, and budget 
• Asset Management Program
• Capital infrastructure, facility maintenance and review of assets to assess need
• Winter maintenance contract timelines and performance
• Request for information on:
  • additional budget to top up CEERP/EMP initiatives to $500,000
  • snow clearing contract terms for court vs. non-court winter maintenance and seasonal start dates

b. Fire and Emergency Services

B. Boyes, Fire Chief, Fire and Emergency Services, presented the 2021-2023 Capital and Operating Budgets for the Fire and Emergency Services Department.

Committee discussion took place and included the following topics:

• Wellness program for firefighters
• Staffing resources for second unit inspections

c. Transit

A. Milojevic, General Manager, Transit, presented the 2021-2023 Capital and Operating Budgets for the Transit Department.

d. Community Services

D. Boyce, Acting Commissioner, Community Services, presented the 2021-2023 Capital and Operating Budgets for the Community Services Department.

Committee discussion took place and included the following topics:

• Combining the Community Gardens and Backyard Gardens programs and increasing the budget by $100,000
  • Suggestion that the issuance of certificates and/or plaques be considered within existing program funding
• Use of sponsorship funds to offset expenditures and support programs, and a request for additional information on this in future budgets
• Repair and replacement budget request for the CAA Centre
• Request for information on options for spending development charges and cash-in-lieu funds
• Shade shelter and park enhancement programs
• Value of City fitness memberships, and state of repair for fitness equipment
• Sports affiliation policy and the need to acquire additional space for community groups

e. Corporate Support Services

M. Davidson, Commissioner, Corporate Support Services, presented the 2021-2023 Capital and Operating Budgets for the Corporate Support Services Department.

Committee discussion took place and included the following topics:

• Staff vacancies, savings realized through "gapping", and impact on existing staff
• Competitiveness of staff salaries
• Recruitment practices and policies
• Budget requests for data centre and technology
  • Information was provided on the uses of various technology and system upgrades
• Accounting for IT projects
• Clarification of transfer journals between departments resulting from the corporate re-organization
• Request for information on:
  • use and amount of consulting services
  • impact of a staff freeze
  • recruitment policies related to diversifying the workforce
  • breakdown of citywide technology requirements

f. Planning, Building and Economic Development

R. Forward, Commissioner, Planning, Building and Economic Development, presented the 2021-2023 Capital and Operating Budgets for the Planning, Building and Economic Development Department.

Committee discussion took place and included the following topics:

• $2.1M allocation for the B-Hive incubator initiative
• New staff requests for the Building and Economic Development Divisions
• Request that additional information be provided at a future Council meeting on assistance for local businesses, the B-Hive incubator, and opportunities for indigenous communities

g. Legislative Services

D. Barrick, Acting Commissioner, Legislative Services, presented the 2021-2023 Capital and Operating Budgets for the Legislative Services Department.

Committee discussion took place and included the following topics:

• Concerns regarding Enforcement and By-law Services Division workload
• Increase in the number of complaints from residents requiring enforcement services 
• Revenue generated by the Enforcement and By-law Services Division
• Suggestion that four additional enforcement officer positions be added to the budget to improve operations
  • It was noted that these positions could be added with no impact to the tax levy
• Success and benefits of the AMPS program
• Communications strategy, fines and compliance relating to grass cutting and snow clearing offences
• Process relating to sidewalk snow clearing charges and enforcement of on-street parking during snow events
• Status of the "Igloo" training and operations centre and virtual component

h. Office of the CAO

D. Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, Office of the CAO, presented the 2021-2023 Capital and Operating Budgets for the Office of the CAO.

Committee discussion took place and included the following topics:

• Investments in Council priorities
• Equity Office, Council Community Outreach, and PMO Office roles and staff positions
  • Concern regarding the duplication of roles in these offices with existing staff, and the possibility of re-assigning staff to these offices
  • Clarification that these offices have been proposed in response to Council's direction and a recommendation from KPMG (PMO Office)
• Indication from staff that the investments in Council priorities provide value for money and address existing gaps in the Corporation
• Diversity and Inclusion training for all staff
• Organizational structure of the CAO's Office
• Jurisdiction and staff resources in the Community Safety Office 
• Sustainability and impact of a 0% tax increase in the City's budget
• Council newsletters, including distribution during an election year
• Information from staff regarding funding allocated for phase two of Peel Memorial Hospital ($20M) and for the Riverwalk project
• Request for information on:
  • the framework and activities of the Equity Office
  • Council Office budgets

• BC025-2020

  That the following departmental presentations to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: 2021-2023 Capital and Operating Budgets be received:
  a. Public Works and Engineering
  b. Fire and Emergency Services
  c. Transit
  d. Community Services
  e. Corporate Support Services
  f. Planning, Building and Economic Development
  g. Legislative Services
  h. Office of the CAO

  Carried

6.

Delegations

6.1

Possible Delegations re: 2021-2023 Current and Capital Budget Approval

November 24, 2020

Gideon Forman, Climate Change and Transportation Policy Analyst, on behalf of Malkeet Sandhu, Community Organizer, The David Suzuki Foundation, addressed Committee with respect to the need to increase funding for the Environmental Master Plan (EMP) in order to achieve the actions and targets outlined within the CEERP.

Lajanthan (LJ) Prabaharan and Divya Arora, Board Members and Political Advocacy Team Representatives, Community Climate Council, addressed Committee with respect to the need to allocate appropriate funding for climate action in the City of Brampton.  They advised that additional funds should be allocated for active transportation facilities, the EMP and CEERP, and for future transit projects. 

Sylvia Roberts, Brampton Resident, addressed Committee regarding the low parking rates in the City's downtown parking garages and suggested that increasing parking rates would increase municipal revenues. In addition, Ms. Roberts requested that staff consider debt-based funds for parking garage repairs rather than tax-based funding.

Ivan Marco Macri, Brampton resident, provided information on his volunteer and advocacy work in the City and on social media, and expressed concern regarding the impact of a property tax increase on residents. Mr. Macri suggested that, given the significant impact of COVID-19, consideration be given to deferring additional investments and that reserves be used to mitigate tax impacts.

Committee discussions included the following:

• Indication from staff that
  • active transportation initiatives and projects are imbedded in multiple City projects
  • parking garage funding and parking fees will be reviewed
• Request for information on:
  • active transportation components included in other capital budget project requests to provide a broader picture of dedicated active transportation initiatives by the City
  • the comprehensive parking strategy

November 26, 2020

Members of the Brampton Board of Trade addressed Committee with respect to the 2021 Budget, and highlighted the following:

• Negative impact of a tax increase on the business community
• The need to attract more investment and build Brampton's competitive advantage
• Request to pause reserve contributions and freeze taxes
• Request that budget information be publicly available earlier to allow more time for review prior to budget deliberations
• Concerns regarding the budget process, budget assumptions, and revenue projections
• Request that future budgets include a 10-year projection
• The need to be ready for major projects in order to be eligible for federal and/or provincial funding
• Potential small business tax break (pending provincial approval)

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Request that staff consideration be given to providing a 10-year capital forecast
• Reserve contributions
• Investments in major projects (e.g. LRT, Riverwalk)

Azad Goyat, Brampton Resident, provided information regarding additional taxes received from increased property assessments, and tax comparisons with surrounding municipalities. He stated that Brampton residents pay more taxes for similar services, highlighted the need to attract more business investment to the City, and outlined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on Brampton residents.  He stated that residents cannot afford a tax increase and requested Committee's consideration in this regard.  

Jasmine Moulton, Ontario Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation, addressed Committee regarding the proposed tax increase. She provided information on the following, and requested that property taxes not be increased:

• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on taxpayers
• Average amount of taxes paid by Canadian families
• Unemployment rate in the Region of Peel
• The need to reduce municipal spending
• COVID-19 funding received from the federal and provincial governments

November 30, 2020

Rick Tredwell, Club Liaison, and Rosemary Miller, Brampton Tennis Club, provided background information on the Brampton Tennis Club and requested that a winter tennis bubble be installed to cover the clay courts in downtown Brampton. The following information was provided:

• There is currently only one indoor tennis facility (hard surface)
• Hard surface courts are not suitable for all players
• The club attracts people to downtown Brampton
• There is increased interest from youth in tennis
• Bubbling the facility would allow for year-round play and training
• The Ontario Tennis Association and Tennis Canada are looking for more winter facilities to support their programs
• Status of the installation of the new clubhouse

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• The need for additional winter tennis facilities
• High demand for court time at the Chinguacousy indoor tennis facility
• Timelines for the construction and installation of the modular clubhouse
  • It was noted that the clubhouse can be relocated if needed for the Riverwalk project
• Indication that Brampton youth access facilities outside of Brampton for winter tennis lessons

Jotvinder Sodhi, Homeowners Welfare Association, provided background information on this organization and requested that consideration be given to freezing taxes due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents. He suggested that reserve funds be used to mitigate tax increases, and highlighted the need to support local businesses, build Brampton's employment base, improve transit service, and increase police presence in northeast and northwest Brampton.

Committee discussion took place regarding crime and safety concerns in northeast Brampton, and the need for a community police station in this area. 

A motion was introduced with the following operative clause:

That the Mayor and Council send a letter to Peel Regional Police requesting a community station or satellite office in Brampton’s east end for all reasons outlined; and

Further Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Authority over this request and a suggestion that this matter be raised at Regional Council 
• Similar needs for additional police presence in northwest Brampton
• Benefits of a having a community police station in northeast Brampton
• Possibility of the City providing space for a community police station
• Indication that residents have delegated and submitted correspondence to the Peel Regional Police Board regarding this matter

An amendment to the motion was introduced and accepted by the mover to add the following clause:

That staff be directed to identify a location and costs for a potential community station or satellite office in Brampton’s east end, to be provided to Peel Police Service at no or minimal cost.

A recorded vote on the motion was requested, and the motion carried unanimously (11-0-0).

December 1, 2020

Mark Sebamaalai, Brampton Resident, addressed Committee with respect to the state of local infrastructure.  He highlighted the infrastructure gap in 2018, 2019 and 2020, increasing annual needs and lack of revenue to meet these needs, construction class estimates, and 10-year new capital projects. Mr. Sebamaalai outlined the need to address the growing infrastructure gap and review the City's costs for each project, including debt capacity. In addition, he suggested that a 10-year capital project report be provided in future budgets.

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Reliability of 10-year capital project report
• Indication from staff that available funding sources are reviewed for each capital project and debt is considered for large scale projects
• Indication that development charges can only be used for eligible projects and cannot be diverted to fund other priorities

Manjot Heer requested that a sports dome be installed on Creditview Road and Sandalwood Parkway, near the Cassie Campbell Community Centre, for use by Ontario Field Hockey players to train during the fall and winter seasons. He provided information on indoor and outdoor field hockey, noting that outdoor field hockey attracts international play. He outlined the challenges in finding suitable field hockey facilities in Ontario, and the impact this has on players.

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Opportunity to host more international events
• Indication from staff that a possible location for a dome has been reviewed and funding has been allocated in the budget 
• Other opportunities for field hockey play in Brampton to respond to the growing demand

The following motions were considered.

• BC026-2020

  That the following delegations to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: 2021-2023 Current and Capital Budget Approval be received:

  1. Malkeet Sandhu, Community Organizer, David Suzuki Foundation
  2. Lajanthan (LJ) Prabaharan and Divya Arora, Board Members and Political Advocacy Team Representatives, Community Climate Council
  3. Sylvia Roberts, Brampton resident
  4. Ivan Marco Macri, Brampton resident
  Carried
• BC027-2020

  That the following additional delegations to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: 2021-2023 Current and Capital Budget Approval be received:
  1. Vanessa White, Chair; Glenn Williams, Member; and Todd Letts, CEO, Brampton Board of Trade
  
  2. Azad Goyat , Brampton Resident
  
  3. Jasmine Moulton, Ontario Director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation

  Carried
• BC028-2020

  1. That the following additional delegations to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: 2021-2023 Current and Capital Budget Approval be received:
  1. Jotvinder Sodhi, Homeowners Welfare Association
  2. Rick Tredwell, Club Liaison, and Rosemary Miller, Brampton Tennis Club, re: Installation of a Winter Tennis Bubble at the Brampton Tennis Club (Rosalea Park);

  2. That the Tennis Club delegation requests be referred to staff for consideration; and

  3. That the request from the Homeowners Welfare Association with respect to a police station for Brampton East be referred to staff for consideration.

  Carried
• BC029-2020

  Whereas Peel Regional Police plays a critical in the safety and well-being of Brampton’s residents;

  Whereas the City of Brampton has been a strong advocate for fairness and representation at the Region, and to the Province for healthcare funding;

  Whereas there is a disproportionate representation of a police footprint within the wards in our city.

  Whereas all other ward pairings in the City except Wards 9 and 10 have direct access to some sort of a police station;

  Whereas the east end of Brampton, comprising of Ward 8, 9, and 10, there are approximately 200,000 residents making up 33 per cent of the city’s population;

  Whereas from 2014 to 2018 crimes against a person in east end wards have increased on average by 50 per cent while crimes against property increased by 34 per cent;

  Whereas residents from these neighborhoods are experiencing anxiety and fear due to increased crime, lack of a police station, and severely delayed response times.

  Whereas there have been numerous delegations (HOWA, Vales of Humber), communications, community organized meetings and town halls attended by the Councillors, Mayors, and police chiefs, advocating for greater police presence;

  Whereas there has been increasing demand for a police station in the east end of Brampton.

  Whereas there are no police stations east of Torbram Road.
  
  Whereas it currently takes approximately 23 minutes to drive 19 kilometres to reach the northeast end of Brampton from 21 Division.

  Whereas Brampton City Council has made it unequivocally clear that the safety and well-being of all its residents is its priority.
  
  Therefore Be It Resolved:

  That the Mayor and Council send a letter to Peel Regional Police requesting a community station or satellite office in Brampton’s east end for all reasons outlined; and

  That staff be directed to identify a location and costs for a potential community station or satellite office in Brampton’s east end, to be provided to Peel Police Service at no or minimal cost.

  Carried
• BC030-2020

  That the following additional delegations to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: 2021-2023 Current and Capital Budget Approval be received:
  1. Manjot Heer, Manvir Mander, Gaganpal Dhanju, re: Dome Facility for Field Hockey;

  2. Mark Sebamaalai, Brampton Resident, re: State of Local Infrastructure

  Carried

6.2

Delegation from Amrik Ahluwalia, John Brennen, Junipero Lagtapon and Jack Mady, Residents of Lionhead Estates - Headwall Replacement Committee, re: Headwall Replacements on Links Lane, Classic Drive and Champion Court - Ward 4

Report Item 8.6 was brought forward and dealt with at this time.

A video delegation was provided and included information regarding the deterioration of headwalls in the subject area, the number of headwalls approved for repair, the number of headwalls that require repair, and related safety concerns.

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Indication from staff that the material used to construct the headwalls is failing
• Water flow concerns and the need to maintain storm water conveyance

The following motion was considered. (See Item 8.6  - Recommendations BC039-2020 and BC040-2020)

• BC031-2020

  That the delegation from Amrik Ahluwalia, John Brennen, Junipero Lagtapon and Jack Mady, Residents of Lionhead Estates - Headwall Replacement Committee, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: Headwall Replacements on Links Lane, Classic Drive and Champion Court - Ward 4 be received.

  Carried

7.

Local Board and other Presentations

Tuesday, November 24 (afternoon session)

7.1

Brampton Public Library

Susan Bartoletta, Interim Chief Executive Officer, and Jaipaul Massey-Singh, Board Chair, Brampton Library Board, provided a presentation regarding the Brampton Library 2021 Operating and Capital Budget Request.

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Expression of thanks to the Library staff and board members for their efforts
• Operational efficiencies and the need for more space to improve and expand library operations
• Elimination of late fees for children
• Additional budget request in the amount of $189,000
• Impact of growth pressures on programs and services
• Request for information on comparator costs for municipal library services

The following motion was considered.

• BC032-2020

  1. That the presentation by Susan Bartoletta, Interim Chief Executive Officer, and Jaipaul Massey-Singh, Board Chair, Brampton Library Board, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: Brampton Library 2021 Operating and Capital Budget Request be received;

  2. That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Brampton Library be approved, as amended to add funding support for:

  1) Security Guard Services - Four Corners (76K)
  2) Program & Services funding (81K); and
  3) Media Support (eResources) (32K);

  3. That the 2021 Capital Budget submission for the Brampton Library be approved, as presented;

  4. That the 2022 and 2023 Capital Budget submission for the Brampton Library be endorsed, in principle.

  Carried

Tuesday, November 24 (evening session)

7.2

Downtown Brampton Business Improvement Area (DBBIA) 

Suzy Godefroy, Executive Director, and Zeeshan Majid, Treasurer, Downtown Brampton BIA, provided a presentation regarding the Downtown Brampton Business Improvement Area (BIA) 2021 Operating Budget Request.

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• COVID-19 impacts on downtown business and the DBBIA
• Assistance provided to businesses by the Economic Development Office
• Allocation of funds for marketing and beautification, and questions regarding funds for advocacy
• Downtown events and initiatives during the pandemic

The following motion was considered.

• BC033-2020

  1. That the presentation by Suzy Godefroy, Executive Director, and Zeeshan Majid, Treasurer, Downtown Brampton BIA, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: Downtown Brampton Business Improvement Area (BIA) 2021 Operating Budget Request, be received;
  2. That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Downtown Brampton BIA be approved, as presented.

  Carried

8.

Reports

8.1

Staff Report re: 2020 Third Quarter Operating Budget and Reserve Report

M. Medeiros, Acting Treasurer, Corporate Support Services, provided an overview of the subject report.

The following motion was considered.

• BC034-2020

  That the report titled: 2020 Third Quarter Operating Budget and Reserve Report, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, be received.

  Carried

8.2

Staff Report re: Capital Project Financial Status Report – Q3 2020

M. Medeiros, Acting Treasurer, Corporate Support Services, provided an overview of the subject report.

The following motion was considered.

• BC035-2020

  That the report titled: Capital Project Financial Status Report – Q3 2020, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, be received.

  Carried

8.3

Staff Report re: 2021 User Fees – Community Services, Corporate Support Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Legislative Services and Public Works and Engineering

M. Medeiros, Acting Treasurer, Corporate Support Services, provided an overview of the subject report.

The following motion was considered.

• BC036-2020

  1. That the report titled: 2021 User Fees – Community Services, Corporate Support Services, Fire and Emergency Services, Legislative Services and Public Works and Engineering, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, be received;
  2. That the user fee charges proposed for 2021, as set out in appendices of this report, be approved; and
  3. That the respective schedules to User Fee By-Law 380-2003, as amended, be further amended to include the approved fees for 2021.

  Carried

8.4

Supporting Documentation: 2021 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets Pre-Budget Discussion

In response to questions from Committee, M. Medeiros, Acting Treasurer, Corporate Support Services, explained how consultant services are budgeted and tracked for each department

The following motion was considered.

• BC037-2020

  That the Supporting Documentation: 2021 Proposed Operating and Capital Budgets Pre-Budget Discussion, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, be received.

  Carried

8.5

Supporting Documentation: Summary of November 12, 2020 Telephone Town Hall and Other Public Feedback

The following motion was considered.

• BC038-2020

  That the Supporting Documentation: Summary of November 12, 2020 Telephone Town Hall and Other Public Feedback, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, be received.

  Carried

8.6

Staff Report re: Driveway Headwalls in the Lionhead Executive Estates Subdivision - Ward  4

See Item 6.2 - Recommendation BC031-2020

The following motions were considered.

• BC039-2020

  1. That the report titled: Driveway Headwalls in the Lionhead Executive Estates Subdivision – Ward – 4, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, be received; and

  2. That staff be directed to include funds in the 2022 Capital Budget to replace all the deteriorating limestone headwalls in the Lionhead Executive Estates Subdivision, using cut stone (Option 4 as outlined below) close to the originals and to be consistent with the material used in the repair of the other driveways:

  Option 4 - The City tenders to remove and replace all the remaining stone block driveway headwalls on the 76 driveways using pre-cut natural stone blocks driveway headwalls as a capital project, which matches the upscale aesthetics of the neighborhood and would be consistent with the replacements that have been completed to date, at an approximate cost would be $700,000; and

  3. That that prior to the work being done, the City require the residents execute such permissions to enter as may be required by the City to perform the work and confirming their agreement to the work being done.

  Carried
• BC040-2020

  Whereas the properties located on Links Lane, Champion Court, and Classic Drive have been assessed by City of Brampton’s Public Works and Engineering department who have determined the majority of headwalls to be in disrepair; and

  Whereas the City of Brampton’s Public Works and Engineering department has committed to repairing 11 of 87 headwalls in 2020 and 2021; and

  Whereas the residents of Links Lane, Champion Court, and Classic Drive have submitted a petition the City of Brampton requesting the repairs for the remaining properties as soon as possible; and

  Therefore Be It Resolved That staff be directed to include funds in the 2022 Capital Budget to replace all the deteriorating limestone headwalls in the Lionhead Executive Estates Subdivision, using cut stone close to the originals and to be consistent with the material used in the repair of the other driveways.

  Carried

9.

Referred Matters List

Nil

10.

Correspondence

10.1

Correspondence from various interested persons, re: 2021-2023 Current and Capital Budget Approval

The following motions were considered.

• BC041-2020

  That the correspondence from various interested persons, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: 2021-2023 Current and Capital Budget Approval, be received.

  Carried
• BC042-2020

  That the correspondence from Aneedah and Aubrey Bacchus, Brampton Residents, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, re: 2021-2023 Current and Capital Budget Approval, be received.

  Carried

11.

Other/New Business

11.1

Additional Documentation re: 2021-2023 Current and Capital Budget Approval

The following motion was considered.

• BC043-2020

  That the Additional Documentation re: 2021-2023 Current and Capital Budget Approval, to the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, be received.

  Carried

11.2

Final Budget Approval Recommendations

Discussion took place regarding the budget for the Environmental Master Plan. A motion with the following operative clause was introduced.  A recorded vote was requested and the motion carried unanimously (11-0-0).

Therefore be it resolved that City of Brampton Council endorse increasing the Environmental Master Plan Implementation Capital Budget from $200,000 to $500,000 for 2021, 2022, and 2023 to expedite the implementation of climate change, sustainability, and natural heritage priorities, including but not limited to:

• Developing integrated energy plans for urban and town centres;
• Establishing a Home Energy Retrofit Program;
• Establishing a Centre for Community Energy Transformation
• Developing a Climate Change Adaptation Plan
• Developing and implementing Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plans (SNAP)
• Developing a Woodland Management Strategy

A further motion was introduced regarding Community Development and Healthy Community Living, with the following operative clause:

Therefore be it resolved that staff be directed to implement the Community Benefit Plan as outlined per the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the 2021 Budget.

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Collection and growth of cash-in-lieu through developments
• Increased use of pathways and outdoor equipment
• Importance of promoting healthy lifestyles and responding to community needs
• Parks Enhancement program and how it differs from the Community Benefit Plan
• The need to repair paths and trails in Wards 7 and 8

 

A further motion was introduced with the following operative clause:

Therefore Be It Resolved, that staff reduce the proposed 2021 reserve contributions to achieve a 0% tax levy, as outlined in the staff 'consideration - path to 0%' while still maintaining another record capital contribution.

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents
• Funding for major projects
  • Staff advised that a strategic amount of funding is available in City reserves and the City has a significant amount of debt capacity that can be used to fund major projects
• Suggestion that funds be allocated to specific projects
• Indication that there are no service impacts in the proposed budget

A recorded vote was requested and the motion carried, unanimously (11-0-0).

 

The following motion was introduced:

That all non-union management salaries and Member of Council compensation be frozen for 2021; and

That the anticipated cost savings and budget reduction of $2.5 million (for all non-union staff) with approximately $1.2 million to be reallocated to offset budget amendments and $1.4 million to assist with funding community benefits enhancements.

Committee discussion on this matter included the following:

• Advice from the City Solicitor that Committee move into closed session to receive information on matters relating to: Open Meeting exception under Section 239 (2) (d) of the Municipal Act, 2001: Labour relations or employee negotiations
• Varying opinions regarding a freeze on non-union staff salaries
• Efforts and dedication of staff in supporting residents and the broader community during the COVID-19 emergency, and the need to acknowledge and extend thanks to staff
• Potential impact of the motion on staff morale
• Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on residents and local businesses
• Impact of a 0% tax increase on the municipality and the need to find savings to mitigate the impacts
• Request for information on where potential savings from non-union salaries (approx.$2.5M) may be reallocated to
• Suggestion that Member of Council compensation increases be donated to a local charity
• Suggestion that Regional Council also be requested to consider freezing Councillor compensation for 2021
• Possibility of only freezing Regional Councillor compensation (not City Councillors)
• Suggestion that the matter of freezing non-union management salaries be reconsidered during the 2022 budget deliberations

A motion to defer the subject motion to the evening session of the December 1, 2020 Budget Committee meeting was introduced and later withdrawn.

A request to split the motion was introduced to vote on freezing non-union management salaries separately from freezing Member of Council compensation.

The following friendly amendments to the motion were introduced and accepted by the mover:

• That Member of Council compensation adjustment value be dedicated to local charitable causes chosen by the individual Member of Council
• That the Council of the Regional of Peel be requested to consider also freezing Councillor compensation for 2021

A motion to refer the proposed motion to the Special Council Meeting of December 9, 2020 was introduced and later withdrawn.

In response to questions from Committee, D. Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, outlined the significant workload of staff, and cost savings realized, during the COVID-19 emergency. In addition, Mr. Barrick highlighted the potential negative impacts of a salary freeze on staff morale and the City's brand as an employer of choice.

The proposed motion was withdrawn.

 

At this time in the meeting, all motions presented and previously considered by the Budget Committee were brought forward for a final vote.  The motions were considered as follows.

• Note: City Councillor Whillans declared a conflict of interest with respect to the compensation portion of the Public Works and Engineering Department budget, as his brother and nephew work in this department, and left the meeting during the vote on this item.

  BC044-2020

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Public Works and Engineering Department be approved, except for the compensation portion of the Public Works and Engineering Department budget;

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission, as it pertains specifically to the compensation portion of the Public Works and Engineering Department operating budget, be approved;

  That the 2021 Capital Budget submission for the Public Works and Engineering Department be approved, as presented; and

  That the 2022 and 2023 Capital Budget submission for the Public Works and Engineering Department be endorsed, in principle, as presented.

  Carried
• BC045-2020

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Fire and Emergency Services Department be approved;

  That the 2021 Capital Budget submission for the Fire and Emergency Services Department be approved, as presented; and

  That the 2022 and 2023 Capital Budget submission for the Fire and Emergency Services Department be endorsed, in principle, as presented.

  Carried
• BC046-2020

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Transit Department be approved;

  That the 2021 Capital Budget submission for the Transit Department be approved, as presented; and

  That the 2022 and 2023 Capital Budget submission for the Transit Department be endorsed, in principle, as presented.

  Carried
• BC047-2020

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Community Services Department be approved;

  That the 2021 Capital Budget submission for the Community Services Department be approved, as presented; and

  That the 2022 and 2023 Capital Budget submission for the Community Services Department be endorsed, in principle, as presented.

  Carried

• Note: City Councillor Bowman declared a conflict of interest with respect to the economic development grant section of the budget, as his son does graphic design work for a few organizations that have received grants in past, and left the room during the vote on this item.

  BC048-2020

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Corporate Support Services Department be approved, except for the grant funding portion of the operating budget;

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission, as it pertains specifically to the grant funding portion of the Corporate Support Services Department operating budget, be approved;

  That the 2021 Capital Budget submission for the Corporate Support Services Department be approved, as presented; and

  That the 2022 and 2023 Capital Budget submission for the Corporate Support Services Department be endorsed, in principle, as presented.

  Carried

• Note: City Councillor Bowman declared a conflict of interest with respect to the economic development grant section of the budget, as his son does graphic design work for a few organizations that have received grants in past, and the left the meeting during the vote on this item.

  BC049-2020

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Planning, Building and Economic Development Department be approved, except for the grant funding portion of the operating budget;

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission, as it pertains specifically to the grant funding portion of the Planning, Building and Economic Development Department operating budget, be approved;

  That the 2021 Capital Budget submission for the Planning, Building and Economic Development Department be approved, as presented; and

  That the 2022 and 2023 Capital Budget submission for the Planning, Building and Economic Development Department be endorsed, in principle, as presented.

  Carried

• Note: Regional Councillor Fortini declared a conflict of interest with respect to the compensation portion of the Enforcement and By-law Services Division budget, as his daughter works in this division, and left the room during the vote on this item.

  BC050-2020

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Legislative Services Department be approved, as amended to incorporate the addition of four by-law enforcement officers with no levy impact, and except for the compensation portion of the Enforcement and By-law Services Division of the Legislative Services Department budget;

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Legislative Services Department, as it pertains specifically to the compensation portion of the Enforcement and By-law Services Division of the Legislative Services Department budget, be approved;

  That the 2021 Capital Budget submission for the Legislative Services Department be approved, as presented; and

  That the 2022 and 2023 Capital Budget submission for the Legislative Services Department be endorsed, in principle, as presented.

  Carried
• BC051-2020

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer be approved,

  That the 2021 Capital Budget submission for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer be approved, as presented; and

  That the 2022 and 2023 Capital Budget submission for the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer be endorsed, in principle, as presented.

  Carried
• BC052-2020

  That the 2021 Operating Budget submission for General Government be approved.

  Carried
• BC053-2020

  Whereas a community garden is a unique opportunity available to Brampton residents whereby a group of community members will join together to manage and maintain an identified plot of land for the purpose of growing fresh produce and plants and;

  Whereas the City of Brampton facilitates the use of public land for community gardening to help promote healthy eating, positive social interactions, outdoor activity, cross-cultural connections, and to reduce crime and vandalism in our parks and;

  Whereas the 2020 Backyard Garden Program was an eco-friendly initiative to help support food security in our city and encourage residents to get active at home during the COVID-19 emergency and;

  Whereas the City of Brampton was the first municipality in Canada to launch a citywide initiative to support residents in starting their own gardens in response to COVID-19 and;

  Whereas the Backyard Garden Program was met with great enthusiasm and participation by community members and;

  Whereas additional funding will support the New Backyard Program, the continuation of the current Community Garden Program and support staff in investigating the Front Yard Recognition Program;
  Therefore be it resolved that the 2021 Budget request of $150,000 be amended by $100,000 to a total of $250,000.

  Carried
• BC054-2020

  Whereas in 2014 Brampton Council approved the Brampton Grow Green Environmental Master Plan as a framework to improve the Brampton’s sustainability performances in six core components or People, Air, Water, Land, Energy, and Waste and;

  Whereas on June 6, 2019 Brampton Council declared a Climate Emergency for the purpose of focusing, framing, and deepening the City of Brampton’s commitment to the protection of our ecosystems and community from climate change and;

  Whereas on September 30, 2020 Brampton Council approved the Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan with ambitious greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets of 30% GHG emissions reduction from 2016 levels by 2030, 50% from 2016 levels by 2040, and a pathway to reduce GHG emissions by at least 80% by 2050 and;

  Whereas the Community Energy and Emissions Reduction Plan recommends the immediate implementation of six (6) priority projects to position Brampton to achieve the Plan’s recommended objectives and targets;

  Therefore be it resolved that City of Brampton Council endorse increasing the Environmental Master Plan Implementation Capital Budget from $200,000 to $500,000 for 2021, 2022, and 2023 to expedite the implementation of climate change, sustainability, and natural heritage priorities, including but not limited to:

  • Developing integrated energy plans for urban and town centres;
  • Establishing a Home Energy Retrofit Program;
  • Establishing a Centre for Community Energy Transformation
  • Developing a Climate Change Adaptation Plan
  • Developing and implementing Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plans (SNAP)
  • Developing a Woodland Management Strategy

  Carried
• BC055-2020

  Whereas The Parks and Recreation Master Plan helps define the City’s role in contributing to the health and wellness of our residents;

  Whereas The Parks and Recreation Master Plan integrates a robust methodology through which to guide decisions for the City’s parks, recreation, and sport infrastructure to the year 2031 and beyond;

  Whereas the City recognizes that structured and unstructured forms of play allow residents to lead healthy lifestyles by being physically active, socially engaged, exposed to natural surroundings, and benefitting from economic spinoffs attained through the local parks, recreation and sport system;

  Whereas physical activity, and a healthy body weight are essential parts of a person's overall health and well-being;

  Whereas healthy active living helps decrease a person's risk of developing serious health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer;

  Whereas the allocation of up to $1,000,000/per ward from the Cash In Lieu Reserve to a Community Benefit Plan will provide the most suitable parks and recreational facilities and programs in suitable locations to address healthy community living;

  Whereas parks and recreation planning is a crucial part of city building given the importance such infrastructure and services play in building a healthy, vibrant community;

  Therefore be it resolved that staff be directed to implement the Community Benefit Plan as outlined per the Parks and Recreation Master Plan for the 2021 Budget.

  Carried
• BC056-2020

  That the 2021 Operating Budget be amended to include the following adjustments presented during the Budget Committee deliberations:

  Amendment	Expenditures	Revenues	Levy $ Variance	Levy % Overall
  Insurance Premiums	(860,000)		(860,000)	(0.2)%
  Increased Assessment Growth		(708,978)	(708,978)	(0.1)%
  Equity Office	277,790		277,790	0.1%
  Centre for Excellence and Capital Compliance	390,942		390,942	0.1%
  Community Safety Office	164,638		164,638	0.0%
  Increased Public Communication	303,000		303,000	0.1%
  Council Community Outreach	150,000		150,000	0.0%
  Library	189,000		189,000	0.0%
  Enforcement Officers (4 F/T)	407,451	(285,216)	122,235	0.0%
  Contribution to Reserves	(9,781,392)		(9,781,392)	2.0%

   

  Carried
• BC057-2020

  That the 2021 Capital Budget be amended to include the following adjustments presented during the Budget Committee deliberations:

  Amendment	2021	2022	2023
  Riverwalk	4,880,000	7,250,000	14,000,000
  Community Living	10,000,000	-	-
  Environmental Master Plan (CEERP)	300,000	300,000	300,000
  Community Gardens / Backyard Garden Program	100,000	100,000	100,000
  I.T. - Internet Voting		(800,000)
  Mobile Inspect - Building (Change Funding from Tax Base to Building Reserve)	-		-

   

  Carried
• BC058-2020

  Whereas, the City of Brampton will have in excess of $800 million in unspent and uncommitted capital dollars in 2021;

  Whereas, a $113,910,000 reserve contribution for 2021 would be the largest annual contribution to reserves in the City of Brampton's history;

  Whereas, a 0% tax levy for 2021 can be achieved with this record reserve contribution;

  Whereas, the COVID-19 pandemic has had far-reaching and dire affects in our community;

  Therefore Be It Resolved, that staff reduce the proposed 2021 reserve contributions to achieve a 0% tax levy, as outlined in the staff 'consideration - path to 0%' while still maintaining another record capital contribution.

  Carried

12.

Council Question Period

1. Regional Councillor Medeiros asked a question regarding the voting process for the corporate department budgets, and requested that each departmental budget be voted on separately.

At this time in the meeting, a Point of Order was raised by Regional Councillor Palleschi. The Chair gave leave for the Point of Order. Regional Councillor Palleschi sought clarification on comments made by Members of Council in regard to raising further questions and/or comments during consideration of the final budget recommendations.    

Mayor Brown clarified that further questions and comments regarding the budget would be raised during the Special Council Meeting on December 9, 2020.

13.

Public Question Period

1. The following question was received from Sylvia Roberts, Brampton Resident:

"The E&Y report last year said the Brampton Fire Department was in the top 10 in North America, why isn't the City telling residents that? Surely residents would find it useful to know their tax dollars are going to a best in continent fire department protecting their family and property."

B. Boyes, Fire Chief, Fire and Emergency Services, thanked Ms. Robert's for her comments and noted that staff's focus is on promoting fire safety.  He added that staff will take this suggestion under advisement. 

 

2. The following question was received from Sylvia Roberts, Brampton Resident:

"Council and staff have talked about things such as Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, as of November 2020 Brampton Transit's data says 40% of bus stops are not Accessible, how many of these 1100 inaccessible bus stops will be made accessible this year?"

A. Milojevic, General Manager, Transit, advised that approximately 15% of bus stops are not accessible and provided information on how many are made accessible each year.

14.

Closed Session

Nil

15.

Adjournment

The following motion was considered.

• BC059-2020

  That the Budget Committee Meeting of November 24, 26, 30 and December 1, 2020, do now adjourn to meet again at the call of the Chair.

  Carried