Nov. 22, 2013 News Update – Councillor Peter Milczyn

Below is the text of the Nov. 22, 2013 e-News Update from Councillor Milczyn’s office:

[To access the PDF version of the newsletter, click here.]

Good morning. There is a lot of important information contained in this e-News update. I encourage you to take the time read it, and scroll down to the “Upcoming Events and Meetings”, as there are many Ward 5 meetings coming up in December!

Dear Residents,

Over the last few weeksTorontonians, City Councillors, and media from across North America, have been immersed in the litany of allegations, public admissions, release of court records, and inappropriate conduct by and about Rob Ford.This has all been very distracting at City Hall.

I have however been doing my utmost to focus on representing you, responding to all the emails received, meeting with residents, and doing my part to ensure the business of the city is moving forward. I thank you for your understanding and patience during this tumultuous time.

The reports of the last few weeks, culminated in a number Special City Council meetings being called, whose purpose was to take back powers which City Council had granted to the Mayor. The need for these Council meetings were punctuated by erratic and improper behaviour by Rob Ford. I was involved with the drafting of some of these motions and I signed the petitions calling for the Special Council Meetings. I supported the motions tabled at City Council. City Council united around taking some extraordinary steps. All steps within Council’s power to take.

Prior to this action at Council being taken, I had publically and privately urged Rob Ford to seek help, and encouraged him to take a leave of absence to get better and allow the business of the city to take place. He refused this good advice which was also offered to him by many of my colleagues on Council.

I and the majority of Executive Committee continue to share a belief that city council must take care to ensure a fiscally responsible and soundly managed administration must be maintained at the City. We have made great strides in that regard over the last three years. We must also have a rational, fact and policy based, transparent decision making process that strives to include all. Deputy Mayor Kelly, and I, are committed to that.

I believe stability and normalcy has been restored to City Hall. I sincerely hope that Rob Ford is getting the help he requires. He will continue to exercise his vote on Council as every other member of the Council does.

City of Toronto News Release
November 18, 2013
Council decisions from Special Meetings
(November 15 and 18)
Over the course of three Special Meetings, which took place on November 15 and 18, Toronto City Council made a number of decisions that affect the non-statutory powers of the Mayor and delegate some of these responsibilities to the City’s Deputy Mayor. Council also reassumed other non-statutory powers.

“This is an unprecedented situation. I can assure my fellow councillors and the residents of Toronto that I will fulfil these delegated responsibilities to the very best of my ability,” said Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly, Ward 40. “I believe that Council will continue to work collaboratively and effectively to carry out the important business of the City of Toronto.”

The Mayor retains his statutory powers under the City of Toronto Act, 2006 (COTA) and other Acts. This includes providing leadership to Council and representing and promoting the City locally, nationally and internationally. COTA provides that the role of a mayor includes promoting both public involvement in the City and representing the City at official functions. The role also includes fostering activities that enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of the City.

On November 15, Council suspended the power of the Mayor to appoint the Deputy Mayor and the Chairs of the City’s Standing Committees. Council also delegated responsibilities to the Deputy Mayor with respect to the recruitment process for the City’s Accountability Officers. In addition, Council delegated authority to the Deputy Mayor to act on behalf of Council in the event of a major emergency.

At today’s Special Meeting, City Council removed some of the Mayor’s powers and duties that are not assigned by statute. Council also decided that the Deputy Mayor would be assigned to the role of Chair of the City’s Executive Committee. The Mayor remains a member of the City’s Executive Committee.

Council made further decisions today that affect the budget for the Mayor’s office. Council directed that the budget of the Office of the Mayor be set at $95,000 for the remainder of 2013 and the budget of the Office of the Mayor for January 1 to November 30, 2014, be set at $712,000, plus the amount of the Mayor’s salary and benefits. The balance of the operating budget in 2013 in the amount of $429,880, and for January 1 to November 30, 2014 in the amount of $882,820 be re-allocated to the City Clerk’s Office to be administered under the oversight of the Deputy Mayor.

The residents and businesses of the City of Toronto can be assured that City services and programs continue as usual.

See the fact sheet below outlining the statutory and non-statutory powers of the Mayor.

To view the Council documents for November 15, please see the following links:

http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisionBodyProfile.do?function=doPrepare&meetingId=8588#Meeting-2013.CC42

http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisionBodyProfile.do?function=doPrepare&meetingId=8608#Meeting-2013.CC43

To view the Council documents for the November 18 meeting, please see:

http://app.toronto.ca/tmmis/decisionBodyProfile.do?function=doPrepare&meetingId=8590#Meeting-2013.CC44

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FACT SHEET:
Re: Statutory and non-statutory powers of the Mayor
November 18, 2013

Statutory powers of the Mayor:

The Mayor’s statutory powers under the City of Toronto Act, 2006 (COTA) and other Acts set out the Mayor’s role as the Head of Council and the City’s Chief Executive Officer.

The Role of the Mayor as Head of Council is to:
– Act as Chief Executive Officer of the City
– Preside over meetings of Council so that its business can be carried out efficiently and effectively
– Provide leadership to Council
– Represent the City at official functions
– Carry out the duties of the head of Council under COTA or any other Act.

The Role of the Mayor as the Chief Executive Officer is to:
– Uphold and promote the purposes of the City
– Promote public involvement in the City’s activities
– Act as the representative of the City both within and outside the City and promote the City locally, nationally and internationally
– Participate in and foster activities that enhance the economic, social and environmental well-being of the City and its residents.

The Mayor also has other statutory powers including the following:
– Power to call a special meeting of City Council
– Power to consent or not to the election of a presiding officer
– Can chair Council at any time despite election of a Speaker.

Non-statutory powers of the Mayor now delegated to the Deputy Mayor:
At its Special Meetings on November 15 and 18, City Council delegated some of its powers and duties that are not assigned to the Mayor by statute to the Deputy Mayor, including:
– Chairing Executive Committee; the Executive Committee elects a vice-chair from amongst its own members
– Appointing a selection panel for the recruitment of the City’s Accountability 0fficers and chairing or designating a chair of the panel
– Sitting as a member and chair of the Toronto Emergency Management Program Committee (TEMPC) and the Control Group which directs emergency operations
– Transferring certain staff of the Mayor’s Office to the Office of the City Clerk under the Deputy Mayor’s supervision
– Chairing the City’s Debenture Committee and the City’s Striking Committee.

Other changes made by Council:

– Council has responsibility for appointing the Deputy Mayor
– Standing Committees have responsibility for appointing their own Chairs if a vacancy occurs
– Setting the budget of the Office of the Mayor at $95,000 for the remainder of 2013 and the budget of the Office of the Mayor for January 1 to November 30, 2014, at $712,000, plus the amount of the Mayor’s salary and benefits
– Reallocating the balance of the operating budget in 2013 in the amount of $429,880, and for January 1 to November 30, 2014 in the amount of $882,820 to the City Clerk’s Office to be administered under the oversight of the Deputy Mayor
– The Mayor can no longer designate or set times for key matters
– The Mayor can no longer elect to speak first or last on agenda items
– Council has removed the Mayor’s powers to designate members of certain bodies, determine the urgency of certain member’s motions, appoint the Corporation’s Nominating Panel, and sign minutes
– Finally, Council removed the Mayor from the Debenture Committee and removed some associated authorities regarding matters under the debentures bylaw.

Give the Gift of Good Food!

This Holiday Season, why not have the satisfaction of knowing that you have given a family in need access to fresh, healthy food! The Stonegate Community Health Centre is once again teaming up with local businesses, community services and residents to help put additional food on the shelves of many Stonegate – Park Lawn neighbourhood residents in need.

When you donate to the Good Food Box Holiday Drive, you will have the satisfaction of knowing that you have helped ensure a local family in need has access to fresh, healthy food this upcoming holiday season. To purchase a Good Food Box, please connect with Julia Graham, Community Food Program Coordinator, at 416.231.7070 ext. 229 or visit our website www.stonegatechc.org to give on-line. Charitable tax receipts are available for every donation.

Please take a moment to read this Etobicoke Guardian article about this program.

City of Toronto
Launches Road Safety Education Campaign

The City of Toronto is launching an education safety campaign to encourage pedestrians, drivers and cyclists to be more aware of each other, especially as we enter a season with reduced daylight hours.

The advertising campaign, which appears on the sides of buses, features a painted face with the eyes focussed on either a pedestrian, a cyclist or a vehicle. The campaign reminds people to be more aware of others as they travel on our roads using the slogan “Stay Alert – Stay Safe.”

The focus of the campaign is to make sure that all road users understand that road safety is everyone’s responsibility.

For more tips on road safety for pedestrians, cyclist and drivers and to see the advertisements, visit
toronto.ca/stayalert.

SAVE THE DATE!
Upcoming Important Meetings and Events

47th annual Cavalcade of Lights presented by Great Gulf to launch Toronto’s holiday season celebration at Nathan Phillips Square
Saturday, November 30 will mark the official start to the holiday season in Toronto with the Cavalcade of Lights celebration presented by Great Gulf beginning at 7 p.m.
This festive event, a 47-year holiday tradition in Toronto, will feature the illumination of Torontos official Christmas tree, performances by some of Canadas top musical talent, a brilliant fireworks show and a skating party at Nathan Phillips Square.
A complete event schedule is available at http://www.toronto.ca/cavalcade.

TTC Community Meeting Re: Royal York Subway Station Improvements
Work is scheduled to begin in late 2014 to make Royal York Station accessible to all customers, regardless of their level of mobility. A community information session will be held on:
Monday, December 2, 2013
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Old Mill – Balmoral Room, 21 Old Mill Road.
Displays will be set up throughout the evening and TTC staff will be available to answer questions
For more information, please click here

City of Toronto Planning Division Community Consultation
RE: Revised Development Plans for 2800 Bloor Street West (Bloor and The Kingsway)
Tuesday, December 3, 2013
6:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Lambton Kingsway Junior Middle School (in the Lunch Room)
525 Prince Edward Drive
To view the meeting notice, please click here

23rd Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade
Saturday, December 7th
10:00 am
For information on the parade and the route, please click here

Royal York Road United Church Winter Craft Event
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Royal York Road United Church
851 Royal York Road (3 blocks south of Bloor St.)
9:30am – 2:00 pm
Craft vendors and artisans will offer their unique gift items for sale. Shop for Christmas – buy for someone else or buy for yourself. Lots to choose from – including jewellry, knitting, seasonal goodies, bath products and much more. Over 25 vendors. Homemade frozen tourtieres and a snack bar. Free admission.

Harmony Singers Present Christmas Dreams
Sunday, December 8, 2013
3:00 p.m.
Humber Valley United Church, 76 Anglesey Blvd.,
For more information please e-mail theharmonysingers@ca.inter.net or call (416) 239-5821.

Bloor/The Kingsway/Old Mill Rd Intersection Improvements
Transportation Department hosting a Community Information Night
Tuesday, December 10
7-9pm (Booked 5:30 – 9:30 PM)
Lambton Kingsway JR MS
525 Prince Edward Drive
Lunch Room
For more information, please contact Jason Diceman, Sr. Public Consultation Co-ordinator
Public Consultation Unit, 416-338-2830 or email: jdicema@toronto.ca

City of Toronto Planning Department – Community Meeting
Regarding Development Plans for 26 & 30 Fieldway Road
Thursday, December 12, 2013 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Royal Canadian Legion (Ground Floor), 110 Jutland Road
For more information, please click here

All Saints’ Kingsway Anglican Church presents “All Bells in Paradise”
Sunday, December 15, 2013
4:30 pm
All Saints’ Kingsway Anglican Church
2850 Bloor Street West
For more information, please contact Sarah Hastie at 416-233-1125 ext 0 or click here

Santa Experience at Sherway Gardens
The countdown is on to the most magical time of the year at Sherway Gardens. NEW this year, book your appointment for the award-winning Santa Experience online at
www.sherwaysanta.com.

City of Toronto Public Health launches flu clinics
Free flu shots are now available at Toronto Public Health (TPH) clinics.
As well as getting the flu shot, TPH also recommends frequent and thorough hand washing, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue or sleeve and staying at home when you are feeling ill.
For the full flu vaccination clinic schedule please call 416-338-7600 or please click
here.

STAY CONNECTED

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