Whereas, the Mayor, in accordance with the Municipal Act, 2001, is the Head of Council and acts as Chief Executive Officer of the City; and
Whereas, the Mayor’s day to day responsibilities includes, among other things, engaging with residents and stakeholders, representing the City, advocating for the City with the Federal and Provincial Government and officials, participating in important municipal association committees such as the Ontario Big City’s Mayor; and working with partners on significant projects such as the Yonge Subway Extension to Richmond Hill; and
Whereas, the engagement activities of the Mayor have grown steadily over several years, requiring increased coordination within the Office of the Mayor; and
Whereas the staff support to the Office of the Mayor has not changed in several years despite the growth of the City and associated responsibilities; and
Whereas, most Mayors of similar size Ontario municipalities, including Vaughan and Markham, are supported by a Chief of Staff or a Special Assistant to the Mayor, in addition to other administrative and communications help; and
Now Therefore Be It Resolved:
That the Office of the Mayor staff complement be increased to include a full-time contract Chief Assistant to the Mayor; and
That the 2021 Operating Budget for the Office of the Mayor be increased to include the salary and benefit costs of the Chief Assistant to the Mayor position, offset by the full amount of the Mayor’s 2021 Communication/Postage Budget of $56,000 and any remainder of the 2020 Communication/Postage Budget, for an estimated maximum net increase of $84,000.