Minutes
of the April 28, 2022
MANITOULIN-SUDBURY DSB BOARD MEETING
Present: Arthur Hayden, David Santi, Bruce Killah, Richard Malette, Paul Schoppmann, Richard Stephens, Kevin Burke, David Ham, Michael Levesque, Jill Beer, Jim Rook and Ted Lovelace
Regrets: Maureen Van Alstine, Jill Beer
Staff: Fern Dominelli, Donna Stewart, Paul Myre, Connie Morphet, Melody Ouellette
Guest: Joe Kroesen, Housing Services Corporation, Department Manager, Technical Services
1.0 CALL TO ORDER
Bruce Killah, called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.
2.0 DECLARATIONS OF CONFLICT OF INTEREST
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
3.0 Closed Session
Resolution 22-34
Moved by: Kevin Burke
Seconded by: David Ham
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board move into closed session at 9:30 a.m.
Carried
Resolution 22-35
Moved by: David Santi
Seconded by: Richard Stephens
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board adjourn this closed session at 10:00 and move to the regular Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB Board meeting.
Carried
Present: Arthur Hayden, David Santi, Bruce Killah, Richard Malette, Paul Schoppmann, Richard Stephens, Kevin Burke, Ted Lovelace, Michael Levesque, and David Ham and Jim Rook
Regrets: Jill Beer, Maureen Van Alstine
Staff: Fern Dominelli, Donna Stewart, Melody Ouellette, Paul Myre, Lori Clark
Guest: Joe Kroesen, Housing Services Corporation, Department Manager, Technical Services
Media: Michael Erskine, The Manitoulin Expositor
1.0 Chair, Bruce Killah, called the meeting to order at 10:09 a.m.
2.0 Land Acknowledgement
We begin this meeting by acknowledging that we are all on land that has been inhabited by Anishnawbek Nations for 10’s of thousands of years.
We’d like to acknowledge that we are here in the Robinson-Huron Treaty territory and the land on which we gather is the traditional territory of the Atikameksheng Anishnawbek and we would like to give thanks for sharing this land in order for us to continue in our work.
Today, this meeting place is still the home to many Anishnabek nations from across Turtle Island and we are grateful to have the opportunity to unite, live, work and play on this land.
3.0 Business Arising from Closed Session
Discussed Property and Human Resources issues.
4.0 Adoption of Agenda
Resolution No. 22-36
Moved by: Richard Malette
Seconded by: Jim Rook
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Agenda be adopted.
Carried
5.0 Declarations of Conflict of Interest
There were no declarations of conflict of interest.
6.0 Adoption of Minutes
Resolution No. 22-37
Moved by: Richard Malette
Seconded by: Michael Levesque
BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Minutes of the March 24, 2022, Board meeting be approved as presented.
Carried
7.0 Committee Meetings
7.1 Program Planning
The Program Planning Committee met March 23, 2022. Kevin Burke, Chair of the Committee provided the Board with an update on what was discussed at the meeting.
7.1.1 Social Services Relief Fund
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services walked the Board through the Social Services Relief Fund Investment Plan and the Social Services Relief Fund Phase 5 – Issue Report.
On April 7, 2022, we received confirmation that we will be receiving funding for the fifth phase of Ontario’s Social Services Relief Fund (SSRF). Staff are required to submit an SSRF Phase 5 Investment Plan before April 30, 2022.
The investment plan proposes to use the SSFR Phase 5 capital funding of $500,000 to support the new build in Little Current to create long-term affordable housing.
We are currently in the process of undertaking a new senior’s housing building in Little Current to assist in alleviating the high demand in the area.
Staff are recommending the Board approve the SSRF Phase 5 Investment Plan totaling $500,000 to be submitted to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing.
Resolution No. 22-38
Moved by: Kevin Burke
Seconded by: David Ham
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the Social Services Relief Fund Phase 5 - Issue Report and is recommending approval to the Board.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board accept the Program Planning Committees recommendation and approve the Social Services Relief Fund Phase 5 - Issue Report and direct staff to action the recommendations in the report.
Carried
7.1.2 Homelessness Prevention Program Investment Plan
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services walked the Board through the Homelessness Prevention Program Investment Plan and the Homelessness Prevention Program – Issue Report.
Further to the update provided at the March Board meeting regarding the consolidation of the Community Homelessness Prevention Initiative (CHPI), Home for Good and the Strong Communities Rent Supplement Program into one Homelessness Prevention Program (HPP), beginning April 1, 2022.
Service managers are required to submit an annual investment plan to the ministry. The investment plan requires staff to forecast and outline spending HPP funds in the upcoming fiscal year, across all categories. There are opportunities to adjust planned expenditures based on community need.
The following categories have been included in our Investment Plan:
- Community Outreach and Support Services
- Emergency Shelter Solutions and
- Housing Assistance
Our 2022-23 allocation $838,600, as reported last month, this represents an increase of $72,417.
Services and activities will continue to prioritize keeping seniors in their own homes and continuing to provide a direct shelter subsidy to assist those on the Community Housing wait list maintain their current accommodations without accessing their basic needs.
Partnerships will continue with Canadian Mental Health Association to provide on-site supports to prevent homelessness and to work with the most vulnerable throughout our district.
Staff will continue to take part in the Rapid Mobilization Table in Espanola and Sudbury East.
Continued support will be provided to our local foodbanks throughout the district, food security challenges have been identified in all parts of the district. Supports are also provided to local foodbanks to expand services to Youth and Homeless individuals in more remote areas.
Partnerships have been established with Health Sciences North and Manitoulin Family Resources to support clients in crisis outside of our office hours and support isolation needs of clients with Covid-19.
The committee established to support the By-Name List will help staff engage with partners who can provide wrap-around services to priority populations including youth, Indigenous peoples and people transitioning from provincial institutions.
Resolution No. 22-39
Moved by: Kevin Burke
Seconded by: Arthur Hayden
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the Homelessness Prevention Program Investment Plan - Issue Report and is recommending approval to the Board.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board accept the Program Planning Committees recommendation and approve the Homelessness Prevention Program Investment Plan - Issue Report and direct staff to action the recommendations in the report.
Carried
7.1.3 Paramedic Services
Paul Myre, Chief of Paramedic Services, walked the Board through the Response Time Standards – Issue Report.
Paramedic Services across Ontario are required by law to establish a performance plan for the following calendar year regarding overall response times to calls for service. As per the Ambulance Act of Ontario, Regulation 257/00, the term “Response Time” is defined as the time a notice is received from a Paramedic Unit by a Central Ambulance Communications Centre (CACC) to the arrival on-scene of the Paramedic Unit.
The plan must provide targets for Paramedic Service response times to 911 calls sequenced by acuity using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). This tool prioritizes patients based on their chief complaint on a scale from 1-5, 1 being the highest severity and 5 being the lowest.
The plan must also include Paramedic Services’ target response times to all Sudden Cardiac Arrest (SCA) calls. The Ministry of Health (MOH) establishes the expected response times for all SCA (6 minutes or less) and CTAS 1 (8 minutes or less). The Paramedic Services sets the expected response time targets for all other calls. The legislation further mandates that Paramedic Services not only establish a plan but also must ensure that the plan is continuously maintained, enforced and evaluated.
As outlined in the report, staff have deployed a few countermeasures that believe will prove fruitful in mitigating some but not all of our challenges. And given that we may be looking at a COVID-19 induced anomaly, staff will perform a deeper dive in the fall of 2022 to re-assess our performance
Resolution No. 22-40
Moved by: Kevin Burke
Seconded by: Richard Stephens
WHEREAS the Program Planning Committee has reviewed the Response Time Standards - Issue Report and is recommending approval to the Board.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board accept the Program Planning Committees recommendation and approve the Response Time Standards - Issue Report and direct staff to action the recommendations in the report.
Carried
7.2 Property Committee
The Property Committee met March 23, 2022. Paul Schoppmann was elected Chair of the Committee. Paul Schoppmann, Chair of Property Committee provided the Board with an update on what was discussed at the meeting.
7.2.1 NEMI Seniors Build
Fern Dominelli, CAO, gave the Board an update on the NEMI Seniors build.
For the new NEMI Seniors build the DSB is looking to borrow up to $2.5 million to cover the balance of the construction costs.
The current estimated cost for the build based on the tender awarded to Capital construction is $5,662,822.
The DSB has approached several banks for lending options. The TD program was very favourable and TD lending guarantees a rate for 35 years and also allows for interest rate swaps.
Resolution No. 22-41
Moved by: Paul Schoppmann
Seconded by: David Santi
WHEREAS the Board intends to take out a mortgage for the new Seniors Housing build in the town of Northeastern Manitoulin and the Islands.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board (the "Corporation") be and is hereby authorized to enter into an International Swaps and Derivatives Association (ISDA) Master Agreement (the "Agreement") with The Toronto-Dominion Bank dated as of April 28, 2022. The Corporation is hereby authorized and directed to perform all obligations of the Corporation set forth in the Agreement and;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the CAO be and is hereby authorized for and on behalf of the Corporation to execute and deliver, under seal or otherwise, any documents as in their discretion may consider necessary, desirable, or useful for the purpose of giving effect to this resolution and;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT any actions taken by such officers prior to the date of the foregoing resolutions adopted hereby that are within the authority confirmed thereby are hereby ratified, confirmed and approved and;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT a certified to be a true and correct copy of a resolution consented to in writing by all the directors of Manitoulin-Sudbury District Services Board which resolution remains in full force and effect, unamended, this 28th day of April 2022.
Carried
7.2.2 Paramedic Services
Fern Dominelli, CAO, walked the Board through the Paramedic Services Infrastructure – Issue Report.
In March 2022, staff presented the Board with the findings and recommendations of the Sault Ste Marie Innovation Centre Report regarding Paramedic Service’s station locations and coverage effectiveness.
Upon staff review of this report it was determined that the current Paramedic station locations are appropriate.
DSB Infrastructure staff are looking to develop long term plans on the capital needs of the stations to determine the infrastructure costs and possible renewal of the existing stock.
Using the current building capital needs data in the 15-Year capital plan, and capital dollars allocated for the Paramedic buildings (both in reserve and annual allocation) a Facility Cost Index (FCI) was generated for each of the sites.
It is important to note that since the capital reserves and annual allocations currently are not set for each individual building but are rolled up and distributed more on an “as needed” basis, an allocation was necessary for this exercise.
Immediate next steps to move forward on the recommendations outlined in this report include redevelopment by investing in feasibility and preliminary design studies of the Paramedic building in Hagar.
It should be noted that if the Paramedic base in Hagar is to be redeveloped, this will free up the current capital dollars available in the annual budget to be more evenly distributed across the portfolio, as the high cost that would be necessary to keep the Hagar base operational will have been eliminated.
Resolution No. 22-42
Moved by: Paul Schoppmann
Seconded by: Vern Gorham
WHEREAS the Property Committee has reviewed the Paramedic Services Infrastructure - Issue Report and is recommending approval to the Board; and
WHEREAS the Property Committee is recommending to the Board that staff be issue a Request for Proposals for a feasibility and preliminary design studies for a new Paramedic base in Hagar.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board accept the Property Committees recommendation and approve the Paramedic Services Infrastructure - Issue Report and directs staff to issue a Request for Proposals for a feasibility and preliminary design studies for a new Paramedic base in Hagar.
Carried
8. New Business
8.1 Board Procedural By-Law
Donna Stewart, Associate CAO reviewed the changes to the Board By-Law that was reviewed by the Program Planning Committee March 22, 2022.
As the Board provided notice of the change in line with the current By-Law the revised By-Law was approved effective April 28, 2022.
Resolution No. 22-43
Moved by: Ted Lovelace
Seconded by: Richard Malette
WHEREAS the Board accepted the Program Planning Committee recommendation to revise the B.2.01 By-Law at the March 22, 2022, meeting; and
WHEREAS the Board provided notice pursuant to section 20 of the current DSB By-Law of the intention to change the By-Law.
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board accept the revisions to the DSB By-Law effective April 28, 2022.
Carried
8.2 CAO Authority
Fern Dominelli, CAO requested that the Board of Directors grant Donna Stewart, Associate CAO, the authority to enter into contracts or agreements on behalf of the Corporation.
Resolution No. 22-44
Moved by: Michael Levesque
Seconded by: Richard Stephens
WHEREAS Section 4.2d) of the By-Law of the Corporation provides that the Board of Directors has the power to direct the manner in which any other person or persons may enter into contracts or agreements on behalf of the Corporation; and
WHEREAS the Board of Directors wishes to grant to Donna Stewart, Associate Chief Administrative Officer of the Corporation, the authority to enter into contracts or agreements on behalf of the Corporation;
THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Corporation grants to Donna Stewart the authority to enter into contracts or agreements on behalf of the Corporation, effective September 1, 2022, and until such time as (i) Donna Stewart ceases to be Chief Administrative Officer, or (ii) the Board of Directors passes a resolution revoking her authority; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Directors shall cause to be delivered to the Donna Stewart written notice of this resolution, and notice of a resolution revoking her authority, should one be passed by the Board of Directors.
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT that the Corporation grants the current CAO, Dominelli, the authority to delegate his authority to enter into contracts or agreements on behalf of the Corporation to Donna Stewart Associate CAO, where deemed appropriate.
Carried
8.3 Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing
8.3.1 More Homes for Everyone Plan
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services, walked the Board through More Homes for Everyone Plan.
On March 30, 2022, the government released its More Homes for Everyone Plan. The plan proposes targeted policies and initiatives to address market speculation, protect homebuyers and increase housing supply. The plan is built on recommendations from the Housing Affordability Task Force and the Provincial-Municipal Housing Summit.
Some of the proposed solutions include:
- Increasing the non-resident speculation tax rate to 20 per cent and expanding the tax province wide effective March 30, 2022. The tax applies to homes purchased anywhere in Ontario by foreign nationals, foreign corporations, or taxable trustees.
- Working with municipalities to identify and enhance measures that will crack down on land speculation and protect home buyers.
- Strengthening consumer protections for purchasers of new homes
- Supporting municipalities with resources, tools and standards to provide timely review and adjudication processes
- Creating a new tool specifically designed to accelerate planning processes for municipalities and expedite approvals for housing and community infrastructure, like hospitals and community centres, with clear requirements for both consultation and public notice.
- Investing more than $19 million to help the Ontario Land Tribunal (OLT) and the Landlord and Tenant Board to reduce their backlogs.
- Making it easier to build more community housing by making better use of provincially owned lands for non-profit housing providers.
- To preserve the existing stock of community housing and modernize the system for those who depend on it, the government has established a new regulatory framework under the Community Housing Renewal Strategy that encourages housing providers to stay in the system and help vulnerable Ontarians get back on their feet.
The government also introduced Bill 109 - the More Homes for Everyone Act, 2022, and is seeking feedback on the changes proposed under the legislation and on other initiatives, through a series of housing related public consultations, including seeking input on how to address housing needs in rural and northern communities.
The government committed to prioritizing implementation of the Housing Affordability Task Force’s recommendations over the next four years, with a housing supply action plan every year, starting in 2022-23.
Staff will continue to share information as it becomes available.
8.3.2 Ontario Service Manager By-Name List
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services, walked the Board through the HPP Performance Indicator Technical Reporting Guide and the Ontario Service Manager By-Name List 2022 Guidelines.
In April 2022, the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing provided additional requirements to the Homelessness Prevention Program. Included in the update was HPP Performance Indicator Technical Reporting Guide and Ontario Service Manager By-Name-List (BNL) 2022 Guidelines.
The HPP Performance Indicators have been designed to provide meaningful measurement of program effectiveness in achieving outcomes and overall progress towards reducing chronic homelessness.
A key recommendation was to strengthen measurement of homelessness and monitoring outcomes for people experiencing homelessness and at-risk of homelessness.
In addition to the existing BNL requirements, Service Managers were provided updated guidelines that are to be implemented and reported on effective April 1, 2023.
Service Managers will continue to receive support from the Canadian Alliance to End Homelessness throughout 2022-2023
Service Managers must submit an Implementation Plan to MMAH by July 29, 2022. This Implementation Plan will outline how the Manitoulin-Sudbury DSB plans to achieve the BNL 2022 requirements.
Our BNL implementation plan will be presented to the board before the end of June this year.
8.4 Station Location Project
Fern Dominelli, CAO, discussed the correspondence and petitions received from concerned citizens regarding the Station Location Report from the April 28, 2022 Board Meeting.
Since the Station Location Project Update - Issue Report was posted on the DSB website on March 24, 2022, we have received overwhelming support from the community of Foleyet and Killarney to keep their Paramedic service as is without any changes.
The DSB has received calls from both France Gelinas and Michael Mantha. Frances Gelinas has written a letter to the Minister of Health.
The DSB also received a resolution from the Municipality of Killarney, a letter and two emails from Flying Post First Nation, a letter from Ivanhoe Lake Cottagers/Landowners Association, as well as 20 individual emails and letters from the community of Foleyet as well as a collection of stories compiled by a community member.
Two petitions were received from the community of Foleyet, one online with 1,210 signatures and a second paper petition with 171 signatures.
All messages have been responded to directly and we have assured people that the board has not made any decisions.
Staff do understand that this has caused a lot of concern and distress in these communities, obviously that was never our intent, but we are looking at a very sensitive issue any time we do that we will here from the people it affects. Moving forward, the Board will ensure information of a sensitive matters will be relayed in a clearer more concise manner.
Staff are currently analyzing data and we hope to have a report to the board in May or June.
8.5 Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services, walked the Board through the Work Deployment Measures for DSSABs Expiry.
Staff received correspondence from the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services on April 6, 2022 advising that work deployment measures for District Social Services Administration Boards Emergency Orders expires on April 27th, 2022.
Since April 16, 2020, Work Deployment Measures for DSSABs, provided the flexibility to deploy certain staff to where they were needed most in response to COVID-19 pressures, within critical services that include the operation of homeless shelters and the provision of services to homeless persons; the provision of assistance under the Ontario Works Act, 1997; and, the administration, operation and funding of child care programs and services under the Child Care and Early Years Act, 2014.
The ministry acknowledged and extended gratitude for our continued leadership and ongoing work supporting critical services in Ontario during the pandemic.
8.6 Ministry of Education
Lori Clark, Acting Director of Integrated Social Services, walked the Board through the Canada-Wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) Agreement and the CWELCC Addendum.
On March 28, 2022, Ontario reached a $13.2 billion agreement with the federal government on funding and the terms of a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care (CWELCC) program. The agreement will lower fees for parents and provide more accessible and high-quality child care for families, by September 2025 Ontario families will have access to $10 per day on average child care.
All licensed programs serving children under the age of six in Ontario are eligible to apply to participate in the CWELCC System through their service system manager. A Licensee who chooses to participate in the System must meet specific provincial eligibility criteria. Existing licensees must advise the DSB of their intentions by September 1, 2022.
Making child care more affordable for families is a key part of the implementation of the CWELCC System. Fee reduction funding is focused on reducing parent fees for families with eligible children in licensed child care.
Families will see an initial fee reduction of up to 25% retroactive to April 1, 2022. By the end of calendar year 2022, families will see a 50% fee reduction on average for eligible children.
Our allocation to support fee reduction is $435,048.
In addition to supporting fee reduction for families, funding has been allocated to support workforce compensation.
Workforce compensation funding is focused on supporting Registered Early Childhood Educator (RECEs) staff who are low wage earners by introducing a wage floor, and an annual wage increase for eligible RECEs.
In addition, workforce compensation funding will be provided to Licensees to offset wage increases for non-RECE staff associated with the increased minimum wage that came into effect January 1, 2022.
Our notional allocation to support workforce compensation is $43,492.
Additional administration funding has been provided to us to administer this program, our allocation is $81,437, there is no municipal cost sharing requirement for these funds.
The Ministry is committed to continuing to engage with the child care sector to ensure successful implementation of the System.
Staff will continue to update the board as the system develops.
8.7 Paramedics Services Week 2022
The Paramedic Chiefs of Canada (PCC) have announced the theme for this year’s Paramedic Services week, which will take place on May 22nd-28th. As you already know, Paramedic Services Week is a celebration of and for all of the paramedics who serve across Canada and is an opportunity to recognize the vital role paramedics occupy in our community.
This year’s theme is ‘The Faces of Paramedicine’ and will focus on different specialties within the Paramedic profession and will have the following sub-themes for each weekday:
- Monday May 23 - Communication (9-1-1 Dispatch)
- Tuesday May 24 - Civilian and Community Paramedic
- Wednesday May 25 - Specialties (CBRNE, Marine, Military, Tactical, Critical Care/Air Ambulance)
- Thursday May 26 - Educators and Research
- Friday May 27 - Support Services (logistics, fleet, procurement, OHS)
- Saturday May 28 - Recognition Day (for all paramedics)
The Paramedic Services department will be active during this important week to acknowledge and recognize our very deserving staff.
8.8 NOSDA Virtual AGM – June 15, 2022
Bruce Killah (Chair) and Kevin Burke will be attending.
9.0 Other Business
10.0 Next Meeting – May 26, 2022
11.0 Adjournment
Resolution No. 22-45
Moved by: Vern Gorham
Seconded by: Jim Rook
BE IT RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn at 11:20 a.m. until the next regular meeting to be held on May 26, 2022.
Carried
Original Signed by Bruce Killah, Chair
Original Signed by Fern Dominelli, CAO (Secretary-Treasurer of the Corporation)
Original Signed by Donna Stewart, Associate CAO