Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Report

22nd Meeting of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee

Tuesday, September 19, 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, D. Escobar, M. Feldberg, S. Mathers, J. McGonigle, H. McNeely, J. Paradis, K. Scherr, M. Schulthess, E. Skalski

  Remote Attendance:  E. Bennett, B. Card, G. Clark, M. Goldrup, L. Marshall

  The meeting is called to order at 4:02 PM; it being noted that Councillors P. Van Meerbergen, E. Peloza (after 7:10 PM) 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.

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

  That, pursuant to section 27.6 of the Council Procedure By-law, a change in order of the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee Agenda BE APPROVED, to provide for Item 5.1 in Stage 5, Appointment to the London Hydro Board of Directors, to be considered after Stage 6, Confidential.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (13 to 0)

2.

Consent

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

  That Consent Items 2.3 to 2.6 BE APPROVED.

  
  

  Yeas: (14)	J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, 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)	S. Hillier

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (14 to 0)

2.3

4th Report of the Governance Working Group

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

  That the following actions be taken with respect to the 4th Report of the Governance Working Group from its meeting held on August 28, 2023:
  
  a)   the City Clerk BE DIRECTED to undertake the following with respect to the Electronic (Remote) Participation of Members of Council at Council and Standing Committee Meetings:

  i)    report back to the next Governance Working Group with an additional draft policy that incorporates additional edits, including the following:

  A)    the requirement to have cameras active;
  B)    specific requirements for confidential participation including cameras and headset usage;
  C)    clarification of the expectation for voting Members to attend meetings in person, rather than remote participation; requirement for voting Members to provide advance notice to the City Clerk and Chair of the committee, including reasons for remote participation;
  D)    consideration of a threshold for in person attendance at meetings;

  ii)    a draft administrative policy, for the information of Council, with respect to the participation of staff and the public for hybrid meetings;
  
  b)   the matter of a Ward Boundary Review BE REFERRED back to the Civic Administration in order to report back to a special meeting of the Governance Working Group, to be scheduled the week of September 11, with respect to a revised Terms of Reference to support the various options, as outlined in the report dated August 28, 2023, including consideration of future growth with the intent that any ward boundary changes will be relevant for the next three elections, inclusive of student population data and additional data points that may be applicable, as well as additional detail related to deliverables;
  
  c)   clauses 1.1 and 5.1 BE RECEIVED for information. 

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

2.4

6th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee

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

  That the 6th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee, from its meeting held on August 10, 2023 BE RECEIVED for information.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

2.5

Education and Training Session Special Meeting

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

  That, the following actions be taken with respect to an education and training session with the Integrity Commissioner for the City of London:

  a)    that pursuant to section 2.6 of the Council Procedure By-law, a change in meeting location from Council Chambers to the Civic Gardens Complex on September 28, 2023 from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM BE APPROVED; and

  b)    that the Municipal Council convene In Closed Session pursuant to s.239(3.1) of the Municipal Act, 2001 for the specific purpose of Council Member training and education by the Integrity Commissioner for the Corporation of the City of London, on September 28, 2023, at the location and time noted in clause a). 

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

2.6

(ADDED) London's Approved Housing Accelerator Fund

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

  That, on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Development, the report BE RECEIVED for information.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

3.

Scheduled Items

None.

4.

Items for Direction

4.1

City Manager, Recruitment and Selection Process

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

  That, in consultation with the Mayor, and on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Enterprise Supports and Director, People Services, the following actions be taken with respect to the City Manager recruitment and selection process:

  a)    the staff reported dated September 19, 2023, related to the City Manager recruitment and selection process, BE RECEIVED for information;

  b)    the Recruitment and Selection Plan for the new City Manager contained in the above-noted report, BE ENDORSED; and

  c)    that the following Council Members BE APPOINTED to the Recruitment and Selection Committee:

         Councillor Lewis

         Councillor Rahman

         Councillor Pribil

         Councillor Stevenson

         Councillor Lehman

         Mayor Morgan

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee will be interviewing candidates before Council endorsement.

  
  

  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
  Nays: (1)	S. Trosow

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (14 to 1)
• Election:

  Appointment to the Recruitment and Selection Committee

  
  

  Shawn Lewis(20.00 %):	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
  Susan Stevenson(13.33 %):	J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Hillier, E. Peloza, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, and C. Rahman
  Jerry Pribil(14.67 %):	S. Lewis, S. Hillier, P. Van Meerbergen, S. Lehman, H. McAlister, P. Cuddy, S. Stevenson, J. Pribil, S. Trosow, D. Ferreira, and C. Rahman
  Sam Trosow(5.33 %):	H. McAlister, S. Trosow, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira
  Corrine Rahman(18.67 %):	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
  Steve Lehman(17.33 %):	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, and C. Rahman
  Skylar Franke(10.67 %):	J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, S. Lewis, E. Peloza, H. McAlister, S. Trosow, S. Franke, and D. Ferreira
  Abstain(0.00 %):	None
  Conflict (0):	None
  Absent (0):	None

  
  
  
  Majority Winner: Shawn Lewis; Corrine Rahman; Steve Lehman; Jerry Pribil; Susan Stevenson

4.2

Consideration of Appointment to the London and Middlesex Community Housing Board of Directors (Requires 1 Member)

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

  That the following actions be taken with respect to the appointment to the London and Middlesex Community Housing Board of Directors:

  a)  Kathleen Savoy BE APPOINTED to the London and Middlesex Community Housing Board of Directors as a Second Class Tenant Member for the term ending December 31, 2024; and,

  b) the attached proposed by-law BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on September 26, 2023, to ratify and confirm the Resolution of the Shareholder of the London and Middlesex Community Housing;

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee received a communication dated September 1, 2023 from Councillor H. McAlister, Board of Directors, London and Middlesex Community Housing 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)

2.

Consent

2.1

Development Charge Exemptions and Discounts

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

  a)    the report, entitled, ‘Development Charge Exemptions and Discounts BE RECEIVED for information; 

  b)    the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to incorporate funding requirements associated with statutory development charge exemptions and discounts into the 2024-2027 Multi-Year Budget, it being noted that adjustments may be made through the Annual Budget Update process as more experience is gained, including adjusting for any Provincial funding should it be received; and

  c)    the Mayor and Councillor Hopkins will continue advocacy on this matter through both AMO and OBCM.

  it being noted that the communication as appended to the Added Agenda, from C. Butler, with respect to this matter, was received.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

• ADDITIONAL VOTES:

  Moved by: S. Trosow
  Seconded by: A. Hopkins

  Motion to add a new part c) that the Mayor and Councillor Hopkins will continue advocacy on this matter through both AMO and OBCM.

  
  

  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: E. Peloza

  The recommendation as amended, 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)

2.2

Municipal Accommodation Tax - Tourism London Annual Report

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

  That on the recommendation of the Deputy City Manager, Planning and Economic Developments, Tourism London's report on the expenditures of Municipal Accommodation Tax revenues 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)

6.

Confidential (Enclosed for Members only.)

• Moved by: P. Cuddy
  Seconded by: A. Hopkins

  That the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee convenes in Closed Session to consider the following:

  6.1 Personal Matters/Identifiable Individual / Solicitor-Client Privileged Advice

  A matter pertaining to a personal matter about an identifiable individual, including municipal or local board employees, and advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, related to appointments to the London Hydro Board of Directors.

  6.2 Personal Matters/Identifiable Individuals

  A matter pertaining to an identifiable individual(s).

  6.3 Personal Matters/Identifiable Individuals        

  A personal matter pertaining to identifiable individuals, including municipal employees, with respect to the 2024 Mayor's New Year's Honour List.

  
  

  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 convene in Closed Session from 5:36 PM to 6:48 PM.

  
  
• Moved by: E. Peloza
  Seconded by: D. Ferreira

  That the Committee recess at this time.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  The Council recesses at 6:52 PM and reconvenes at 7:17 PM.

  
  

5.

Deferred Matters/Additional Business

5.1

Consideration of Appointments to the London Hydro Board of Directors (Requires 2 Members)

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

  That the following actions be taken with respect to appointments to the London Hydro Board of Directors:

  a)  Tim Watson and Tracy Gustafson BE APPOINTED to the London Hydro Board of Directors as First Class Members for the term ending the close of the annual meeting of the shareholders to be held in 2025 for the financial year ending December 31, 2024; and,

  b)  the attached proposed by-law BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on September 26, 2023, to ratify and confirm the Resolution of the Shareholder of London Hydro Inc.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (13 to 2)

• ADDITIONAL VOTES:

  Moved by: S. Trosow
  Seconded by: S. Stevenson

  That the following actions be taken with respect to appointments to the London Hydro Board of Directors:

  a)  Tim Watson and Cedric Gomes BE APPOINTED to the London Hydro Board of Directors as First Class Members for the term ending the close of the annual meeting of the shareholders to be held in 2025 for the financial year ending December 31, 2024; and,

  b)  the attached proposed by-law BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting to be held on September 26, 2023, to ratify and confirm the Resolution of the Shareholder of London Hydro Inc.

  it being noted that the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee made this recommendation at its meeting on July 19, 2023.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Failed (4 to 11)
• Moved by: S. Trosow
  Seconded by: S. Stevenson

  That the appointments to the London Hydro Board of Directors BE REFERRED to a future meeting of Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee to conduct interviews for the seven candidates as noted on the agenda.

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Failed (4 to 11)

5.2

(ADDED) Proposed London Hydro and Newco Affiliate

• Moved by: P. Cuddy
  Seconded by: A. Hopkins

  That, on the recommendation of the City Manager with the concurrence of the Deputy City Manager, Finance Supports and the Deputy City Manager, Legal Services, the following actions be taken:

  a)    the report dated September 19, 2023, titled “Proposed London Hydro and Newco Affiliate” BE RECEIVED; and,

  b)    no further steps BE TAKEN with respect to the incorporation of a retail affiliate for London Hydro Inc.

  
  

  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)

5.3

(ADDED) 5th Report of the Governance Working Group

• Moved by: S. Lewis
  Seconded by: J. Morgan

  That the following actions be taken with respect to the 5th Report of the Governance Working Group from its meeting held on September 11, 2023:

  a) the following actions be taken with respect to the 2023 Ward Boundary Review Process:

  i) the report dated September 11, 2023, entitled “2023 Ward Boundary Review Process – Terms of Reference”, BE RECEIVED for information;

  ii) the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to bring forward the amended Terms of Reference, with the inclusion of a target to strive for no greater than 15% population variance and consideration of ward naming conventions, for adoption at the October 17, 2023 Council meeting;

  iii) the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to undertake a competitive procurement process to retain an independent third-party consultant to initiate Option 1 as the preferred option of Municipal Council and under the adopted Terms of Reference for the City of London; 

  iv) that matters regarding governance and compensation be referred back to a future Governance Working Group (GWG), as related to deferred items; Remuneration of Elected Officials and Appointed Citizen Members, Training and Onboarding Process for New Council, Selection Process Policy for Appointing Members to Committees, Civic Boards, and Commissions (as it relates to Council), and it being noted that as previously directed by GWG Chair Lewis & Vice Chair Franke have been collecting data on workloads and council job description reflecting the workload, as appended to the agenda, for further deliberation and discussion; and
  
  b) clause 1.1 BE RECEIVED for information. 

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

• ADDITIONAL VOTES:

  Moved by: S. Lewis
  Seconded by: J. Morgan

  Motion TO APPROVE Governance Working Group recommendation, except part a ii) and iii).

  
  

  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. Lewis
  Seconded by: J. Morgan

  Motion TO APPROVE Governance Working Group recommendation parts a ii) and iii).

  
  

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

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (11 to 3)

5.4

(ADDED) 7th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee

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

  That the 7th Report of the Diversity, Inclusion and Anti-Oppression Community Advisory Committee from its meeting held on September 14, 2023 BE RECEIVED.

  
  

  Yeas: (13)	J. Morgan, A. Hopkins, 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)	S. Lewis, and E. Peloza

  
  
  
  Motion Passed (13 to 0)

7.

Adjournment

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

  That the meeting BE ADJOURNED.

  
  
  
  
  Motion Passed

  The meeting adjourned at 8:20 PM.