Minutes of Committee of the Whole Meeting

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Council Chambers
Guelph City Hall, 1 Carden Street
Council:
  • Mayor C. Guthrie
  • Councillor P. Allt
  • Councillor C. Billings
  • Councillor L. Busuttil
  • Councillor L. Caron
  • Councillor E. Caton
  • Councillor K. Chew
  • Councillor C. Downer
  • Councillor D. Gibson
  • Councillor R. Goller
  • Councillor C. Klassen
  • Councillor D. O'Rourke
  • Councillor M. Richardson
Staff:
  • S. Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer
  • C. Clack-Bush, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Services
  • J. Holmes, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise Services
  • T. Lee, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services
  • L. Duarte, General Manager, Strategic Communications and Community Engagement
  • T. Gayman, General Manager, Engineering and Transportation Services/City Engineer
  • G. Lombard, Manager, Community Engagement
  • D. Messer, Executive Director, Smart Cities Office
  • R. Russwurm, Manager, Design and Construction
  • S. Laughlin, Downtown Revitalization Advisor,
  • K. Guthrie, Community Engagement Coordinator
  • T. Suerich, Community Engagement Coordinator
  • S. O'Brien, General Manager, City Clerk's Office/City Clerk
  • D. McMahon, Manager, Legislative Services/Deputy Clerk
  • G. Meades, Council and Committee Coordinator
  • C. Murray-Sprague, Council and Committee Coordinator
  • D. Tremblay, Board and Committee Coordinator
  • J. Tang, Legislative Coordinator
Also Present:
  • Luisa Artuso, Social Services Administrator, County of Wellington, 
    Mandy Koroniak, Director of Children's Early Years Division, County of Wellington, 
    Mark Poste, Director of Housing, County of Wellington, 
    Stuart Beumer, Director of Ontario Works, County of Wellington


Mayor called meeting to order (1:35 pm).

  • Moved ByCouncillor O'Rourke
    Seconded ByCouncillor Allt

    That the Council of the City of Guelph now hold a meeting that is closed to the public, pursuant to The Municipal Act Section239(2) (a) of the Municipal Act relating to the security of the property of the Municipality or Local Board.

    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)

    The following items were considered:


2.1
Call to Order (closed meeting)

 

2.2
Disclosure of Pecuniary Interest and General Nature Thereof (closed items)

 

2.3
Water Services’ Updated Operational Plan Endorsement, 2023-208

 

Mayor Guthrie called the meeting to order (2:13 p.m.).

Mayor Guthrie spoke regarding the matter discussed in closed session which was the following: 

  • Moved ByCouncillor Richardson
    Seconded ByCouncillor Downer
    1. That the City of Guelph Council endorse the Water Services’ Operational Plan, as required as part of the Ontario Municipal Drinking Water Licensing Program.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)

Mayor Guthrie congratulated Kim on her achievement. 

Chair O'Rourke congratulated everyone involved in this project. 

Chair O'Rourke spoke to the designation that Kevin recently received. 

Chair O'Rourke congratulated Mathew for the completion of both certifications. 

Chair O'Rourke congratulated the team that won this award.

  • Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That the Mayor be authorized to sign the declaration of compliance for the Ontario Health Multi-Sectoral Accountability Agreement for the period of April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)

Scott Stewart, Chief Administrative Officer, introduced the Guelph Future Ready progress report. 
Jayne Holmes, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Infrastructure, Development and Enterprise Services, introduced the strategic priority "powering our future".
Trevor Lee, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Corporate Services, walked us through the strategic priorities of "sustaining our future" and "working together for our future".
Colleen Clack-Bush, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer, Public Services, outlined the strategic priorities of "navigating our future" and "building our future". 

  • Moved ByCouncillor Allt
    Seconded ByCouncillor Billings
    1. That the Guelph. Future Ready Progress Report, dated June 6, 2023, be received.
    2. That City Council respectfully requests its local boards and shared services (Guelph Public Library, Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, County of Wellington, the Elliott Community, Downtown Guelph Business Association, Grand River Conservation Authority, and Guelph Police Service) to provide annual performance updates in conjunction with the annual Strategic Plan progress reporting, beginning June 2024.
    Voting in Favour: (13)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (13 to 0)

Luisa Artuso, Social Services Administrator, County of Wellington, discussed the status of various social services in the region.
Mandy Koroniak, Director of Children's Early Years Division, County of Wellington, answered questions of Council in regards to the Early Years programs.
Mark Poste, Director of Housing, County of Wellington, answered questions of Council regarding social housing. 
Stuart Beumer, Director of Ontario Works, County of Wellington, answered questions of Council regarding the Ontario works program.

 

  • Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That the report from the Social Services Department, County of Wellington on the provision of social services in Guelph and Wellington County be received for information by the Guelph City Council. 
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (12 to 0)

Stephen O'Brien Presented the Governance Review 

  • Main Motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Chew
    1. That the amended Procedural By-law, included as Attachment-1 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    2. That the amended Closed Meeting Protocol, included as Attachment-2 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    3. That the amended Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment, Selection and Performance Sub-committee Terms of Reference, included as Attachment-3 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    4. That the amended Chief Administrative Officer Evaluation Process Terms of Reference, included as Attachment-4 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    5. That the amended Recruitment, Appointment and Contract Administration for Municipal Officers Reporting Directly to City Council policy, included as Attachment-5 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    6. That the amended Recruitment, Hiring and Involuntary Departures Procedures for Municipal Officers policy, included as Attachment-6 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    7. That the City Clerk and Mayor be directed to review the current governance framework for the Strategic Advisory Group on Downtown Guelph to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and report back to City Council as required.
    8. That the Delegation of Authority By-law be amended as outlined in Attachment-7 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023.
  • First amendment to main motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Caron
    Seconded ByCouncillor O'Rourke

    That section 4.10 i) of the amended Procedural By-law, included as Attachment-1 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be amended as follows:​

    4.10 i) The Clerk, at their discretion, may suggest administrative edits to motions and amendments.

    Voting in Favour: (11)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (11 to 0)
  • Second amendment to main motion
    Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Richardson
    1. That the Procedural Bylaw, included as Attachment-1 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, section 13.2 (c) be amended to require consultation and approval of the relevant meeting chair prior to adding an information item to a Committee of the Whole or City Council agenda.
    Voting in Favour: (8)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, Councillor Caron, Councillor Chew, Councillor Downer, Councillor Klassen, and Councillor O'Rourke
    Voting Against: (3)Councillor Goller, Councillor Caton, and Councillor Billings
    Carried (8 to 3)
  • Main motion as amended
    Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Chew
    1. That the amended Procedural By-law, included as Attachment-1 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved, as amended at the Committee of the Whole meeting held on June 6, 2023.
    2. That the amended Closed Meeting Protocol, included as Attachment-2 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    3. That the amended Chief Administrative Officer Recruitment, Selection and Performance Sub-committee Terms of Reference, included as Attachment-3 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    4. That the amended Chief Administrative Officer Evaluation Process Terms of Reference, included as Attachment-4 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    5. That the amended Recruitment, Appointment and Contract Administration for Municipal Officers Reporting Directly to City Council policy, included as Attachment-5 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    6. That the amended Recruitment, Hiring and Involuntary Departures Procedures for Municipal Officers policy, included as Attachment-6 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023, be approved.
    7. That the City Clerk and Mayor be directed to review the current governance framework for the Strategic Advisory Group on Downtown Guelph to ensure compliance with all applicable legislation and report back to City Council as required.
    8. That the Delegation of Authority By-law be amended as outlined in Attachment-7 to the 2023 Governance Review dated June 6, 2023
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (12 to 0)

Council recessed (5:18 p.m.)
Council reconvened (5:50 p.m.)
David Messer,  Executive Director, Smart Cities Office, gave an update on where the Smart Cities is on their goals.
 
The following delegates spoke:
Julia Grady
Barb McPhee
Kate Vestula

  • Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Richardson
    1. That the report “Smart Cities Update – Our Food Future and Circular Opportunity Launchpad” dated June 6, 2023, be received.
    2. That the City encourages Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health to continue their work in food security and food access and to incorporate the lessons learned from Our Food Future in their ongoing health promotion work in the community.
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (12 to 0)

Councillor Caron spoke to the importance of this motion. 

  • Moved ByCouncillor Caron
    Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen
    1.  That Council request that the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing amend clause 4 of the municipal declaration of office to read : 
      I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Charles III and I will faithfully observe the laws of Canada including the Constitution, which recognizes and affirms the Indigenous and treaty rights of First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples;
    2. And that this resolution be forwarded to the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO), MPP Mike Schreiner, MP Lloyd Longfield, Premier Doug Ford, Minister Greg Rickford, Minister Steve Clark, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, and Grand River Metis Council.
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (12 to 0)

Councillor Busitil and Councillor Goller asked to have this item pulled from consent in order to ask questions of staff. 
Glen Lombard, Manager, Community Engagement, answered Council's questions. 

Council Recessed (7:16 p.m.)
Council Reconvened (7:25 p.m.)

  • Moved ByCouncillor Busuttil
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That the revised Community Engagement Policy be approved, formally replacing the 2019 version of the Policy, and that staff be directed to apply the Policy when designing and implementing community engagement.
    2. That the draft Community Engagement Charter be approved, formally replacing the 2015 Community Engagement Framework, and staff be directed to develop necessary plans and initiatives for operationalizing the Charter.
    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (12 to 0)

There were no announcements. 

  • Moved ByCouncillor Goller
    Seconded ByCouncillor Klassen

    That Section 4.14 (a) and (b) of the Procedural By-Law be invoked to allow the Committee to continue to 8:59 p.m.

    Voting in Favour: (12)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Caron, Councillor Caton, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (12 to 0)

Stacey Laughlin, Downtown Revitalization Advisor, discussed  the Downtown renewal project.
Terry Gayman, General Manager, Engineering and Transportation Services, talked about the importance of the timing of the Downtown project.

  • Moved ByCouncillor Klassen
    Seconded ByCouncillor Goller
    1. That the report titled “Downtown Renewal: Status Update” dated June 6, 2023 be received.
    Voting in Favour: (11)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (11 to 0)

There were no announcements. 

  • Moved ByCouncillor Chew
    Seconded ByMayor Guthrie

    That the meeting be adjourned (8:17 p.m.).

    Voting in Favour: (11)Mayor Guthrie, Councillor Gibson, Councillor Goller, Councillor Allt, Councillor Downer, Councillor O'Rourke, Councillor Billings, Councillor Klassen, Councillor Richardson, Councillor Busuttil, and Councillor Chew
    Carried (11 to 0)
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