SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE
April 16, 2013
Meeting No. 10
Finance & Administrative Issues Community Services Issues
Chair: Mayor
Frank Scarpitti Chair: Councillor Alex Chiu
Vice Chair: Councillor Carolina Moretti Vice
Chair: Councillor Howard Shore
Environment
& Sustainability Issues Building,
Parks, & Construction Issues
Chair: Councillor
Valerie Burke Chair: Councillor Logan Kanapathi
Vice Chair: Regional Councillor Joe Li Vice
Chair: Councillor Colin Campbell
Alternate formats are available
upon request.
Attendance
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Andy
Taylor, Chief Administrative Officer
Catherine
Conrad, City Solicitor
Trinela
Cane, Commissioner of Corporate Services
Martha
Pettit, Acting City Clerk
Stephen
Huycke, Acting Deputy Clerk
Dennis
Flaherty, Director of Communications and Community Relations
Sharon
Laing, Director of Human Resources
Alida
Tari, Council/Committee Coordinator
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The General Committee convened at the hour of 10:11 a.m. with Mayor
Frank Scarpitti in the Chair.
DISCLOSURE OF
INTEREST
None disclosed.
1. COUNCIL CODE OF CONDUCT (16.23)
Council
Code of Conduct
M. Pettit, ext. 8220
Martha Pettit, Acting City Clerk delivered a
PowerPoint presentation relative to the proposed Council Code of Conduct.
There was brief discussion regarding the staff Code
of Conduct and this proposed Council Code of Conduct. It was noted that many of the sections in the
two Codes' do align and that Members of Council are also governed by many other
legislations.
The Committee discussed and suggested that the
following amendments to the proposed Council Code of Conduct be considered:
·
Where applicable replace the word "shall"
with "shall make every effort"
·
Section 1.1 - tighten the definition for
"family" include the word immediate
·
Section 1.1 - replace the definition for "staff"
with the following: "includes anyone employed by the Corporation,
full-time staff, part-time staff, contract staff, students and volunteers"
·
Section 2.1 - amend to read "The Council Code
of Conduct operates in addition to the following legislations"
·
Section 2.1 - include in the list The Criminal Code
and the Constitution Act
·
Section 4 - 4.1 (b) include the wording "as per
policies and processes adopted by Council"
·
Section 4 - 4.1 (d) remove in its entirety
·
Section 4 - 4.1 (e) replace to only read "Members
shall make every effort to avoid improper use of the influence of their
office"
·
Section 7 - 7.2 amend to read "In addition,
Members may have access to Personal Information…….."
·
Section 10 - 10.2 amend to read " Each Member
must maintain a list of all gifts valued over $350.00 to be available upon
request by the Integrity Commissioner, excluding tickets to events for
non-profit charity or sporting events."
·
Section 11 - remove it in its entirety from the
Council Code of Conduct
·
Section 12 - 12.1 revise the wording to ensure it is
easily understood
·
Section 15 - 15.1 amend to read "No Member or
if a Member holds a majority interest in a company, shall borrow money…."
·
Section 16 - 16.1 amend to read "Members will
conduct Council business……."
·
Section 16 - 16.1 where it states "virtue of
legislation" list the legislation(s)
·
Section 16 - 16.1 replace the words
"confidential manner in closed session" with "closed in-camera
session"
·
Section 19 - rename it as "Harassment and
Discrimination"
·
Section 18 - strengthen the language
Ms. Karen Rea, Markham resident addressed the
Committee inquiring whether Members of Council can or should forward e-mails
received by constituents. Staff
suggested having an off-line discussion with Ms. Rea regarding the best
practices relative to the use of e-mails.
Marilyn Ginsburg, Thornhill resident
addressed the Committee regarding the proposed Council Code of Conduct and
provided some comments. She inquired
when the City intends on retaining an Integrity Commissioner.
Staff advised that they are in the process of
retaining an Integrity Commissioner.
Ms. Alena Gotz, Thornhill resident addressed
the Committee with respect to the proposed Council Code of Conduct and provided
some comments. She believes it is
important that Members of Council offer their undivided attention during
deputations.
Moved by Regional Councillor Jim Jones
Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
That Members of Council maintain a list of
all gifts received valued over $350.00 and include this in the Council Code of
Conduct.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Howard Shore
Seconded by Councillor Alan Ho
That Council adopt the proposed Council Code
of Conduct as amended at the April 16, 2013 Special General Committee
meeting.
CARRIED
Moved by Councillor Alex Chiu
Seconded by Councillor Valerie Burke
That the General Committee meeting adjourn at
1:38 p.m.
CARRIED
Note: The
above matter was referred back to General Committee at the April 30, 2013
Council meeting.