Administration and Finance Committee Minutes

Tuesday, June 06, 2023 at 2:00 P.m. - 3:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

Members Present:

• K. Redman, 
• D. Craig, 
• R. Deutschmann, 
• J. Erb, 
• S. Foxton, 
• M. Harris, 
• C. Huinink, 
• C. James, 
• J. Liggett, 
• D. McCabe, 
• J. Nowak, 
• N. Salonen, 
• S. Shantz, 
• B. Vrbanovic, 
• K. Williams, 
• and P. Wolf 

Should you require an alternative format or a copy of the official minutes please contact the Regional Clerk at Tel.: [phone], TTY: 519-575-4605, or

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1.

Call to Order

Chair M. Harris called the meeting to order at 2:13 p.m.

2.

Land Acknowledgement

Chair Harris provided a land acknowledgment.

3.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest under the “Municipal Conflict of Interest Act”

None declared.

4.

Presentations

There were no presentations.

5.

Delegations

There were no delegations.

6.

Consent Agenda

Item 6.2.1, PDL-CAS-23-006, Considerations for a Lobbyist Registry was removed from the consent agenda. 

• Moved by J. Erb
  Seconded by N. Salonen

  That the Consent Agenda items be received for information and approved.

  Carried (16 to 0)

6.1

Strategic Focus - Sustainable Transportation

6.1.1

PDL-CAS-23-003, Implementation of an Administrative Penalties Program

• Moved by J. Erb
  Seconded by N. Salonen
  Carried

6.2

Strategic Focus – Responsive and Engaging Public Service, PDL-CAS-23-006

6.2.2

CAO-SPL-23-004, Strategic Planning Process 2023-2027 Update

• Moved by J. Erb
  Seconded by N. Salonen

  For information

  Carried

6.2.3

COR-CFN-23-026, Sustainability of Regional Development Charges

• Moved by J. Erb
  Seconded by N. Salonen

  For Information.

  Carried

6.2.1

PDL-CAS-23-006, Considerations for a Lobbyist Registry

Will Short, Regional Clerk, provided clarification on the recommended motion. 

In response to a question from the Committee, W. Short indicated that the report includes a draft lobbyist registry by-law and lobbyist code of conduct which will be open for further discussion during the 2024 plan and budget meeting.

• Moved by C. Huinink
  Seconded by R. Deutschmann

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo defer the consideration of a Lobbyist Registry to the 2024 Plan and Budget as set out in report PDL-CAS-23-004 dated June 6, 2023. 

  Carried (16 to 0)

9.

Other Business

None.

7.

Regular Agenda

7.1

Strategic Focus - Thriving Economy

7.1.1

COR-CFN-23-027, 2024 Plan and Budget Process and Guidelines

Connie MacDonald, Chief Communications & Strategy Officer and Craig Dyer, Commissioner, Corporate Service/Chief Financial Officer, delivered a presentation on the 2024 Plan and Budget Process and Principles. The objective of the presentation was to provide a preliminary overview of impacts and projections for 2024, to seek approval of the proposed timetable for the development of the 2024 plan and budget, and to seek guidance on the 2024 plan and budget principles. 

In response to a question from the Committee, C. Dyer addressed the driving factors behind this budget review. Three key elements were identified: the prolonged period of elevated inflation, the costs associated with capital projects, and uncertainties surrounding funding from the Province. It was emphasized that there have not been substantial decreases in the cost of maintaining current service levels, and given the rapid growth of the population in the Region, there is a cost of growth that requires service expansion in order to meet the expectations and the needs of the community.

Further comments were made regarding the budget meeting dates and deadlines for notices of motions from Councillors. 

• Moved by C. James
  Seconded by R. Deutschmann

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo take the following action with respect to the 2024 Plan and Budget as set out in report COR-CFN-23-027 dated June 6, 2023:

  1. Approve the 2024 Plan and Budget review timetable as set out in Appendix A;
  2. Forward a copy of Report COR-CFN-23-027 to the Waterloo Region Police Services Board and to the Area Municipalities in Waterloo Region.
• Moved by J. Liggett
  Seconded by S. Shantz

  That the Regional Municipality of Waterloo refer the report back to Staff for changes discussed under 7.1.1 COR-CFN-23-027, 2024 Plan and Budget Process and Guidelines to Council on June 21, 2023.

  Carried (16 to 0)

8.

Information/Correspondence

8.1

Council/Committee Tracking List

Received for information.

10.

Next Meeting- August 15, 2023

11.

Adjourn

• Moved by J. Nowak
  Seconded by C. Huinink

  That the meeting adjourn at 3:18 p.m.

  Carried