OTTAWA CITY COUNCIL

10, 11 and 15 january 2007

ANDREW S. HAYDON HALL

10:00 a.m.

 

MINUTES 4

 

 

The Council of the City of Ottawa met at Andrew S. Haydon Hall, 110 Laurier Avenue West, Ottawa, on 10, 11 and 15 January 2007.  The meeting commenced on 10 January 2007 at 10:00 a.m.

 

The Mayor, Larry O’Brien, presided and the Clerk led Council in prayer.

 

The National Anthem was performed by Elgin Street Public School Choir.

 

 

State of the City Address – Mayor O’Brien

 

MOTION NO. 4/1

 

Moved by Councillor S. Desroches

Seconded by Councillor C. Leadman

 

That the Mayor’s State of the City Address be printed in the City Council Minutes.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

The text of the Mayor’s Address follows:

 

Good morning, bonjour mes colleagues, this marks my first State of the City address.  

 

Traditionally the Mayor uses this occasion to highlight the successes and accomplishments of his or her evolving term of office.   

 

However, given my recent election it is more appropriate for me to look toward a great future for Ottawa.

 

As I noted in my inaugural address on December 1st, we live in a remarkable city that is 50 miles wide, 2,700 square kilometres that encompasses rural, suburban and core city areas … each with its own unique character, issues and opportunities.

 

I also noted that as much as the size and breadth of Ottawa is inspiring, it is over-shadowed by the strength, compassion and creativity of its people.  Indeed, we witnessed the passion of our citizens yesterday that turned out in unprecedented numbers to speak to their priorities as we embark upon the 2007 budget process. 

 

I want to assure the groups that spoke to us yesterday that I share your commitment to community building and gained an even stronger appreciation for the critical services you provide in our growing metropolis.   

 

A quick tally of our community grants and cultural funding totals $22.6 million. 

I cannot stress enough that I do not plan to get to zero on the backs of our most vulnerable. 

 

Our challenge, the challenge for all of us, is to work to find administrative efficiencies and new methods of service delivery that will help us not only achieve our budget objectives, but more importantly, ensure that we continue to deliver better front-line services to all of our citizens. 

 

On November 13th, Ottawans voted in historic numbers.  Over 141,000 citizens supported the four key elements of my agenda for real change in the City of Ottawa.

 

These elements were and remain: A step back from the North-South LRT and a new direction for integrated transportation in Ottawa; A zero means zero budget process; A relentless focus on improving public safety; and Building and embracing a culture of excellence at City Hall.

 

Next week we will continue to move forward with the announcement of the Mayor’s Task Force on Transportation with an ambitious target that this group reports back to me before June 1st.   

My office has been besieged by over 100 expressions of interest from individuals and organizations wishing to be part of this process. 

 

While this makes my job more difficult in finalizing the composition of this task force, I am heartened by this interest as it is again concrete evidence of a great public desire that I heard time and time again during last fall’s campaign to be part of long-term transit and transportation solutions for our city and indeed, the national capital region.

 

And we should all be mindful of the lesson learned from the most recent election: 

 

Our long-term transit plans will only survive short-term electoral cycles and changes in government if there is public ownership of a sustainable plan that is built upon valid assumptions of growth, development and increased ridership.

 

Shortly after June 1st, I will then submit this report and consequent recommendations for consideration and debate by the Transportation and Transit Committees.

 

Turning to the present budget debate, I remain committed to a zero means zero budget. 

 

This can be accomplished through a variety of one-time measures and finding service efficiencies and other options that we will discuss over the next six weeks. 

 

In addition, when we compare ourselves to cities like Toronto, we can take pride in the transparency of our budget process.  And unlike Toronto, our budget debate is not a crisis … instead it is a solid exercise in democracy and community engagement.

 

I also challenge staff to look internally before turning to our array of over 100 program and service offerings as they respond to Council’s budget directions.  

 

Yesterday and this morning we heard from many people as to their dependence on City funding for various services.  Allow me for a moment to recall my conversation with Jack Sammon last October. 

 

Mr. Sammon is in his 70’s and lives in a 1300 square foot bungalow built in 1955 in the city’s west end.  He also lives on a fixed income and paid almost $3,400 in property taxes last year. 

 

As I sat in his living room he expressed to me the real life effects of tax increases, his pension income would not keep pace with the tax increases and he faces the real possibility of having to sell his home.

 

So just as we have heard about the importance of continued City funding to various programs, we must also be mindful of the pressure on taxpayers who fund these programs and through their continued independence ensure our social and cultural services can continue.

 

In mid-December I had the opportunity to speak to almost 300 City managers about my vision for entrepreneurial and anticipatory government.

 

Just as we heard yesterday from some extraordinary citizens who are working to better our community, City Hall is also populated by some extraordinary leaders.

 

I am confident they can help us get outside the bureaucratic box and provide Council with creative options to get to zero.

 

Shortly after we conclude the 2007 budget debate, Council must move to revise and update its corporate plan and Long-Range Financial Plan during the months from April to June so we can better chart our objectives through to the conclusion of our term in 2010. 

 

I will return to some of these objectives in a few moments.

 

In this effort we must also work with FCM and AMO to continue to address the funding imbalances we experience from other orders of government. 

 

And in this pivotal provincial election year, I look forward to working with all my colleagues to ensure that all political parties are aware of Ottawa’s unique needs in terms of our relationship with Queen’s Park.

 

Turning to issues of public safety, I know first hand what great and truly life- saving services are provided by the City. 

 

Before Christmas I had the opportunity to visit with our paramedics and have also connected with our firefighters and police. 

 

We must strive to continue to build upon these critical efforts and ensure that City initiatives in the fields of public health and community development are aligned with our emergency and protective services efforts. 

 

The Police Services Board will also hire a new chief to replace Chief Bevan who has served our community with distinction and passion. 

 

And allow me to take a moment to thank Vince Bevan as well for his leadership of the recently concluded, and record breaking, annual United Way campaign.

 

While the issue of light rail catapulted me into the election campaign to seek the privilege of serving in my present office, it is the vision of a re-energized, mission and customer-driven City government that should be the mark of judgment for citizens when they decide to re-hire or fire us during our next job interview in 2010.

 

A few moments ago, I mentioned the presence of some extraordinary leaders here at City Hall. 

 

And some of their accomplishments and recognition of their peers has been recently profiled in the media. 

 

I think of committed public servants like Bob Gauvreau, our Manager of Corporate Security who was recently recognized as one of the 25 most influential security executives in the world by the influential industry magazine Security. 

 

On another note, late last year the North American Society of Trenchless Technology handed out an award to the City's infrastructure services branch.  The award recognized the department for its contribution over the past 15 years in finding new ways of repairing and replacing deteriorating sewer and water mains.

 

Or we can take the innovative example of City employee Zhaida Uddin who has been recognized by the Canadian Association for HIV Research for Operation Hair Spray which employed Ottawa-area hair-styling salons and barbershops to reach members of our African and Caribbean communities to promote HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention.

 

These are great examples of entrepreneurial government.   Public servants finding better ways to deliver public services. 

 

When I spoke to the City’s senior leadership group last month I stressed that I want our internal systems redesigned not to avoid mistakes but to reward entrepreneurial government. 

 

This was also a key campaign commitment.

 

As we design our new corporate plan and build a sustainable long-term financial plan for Ottawa, I encourage Council and staff to embrace new and innovative methods of service delivery. 

 

New and innovative methods of service delivery and across the broad range of City services including better results in social housing, better and stronger partnerships with our social service agencies, more community ownership of parks and recreation programming and innovations in mass transit, just to name a few.

 

Colleagues and citizens, I was elected on a platform of real change. 

 

New leadership combined with the corporate experience around this table can be a formidable combination to implement real change.  

 

As we continue our budget process in the coming weeks let’s change the paradigm from one where the community comes to defend programs to one where we re-examine the way we conduct the City’s business.

 

As Marcel Proust once wrote, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new lands, but in seeing with new eyes.”

 

In future State of the City addresses I look forward to reporting back on our collective progress and the transformation in our City and its services. 

 

This transformation will yield a dividend for all of us … a City that will move from very good to great … and services and programs that will be the envy of all Canadians.

 

Thank you et merci.

 

 

Announcements/Ceremonial Activities

 

RECOGNITION - ALZHEIMER AWARENESS MONTH

 

Mayor O’Brien presented a framed proclamation declaring January 2007 as Alzheimer Awareness Month in the City of Ottawa to Ms. Kathy Wright, Executive Director, Alzheimer Society of Ottawa. 

 

MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF BOB MACQUARRIE

 

A Moment of Silence was observed in memory of Bob MacQuarrie, who died suddenly on 11 January 2007.  Mr. MacQuarrie was a former Reeve of the Township of Gloucester, Councillor for the Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton and M.P.P for the Provincial Riding of Carleton-East. 

 

MOMENT OF SILENCE IN MEMORY OF TOM FORGIE

 

A Moment of Silence was observed in memory of Tom Forgie, a City of Ottawa employee who passed away suddenly on 11 January 2007.  Mr. Forgie worked for the Water Distribution Program in the Drinking Water Services Division of the Utility Services Branch, Public Works and Services Department.  He had worked for the City (and the former Regional Municipality of Ottawa-Carleton) for 15 years.

 

Roll Call

 

ALL MEMBERS WERE PRESENT ON 10, 11 AND 15 JANUARY 2007, EXCEPT COUNCILLOR S. QADRI ON 15 JANUARY 2007.

 

 

Confirmation of Minutes

 

The Minutes of the special Council meetings of December 5 and December 6 and 7, 2006 and the regular meeting of December 14 and 18, 2006 were confirmed.

 

 

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest Including those Originally Arising from Prior Meetings

 

No Declarations were filed.

 

 

Communications

 

The following Communications were received:

 

·                     Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) Alerts :

 

·                     Ontario Municipal Partnership Fund (OMPF) Allocations for 2007

·                     Municipal Act Amendments receive Third Reading - Sign up for AMO education sessions

 

 

Regrets

 

The following member of Council advised that he would be absent from the Council meeting on the dates indicated:

 

Councillor S. Qadri                                                                                                     15 January 2007

 

 

Committee of the Whole

 

MOTION NO. 4/2

 

Moved by Councillor M. McRae

Seconded by Councillor P. Feltmate

 

That City Council resolve to move into Committee of the Whole pursuant to Section 48 of the Procedure By-law.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

IN COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

 

The following delegations addressed the Committee of the Whole on the 2007 Budget Directions Report.  Those persons whose names are marked with an asterisk (*), provided written submissions and these documents are held on file with the City Clerk.

 

Wednesday, 10 January 2007

 

Diane O’Neill, Ottawa Child Care Association*

 

Dilys Buckley-Jones, Carlington Community and Health Services*

 

Shukri d’Jama and Gada Nohra, City for All Women Initiative (CAWI)/ Initiative: une ville pour toutes les femmes (IVTF)*

Jean Pierre Beaulne, Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre*

 

Linda Lalonde*

 

David Hole & James Williams, Southeast Ottawa Centre for a Healthy Community *

 

Rosemary Laurin, Normand Levasseur, and Marlene Cherun, Family Services à la famille Ottawa, Catholic Family Services, and Jewish Family Services*

 

Emily Schaming and Adje van de Sande, Child Poverty Action Group*

 

Trudy Sutton and Rosine Kaley, Housing Help Action Logement*

 

Mary Hegan (Chair EAC) and Bill Pugsley (member), Environmental Advisory Committee*

 

Lori Nash, Friends of the Ottawa Public Library*

 

At this juncture, Councillor Legendre questioned when Committee of the Whole would be breaking for lunch.  Deputy Mayor Bloess had assumed the Chair and ruled that the Committee of the Whole would continue hearing from public delegations without breaking for lunch.  Councillor Legendre challenged the Deputy Mayor’s ruling and the Chair was sustained on a division of 13 YEAS to 7 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (13):        Councillors M. Wilkinson, A. Cullen, D. Deans, S. Qadri, R. Jellett J. Harder, P. Hume, G. Brooks, C. Leadman, S. Desroches, R. Bloess, M. McRae and Mayor O’Brien.

 

Nays (7):          Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, B. Monette, J. Legendre, G. Bédard, P. Feltmate and D. Thompson

 

Debborah Everaire, Eastern Ottawa Resource Centre*

 

Catherine Boucher, Ottawa Social Housing Network *

 

Sylvie Patenaude and Louise Lamarche, Orleans Cumberland Community Resource Centre *

 

Daniel Laurin, Vanier Community Service Centre, spoke of the importance of City funding for the Centre.

 

Linda Assad –Butcher, Lowertown Community Resource Centre*

 

Roy Thomas, Advocacy Committee of the Friends of the Ottawa Public Library Association*

 

Raul Ferreira, MacAulay Place Tennants’ Association*

 

Mary-Martha Hale, The Alliance to End Homelessness*

 

David Jeanes, Transport 2000*

 

Fatouma Abdillahi, Coalition pour Prévenir l’Itinérance chez les Francophones d’Ottawa (CPIFO)*

 

JP Melville, Ottawa Community Immigration Services Organization*

 

Barbara Lajeunesse, Ottawa Community Support Coalition, spoke of the many services provided to the community by the Coalition and the significance of City funding in carrying out these services.

 

Susan Flemming*

 

Al Loney and Glenn Drover, Council on Aging of Ottawa, expressed support for maintaining or enhancing current City services.

 

Margaret Nelson, Ottawa Association of Social Workers – Eastern Branch*

 

Rachel Besharah and Shellie Bird, CUPE Local 2204*

 

Catherine O’Grady, Arts Investment Strategy Committee Member*

 

Amanda Lewis, Ottawa School of Speech and Drama*

 

Valerie Colicott, Women's Initiatives for Safer Environments (WISE)*

 

Francis Beaulieu, Vanier Museoparc*

 

Christina Tessier, Bytown Museum*

 

Penny Knox, Morrison Gardens Community*

 

Christian Pupp, Ottawa East Community Association*

 

Bob Brocklebank, Glebe Community Association*

 

Jenny Gullen, Social Planning Council*

 

Mohamed Sofa, Somali Youth Project*

 

Esmail Merani and Jack McCarthy, Somerset West Community Health Centre*

 

Ken Holmes, Community Budget Advisory Team (CBAT)*

Meg Hamilton, Council of Heritage Organizations in Ottawa*

 

Moira D’Aoust and Sylvie Tourigny, Children’s Integration Support Services (CISS)*

 

Louise Tardif and Yasir Naqvi, Centretown Community Health Centre*

 

Kathryn Ann Hill, Ottawa Chamber of Voluntary Organizations*

 

Klaus Beltzner*

 

Mike Taggart, National Capital Heavy Construction Association*

 

Roberta Anderson*

 

Michel Fillion and Simone Thibault, Overbrook-Forbes Community Resource Centre*

 

Nicole Soucy*

 

Paul Durber, First United Church*

 

Elsie Chan, Andrew Fleck Childcare Services*

 

Barbara Clark and Mary Ann Kingsbury, Nepean Seniors Home Support*

 

Daniel Hoffman, Nepean Museum*

 

Cam Robertson, City Centre Coalition, focused on transportation related issues.

 

David Flemming, Heritage Ottawa*

 

Julie Harris, Friends of the City of Ottawa Archives*

 

Julian Armour, spoke of the importance of funding for the arts and festivals.

 

Dan Perley, Greely Community Association Transportation Committee*

 

Evelyn Shore, Ottawa Seniors Action Network*

 

Heather Kerr-Gauthier spoke about childcare issues.

 

Peter Honeywell, Council of Arts in Ottawa and Christine Tremblay, Arts Ottawa East*

 

Clark Topp, Ottawa West End Community Chaplaincy*

 

Sean McKenny, Ottawa District Labour Council, spoke against cuts to programs and services.

 

Fran Klodawsky and Garth Bulmer, Multifaith Housing Initiative*

 

Kathleen Cummings, Aids Committee of Ottawa*

 

Chris Szpak, Greenspace Alliance*

 

Michelle Le Boldus, Pinhey’s Point Foundation, spoke of the importance of retaining the museum sustainability fund.

 

Christian Rouillard*

 

Mohamed Ahmed and Wanda MacDonald, Pinecrest-Queensway Health and Community Services*

 

David Gladstone, Friends of the O-Train*

 

Roy Crawford spoke about financial aspects related to the bilingualism issues.

 

Catherine Gardner spoke on the importance of having an accessible location for the budget consultation meetings.

 

Louise Albert & Caroline Andrew, French Language Services Advisory Committee and Mireille Chartrand of Regroupement des Services Educatif d’Ottawa, spoke of the inequality of services offered in French by the City.

 

Nicole Dufresne-Baker, Ottawa Chamber of Commerce*

 

Jane Boyko, Eastern Chapter – Archivists Association of Ontario*

 

Bill Hagarty, spoke about the community bus pass program.

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/3

 

Moved by Councillor J. Legendre

Seconded by Councillor M. McRae

 

WHEREAS there is unprecedented interest in the 2007 Budget Directions Debate; and

 

WHEREAS Council wishes to hear all delegations;

 

BE IT THEREFORE RESOLVED that Council set aside sufficient time on Thursday, January 11th starting at 9:00 a.m. and aim to end delegations proceedings today at 7:00 p.m. and that staff be directed to call all delegations scheduled for after 7:00 p.m. today and re-book them commencing tomorrow morning.

 

AND FURTHER that staff should also utilize the media to inform the public of these changes; and

 

FURTHER that staff ensure any accessibility issues for presenters with disabilities including costs be reasonably addressed.

 

CARRIED on a division of 13 YEAS to 11 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (13):        Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, M. Bellemare, R. Jellett, R. Chiarelli,

J. Legendre, J. Harder, G. Bédard, P. Hume, P. Feltmate, C. Leadman,

D. Thompson and M. McRae

 

Nays (11):        Councillors E. El-Chantiry, M. Wilkinson, B. Monette, A. Cullen, D. Deans,

S. Qadri, G. Hunter, G. Brooks, S. Desroches, R. Bloess and Mayor O’Brien.

 

Council recessed at 7:25 p.m. on Wednesday, January 10, 2007 and reconvened at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, 11 January 2007.

 

 

Thursday, 11 January 2007

 

Adele Muldoon, Health and Social Services Advisory Committee*

 

Nick Masciantonio, Arts, Heritage and Culture Advisory Committee, spoke of how City funding for the arts leverages millions of dollars from the other levels of government.

 

Maija Kagis, Dalhousie Community Association*

 

Jacques Desroches, Groupe d’action communautaire francophone*

 

Shawna Moffatt, Diefenbunker*

 

Isabelle Geoffrion, Watson’s Mill, Manotick*

 

Richard Eveleigh*

 

David Daubney, Ottawa Public Library Foundation, spoke of the Library’s funding needs.

 

Brian Carroll, Dow's Lake Residents Association*

 

Sam Sam Ahmed*

 

Barbara Carroll, Debra Dynes Family House*

 

Lisa Jamieson, Canadian Mental Health Association*

 

Pete Cassidy, Jewish Family Services – Street Outreach Program*

 

Glen Lucas, Property Tax Review Services*

 

Kevin Kinsella spoke against a zero percent tax increase, noting the impact it would have on social programs in the City.

 

Linda Kinsella spoke on the importance of social programs and urged Council not to support a zero percent tax increase.

 

Rob Sproule, Business Advisory Committee*

 

Sue Garvey, Supportive Housing Network*

 

Marion Dewar urged members of Council to keep in mind that Ottawa is the nation’s capital, when setting the budget.

 

Bob Stephenson, Ottawa Witness Group*

 

John Toft, Families Matter Co-operative Inc*

 

Katherine Gunn*

 

Leo Lavergne, Ottawa Nonprofit Seniors Centres*

 

Russ Thomas, Cumberland Museum Board, spoke about heritage funding and the City’s responsibility to preserve civic history.

 

Ron Kellesteine, The Anti-Poverty Project (TAPP)*

 

Audrey Churgin, Multi-cultural Arts for Schools and Communities (MASC)*

 

Mike Pyndus*

 

Gerry Lepage, Bank St. Promenade B.I.A, spoke in favour of a zero-based budget.

 

Rosemary Taylor, Nanny Goat Hill Community Gardens*

 

Michael Jenkin, Ottawa South Community Association*

 

MOTION NO. 4/4

 

Moved by Councillor M. McRae

Seconded by Councillor P. Feltmate

 

That the Committee of the Whole rise and report to City Council.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

Postponements and Deferrals

 

CHIEF CORPORATE SERVICES OFFICER

 

 

1.             LONG RANGE FINANCIAL PLAN III (PART 1)

 

 

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and table the Long Range Financial Plan III (Part 1) at its meeting on October 11, 2006 for consideration by Council at its meeting on January 11, 2007.

 

                                                                          RECEIVED and TABLED 11 OCTOBER 2006; and

                                                                                         CARRIED 10, 11 and 15 JANUARY 2007

 

 

 

2.             LONG RANGE FINANCIAL PLAN III (PART 2)

 

 

            REPORT RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council receive and table the Long Range Financial Plan III (Part 2) at its meeting on December 14, 2006 for subsequent approval by Council at its meeting on January 11, 2007.  

 

 

                                                                     RECEIVED AND TABLED 14 DECEMBER 2006; and

                                                                                         CARRIED 10, 11 and 15 JANUARY 2007

 

 

3.             2007 BUDGET DIRECTIONS REPORT

 

 

            REPORT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

That the 2007 Budget Directions report be received and tabled at the Council meeting of 14 December 2006 for subsequent consideration by Council as Committee of the Whole on 10 and 11 January 2007; and that Councillors submit to the City Clerk by 05 January 2007 for Council consideration, any motions which provide additional direction to staff for the development of the 2007 Draft Budget.

 

1.                  That Council approve the development of a Draft Operating Budget for 2007 for all tax-supported services (excluding Ottawa Police Services), that includes:

 

a.                  The cost of maintaining current programs at current service levels;

b.                  The cost of providing provincially mandated and cost-shared programs;

c.                   The costs associated with growth in population or infrastructure that is operated and maintained by the City;

d.                  The costs of enhanced services as directed by Council through reports and directions received throughout the year;

e.                  An increase equivalent to 1% of taxation for the contribution to capital used to fund the strategic initiatives category of capital;

f.                    An increase to user fees at either the percentage increase in the cost of providing the program or service, or as directed through Council-approved policy;

g.                  A reasonable estimate of assessment growth from new properties added to the tax base;

h.                  Deferring a 2007 increase to the corporate efficiency target to 2008; and

i.                    No increase in taxation.

 

2.                  That the difference between the expenditures and revenues added to the 2007 Draft Operating Budget identified in Recommendation 1, be eliminated through the use of the following strategies:

 

a.                  Deferral of service enhancements that have not yet been implemented;

b.                  Use provincial gas tax revenues to the extent possible to offset increases in the cost of transit;

c.                   Use debt where possible, instead of contributions to capital, to fund the capital program;

d.                  Incorporate and pursue the cost-sharing shortfall with the provincial government;

e.                  Identify and incorporate any other one-time sources of funding;

f.                    Increase user fees and charges by more than that identified in Direction 1f; and

g.                  Identify program reductions.

 

3.                  That the Police Services Board be requested to table a Draft 2007 Operating Budget that is consistent with the directions identified above.

 

4.                  That the 2007 tax-supported Draft Capital Budget:

 

a.                  Be developed as identified in the Long Range Financial Plan III;

b.                  Incorporate the budget directions on contributions to capital and debt as identified in the recommendations above; and

c.                   Identify projects in the strategic initiatives category as prioritized by the administration, and provide a list of all other projects for information.

 

5.                  That the operating and capital budgets supported by the water/sewer rate be developed in accordance with the strategies identified in the Long Range Financial Plan III which includes:

 

a.                  A combined water/sewer rate increase of 9% in 2007

b.                  An increase in the amount of debt authority applied to the capital program;

c.                   The deferral of projects within the strategic initiatives category of capital; and

d.                  Allowing the reserve balance to fall below $20 million during the year.

 

6.                  Approve that the City continue to fund one-time 2007 operating requirements from a one-time transfer from reserves.

 

 

CITY COUNCIL 14 AND 18 DECEMBER 2006

 

RECEIVED AND TABLED to the Council meeting of 10 January 2007, together with the following motions.

 

MOTION NO. 3/11

 

Moved by Councillor R. Bloess

Seconded by Councillor B. Monette

 

That the Draft Operating Budget include options for different ways of providing services both mandated and optional.

 

                                                                                                      TABLED to Council meeting of 10 January 2007

 

MOTION NO. 3/12

 

Moved by Councillor D. Holmes

Seconded by Councillor G. Bédard

 

That recommendation 2g) be amended to read:

 

Identify program/ service reductions.

 

                                                                                                      TABLED to Council meeting of 10 January 2007

 

 

MOTIONS OF WHICH NOTICE HAS BEEN GIVEN PREVIOUSLY

 

CITY COUNCIL 12 APRIL 2006

 

MOTION NO. 56/6

 

Moved by Councillor D. Thompson

Seconded by Councillor S. Little

 

WHEREAS the taxpayers of the City of Ottawa are facing a significant property tax increase for 2007, estimated by the City Treasurer to be at approximately 8.1%;

 

AND WHEREAS the taxpayers of the City of Ottawa are facing further significant property tax increase for 2008 beyond;

 

AND WHEREAS the City of Ottawa has traditionally approached the creation of its budgets from the expenditure side as opposed to the revenue side of the ledger;

 

AND WHEREAS the taxpayers of the City of Ottawa can not afford significant tax increases;

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that, beginning with the 2007 budget, Council directs staff to create the City of Ottawa’s budgets using a revenue approach.  Revenue estimates are based on the previous year’s municipal tax rate, and may increase to a maximum of the average consumer price index, of the Ottawa region, of the last twelve months from the date of adoption of the budget.

 

MOTION NO. 56/7

 

Moved by Councillor A. Cullen

Seconded by Councillor P. Hume

 

That Motion Nos. 56/6 and 56/8, to direct the development of the 2007 budget be DEFERRED to the Council meeting that will set the 2007 Budget Directions.

 

DEFERRAL CARRIED with Councillor G. Brooks dissenting.

 

MOTION NO. 56/8

 

Moved by Councillor D. Thompson 

Seconded by Councillor S. Little

 

WHEREAS the taxpayers of the City of Ottawa are facing a significant property tax increase for 2007, estimated by the City Treasurer to be at approximately 8.1%;

 

AND WHEREAS the Consumer Price Index is the generally recognized measure of inflation, upon which businesses and employers base price and salary increases;

 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that City staff are directed to bring in a tax increase for the 2007 budget that is limited to the average of the previous twelve months, from the date of adoption of the budget, of the Consumer Price Index for the Ottawa region.

 

DEFERRED to the Council meeting that will set the 2007 Budget Directions (Motion No. 56/7 refers).

 

CITY COUNCIL 10, 11 AND 15 JANUARY 2007

 

 

Motion No. 56/6 and Motion No. 56/8 were WITHDRAWN.  Motion No. 3/11 and Motion No. 3/12 were dealt with below.  Refer to Motion No. 4/15 and Motion No. 4/14 respectively. 

 
MOTION NO. 4/5

 

Moved by Councillor A. Cullen

Seconded by Councillor M. Wilkinson

 

That Council continue past 7:00 p.m. until all business is finished.

 

CARRIED on a division of 14 YEAS to 9 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (14):        Councillors D. Holmes, M. Wilkinson, B. Monette, A. Cullen, M. Bellemare, D. Deans, S. Qadri, R. Jellett, P. Feltmate, G. Hunter, C. Leadman, R. Bloess, M. McRae and Mayor O’Brien.

 

Nays (9):          Councillors C. Doucet, E. El-Chantiry, R. Chiarelli, J. Legendre, J. Harder, P. Hume, G. Brooks, D. Thompson and S. Desroches.

 

 
MOTION NO. 4/6

 

Moved by Councillor C. Doucet

Seconded by Councillor A. Cullen

 

[Recommendation 1 (d)]

 

WHEREAS Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) agencies in the City of Ottawa struggle to deliver high quality ELCC programs as a result of chronic under-funding below the level of inflation and cost of living;
 
WHEREAS ELCC agencies are hard pressed to attract and retain a well- trained and skilled workforce due to abysmally low wages in the sector and annual erosion in wages/salaries that have not kept pace with inflation over the past 13 years;
 
WHEREAS our not-for-profit ELCC agencies undertook an informal survey of their budgets in 2006 which showed a need for an average operating increase of 5% to address historic funding gaps and a cost of living adjustment to meet inflationary increases in operations and maintenance of facilities; 
 
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Ottawa City Council direct the Budget preparation team to include a 4% increase for non-profit ELCC agency operating budgets as part of the 2007 City budget to enable them to continue to deliver high quality ELCC programs that support the healthy development of young children and support their parents to work or study.

 

LOST on a division of 9 YEAS to 15 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (9):          Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, A. Cullen, M. Bellemare, D. Deans,

J. Legendre, G. Bédard, P. Hume and P. Feltmate.

 

Nays (15):        Councillors E. El-Chantiry, M. Wilkinson, B. Monette, S. Qadri, R. Jellett,

R. Chiarelli, J. Harder, G. Hunter, G. Brooks, C. Leadman, D. Thompson,

S. Desroches, R. Bloess, M. McRae and Mayor O’Brien.

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/7

 

Moved by Councillor P. Hume

Seconded by Councillor P. Feltmate

 

[Recommendation 1 (d)]

 

WHEREAS urban planning touches homeowners & tenants in a very direct and personal way; and

 

WHEREAS making it easier for everyone to be part of the discussion and debate will improve urban planning and decision-making; and

 

WHEREAS the current practice of directly contacting Planning staff to obtain basic planning application information such as general application information and supporting information such as traffic impact studies, servicing studies, marketing studies, and all other relevant supporting information is cumbersome and time consuming for both the Planner in question and the resident seeking the information; and

 

WHEREAS posting general planning application information and supporting documentation on the City web site will provide convenient and efficient access for the public and will promote transparency and thoughtful public input; and

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2007 budget for the Planning Approvals Branch include a provision to post planning applications and supporting documentation on the City’s web site.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 
MOTION NO. 4/8

 

Moved by Councillor C. Doucet

Seconded by Councillor P. Hume

 

[Recommendation 1 (d)]

 

Whereas, the City of Ottawa approved an Air Quality and Climate Change Management Plan in 2003;

 

Whereas, the City of Ottawa is on track to meet its targets under the Plan;

 

Whereas, actions to address the community targets laid out in the Plan have not been implemented due to limited financial resources;

 

Whereas, the City of Ottawa is the capital city of a country which has ratified the Kyoto Protocol and has taken on legally binding targets;

 

Whereas, climate change is one of the greatest economic, social and environmental challenges currently facing our city, country and world;

 

Whereas, acting to address climate change presents an opportunity to reduce expenditures, improve the health of citizens and maintain and enhance the prosperity of our community;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that staff be directed to include the appropriate resources in the budget 2007 budget to implement the Air Quality and Climate Change Management Plan.

 

CARRIED on a division of 13 YEAS to 11 Nays as follows:

 

Yeas (13):        Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, A. Cullen, M. Bellemare, D. Deans, R. Jellett, R. Chiarelli, J. Legendre, G. Bédard, P. Hume, P. Feltmate, C. Leadman and M. McRae.

 

Nays (11):        Councillors E. El-Chantiry, M. Wilkinson, B. Monette, S. Qadri, J. Harder, G. Hunter, G. Brooks, D. Thompson, S. Desroches, R. Bloess and Mayor O’Brien.

 

 
MOTION NO. 4/9

 

Moved by Councillor D. Holmes

Seconded by Councillor D. Deans

 

That Recommendation 1(i) be amended to read:

 

1(i) Two options:

a)                  A zero percent tax increase, derived solely from sustainable sources that upholds the Long Range Financial Plan principles and that does not adversely impact the City’s credit rating;

b)                  An inflationary tax increase based on the same above principles.

 

After the vote had begun on Motion No. 4/9, some members of Council asked that the motion be divided for voting purposes.  Mayor O’Brien ruled the motion could be divided for the purpose of voting.  Councillor A. Cullen challenged the Mayor’s ruling and the Mayor was sustained on a division of 13 YEAS to 11 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (13):        Councillors E. El-Chantiry, B. Monette, S. Qadri, R. Jellett, R. Chiarelli,

G. Bédard, G. Brooks, C. Leadman, D. Thompson, S. Desroches, R. Bloess,

M. McRae and Mayor O’Brien.

 

Nays (11):        Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, M. Wilkinson, A. Cullen, M. Bellemare,

D. Deans, J. Legendre, J. Harder, P. Hume, P. Feltmate and G. Hunter.

 

Motion No. 4/9 was then divided for voting purposes.

 

Recommendation a) was CARRIED on a division of 24 YEAS to 0 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (24):        Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, E. El-Chantiry, M. Wilkinson, B. Monette,

A. Cullen, M. Bellemare, D. Deans, S. Qadri, R. Jellett, R. Chiarelli, J. Legendre, J. Harder, G. Bédard, P. Hume, P. Feltmate, G. Hunter, G. Brooks, C. Leadman, D. Thompson, S. Desroches, R. Bloess, M. McRae and Mayor O’Brien.

 

Nays (0):         

 

Recommendation b) was CARRIED on a division of 13 YEAS to 11 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (13):        Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, M. Wilkinson, A. Cullen, M. Bellemare,

D. Deans, S. Qadri, J. Legendre, G. Bédard, P. Hume, P. Feltmate, G. Hunter

and R. Bloess.

 

Nays (11):        Councillors E. El-Chantiry, B. Monette, R. Jellett, R. Chiarelli, J. Harder,

G. Brooks, C. Leadman, D. Thompson, S. Desroches, M. McRae

and Mayor O’Brien.

 

MOTION NO. 4/10

 

Moved by Councillor R. Bloess

Seconded by Councillor B. Monette

 

That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to consider and approve the following:

 

That each section be dealt with in one shot, allowing each a total of 5 minutes speaking time for all motions.

 

Pursuant to Subsection 1 (2) of Procedure By-law 2006-462, Suspension of the Rules of Procedure LOST on a division of 16 YEAS to 8 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (16):        Councillors E. El-Chantiry, M. Wilkinson, B. Monette, A. Cullen, M. Bellemare, S. Qadri, R. Jellett, J. Harder, G. Hunter, G. Brooks, C. Leadman, D. Thompson, S. Desroches, R. Bloess, M. McRae and Mayor O’Brien.

 

Nays (8):          Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, D. Deans, R. Chiarelli, J. Legendre,

G. Bédard, P. Hume and P. Feltmate.

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/11

 

Moved by Councillor M. McRae

Seconded by Councillor P. Feltmate

 

That Recommendation 2 be amended to read as follows:

 

2.                  That any difference between the expenditures and revenues in the 2007 Draft Operating Budget as identified in Recommendation 1, be addressed through some combination of the following strategies:

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/12

 

Moved by Councillor D. Holmes

Seconded by Councillor P. Feltmate

 

[Recommendation 2 (a) and Body of Report 1(d)i.]

 

WHEREAS in 2006 City Council directed that the 2007 budget include the costs of Ottawa Community Housing Corporation (OCHC) financial sustainability;

 

WHEREAS OCHC has identified $6.3 million as the requirement to fund their Safer Communities Initiative and for the adjustments necessary to their capital and operating budgets in order to make them sustainable, based on the following breakdown:

 

Category

Increase over 2006

Notes

Capital

$1.5 million

1

Manageable Costs

$3.3 million

2

Utilities

$1.2 million

3

Fixed Costs

$0.3 million

4

Total

$6.3 million

 

 

Notes:   

1. First increase since 2001

                2. Includes inflation, increase to meet provincial maintenance standards, and the
                   Safer Communities Initiative
                3. Reflects rate increases for electricity, natural gas, water and sewer charges

                4. Municipal taxes

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the budget request for $6.3 million for OCHC be excluded from Recommendation 2(a).

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/13

 

Moved by Councillor A. Cullen

Seconded by Councillor R. Jellett

 

[Recommendation 2 (a) and Body of Report 1(d)iii.]

 

WHEREAS previously City Council has considered and approved reports that have increased services, as listed in Budget Direction 1(d) as “enhanced services”;

 

i.e.                                                                                                                                               $000

·        Expansion of MINISIS application to Community Museums                                         55

            (as per the Museum Sustainability Plan)

·        Administrative support for Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee                            100

·        Additional resources for Committee Chairs                                                                   350

·        Accept postmark as date received for taxes (lost revenue)                                          100

·        Francophone subsidized childcare spaces                                                                      765

·        Museum Sustainability Plan                                                                                            740

·        Community Funding Sustainability                                                                                 500

·        Funding for Legion Remembrance Day Services                                                            11

·        Tulip Festival Shuttle Service                                                                                           20

·        Continuation of Ontario Disability Pass Discount (Community Bus Pass)                   600

·        Para Transpo Taxi Script Pilot Project                                                                           170

·        Transit operating impact of bio-diesel fuel                                                                     300

·        Snow Windrow Clearing Assistance program for seniors                                              120

·        Land stewardship and wetlands program                                                                       160

                                                                                                                                                 $3,991

 

WHEREAS Recommendation 2(a) proposes to “defer” these items from the 2007 budget (i.e. not include them as part of the 2007 budget) as one of the strategies that could be used to achieve Council’s budget directions;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the items listed above be excluded from Recommendation 2(a).

 

Motion No. 4/13 was divided for voting purposes with Yeas and Nays called on the third bullet: i.e. “Additional resources for Committee Chairs                                                                                                                    350”

 

LOST on a division of 11 YEAS to 11 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (11):        Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, A. Cullen, D. Deans, R. Jellett, J. Harder,

P. Hume, P. Feltmate, C. Leadman, D. Thompson and M. McRae.

 

Nays (11):        Councillors E. El-Chantiry, M. Wilkinson, B. Monette, S. Qadri, J. Legendre,

G. Bédard, G. Hunter, G. Brooks, S. Desroches, R. Bloess and Mayor O’Brien.

 

Motion No. 4/13, as amended, was then put to Council and CARRIED

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/14

 

Moved by Councillor D. Holmes

Seconded by Councillor G. Bédard

 

[Motion 3/12 tabled at meeting of 14 December 2006]

 

That Recommendation 2(g) be amended to read:

 

Identify program / service reductions.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 
MOTION NO. 4/15

 

Moved by Councillor R. Bloess

Seconded by Councillor B. Monette

 

That Motion 3/11 as set out in the Agenda, be amended as follows:

 

That Recommendation 2(g) be amended to add “and include options for different ways of providing services both mandated and optional”.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

MOTION NO. 4/16

 

Moved by Councillor M. McRae

Seconded by Councillor P. Hume

 

[Recommendation 2 (g)]

 

WHEREAS stable, reliable and longer term community funding promotes healthy and robust community organization; and

 

WHEREAS these community organizations provide important community services in an entrepreneurial and cost effective manner and would greatly benefit from stable and reliable funding; and

 

WHEREAS other organizations such as the United Way and the Community Foundation also provide community funding in the same broad program areas as the City of Ottawa; and

 

WHEREAS other Cites such as Toronto establish non-profit arms length organizations (Toronto Arts Council) to administer cultural funding; and

 

WHEREAS this may present an opportunity to collaborate with community based organizations to deliver this important community funding on a longer term sustainable basis; and

 

WHEREAS it will take time to consult and develop a collaborative approach to the delivery of community funding;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2007 budget for the Community and Protective Services Department be based on no funding reductions to community and cultural agencies; and

 

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the 2007 budget for the Community and Protective Services Department include a financial provision that would allow Committee and Council to explore (with appropriate community consultation) a collaborative approach to the delivery of stable, reliable and longer-term community funding with other community partners such as the United Way, Community Foundation or new community based agency similar to the Toronto Arts Council.

 

MOTION NO. 4/17

 

Moved by Councillor D. Deans

Seconded by Councillor A. Cullen

 

That Motion No. 4/16 be referred to Community and Protective Services Committee.

 

REFERRAL CARRIED on a division of 14 YEAS to 10 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (14):        Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, E. El-Chantiry, M. Wilkinson, A. Cullen,

                        M. Bellemare, D. Deans, S. Qadri, R. Chiarelli, G. Bédard, P. Feltmate,

                        G. Hunter, G. Brooks and R. Bloess.

 

Nays (10):        Councillors B. Monette, R. Jellett, J. Legendre, J. Harder, P. Hume, C. Leadman, D. Thompson, S. Desroches, M. McRae and Mayor O’Brien.

 

A Motion to reconsider Motion No. 4/16 was considered by Council on 15 January 2007.  For ease of reference the disposition of that Motion immediately follows.

 

MOTION NO. 4/18

 

Moved by Councillor P. Hume

Seconded by Councillor M. McRae

 

That the Rules of Procedure be suspended to reconsider Motion No. 4/16.

 

CARRIED with Councillor G. Hunter dissenting.

 

Motion 4/16 was then divided for voting purposes and the first resolution (namely, “Therefore Be It Resolved that the 2007 budget for the Community and Protective Services Department be based on no funding reductions to community and cultural agencies) CARRIED on a division of 13 YEAS to 8 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (13):        Councillors D. Holmes, C. Doucet, M. Wilkinson, A. Cullen, M. Bellemare, D. Deans, J. Legendre, G. Bédard, P. Hume, P. Feltmate, C. Leadman, M. McRae and Mayor O’Brien.

 

Nays (8):          Councillors E. El-Chantiry, R. Chiarelli, J. Harder, G. Hunter, G. Brooks, D. Thompson, S. Desroches and R. Bloess.

 

 

MOTION 4/19

 

Moved by Councillor M. McRae

Seconded by Councillor P. Hume

 

That the second resolution of the Motion 4/16, namely,

 

“FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the 2007 budget for the Community and Protective Services Department include a financial provision that would allow Committee and Council to explore (with appropriate community consultation) a collaborative approach to the delivery of stable, reliable and longer-term community funding with other community partners such as the United Way, Community Foundation or new community based agency similar to the Toronto Arts Council.”

 

be referred to Community and Protective Services Committee.

 

                                                                                    REFERRAL CARRIED

 

Motion No. 4/16 was then put to Council and CARRIED as amended by Motion 4/19.

 

 
MOTION NO. 4/20

 

Moved by Councillor P. Hume

Seconded by Councillor M. McRae

 

[Recommendation 2 (g)]

 

WHEREAS child care is a vital service for critical service for families in the City of Ottawa; and

 

WHEREAS there are 17,037 childcare spaces in Ottawa with 7263 subsidized spaces; and

 

WHEREAS the City of Ottawa licences 282 childcare centres of which 200 centres provide subsidized spaces; and

 

WHEREAS the City of Ottawa owns and operates 17 childcare centres with 493 spaces; and

 

WHEREAS the vast majority of childcare spaces are located in regulated not for profit childcare centres which deliver vital services in an entrepreneur and cost effective manner; and

 

WHEREAS this childcare centres are governed by a community based board of directors making these childcare centres incredibly close to the communities that they serve; and

 

WHEREAS the communities served by the City owned childcare centres may wish to establish community ownership of these centres similar to the to that which exists in the regulated not for profit childcare centres;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2007 budget for the Community and Protective Services Department include a financial provision that would allow communities served city owned childcare centres to explore the opportunity to establish community ownership model similar to that which exists in the regulated not for profits childcare centres that provide the bulk of the City’s childcare spaces.

 

MOTION NO. 4/21

 

Moved by Councillor A. Cullen

Seconded by Councillor D. Deans

 

That Motion No. 4/20 be referred to Community and Protective Services Committee.

 

                                                                                                            REFERRAL CARRIED

 
 
MOTION NO. 4/22

 

Moved by Councillor R. Chiarelli

Seconded by Councillor J. Harder

 

That the Council meeting recess and reconvene on Monday, 15 January 2007 at 10:00 a.m.

 

CARRIED on a division of 14 YEAS to 10 NAYS as follows:

 

Yeas (14):        Councillor C. Doucet, E. El-Chantiry, B. Monette, M. Bellemare, D. Deans,

                        R. Chiarelli, J. Legendre, J. Harder, G. Bédard, P. Hume, G. Brooks,

                        D. Thompson, S. Desroches and M. McRae.

 

Nays ( 10):       Councillors D. Holmes, M. Wilkinson, A. Cullen, S. Qadri, R. Jellett, P. Feltmate, G. Hunter, C. Leadman, R. Bloess and Mayor O’Brien.

 

Council recessed at 7:15 p.m. on Thursday, 11 January 2007 and reconvened at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, 15 January 2007.

 

Monday, 15 January 2007

MOTION 4/23

 

Moved by Councillor C. Doucet

Seconded by Councillor P. Hume

 

[Recommendation 2 (g)]

 

WHEREAS, it makes sense to look for budget savings in areas where Ottawa spends more than other cities;

 

AND WHEREAS, the Operating budget tends to rise in a predictable way from year to year but the total Capital budget varies by hundreds of million dollars up or down from one year to the next;

 

AND WHEREAS, it is more useful to make spending comparisons with other Ontario cities by looking at multi-year trends;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that historical data (averaged over multiple years) comparing City of Ottawa expenditures per household per function to other Ontario municipalities be made available along with the draft 2007 budget;

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 
MOTION NO. 4/24

 

Moved by Councillor P. Hume

Seconded by Councillor J. Harder

 

[Recommendation 5]

 

WHEREAS the City has some 2050 sewer laterals that are damaged and in need of repair; and

 

WHEREAS this list grows by 200 newly damaged laterals each year and the City only repairs 130 to 140; and

 

WHEREAS it is the responsibility of the homeowner to prove that the damage is the responsibility of the City; and

 

WHEREAS once the City has reviewed the evidence it will reimburse the cost of having the lateral reviewed by television camera. However, at current staff levels it takes 9 months to 12 months for tapes to be reviewed and the homeowner reimbursed;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2007 operating budget of the Utility Services include a provision to ensure the timely review and reimbursement to homeowners of appropriate costs; and

 

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the 2007 capital budget of the Utility Services include a provision to address the backlog in damaged sewer laterals over an appropriate period of time period.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/25

 

Moved by Councillor P. Hume

Seconded by Councillor J. Harder

 

[Recommendation 5]

 

WHEREAS Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste Services are rate supported programs that are designed to be self sustaining; and

 

WHEREAS the revenues, expenses and capital formation costs are typically scattered throughout the operating budget; and

 

WHEREAS these services face pressing needs that will require careful and knowledgeable consideration and debate; and

 

WHEREAS To completely understand the current financial situation and the impact on the rates charged for this service changes in presentation of the budget documents are required;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the 2007 budget for the Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste services be based on the principle that any savings found within these rate supported programs be used to offset increases in these services or reductions to the rate charged for these services; and

 

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the 2007 budget for the Water, Wastewater and Solid Waste services be presented in such a manner that consolidates all revenues and expenses including internal transfers and capital formation costs related to each rate supported service.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/26

 

Moved by Councillor M. Wilkinson

Seconded by Councillor E. El-Chantiry

 

[Recommendation 5(a)]

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that in Recommendation 5(a) that staff include an analysis of the changes required in the Operating and Capital budgets to create a water/sewer rate with a 0 percent increase in 2007. 

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/27

 

Moved by Councillor C. Doucet

Seconded by Councillor M. McRae

 

WHEREAS, in order to be most effective in evaluating any budget and potential cuts, council consider the items in the order of their impact on the budget, not their order in the alphabet.

 

AND WHEREAS, considering the largest budget items first will ensure that the most time is available to debate the most important expenditures;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the items in the draft 2007 budget be presented and debated in an order which goes from largest to smallest in terms of their total draw on the City’s $2.2 billion total.

 

CARRIED with Councillors G. Hunter and D. Deans dissenting.

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/28

 

Moved by Councillor C. Doucet

Seconded by Councillor M. McRae

 

WHEREAS, in order to evaluate the sum costs of providing services, one must look at both operating and capital expenses;

 

AND WHEREAS, operating and capital budget are not independent e.g., most capital projects imply increases in operating cost;

 

AND WHEREAS, the Operating budget tend to rise in a predictable way from year to year but the total Capital budget varies by hundreds of million dollars up or down from one year to the nest;

 

AND WHEREAS, in the past Operating and Capital budgets have been considered separately which meant true total costs for major cannot be compared;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Operating and Capital Budget reports be released at the same time, and that the reports are presented such that both operating and capital costs for all projects and programs can be easily compared and totalled.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 
MOTION NO. 4/29

 

Moved by Councillor C. Doucet

Seconded by Councillor R. Jellett

 

WHEREAS Smart Growth reduces the requirement for tax increases by lowering the cost of providing future city services;

 

WHEREAS development is to be encouraged in the area of green building initiatives;

 

WHEREAS development is slow in moving towards helping the city achieve the objectives of  the Official Plan without incentives to do so;


BE IT RESOLVED that staff investigate the establishment of incentives specifically aimed at encouraging the construction of buildings that achieve a LEEDs designation and present a report on findings and recommendations by September 2007. 

 

 

MOTION NO. 4/30

 

Moved by Councillor M. Wilkinson

Seconded by Councillor J. Harder

 

That Motion No. 4/29 be referred to the Planning and Environment Committee.

 

                                                                                                            REFERRAL CARRIED

 

 
MOTION NO. 4/31

 

Moved by Councillor E. El-Chantiry

Seconded by Councillor G. Hunter

 

THERFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Budget 2007 Guidelines include a projected population increase of 1.5 and not 2%.  

 

MOTION NO. 4/32

 

Moved by Councillor E. El-Chantiry

Seconded by Councillor G. Hunter

 

That Motion No. 4/31 be referred to the Long Range Financial Plan process.

 

                                                                                                            REFERRAL CARRIED

 

MOTION NO. 4/33

 

Moved by Councillor J. Harder

Seconded by Councillor M. Wilkinson

 

[Additional Recommendation 7]

 

That as part of Budget Directions, staff be directed to develop a revised Corporate Plan and LRFP Framework for discussion by Council during the April to June timeframe as articulated in the Mayor’s State of the City Address.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

Item 3, 2007 Budget Directions Report, was then put to Council and CARRIED as amended by Motion Nos. 4/7, 4/8, 4/9, 4/11, 4/12, 4/13 (as amended), 4/14, 4/15, 4/16 (as amended by 4/19), 4/23, 4/24, 4/25, 4/26, 4/27, 4/28 and 4/33 with Councillor D. Deans dissenting on Recommendation 2.e.

 

 

 

Motion to Introduce Reports

 

MOTION NO. 4/34

 

Moved by Councillor M. McRae

Seconded by Councillor P. Feltmate

 

That the Ottawa Police Services Board Report 1 be received and considered.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

CHIEF CORPORATE SERVICES OFFICER

 

 

1.             CITY OF OTTAWA BRANCH-BY-BRANCH OVERTIME REVIEW

 

 

WITHDRAWN by staff.

 

 

OTTAWA POLICE SERVICES BOARD REPORT 1

 

 

1.                 OPS LONG RANGE FINANCIAL PLAN AND 2007 BUDGET DIRECTIONS

 

 

BOARD RECOMMENDATION

 

That Council approve the following steps to action the OPS Long Range Financial Plan:

 

a)                  Approve the forecast Ottawa Police Service four-year operating expenditure requirements and ten-year capital needs as detailed in Attachments 1 and 2.

 

b)                  Approve a user fee policy that maintains the proportion of tax rate support and revenue from the benefiting user for all fees not otherwise governed by by-law or previously approved Board objective.

 

c)         Approve the 2007 transfer of Ottawa Police Services debt servicing budget of $5.258 million from the City of Ottawa to the OPS

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

Motion to Adopt Reports

 

MOTION NO. 4/35

 

Moved by Councillor M. McRae

Seconded by Councillor P. Feltmate

 

That the reports of the Chief Corporate Services Officer:

“Long Range Financial Plan III (Part 1)”, “Long Range Financial Plan III (Part 2)”, “2007 Budget Directions”, and, the Ottawa Police Services Board Report 1, be received and adopted as amended.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

Motions of Which Notice Has Been Given Previously

 
MOTION NO. 4/36

 

Moved by Councillor R. Bloess

Seconded by Councillor E. El-Chantiry

 

WHEREAS the City is committed to ensuring convenient Accessible Taxicab service to people with mobility impairment and other disabilities that is comparable to the standard taxicab service;

 

AND WHEREAS Council has directed that 40 new Accessible Taxicab plates be issued each year, until a total of 185 Accessible Taxicabs are in operation;

 

AND WHEREAS Members of Council received a letter from the Ontario Taxi Union noting concerns with the delivery of accessible taxicab service and a request for a immediate moratorium on the issuance of additional accessible taxicab plates;

 

AND WHEREAS the Chair of the Accessibility Advisory Committee and the community group Disabled and Proud oppose a delay in issuance of the 40 new additional Accessible Taxicab Plates; and some of the qualified drivers/owners have already ordered their Accessible Taxicabs in anticipation of being issued their plates;

 

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council direct staff to report back to the Community and Protective Services Committee and Council with recommendations that address the concerns raised by the Taxi Union, by the end of June 2007.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

Motion to Introduce By-laws                                                  Three Readings

 

MOTION 4/37

 

Moved by Councillor A. Cullen

Seconded by Councillor M. Bellemare

 

That By-law (b) listed on the Agenda, i.e. “A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2005-84 respecting the duties of the Auditor General of the City of Ottawa”, be referred to staff to consider the opportunity for public comment on the Auditor General’s report at a meeting of Corporate Services and Economic Development Committee.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 
MOTION NO. 4/38

 

Moved by Councillor M. McRae

Seconded by Councillor P. Feltmate

 

That the following by-laws be enacted and passed:

 

2007-1                         A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2005-499 respecting the Board of Management for the Barrhaven Improvement Area.

 

2007-2                         A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2003-499 respecting Fire Routes.

 

2007-3                         A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands on Ludlowe Street and Demeter Street, as being exempt from Part Lot Control.

 

2007-4                         A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate certain lands on Trim Road, as being exempt from Part Lot Control.

 

2007-5                         A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate 2030 Trim Road as being exempt from Part Lot Control and to repeal By-law No. 2006-454.

 

2007-6                         A by-law of the City of Ottawa to designate 2367 Tenth Line Road as being exempt from Part Lot Control and to repeal By-law No. 2006-453.

 

2007-7                         A by-law of the City of Ottawa to amend By-law No. 2005-359 to appoint Municipal Law Enforcement Officers in the Transit Services Branch of the Public Works and Services Department.

                                                                                                            CARRIED

 

 

 

Confirmation By-law

 

MOTION NO. 4/39

 

Moved by Councillor M. McRae

Seconded by Councillor P. Feltmate

 

That By-law 2007-8 to confirm the proceedings of Council be enacted and passed.

 

                                                                                                            CARRIED

Inquiries

 

The following inquiry was received:

 

From Councillor S. Desroches to the Deputy City Manager, Planning, Transit and the Environment and the Deputy City Manager, Public Works and Services, respecting the City’s preparation (e.g. public works capital investment, transit routes, etc.) for the relocation of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) headquarters to South Nepean.

 

Adjournment

 

Council adjourned the meeting at 12:01 p.m. on 15 January 2007. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

CITY CLERK

 

MAYOR