Council Workshop - December 10, 2014

OPEN FORUM 6:45 P

The Council Workshop was held on Wednesday, December 10, 2014 in Council Chambers, 395 Mulock Drive, Newmarket.

Members Present:

Mayor Van Bynen

Councillor Vegh

Councillor Kerwin

Councillor Hempen (9:22 a.m. - 4:28 p.m.)

Councillor Sponga (10:48 a.m. - 4:28 p.m.)

Councillor Broome-Plumley

Councillor Bisanz

Absent:

Regional Councillor Taylor

Councillor Twinney

Staff Present:

R. N. Shelton, Chief Administrative Officer

I. McDougall, Commissioner of Community Services

A. Moore, Commissioner of Corporate Services

P. Noehammer, Commissioner of Development and Infrastructure Services

E. Armchuk, Director of Legal Services/Municipal Solicitor

A. Brouwer, Director of Legislative Services/Town Clerk

L. Lyons, Deputy Town Clerk

B. Munslow, Manager of Customer Services

C. Finnerty, Council/Committee Coordinator

K. Paribok, Council/Committee Coordinator

The Council Workshop was called to order at 9:13 a.m.

Mayor Van Bynen in the Chair.

Notice

Mayor Van Bynen advised that in accordance with the Town's Procedure By-law, no decisions are to be made but rather this meeting is an opportunity for Council to have an informal discussion regarding the matters listed on the agenda.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

None.

Items

1.	The Chief Administrative Officer provided an overview of the matters to be discussed over the course of the Council workshop session, including a governance overview and the results of the 2014 Community Satisfaction Survey.

Legislative/Legal Framework

The Director of Legal Services/Municipal Solicitor introduced Ms. Kim Mullin and Mr. Bruce Engell, WeirFoulds LLP. Ms. Mullin and Mr. Engell addressed Members of Council with a PowerPoint presentation regarding Governance and Council Responsibilities. The presentation included various aspects such as municipal powers and jurisdiction; the Municipal Act and Planning Act; challenges to Council decisions; roles and responsibilities of Council; Council meetings and procedures; accountability and transparency; Municipal Conflict of Interest Act; Municipal records/Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act; Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act and other legislation governing Council.

Discussion ensued regarding appeal mechanisms specifically related to Conservation Authorities and the impact of the Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act.

A report from the Director of Legal Services/Municipal Solicitor and Director of Legislative Services/Town Clerk on Public Sector and MPP Accountability and Transparency Act will be provided at a later date.

The Council Workshop recessed at 10:49 a.m.

The Council Workshop reconvened at 11:09 a.m.

Community Framework

The Manager of Customer Services introduced Mr. Leo Hussy, Vice President, Client Services, Forum Research. Mr. Hussy addressed Council with a PowerPoint presentation regarding the 2014 Community Satisfaction Survey Results. The survey was conducted in June/July 2014 and focused on resident satisfaction with the Town as place to live, satisfaction with local municipal services and value for money. The findings displayed positive improvements overall. The survey identified a need for improvements in community consultation and engagement. Recommendations for Council’s strategic priorities were provided.

Discussion ensued regarding timing of the survey, municipal benchmarks for community engagement and the demographic of those surveyed.

Next steps include consideration of the survey results during Council’s strategic planning sessions.

5.	Educational/Training Session - Bus Tour – 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Moved by: Councillor Kerwin

Seconded by: Councillor Vegh

THAT the Council Workshop resolve into Closed Session for the purpose of an educational/training session under Section 239(3.1) of the Municipal Act, regarding strategic matters and inter-municipal relations.

Carried

The Council Workshop resolved into Closed Session at 12:30 p.m.

The Council Workshop recessed at 12:30 p.m.

The Council Workshop reconvened in Closed Session at 1:15 p.m.

The Council Workshop (Closed Session) Minutes are recorded under separate cover.

The Council Workshop resumed into Public Session at 4:25 p.m.

Adjournment

Moved by: Councillor Vegh

Seconded by: Councillor Bisanz

THAT the meeting adjourn.

Carried

There being no further business, the Council Workshop adjourned at 4:26 p.m.