Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Report

2nd Meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Tuesday, December 12, 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, 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:

• 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, K. Dickins, P. Ladouceur, S. Mathers, J. McGonigle, K. Murray, J. Paradis, C. Parsons, T. Pollitt, K. Scherr, M. Schulthess, E. Skalski, N. Steinberg, L. Stewart, J. Taylor, B. Warner.

  Remote Attendance:  E. Bennett, C. Cooper, E. Hunt, V. Morgado, S. Tatavarti.

  The meeting is called to order at 4:03 PM; it being noted that Councillor S. Hillier was 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: H. McAlister
  Seconded by: S. Lewis

  That Consent Items 2.2, 2.3, 2.7 and 2.8 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)
• Moved by: S. Trosow
  Seconded by: S. Stevenson

  That, notwithstanding the Council Procedure By-law, a change in order of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee Agenda BE APPROVED, to provide for Items 2.4, 2.5, 2.6 in Stage 2, Consent, to be considered before Stage 3, Schedule Items.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (13 to 2)

2.2

2023 Resident Satisfaction Survey

• Moved by: H. McAlister
  Seconded by: S. Lewis

  That on the recommendation of the City Manager, the report dated December 12, 2023, including the 2023 Resident Satisfaction Survey, BE RECEIVED for information.

  
  
  
  
  

2.3

December Progress Update - Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response

• Moved by: H. McAlister
  Seconded by: S. Lewis

  That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Social and Health Development, the December Progress Update – Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response Report BE RECEIVED for information.

  
  
  
  
  

2.7

8th Report of the Governance Working Group

• Moved by: H. McAlister
  Seconded by: S. Lewis

  That the following actions be taken with respect to the 8th Report of the Governance Working Group from its meeting held on November 27, 2023:

  a)    the following actions be taken with respect to the "Council Members' Expense Policy":

  i)     the City Clerk's Office BE DIRECTED to bring forward a by-law to be introduced at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on December 19, 2023 to amend By-law No. CPOL.-228-480, as amended, being “Council Members’ Expense Account” to update various provisions of the policy as indicated in the staff report dated November 27, 2023; 

  ii)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to report back on funding travel-related expenses for the annual general conference of Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) for Members outside the annual expense account allotment; and

  iii)    the revised "Council Members' Expense Policy" BE REFERRED to the next meeting of Governance Working Group for consideration of community engagement expenses;

  b)   on the recommendation of the City Clerk, the following actions be taken with respect to the Governance Working Group Meeting Schedule:

  i)    the report dated November 27, 2023, entitled “Governance Working Group 2024 Meeting Schedule”, BE RECEIVED for information;

  ii)   the following dates BE ESTABLISHED as meeting dates for Governance Working Group (GWG):

  Monday, January 22, 2024;
  Monday, March 25, 2024; 
  Monday, May 13, 2024;
  Monday, June 24, 2024; 
  Monday, September 23, 2024; and 
  Monday, November 25, 2024;

  it being noted that the meeting times will be at 10:00 AM;

  c)   clauses 1.1 and 4.1 BE RECEIVED.

  
  
  
  
  

2.8

11th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee

• Moved by: H. McAlister
  Seconded by: S. Lewis

  That the 11th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee, from the meeting held on November 30, 2023, BE RECEIVED.

  
  
  
  
  

2.4

London Economic Development Corporation Purchase of Services Agreement 2024-2027

• Moved by: S. Lewis
  Seconded by: C. Rahman

  That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, in accordance with the City of London Procurement of Goods and Services Policy, Section 14.4 Single Source, the following actions be taken:

  a)    the proposed by-law as appended to the staff report dated December 12, 2023 as Appendix "A", BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on December 19, 2023;

  b)     a Purchase of Services Agreement between The Corporation of the City of London (Corporation) and the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) BE APPROVED; 

  c)     the Mayor and City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute the Agreement;

  d)     the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, and their written designates, if any, BE AUTHORIZED the power to administer the Agreement; and

  e)     a one-time allocation of $300,000 BE AUTHORIZED and BE APPROVED from the Economic Development Reserve Fund to LEDC for 2024 for services to implement London’s Film Strategy, as set out in section 3(g) of the Agreement as appended to the staff report, noting that additional funding beyond 2024 is subject to the City of London annual budget approval and subject to the prior written annual request of the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development as directed by Council. 

  
  

  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: J. Pribil
  Seconded by: S. Stevenson

  That, with respect to the London Economic Development Corporation Purchase of Services Agreement 2024-2027, the following actions be taken:

  c) the 2024-2027 Purchase of Services Agreement BE REFERRED to Civic Administration to negotiate the following changes:
  i) all references to Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development BE AMENDED to City Manager or designate within the Purchase of Services Agreement;
  ii) all references to “as required” joint meetings BE AMENDED to “quarterly” joint meetings in section 4 of the Purchase of Services Agreement; 
  iii) the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to establish targets and goals for each metric and explore additional beneficial metrics to be added as appropriate;

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Failed (1 to 14)
• Moved by: J. Pribil
  Seconded by: S. Trosow

  That pursuant to section 31.6 of the Council Procedure By-law, Councillor Pribil BE PERMITTED to speak an additional 1 minute with respect to this matter. 

  
  

  Yeas: (12)	J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, S. Franke, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Nays: (3)	S. Lewis, S. Hillier, and H. McAlister

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (12 to 3)

2.5

Small Business Centre 2024-2027 Grant Agreement 

• Moved by: E. Peloza
  Seconded by: C. Rahman

  That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, the following actions be taken:

  a)   the proposed by-law as appended to the staff report dated December 12, 2023 as Appendix "A", BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on December 19, 2023;

  b)   a Grant Agreement with the London Community Small Business Centre from 2024 to 2027 BE APPROVED; 

  c)   the Mayor and City Clerk BE AUTHORIZED to execute the Agreement; and

  d)   the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, or written designate BE AUTHORIZED to act as the City Representative purposes of the Agreement.

  
  

  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)

2.6

TechAlliance 2024-2027 Grant Agreement 

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

  That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, the following actions be taken:

  a)    the proposed by-law as appended to the staff report dated December 12, 2023 as Appendix "A", BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on December 19, 2023;

  b)    a Grant Agreement with the TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario from 2024 to 2027 BE APPROVED;

  c)    the Mayor and City Clerk BE AUTHORITZED to sign the Agreement; and 

  d)    the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, or written designate BE AUTHORIZED to act as the City Representative purposes of the Agreement.

  
  

  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: D. Ferreira
  Seconded by: A. Hopkins

  That the Committee recess at this time.

  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  The Committee recesses at 5:22 PM and reconvenes at 6:31 PM.

  
  

2.1

2023-2027 Implementation Plan

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

  That on the recommendation of the City Manager, the report dated December 12, 2023, including the 2023-2027 Implementation Plan, BE RECEIVED for information.

  
  

  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)

• MOTION WITHDRAWN:

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

  Motion to BE AMENDED to add the following:

  That Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to complete annual specific implementation plan by end of February for the upcoming fiscal year covering the period from April 1 to March 31.

  
  
  
  
  

  Pursuant to section 33.4 of the Council Procedure By-law and at the joint request of the mover and seconder, with the permission of the standing committee, the motion is withdrawn.

  
  

3.

Scheduled Items

3.1

Not to be heard before 4:00 PM - Release of the Draft 2024 - 2027 Multi-Year Budget

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

  That the following actions be taken with respect to the Draft 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget, including the Tax-Supported Operating, Capital, Water and Wastewater Treatment Budgets:

  a)      the Draft Budget documents BE REFERRED to the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget process; and

  b)      the overview presentation by the Deputy City Manager, Finance and Supports with respect to the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget process BE RECEIVED;

  it being noted that the following document was provided to the Members, and is available on the City website: Draft Property Tax Supported, Water and Wastewater & Treatment 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budgets.

  
  

  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.

Items for Direction

4.1

Deputy Mayor S. Lewis and Councillor S. Franke - Submission Regarding Progress Update - Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response

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

  That with respect to the matter of Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response the following actions be taken:

  a) pursuant to section 35.2 of the Council Procedure By-law, the March 7, 2023 Council decision directing Civic Administration to report back monthly to future standing committees on Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response progress updates BE RECONSIDERED; and

  b) pursuant to section 35.7 of the Council Procedure By-law should reconsideration pass, that Council consider the following alternate recommendation:

  the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to adjust the frequency of the overall comprehensive “Progress Update - Health & Homelessness Whole of Community System Response” to quarterly; it being noted that Council, via the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee, will continue to receive reports on matters for it’s decision-making related to the Whole of Community System Response as necessary;

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated December 8, 2023 from B. Brock with respect to this matter.

  
  
  
  
  

  ADDITIONAL VOTES

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

  That with respect to the matter of Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response the following actions be taken:

  a) pursuant to section 35.2 of the Council Procedure By-law, the March 7, 2023 Council decision directing Civic Administration to report back monthly to future standing committees on Health and Homelessness Whole of Community System Response progress updates BE RECONSIDERED 

  
  

  Yeas: (11)	J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira
  Nays: (4)	S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, and C. Rahman

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (11 to 4)
• Moved by: S. Lewis
  Seconded by: S. Franke

  b) pursuant to section 35.7 of the Council Procedure By-law that Council consider the following alternate recommendation:

  the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to adjust the frequency of the overall comprehensive “Progress Update - Health & Homelessness Whole of Community System Response” to twice annually; it being noted that Council, via the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee, will continue to receive reports on matters for it’s decision-making related to the Whole of Community System Response as necessary;

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated December 8, 2023 from B. Brock with respect to this matter.

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

  That the motion BE AMENDED to reflect the frequency of the overall comprehensive "Progress Update - Health & Homelessness Whole of Community System Response” from "twice annually" to "quarterly".

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (13 to 2)
• Moved by: S. Lewis
  Seconded by: S. Franke

  b) pursuant to section 35.7 of the Council Procedure By-law should reconsideration pass, that Council consider the following alternate recommendation:

  That Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to adjust the frequency of the overall comprehensive “Progress Update - Health & Homelessness Whole of Community System Response” to quarterly; it being noted that Council, via the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee, will continue to receive reports on matters for it’s decision-making related to the Whole of Community System Response as necessary;

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated December 8, 2023 from B. Brock with respect to this matter.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (14 to 1)

5.

Deferred Matters/Additional Business

None.

6.

Confidential (Enclosed for Members only.)

• Moved by: C. Rahman
  Seconded by: S. Stevenson

  That the Committee recess at this time.

  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  The Committee recesses at 9:52 PM and reconvenes at 10:00 PM.

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

  That the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee convenes In Closed Session to consider the following:
  
  6.1 Land Acquisition/Disposition / Solicitor-Client Privileged Advice / Position, Plan, Procedure, Criteria or Instruction to be Applied to Any Negotiations 

  A matter pertaining to the proposed acquisition or disposition of land by the municipality, including communications necessary for that purpose; advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege; commercial and financial information, that belongs to the municipality and has monetary value or potential monetary value and a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (14 to 0)

  The Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee convenes In Closed Session from 10:01 PM to 10:45 PM.

  
  

7.

Adjournment

• Moved by: P. Van Meerbergen
  Seconded by: A. Hopkins

  That the meeting BE ADJOURNED.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  The meeting adjourned at 10:52 PM.