Committee of the Whole Minutes

Tuesday, March 04, 2025 at 7:00 P.m. - 10:00 P.m.

Council Chambers & Electronic Meeting

PRESENT:

• Mayor S. Goodmanson
• Councillor K. Guiry
• Councillor C. Harder
• Councillor M. Morley
• Councillor L. Szpak
• Councillor M. Wagner
• Councillor K. Yacucha

ATTENDING:

• D. Kiedyk, Chief Administrative Officer
• B. Hutchins, Deputy Chief Administrative Officer
• M. Watmough, Director of Legislative & Protective Services
• M. Baldwin, Director of Development Services
• L. Stohmann, Director of Community Planning & Climate Change
• M. Dillabaugh, Director of Finance
• K. Balzer, Director of Engineering and Public Works
• Y. Nielsen, Director of Parks, Recreation and Facilities
• C. Aubrey, Fire Chief
• K. Dube, Senior Manager of Information Technology and GIS
• D. Petrie, Senior Manager of Business Development and Events
• W. Robinson, Manager of Building Services - Remote
• C. Staniforth, Manager of Budgets & Revenue
• B. Boisvert, Legislative Services Administrative Coordinator
• T. Preston, Superintendent, West Shore RCMP

Meeting available by teleconference.

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

The Chair called the meeting to order at 7:04 pm.

2.

TERRITORIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Councillor Wagner read the City of Langford's Territorial Acknowledgment.

3.

MEETING CONDUCT RULES

M. Watmough, Corporate Officer, read the City of Langford's meeting conduct rules.

4.

APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA

• MOVED BY: MORLEY
  SECONDED: HARDER

  THAT Committee of the Whole approve the agenda as presented.

  Motion CARRIED.

5.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

M. Wignall, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the Committee's reliance of City staff. The speaker expressed concern regarding the travel and training expense.

J. Patterson, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the proposed tariffs imposed from America and the potential effects to the local community.

W. Hobbs, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed regarding the Budget survey. The speaker supports funding protective services. The speaker expressed concern regarding the purchase of Woodlands Park. The speaker expressed concern regarding the purchase of the YMCA building. The speaker expressed concern regarding the use of grant funding. 

S. Rossander, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the proposed tariffs imposed from America and the potential effects to the local community. The speaker expressed concern regarding the proposed funding for new staff. The speaker expressed concern regarding the travel and training expense.

F. Johnson, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the access to information. The speaker requested an online payment system for ease of use. The speaker expressed concern regarding the potential removal of the Capital Budget item equity, diversity and inclusion training.

W. Bowers, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the proposed tariffs imposed from America and the potential effects to the local community. The speaker suggested some items to be removed from the budget such as replacing vehicles, debt payments, internal borrowing, future technology upgrades, E-bike rebate program, paving, paving city parking lots and city center crosswalk. The speaker expressed support for funding the RCMP entirely.

S. Sifert, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the proposed tariffs imposed from America and the potential effects to the local community. The speaker expressed concern regarding the proposed funding for new staff.  The speaker expressed concern regarding the purchase of Woodlands Park. The speaker expressed concern regarding the purchase of the YMCA building. The speaker expressed concern regarding the funding for the E-Comm program. The speaker expressed concern regarding the travel and training expense.

L. Foxall, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the future of the economy. The speaker expressed concern regarding businesses. The speaker expressed concern regarding the cost of using consultants. The speaker expressed concern regarding a communications department staffing request. The speaker expressed concern regarding the travel and training expense.

M. Morton, Langford Resident - The speaker suggested that any expenditures that can be deferred to the following year, should be.

C. Foxall, Langford Resident - The speaker encouraged the Committee to look to the past for direction for saving money.

R. Louie, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the expense of plans and consultants. The speaker expressed concern regarding E-Comm. The speaker expressed support for the protective services budget. The speaker expressed concern regarding businesses at West Shore Shopping Centre. 

W. Hobbs, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the travel and training expense.

The Committee of the Whole extended public participation for second time speakers. Please see the vote below.

L. Foxall, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the purchase of the YMCA building. The speaker expressed concern regarding the access to information. The speaker expressed concern regarding the proposed funding for new staff.

S. Rossander, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the public participation process. The speaker requested a townhall forum.

C. Foxall, Langford Resident - The speaker requested that the Committee support the RCMP beyond what is expected.

L. Plomp, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed support for consultant and the hiring of new staff. The speaker expressed support for the staffing of Firehall #2. The speaker expressed support for the transparency through the budget process. 

M. Wignall, Langford Resident - The speaker encouraged the Committee to be brave.

S. Sifert, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the expense of building renovations. The speaker expressed concern regarding the budget survey. The speaker requested a townhall forum. The speaker expressed concern regarding plans and consultant's expense. The speaker requested that the budget be tightened.

S. Perry, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding the need for more sports facilities. The speaker expressed support for 5 more RCMP officers. The speaker expressed concern reading the Freedom of Information process.

B. Armstrong, Langford Resident - The speaker expressed concern regarding a park that does not have public access. The speaker expressed concern regarding the travel and training expense. The speaker expressed concern regarding a communications department staffing request. The speaker expressed concern regarding policing drug activity. The speaker requested that the Committee reduce the budget.

R. Louie, Langford Resident - The speaker requested a fund for reconciliation.

• MOVED BY: SZPAK
  SECONDED: WAGNER

  THAT Committee of the Whole extend the public participation for all second time speakers.

  Motion CARRIED.

6.

ADOPTION OF THE MINUTES

6.1

Minutes of the Committee of the Whole Meeting - February 20, 2025

• MOVED BY: GUIRY
  SECONDED: MORLEY

  THAT the minutes of the Committee of the Whole meeting held February 20, 2025, be adopted as circulated. 

  Motion CARRIED.

7.

REPORTS

7.1

2025 Budget Follow Up Report

• MOVED BY: WAGNER
  SECONDED: YACUCHA

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:
  THAT one-time term positions in the finance and policy support areas be funded by surplus.

  Motion CARRIED.
• MOVED BY: WAGNER
  SECONDED: HARDER

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  THAT the proposed positions in the parks support and administration areas be deferred to 2026

  Motion CARRIED.
• MOVED BY: YACUCHA
  SECONDED: HARDER

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  THAT the proposed positions in the building inspections and the planning supports be removed from the proposed five-year financial plan.

  Motion CARRIED.
• MOVED BY: WAGNER
  SECONDED: YACUCHA

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:
  THAT the proposed savings towards future technology upgrades be amended as follows: $150,000 in 2025, $350,000 in 2026, $575,000 in 2027 and $825,000 in 2028.

  Motion CARRIED.

  Councillor Guiry opposed.

  
  
• MOVED BY: HARDER
  SECONDED: SZPAK

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  That the following items be reduced from the previously proposed amounts:

  1. 1. Christmas decoration additions from $60,000 to $30,000;
     2. MODO car share from $42,000 to $5,000;
     3. Community events budget from $300,000 to $275,000;
        AND
     4. Westshore Arts Council from $37,250 to $10,000.

  AND
  That the Goldstream Avenue fountain repairs and maintenance be deferred to the 2026 draft financial plan.
  
  AND
  THAT staff be directed to find an additional savings of $100,000 within the Miscellaneous items.

• Prior to the Main Motion:

  Amendment:
  MOVED BY: GUIRY
  SECONDED: YACUCHA

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows: 

  THAT the main motion be amended by removing the reduction of the Community events budget from $300,000 to $275,000.

  Motion CARRIED.

• Prior to the Main Motion:

  Amendment:

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  THAT the Goldstream Avenue fountain repairs and maintenance be funded by surplus.

  The amendment to the main motion died on the floor in lack of a seconder. 

  
  

• On the Main Motion as Amended:

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  That the following items be reduced from the previously proposed amounts:

  1. Christmas decoration additions from $60,000 to $30,000;
  2. MODO car share from $42,000 to $5,000; and
  3. Westshore Arts Council from $37,250 to $10,000.

  AND
  That the Goldstream Avenue fountain repairs and maintenance be deferred to the 2026 draft financial plan.

  AND
  THAT staff be directed to find an additional savings of $100,000 within the Miscellaneous items.

  Motion CARRIED.
• MOVED BY: SZPAK
  SECONDED: HARDER

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to approve an additional 9 fire department staff be hired in 2025, with 100% staffing at Fire Hall #2, in the proposed five-year financial plan.

  Motion CARRIED.
• MOVED BY: GUIRY
  SECONDED: HARDER

  THAT Committee of the Whole extend the meeting until 11:00 pm.

  Motion CARRIED.

  Councillor Yacucha opposed.

  
  
• MOVED BY: SZPAK
  SECONDED: HARDER

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the five-year financial plan in relation to the West Shore RCMP to include addition of 4 members.

• Prior to the Main Motion:

  Amendment:
  MOVED BY: MORLEY
  SECONDED: WAGNER

  THAT the main motion be amended by changing 4 to 5 members.

  Motion DEFEATED.

  Councillors Yacucha, Guiry, Szpak and Harder opposed.

  
  

• On the Main Motion:

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the five-year financial plan in relation to the West Shore RCMP to include addition of 4 members.

  Motion CARRIED.

  Mayor Goodmanson and Councillor Morley opposed.

  
  
• MOVED BY: YACUCHA
  SECONDED: SZPAK

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to investigate the possibility of showing the portion of the tax increase related to Policing and E-Comm, to be separate from the general tax increase and report these findings to Council.

  Motion CARRIED.
• MOVED BY: WAGNER

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  THAT Capital Budget item SR85 Paving City Parking Lots, $660,000, be deferred to 2026.

  The motion died on the floor in lack of a seconder.

  
  
• MOVED BY: WAGNER
  SECONDED: GUIRY

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  THAT Capital Budget item SR95 City Centre Crosswalk, $140,000, be deferred to 2026.

  Motion CARRIED.

  Councillor Yacucha opposed.

  
  
• MOVED BY: GUIRY
  SECONDED: HARDER

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  THAT Capital Budget item PK24 Centennial Park Improvements, $385,000, be deferred to 2026.

• Prior to the Main Motion:

  Amendment:
  MOVED BY: YACUCHA
  SECONDED: HARDER

  THAT the main motion be amended by adding Capital Budget item PD37 Westshore Parkway Trail, 500,000.

  Motion CARRIED.

• On the Main Motion as Amended:

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  THAT Capital Budget item PK24 Centennial Park Improvements, $385,000; 

  AND

  THAT Capital Budget item PD37 Westshore Parkway Trail, 500,000, be deferred to 2026.

  Motion CARRIED.
• MOVED BY: HARDER
  SECONDED: WAGNER

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  THAT Capital Budget item BI01 Building Inspection Vehicle Purchase, be reduced to $100,000.

  Motion CARRIED.

  Councillors Guiry and Szpak opposed.

  
  
• MOVED BY: GUIRY
  SECONDED: HARDER

  THAT Committee of the Whole extend the meeting for 10 minutes.

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• MOVED BY: HARDER
  SECONDED: WAGNER

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council direct staff to amend the proposed five-year financial plan as follows:

  THAT Capital Budget item SW01 Sidewalk Infill, $1,200,000, be deferred to 2026.

  Motion CARRIED.

  Councillors Guiry, Szpak and Yacucha opposed.

  
  
• MOVED BY: HARDER
  SECONDED: WAGNER

  THAT Committee of the Whole recommend that Council approve the 2025-2029 Five Year Financial Plan as presented, factoring in the resolutions from the February 20, 2025, Committee of the Whole Meeting, and with the following amendment:

  1. That for PD55, Woodlands Park, the Growing Communities Fund funding be reduced by $3,858,000 and replaced by Parks and Open Spaces Reserve; and
  2. That, SR96, Latoria Rd Corridor Upgrades, the amount from the Growing Communities Fund be increased by $2,000,000 and that the Gas Tax Funding for this project be reduced by the same amount; and
  3. That, PD59, Community Amenity Space, the amount from Debt be reduced by $1,858,000 and funding from the Growing Communities Fund be increased by the same amount.
  Motion CARRIED.

8.

ADJOURNMENT

• MOVED BY: YACUCHA
  SECONDED: GUIRY

  THAT Committee of the Whole adjourn the meeting.

  The Chair adjourned the meeting at 11:10 pm.

  Motion CARRIED.