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February 23/05 Report – Part 2 of 4
7:00 pm (actual start at 7:05 pm)
(adjourned @ 8:43 pm)
(Continued from Part #1 that ended partway through Item 6.2 "Committee Reports - Planning and Economic Development Committee, Report 05-005, February 15, 2005, Item #7)
Cont'd - 6.2 Planning and Economic Development Committee, Report 05-005, February 15, 2005
(Whitehead / Pearson - CARRIED)
(http://www.hamilton.ca/Clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Planning-Economic-Development/2005/Feb15/REPORT%2005-005.pdf)
Mayor DiIanni : "Item #8" (hear councillors say carried) "#9 . #11" (hear a glass clink) "#11, Councillor Merulla."
COMMENT ON - " 11. Hamilton International Airport Master Plan (ECO04010a) (City Wide) (Item 7.2)
a) That the updated draft Hamilton International Airport Master Plan be adopted and incorporated into the GRIDS process, the City's new Official Plan and new comprehensive Zoning By-Law;
b) That Staff be directed, where possible, to incorporate the Plan's recommendations into their Departmental Business Plans and Budgets for Council's consideration during the budget deliberation process;
c) That notwithstanding the current "P3 Lease Agreement", the Airport Master Plan be re-visited in conjunction with the City's next Official Plan review."
(Councillors who wished to be recorded as OPPOSED to Item #11: Merulla, McHattie)
(Item #11 is CARRIED)
Merulla : "I guess I'll - Mr. Mayor, as you recall back at the date of this particular meeting, there was some concern expressed. And, I had emphasized the fact that the actual Master Plan itself was created on the premise that there wouldn't be a Pickering impact, or potential Pickering impact. And obviously, they've acknowledge the Pickering issue in their report. But, it hasn't altered the actual Master Plan to any great effect. And, I'm just concerned that the Pickering impact, if they do go full force with that particular airport, it will be significantly negative with respect to our future plans."
"And so as a direct result, I'm opposed to this particular Master Plan based on that" (hear a glass clink) "on that premise. And, I'd like to expedite - I know that you're working on trying to get some sort of handle on why the Federal Government would be putting us in this situation."
"But, and I'm hoping, I'm looking forward to that forth-coming information."
Mayor DiIanni : "Sure."
Merulla : "Thank you, Mr. Mayor."
Mayor DiIanni : "I'd like to comment on that. Councillor McHattie and then Whitehead."
"And by the way, we approved in Committee, if you'll recall, setting aside $25,000 to do some marketing. And there's a Motion that's - we missed that some how in the minutes - but there's a Motion that'll fix that. But, Councillor McHattie."
McHattie : "Mr. Mayor, I voted against this at Committee, as well. And I just wanted to outline my reasons. The plan identifies a number of roles for the City of Hamilton and asks the City to consider doing a number of things. There's no actual amounts, dollar amounts attached to those items. And, in light of what Councillor Merulla was talking about in terms of the risks associated with the Pickering Airport - as well as the Kitchener Airport and the London airport. I have grave concerns about that."
"And the Plan is also predicated on a road to go from the top of the Red Hill Expressway over to the Airport. And, supports the mid-peninsula highway - or, whatever it may be called, the new Government, the Liberal Government. So, those are things I've got concerns about."
"Also concern about the Greenhouse Gas Emissions and how that might be handled. And, the focus on oil and fossil fuels and airline fuel. This is a project that will certainly be with us, if we move ahead with it, for a long period of time. And, we know that there's oil peak concerns where the peak oil production may occur in the next - any where from 10 to 15, perhaps more, but perhaps less, years. And, the Greenhouse Gas concerns we have are significant, as well."
"So, I'd like to be recorded as opposed, as well, if I can. Thanks."
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. Councillor - I thought I had another speaker. Seeing none - Councillor Whitehead, did you want to make a comment, because I do, as well."
Whitehead : "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Well, it is my understanding that this Master Plan is part of the obligation under the lease and arrangements with the, with TradePort. (http://www.hamiltonairport.com/about/airport_operator.shtml) And in fact, it is an aggressive plan to create good business for this community. And it's consistent with movement of goods, logistics and the fact that we designated and identified the Airport as a cluster priority by this Council."
"This Master Plan will, in fact, go into the GRIDS (Growth Related Integrated Development Strategy, http://www.city.hamilton.on.ca/business/development/pdf/ecdev-strategy.pdf) process. So, we haven't approved anything, we've received it and we put it forward to staff. So, it will be part of the over-all comprehensive study and approach to development and the Airport. So, I just wanted to clarify that. Thank you."
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. Just a couple of comments from me, if I can. The Master Plan that was presented was very much in line with what we, as a Council, the previous Council, have seen as a vision for this Airport and have seen for some time, now. And, very much in line with what the Provincial Places to Grow (http://www.pir.gov.on.ca/userfiles/HTML/cma_4_35040_1.html) draft legislation also envisions in terms of Growth and the importance of the employment node around the Airport."
"And, the only thing that the Master Plan does. I mean, it makes some considerable requests of Council. But, the only thing that we agreed to do at Committee, was to have staff investigate those requests; put some numbers and implications to them to see whether any of the requests were feasible and what the financial obligations might be if we move forward with those requests."
"So, in the absence of that sort of analysis, we're not doing, I don't think, the kind of due diligence that would see us move toward a vision that's already been established."
"In terms of the Pickering situation and the risk there - and it is very real. It's not the Federal Government that's putting us in that situation, it's essentially a number of local politicians in the Region of Durham (http://www.region.durham.on.ca/) that are pushing the Pickering option. It's not the Federal Government at all."
"In fact, the Federal Government and the Provincial Government would have a role in whether the Pickering option moves forward depending on the sorts of approvals that they have to give. But, it's very much being pushed by the local folks in Pickering."
"I'll tell you what the risk to us is, not only is the risk to us one that would see a move away from the natural evolution of growth west of the Toronto Airport, to an area that isn't growing - which is the Pickering area. And so, all the population and all of the growth is this way. That's why the Places to Grow legislation has indicated that this is a priority area for that sort of growth and it's coming whether we like it or not."
"But also, potentially, $2 billion to $7 billion would be needed to create an airport where there's only Greenfield. Whereas, much, much less of an investment would need to be made to enhance Hamilton's airport. And, imagine what would happen - and we saw the [Federal] Budget today, and the Budget was relatively good news for our community - but imagine what we could do with and an additional $2 to 7 billion for communities and cities for public transit, for infrastructure, for the enhancement of water/waste water and so on down the line, rather than building an airport in an area that it's not needed."
"But again, decisions will be made by the various levels of government, once they understand what our airport is all about. And so the suggestion is, that we prepare the business case - I think we've got most of it already - so that we can present it to the various authorities at the other levels of government, along with the Pickering option, so that can make an informed decision."
"And that's why I believe that we need to support this." (hear a glass clink) "Okay. Councillor McCarthy."
McCarthy : (hear another glass clink just before Councillor McCarthy begins to speak) "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Through you, to whoever can answer this question. Is this predicated on the mid-peninsula corridor going through?"
Mayor DiIanni : "No, in fact - well, you said whoever - Mr. Everson, I do have a response to that, as well. But, Mr. Everson."
Neil Everson - Executive Director, Economic Development : "Through you, Your Worship. No, I do not believe it is."
Mayor DiIanni : "Remember that the way that the Province is now rolled out the environmental assessment for the transportation corridor, which looks at all the options, including rail, including no transportation corridor, at all, would see all of those options explored. So, there's absolutely no one tract towards another road up on the escarpment that the government intends to implement. Councillor Merulla."
Merulla : "Just a point of clarification, Mr. Mayor. Not to be argumentative, but with respect to the push and where it's coming from, if it were so easy for municipalities to push for an issue and actually garner this much support, federally or provincially, I wish the that could be said about the $19.5 million."
"The reality of the issue is that the Federal Government is seriously moving forward with this airport, regardless of what local authorities are saying, at the end of the day, it will be a Federal decision, and, to allow them to continue to expand upon their present situation."
"The whole point is, the reason why - and if there's Federally funded tax to that, particularly, then that just compounds the problem. But again, as I said at the Committee, the reason why Hamilton Airport expanded was because of the political clout of the day of John Munro. And I think the GTA's [Greater Toronto Area] political clout far out weighs that of our local, unfortunately, clout. And as a result of that, I think this is more of a threat which can contribute -a nd, I'm not saying that I want it to happen - could contribute to the airport becoming more of a white elephant than anything else 10, 15, 20 years down the road. And then, that's why I think we have to act prudently. Thank you, Mr. Mayor."
Mayor DiIanni : "Councillor Ferguson."
Ferguson : "Just to be clear, Mr. Mayor. In your opinion, who is pushing Pickering? Is it the GTAA (Greater Toronto Airports Association - http://www.gtaa.com/) or is it the federal politicians of the area?"
Mayor DiIanni : "Look at the Pickering Airport website (http://www.cityofpickering.com/standard/cityhall/news/WhatsNew.html) and you'll see very clearly who's pushing it. And it's the local, municipal representatives and provincial representative who used to be Mayor, I understand, in the Pickering area, who are moving this agenda forward. And, they're doing what they think is right for their region. I believe it's wrong for the Province and the Country and certainly for our airport."
Ferguson : "And the GTAA, who are a strong proponent of that, have grown, out-grown - they're maxed out in Toronto and they're looking for another site. The area, the area for the Pickering airport was acquired how many years ago - 20? Like you've already said, we have one here established. All the studies indicate that the growth is going to be this way. To not support this initiative now would show that Hamilton is quasi - semi - lukewarm to it. We have to come out fully in favour of it, or else they will run all over us."
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. Councillor Whitehead."
Whitehead : "Well, just to add to Councillor Ferguson's comments, it could be a self-fulfilling prophecy. And I certainly don't want to see that realized. I think that we have to stay ahead of the curve. And, I don't want to restate the comments in respect of the population growth. I think that's clearly spelt out."
"We talk about 80% of the trade coming over the 401 across Buffalo and Niagara and through Windsor. And, the highways are getting jammed. I think that we're strategically located to alleviate some of those pressures with inter-modal transportation, inter-modal movement of goods. And that what I'm talking about is we have the Port, which we also identified as a priority. We have the Airport and hopefully, at some point, we'll further enhance the rail - I know that Councillor Bratina's certainly working on the VIA side. And the other piece of that, of course, is the cargo side. And, we did talk to TradePort about future initiatives to look at inter-modal possibilities. And, it is there."
"So I'm very supportive of the original priority - the cluster of being the Airport. And too, just on the Pickering side. I mean, it's not just a City of Hamilton issue. And, I think that needs to be spelt out. There's many communities that support the Hamilton Airport, around us."
"And I would even argue that Kitchener (http://www.waterlooairport.ca/index.shtml) - who we compete with - would be strongly supportive of our position. And in fact, probably would work with us to bring the case to the Federal government and the powers that be to suggest that Pickering is not the way to go. In fact, you have 2 very viable airports in the outer ring - in Kitchener and Hamilton that can take on those kind of services. So, I just wanted to speak to that, because I know that the next Motion's dealing with the dollars and the round table. But, I think it's really important that we don't fall asleep at the switch and that we don't lose ground. And that we continue moving forward and show that we are very committed to the Cluster around the Airport."
"And there's other synergies, too - not just the Airport. But, we're also talking about serviced lands, industrial lands and so forth. And, I think there's a synergistic relationship between what we're trying to do at the Airport and further industrial parks in the near area. Thank you."
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you, very much. No other speakers, then. On # 11, all in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "It's carried. Thank you."
"On #12, Councillor Whitehead, I understand you have an amendment."
REQUEST TO AMEND - " 12. Analysis of Proposed North Pickering Airport (ECO05005) (City Wide) (Item 8.1)
a) That Report "Analysis of Proposed North Pickering Airport (ECO05005)" be received for information. "
(Amendment - Whitehead / Pearson - CARRIED)
(Item 12 - CARRIED - as Amended)
Whitehead : "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. Moved by myself; Seconded by Councillor Pearson, Item 12 - 'Analysis of Proposed North Pickering Airport' - the following be added as sub-section (b) to Item 12:
'that the required funding for the Round Table, in the amount of $25,000, be taken from Reserves.'"
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried."
"#13" (hear a glass clink) "#13, Councillor Merulla."
COMMENT ON - " 13. Single Source Approval for Creative Services: Tourism Revitalization Partnership (ECO05007) - (City Wide) (Item 8.2)
a) That staff be authorized to single source creative services from Brickworks Communications Incorporated, in accordance with Purchasing Policy No. 11, at an approximate cost of $52,500, to fulfil the creative services required as part of the $300,000 Hamilton-Burlington-Niagara Tourism Revitalization partnership;
b) That a purchase order be established for Brickworks Communications in the amount of $300,000 to cover the creative costs ($52,500) and the media buys ($247,500). "
(Councillor Merulla wished to be recorded as STRONGLY OPPOSED)
(Councillor Collins wished to be recorded as opposed to both parts (a) and (b) of Item 13)
(Item CARRIED)
Merulla : "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. At Committee, it did not support this and I plan on not supporting it, this evening. I think, that the fact - "
Mayor DiIanni : "Sorry, on number 12, I'm just told I needed to say that, 'as amended.' So, and that was understood, I think. Right? That was carried." (hear councillor say carried) "#13. Sorry, go ahead, Councillor."
Merulla : "No problem, I just want to emphasize the fact that" (hear a glass clink) "it is a slippery slope if we start isolated single sources out here, at any time. So, as a direct result of trying to remain consistent with the policy that we have, I will be recorded as opposed to this particular issue."
"But, just so I can get a clarification through you, Mr. Mayor, to staff. Can we just have a rationalization of why we would be sole-sourcing this particular service from Brickworks Communications?" (http://www.brickworksonline.com/index.shtml)
Mayor DiIanni : "Mr. Adames."
David Adames - Executive Director - Tourism Hamilton : "Through you, Mr. Mayor. And again, as I said at Committee, ordinarily we would not come forward with a soul-source request. However, in this case, because there's a partnership, that we're moving forward with the Tourism Revitalization Project. And, we looked at some of the core partners: Hamilton International Airport, CanJet Airlines being two. They're creative agency record is Brickworks Communication. So, we did find some extra value for the money in terms of working with Brickworks."
Merulla : "Okay, I'm just wondering, through you, Mr. Mayor, how do we know we find that extra value if we don't go through a competitive process?"
David Adames - Executive Director - Tourism Hamilton : "Through you, Mr. Mayor. Again, when it does come to marketing - sometimes there is some value judgements that need to be made. And again, based on experience, working on a number of marketing initiatives over the years, we do take that into some consideration. But, again, because we found here with the creative agency record for a couple of the core partners, there's already familiarity with the product and also familiarity with the market they were going into, in terms of the Ottawa market."
Merulla : "Okay. Again, I'm not really satisfied - "
Mayor DiIanni : "Okay."
Merulla : " - with that. But, I do want to be recorded as strongly opposed. Thank you."
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. Councillor Collins."
Collins : "Mr. Mayor, along the same lines. The concern that I had it involves a very large sum of money. The contract, it looks it's for $300,000. I'm not a member of the Committee. So, I wasn't there for the debate. And it's, I'm believing it's cost-shared between the communities of Hamilton, Burlington, Niagara. It's in the recommendation."
"Can I ask, that as a partner, from the outset, did we request a tendering process? Or, did we buy into the proposal that has come from the other partners. Did our partners have concerns, as I believe that they would probably have purchasing policies that would require a tendering process and open bid. Can I get some background in regards to the other partners and how they felt about this process?"
David Adames - Executive Director - Tourism Hamilton : "Through you, Mr. Mayor. The one issue that I also wanted to mention on the last question was that we are into a bit of a time-sensitivity with this particular proposal, as well, which also did necessitate the need to work with someone who was familiar with the partners and the product. But, we did have a discussion amongst the core funding partners about that particular service provider, here, and all felt again that best value was there."
Collins : "Mr. Mayor, to be consistent, in the past I have opposed services or products that have been purchased outside of the purchasing policy that we have. And so, I'd like to be, to be consistent, I'd like to be opposed to both (a) and (b) of part 13, please."
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. Councillor Ferguson."
Ferguson : "Mr. Mayor, through you, to Mr. Adames. David how, what percentage of the total bill does Hamilton share?"
David Adames - Executive Director - Tourism Hamilton : "Through you, Mr. Mayor, 13% is being paid by Tourism Hamilton."
Ferguson : "So, of the $52,500 that equates to 13%."
David Adames - Executive Director - Tourism Hamilton : "Through you, Mr. Mayor. Again, the whole project is $300,000 of which Tourism Hamilton is contributing $40,000. So that's the 13%."
"If we start breaking down the project a bit more, the creative services rolled in to an elements of the program works out to $52,500. And then, the other portion is mostly a media buy, which is not subject to purchasing policies."
Ferguson : "That's pretty self-explanatory, thank -"
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. All in favour, then?" (hear councillors say carried) "All right. And, Councillor Collins, Councillor Merulla recorded opposed."
"#14" (hear councillors say carried) "#15" (hear councillors say carried) "#16" (hear a glass clink) "16, Councillor Bratina."
COMMENT / REQUEST to AMEND - " 16. Selection of Member of the Planning and Economic Development Committee to be a member of HECFI.(Matter identified by Committee on February 1, 2005-No copy) (Item 8.5)
That Councillor Bob Bratina be confirmed as the Planning and Economic Development Committee's representative on HECFI."
Motion to change 'Bob Bratina' to 'Terry Whitehead'
(Bratina / Morelli - CARRIED)
Bratina : "On Item #16, I'm not sure of the procedure on this, Mr. Mayor. But, I would like to have my name removed as being considered for the HECFI" (Hamilton Entertainment and Convention Facilities Inc. - http://www.hecfi.on.ca/) "Board. And, I had put my name forward for the Committee Representative. And, I do have some qualifications having been in the media for 40 years. And, I know all the HECFI venues as a member of audiences. I've M.C.'d and been on stage as a performer. And, when Councillor Whitehead learned of my interest in stepping forward to the HECFI Board, he very graciously stepped aside - his name having been also considered, of course, because he sits on the Board."
"And so, I did a lot of examination of the work and the progress that's been made. And I personally believe, Mr. Mayor, that having given the matter a great deal of thought, that Councillor Whitehead would, with his valuable experience and as a sitting Board Member would, in fact, fill the roll best. And I think with HECFI moving forward as it is, now, I'd like to see Councillor Whitehead maintain his position on that Board."
"And I may say if - just to take 30 more seconds - that there may be an opportunity for something that I may be even better suited for, which is sporting events. And that may come around. Because I worked on the Around the Bay Road Race (http://www.aroundthebayroadrace.com/) since 1988 as a participant and as a volunteer, the cycling races, the Vanier Cup (http://www.cisport.ca/e/championships/vaniercup/2004/) and so on. And, there may be a role for me to play. Others can decide that."
"But, I'm not sure what the procedure is. But, I would like to step down and Move that Councillor Whitehead be the - "
Mayor DiIanni : "All right. Procedurally then, though - I mean this is a recommendation coming from the Committee. We'd what, have to turn it down and then have a new recommendation?"
Kevin Christenson - City Clerk : "Through you, Mr. Mayor. I would suggest that there's a couple of ways you could do this. One would be just to 'Delete and Replace.' It's in the hands - "
Mayor DiIanni : "Let's do that - "
Kevin Christenson - City Clerk : "-of Council, here. So, if you wanted to 'Delete and Replace' it with Councillor Terry Whitehead be appointed, that would be appropriate." (hear a glass clink)
Mayor DiIanni : "So, why don't we replace the name with the name of 'Councillor Whitehead' and, see where we go with the recommendation. Councillor Ferguson."
Ferguson : "I just - "
Mayor DiIanni : "That was moved by Councillor Bratina; Seconded by Councillor Morelli. Councillor Ferguson."
Ferguson : "I just question the, that this is the proper venue - there's no question that we have to accept Councillor Bratina's withdrawal of his name. But, I just wonder if this is the proper venue if it should be referred back to Planning and Ec Dev for appointment from the Committee."
Mayor DiIanni : "I think there's probably will - well, I mean, I'm in the hands of the Committee."
(hear Councillor Collins say off someone else's microphone: "I think we moved Councillor Bruckler at Council. So, I don't think it's ." but couldn't hear the last couple of words he said. Then hear Councillor Ferguson say, "no we didn't, we did that at Committee.")
Mayor DiIanni : "Okay. So, we'll see what happens with the recommendation. I suspect that we're going to make a decision tonight. Okay. All in favour of 16, then, as amended?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried. Congratulations and thank you."
"#17" (hear Councillor Jackson say carried) "num - are you speaking, Councillor Jackson, on behalf of the whole group?"
(hear Councillor Jackson say off microphone: "I often do.")
Mayor DiIanni : "Ya, you do." (hear giggles from Council and gallery) "#17" (hear more councillors say carried) "Thank you. #18" (hear councillors say carried) "Councillor Whitehead may I have a Motion on the report."
Whitehead : "Thank you, Mr. Mayor. And, I thank the Council and Councillor Bratina for the nomination. And secondly, I'd like to indicate that I will be moving a Motion at the appropriate time to add to the Sports Advisory Committee, Councillor Bratina and Councillor Art Samson. So, just to let everyone know that that will be coming forward, shortly."
"Moved by myself; Seconded by Councillor Pearson that the 5 th Report of the Planning and Economic Development Committee be adopted and the Information Section received."
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried."
6.3 Corporate Administration Committee, Report 05-004, February 16, 2005
(Samson / Pearson - CARRIED)
(http://www.hamilton.ca/Clerk/agendas-minutes-reports/
Corporate-Administration/2005/Feb16/Corp.%20Admin.%20Report%2005-004.pdf)
Mayor DiIanni : "I now have the Corporate Administration Committee Report, which presents its 4 th report and recommends Item #1" (hear councillors say carried "#2 . #7" (hear councillors say carried) "#8 - no, #7 that's it. Councillor Samson, may I have a Motion, please."
Samson : "Yes, Your Worship. Moved by myself; Seconded by Councillor Maria Pearson that the 4 th report of the Corporate Administration Committee be adopted and the Information Section received."
Mayor DiIanni : "Thank you. All in favour?" (hear councillors say carried) "That's carried."
See Part #3
Starting with Item #6.4 - "Committee Reports" - Social and Public Health Services Committee - Report 05-003, February 22, 2005
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