Finance and Labour Relations Committee

Committee Decision: THAT three Speed Information Signs be included in the draft 2023 Budget. Discussion continued on:  there being an intent to reduce the amount being contributed to reserves; A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Finance and Labour Relations Committee Minutes 4 March 7, 2023  the signs being funded from reserve; and  a member speaking against the motion as speed signs are tangible for the City, are safety measures, and have a direct impact on residents. The Vice Chair called the question on the motion.

Committee Decision: THAT the Biogas Study be

Committee Recommendation: THAT the Lorne Avenue Roundabout Study be deleted from the draft 2023 Capital Budget. It was confirmed the intent would be to remove this item from the 2023 budget and to not proceed forward with the project in the future. The Vice Chair called the question on the motion.

Committee Decision: THAT the maximum purchase price for eight new vehicles be reduced by $10,000 each in the draft 2023 Capital Budget. Discussion on the motion took place as follows:  the City having tendered for two SUV's in 2022 and the total cost was $85,000 each;  it being anticipated that the amount budgeted is accurate; and  if the amount of the tender is less than the amount budgeted only those funds required would be used and the rest would remain in reserves. The Vice Chair called the question on the motion.

Committee Decision: THAT the Road Operations Materials Operating Budget be reduced from $103,000 to $70,000. Discussion took place as follows:  staff being able to monitor the amount to determine if it will exceed the amount budgeted;  a reduction would result in this amount being reduced from the tax levy; and  support being expressed for maintaining the amount budgeted. The Vice Chair called the question on the motion.

Committee Decision: THAT the amount for Waste Recycle Contractors be reduced from $1.43 million to $1.33 million in the Operating Budget. The impact to the blue bin program was questioned. The Director of Infrastructure and Development Services advised the transition date is May 2024 and that staff expect the same contactor will remain until the contract is completed. The Vice Chair called the question on the motion.

Committee Decision: THAT the request for two vehicles for the Social Services Department be reduced from $120,000 to a total of $100,000.

Committee Decision: THAT the Clerk-Secretary II - Facilities Expansion Request be

Committee Decision: THAT $10,000 for a parking consultant be removed from the draft 2023 Budget. A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Finance and Labour Relations Committee Minutes 8 March 7, 2023

Committee Decision: THAT the amount of $9,930 for the Stratford Town and Gown Advisory Committee be

Committee Decision: THAT the hydro costs for the Rotary Complex and Agriplex be reduced by 20%.

Committee Recommendation: THAT staff be directed to review the Transit Budget and prepare a report on actual amounts spent compared to 2023 projected expenses. Discussion on this item continued:  the Director of Corporate Services noted that any savings to be found would be as a result of changing service levels;  the intent of the motion being to ensure amounts have not been overbudgeted;  staff being thanked for their hard work in preparing the draft 2023 budgets; and  surpluses being moved to the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund and then being reallocated. The Chair called the question on the motion.

Committee Recommendation: THAT the Council-Committee Coordinator expansion request be

Committee Recommendation: THAT the draft 2023 Operating and Capital budget, as amended, be approved. Discussion was held on:  how much should be set aside for asset management;  a member not supporting the draft budget;  there being a need to continue investing in the City; and  the Director of Corporate Services and staff being thanked for their work in preparing the draft budget. A request was made for a recorded vote. It was noted the two vehicles for the Social Services Department could be funded from the Tax Stabilization Reserve to reduce the tax levy. The motion to adopt the budget was

Committee Decision: THAT $80,000 be funded from the Tax Stabilization Reserve to fund the expansion request for two Social Services vehicles.

Committee Recommendation: THAT the 2023 draft Operating and Capital budget, as amended, be approved. The Director of Corporate Services/Treasurer confirmed the tax levy increase was 6.99%. A request was made for a recorded vote to be undertaken on the motion to approve the 2023 budget, as amended. A vibrant city, leading the way in community-driven excellence. Finance and Labour Relations Committee Minutes 11 March 7, 2023 In support (10): Councillor Biehn, Councillor McCabe, Councillor Briscoe, Councillor Wordofa, Mayor Ritsma, Councillor Hunter, Councillor Henderson, Councillor Beatty, Councillor Nijjar, and Councillor Burbach Opposed (1): Councillor Sebben

Committee Decision: THAT the Finance and Labour Relations Committee meeting adjourn.