M I N U T E S

SPECIAL GENERAL COMMITTEE

 

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

 

Mayor Frank Scarpitti Deputy Mayor Jack Heath Regional Councillor Jim Jones Regional Councillor Gord Landon Regional Councillor Joe Li Councillor Valerie Burke Councillor. Howard Shore Councillor Don Hamilton Councillor Carolina Moretti Councillor Colin Campbell Councillor Alan Ho Councillor Logan Kanapathi Councillor Alex Chiu

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

 

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.