Finance and Corporate Services

Committee Minutes

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Council Chambers - Hybrid
City of Kitchener
200 King Street W, Kitchener, ON N2G 4G7
Present:
  • Mayor B. Vrbanovic
  • Councillor S. Davey
  • Councillor D. Schnider
  • Councillor J. Deneault
  • Councillor C. Michaud
  • Councillor A. Owodunni
  • Councillor B. Ioannidis
  • Councillor M. Johnston
  • Councillor D. Chapman
  • Councillor A. Clancy
Staff:
  • Councillor P. Singh
  • D. Chapman, Chief Administrative Officer
  • M. May, General Manager, Community Services and Deputy Chief Administrator
  • V. Raab, General Manager, Corporate Services
  • J. Readman, General Manager, Development Services
  • J. Lautenbach, Chief Financial Officer, Financial Services
  • D. McGoldrick, General Manager, Infrastructure Services
  • R. Hagey, Director, Financial Planning
  • D. Saunderson, Deputy Clerk
  • M. Mills, Committee Administrator

1.
Commencement

 

The Special Finance and Corporate Services Committee held a meeting this date, chaired by Councillor S. Davey, commencing at 7:00 p.m.

2.
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and the General Nature Thereof

 

There were no conflicts declared.

3.
Discussion Items

 

3.1
2023 Budget - Public Consultation

 

The Committee was in receipt this date of the 2023 City of Kitchener Proposed Budget Summary summarizing the public input received as of date regarding the City's proposed 2023 budget.

Councillor S. Davey welcomed members and advised this special meeting was being held to receive input with respect to the proposed 2023 budget, stating there has been significant public engagement within the budget process to date.

3.2
Delegations

 

3.2.a
Christine Small

 

C. Small was in attendance urging Council to allocate funds to Trail Infrastructure in the Grand River South Community. C. Small noted, the community is bound by only two major arterial roads, Fairway Road North and Lackner Boulevard causing increased vehicle traffic and negative health impacts for residents that utilize active transportation. C. Small highlighted a petition signed by 494 supporters that urges Council to implement its' approval for the construction of an off-street walking pathway to Chicopee Hills Public School. Lastly, C. Small highlighted a decade of City reports, community plans and studies that indicate the construction of a trail system in the Grand River South community which has yet to be implemented. 

Councillor P. Singh exited the meeting this time.

3.2.b
Tony LaMantia, Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation

 

T. LaMantia presented the 2022 update and highlights for the Waterloo Region Economic Development Corporation including new investments established in the region. T. LaMantia highlighted some of the challenges the City should expect to face including, but not limited to: responding to the global recession forecast, developing an inventory of shovel-ready sites, supply chain regionalization, addressing the quality of life in relation to inflation and responding to social justice issues. 

Councillor P. Singh re-entered the meeting at this time. 

In response to questions from the Committee, T. Lamantia noted some challenges Kitchener faces with being investment is developing sites available for large capital investments. T. Lamantia noted a presentation detailing the urgency to focus on speed and availability of land will be circulated to the Committee.

3.2.c
Jenna Petkar and Ian McLean, KW Chamber of Commerce

 

J. Petkar and I. McLean were in attendance outlining the activities of the Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce in recruiting physicians to maintain medical services at a level consistent with the City's growing population. I. McLean noted the importance of the City's financial support in sustaining physician recruitment efforts. 

3.2.d
Mary Jane Patterson, Reep Green Solutions

 

M.J. Patterson was in attendance presenting updates on the meaningful actions for greenhouse gas reduction that Council agreed to achieve between 2020-2030. It was noted about 29.3% of the meaningful actions have been achieved to date. In addition, M.J. Patterson noted, budget allocations to Reep Green Solutions supports with the organization's diversity of revenue sources and bolsters the impact of sustainability efforts. 

3.2.e
Joshua Rampersad

 

J. Rampersad addressed the Committee advocating for increased funding to cycling infrastructure as it supports environmentally friendly modes of transportation, promotes active transportation and increases safety for road users.

3.2.f
Brooklyn Wallis

 

B. Wallis was in attendance noting an opinion that the City budget does not address the rising costs of living in Kitchener. B. Wallis also expressed support for increased funding in cycling infrastructure.

4.
Adjournment

 

On motion, this meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.

 

Marilyn Mills
Committee Administrator

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