I.

CALL TO ORDER

1.

Disclosures of Pecuniary Interest

That it BE NOTED that no pecuniary interests were disclosed.

II.

CONSENT ITEMS

2.

Year 2015 Tax Policy

That, on the recommendation of the Managing Director, Corporate Services and City Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, the following actions be taken with respect to property taxation for 2015:

a)         a by-law BE ENACTED in accordance with sub-sections 308(4) and 308.1(4) of the Municipal Act, 2001 to set tax ratios in the commercial, industrial, multi-residential, pipeline and farm property classes as indicated on Schedule “F” to the staff report dated April 7, 2015 and the proposed by-law included as Appendix “A” to the staff report dated April 7, 2015 BE INTRODUCED at the Council meeting of April 14, 2015;

b)         a by-law BE ENACTED to fully utilize  options available in 2015 to exclude properties in capped property classes which have reached current value assessment tax levels or higher in 2014 from being capped again in 2015 and future years and the proposed by-law included as Appendix “B” to the staff report dated April 7, 2015 BE INTRODUCED at the Council meeting of April 14, 2015;

c)         a by-law BE ENACTED in accordance with section 330 of the Municipal Act, 2001 to claw back a portion of tax decreases in each of the commercial, industrial and multi-residential classes sufficient to fully finance the capping of increases as required under section 329 of the Municipal Act, 2001 and the proposed by-law included as Appendix “C” to the staff report dated April 7, 2015 BE INTRODUCED at the Council meeting on April 14, 2015;

d)         a by-law BE ENACTED in accordance with section 329.1 of the Municipal Act, 2001 for 2015 to adopt the same capping formulae for the commercial, industrial and multi-residential property classes as was applicable in 2014 and the proposed by-law included as Appendix “D” to the staff report dated April 7, 2015 BE INTRODUCED at the Council meeting on April 14, 2015;

e)         NO ACTION BE TAKEN to implement a phase-in program for tax changes resulting from the reassessment of properties in the residential, farmland and managed forests property classes in accordance with section 318 of the Municipal Act, 2001; it being noted that such a phase-in is unnecessary with the current system of four year phase-in of assessment values on the assessment roll;

f)         the Civic Administration BE REQUESTED to provide orientation for all Council Members on tax policy, at the Strategic Priorities and Policy Committee meeting to be held on April 13, 2015; and

g)         the Civic Administration BE REQUESTED to bring back a report on future tax policy, in consultation with appropriate stakeholders, in ample time for decisions to be made prior to the 2016 deadline.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

3.

Year 2015 Education Tax Rates

That, on the recommendation of the Managing Director, Corporate Services and City Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, the proposed by-law to levy education tax rates for 2015, as appended to the staff report dated April 7, 2015, BE INTRODUCED at the Municipal Council meeting on April 14, 2015.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

4.

2014 Operating Budget Status - Fourth Quarter Report

That, on the recommendation of the Managing Director, Corporate Services and City Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, the following actions be taken with respect to the 2014 Operating Budget Status – Fourth Quarter Report for the Property Tax Supported, Water, and Wastewater and Treatment Budgets:

a)         the 2014 Operating Budget Status – Fourth Quarter Report for the Property Tax Supported (referred to in Appendix A of the staff report dated April 7, 2015), Water and Wastewater and Treatment Budgets BE RECEIVED for information; it being noted that an overview of the net corporate positions is as follows:

i)          $1.5 million in net savings for the Property Tax Supported Budget as identified by Civic Service Areas and Boards and Commissions; it being noted that the year-end savings has remained unchanged from the 2014 Operating Budget Status – Third Quarter Report.  The $1.5 million operating surplus was contributed to the Operating Budget Contingency Reserve, consistent with Council direction;

ii)         $1.8 million deficit in the Water rate supported budget was incurred; it being noted that the year-end deficit is $1.2 million more than projected in the 2014 Operating Budget Status – Third Quarter Report.  To balance Water’s 2014 budget, a draw of $1.8 million was taken from the Water Capital Reserve Fund, consistent with Council direction;

iii)         $1.5 million deficit in the Wastewater and Treatment rate supported budget was incurred; it being noted that the year-end deficit is $2.3 million more than projected in the 2014 Operating Budget Status – Third Quarter Report.  To balance the Wastewater and Treatment 2014 budget, a draw of $1.5 million was taken from the Wastewater Rate Stabilization Reserve, consistent with Council direction;

b)         the request to fund the 2014 London & Middlesex Housing Corporation operational deficit of $115,829 BE APPROVED (letter attached to the staff report dated April 7, 2015); it being noted that the funding source would be the Operating Budget Contingency Reserve; it being further noted that since 2010 London & Middlesex Housing Corporation has generated operational surpluses that have been contributed to the Operating Budget Contingency Reserve; and

c)         the Civic Administration’s contribution of $2,904,601 ($2,456,078 – property tax supported; $124,005 – water; and $324,518 – wastewater) to the Efficiency, Effectiveness and Economy reserves in 2014 BE RECEIVED for information;

it being noted that the amounts above are subject to year-end financial statement audit and adjustments related to the accounting for Tangible Capital Assets (PSAB 3150)

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

5.

2014 Capital Budget Status - Fourth Quarter Report

That, on the recommendation of the Managing Director, Corporate Services and City Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, the 2014 Capital Budget Status - Fourth Quarter staff report dated April 7, 2015 BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

6.

2014 Compliance Report in Accordance with the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy

That, on the recommendation of the Managing Director, Corporate Services and City Treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, the following actions be taken:

a)         as per the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy, Section 8.11 (c), an annual report of total payments required where a supplier has invoiced the City a cumulative total value of $100,000 or more in a calendar year, BE RECEIVED for information (Appendix “A” of the staff report dated April 7, 2015);

b)         the administrative contract awards for Professional Consulting Services with an aggregate total greater than $100,000, as per Section 15.1 (g) of the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy, decentralized from Purchasing and Supply that have been reported to the Manager of Purchasing and Supply and have been reviewed for compliance to the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy, BE RECEIVED for information (Appendix “B” of the staff report dated April 7, 2015);

c)         the list of administrative contract awards for Tenders with a value up to $3,000,000 that do not have an irregular result, as per Section 13.2 of the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy, BE RECEIVED for information (Appendix “C” of the staff report dated April 7, 2015);

d)         the City Treasurer or delegate BE DELEGATED AUTHORITY to at any time refer questions concerning compliance with the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy to the City’s internal auditor; and the City Treasurer or delegate BE AUTHORIZED to ratify and confirm completed awards or purchases between $10,000 and $50,000 where the City Treasurer or delegate is of the opinion that the awards or purchases were in the best interests of the Corporation;

e)         subject to d), the Director of Financial Services and Manager of Purchasing and Supply BE DIRECTED to certify the awards are in compliance with this Policy; and

f)         the Civic Administration BE DIRECTED to revise the Procurement of Goods and Services Policy with updated annual information reporting requirements to Committee and City Council.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

7.

Canada Caribbean Local Economic Development Program (CARILED)

That, on the recommendation of the City Manager, the staff report dated April 7, 2015 regarding the Canada Caribbean Local Economic Development Program (CARILED) BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

8.

Annual Meeting Calendar

That, on the recommendation of the City Clerk, the annual meeting calendar, attached to the staff report dated April 7, 2015, for the period December 1, 2015 to December 31, 2016 BE APPROVED; it being understood that adjustments to the calendar may be necessary in order to accommodate the multi-year budget process and emergent matters as they arise.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

9.

2015 Annual Meeting Calendar Amendments - April and June

That, on the recommendation of the City Clerk, the amended meeting schedules, attached as Appendix "A" to the staff report dated April 7, 2015, for April 2015 and June 2015 BE APPROVED.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

10.

Summary of the Meeting of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Board of Directors - Burnaby, British Columbia, March 4-7, 2015

That the communication dated March 26, 2015, from Councillor H.L. Usher and Councillor M. Cassidy, regarding the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Board of Directors meeting held on March 4-7, 2015 in Burnaby, British Columbia BE RECEIVED for information.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

III.

SCHEDULED ITEMS

IV.

ITEMS FOR DIRECTION

11.

London Youth Advisory Council - Advisory Committee Appointments

That the submission dated March 18, 2015 from Councillor V. Ridley BE REFERRED to the City Clerk for a report back with respect to the proposed representation of youth (ages 15-25) members as voting members of the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Advisory Committee and the London Diversity and Race Relations Advisory Committee, as well as with information related to quorum requirements for the various Advisory Committees.  

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

12.

Board of Directors - Federation of Canadian Municipalities

That the following actions be taken with respect to the communication dated April 1, 2015 from Councillor H.L. Usher regarding standing for election to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities’ Board of Directors and his associated expenses:

a)        the following resolution BE ADOPTED:

“WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) represents the interests of municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction;

WHEREAS FCM’s Board of Directors is comprised of elected municipal officials from all regions and sizes of communities to form a broad base of support and provide FCM with the prestige required to carry the municipal message to the Federal Government; and

WHEREAS FCM’s 78th Annual Conference and Trade Show will take place from June 5 to June 8, 2015, during which time the Annual General Meeting will be held and followed by the election of FCM’s Board of Directors;

BE IT RESOLVED that Council of The Corporation of the City of London endorses Councillor Harold Usher to stand for election on FCM’s Board of Directors for the period starting June 2015 and ending June 2016; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City of London shall assume all costs associated with Councillor Harold Usher attending FCM’s Board of Directors meetings;

it being noted that the Board of Directors meetings include September 9-12, 2015 in Fredericton, NB; November 17-20, 2015 in Ottawa, ON; March 1-4, 2016 in Sherbrooke, QC; the Sustainable Community Conference and Trade Show, February 9-11, 2016 in Ottawa, ON and the Annual Conference and AGM, June 3-6, 2016 in Winnipeg, MB; and

b)         Councillor H.L. Usher BE REIMBURSED by The Corporation of the City of London, outside his annual expense allocation, for his campaign expenses in seeking re-election to the Board of Directors, in an amount of up to $750, upon submission of eligible expenses.  (18/10/CSC)

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

13.

Appointment to the London Advisory Committee on Heritage

That Justin C. Peters BE APPOINTED as a Voting Member at Large to the London Advisory Committee on Heritage (LACH) for the term ending February 28, 2019.

Motion to approve the slate of nominees for LACH as follows:

A. Deplonty

G. Doty

B. Gibson

J. Peters

M. Wilkie-Facchin.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

Motion to Approve the appointment of Justin C. Peters.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

14.

Confirmation of Appointment to the Cycling Advisory Committee

That Henk Ketelaars representing London Cycle Link BE CONFIRMED as a Voting Member to the Cycling Advisory Committee for the term ending February 28, 2019.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

15.

Confirmation of Appointment to the Accessibility Advisory Committee

That Ashfaq Husain representing Ontarians with Disabilities Act Regional Committee BE CONFIRMED as a Non-Voting Member to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for the term ending February 28, 2019.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

16.

Confirmation of Appointment to the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Advisory Committee

That Sheila Amri representing Youth between the ages of 18 and 25 BE CONFIRMED as a Voting Member to the Community Safety and Crime Prevention Advisory Committee for the term ending February 28, 2019.

Motion Passed

YEAS: M. Cassidy, A. Hopkins, J. Morgan, H.L. Usher, J. Zaifman (5)

V.

DEFERRED MATTERS/ADDITIONAL BUSINESS

VI.

CONFIDENTIAL

(See Confidential Appendix to the 10th Report of the Corporate Services Committee enclosed for Members only.)

The Corporate Services Committee convened in camera from 3:16 PM to 3:25 PM after having passed a motion to do so, with respect to the following matters:

C-1.

A matter pertaining to instructions and directions to officers and employees of the Corporation pertaining to a proposed disposition of land; advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose; reports or advice or recommendations of officers and employees of the Corporation pertaining to a proposed disposition of land; commercial and financial information supplied in confidence pertaining to the proposed disposition the disclosure of which could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of the Corporation, result in similar information no longer being supplied to the Corporation where it is in the public interest that similar information continue to be so supplied, and result in undue loss or gain to any person, group, committee or financial institution or agency; commercial, information relating to the proposed disposition that belongs to the Corporation that has monetary value or potential monetary value;  information concerning the proposed disposition whose disclosure could reasonably be expected to prejudice the economic interests of the Corporation or its competitive position; information concerning the proposed disposition whose disclosure could reasonably be expected to be injurious to the financial interests of the Corporation; and instructions to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the Corporation concerning the proposed disposition.

VII.

ADJOURNMENT