(Regional Council at its meeting on March 25, 2004, amended Item 5 under Presentation relating to technology improvements to provide as follows:

THAT an Information Technology and Transformation Steering Committee be created for the Region of York;

 

AND THAT the Information Technology and Transformation Steering Committee report to the Finance and Administration Committee;

 

AND THAT a terms of reference for this Committee be presented to Council for approval by the end of June, 2004;

 

AND THAT this Committee be responsible for ensuring that all future Information Technology direction and projects meet York Region's business needs as well as the Region's vision, mission, values and goals;

 

AND THAT this Committee review and provide education and direction on all policies regarding the use of Information Technology, including but not limited to hardware, software, and systems, network and application integration;

 

AND THAT this Committee investigate the possibility of opportunities to collaborate with local municipalities on projects, share resources and services that may lead to efficiencies for all participating member municipalities;

 

AND THAT Information Technology leaders from all local municipalities and the Region be invited to attend these meetings.)

The Finance and Administration Committee advises Council of the following matters having been considered by the Finance and Administration Committee with the following action:

PRESENTATION

2004 Regional Business Plan and Budget

1. Sandra Cartwright, Commissioner of Finance and Treasurer, made a presentation on the 2004 Business Plan and Budget. Members in attendance also received a "Detailed Tax Levy Summary". (A copy of overheads used in the presentation titled "Update to 2004 Draft Business Plan and Budget" and the "Detailed Tax Levy Summary" are on file in the Office of the Regional Clerk)

The Commissioner was requested to do a brief presentation to Regional Council clarifying information regarding Assessment Growth.

Dr. H. Jaczek, Commissioner of Health Services, made a presentation on Health Services Budget pressures, reductions and enhancements. Overheads used in the presentation are on file in the office of the Regional Clerk.

The Committee recommends the following:

1. All GST costs in the Operating Budget ($3.0 million � 0.6%) be deleted in order to reduce the overall 2004 Regional Budget.

 

2. Funding for six FTE's for Infectious Diseases Control in the Health Services budget beyond March 31, 2004 be deleted with the provision that the Region will move forward with these FTE's if the Province provides 100% funding for them.

 

3. The 2004 Regional Business Plan and Budget be adopted with a tax levy increase of 0.9% for Directly Controlled Programs plus 0.4% for Other Special Purpose Bodies and 5.0% for Regional Police, for a total increase of 6.3%.

 

4. Nine Proposed Resolutions (placed before the Committee) regarding Transit, Gas Tax, EMS Funding, Ontario Disability Support Program, Court Services(2), Hospitals, GTA Pooling, and Housing be referred back to staff for preparation of resolutions and action for Council's consideration, along with additional resolutions regarding Provincial funding for Infectious Diseases Control staffing and regarding Provincial elimination of PST charges to municipalities.

 

5. The Commissioner of Finance and Treasurer prepare a resolution on the way technology can be used to improve Regional operations and efficiency.

 

6. The Commissioner of Finance and Treasurer report to the Committee on the matter of Reserves and how the Region invests for future years, how the Region can optimize its investments to the benefit of local institutions, such as hospitals, and how much reserve money is enough.

 

7. The Commissioner of Finance and Treasurer report to the Committee on the impact on future budgets of delays in water supply.

 

8. The Commissioner of Finance and Treasurer report on how the Region can deal with the governance and review of the Budget of the Rapid Transit Corporation.

COMMUNICATIONS

[The following links open .pdf files of the Communications]

2. John Gerretsen, Minister of Municipal Affairs, February 10, 2004, regarding the GST rebate for municipalities announced in the Federal throne speech.  Received.

3. Carolyn Lance, Administrative Assistant to the Town Clerk, Town of Georgina, February 25, 2004, forwarding a motion passed by the Town of Georgina, at its meeting on February 23, 2004, regarding the Lake Simcoe Environmental Management Strategy, Phase III.  Referred to staff to work with the Lake Simcoe Region Conservation Authority on including Environmental Strategy, Phase III within the LSRCA approved program.

OTHER BUSINESS

The Finance and Administration Committee adjourned at 12:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

March 11, 2004                                                                                       D. Cousens

Newmarket,

Ontario                                                                              Chair