Minutes

The Council of The Regional Municipality of York

-
Electronic Meeting
Members:
  • W. Emmerson,
  • M. Bevilacqua,
  • G. Chan,
  • J. DiPaola,
  • M. Ferri,
  • R. Grossi,
  • V. Hackson,
  • D. Hamilton,
  • J. Heath,
  • L. Jackson,
  • J. Jones,
  • J. Li,
  • I. Lovatt,
  • T. Mrakas,
  • S. Pellegrini,
  • C. Perrelli,
  • M. Quirk,
  • G. Rosati,
  • F. Scarpitti,
  • J. Taylor,
  • and T. Vegh
Staff:
  • D. Basso,
  • K. Chislett,
  • P. Freeman,
  • P. Jankowski,
  • Dr. K. Kurji,
  • D. Kuzmyk,
  • B. Macgregor,
  • E. Mahoney,
  • L. Mirabella,
  • C. Raynor,
  • and M.F. Turner

A.
Call to Order
 

Regional Chair Emmerson called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. and made the following remarks:

“We acknowledge the land we are meeting on today is the traditional territory of many First Nations, including the Chippewas of Georgina Island and the Mississaugas of the Credit.

These lands are now home to many diverse Indigenous peoples.

We also acknowledge that York Region falls under Treaty 13 with the Mississaugas of the Credit and the Williams Treaties with several Mississauga and Chippewas First Nations.”

B.
Disclosures of Interest
 

Mayor Quirk declared an interest in Item G.3, with respect to the portion of the 2021 to 2022 Regional Budget related to York Regional Police (YRP), as her husband is a retired YRP officer and works under contract with YRP and her stepson is a YRP officer.

C.
Minutes of Council
 

C.1
Council Meeting held on February 25, 2021
This item has attachments. 

1.Minutes_-_Council_-_February_25_2021.pdf
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jackson
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Jones

    That Council confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on February 25, 2021.

    Carried

C.2
Special Council Meeting held on March 18, 2021
This item has attachments. 

1.Minutes_-_Special_Council_-_March_18_2021.pdf
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jackson
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Jones

    That Council confirm the Minutes of the Council meeting held on March 18, 2021.

    Carried

D.
Presentations
 

D.1
Metrolinx - Yonge North Subway Extension Update
This item has attachments. 

1.Metrolinx - Yonge North Subway Extension Presentation.pdf
  • Moved byMayor Scarpitti
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Jones

    That Council receive the presentation from Phil Verster, Chief Executive Officer, Metrolinx, Stephen Collins, Program Sponsor, Subways, Metrolinx and Rajesh Khetarpal, Vice President, Community Engagement, Metrolinx.

    Carried

D.2
2021 to 2022 Regional Budget
This item has attachments. 

1.2021 to 2022 Budget Presentation to Council.pdf
  • Moved byMayor Bevilacqua
    Seconded byMayor Lovatt

    That Council receive the presentation from Bruce Macgregor, Chief Administrative Officer.

    Carried

E.
Deputations
 

None

F.
Communications
 

F.1
Reena Support Letters
 

  • Moved byRegional Councillor Rosati
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Heath

    That Council receive communications F.1.1 through F.1.10.

    Carried

F.1.1
Markham Inter-Church Committee for Affordable Housing
This item has attachments. 

1.Mike Clare - MICAH.pdf

F.1.2
Anand Vihar - The Centre for Dignified Living
This item has attachments. 

1.Anand Vihar - The Centre for Dignified Living.pdf

F.1.3
Vita Community Living Services of Toronto Inc.
This item has attachments. 

1.Adam Smith - Vita Community Living Services of Toronto Inc.pdf

F.1.4
Community Living Central York
This item has attachments. 

1.Colleen Zakoor - Community Living Central York.pdf

F.1.5
Home on the Hill Supportive Housing
This item has attachments. 

1.Kathy Mochnacki - Home on the Hill.pdf

F.1.6
Kerry's Place Autism Services
This item has attachments. 

1.Sue VanDeVelde-Coke - Kerry's Place Autism Services.pdf

F.1.7
March of Dimes Canada
This item has attachments. 

1.Karen Whitehead-Lye - March of Dimes Canada.pdf

F.1.8
Safehaven
This item has attachments. 

1.Susan Bisaillon - Safe Haven.pdf

F.1.9
Christian Horizons
This item has attachments. 

1.Frank Catrambone - Christian Horizons.pdf

F.1.10
Meta Centre
This item has attachments. 

1.Antonet Orlando - Meta Centre.pdf

F.2
Financial Impacts of COVID-19
This item has attachments. 

1.Financial Impacts of COVID-19.pdf
2.Att 1 - YTD Impacts of COVID 19 Senior Government Funding.pdf
  • Moved byMayor Bevilacqua
    Seconded byMayor Lovatt

    That Council receive the memorandum from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated March 19, 2021.

    Carried

F.3
Implications of 0% 2021 Tax Levy Increment
This item has attachments. 

1.Implications of Zero Percent 2021 Tax Levy Increment.pdf
  • Moved byMayor Bevilacqua
    Seconded byMayor Lovatt

    That Council receive the memorandum from Laura Mirabella, Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer dated March 23, 2021.

    Carried
Council recessed at 12:12 p.m. and resumed at 1:01 p.m.

G.
Consideration and Adoption of Reports
 

G.1
Committee of the Whole Meeting - March 4, 2021
This item has attachments. 

1.Minutes_-_Committee_of_the_Whole_-_March_4_2021.pdf
  • Moved byMayor Scarpitti
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Heath

    That Council adopt the recommendations in the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on March 4, 2021.

    Carried

G.2
Committee of the Whole Meeting - March 11, 2021
This item has attachments. 

1.Minutes_-_Committee_of_the_Whole_-_March_11_2021.pdf
  • Moved byMayor Hackson
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Vegh

    That Council adopt the recommendations in the Minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held on March 11, 2021.

    Carried

G.3
2021 to 2022 Regional Budget
This item has attachments. 

1.2021 to 2022 Regional Budget.pdf
2.Att 1 - 2021 to 2022 Regional Budget - Operating.pdf
3.Att 2 - 2021 to 2022 Regional Budget - Capital.pdf
4.Att 3 - 2021 to 2022 Regional Budget - Debt Authority.pdf

On motion by Mayor Bevilacqua, seconded by Mayor Lovatt, the recommendations in the report dated March 23, 2021 from the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer were brought forward for consideration. In accordance with Mayor Quirk's declared pecuniary interest, the York Regional Police Budget was considered and voted on separately.

  • Moved byMayor Scarpitti
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Li

    That recommendation 1a. and 4 be amended to reflect wording that would achieve a 0% tax levy increase in 2021.

    A recorded vote was as follows:

    For:  DiPaola, Grossi, Hamilton, Jones, Li, Rosati, Scarpitti (7)

    Against: Bevilacqua, Chan, Emmerson, Ferri, Hackson, Heath, Jackson, Lovatt, Mrakas, Perrelli, Quirk, Taylor, Vegh (13)

    Absent:  Pellegrini (1)

    Defeated
  • Moved byActing Mayor DiPaola
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Jones

    That recommendation 2 be amended to read as follows:

         2. Council direct staff to undertake strategies and processes to reduce the 2022 operating outlook as tabled on February 25, 2021.

    A recorded vote was as follows:

    For:  Bevilacqua, Chan, DiPaola, Ferri, Grossi, Hackson, Hamilton, Jones, Li, Lovatt, Mrakas, Quirk, Rosati, Scarpitti, Taylor, Vegh (16)

    Against:  Emmerson, Heath, Jackson, Perrelli (4)

    Absent:  Pellegrini (1)

    Carried
  • Moved byMayor Bevilacqua
    Seconded byMayor Lovatt

    That Council adopt the following main motion, as amended:

    1. Council approve the operating and capital budgets as follows:
      1. The 2021 operating budget tabled on February 25, 2021, detailed in the 2021 to 2022 Budget Book, amended as outlined in the Memorandum dated March 9, 2021, summarized in Attachment 1.
      2. The 2021 capital expenditures and Capital Spending Authority by project and by program group and associated funding sources detailed in the 2021 to 2022 Budget Book, as summarized in Attachment 2, and the authority to reallocate funding between projects in a program group as detailed in this report.
    2. Council direct staff to undertake strategies and processes to reduce the 2022 operating outlook as tabled on February 25, 2021.
    3. Council approve debt authority and reserve items as follows:
      1. Incremental debt authority of $352.2 million required for 2021 Capital Spending Authority by project as specified in Column (B) of Attachment 3.
      2. Total debt authority for capital projects up to the amounts specified in Column (C) of Attachment 3 in accordance with the Capital Financing and Debt Policy.
      3. Approve a contribution of $184.8 million to the Sinking Fund Reserve for the purpose of meeting the Region’ s 2021 sinking fund obligations.
      4. Authorize the funding of capital projects that have been previously approved for debt financing from reserves where there are sufficient funds available and at the discretion of the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer.
    4. Council endorse the reconciliation of the 2021 Budget to the full accrual basis of accounting, as required under Ontario Regulation 284/09, as summarized in the 2021 to 2022 Budget Book amended as outlined in the Memorandum dated March 9, 2021 and summarized in Attachment 1.
    5. Council authorize the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer to:
      1. Make any necessary adjustments within the total approved net Budget to reflect organizational changes and any other reallocation of costs.
      2. Apply for, accept and adjust the Budget for any additional provincial and/or federal funding provided there is no tax levy impact.
      3. Report back to Council in-year, as required, to provide flexibility in capital project implementation to adapt to changing and unforeseen circumstances and to maximize delivery of capital projects.

    A recorded vote was as follows:

    For:  Bevilacqua, Chan, Emmerson, Ferri, Hackson, Heath, Jackson, Lovatt, Mrakas, Perrelli, Quirk, Taylor, Vegh (13)

    Against:  DiPaola, Grossi, Hamilton, Jones, Li, Rosati, Scarpitti (7)

    Absent:  Pellegrini (1)

    Carried
  • Moved byMayor Hackson
    Seconded byMayor Bevilacqua

    That Council approve the York Regional Police portion of the 2021 Budget.

    Carried

G.4
2020 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Members of Council and Local Board Appointees
This item has attachments. 

1.2020 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses for Members of Council and Local Board Appointees.pdf
2.Att 1 - 2020 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses - Payments to Members of Regional Council.pdf
3.Att 2 - 2020 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses - Payments to Members of Regional Councillors and Appointees.pdf
4.Att 3 - 2020 Statement of Remuneration and Expenses - Payments to Members of YRP.pdf
  • Moved byRegional Councillor Perrelli
    Seconded byMayor Mrakas

    That Council adopt the recommendation in the report dated March 22, 2021 from the Commissioner of Finance and Regional Treasurer recommending that:

    1. Council receive this report for information.
    Carried

H.
Introduction and Consideration of Bylaws
 

  • Moved byRegional Councillor Hamilton
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Perrelli

    That Council approve and enact the following bylaws:

    Carried

H.1
2021-10 - Uniform Water Service Rate
This item has attachments. 

1.2021-10_Uniform_Water_Service_Rate.pdf

A bylaw to establish charges for the uniform water service rate

H.2
2021-11 - Uniform Wastewater Service Rate
This item has attachments. 

1.2021-11_Uniform_Wastewater_Service_Rate.pdf

A bylaw to establish charges for the uniform wastewater service rate

H.3
2021-12 - 2021 Property Tax Ratios
This item has attachments. 

1.2021-12_2021_Property_Tax_Ratios.pdf

A bylaw to establish tax ratios and to specify the percentage by which tax rates are to be reduced for prescribed property subclasses for 2021

H.4
2021-13 - Appointment of Acting Chair
This item has attachments. 

1.2021-13_Appointment_of_Acting_Chair.pdf

A bylaw to provide for the appointment of an Acting Chair when the Regional Chair is absent

H.5
2021-14 - Yonge Street - Widening and Reconstruction
This item has attachments. 

1.2021-14_Yonge_Street_-_Widening_and_Reconstruction.pdf

To acquire certain lands for or in connection with the widening and reconstruction of Yonge Street (YR 1), Town of Newmarket and Town of East Gwillimbury

I.
Motions
 

None

J.
Notices of Motion to Reconsider
 

None

K.
Other Business
 

K.1
COVID-19 Update
 

Dr. Karim Kurji, York Region Medical Officer of Health provided a verbal update on the status of COVID-19 and responded to questions from Members of Council.

  • Moved byRegional Councillor Vegh
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Li

    That Council receive the verbal update from Dr. Karim Kurji, Medical Officer of Health.

    Carried

K.2
Easter and Passover
 

Regional Chair Emmerson wished residents of York Region a joyous Passover and a happy Easter. He encouraged those celebrating to find unique ways to connect over the holidays at a safe distance from family and loved ones due to COVID-19.

K.3
World Health Day
 

Regional Chair Emmerson noted April 7 is World Health Day, which highlights the highest standard of health being a fundamental right of every human being.

L.
Private Session
 

Council did not resolve into Private Session.

L.1
Sunny Communities (Markham Gold) Inc. Development Charge Complaint - Potential Litigation
 

  • Moved byRegional Councillor Jones
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Heath

    That Council adopt the confidential recommendations in the private report from the Chief Administrative Officer dated February 23, 2021. 

    Carried

L.2
Update on Regional Corporations - Solicitor-Client Privilege and Labour Relations
 

Consideration of the private report was deferred to April 2021.

M.
Confirmatory Bylaw
This item has attachments. 

1.2021-15_Confirmatory_Bylaw_-_March_25_2021.pdf
  • Moved byMayor Bevilacqua
    Seconded byRegional Councillor Jackson

    That Council enact Bylaw No. 2021-15 to confirm the proceedings of this meeting of Council held on March 25, 2021.

    Carried

N.
Adjournment
 

The Council meeting adjourned at 2:53 p.m.


                                                           
Regional Clerk



Minutes confirmed and adopted at the meeting of Council held on April 22, 2021.

 

                                                           
Regional Chair

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