Budget Committee

Report

6th Meeting of the Budget Committee - CONTINUATION
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Council Chambers - Please check the City website for additional meeting detail information.
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 E. Peloza (Chair), 
  • H. McAlister, 
  • S. Lewis, 
  • P. Cuddy, 
  • S. Stevenson, 
  • J. Pribil, 
  • S. Trosow, 
  • C. Rahman, 
  • S. Lehman, 
  • A. Hopkins, 
  • P. Van Meerbergen, 
  • S.Franke, 
  • D. Ferreira, 
  • S. Hillier, 
  • and Mayor J. Morgan 
ALSO PRESENT:
  • S. Datars Bere, A. Barbon, S. Corman, J. Davies, K. Dickins, D. Escobar, M. Galczynski, R. Lamon, S. Mathers, K. Murray, J. Paradis, T. Pollitt, K. Scherr, E. Skalski, C. Smith.

    Remote Attendance: E. Bennett, A. Dunbar, E. Hunt, J. Millson.

    The meeting is called to order at 9:31 AM; it being noted that Councillors S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira (at 12:40 PM) were in remote attendance.

     

That it BE NOTED Councillor S. Lehman discloses a pecuniary interest in item 3.2 having to do with the Amendment - Grant - Economic Development Reserve Fund - Councillor D. Ferreira - LDBA for Improving Safety/Security, Property Damage Grants, by indicating that it relates to grants for Downtown London Business Association and the Councillor indicates they are member of the association. 

None.

  • Moved by:S. Lewis
    Seconded by:E. Peloza

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to adjust Parks Maintenance Service Enhancements and Supports based on Action 1 in 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-31 – Parks Operations Service Delivery Enhancements from $827,000 of Parks Operating Expenditures to $808,000, with an equal adjustment to the contribution to the Climate Change Reserve Fund, and to adjust Parks Capital Expenditures from $560,000 to $221,000:
     
    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0          2025 Tax Levy:  $0           2025 Capital Expenditures:  -$339,000
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0          2026 Tax Levy:  $0           2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0          2027 Tax Levy:  $0           2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0
     


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


    Motion Passed (13 to 2)
  • That it BE NOTED that the Budget Committee considered an amendment to the Mayor's 2025 Annual Budget Update related to a Grant - Economic Development Reserve Fund -Councillor D. Ferreira - LDBA for Improving Safety/Security, Property Damage Grants and Crime Prevention.




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


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

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED by increasing the budget to provide a grant, funded from the Economic Development Reserve Fund, to the London Downtown Business Association for the purpose of supporting businesses, such as improving safety/security, property damage grants, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) audits:

    2025 Operating Expenditures: $265,000      2025 Tax Levy: $0     2025 Capital Expenditures: $0
    2026 Operating Expenditures: $265,000      2026 Tax Levy: $0     2026 Capital Expenditures: $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures: $265,000      2027 Tax Levy: $0     2027 Capital Expenditures: $0


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


    Motion Failed (6 to 8)
  • Moved by:D. Ferreira
    Seconded by:E. Peloza

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED by increasing the budget to provide a grant, funded from the Economic Development Reserve Fund, to the London Downtown Business Association for the purpose of additional cleaning and maintenance, such as graffiti removal, power washing, expanded street cleaning (garbage and sharps removal), and beautification and maintenance:

    2025 Operating Expenditures: $300,000     2025 Tax Levy: $0    2025 Capital Expenditures: $0
    2026 Operating Expenditures: $300,000     2026 Tax Levy: $0    2026 Capital Expenditures: $0




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


  • Moved by:S. Lewis
    Seconded by:P. Cuddy

    That the motion be amended, to read as follows:

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED by increasing the budget to provide a grant, funded from the Community Investment Reserve Fund, to the London Downtown Business Association for the purpose of additional cleaning and maintenance, such as graffiti removal, power washing, expanded street cleaning (garbage and sharps removal), and beautification and maintenance:

    2025 Operating Expenditures: $300,000     2025 Tax Levy: $0    2025 Capital Expenditures: $0
    2026 Operating Expenditures: $300,000     2026 Tax Levy: $0    2026 Capital Expenditures: $0


    Yeas: (12)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira
    Nays: (2)A. Hopkins, and C. Rahman
    Absent: (1)H. McAlister


    Motion Passed (12 to 2)
  • Moved by:J. Pribil
    Seconded by:S. Stevenson

    That the motion be further amended, to read as follows:

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED by increasing the budget to provide a grant, funded from the Community Investment Reserve Fund, to the London Downtown Business Association for the purpose of additional cleaning and maintenance, such as graffiti removal, power washing, expanded street cleaning (garbage and sharps removal), and beautification and maintenance:

    2025 Operating Expenditures: $300,000     2025 Tax Levy: $0    2025 Capital Expenditures: $0


    Yeas: (2)S. Stevenson, and J. Pribil
    Nays: (12)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
    Absent: (1)H. McAlister


    Motion Failed (2 to 12)
  • Moved by:D. Ferreira
    Seconded by:E. Peloza

    That the motion, as amended, BE APPROVED. 


    Yeas: (11)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira
    Nays: (3)A. Hopkins, S. Stevenson, and C. Rahman
    Absent: (1)H. McAlister


    Motion Passed (11 to 3)
  • That it BE NOTED that the Budget Committee did not consider an amendment to the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update related to an Amendment - Grant - Economic Development Reserve Fund - Councillor D. Ferreira - LDBA for Marketing and Promotion Initiatives.

     




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

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

    a)    the report regarding the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s (MLHU) 2025 additional one-time funding request BE RECEIVED for information; and

    b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to fund the City of London’s increased share of $226,954 for 2025 from the Operating Budget Contingency Reserve.




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


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

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

    a)    the report regarding the Middlesex-London Health Unit’s (MLHU) 2025 additional one-time funding request BE RECEIVED for information; and


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


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

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

    b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to fund the City of London’s increased share of $226,954 for 2025 from the Operating Budget Contingency Reserve.


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


    Motion Passed (8 to 6)
  • Moved by:A. Hopkins
    Seconded by:J. Morgan

    That the Budget Committee recess at this time for 30 minutes


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


    Motion Passed (14 to 0)

    The Budget Committee recesses at 12:08 PM and reconvenes at 12:43 PM.


  • Moved by:C. Rahman
    Seconded by:A. Hopkins

    That the request for funding the VHA Home HealthCare and its Extreme Clean Program, as referred to the Budget Committee on November 5, 2024, BE RECEIVED.


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


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

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED by reducing by $500,000 the additional annual contribution to the Economic Development Reserve Fund included in 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-46 – Economic and Partnerships Initiatives in the adopted 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget and that Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to transfer one million dollars from the Community Investment Reserve Fund to the Economic Development Reserve Fund in 2025 only.

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  -$500,000                2025 Tax Levy:  -$500,000             2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  -$500,000                2026 Tax Levy:  -$500,000             2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  -$500,000                2027 Tax Levy:  -$500,000             2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


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

    That the motion be amended to read as follows: 

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED by reducing by $500,000 the additional annual contribution to the Economic Development Reserve Fund included in 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-46 – Economic and Partnerships Initiatives in the adopted 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget and that Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to transfer one million dollars from the Community Investment Reserve Fund to the Economic Development Reserve Fund in 2025 only.

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  -$500,000                2025 Tax Levy:  -$500,000             2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  -$500,000                2026 Tax Levy:  -$500,000             2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  -$500,000                2027 Tax Levy:  -$500,000             2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (10)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
    Nays: (4)A. Hopkins, E. Peloza, S. Trosow, and S. Franke
    Absent: (1)H. McAlister


    Motion Passed (10 to 4)
  • Moved by:S. Trosow
    Seconded by:D. Ferreira

    That the motion be amended to read as follows: 

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED by reducing by $500,000 the additional annual contribution to the Economic Development Reserve Fund included in 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget Business Case #P-46 – Economic and Partnerships Initiatives in the adopted 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget and that Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to transfer one million dollars from the Community Investment Reserve Fund to the Economic Development Reserve Fund in 2025 only.

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  -$500,000                2025 Tax Levy:  -$500,000             2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0




    That it BE NOTED at the consensus of the committee, the motion was withdrawn.


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

    That the motion, as amended, be approved.


    Yeas: (11)J. Morgan, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
    Nays: (3)A. Hopkins, E. Peloza, and S. Trosow
    Absent: (1)H. McAlister


    Motion Passed (11 to 3)
  • That it BE NOTED that the Budget Committee considered an amendment to the Mayor's 2025 Annual Budget Update related to Rapid Transit - East London Link.




    ADDITIONAL VOTES


  • Moved by:S. Stevenson
    Seconded by:J. Pribil

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to remove the future capital budgets for the Rapid Transit - East London Link project from the 2025 and 2026 capital budgets, it being noted that the capital funding for this project primarily includes Federal and Provincial PTIS and Development Charges supported funding:
     
    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0               2025 Tax Levy:  $0                2025 Capital Expenditures: $975,000
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0               2026 Tax Levy:  $0                2026 Capital Expenditures:  $4,325,000
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  -$11,280     2027 Tax Levy:  -$11,280      2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (1)S. Stevenson
    Nays: (13)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
    Absent: (1)H. McAlister


    Motion Failed (1 to 13)
  • Moved by:J. Morgan
    Seconded by:A. Hopkins

    That pursuant to section 35.10 of the Council Procedure by-law, the Committee decision with respect to the Mayor's 2025 Annual Budget Amendment - Rapid Transit - East London Link project BE RECONSIDERED.


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


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

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to remove the future capital budgets for the Rapid Transit - East London Link project from the 2025 and 2026 capital budgets, it being noted that the capital funding for this project primarily includes Federal and Provincial PTIS and Development Charges supported funding:
     
    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0               2025 Tax Levy:  $0                2025 Capital Expenditures: $975,000
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0               2026 Tax Levy:  $0                2026 Capital Expenditures:  $4,325,000
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  -$11,280     2027 Tax Levy:  -$11,280      2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (2)S. Lehman, and S. Stevenson
    Nays: (12)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, P. Cuddy, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
    Absent: (1)H. McAlister


    Motion Failed (2 to 12)
  • That it BE NOTED that the Budget Committee considered an amendment to the Mayor's 2025 Annual Budget Update related to a drawdown from the Unfunded Liability Reserve Fund.




    ADDITIONAL VOTES:


  • Moved by:S. Stevenson
    Seconded by:J. Pribil

    That the Mayor’s 2025 Annual Budget Update BE AMENDED to include a drawdown from the Unfunded Liability Reserve Fund, notwithstanding the Council approved by-law that directs the fund to provide for employee benefits payable excluding WSIB claims in excess of $250,000.00, landfill closure and post-closure liabilities, and other liabilities for which there is no identified source of financing as reported in the annual consolidated financial statements, in order to reduce the property tax levy in 2025, it being noted that the Unfunded Liability Reserve Fund has a minimum target balance of $266.3 million and its 2025 uncommitted balance is approximately $175.0 million:

    2025 Operating Expenditures:  $0                2025 Tax Levy:  -$16,255,000              2025 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2026 Operating Expenditures:  $0                2026 Tax Levy:  $0                               2026 Capital Expenditures:  $0
    2027 Operating Expenditures:  $0                2027 Tax Levy:  $0                               2027 Capital Expenditures:  $0


    Yeas: (1)S. Stevenson
    Nays: (13)J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
    Absent: (1)H. McAlister


    Motion Failed (1 to 13)
  • Moved by:S. Lewis
    Seconded by:A. Hopkins

    That the meeting BE ADJOURNED.


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


    Motion Passed (14 to 0)

    The meeting adjourned at 2:04 PM.