OSHAWA ROSEMARY - BLOG

OSHAWA ROSEMARY

Improve Ward 1 Rural Internet Service

1/9/2020

Internet service in Oshawa north of Hwy 407 is 'brutally unreliable' (quoting from a recent Ward 1 resident's email). You can help bring attention to the problem by sending feedback to this Region of Durham survey!
https://www.durham.ca/en/economic-development/invest-and-grow/telecommunications.aspx

Ten years ago Columbus area residents were fed up and went to the media, and a small new company Ontario Rural Internet responded, by contacting a number of the people named in the newspaper article and installed a relay network...which worked better for some (although still with dead time, especially after weather storms, and it was never true high speed) But after a few years they sold to a Sudbury company, and problems continue... there are still many Oshawa taxpayers in this area less than 5 km north of Ontario Tech University, where technology and innovation are celebrated, who can't get a good internet connection due NO cable lines and their dwellings being situated in low areas or with trees blocking the relay signal.
When reliable high speed is available almost everywhere else in Oshawa, last February, early in my first year on Council, I made a 'time sensitive' motion that was approved unanimously: "The City of Oshawa forthwith request the Region of Durham to include broadband/fibre infrastructure cable in the Simcoe Street/Winchester Rd. reconstruction project."

The problem, however, is no where being fixed, so if you are in this under serviced area, help be the squeaky wheel to get high speed! Open the link here and give comments. Please!

Parking problems in Oshawa?

1/5/2020

In 2018 Oshawa Council hired a consultant (at cost of $180K) to do a city-wide parking Study.

The contract was awarded to the transportation consultant IBI Group in Nov 2018 and just a couple weeks before January 1, 2020, it seems IBI submittted the Study's Draft Report to be reviewed by City Staff.

Although Section 3 of the Terms of Reference for the Contract stated: "The Study is to be completed within six (6) months of being awarded" clearly it's a bit behind...but good to see the IBI GROUP Project Lead, Peter Richards has his phone number and email on the City of Oshawa's website for consultation. ( 416-596-1930 peter.richards@ibigroup.com )

Before submitting the Final Report, IBI Group will be conducting Phase 2...as noted on the City's website (although the time-frame is delayed from what was originally expected) "Phase 2 of the Study will present preliminary findings and recommendations to the community for review and comment... Stay tuned for Phase 2 engagement opportunity details!"

Looks like it will be the spring of 2020 before we see the Final Study. Meanwhile, the review continues and is to involve:

parking standards and policies including dimensions of parking spaces, driveways, location of parking spaces,
the Downtown parking exempt area identified in the Zoning By-law 60-94 and the ratio of parking for residential uses;
 the existing and future municipal parking supply in the downtown;
 the parking needs associated with the Transportation Hubs identified on Schedule B-1 Transit Priority in the Oshawa Official Plan;
 the financial aspects of parking and
develop a plan to support:
- Recommend changes to existing parking regulations (no parking, no stopping, no standing, durations, vehicle types, etc.), free overnight parking both on-street and within City parking garages, short-term on-street paid parking, loading zones, and accessible parking;
- Recommend triggers (such as target levels of development measured by units or floor area) to review the existing parking supplies and progress towards the planned ultimate supply;
- The potential for the provision and management of special event parking related to public and private programming within the Urban Growth Centre;
- The immediate parking needs of the Urban Growth Centre (i.e. are the parking standards in the Urban Growth Centre currently sufficient to meet market demands as well as short and long term needs;

From the Request for Proposal (RFP) Terms of Reference:

"The City of Oshawa is a growing community of 167,000 and is the largest city in Durham Region. The City has experienced a significant amount of growth in recent years with a forecast to continue in the future. Major influences on parking include but are not limited to:

greenfield developments in the Kedron and Columbus Part II Planning Areas which are intended to develop at densities that are higher than other areas of the City;
redevelopment opportunities in intensification areas, the Urban Growth Centre, transportation hubs and regional and local corridors; and
development both on-campus and off campus associated with the University of Ontario Institute of Technology, Trent University Durham and Durham College."

The timing of this parking study is extremely important and seeing it done well is crucial. Oshawa's current traffic and parking problems are a mess, and with the continued high growth forecast on the horizon, more people will be driving, parking and using transit to get around.

Budget discussions again today

12/6/2019

I know I ask a lot of questions...after my previous 36 questions (see Nov 28 blog post) here are the remaining (14) I submitted Nov 27th in writing as part of the Budget deliberation process... Staff answers received yesterday are below...imo some interesting information:

1. Where would I find the most recent annual net operating costs revenue/expenses/variances by facility location for the Civic, Harmon, Delpark, Donevan, South Oshawa, Northview, Childrens Arena
Year to date actuals are as follows: Civic: Revenues= Sl,410,501, Expenses= $2,423 ,321, Variance= S1,012 ,820
Harman: Revenues= $411,798, Expenses= $479,281, Variance= $67,484
Delpark: Revenues=$3,061,219, Expenses= $4, 982,868, Variance=$1,921 ,649
Donevan: Revenues = $564,130, Expenses=$1, 567,014 Variance= $1,002,884
South Oshawa: Revenues=$371,673 Expenses=$l,671,612 Variance$1,299,939
Northview: Revenues= $138, 513, Expenses= $790,574, Variance= $652,062
Children's Arena: Revenues=$133,492 expenses=$250,594 Variance=$117,103

2. Please provide list of the annual lease incomes for the other City facilities, including but not limited to other city facilities such as the Airport, OPUC 100 Simcoe St. S., Jubilee Pavilion, Telecommunication Towers, and any set offs. See attached at end.

3. Please provide a list of the current total 104 City facilities. See attached at end.
Is there still a corporate contingency fund or is it built into each department and project/program? Budgeted in Program 108

4. What sponsorship contracts were new in 2019, were any discontinued…and can the 2020 variance be elaborated? There were no new sponsorship contracts in 2019. Discontinued for 2019 were OPUC – Bright & Merry Market; TD Bank – Oshawa Celebrates; Bell & Telmax - Canada Day; Harmonv Hill Retirement - Peony Festival; 2020 Budget was decreased to reflect the right sizing of anticipated sponsorship revenues as well as a decrease in advertising renewals. These are two different revenue approaches and need different skill sets and there is already a cross functional grants team.

5. Does the City still have a commitment to UOIT to provide $700,000 to the downtown campus dependent upon UOIT achieving 3,000 full time students enrolled in and attending programs provided by UOIT at the downtown campus. As directed by Council this commitment will be funded by internal debt. Is this no longer a debt? NO

6. Are there personnel savings that could be made by delaying the replacement of vacancies where service levels and program delivery would not be impacted in the short term? Salary savings from vacancies have already been factored into the budget.

7. Is there a total for staff seminars and training? How much does the delegation of authority by-law allow for costs decisions related to staff seminars and training? Is there a policy for Council to have oversight on the approval of education expenses? There are no budget reports available with this Information. Council approves these through budget process Only policy Council endorsed the Education Reimbursement policy - funding for these are approved through budget

8. Where is a breakdown of the overtime costs by branch year to date for 2019? The YTD total for overtime In 2019 is $2.2 million however this amount includes banked time which will, if taken as time off, reduce the cost of overtime. Branch breakdown attached.

9. What are the net costs, revenue/expenses year to date for the City’s new wedding program? Total Expenses $14,276.26; Total Revenues $28,675.00; Total revenue over expenses $14,398.74

10. Is there a chart somewhere showing the annual balance of the Tribute Communities Centre Reserve since it was established? 2015= $118,000; 2016=$288,000; 2017=$99 ,000; 2018=$324,000

11. Could you provide a detailed description about the Reserves ‘held on behalf of others fund’ and the $3,090,837 balance? This is the library Facilities and Materials Development Charge reserve

12. The Infrastructure Reserve has the highest balance at $9,218,750. Although there is the policy related to increasing infrastructure reserves, can you provide details on if there is a limit on how much and when it can be drawn on until it reaches a certain amount. Contributions to this reserve increase by .1 % of taxation annually and expenditures are limited to 10% of the uncommitted balance. As indicated in the 2020 Capital Budget Overview, there are infrastructure needs of approximately $531 million in the next 10 years

13. Which Reserve is the $800,000+ for the unfinished trail east of the Delpark Homes Centre Commissioner Munro referred to at the Nov 22, 2019 Budget meeting? The funds for the trail are in the Parks, Recreation and Trail Development Charge Reserve and the Growth Related Non Development Charge Reserve {Project 50·0012)

14. The 2020 Capital Reserve Summary shows 4 Reserves with deficits. Where are the funds drawn from to cover those deficits, which seem to total around $2.5M? Two of the reserves (Admin Growth and Fire) are Development Charge reserves and any shortfalls will either be recouped through reserve contributions received from developers or will be recovered In future Development Charge calculations. The Airport Reserve deficit will be covered through future land sales. The IT Reserve deficit is a timing variance and will be addressed through increased contributions in the 2020 budget.

Repect & Humility Needed by a Council scheduling meetings at a time convenient to Who?

12/1/2019

ROGERS will have Oshawa's Regular Monthly Council meeting ON TELEVISION TOMORROW NIGHT

Hopefully not for the last time!

Ironic how the program airs the night a majority of Council members seem set on tuning the public out.

Councillor Tito-Dante Marimpietri's motion was brought forward by Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter at last Monday's Corporate Services Committee meeting to change the regular Council meeting Monday 6:30 p.m time, beginning January 2020, to 9:30 a.m. and the 3 week rotation to 4. The Interim City Clerk announced she already has made up the new schedule.

The public can voice opposition and send emails to clerks@oshawa.ca Request to make a delegation or just attend and by your presence try to impress on those Council members who seem intent on pushing the morning meeting time through at tomorrow night's meeting that the move will discourage public input. I am 100% in support of the public taking a stand on this issue!

Oshawa council members not setting their schedules to listen to their constituents at a time when the majority are most available ultimately amounts to a way of restricting criticism of local government, and ends up with the Corporation of the City of Oshawa exerting a top down system of command and control over public participation...where interaction becomes limited to one-on-one meetings, on-line surveys, and cyber scoped so-called 'have your say' forums...

Imo what is being planned has a controversy avoidance stamp all over it, which is not brave of political leaders...
sharing words here from a wonderful speaker I heard this weekend. He reflected on the Anishinaabe teachings of the Seven Grandfathers about the 7 gifts for value and balance in human interactions: Bravery, Wisdom, Truth, Honesty, Love, Respect and Humility..

His message was "the importance of the gift of Respect which is closely related to the companion gift of Humility....that Bravery, Honesty and Truth are not enough, and that Wisdom and Love cannot be found without Respect and Humility."

https://www.rogerstv.com/schedule?lid=1&rid=2
"ROGERSTV.COM
Rogers TV / TV Rogers
Rogers believes in Local Matters programming...
https://rogerstv.com/show?lid=12&rid=2&sid=2051

Oshawa Budget meeting on Black Friday

11/29/2019

Some tough slogging at Oshawa Council Budget meeting today...but by 3:00 p.m. 2020 Budget seems to be nearing the home stretch ... Council has the proposed Budget tax levy increase down from 2.16% to 1.75%...This is where we left off today (see picture snapped of my Council Chamber desk monitor). A few remarked that today's Black Friday price reductions may have had an impact.

Note there are a few more decisions to make at the next Oshawa 2020 Budget meeting scheduled for Friday Dec 6th but TWO MOTIONS, one from Councillor Brian Nicholson and another from Councillor Bradley J. Marks unanimously supported by Council, deserve a round of APPLAUSE! First: Councillor Nicholson's motion to increase the number of speed radar signs by adding 25 more, so instead of just the total 5 planned for 2020, there will be an additional 5 for each Ward! and each of the 5 Local Ward Councillors and City/Regional Councillors, together with City staff, will have input where the need for installation in their Ward may be greatest!

Then Councillor Marks' motion to remove sand from the park playgrounds and replace with the matted wood chips or the rubberized surfacing material...a report on this is yet to be forthcoming (next Budget deliberation Dec 6th)...

The will of Council to improve ROAD SAFETY and Oshawa PARKS & RECREATION shone today.
With the exception of only a few, Oshawa Council members made a strong effort to adhere to sharp fiscal management and KEEP TAXES DOWN.

Happy weekend...Big Council meeting this Monday Dec 2nd, hope to see MANY PEOPLE in attendance. parking lot pre-party before anyone? This is a shout out for 'bums on the seats' this Monday Dec 2nd...Who's coming??? :) (if you don't have the backstory on this, please see Dave Flaherty's article in the Oshawa Express "Council Meetings Could Be On the Move"

Budget Questions & Answers

11/28/2019

Here are some of the City staff responses to the 2020 BUDGET questions that three Oshawa Councillors submitted. Copied Below: (Numbers 1 and 2 are from Councillor John Neal; 3 to 10 from Councillor John Gray; and 11 and on - from yours truly) It would be good to find out from those interested in the City's finances about what info contained in the 46 answers intrigues them too:

1. What Is the amount outstanding and the payment schedule that Oshawa still owes the Region for the Transit lawsuit?
The Transit lawsuit was settled in 2018 for $6.2M payable by the City to the Region. An up-front payment of $2.0M was advanced in 2018. The remainder was to be paid over10 years. In 2019, we paid $420 ,000; the balance currently outstanding is $ 3.78M.

2. What is the amount in our Budget and on what page that shows the payment to the Region for the 2020 Budget, and the amount?
2020 budget Includes the second Installment of $420,000 and can be found In the Corporate Expenditures section (page 5)

3. When responding to emergency situations on the 407, does Oshawa Fire Services get billed?
OFS Is not billed. OFS has the ability to bill the MTO for the response. The MTO will process the charges through the insured party. Where municipalities overlap i.e., Oshawa and Clarington, the service first arriving on scene and performing emergency operations would bill the MTO.

4. If we get billed, is this consistent across all communities through which the 407 passes? Further, If we get billed does this get sent to the vehicle owner or Insurance companies?
Yes, the recoverable FireMarque system was under review and subsequently we did not recover normal amounts. Recovery on false alarms calls has seen a reduction due to the positive work under our first two lines of defense; prevention, education and enforcement which has had an impact on.

5. Firefighting recoveries achieved only about half of the expected target, could this be explained?
2020 budget is forecast to increase by $25k -better-maintained fire alarm systems resulting in a decrease of billable responses.
Billable responses on the407 /401 are dependent on the amount of over 2019 actual. Is this a reasonable expectation?
Less calls, less revenue. With FireMarque now approved for billing, we expect an Increase in recoveries over 2019 actuals.

6. Firefighter overtime costs, I did not see any breakdown in overtime costs for fire suppression In 2020. Have staff or Fire Chief done an evaluation of the current overtime expenditures to see If It is still more effective to have OT versus hiring additional firefighters? Of the current staff complement in fire suppression, how many vacancies do we currently have? If vacancies exist will they be filled soon?
The following types of absenteeism drive overtime: Unexplained absenteeism prior to the start of a shift; WSIB, LTD, Long- and Short-term illness; Bereavement; Holiday lieu, Vacations; Modified duties; Communications back filled by trained firefighters.
The attendance support/management program tracks all absences manually, The cost of one firefighter annually Is approximately $130,000. There Is no evidence supporting the theory that adding staff will have a direct impact on reducing overtime. In addition, when hiring additional staff there may be other costs Involved with equipment, such as the possibility of purchasing additional fire truck, bunker gear, uniforms and training.
Currently we have one (1) vacancy, due to a resignation. To minimize recruiting and training costs, we generally recruit when we have a group to fill several vacancies. Training one firefighter ls not only time consuming, but costly and Ineffective. Following a review of our recruiting process two years ago, our current system to replace staff Is much more effective and efficient. Savings are realized in both time and associated costs In testing within Fire Services and Human Resource Services, We are limited to long term planning on recruitment as staff often only provide 2 weeks' notice or less on retirement. The only concrete number we can rely on Is normal retirement age 60 for firefighters.

7. Fernhill Park clubhouse roof at $75k, This roof reminds me of a large resldenllal roof so it appears way over priced at this amount.
The roof system Is a flat 3,000 square foot built up roof. The estimate has been provided by our roofing consultant and Is consistent with the cost for the Valleyview roof al $25 / square foot ($65,000) which was replaced this year. Construction consist of new two-ply deck, poured bitumen and gravel surface, and new metal coping and flashing. The estimate also allows for unforeseen structural defects below existing surface, The City will bundle the project with other roof projects to ensure a competitive price and will oversee the project as outlined In the Oshawa Central Council of Neighbourhood Associations agreement Section 12.02 (bl (Iv).

8. Union Cemetery, with the recent fee Increases for Interment space, interments, and markers, has this been adjusted in the revenue forecast for 2020?
Yes, the revenue projections were adjusted to Include the Increases in the General Fees and Charges By-law

9. Municipal Parking, the projected actuals for 2019 are estimated to come In at 689k but only projected at 444k for 2020 . Is there a reason that we cannot achieve similar results for 2020?
The $444 ,463 is the 2020 base budget whereas the proposed 2020 budget is $587,780. The main reasons that the $587,780 is lower than the 2019 projected actuals of $689,229 is due a reduction In rental revenues, Increased lot maintenance and security fees and the commencement of interfund note payments related to parking transponders and equipment.

10. Are there any lnterfund notes that we could pay down using the rate stabilization account such as Inter-fund on Firehall #6? How much interest would we save that could reduce the tax levy impact?
The lnterfund Note for Fire Hall number 6 has a principal balance remaining of $2.087M and could be paid out by using the Tax Rate Stabilization Reserve which currently has an uncommitted balance of $5.5M. The tax levy impact would be a reduction of $377,000 annually.

11. What are the Corporation of the City of Oshawa annual utility payments to Oshawa PUC for 2018 and 2019 and what is the estimate for 2020?
2018 Actuals= $3,475,135
2019 Projected Actuals = $3,406,569
2020 Budget = $ 3,538,300

12. What is the City’s total annual kw/hr measurement of electricity usage for 2018 and 2019?
2018. City consumed 46.4 GWh.
2019 data is currently being compiled and analyzed.

13. What number of facilities are included in the bills for the two questions immediately above?
All 104 facilities in the FMS portfolio
14. What facilities have been added or dropped from the facilities roll in Questions 1 and 2 above from 2018 to 2019?
None

15. What city facilities have tenants responsible for their portion of utilities?
Every lease ls negotiated Individually and approved by Development Services Committee and If greater than $75K per year approved by Council

16. Is there a City employee who has carriage of negotiating a BELL rate reduction? If there is, who would that be and have BELL rates recently been negotiated?
The City is currently under contract with Bell for telecom line services as a result of a public competitive process in 2016 in accordance with the Purchasing By-law

17. What are the total property tax charity rebates for 2018 and for 2019, and what is the estimate for 2020?
2018 = $54,296.35
2019 :: $61,796 94
2020 Budget = $65,000

18. How many City of Oshawa properties qualified for a charity rebate in 2018 and in 2019 and what is the estimate for 2020?
2018= 28
2019 = 28
2020 = estimated 30

19. What are the total annual ARB property tax reductions for 2018 and 2019 and projected for 2020?
2018 = $392,202
2019 = year to date actuals $877,878
2020 Budget $1,300,000

20. What are the total property tax grant amounts for low income seniors and disabled property owners for 2018 and for
2019 and projected for 2020?
2018 = $254,125
2019 = $247,170
2020 Budget • $270,000

21. Under what line(s) in the Budget do the 2020 estimated amounts for (the three Questions immediately above) appear in the 2020 Budget? Program 107

22. Further to Questions above, do you have you a tally of the number of properties receiving a rebate that are registered as Charitable corporations and the number that are registered as non-profit corporations? This further to our conversation last week, when I touched on this topic. It seems the City does not distinguish between registered charitable corporations and registered non-profit corporations. I would like your clarification whether the City has a choice in rebating some not-for-profits that apply to the City for a rebate, as this statement appears on the Province’s website https://www.ontario.ca/page/not-profits-taxes-and-exemptions under “Potential Property Tax Rebate” “Registered charities paying property taxes directly, or indirectly as tenants, are eligible for a minimum 40% rebate under Ontario’s Municipal Act and City of Toronto Act. Individual municipalities may also allow not-for-profits that are not registered charities to qualify for a rebate”
All City of Oshawa Charity Rebates granted are Registered Charities with Canada Revenue Agency. None of the Charity Rebates granted are Not•for profit organizations,

23. ...as a follow up to certain projects in the 2020 Capital Budget, such as 10-0073, considering how it is common for leases to include TMI, do any of the tenants in city facilities have leases that include TMI, and any that include triple net TMI where the tenant is responsible for such expenses as maintenance and repairs of HVAC, roof, elevators, etc.?
Every lease is negotiated individually and approved by Development Services Committee and If greater than $7SK per year approved by Council

24. if an elevator is installed in the airport terminal building for accessibility, will the City take steps to add the maintenance and repair of it to the tenant’s leases if there is not already a condition in the lease that applies?
An elevator already exists at the OEA. Ongoing maintenance and repairs are the responsibility of the City. Leases are already negotiated

25. As there were a couple staff comments in the Nov 4, 2019 Budget presentation about savings related to the Municipal By-law Enforcement department’s move to 199 Wentworth St. at what point did the City’s financial obligation to the landlord of 44 Simcoe St. S. end in 2019 and are there any continued expenses in 2020 related to the lease of 44 Simcoe St. S.?
The expenses in 2020 are $105,000 as the lease ends November 30, 2020

26. Re Capital Project 11-0028 how does the $65,000 proposed for replacing the overhead doors at Fire Hall No. 3 compare to the cost of the replacement of overhead doors at Fire Halls 1, 2 and 4 which have been completed?
Orlglnally tendered In 2016, the average cost per door was $14k. Escalated@ 4%/year to 2020 is approximately $16k per door, x 4 doors js $64k.

27. In the 2019 Budget for example:
a) there was a Capital Project to replace the Airport Terminal Building windows and this year a Capital Project 10-00073 in the amount of $1,200,000 to replace rooftop units that service the terminal Building Automation System; and
b) last year there was a Capital Project to repair accessible ramps at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery and this year there is the 2020 Capital Project 10-0037 for $500,000 to complete HVAC modifications…
Is there an inventory reference list of the city facility assets, which Mr. Alexander mentioned at the Nov 4, 2019 Council meeting total 104 facilities, that indicates at a glance which ones the City is spending money on year over year?
Through report FIN-19-84, Capital Project Reporting. will provide capital spending updates to Council.

28. If not, for each term of Council’s better understanding and tracking of where funds are being spent on facility maintenance and repairs, could such a list be compiled?
Through report FIN-19-84, Capital Project Reporting. will provide capital spending updates to Council.

29. Further to these examples, could there be clarification on what are described as ‘modifications’ to the Gallery HVAC in 2020 Capital Project 10-0037 – is it repair work? Could there be elaboration on the Airport Terminal’s BAS replacement…are they similar to the Gallery HVAC? and why is the Gallery’s Score rated higher at 66 and the Airport’s lower at 56, but the cost at the Airport more than double? Is it that the Airport has more units than the Gallery? Is that it includes more than one building at the Airport?
Project 10·0037 Involves modifications to the existing system (cooling control valves, dampers, chiller condensers, and system redundancy In the Art storage Vault), to better control temperature and humidity, This project scores higher than the Airport HVAC system due to potential damage to Artwork, and Impacts to Class A status. Although the Airport HVAC is essential to the comfort of Its occupants, its functionality does not impact Airport operations. Project 10-0073 includes complete replacement of two rooftop units, the addition of zoned temperature controls, and upgrades to the BAS system.

30. Also, further to the reference in the 2020 Capital Project 10-0037 re the Robert McLaughlin Gallery lease dated Sept 1, 2003, what is the term of the lease?
The Lease term is 20 years and expires December 2022.

31. Given the number of HVAC unit repairs and replacements last year and this year, is the City able to receive bulk pricing on these costs? Or, are they going out for tender individually? How many HVAC and BAS
The strategy is always to align projects for better pricing and to accelerate schedule, when possible. However, unlike common boilers in a residential development, HVAC systems in City facilities differ greatly based on operational use and demand

32. Please provide details regarding the items for accessibility retrofit the which facilities and parks to raise awareness of what work is being undertaken Capital Project 11-0138. Although as the Council Member on the Oshawa Accessibility and Advisory Committee I am aware of what is on the list, I believe other members of Council and the public reviewing the 2020 Budget can be better informed about advances the City is making with respect to removing barriers.
Thornton Dundee Universal Washroom
Animal Services Universal Washroom and Main Entrance Modifications
North Oshawa CC conceptual design for facility access
Contribution to Parks Development for Radio Park accessible pathway and site furnishings

33. In addition to Corporate Services Branch asset audits, each year it seems there are $200,000 being spent on consulting services completing Condition Audits of City Facilities and Parks assets. Do either of these teams conduct a space allocation audit as part of their role to ensure good management of the City’s existing assets? If not, is it possible to expand the scope of these audits to include awareness of where space is tight and where space is underused?
The Facility Audit Program Is specific to condition, regulatory compliance and accessibility only.

34. Re the McMillan Parkade fire alarm replacement, in 2019 Capital Project 11-0282 provided funds of $50,000 for the design and tender ready drawings and specifications for the 2020 Capital Project 11-0369 which now requires funds of $180,000. For completion. How much of the $50,000 budgeted for the design, tender drawings and specs was spent?
Commitment to date for design is $19,800. Subject to completion of design, $25,000 will be maintained as the project budget and the balance will returned to source.

35. 2020 Capital Project 11-0365, identifies $175,000 going forward each year for the next nine years, towards roof repairs and replacement. Of the five facilities identified as priorities, what is the 2020 proposed $175,000 being spent on, are they listed in order of priority, which need to be replaced vs. repaired?
The list of priorities are in no particular order. Union Cemetery Mausoleum Is the priority for 2020

36. The same question applies to 2020 Capital Project 11-0370 which identifies $120,000 every year going forward each year for the next nine years for window repairs, replacement. Of the four facilities identified as priorities, what is the proposed $120,000 being spent on in 2020?
Further to this window repair/replacement Project, in the 2019 Capital Budget Project 11-0311 $120,000 in funds were set aside for the Airport Terminal Building windows identified as needing replacement. Could the end result of this project be described to Council?
The list of priorities are in no particular order. However, of those listed Columbus CC Howden Depot, and the Bandshell would be a priority over Centre Street Parking Garage. The strategy would be to tender Columbus, Howden and the Bandshell together in one package In 2020.
In 2019, 60 window panes and 10 skylight panes were replaced at the OEA, prioritized in consultation with Airport Operational staff. In 2019, 60 window panes and 10 skylight panes were replaced at the OEA, prioritized in consultation with Airport Operational staff

37. Is it correct to say if the staff proposed 2020 Budget expenses were decreased by $3,162,400 there would be no increase in the tax rate levy from last year?
No, it is not correct.

38. Has the city’s 2019 growth rate fallen below or exceeded the projected growth rate approved by Council for the 2019 budget? What formula is used to determine the answer to that? Council in the past has increased the projected growth forecast…and last year Council increased the growth forecast by how much?
The 2019 growth is unfavourable to the approved budget. The formula to calculate the variance is the actuals compared to the budget. During Council Budget deliberations, the growth estimate was increased by 0.12%.

39. If the 2020 projected growth was increased from the 0.83% to the same as the originally projected growth for 2019, which was a 1.2% growth rate forecast, what would staff’s current projected 2.16% tax rate levy increase change to?
1.80%

40. The City of Guelph is often considered a comparator to the City of Oshawa. Guelph in presenting its 2020 Budget forecasts a 1.35 per cent increase to the assessment growth (an increase in the number of properties and/or its value) for 2020. Is there a reason that Oshawa would not have comparable growth, especially considering the number of approved subdivisions coming on-stream?
The City of Guelph Is a single tier municipality and Is not normally considered a comparator to the City of Oshawa.

41. The Federal Gas Tax Rebate number is based on the population from the 2016 census data, so is it correct to say it will be expected to increase in 2021 with the next census? Or 2022? But, is there not a one-time increase expected to municipalities in the interim? Has any adjustment in the 2020 revenues been made for this?
The agreement outlines the payments and was determined using a population-based formula. The agreement is in effect until 2023. Beyond 2023 It Is unknown what the Federal Gas Tax program revenues will be, A one-time payment was received In 2019 and no one-time payments are expected for 2020.

42. Paragraph 7 of the staff 2020 Budget Overview refers to “the effort to increase public participation in the budget process” and refers to the five Ward Town Halls that occurred in September 2019. Considering the poor attendance at the Town Halls, and that fact that there was no public question and answer period at the Ward Town Halls, and the 2020 Budget was made available to the public approximately six weeks later the ‘effort to increase public participation’ is contradicted by the fact that including the first Budget meeting Nov 4, 2019, and through the next four scheduled Council Budget meetings there will be no opportunity for members of the public to ask questions in a public format of their elected members of Council. I have attempted to make my concerns about this clear to staff and Council and now ask: Do staff know if these 2020 Budget meetings are the first Budget meetings in the City of Oshawa where the public will not be permitted to ask questions in public to their Council members? At every Budget Town Hall meeting the pub􀅎c had the ability to ask questions of Council members present. Every Council budget meeting is a public meeting.

43. Do staff know that the City of Peterborough, like Oshawa conducted Ward Town Halls in the summer/fall of this year, but unlike Oshawa still permit the public to ask questions in public at Peterborough Council Budget meetings? Also, the City of Guelph, mentioned above as a comparator municipality to Oshawa is allowing its residents to address Council in person at a budget Council meeting.
No

44. Is there a list of the City’s annual debt servicing costs to operating revenues? Can they be provided for the past three years?
Clarification is required on the content of the question before an answer can be provided

45. Regarding the increased fuel sale revenues at the airport: Are these sales due to a higher volume of flights in and out of the Oshawa Airport? How are airport fuel sales tracked and quantified?
No, Increased fuel sales are a result of increased cost of fuel. Sales and cost of fuel are tracked in the City's financial system

46. Further to the reference in the Budget Overview and Summary re the Provincial Governments initiative to encourage municipal government to reduce budgets by 4% it was indicated a Report on this will be presented to Finance Committee November 25, 2019. Have the consultant’s recommendations been taken into account in the staff proposed 2020 Budget?
No, the recommendations of the report require further Investigation by staff.

Doers do it unconditionally

11/24/2019

If your goal is to get something positive done, focus on the goal, never mind who gets the credit (or be bothered by attempts to discredit). Yes, many have said this...just at this time, in this place, it is not only an uplifting thought, but also a good mantra for municipal politicians.
p.s. Love the word 'doer', though it often seems an awkward word to say out loud or read ... every time I say it I think of my sweet neighbour. Cheers to Shirley Purdy and all my favourite doers who never look to get credit for doing.

Budget Data Visual

11/21/2019

Tried my hand once more at a Budget Infographic...even though the motion I made six months ago for the City of Oshawa to design them did not pass, I'm still hopeful enough members of Council will come round to seeing the benefits for a clearer understanding of the City's Budget. This one is a chart of the 87 Capital Projects proposed for the 2020 Budget...$44.6M gross cost (includes $15M in Federal grants the City has applied for but won't hear back on until sometime around March)... actual Oshawa 2020 Budget deliberations begin tomorrow, November 22, 2019

Columbus Travails

11/20/2019

10 years later, and what a mess. Honestly, how can urban planners be so out of touch with our rural Columbus community. Last night was the THIRD time in the past eleven months that they wanted residents to sit in groups for a workshop session with developer/builder/consultants at kindergarten tables (yes the Columbus Community Center, former East Whitby Town Hall built in 1859, where the meeting was held, is actually a playschool during the day).

To the crowded room, after the consultant's powerpoint presentation finished, just after 7:00 p.m. residents plainly asked why they couldn't ask questions in public so others could hear the answers, and at that point were told there wasn't going to be enough time. Of course people got upset...and then to hear the consultant say don't worry, sitting at the table and writing your comments will be FUN. How could the paid consultant be so unselfaware of the condescending way those words came across...and then to tell seniors and taxpayers who don't have reliable internet that they can go on-line to look at the comments, well of course that hit a nerve.

I moved to the back of the room and asked the City's Director of Planning to step up and assure residents they could ask all the questions they wanted...but, the charade of these meetings, and the fact I've had to declare a conflict of interest because my family owns property in Columbus...after trying for so hard, from 2009 to 2013 to slow Oshawa's urban sprawl, involving a lot of lovely people who have passed now, with some great highs and distressing lows...it was a low moment again last evening and I find I still shed tears for Columbus

Had to find a pick me up thought to run through my mind at home, and thought of a chuckle from the afternoon Corporate Services meeting when the Mayor was telling off the nice Austrialan fellow making a delegation, Martin Gray, Manager of Public Policy for UBER INC. Honestly, who really knows that UBER is against the City's By-laws...it's not like City has advertised or announced this publicly in any way have they? Gee, now we hear the City Municipal By-law enforcers could see you taken to court if found taking UBER IN OSHAWA...it was too funny, the Mayor being stern and reprimanding, almost seeming to want Martin to be repentant, when after all, Martin Gray had been 'invited' by City Staff to come speak and had sat waiting, having to listen for two hours to a presentation on the City's new draft 'Transportation Network Companies By-law'.

At Oshawa City Hall, November is Mega Reports and Binders Month

11/16/2019

Binders and binders and more binders to read and review. Normally in this my first year on Council, in a given month one large binder is filled with the 4 Standing Committee and Council materials. But this week alone there are

1) the 408 page REPORT: CORP-19-91 Information and Records Management Strategic Plan, on the Monday Nov 18 morning meeting Agenda; and
2) the 321 page REPORT CORP-19-96 Modernizing Vehicle-for-Hire Standards in the City of Oshawa and Proposed Regulatory Policy Options, on the Wed Nov 20 afternoon meeting Agenda; and
3) the 303 page REPORT DS-19-213 South Field Master Plan Study at the Oshawa Executive Airport, on the Monday Nov 18th afternoon Agenda; and
4) the 2020 Operating Budget and 2020 Capital Budget Binders on the Friday Nov 22 all day Agenda

Therefore, no shortage of reading material to dive into this weekend.

Glad I had fun last night at the Downtown Oshawa Merry & Bright Event, and looking forward to a break tonight to enjoy the Oshawa Santa Parade of Lights. But if my eyes are looking glazed over and I don't recognize you right away when you wave please excuse me, been staring at the computer screen too long...
Interesting items up for votes Monday...pointing out just three for now... at the Monday afternoon Development Services meeting:

a) about whether to change the time of Oshawa regular Council meeting's from 6:30 pm to 9:30 am
b) about whether to remove the Community Improvement Plan incentives for student housing
c) about whether to restore the derelict former Canteen building at the Airport South Field at a cost of $300K or making another arrangement involving the Ontario Regiment Museum

Oh, and by the way, this Monday evening there is a Public Planning Meeting about another TELECOMMUNICATIONS TOWER proposal (there should have been a separate item on the City Calendar for this. I've emailed staff pointing out it is missing. As a motion I made back in the spring was that these special evening public meetings, which are a continuation of afternoon Development Services Committee meetings with particulars on the DS Agenda, should have their own link on the City's meetings calendar. I understand from staff's recent reply that it should be remedied, though I wish I'd caught it earlier, because I assume people in the area of Hortop and Switzer may be interested in knowing about it.