Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Report

7th Meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Tuesday, April 05, 2022 at 4:00 P.m. - 5:00 P.m.

Virtual Meeting during the COVID-19 Emergency

Please check the City website for current details of COVID-19 service impacts.

Meetings can be viewed via live-streaming on YouTube and the City website

PRESENT:

• Mayor E. Holder (Chair), 
• Councillors M. van Holst, 
• S. Lewis, 
• M. Salih, 
• J. Helmer, 
• M. Cassidy, 
• M. Hamou, 
• J. Morgan, 
• S. Lehman, 
• A. Hopkins, 
• P. Van Meerbergen, 
• S. Turner, 
• E. Peloza, 
• J. Fyfe-Millar, 
• and S. Hillier

ALSO PRESENT:

• A. Job, K. Van Lammeren, B. Westlake-Power
  Remote Attendance:  L. Livingstone, A. Barbon, G. Barrett, J. Bunn, B. Card, S. Corman, J. Davison, K. Dickins, P. Donnelly, M. Fabro, S. Mathers, A. Pascual, K. Scherr, M. Schulthess, J. Skimming, C. Smith, J. Stanford
  The meeting is called to order at 4:01 PM, it being noted that Councillors M. van Holst, M. Salih, J. Helmer, M. Cassidy, P. Van Meerbergen, A. Hopkins, S. Turner, E. Peloza and S. Hillier were in remote attendance. 

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1.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

That it BE NOTED that the following pecuniary interests were disclosed:

a)  Councillor J. Morgan discloses a pecuniary interest having to do with Item 4.3, related to City appointments to Western University's Board of Governors, by indicating that Western University is his employer.  Councillor J. Morgan further discloses a pecuniary interest having to do with Item 3.1 part d), having to do with the City's Climate Emergency Action Plan's Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Western Ontario, by indicating that the University is his employer; 

b)  Councillor J. Helmer discloses a pecuniary interest having to do with Item 4.3, related to City appointments to Western University's Board of Governors, by indicating that he is employed by Western University.  Councillor J. Helmer further discloses a pecuniary interest having to do with Item 3.1 part d), having to do with the City's Climate Emergency Action Plan's Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Western Ontario, by indicating that he is employed by the University.

2.

Consent

None.

3.

Scheduled Items

3.1

Public Participation Meeting - Not to be heard before 4:05 PM - Climate Emergency Action Plan

• Moved by: S. Lehman
  Seconded by: M. Hamou

  That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment & Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the Climate Emergency Action Plan:

  a)    the staff report dated April 5, 2022, containing details of the engagement and feedback received on the draft Climate Emergency Action Plan received between February 8 and March 25, 2022, BE RECEIVED for information;

  b)    the Climate Emergency Action Plan, as appended to the staff report dated April 5, 2022 as Appendix “A”, BE APPROVED; it being noted that two substantive additions have been made to the draft plan:

       i)    9.4      What are the Preliminary Benefits and Costs at the Household Level, and 
       ii)    11.6    Process to Receive and Review Ongoing Feedback;

  c)    the Climate Emergency Action Plan Foundational Actions, as appended to the staff report dated April 5, 2022 as Appendix “B”, BE APPROVED; and

  d)    the proposed by-law, as appended to the staff report dated April 5, 2022 as Appendix “C” BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 12, 2022 to:

       i)    authorize and approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Western Ontario to advance joint climate change mitigation and adaptation research, technologies, analyses and knowledge, and
       ii)   authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the Memorandum of Understanding authorized and approved in part d) i), above;

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

  a communication dated February 26, 2022 from M. Bancroft OC, Climate Action Plan;
  a communication dated March 27, 2022 from C. Butler;
  a communication from Climate Action London;
  a communication dated March 9, 2022 from S. Franke, Executive Director, London Environmental Network;
  a communication from J. Kogelheide;
  a communication dated March 27, 2022 from C. Kuijpers;
  a communication dated March 27, 2022 from M. Luce;
  a communication from D. Mailer;
  a communication dated March 28, 2022 from M. Miksa, Executive Director, London Cycle Link;
  a communication from B. Morrison;
  a communication dated March 24, 2022 from C. Murray;
  a communication dated March 27, 2022 from S. Pereira;
  a communication from G. Sass;
  a communication dated March 28, 2022 from AM Valastro;
  a communication dated March 16, 2022 from L. Wall;
  a communication dated March 28, 2022 from R. K. Jain;
  a communication dated March 30, 2022 from H. Elias;
  a communication dated March 30, 2022 from A. Johnson;
  a communication dated March 22, 2022 from the Trees and Forests Advisory Committee;
  a communication dated April 1, 2022 from M. Jutte;
  a communication dated March 31, 2022 from S. Harrott, Executive Committee Chairperson, Friends of Urban Agriculture London, Ontario;

  it being further noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee heard verbal delegations from the following individuals with respect to this matter;

  • staff presentation from J. Stanford, Director, Climate Change, Environment & Waste Management;
  • C. Kuijpers
  • D. Mailer
  • S. Franke, London Environmental Network
  • M. Miksa, London Cycle Link
  • G. Sass
  • B. Morrison
  • M. Larsen
  • D. Millar, London Electric Vehicle Association
  • K. Easton
  • J. B. Morton
  • R. McNeil
  • M. Hodge
  • L. Wall
  • M. Wallace, London Development Institute
  • M. Bancroft
  • A. Cantel
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  Voting Record:

  
  
• Moved by: A. Hopkins
  Seconded by: J. Fyfe-Millar

  Motion to open the public participation meeting.  

  
  

  Yeas: (15)

  M. van Holst, M. Salih, J. Helmer, M. Cassidy, J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Turner, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, Mayor E. Holder, J. Fyfe-Millar, and M. Hamou

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (15 to 0)
• Moved by: E. Peloza
  Seconded by: S. Hillier

  Motion to close the Public Participation Meeting. 

  
  

  Yeas: (15)

  M. van Holst, M. Salih, J. Helmer, M. Cassidy, J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Turner, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, Mayor E. Holder, J. Fyfe-Millar, and M. Hamou

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (15 to 0)
• Moved by: S. Lehman
  Seconded by: M. Hamou

  Motion to approve parts a), b) and c):

  That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Environment & Infrastructure, the following actions be taken with respect to the Climate Emergency Action Plan:

  a)    the staff report dated April 5, 2022, containing details of the engagement and feedback received on the draft Climate Emergency Action Plan received between February 8 and March 25, 2022, BE RECEIVED for information;

  b)    the Climate Emergency Action Plan, attached as Appendix “A”, BE APPROVED; it being noted that two substantive additions have been made to the draft plan:

       i)    9.4      What are the Preliminary Benefits and Costs at the Household Level, and 
       ii)    11.6    Process to Receive and Review Ongoing Feedback;

  c)    the Climate Emergency Action Plan Foundational Actions, attached as Appendix “B”, BE APPROVED; and

  
  

  Yeas: (15)

  M. van Holst, M. Salih, J. Helmer, M. Cassidy, J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Turner, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, Mayor E. Holder, J. Fyfe-Millar, and M. Hamou

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (15 to 0)
• Moved by: S. Lehman
  Seconded by: M. Hamou

  Motion to approve part d)

  d)    the attached proposed by-law (Appendix “C”) BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on April 12, 2022 to:

       i)    authorize and approve a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Western Ontario to advance joint climate change mitigation and adaptation research, technologies, analyses and knowledge, and
       ii)   authorize the Mayor and the City Clerk to execute the Memorandum of Understanding authorized and approved in part d) i), above.

  
  

  Yeas: (13)	M. van Holst, M. Salih, M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, S. Turner, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, Mayor E. Holder, J. Fyfe-Millar, and M. Hamou
  Recuse: (2)	J. Helmer, and J. Morgan

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (13 to 0)

4.

Items for Direction

4.1

2021 Council Compensation Review Task Force Final Report

• Moved by: J. Fyfe-Millar
  Seconded by: S. Lewis

  That the following actions be taken with respect to Council compensation:

  a)    consistent with current practice, and effective with the commencement of the next term of Council, the annual compensation for serving as a Ward Councillor BE SET at the 2020 median full-time employment income for Londoners as determined from the 2021 Census data, it being noted that while 2021 data will not be available until July 2022, it will be available well prior to the effective date of adjustment;

  b)    the current formula for adjusting Council compensation on annual basis BE AMENDED to be based on the average annual variation in median full-time employment income determined from published Census data over the most recent census period (2021 Census data) as opposed to the Labour Index or CPI;

  c)    the annual adjustment in Councillor compensation BE AUTOMATIC and administered by the Civic Administration;

  d)    a review of Council Compensation BE UNDERTAKEN by an independent body, once per Council term, subject to the following: 

       (i)    the review should be completed no later than six months in advance of the date that nominations are accepted for the next municipal election; 

       (ii)    any adjustments should be effective on the first day of the next Council term; 

       (iii)    the Task Force should, as much as possible, reflect the diversity of the community and ideally the participants should have knowledge in the areas of municipal government, research, statistics, public engagement and compensation; 

       (iv)    the Task Force should be limited to no more than five individuals; 

       (v)    the review should include a review of the major supports required for Council Members to efficiently and effectively carry out their role to the best of their ability as the availability of these supports helps to inform compensation;

       (vi)    the review should consider if median full-time income remains an appropriate benchmark for Council Member compensation; 

       (vii)    the review should consider if the current formula for interim adjustments remains appropriate; and 

       (viii)    public engagement should continue to be a component of the review process and that engagement should be undertaken in a manner which recognizes community preferences and needs.

  e)    the following activities related to public engagement and notice BE TAKEN: 

       (i)    opportunities BE EXPLORED to determine what online public spaces (webpages, social media, etc.) might be available in order to ensure that the system of remuneration for Council, including annual adjustment, is transparent, open, and easily accessible and understandable to the public; and 

       (ii)    annual adjustments to Council compensation BE REPORTED to Committee and Council and recorded in the minutes of Committee and Council; and

  f)    that NO ACTION BE TAKEN with respect to the consideration of a system of performance-based compensation for Council Members;

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a verbal overview of the Final Report of the 2021 Council Compensation Task Force from D. Ross, Task Force Chair.  

  
  

  Yeas: (15)

  M. van Holst, M. Salih, J. Helmer, M. Cassidy, J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Turner, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, Mayor E. Holder, J. Fyfe-Millar, and M. Hamou

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.2

Confirmation of Appointment to the Argyle Business Improvement Association

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

  That Deborah Haroun, Supervisor at Children's Place, BE APPOINTED to the Argyle Business Improvement Association Board of Management for the term ending November 14, 2022.

  
  

  Yeas: (15)

  M. van Holst, M. Salih, J. Helmer, M. Cassidy, J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Turner, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, Mayor E. Holder, J. Fyfe-Millar, and M. Hamou

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (15 to 0)

4.3

City Appointees to Western University's Board of Governors

• Moved by: J. Fyfe-Millar
  Seconded by: M. Hamou

  That the following actions be taken with respect to Western University's Board of Governors:
  
  a)  the term of Harold Usher BE ADJUSTED to end as of June 30, 2022, and that he be thanked for his services on the board recognizing he completed his full term; 
  
  b)  all future appointments by the City of London to the University of Western Ontario BE MADE effective as of July 1, rather than December 1; and,
  
  c)  the City Clerk BE DIRECTED to advertise for two positions, whose terms shall begin July 1, 2022;
  
  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated March 25, 2022 from R. Konrad, Chair, Board of Governors, Western University with respect to this matter.

  
  

  Yeas: (13)	M. van Holst, M. Salih, M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, S. Turner, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, Mayor E. Holder, J. Fyfe-Millar, and M. Hamou
  Recuse: (2)	J. Helmer, and J. Morgan

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (13 to 0)

5.

Deferred Matters/Additional Business

5.1

(ADDED) 4th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Advisory Committee

• Moved by: J. Morgan
  Seconded by: M. Cassidy

  That the following actions be taken with respect to the 4th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Advisory Committee from its meeting held on March 17, 2022:
  
  a)  the following actions be taken with respect to a ban on hate symbols:
  
  i) the Municipal Council BE ADVISED that the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Advisory Committee supports the attached Federation of Canadian Municipalities' resolution entitled, "Strengthening Canada’s Hate Speech Laws", a call to strengthen federal laws to address hate speech including symbols of hate; and,
  
  ii) the verbal presentation from Deputy Mayor J. Morgan, with respect to this matter, BE RECEIVED; 
  
  b)  clauses 1.1, 2.1. 2.2, 3.1, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4 and 5.1 BE RECEIVED for information.

  
  

  Yeas: (15)

  M. van Holst, M. Salih, J. Helmer, M. Cassidy, J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Turner, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, Mayor E. Holder, J. Fyfe-Millar, and M. Hamou

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (15 to 0)

6.

Adjournment

• Moved by: P. Van Meerbergen
  Seconded by: S. Hillier

  That the Meeting BE ADJOURNED. 

  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  The meeting adjourned at 6:59 PM.