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Budget Committee Decision Document, Feb.11 2008

Related to: user fees, swimming pools, Forestry increases, ferry service, parking. http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2008/bu/decisions/2008-02-11-bu26-dd.pdf

Motion by Councillor Shelley Carroll:

1. That the recommended average increase of 21% over the 3% inflation-adjusted 2008 fee rates for recreation user fees and permits be reduced to an average of 5% over the 3% inflation-adjusted 2008 recreation and permit fee rates to support the base budget shortfall in Park, Forestry and Recreation, with all free permit policies and discount rate structures remaining in effect.

2. The User Fee Revenues included in the Parks, Forestry & Recreation Recommended 2008 Operating Budget be reduced by $4.164 million resulting in a revised 2008 Recommended Net Operating Budget of $239.658 million.

Motion by Councillor Carroll (on behalf of Councillor Davis)

1. That the proposed closure of the Bob Abate Indoor Pool be deferred so that the issues of accessibility to other pools, and the relationship of this pool to the outdoor pool at Alexander Duff (in Christie Pits) can be analyzed and a holistic solution sought.

2. That the Stanley Park Pool closure proposal be deferred for an analysis of the summer aquatic needs of the Niagara neighbourhood and the newly evolved neighbourhoods nearby (e.g. Liberty Village).

3. That the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, be requested to meet with interested Councillors on possible financial options to cover the costs.

Motion by Councillor Carroll (on behalf of Councillor Davis)

1. That the relocation of Aquatics Programs from the proposed four TDSB pools be deferred and the continued use of these pools be considered as part of the Aquatic and Pools Strategy.

2. That the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, be requested to meet with interested Councillors on possible financial options to cover the costs.

The Budget Committee:

2. Approved the following, subject to final approval of the 2008 Operating Budget:

i. Augmented maintenance of street trees on main and commercial streets – up to $700,000.

ii. Clean and Beautiful City initiatives including administration, Ward-based community projects/demonstration projects and remaining instalment to cover orphan space maintenance – up to $1,699,000.

D. Requested the following:

Parks, Forestry and Recreation

1. the General Manager, Parks, Forestry and Recreation, report to the wrap-up meeting on February 25, 2008 on both the Island Ferry service reduction and fee increase, including options to accommodate changes within the Recommended Operating Budget.

E. Received the following Briefing Notes for information:

CORPORATE ISSUES

• 2008 Staff Recommended Approved Positions (Jan 28 – 001);

• 2008 Staff Recommended Gapping (Jan 28 – 011)

• Economic Factors (Jan 28 – 014)

• Recommended Changes to Existing User Fee/Charges and New User Fees/Charges in the 2008 Operating Budget (Jan 28 – 016)

Parks, Forestry and Recreation:

• Aquatics Service Level Changes (Feb 01 – 099);

• Increase and Expand Waterfront and Regional Parking Fees (Feb 01 – 104)

• Urban Forestry Recommended Service Improvements (Feb 08 – 106)

• Recreation User Fees & Permits (Feb 11 – 121)