General Issues Committee (Budget)

That the agenda for the January 31, 2025 General Issues Committee (Budget) meeting, be approved, as presented.

That the presentation respecting the Planning and Economic Development Department – 2025 Budget, be received.

That the General Issues Committee (Budget) recess for 7 minutes until 10:50 a.m.

That the General Issues Committee (Budget) recess for 60 minutes until 1:05 p.m.

That the presentation respecting the Public Works Department – 2025 Budget, be received.

WHEREAS, by Mayoral directive all departments were directed to identify efficiencies to reduce the municipal property tax rate; WHEREAS, as part of the 2025 budget, seventeen full time staff will be added to Licensing and By-Law services compliment, and under the current direction, are dedicated to specific by-law initiatives and cannot be re-deployed to other needs; WHEREAS, the Rental Renovation and Relocation By-Law came into effect on January 1st, 2025 and has received no applications to date and the Safe Apartment By-Law will not be in effect until January 2026; WHEREAS, the City of Hamilton will no longer permit homeless tent encampments in City parks beginning March 6th, 2025; WHEREAS, staff have been directed to report back to the General Issues Committee with recommendations for additional resources needed to clear and proactively enforce the pending restriction against homeless tent encampments in City parks; WHEREAS, additional Municipal Law Enforcement staff will be required to enforce and maintain the pending restriction against homeless tent encampments; and, WHEREAS, enforcement of the restriction against homeless tent encampments in City parks is a top priority for residents across the City; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That staff be directed to review options to amend the scope of duties for all staff dedicated to both the Renovation License and Relocation By-Law, the Safe Apartment Buildings By-Law and any other program specific staff to permit re-deployment t