Mathieu Goetzke, Commissioner, Transportation Services, gave an overview of the the roads transportation budget. He highlighted the ongoing work from the 2018 Transportation Master Plan and the work that is planned for the new master plan to meet set objectives for 2051. He discussed the Regional Road Operating budget for 2023, the Road Safety Program, and the 2023 Regional Roads Capital Program. The presentation is appended to the original minutes.
Cheryl Braan, Director, Corporate Finance; provided an overview of the Regional Roads 2023-2032 Capital Program expenditure. She noted that the total expenditure for the Capital Plan is $1.1 billion over the course of 2023-2032 and noted that 57% of the cost is related to the renewal program and 40% of the expenditure, $419 Million relates to expansion program.
R. Deutschmann returned to the meting at 12:06 p.m.
The Committee recessed at 12:17 p.m. and returned at 12:51 p.m.
In response to the Committee, M. Goetzke noted that the cost for lane markings and signage is funded through the capital budget in coordination with the area municipalities, so that all signage is consistent. He further noted that it is in the budget for 2023 and 2024 to complete the environmental studies for the Cambridge truck by-pass. He highlighted the importance having finalized expenses of the project before integrating the project into the budget process.
Jennifer Rose, Commissioner, Engineering and Environmental Services, provided the Waste Management portion of the budget presentation noting that the Region is responsible for delivering curbside collection of waste, has an active landfill, two public drop-offs, process recycling and yard waste, developing fertilizer with the Guelph organic’s facility, and captures landfill gas for renewable energy. She explained that the garbage tipping fee for public drop offs of materials is $12, which is comparable to other municipalities and highlighted the proposed budget adjustments for 2023.
C. Braan provided an overview of the 2023 Waste Management Operating Budget, which is a $2.1 million tax levy increase over 2023. The increased revenue expected is $1.6 million in user fees revenue to offset this cost. She noted that the 2023 – 2032 Waste Management Capital Program is largely financed through property taxes, reserve and debenture financing.
In response to the Committee, John Arsenault, Director, Waste Management, explained the increase in costs of drop off fees, has not had a significant impact on deterring people from utilizing this service.
R. Regier gave an overview of the Waterloo Regional Airport and discussed the Regional Airport Master Plan from 2017 attracting carriers to the airport. He noted that there was a significant increase in passengers since launching the plan, but that there has been a significant challenge in meeting the targets with the pandemic, however the data demonstrates that there is continued growth here and that the level of service is increasing.
M. Harris left the meeting at 1:44 p.m.
R. Deutschmann assumed the chair at 1:44 p.m.
M. Harris returned to the meeting and resumed the Chair at 1:55 p.m.
C. Dyer discussed the Capital Budget for the Region of Waterloo International Airport and the net levy increase of $3.0 million for expansion, staff resources, a new shuttle service and adjustments to the passenger volume as well as for the new terminal expansion.
In response to the Committee, Helen Chimirri-Russell, Director, Cultural Services, spoke to the work underway at the Doon Heritage Village noting that the work will span over two seasons, but will allow for the continued utilization of green space for programming outside.
Terry Yantzi, Director, Information Technology Services explained the service support provided to the Region and the importance of technology to continue business in the Region for every division. Amber Sare, Director, Talent Acquisition, Client Experience and Solutions highlighted the increased use of technology that residents rely on and that the Region of Waterloo delivers automated service online to meet this need for easier access to services, as well as increasing the speed of service delivery and to have self serve capabilities.
In response to the Committee, T. Yantzi commented that there are vacancies within the IT service department that they are looking to fill. B Lauckner noted that there is a high demand for these positions to meet the organizational needs when it comes to the automation of services and the long-term effects of having automation of services will allow for work to be done more efficiently.
The Committee recessed at 2:48 p.m. and resumed at 3:08 p.m.
C. Dyer resumed the presentation addressing Councillor questions that were raised at the February 7, 2023 meeting with respect to compensation gapping, fluctuating position vacancies and position which are funded through provincial and federal funding. The additional slides are appended to the original minutes.
R. Regier noted that in 2022 Council endorsed a Grant Administration Policy which sets out a process for the organizations and community stakeholders who may be recipients of the granting program. Within the 2023 budget, there is a proposed reduction in funding of the program. He noted a new set of guidelines has been requested and staff will come back to Council.
Responding to the Committee, R. Regier explained that staff are looking to reduce the impact on the tax levy noting that there is a need for a more systematic approach to support the grants program, and that last year the grants program was expanded significantly. H. Chimirri-Russell noted that each program has their own set of guidelines for the budget and eligibility.