Minutes

For the City Council Meeting

-
Tom Davies Square
Present (Mayor and Councillors)
  • Councillor Signoretti, 
  • Councillor Vagnini, 
  • Councillor Montpellier, 
  • Councillor McCausland, 
  • Councillor Kirwan, 
  • Councillor Lapierre, 
  • Councillor Jakubo, 
  • Councillor Sizer, 
  • Councillor McIntosh, 
  • Councillor Cormier, 
  • Councillor Leduc, 
  • Councillor Landry-Altmann, 
  • and Mayor Bigger
City Officials
  • Ed Archer, Chief Administrative Officer, 
  • Kevin Fowke, General Manager of Corporate Services, 
  • Tony Cecutti, General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure, 
  • Ed Stankiewicz, Executive Director of Finance, Assets and Fleet, 
  • Steve Jacques, General Manager of Community Development, 
  • Joseph Nicholls, General Manager of Community Safety, 
  • Marie Litalien, Director of Communications & Community Engagements, 
  • Ian Wood, Executive Director of Strategic Initatives and Citizen Services, 
  • Joanne Kelly, Director of Human Resources and Organizational Development, 
  • Meredith Armstrong, Director of Economic Development, 
  • Kelly Gravelle, Deputy City Solicitor, 
  • Ron Foster, Auditor General, 
  • Jeff Pafford, Director of Leisure Services, 
  • Hugh Kruzel, Chief of Staff, 
  • Eric Labelle, City Solicitor and Clerk, 
  • Lisa Locken, Clerk's Services Assistant, 
  • Clayton Drake, Clerk's Services Assistant, 
  • and Vickie Hartley, Clerk's Services Assistant

His Worship Mayor Brian Bigger, In the Chair


1.

The meeting commenced at 6:01 p.m.

2.

Those present at the meeting observed a moment of silent reflection.

3.

A roll call was conducted.

None declared.

Councillor Lapierre arrived at 6:04 p.m.

5.1

Councillor Kirwan, as Chair of the Planning Committee, reported on the matters arising from the Planning Committee meeting of January 10, 2022.

  • The following resolution was presented:

    CC2022-12
    Moved ByCouncillor Kirwan
    Seconded ByCouncillor Landry-Altmann

    THAT the City of Greater Sudbury approves Planning Committee resolutions PL2022-01 to PL2022-03, and PL2022-05 from the meeting of January 10, 2022.

    CARRIED

    The resolutions for the January 10, 2022 Planning Committee meeting can be found at: https://www.greatersudbury.ca/agendas


6.

6.1

Ian Wood, Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives and Citizen Services provided an electronic presentation regarding the Junction East and Junction West Projects for information only.

10.
Members' Motions
  

The following resolution was presented:

  • Moved ByCouncillor Leduc
    Seconded ByCouncillor Kirwan

    WHEREAS the pandemic and its associated consequences have created a climate of financial uncertainty, increased risks and unforeseen budgetary demands;

    AND WHEREAS the downtown area is experiencing unprecedented challenges as a result of the pandemic and time is needed to resolve those challenges and assess future needs;

    THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the City of Greater Sudbury direct staff to bring back a report by the end of the first quarter of 2022 assessing the potential implications of suspending the Junction East project until a future period.

  • Motion for Deferral

    Councillor Vagnini moved to defer this item to a Special City Council Meeting in March, 2022.

    Rules of Procedure

    A Recorded Vote was held:

    YEAS: (1)Councillor Kirwan
    NAYS: (12)Councillor Signoretti, Councillor Vagnini, Councillor Montpellier, Councillor McCausland, Councillor Lapierre, Councillor Jakubo, Councillor Sizer, Councillor McIntosh, Councillor Cormier, Councillor Leduc, Councillor Landry-Altmann, and Mayor Bigger
    DEFEATED (1 to 12)

    Rules of Procedure

    Council by two-thirds majority allowed Councillor Leduc to withdraw his motion.


7.

The following resolution was presented:

  • CC2022-13
    Moved ByCouncillor Landry-Altmann
    Seconded ByCouncillor Cormier

    THAT The City of Greater Sudbury consents to the proposed alteration of the Flour Mill Silos in Sudbury, as outlined in the report entitled “Alteration of a Designated Property – Flour Mill Silos”, from the General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure, presented at the City Council meeting on January 25, 2022.

    CARRIED

For Information Only.

8.

Motion for Deferral

Councillor Landry-Altmann moved to defer this item to the City Council meeting of February 8, 2022 in order for staff to provide more information.

DEFERRED

9.

The following resolution was presented:

  • CC2022-14
    Moved ByMayor Bigger
    Seconded ByCouncillor Landry-Altmann

    THAT the City of Greater Sudbury read and pass By-law 2022-09 to By-law 2022-32.

    CARRIED

    The following are the by-laws:


9.1

2022-09
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Confirm the Proceedings of Council at its Meeting of January 25, 2022

2022-10
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Amend By-law 2018-121 being A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury Respecting the Appointment of Officials of the City
This by-law updates certain appointments to reflect a new staff position.

2022-11
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Amend By-law 2018-37 being A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to Canadian Red Cross, Ontario Branch, for the Personal Disaster Assistance Fund
Finance & Administration Committee Resolution #FA2021-90-A6
This amending by-law authorizes an increase to the existing 2022 Grant to Canadian Red Cross Personal Disaster Assistance Fund already authorized under By-law 2021-167. Upon expiry of By-law 2018-37, a new By-law will be presented to reflect grants at the new level for the years 2023-2027.

2022-12
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury Authorize a Grant to the 76 Hilltop Seniors in Support of 2022 Operational Costs
Finance & Administration Committee Resolution #FA2021-90-A28
This by-law authorizes a one time grant in support of operational costs for the 2022 calendar year.

2022-13
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to St. Joseph’s Villa of Sudbury Inc. in Support of ‘Caring Beyond’ Capital Fundraising Campaign
Finance & Administration Committee Resolution #FA2021-24-A37
This by-law authorizes a grant in 2022 in support of the ‘Caring Beyond’ capital contribution campaign.

2022-14
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to the Alzheimer’s Society
This by-law authorizes the annual grant to Alzheimer’s Society of $11,000 as contribution toward their property taxes, which was confirmed in the budget process.

2022-15
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to the Art Gallery of Sudbury
This by-law authorizes the annual grant of $200,000 to the Art Gallery of Sudbury, which was confirmed in the budget process.

2022-16
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to the City of Greater Sudbury Community Development Corporation for Promotion of Community Economic Development for the 2022 Calendar Year
This by-law authorizes the annual grant of $1,000,000, which was confirmed in the budget process.

2022-17
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to the City of Greater Sudbury Community Development Corporation for Funding for Arts and Culture in the 2022 Calendar Year
This by-law authorizes the 2022 annual grant to the City of Greater Sudbury Community Development Corporation for funding of both the Operating Grants [$489,368] and the Project Grants [$86,550] in accordance with the Arts and Culture Grant Program Policy, which was confirmed in the budget process.

2022-18
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to the Junction Creek Stewardship Committee Inc. for the 2022 Calendar Year
This by-law authorizes the annual grant of $40,000, which as confirmed in the budget process.

2022-19
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to the Nickel District Conservation Authority
This by-law authorizes the annual grant of $350,000 to the Nickel District Conservation Authority as a contribution towards its capital budget.

2022-20
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to Health Sciences North in 2022 as a Contribution Towards the Costs to Acquire a PET Scanner
This by-law authorizes the seventh of ten annual grants of $100,000 each, initially authorized in the 2016 budget process.

2022-21
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury in Support of 2022 Operational Costs
This by-law authorizes the annual grant of $209,213 to Place des Arts du Grand Sudbury for 2022 operational costs.

2022-22
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to the Sudbury Finnish Rest Home Society Inc.
This by-law authorizes the annual grant to the Sudbury Finnish Rest Home Society Inc. for the benefit of Hoivakoti Nursing Home of $39,200 as a contribution towards the cost of the property taxes, which was confirmed in the budget process.

2022-23
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize a Grant to Science North in Support of the ‘Science North Go Deeper’ Project
Finance & Administration Committee Resolution #FA2021-24-A38
This by-law authorizes a grant in 2022 in support of the ‘Science North Go Deeper’ Project.

2022-24
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury Authorize a Grant to the Youth Entertaining Sudbury (Y.E.S.) Theatre in Support of The Refettorio
Finance & Administration Committee Resolution #FA2021-90-A7
This by-law authorizes a one time grant in support of capital costs associated with the installation of The Refettorio.

2022-25
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize Grants Under the Downtown Sudbury Community Improvement Plan
Finance and Administration Committee Resolutions #FA2021-75 and #FA2021-76
This By-law authorizes grants under the Town Centre Community Improvement Plan and authorizes the General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure Services to sign grant agreements with the recipient of the grants.

2022-26
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize Grants Under the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan
Finance and Administration Committee Resolution #FA2021-95
This By-law authorizes grants under the Affordable Housing Community Improvement Plan and authorizes the General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure Services to sign grant agreements with the recipient of the grants.

2022-27
A By-Law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize Grants Under the Town Centre Community Improvement Plan
Finance and Administration Committee Resolution #FA2021-96
This By-law authorizes grants under the Town Centre Community Improvement Plan and authorizes the General Manager of Growth and Infrastructure Services to sign grant agreements with the recipient of the grants.

2022-28
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Declare Certain Parcels of Land to be Part of the City Road System
This by-law is presented to Council from time to time.  It provides for all the small “bits and pieces” of roadway that have been purchased or otherwise acquired by the City for road purposes to be formally declared as roads.

2022-29
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize an Application for Approval to Expropriate Land Known as 241 St. Charles Street, Sudbury Being PIN 02131-0045(LT), Lot 397 on Plan 18SB
Planning Committee Resolution #PL2021-166
This by-law authorizes an application for approval to expropriate 241 St. Charles Street, Sudbury as the land is required for the St. Charles Lift Station project.

2022-30
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Authorize the Purchase of an Easement Over Vacant Land South of Highway 17 East, Coniston Legally Described as Part of PIN 73561-0149(LT), Being Parts 5 and 7, Plan 53R-4309 from the Hydro-Electric Power Commission of Ontario
Planning Committee Resolution #PL2021-174
This by-law authorizes the purchase of an easement required for the Highway 17 East Trunk Watermain Rehabilitation project.

2022-31Z
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Amend By-law 2010-100Z Being the Comprehensive Zoning By-law for the City of Greater Sudbury
Planning Committee Resolution #PL2021-89
This by-law rezones the subject property to "R3(77)", Medium Density Residential Special in order to permit a ground-oriented multiple dwelling with site-specific relief -  T.J. Herault - 3500 Falconbridge Highway, Garson.

2022-32
A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Amend By-law 2017-181 being A By-law of the City of Greater Sudbury to Delegate Authority to the Director of Economic  Development Regarding the Development of the Greater Sudbury Synergy Centre Project and the Art  Gallery of Sudbury/Greater Sudbury Public Library Project
This amending by-law updates the delegation of the authorities given in By-law 2017-181 to reflect the Executive Director of Strategic Initiatives, Communications and Citizen Services.

10.

10.2

The following resolution was presented:

  • The following resolution was presented:

    CC2022-15
    Moved ByCouncillor Montpellier
    Seconded ByCouncillor Signoretti

    WHEREAS the KED has been promoted as being at no cost to the taxpayers;

    AND WHEREAS property tax revenue, promoted as paying for the Arena/Event Centre, has not been committed to, currently placing the cost burden on taxpayers instead;

    AND WHEREAS the cost to taxpayers is now projected in excess of $115 million;

    AND WHEREAS the Casino operator has concluded, citing risks, that it would not be commercially reasonable for them to continue funding of site development and, has notified that they will resume funding of the site development pending favorable resolution of those risks;

    AND WHEREAS the City of Calgary and the National Hockey League have taken into consideration serious financial impact of already escalated construction cost and serious risk of future escalated costs for the planned Arena/Event Centre in Calgary;

    AND WHEREAS city finance has informed taxpayers of having no control of 4.7 percent inflation,13.6 percent rise in construction costs, increases to insurance, gas and heating bills;

    AND WHEREAS the City of Greater Sudbury website has confirmed that there are no signed build agreements beyond site preparation;

    THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that city staff is hereby directed to gather and present to council all existing pertinent, committed, signed sureties, and commercial risks by all partners to the KED project identifying clearly the risks that are now appearing, in order to provide open and transparent accurate information to the taxpayers of Greater Sudbury.

    Rules of Procedure

    Councillor Montpellier presented a friendly amendment to change the last paragraph as follows: "THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that city staff is hereby directed to gather and present to council information describing the implications if the partners for the KED choose to not proceed with the site preparation or respective financial contributions."

    Recess

    At 8:18 p.m. Council recessed.

    Reconvene

    At 8:24 p.m. Council reconvened.


  • The following resolution with the inclusion of the friendly amendment was presented:

    CC2022-15
    Moved ByCouncillor Montpellier
    Seconded ByCouncillor Signoretti

    As Amended:

    WHEREAS the KED has been promoted as being at no cost to the taxpayers;
     
    AND WHEREAS property tax revenue, promoted as paying for the Arena/Event Centre, has not been committed to, currently placing the cost burden  on taxpayers instead; 
     
    AND WHEREAS the cost to taxpayers is now projected in excess of $115 million;
     
    AND WHEREAS the Casino operator has concluded, citing risks, that it would not be commercially reasonable for them to continue funding of site development and, has notified that they will resume funding of the site development pending favorable resolution of those risks;
     
    AND WHEREAS the City of Calgary and the National Hockey League have taken into consideration serious financial impact of already escalated construction cost and serious risk of future escalated costs for the planned Arena/Event Centre in Calgary; 
     
    AND WHEREAS city finance has informed taxpayers of having no control of 4.7 percent inflation, 13.6 percent rise in construction costs, increases to insurance, gas and heating bills;
     
    AND WHEREAS the City of Greater Sudbury website has confirmed that there are no signed build agreements beyond site preparation;
     
    THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that city staff is hereby directed to gather and present to council information describing the implications if the partners for the KED choose to not proceed with the site preparation or respective financial contributions.

    Rules of Procedure

    A Recorded Vote was held:

    YEAS: (9)Councillor Signoretti, Councillor Vagnini, Councillor Montpellier, Councillor McCausland, Councillor Lapierre, Councillor McIntosh, Councillor Cormier, Councillor Landry-Altmann, and Mayor Bigger
    NAYS: (4)Councillor Kirwan, Councillor Jakubo, Councillor Sizer, and Councillor Leduc
    CARRIED (9 to 4)

    Rules of Procedure

    Proceed past 9:00 p.m.


  • YEAS: (8)Councillor Vagnini, Councillor McCausland, Councillor Kirwan, Councillor Sizer, Councillor Cormier, Councillor Leduc, Councillor Landry-Altmann, and Mayor Bigger
    NAYS: (5)Councillor Signoretti, Councillor Montpellier, Councillor Lapierre, Councillor Jakubo, and Councillor McIntosh
    CARRIED (8 to 5)

14.

Automatic Adjournment at 9:02 p.m.

The following items were not addressed at this meeting:

11.

12.

13.