Lincoln Chambers
March 4, 2019
The Committee of the Whole - Budget of the Town of Lincoln met in regular session on March 4, 2019, at 6:00 p.m. in the Lincoln Chambers.
Members Present: J. D. Pachereva Councillor (Chair)
S. Easton Mayor
T. Brunet Councillor
P. MacPherson Councillor
M. Mikolic Councillor
G. Reimer Councillor
D. Rintjema Councillor
A. Russell Councillor (Vice-Chair)
L. Timmers Councillor
Staff Present: M. Kirkopoulos Chief Administrative Officer
J. Coles Acting CEO, Lincoln Library Board
C. Beatty Chief Strategic Communications & Public Affairs Officer
J. Kirkelos Town Clerk
A. Cifani Director of Finance & Administration
S. McKay Director of Community Services
D. Graham Director of Public Works
G. Hudson Fire Chief
P. Di Ianni Economic Development Officer
T. Trewolla Associate Director of Finance & Administration
M. Bruder Associate Director of Planning & Development
S. Ane Associate Director of Community Services
G. Harris Manager of Environmental Services
T. Sarnicki Deputy Clerk
Chair Pachereva called the meeting to order. There were no declarations of interest. Committee confirmed the order of business in the agenda.
STATUTORY PUBLIC MEETINGS
None.
DELEGATIONS
None.
CONSENT AGENDA
None.
REGULAR AGENDA
2019 ONTARIO REGULATION 284/09 COMPLIANCE REPORT
Members concluded with the following motion:
Motion No. COWB-2019-07
Moved by A. Russell
RECEIVE as information Report FN-03-19, regarding the budget requirements of Ontario Regulation 284/09 passed under the Municipal Act, 2001, be received as information;
Council adopt the compliance report for expenses excluded from the 2019 budget as a requirement of Ontario Regulation 284/09 passed under the Municipal Act, 2001.
CARRIED
FINAL APPROVAL FOR 2019 OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET
The CAO provided the 2019 final operating and capital budget presentation and spoke to programs and services provided by the Town, residential property taxes, taxpayer affordability, and the budget planning process.
The 2019 water and wastewater budget was also addressed; a new rate model adopted in 2017 with annual increases. Summary of the capital budget noted community impact of business drivers, highlights of expenditures and investments, while summary of the operating budget included significant business drivers, ongoing pressures, and uncontrollable versus controllable costs. The overall tax levy was discussed, with an overview provided of the final distribution of taxes, with corresponding household impact, and value for tax dollar.
Members of the Committee inquired with respect to the budget proposal of Twenty Valley Tourism Association (TVTA), noting specific details are required as to how funds would be spent, and concerns of accountability. Economic Development Officer responded that additional funds for the TVTA were to be directed towards marketing, with CAO adding that this would impact the current levy. CAO noted that this matter could be referred to board representatives, as well as to the appropriate committee. Members shared additional concerns regarding setting a precedent for future proposals of agencies, boards and committees.
After deliberations, Members conclude with the following motions:
Motion No. COWB-2019-08
Moved by Councillor P. MacPherson
THAT the Twenty Valley Tourism Association be referred to the appropriate committee for consideration by Council.
A recorded vote was requested:
YEA (5): Councillor Mikolic, Councillor MacPherson, Councillor Rintjema, Councillor Russell, Councillor Timmers
NEA (4): Councillor Brunet, Mayor Easton, Councillor Reimer, Councillor Pachereva
CARRIED (5 to 4)
Motion No. COWB-2019-09
Moved by Councillor L. Timmers
WHEREAS the Council of the Town of Lincoln has evaluated the operational requirements for the Town of Lincoln to ensure the efficient delivery of municipal services to the ratepayers of the Town of Lincoln;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the 2019 Capital Budget Expenditures of $13,035,835 be approved;
AND FURTHER THAT the 2019 Operating Budget be approved with a tax levy requirement of $16,490,911 for local municipal purposes;
AND FURTHER THAT the Council of the Town of Lincoln direct staff to prepare the annual taxation levying by-law as required by the Municipal Act, 2001, upon the setting of the tax ratios and requisition amounts by the Regional Municipality of Niagara and other applicable bodies.
CARRIED (AS AMENDED)
CONFIDENTIAL ITEMS
None.
STAFF REMARKS
CAO expressed his gratitude to staff in moving this budget process forward.
COMMITTEE REMARKS
Mayor Easton expressed her thanks to staff and viewed this as one of the toughest budgets in the last 5 years. Also noted that Council has set goals and ambitions for the community and hope that residents are pleased with the outcome.
Mayor Easton inquired with respect to the percentage of the budget that reflects development focus. The CAO spoke to potential increases in terms of budget, noting much of this budget is related to growth, with modelling to be brought back to Council in mid-year.
Councillor Mikolic commented regarding importance of residents’ trust, with CAO responding that the currency of municipalities is trust and confidence, noting it is of utmost importance.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to discuss, the Chair declared the meeting adjourned at 7:12 p.m.
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CHAIR: J.D. PACHEREVA
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CLERK: TRISH SARNICKI