Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Report

9th Meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Tuesday, May 07, 2024 at 1:00 P.m. - 2:00 P.m.

Council Chambers - Please check the City website for additional meeting detail information. Meetings can be viewed via live-streaming on YouTube and the City Website.

The City of London is situated on the traditional lands of the Anishinaabek (AUh-nish-in-ah-bek), Haudenosaunee (Ho-den-no-show-nee), Lūnaapéewak (Len-ah-pay-wuk) and Attawandaron (Add-a-won-da-run).

We honour and respect the history, languages and culture of the diverse Indigenous people who call this territory home. The City of London is currently home to many First Nations, Métis and Inuit today.

As representatives of the people of the City of London, we are grateful to have the opportunity to work and live in this territory.

PRESENT:

• Councillors S. Lewis (Chair), 
• H. McAlister, 
• P. Cuddy, 
• S. Stevenson, 
• J. Pribil, 
• S. Trosow, 
• C. Rahman, 
• S. Lehman, 
• A. Hopkins, 
• P. Van Meerbergen, 
• S. Franke, 
• E. Peloza, 
• D. Ferreira, 
• S. Hillier, 
• and Mayor J. Morgan 

ALSO PRESENT:

• S. Datars Bere, A. Barbon, C. Cooper, S. Corman, K. Dickins, D. Escobar, S. Govindaraj, M. Feldberg, K. Murray, J. Paradis, T. Pollitt, K. Scherr, M. Schulthess, E. Skalski, C. Smith, J. Tansley

  Remote Attendance:  E. Hunt, J. Raycroft.

  The meeting is called to order at 1:02 PM; it being noted that Councillors P. Van Meerbergen and S. Hillier were in remote attendance.

   

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1.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

2.

Consent

• Moved by: E. Peloza
  Seconded by: H. McAlister

  That Consent items 2.1 to 2.5 BE APPROVED.

  
  

  Yeas: (15)

  J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (15 to 0)

2.1

2025 Annual Budget Update Process

• Moved by: E. Peloza
  Seconded by: H. McAlister

  That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports, the following actions be taken:

  a)    the report providing an overview of the 2025 Annual Budget Update process BE RECEIVED for information; and

  b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to make the following amendments to the Council approved 2024 Council and Committee Calendar to accommodate the budget process timelines prescribed by “Strong Mayor” legislation:

  i)    reschedule the Budget Committee meetings currently scheduled for November 28th and 29th to November 21st and 22nd to consider Council amendments to the 2025 Budget Update; and

  ii)    schedule a Special Council meeting on November 27, 2024 to formally adopt Council amendments to the 2025 Budget Update.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

2.2

Update on Anti-Hate Pilot Project

• Moved by: E. Peloza
  Seconded by: H. McAlister

  That, on the recommendation of the Acting City Manager, the report entitled Update on the Anti-Hate Pilot Project BE RECEIVED for information. 

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

2.3

4th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee

• Moved by: E. Peloza
  Seconded by: H. McAlister

  That the 4th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee, from its meeting held on April 11, 2024 BE RECEIVED.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

2.4

Request for a Shareholder's Meeting - London and Middlesex Community Housing

• Moved by: E. Peloza
  Seconded by: H. McAlister

  That the following actions be taken with respect to the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Shareholder for London & Middlesex Community Housing:

  a)      the 2023 Annual General Meeting of the Shareholder for London & Middlesex Community Housing BE HELD at a meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee on June 18, 2024, for the purpose of receiving the report from the Board of Directors of London & Middlesex Community Housing in accordance with the Shareholder Declaration and the Business Corporations Act, R.S.O. 1990, c. B.16; and

  b)      the City Clerk BE DIRECTED to provide notice of the 2023 Annual Meeting to the Board of Directors for London & Middlesex Community Housing and to invite the Chair of the Board and the Chief Executive Officer of London & Middlesex Community Housing to attend at the Annual Meeting and present the report of the Board in accordance with the Shareholder Declaration;

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated April 18, 2024, from P. Chisholm, Chief Executive Officer, London & Middlesex Community Housing with respect to this matter.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

2.5

Confirmation of Appointments to the Hamilton Road Business Improvement Association

• Moved by: E. Peloza
  Seconded by: H. McAlister

  That G. Gardner, Director, Gardner Galleries and A. Tsiga, Director, The Fix Inc. BE APPOINTED to the Hamilton Road BIA for the term ending November 14,2026; it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated April 17, 2024 from C. Luistro, Executive Director, Hamilton Road BIA with respect to this matter.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

3.

Scheduled Items

3.1

Presentation - Ward Boundary Review - Watson & Associates Economist Ltd.

• Moved by: P. Cuddy
  Seconded by: H. McAlister

  That it BE NOTED that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a presentation from Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. with respect to the revised ward boundary review, as appended to the added agenda.

  
  

  Yeas: (15)

  J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (15 to 0)

5.

Deferred Matters/Additional Business

5.1

(ADDED) Request for One-Time Funding for Ark Aid - Mayor J. Morgan and Deputy Mayor S. Lewis

• That, the following actions be taken with respect to providing shelter and support to our homeless population: 

  a)         Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to extend one-time funding in the amount of $687,000 to Ark Aid Street Mission Inc. for an additional 61 days until July 31, 2024 to be funded through the Community Investment Reserve Fund and for staff to engage with Ark Aid Street Mission Inc. to review its most recent communication related to a year round strategy; and

  b)         that consideration of the existing Municipal Purchase of Service Agreement with Safe Space London for a total estimated increase of up to $130,000 (excluding HST) for the period of June 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024, to continue temporary day and overnight drop in space to be funded through the Contingency Reserve fund as per the Corporation of the City of London Procurement Policy Section 20.3 e) BE REFERRED to the May 28, 2024 meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee;

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication from Mayor J. Morgan and Deputy Mayor S. Lewis with respect to this matter;

  it being further noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee heard a verbal delegation from S. Campbell, Executive Director, Ark Aid Street Mission Inc. with respect to this matter.

  
  
  
  
  

  ADDITIONAL VOTES:

  
  
• Moved by: J. Morgan
  Seconded by: A. Hopkins

  That the delegation request from Sarah Campbell, Executive Director, Ark Aid Street Mission Inc. BE APPROVED to heard at this time.

  
  

  Yeas: (15)

  J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (15 to 0)
• Moved by: S. Trosow
  Seconded by: A. Hopkins

  That the motion be amended to include a part b) to read as follows:

  b)     the existing Municipal Purchase of Service Agreement with Safe Space London for a total estimated increase of up to $130,000 (excluding HST) for the period of June 1, 2024 to July 31, 2024 BE APPROVED, to continue temporary day and overnight drop in space to be funded through the Contingency Reserve fund as per the Corporation of the City of London Procurement Policy Section 20.3 e):

  
  
  
  
  
• Moved by: C. Rahman
  Seconded by: D. Ferreira

  That part b) of the motion BE REFERRED to the May 28, 2024 meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

  
  

  Yeas: (8)	A. Hopkins, E. Peloza, H. McAlister, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Nays: (6)	S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, and S. Stevenson
  Absent: (1)	J. Morgan

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (8 to 6)
• Moved by: C. Rahman
  Seconded by: S. Trosow

  That the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to extend one-time funding in the amount of $687,000 to Ark Aid Street Mission Inc. for an additional 61 days until July 31, 2024 to be funded through the Community Investment Reserve Fund and for staff to engage with Ark Aid Street Mission Inc. to review its most recent communication related to a year round strategy;

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication from Mayor J. Morgan and Deputy Mayor S. Lewis with respect to this matter;

  it being further noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee heard a verbal delegation from S. Campbell, Executive Director, Ark Aid Street Mission Inc. with respect to this matter.

  
  

  Yeas: (14)	A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Absent: (1)	J. Morgan

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (14 to 0)
• Moved by: S. Trosow
  Seconded by: D. Ferreira

  That the Committee recess at this time, for 10 minutes.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  The Committee recesses at 4:00 PM and reconvenes at 4:11 PM

  
  

4.

Items for Direction

4.1

Request for Implementation of a Fare Free Day - Councillor S. Franke

• Moved by: S. Stevenson
  Seconded by: S. Franke

  That the communication dated April 29, 2024 from Councillor S. Franke with respect to Fare Free Day for the general public BE RECEIVED;

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received the following communications with respect to this matter:

  • D. Stanford and M. Robinson, Co-Chairs, Working Group for Car Free Day 2024;
  • L. Derikx, Interim Executive Director, London Environmental Network;
  • M. A. Hodge, Climate Action London;
  • C. Dyck and the London Greens;
  • C. Murphy, Board Member of London Cycle Link and London Resident;
  • A. McClenaghan, Co-Owner, London Bicycle Cafe;
  • M. Blake Rose;
  • M. Sheehan;
  • B. Samuels, Chair, Environmental Stewardship and Action Community Advisory Committee;
  • S. Sponseller;
  • E. Blokker;
  • L. Wall;
  • AM Valastro;
  • M. Bloxam; and
  • Councillor S. Franke.
  
  

  Yeas: (13)	A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Absent: (2)	J. Morgan, and E. Peloza

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (13 to 0)

4.2

Consideration of Appointment to the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority Board of Directors (Requires 1 Member)

• Moved by: P. Cuddy
  Seconded by: J. Pribil

  That John Joseph Strybosch BE APPOINTED to the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority for the term ending November 14, 2026.

  
  

  Yeas: (13)	A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Absent: (2)	J. Morgan, and E. Peloza

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (13 to 0)

  VOTING RECORD:

  
  
• Election:

  Consideration of Appointment to the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority

  
  

  John Joseph Strybosch(92.31 %):	A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Samijhana Thapa(7.69 %):	S. Lehman
  Carrie Thornton(0.00 %):	None
  Abstain(0.00 %):	None
  Conflict (0):	None
  Absent (2):	J. Morgan, and E. Peloza

  
  
  
  Majority Winner: John Joseph Strybosch

4.3

Resignation from Eldon House

• Moved by: S. Stevenson
  Seconded by: S. Lehman

  That the following actions be taken with respect to the Eldon House Board of Directors:

  a)  the communication dated April 24, 2024 from B. Duncan BE RECEIVED;

  b)  the resignation of Bruce Duncan from Eldon House Board of Directors BE ACCEPTED; and

  c)  the City Clerk BE DIRECTED to advertise in the usual manner to solicit applications for appointment to Eldon House Board of Directors, with applications to be brought forward to a future meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee for consideration. 

  
  

  Yeas: (13)	A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Absent: (2)	J. Morgan, and E. Peloza

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (13 to 0)

4.4

Request for a Review of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council - Councillor S. Stevenson and Deputy Mayor S. Lewis

• Moved by: S. Stevenson
  Seconded by: S. Lehman

  That the following actions be taken with respect to the Code of Conduct for Members of Council:

  a)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to undertake a review of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council and report back to a future meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee, including the following components: 

  i)    an environmental scan of codes of conduct for elected officials in comparable municipalities, with consideration of specific or general provisions related to “social media”, email, and communications with the public; 

  ii)    review of the Ombudsman Ontario “Codes of Conduct, Complaint & Inquiry Protocols and Appointing Integrity Commissioners: Guide for Municipalities” with consideration to limit the Code of Conduct for Members of Council to the four prescribed subject matters required pursuant to Regulation 55/18 of the Municipal Act, 2001; and

  iii)    review of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council using the Anti-Racism and Anti-Oppression Framework and Equity Tool, as required by the Policy for the Establishment and Maintenance of Council Policies;

  b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to consult with the City of London’s Integrity Commissioner regarding the Code of Conduct for Members of Council;

  c)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to review the Code of Conduct for Community Advisory Committees contained within the General Policy for Community Advisory Committees for general alignment with the principles of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council.

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated April 25, 2024 from Councillor S. Stevenson and Deputy Mayor S. Lewis and a communication dated May 6, 2024 from AM Valastro with respect to this matter.

  
  
  
  
  

  ADDITIONAL VOTES:

  
  
• Moved by: A. Hopkins
  Seconded by: H. McAlister

  That the motion be amended to include a new part c) to read as follows:

  c)   the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to review the Code of Conduct for Community Advisory Committees contained within the General Policy for Community Advisory Committees for general alignment with the principles of the Code of Conduct for Members of Council.

   

  
  

  Yeas: (14)	J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Absent: (1)	E. Peloza

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (14 to 0)
• Moved by: S. Stevenson
  Seconded by: S. Lehman

  That the motion, as amended, BE APPROVED.

  
  

  Yeas: (14)	J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Absent: (1)	E. Peloza

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (14 to 0)

6.

Confidential 

None.

7.

Adjournment

• Moved by: D. Ferreira
  Seconded by: A. Hopkins

  That the meeting BE ADJOURNED.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  The meeting adjourned at 5:01 PM.