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General Government Committee

Minutes

Meeting #:

Date:

Monday, May 06, 2024

Time:

9:30 A.m. - 4:30 P.m.

Location:

Council Chambers or Microsoft Teams

Municipal Administrative Centre

40 Temperance Street, 2nd Floor

Bowmanville, Ontario

Members Present:

• Mayor A. Foster, 
• Councillor G. Anderson, 
• Councillor L. Rang, 
• Councillor C. Traill, 
• Councillor W. Woo, 
• and Councillor M. Zwart 

Regrets:

• Councillor S. Elhajjeh 

Staff Present:

• J. Newman, 
• L. Patenaude, 
• R. Maciver, 
• T. Pinn, 
• and C. Salazar 

Other Staff Present:

• P. Da Silva, A. Crompton

   

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1.

Call to Order

Mayor Foster called the meeting to order at 9:31 a.m.

Councillor Traill joined later in the meeting at 9:38 a.m.

2.

Land Acknowledgement Statement

Councillor Rang led the meeting in the Land Acknowledgement Statement.

3.

Declaration of Interest

There were no disclosures of interest stated at this meeting.

4.

Announcements

Members of Committee announced upcoming community events and matters of community interest.

Councillor Traill joined the meeting at 9:38 a.m.

5.

Presentations/Delegations (10 Minute Time Limit)

5.1

Laura Burch, Executive Director, Bethesda House, regarding the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Epidemic

Laura Burch, Executive Director, Bethesda House, was present regarding the Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Epidemic. Laura thanked Committee for their ongoing support and outlined the current challenges Bethesda House is facing. L. Burch provided an overview of the Ontario IPV epidemic and the following Bethesda House recommendations:

• Integrating domestic violence prevention in schools.
• Enhance funding for dissemination of public education material across Ontario and complete annual review of public attitudes. 
• Funded professional education and training for service providers to include risk assessment training. 
• Collaboration across agencies and systems to enhance policies and practices to allow for high-risk teams to work together.
• Enhance the criminal court response to repeat domestic violence offenders through dangerous offender or long-term offender applications.
• Enhance the criminal justice response to act with swift and severe consequences for domestic violence by increasing sentencing and probation.
• Enhance information sharing between family and criminal court and enhancing the Family Law Act to create a central registry or data management system for information on criminal court convictions and sentencing convictions.
• Partner Assault Response Program (PAR) enhancement funding to allow more sessions.
• Firearms public awareness campaigns to enhance awareness and education on link between firearm ownership and domestic homicide.

Laura explained the need for expanded shelter space and noted they have submitted a proposal to Durham Region to fund overflow beds, aiming to alleviate the strain on their existing resources. L. Burch requested Council support in obtaining regional funding for the two overflow beds. Laura stated that they are also seeking funding for a full-time Youth Prevention Outreach Worker to infiltrate Durham Region elementary and secondary schools. L. Burch expressed the challenges the Bethesda House face with the lack of funding. Laura requested Council to consider the following ideas and actions:

• Investment in Shelter Infrastructure: urge Council to prioritize funding for the expansion and enhancement of shelter facilities, ensuring that every survivor has access to a safe bed when fleeing abuse.
• Support for Staff: Addressing wage disparities among shelter staff is crucial for maintaining the quality of care and support provided to survivors.
• Response to Proposal: request Council to expedite their review of the proposal for overflow beds, recognizing the urgent need to bolster their capacity to accommodate survivors in crisis.
• Community Engagement and Education: request Council to allocate resources towards community education initiatives aimed at fostering a culture of respect, equality, and non-violence.
• Community Fundraising and Awareness Event: request Council attend the IPV Epidemic Awareness Event and Walk held at Durham Region Headquarters on September 21, 2024.

Laura answered questions from Members of Committee.

• Resolution # GG-072-24
  Moved by Councillor Anderson
  Seconded by Councillor Rang

  That the Delegation of Laura Burch, Executive Director, Bethesda House, Regarding the Intimate Partner Violence Epidemic, be received;

  That Staff engage with Bethesda House to review their recommendations to compare with Clarington's IDEA Plan; and

  That Staff report back on the collaboration with Bethesda House.

  Carried

6.

Consent Agenda

• Resolution # GG-073-24
  Moved by Councillor Woo
  Seconded by Councillor Rang

  That all items listed in Section 6, with the exception of Items 6.1, 6.3, 6.4, and 6.7, be approved on consent, in accordance with the Agenda.

  Carried

6.2

LGS-020-24 - Equity and Inclusion Lens Guideline

• Resolution # GG-074-24

  That Report LGS-020-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

  That the Equity and Inclusion Lens Guideline attached to Report , as Attachment 1, be approved; and

  That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-020-24, and any delegations, be advised of Council’s decision.

6.5

FSD-022-24 - Engineering Services for Multiple Bridge and Culvert Replacements

• Resolution # GG-075-24

  That Report FSD-022-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

  That the proposal received from Cima Canada Inc. being the most responsive bidder meeting all terms, conditions and specifications of RFP2024-2 be awarded the contract for the provision of Engineering Services for Multiple Bridge and Culvert Replacements for the specific locations highlighted in Section 1.3 of the report;

  That the funds required for this project in the amount of $412,152.42 (Net HST Rebate) be funded from the approved budget;

  That subject to municipal resources at the time of construction, budget approval and construction contract award, CIMA Canada Inc. be authorized to provide the required Inspection and Contract Administration at a maximum cost of $218,580.48 (net HST Rebate); and

  That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-022-24, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

6.6

FSD-023-24 - High Street and O’Dell Street Reconstruction 

• Resolution # GG-076-24

  That Report FSD-023-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

  That GIP Paving Inc. with a total bid amount of $1,507,333.84 (Net HST Rebate) being the lowest compliant bidder meeting all terms, conditions and specifications of CL2024-3 be awarded the contract for ;

  That the total funds required for this project in the amount of $1,726,400.00 (Net HST Rebate) which includes construction costs of $1,507,333.84 (Net HST Rebate) and other related costs such as topographic survey, geotechnical investigation, excess soil planning documents, tree inventory and impact assessment, material testing, and contingencies of $219,066.16 (Net HST Rebate) be approved; and

  That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-023-24, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

6.8

FSD-025-24 - Diane Hamre Recreation Complex Dehumidification Equipment 

• Resolution # GG-077-24

  That Report FSD-025-24, be received;

  That HTS Engineering with a total bid amount of $677,796.70 (Net HST Rebate) being the lowest compliant bidder meeting all terms, conditions and specifications of tender CL2024-15 be awarded the contract for the supply of dehumidification equipment, as required by the Community Services Division;

  That the total funds required for this project is $677,796.70 (Net HST Rebate), is in the approved budget allocation as provided and be funded from the following account:

  Description	Account Number	Amount
  DHRC – Building Improvements	110-42-421-84244-7401	$677,797

  That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-025-24, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

6.1

LGS-018-24 - Procedural By-law Changes – Delegations and Strong Mayors Act

• Resolution # GG-078-24
  Moved by Councillor Anderson
  Seconded by Councillor Rang

  That Report LGS-018-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

  That the By-law attached to Report LGS-018-24, as Attachment 2, to amend sections of the Procedural By-law 2023-033 related to delegations and the Strong Mayors Act, be approved;

  That the By-law attached to Report LGS-018-24, as Attachment 2, be amended by adding Section 7.9.2, Delegations are encouraged not to repeat information, on the same matter, presented by an earlier Delegation, at the same meeting; and

  That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-018-24, and any delegations, be advised of Council’s decision.

  Carried

6.1.1

Procedural By-law Proposed Amendment (Mayor Foster Intends to Introduce the Attached Amendment)

Item 6.1.1 Procedural By-law Proposed Amendment was considered during Item 6.1.

6.3

FSD-020-24 - Concrete Curb and Sidewalk Repairs 

• Resolution # GG-079-24
  Moved by Councillor Rang
  Seconded by Councillor Zwart

  That Report FSD-020-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

  That Epic Paving & Contracting Ltd. with a total estimated bid amount of $230,000 (Net HST Rebate) for the initial one-year term and an estimated five-year contract value of $1,150,000 (Net HST Rebate) being the lowest compliant bidder meeting all terms, conditions and specifications of CL2024-14 be awarded the contract for Concrete Curb and Sidewalk Repairs;

  That pending satisfactory performance and price, the Purchasing Manager, in consultation with the Director of Public Works, be authorized to extend the contract for this service for up to four additional one-year terms;

  That the total estimated funds required for this project for the first-year term in the amount of $230,000 (Net HST Rebate) be funded from the Sidwalk Mntce – Contract account; and

  That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-020-24, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

  Carried

6.4

FSD-021-24 - 2024 User Fee By-law Update 

• Resolution # GG-080-24
  Moved by Councillor Zwart
  Seconded by Councillor Woo

  That Report FSD-021-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

  That the By-law attached to Report FSD-021-24, as Attachment 1, repealing and replacing By-law 2023-044, the User Fee By-law, be approved; and

  That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-021-24, and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

  Carried

6.7

FSD-024-24 - Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act 2024 (Bill 185) Comments 

• Resolution # GG-081-24
  Moved by Councillor Rang
  Seconded by Councillor Woo

  That Report FSD-024-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received for information;

  That Report FSD-024-24 be adopted as the Municipality of Clarington’s comments to the Province on the Cutting Red Tape to Build More Homes Act 2024 (Bill 185);

  That a copy of Report FSD-024-24 and Council’s decision be sent to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing, Ministry of Red Tape Reduction, the Region of Durham and the other Durham Region area municipalities;

  That Staff be directed to communicate the impacts of this report with the public; and

  That all interested parties listed in Report FSD-024-24 and any delegations be advised of Council’s direction.

  Carried

7.

Items for Separate Discussion

• Recess

  Resolution # GG-082-24
  Moved by Councillor Woo
  Seconded by Councillor Anderson

  That the Committee recess for 10 minutes.

  Carried

  The meeting reconvened at 11:03 a.m. with Mayor Foster in the Chair.

  
  

7.1

LGS-017-24 - Appointments to the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Newcastle Hall Board, Orono Business Improvement Area, and Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee

• Resolution # GG-083-24
  Moved by Councillor Rang
  Seconded by Councillor Woo

  That Report LGS-017-24, and any related delegations or communication items, be received;

  That the resignation of Samantha Hansen, from the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee, Diana Stephenson, from the Orono Business Improvement Area, and John Bate from the Committee of Adjustment Committee, be received with thanks;

  That Heather Maitland be appointed to the Orono Business Improvement Area until December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed;

  That the Committee consider the applications for appointments to the Accessibility Advisory Committee, Newcastle Hall Board, Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee, and Committee of Adjustment, and that the vote be conducted to appoint the citizen representatives, in accordance with the Appointment to Boards and Committees Policy; and

  That all interested parties listed in Report LGS-017-24 and any delegations be advised of Council’s decision.

  Carried
• Accessibility Advisory Committee

  That Allison Speight and Laura McClelland be appointed to the Accessibility Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.

  Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee

  That Kayla Stephens and Meg Vandenbrink and be appointed to the Samuel Wilmot Nature Area Management Advisory Committee for a term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.

  Newcastle Village Community Hall Board

  That Vincent Wong be appointed to the Newcastle Village Community Hall Board for a term ending December 31, 2024, or until a successor is appointed.

  Committee of Adjustment

  That Wendy Partner be appointed to the Committee of Adjustment for a term ending December 31, 2026, or until a successor is appointed.

8.

Unfinished Business

9.

New Business

9.1

Homelessness Crisis (Councillor Rang)

• Resolution # GG-084-24
  Moved by Councillor Rang
  Seconded by Councillor Anderson

  Whereas the homelessness crisis is taking a devastating toll on families and communities, undermining a healthy and prosperous Ontario, and that Council accepts that the responsibility to address these challenges rests with community stakeholders, partners, and residents as well as regional, federal, and provincial governments and agencies; and

  Whereas the Municipality of Clarington recognizes the challenges of mental health, addictions, and homelessness, which are complex issues that have a significant and detrimental impact on the residents of the Municipality of Clarington and surrounding areas within Ontario; and

  Whereas addressing and responding to these issues has placed extreme stress on all levels of regional, municipal, and non-municipal programs and services, including various not-for-profit organizations and provincially funded health services within the Municipality of Clarington and surrounding areas;

  Now Therefore Be It Resolved That the Municipality of Clarington acknowledge that homelessness in Ontario is a social, economic and health crisis, including people with substance use disorders;

  That the Municipality of Clarington commits to ending homelessness in the community in collaboration with the Region, and both the Provincial and Federal governments; and

  That the Municipality of Clarington call on the Region, the Province, and Federal governments to increase action and supports on the following:

  • Commit to ending homelessness in Ontario;
  • Work with the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) and a broad range of community, health, and economic partners to develop, resource, and implement an action plan to achieve this goal;
  • Provide a long-term financial commitment to assist in the creation of more affordable and supportive housing for people in need, in Durham Region, including people with substance use disorders; and
  • Increase investments in evidence informed substance use prevention and mental health promotion initiatives that provide foundational support for the health, safety and well-being of individuals, families, and neighbourhoods, beginning from early childhood; and

  That a copy of this motion be sent to the Premier of Ontario; the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing; the Minister of Children, Community and Social Services; the Minister of Health; the Minister of the Solicitor General; the Minister of Finance; the Chief Medical Officer of Health; local MPs and MPPs; and the Association of Municipalities of Ontario.

  Yes (6)	Mayor Foster, Councillor Anderson, Councillor Traill, Councillor Zwart, Councillor Rang, and Councillor Woo
  Absent (1)	Councillor Elhajjeh

  Carried on a recorded vote (6 to 0)

9.2

Open Air Burning By-law Review (Councillor Zwart)

• Resolution # GG-085-24
  Moved by Councillor Zwart
  Seconded by Councillor Woo

  Whereas other municipalities have developed a mechanism to allow for “recreational campfires in urban areas”;

  Now therefore be it resolved that Emergency and Fire Services Staff be directed to prepare a report for the Fall of 2024 reviewing Clarington’s Open Air Burning By-law;

  That the report contemplate the inclusion of a framework/regulations to allow residential burning/campfires on properties that meet a defined size and location threshold; and

  That the review include best practices from other municipalities.

  Carried

10.

Confidential Items

10.1

LGS-019-24 - Mental Health Benefits 

• Resolution # GG-086-24
  Moved by Councillor Woo
  Seconded by Councillor Rang

  That Report LGS-019-24, be received;

  That the increase in mental health benefits and implementation plan as outlined in Report LGS-019-24, be approved; and

  That the Clarington Public Library, Museums, and Archives be advised of the renewal program, and that they continue to be invoiced for their portion of the benefit program as applicable.

  Carried

10.2

FSD-019-24 - Elexicon Update May 2024

• Closed Session

  Resolution # GG-087-24
  Moved by Councillor Woo
  Seconded by Councillor Anderson

  That, in accordance with Section 239 (2) of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, the meeting be closed for the purpose of discussing a matter that deals with:

  • a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial, financial or labour relations information, supplied in confidence to the municipality or local board, which, if disclosed, could reasonably be expected to prejudice significantly the competitive position or interfere significantly with the contractual or other negotiations of a person, group of persons, or organization;
  • a trade secret or scientific, technical, commercial or financial information that belongs to the municipality or local board and has monetary value or potential monetary value; and

  • a position, plan, procedure, criteria or instruction to be applied to any negotiations carried on or to be carried on by or on behalf of the municipality or local board.

  Carried

  Rise and Report

  The meeting resumed in open session at 11:43 a.m.

  Mayor Foster advised that one item was discussed in “closed” session in accordance with Section 239(2) of the Municipal Act, 2001 and one resolution was passed to provide direction to Staff.

  
  

11.

Adjournment

• Resolution # GG-088-24
  Moved by Councillor Rang
  Seconded by Councillor Anderson

  That the meeting adjourn at 11:43 a.m.

  Carried