City Council meeting of December 2, 3 and 4, 2003

Access to the island airport
At a special meeting on December 3 to deal with plans regarding access to the island airport, Council adopted Mayor David Miller's resolution requesting that the federal government and the Toronto Port Authority agree to amend the current tripartite agreement and remove the provision for a fixed link to the Toronto City Centre Airport. The resolution states that the City of Toronto does not support the construction of a bridge to the island. Council also requested staff to prepare a report on a request that the federal government indemnify the City with respect to the bridge situation.

Appointments to committees
At the first meeting of the new Council, held December 2 and 4, City Council approved the membership of its standing committees, various other committees, and appointments to agencies, boards and commissions. Appointments to the position of deputy mayor were also approved. Most of the appointments cover the period from December 2003 to May 31, 2005.

2004 budget process and schedule
Council approved a plan and schedule for preparation of the City's 2004 budget, with final approval of the budget anticipated before the end of April. Proposed operating budgets for City programs and agencies will undergo review by Council committees after public consultation meetings are held at various locations early in the new year. The City faces significant financial pressures. Programs and agencies have been directed to try to absorb any inflationary cost increases in 2004 while maintaining services at 2003 levels. The budget schedule is part of an overall 2004 schedule of Council and committee meetings that Council approved.

Efforts to control beetle infestation
Council supported a motion to spend up to $3 million on efforts to combat the Asian Longhorned Beetle, subject to confirmation of anticipated funding from the federal government in 2004 to reimburse the expenses. The beetle has the potential to reproduce rapidly and could destroy up to 70 per cent of the urban forest. The removal of more than 10,000 infested trees in the north part of the city must be completed by spring in order to prevent the infestation of new areas when warmer weather arrives. Council also directed staff to report back in February on a beetle eradication plan, the funding situation, a long-term reforestation strategy and a public awareness strategy.

Election recount for Ward 25
Council decided the City will conduct a recount of votes for the position of councillor in Ward 25 - Don Valley West. The recount will be conducted on December 12. Official results on November 13 indicated that Clifford Jenkins was elected with 80 more votes than second-place candidate Jaye Robinson, who requested a recount. The City's Web site had erroneously indicated prior to the processing of all voting-place returns on November 10 that Ms. Robinson had been elected. Late returns changed the outcome.

Financial assistance for Toronto Zoo
Council authorized the payment of $2.8 million from reserves to supplement the Toronto Zoo's 2003 operating budget to enable the zoo to meet its 2003 payroll and other obligations in November and December. The zoo has experienced a shortfall in anticipated revenues this year. Attendance declined by 13 per cent, in part large because of the SARS crisis and the August power outage.

Problem of indoor marijuana cultivation
Council adopted a motion that directs officials of relevant City departments and agencies to establish a set of protocols for identifying, inspecting and taking the necessary corrective action against properties identified as marijuana "grow house" operations. It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 such converted houses in the Greater Toronto Area. After use as grow houses, the dwellings tend to be unsafe and unhealthy for subsequent residents. High humidity in the greenhouse-like environment tends to weaken building structures and create mould.

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.