City Council meeting of February 13, 14 and 15, 2002
Judicial inquiry into computer contracts
After many hours of discussion, Council decided to ask the Ontario Superior Court to undertake a judicial inquiry into dealings between the City and MFP Financial Services regarding the City's leasing of computer equipment. In a related decision, Council endorsed a financial settlement offered by MFP but declined to rule out the possibility of the City initiating legal action in the future if the judicial inquiry finds evidence that warrants such action.
Economic development missions
Council approved funding for several business trade missions this year in support of the City's International Alliance Program. The program is designed to foster economic development opportunities with cities in other countries. The foreign missions scheduled this year include cities in the western United States, southern Europe and the Far East - such as Los Angeles, Athens, Singapore and Seoul, among others.
Fraud hotline
Council approved the City Auditor's plan to set up a fraud hotline by which municipal employees and the general public can report any observed or suspected fraudulent or wasteful activities at the City. The telephone line will be set up immediately as a six-month pilot project, then assessed for permanent operation. Messages will be screened by Audit staff and calls will be handled confidentially. The City's policy on fraud states that employees have a responsibility to report any fraudulent activity.
Red-light camera project
With Council's endorsement, the City will ask the Ontario government for legislation extending the red-light camera pilot project for an additional two years. Toronto is one of six Ontario municipalities participating in the pilot project, which will end in November 2002 if an extension is not approved. The City of Toronto rotates 10 cameras among 38 intersections. The project's initial results show a reduction in the frequency of red-light running at intersections where the cameras are used.
Household organic waste collection
The City's plan for the separation and collection of organic materials from households is proceeding. Council approved the purchase of kitchen containers and wheeled curb-side bins for the first phase of the program, which involves about 70,000 Etobicoke area homes. Organics collection will be extended to other parts of the city from 2003 to 2005.
Tax incentive for heritage preservation
Council expressed its support for a heritage property tax rebate program designed to provide an incentive for the preservation of the city's built heritage. Subject to provincial enabling legislation, the program will rebate 40 per cent (a maximum of $500,000 a year) in municipal taxes for heritage buildings that meet the eligibility criteria. About 150 buildings meet the current criteria.
Floating homes
Council decided that float homes - house-like structures with floatation systems - will be prohibited at City-owned marinas. The future of 24 existing float homes at Bluffers Park Marina is still under consideration, and the City is seeking an injunction to prevent additional float homes from being established at the marina. "Liveaboards" are permitted at City marinas, subject to a licence arrangement being worked out by the City. Unlike float homes, liveaboards are vessels designed for navigation rather than structures for permanent mooring.
Transitional housing projects
Council approved funding of $6 million for seven housing projects that will provide transitional housing for people living in emergency shelters or on the street. The funding was provided to the City by the federal Supporting Communities Partnership Initiative (SCPI). The SCPI funds for Toronto ($21 million over three years for transitional housing) are allocated to projects identified in the Community Plan for Homelessness in Toronto.
Reducing the use of road salt
Council endorsed a recommendation to encourage the Toronto school boards and all City agencies to follow the City's lead in reducing the use of salt on their properties for de-icing purposes. The City is taking steps to manage its salt-spreading and storage practices in response to concerns about salt's harm to the natural environment. The City continues to use road salt because of its value for safety.
Animal shelter at Exhibition Place
The City will proceed with plans to use a portion of the Horse Palace building at Exhibition Place as an animal shelter serving south-central Toronto. Council approved the plan, which addresses the need for a facility resulting from the sheltering contract between the former City of Toronto and the Toronto Humane Society having lapsed in April 2001.
Managing the City's agencies
Council approved a project designed to establish a common approach to managing the City's many agencies, boards and commissions. The Chief Administrator's Office, working with a committee of councillors, will prepare guidelines and a consultation process for a review of the agencies, leading to classification according to their autonomy, authority and operating rules.
Previous Council Highlights
For inquiries about the official documentation of Council decisions, contact the City Clerk by e-mail, clerk@toronto.ca
Council Highlights, produced for your convenience, is a summary of Council's recent decisions. Council Highlights is not intended to serve as an official record of the meeting. If you have questions about this summary, please e-mail Strategic Communications at stratcom@toronto.ca.
