Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Report

6th Meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 4:00 P.m. - 5:00 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, Metis and Inuit people 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:

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

ALSO PRESENT:

• L. Livingstone, A. Barbon, S. Corman, J. Dann, K. Dickins, S. Mathers, B. O'Hagan, M. Schulthess, C. Smith, J. Taylor, B. Westlake-Power

  Remote attendance:  B. Card 

  The meeting is called to order at 4:03 PM; it being noted that Councillor P. Van Meerbergen was in remote attendance.  

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1.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

That it BE NOTED that Councillor S. Trosow disclosed a pecuniary interest in Item 4.3, having to do with consideration of appointments to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority, by indicating that one of the candidates is his spouse. 

2.

Consent

2.2

1st Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee

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

  That the 1st report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee from its meeting held on December 8, 2022 BE RECEIVED.

  
  

  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

London: A Place to Call Home (London Development Institute (LDI) and London Home Builders' Association (LHBA))

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

  That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, the report dated January 17, 2023 summarizing the City’s response to the London: A Place to Call Home white paper BE RECEIVED for information;

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a delegation from M. Wallace, LDI. 

  
  

  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)

  Additional Votes:

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

  That the delegation request from Mr. M. Wallace, LDI, BE APPROVED to be 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)

3.

Scheduled Items

3.1

Public Participation Meeting - Not to be heard before 4:05 PM - 2023 Budget

  

• That the following written submissions for the 2022-2023 Multi-Year Budget 2021 Public Participation Meeting BE RECEIVED for consideration by the Municipal Council as part of its 2023 Multi-Year budget approval process:

  a)  R. Grant Inglis, Scott Petrie LLP Law Firm; 

  b)  C. Butler;

  c)  Argyle BIA; and,

  d)  London Cycle Link;

  it being noted that at the public participation meeting associated with this matter, the following individuals made oral submissions regarding this matter:

  • J. Lalonde, speaking against Budget Amendment Case #P-10 - Reduction to previously approved business cases for Streetlights and Winter Maintenance and  Walkway Maintenance Reductions; 
  • B. Mejia, Argyle BIA - speaking in support of Budget Amendment Case #P-18 - Streetscape Master Plan for Dundas Street - Argyle BIA;
  • C. Roberts - providing general comments and comments specific to "ESG" evaluations and requesting additional consultation with taxpayers about the application of same;
  • A. Wasylko, London Cycle Link - requesting a significant budgetary commitment to priorities for cycling infrastructure in the city;
  • C. Butler - requesting a more transparent process related to budget surplus use and suggesting that continuous improvement targets be increased; 
  • B. Williamson - indicating that Londoners are struggling financially and recommending that budget surpluses be rebated back to taxpayers;
  • C. Luistro, Hamilton Road BIA - speaking in support of Budget Amendment Case #P-16 - Funding for the Hamilton Road BIA;
  • S. Ryall, Humane Society London & Middlesex - speaking in support of Budget Amendment Case #P-14 - Humane Society of London & Middlesex Animal Campus and noting the urgent critical need for same;
  • A. Valastro - speaking against Budget Amendment Case #P14 - Humane Society London & Middlesex Animal Campus, noting that public tax dollars should not be supporting private organizations;
  • S. Brunette - providing comments related to homelessness and housing issues in the city;
  • R. O'Hagan - providing brief comments related to Budget Amendment Cases #P-3, #P-10, #P-12, #P-13 and #P-14; 
  • J. Look, VP External Affairs, University Students' Council Western - speaking against Budget Amendment Case #P-10 - Reduction to previously approved business cases for Streetlights and Winter Maintenance and  Walkway Maintenance Reductions;
  • M. Blosh - speaking in support of Budget Amendment Case #P14 - Humane Society London & Middlesex Animal Campus;
  • A. Lei, University Students' Council Western -  Budget Amendment Case #P-10 - Reduction to previously approved business cases for Streetlights and Winter Maintenance and  Walkway Maintenance Reductions; and, 
  • M. van Holst - speaking in support of Budget Amendment Cases #P-15 - Increase to Neighbourhood Decision Making Program and #P-16 - Hamilton Road BIA.
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  Voting Record:

  
  
• Moved by: A. Hopkins
  Seconded by: S. Stevenson

  Motion to open the Public Participation Meeting

  
  

  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: A. Hopkins
  Seconded by: P. Cuddy

  Motion to close the Public Participation Meeting

  
  

  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. Lehman
  Seconded by: S. Lewis

  That the following written submissions for the 2022-2023 Multi-Year Budget 2021 Public Participation Meeting BE RECEIVED for consideration by the Municipal Council as part of its 2023 Multi-Year approval process:
  
  b)  C. Butler

  c)  Argyle BIA

  d)  London Cycle Link.

  
  

  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. Lehman
  Seconded by: S. Hillier

  That the communication from R. Grant Inglis BE RECEIVED. 

  
  

  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. Lewis
  Seconded by: P. Cuddy

  That the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee BE RECESSED at this time.

  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  The SPPC recesses from 6:45 PM and reconvenes at 7:02 PM. 

  
  

3.2

Delegation - Bill Rayburn, CAO, Middlesex County and Neal Roberts, Chief of Middlesex-London Paramedic Service

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

  That the presentation from N. Roberts, Chief of Middlesex-London Paramedic Service, B. Rayburn, CAO, Middlesex County and Middlesex Warden C. Burghardt-Jesson, with respect to the Middlesex-London Paramedic Service System Overview, BE RECEIVED. 

  
  

  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)

  Additional Votes:

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

  That notwithstanding the Council Procedure By-law, the delegation BE PERMITTED to speak longer than five minutes.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (14 to 0)

4.

Items for Direction

4.1

Confirmation of Appointment to the Old East Village Business Improvement Area

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

  That the following BE APPOINTED to the Old East Village BIA Board of Directors for the term ending November 14, 2026:
  
  Maria Drangova, representing the London Clay Art Centre
  Grant Maltman, representing Banting House National Historic Site
  Rob Campbell, Property Owner
  Chris Stroud, representing Bread and Roses Books
  Kimberly De Sousa, representing Libro Credit Union
  Michelle Scott, representing Western Fair District
  Kelli Gough, representing The Palace Theatre
  Rashad Ayyash, Property Owner
  Scott Courtice, representing London Intercommunity Health Centre
  Robbyn Lindsay, representing Willies Café
  John Young, representing Somerville 630;
  
  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated December 6, 2022 from J. Pastorius, General Manager, Old East Village BIA with respect to this matter.

  
  

  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)

4.2

Consideration of Appointment to the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority (Requires 2 Members)

• Moved by: C. Rahman
  Seconded by: P. Cuddy

  That the following BE APPOINTED to the Kettle Creek Conservation Authority for the term ending November 14, 2026;

  Prabhsimran Gill
  JJ Strybosch
  
  it being noted that approval from the Minister of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) is required.

  
  

  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)

4.3

Consideration of Appointment to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority (Requires 1 Member)

• Moved by: A. Hopkins
  Seconded by: E. Peloza

  That Marie Blosh BE APPOINTED to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority for the term ending November 14, 2026;

  it being noted that approval from the Minister of Environment Conservation and Parks (MECP) is required.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (14 to 0)
• Election:

  Appointment to the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority

  
  

  Marie Blosh(71.43 %):	J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, H. McAlister, J. Pribil, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Prabhsimran Gill(0.00 %):	None
  JJ Strybosch(28.57 %):	P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, and S. Stevenson
  Abstain(0.00 %):	None
  Conflict (0):	None
  Absent (1):	S. Trosow

  
  
  
  Majority Winner: Marie Blosh

  Councillor S. Trosow leaves the meeting at 7:05 PM.

  Councillor S. Trosow returns to the meeting at 7:08 PM.

  
  

4.4

Consideration of Appointment to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority (Requires 1 Member)

• Moved by: S. Hillier
  Seconded by: D. Ferreira

  That Sandy Levin BE APPOINTED to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority Board of Directors for the term ending November 14, 2026.

  
  

  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)
• Election:

  Appointment to the Upper Thames River Conservation Authority

  
  

  Prabhsimran Gill(0.00 %):	None
  Rhonda Gilpin Hartley(6.67 %):	C. Rahman
  Sandy Levin(93.33 %):	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, and D. Ferreira
  JJ Strybosch(0.00 %):	None
  Abstain(0.00 %):	None
  Conflict (0):	None
  Absent (0):	None

  
  
  
  Majority Winner: Sandy Levin

4.5

Committee of Adjustment - Member Vacancy

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

  That the following actions be taken with respect to the Committee of Adjustment:

  a)    the appointment to the Committee of Adjustment of Mohamed Mohamed El Hadary BE RESCINDED;

  b)    a vacancy on the Committee BE DECLARED; 

  c)    the communication from the Committee of Adjustment BE RECEIVED; and,

  d)    the City Clerk BE DIRECTED to advertise the vacancy and bring forward applications to a future meeting of the appropriate standing committee for consideration.  

  
  

  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

None.

6.

Confidential

6.1

Solicitor-Client Privileged Advice

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

  That the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee convene, In Closed Session, to consider a matter pertaining to advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, regarding the Humane Society London & Middlesex 2023 Budget Amendment grant request.

  
  

  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)

  The Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee convened, In Closed Session, from 6:30 PM to 6:39 PM.

  
  

7.

Adjournment

• Moved by: A. Hopkins
  Seconded by: S. Franke

  That the meeting BE ADJOURNED.

  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  The meeting adjourned at 7:25 PM.