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Writer's pictureAccountability Team

Finance and Responsible Governance Committee – Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 4pm

Updated: Jan 5

The introduction of a new Council Fundraising Policy, as well as changes/updates to the management of the Community Projects Fund and the Council Expense Policy. Also a concerning motion that appears to be approving a councillor's trip and expenses for an event after he's already returned and expensed the trip.


Watch Online: https://www.youtube.com/citybarrie (direct link not yet available)

Meeting Location: Council Chambers



🧑‍🏫📑 Presentations

  • Nil


↪️📥 Referred Items


🤐📬 Confidential Correspondence – Potential Land Disposition Matter - Dunlop Street East Area

  • Confidential correspondence concerning a potential land disposition matter re: Dunlop Street East area


📝📑 Advisory Committee Reports

  • Nil


📑🗂 Staff Reports


🤐🧑‍💻 Confidential Solicitor-Client Advice Matter – City Projects


🫴💵 Council Fundraising Policy


🛝💗 Community Projects Fund and Update to the Council Expense Policy

  • Report: https://barrie.legistar.com/View.ashx?M=F&ID=12059826&GUID=2BB468BB-205F-4A04-BA37-04D55B3B9E7F

  • Recommending approval of the project submission and approval process outlined in the report, as well as the revised Council Expense Policy

  • Approval process recommendations:

    • the community project should be in the councillor's ward

    • funds can be used for projects such as improvements to playgrounds and playcourts, art installations, traffic calming, and initiatives that have a longevity to them, such as tree planting or community gardens; funds can go to multiple projects as long as they don't go over the $25,000 budget; funded projects must align with Council's Strategic Priorities

    • funds can not be used for items or office expenses covered under the Council Expense Policy, donations to organizations, or any item that would be considered bonussing under the Municipal Act

    • a project submission form would have to be submitted to the clerk, detailing the project, alignment to strategic priorities, benefits to the ward, etc. – these would be sent to the executive management team to provide costing, potential project timing, etc., then presented to Finance and Good Governance Committee for consideration and final approval; any changes once approved would have to go through Council approval

    • project submissions deadline is March 30 2025, with completion and unveiling completed by December 2025

    • projects should be vetted through a Reference Committee

  • Council Expense Policy

    • remuneration and expenses paid to members of Council must be done in a way that conforms to the Municipal Act reporting requirements

    • there needs to be a clear distinction between what the Community Project Fund and the Councillor Expense Accounts are used for

    • there needs to be more specific wording to the policy to identify what is an eligible expense

    • to keep in line with the new Lobbyist Registry, members need to seek a written opinion from the Integrity Commissioner if they are working with individuals on ward events who may be on the Registry

    • education dollars can be allocated towards education opportunities that support members of Council in their role on Council

💡🗣️ Items of Discussion


✈️🎪 Attendance at Mosaic - A Festival of Cultures 2023 in Regina Saskatchewan

  • This item states that Councillor Nigussie already attended this festival, and used his Councillor expense account to cover it, and this motion is to support this opportunity

  • This has definitely raised some eyebrows, as from the wording of the item, it appears they're seeking approval for his attendance and expenses after he's already attended and expensed the festival – highly problematic, from an accountability and transparency standpoint, as well as fiscal responsibility




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