Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee

Receive and file Mayor’s office report MO-01-21 as information on the Mayor’s planned conference attendance and potential travel in 2021 on behalf of the City of Burlington.

Whereas the Digital Main Street Program has been a critical support to local main street businesses during COVID-19; and Whereas as part of the program Burlington has benefitted from hiring two Digital Service Squad members who have reached out to over 1000 businesses and supported over 130 businesses to date in growing their digital presence and tools. In addition, qualifying businesses have been able to access a $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant to implement digital tools within their business; and Whereas current funding for our Digital Service Squad members end in February 2021; and Whereas when the province of Ontario went into lockdown on December 26th online and digital channels became the primary method for main street businesses to interact with customers and generate revenues; and Whereas many businesses have reached out to Burlington’s Digital Service Squad team for support in how to engage with customers, update their website and use social channels to promote curb side pickup and takeaway, in line with provincial lockdown restrictions placed on business; and Whereas as of December 31st 2020 applications for both the $2,500 Digital Transformation Grant and new applications for Digital Service Squad support have been closed to new applications awaiting renewal of funding. Therefore be it resolved that: City Council, in partnership with the Burlington Economic Recovery Network (BERN) and Team Burlington, call on the provincial and federal governments to:  renew a

Direct the Director of Recreation, Community and Culture to implement the appropriate COVID measures for the safe operations of the new synthetic ice rinks for the winter season with an expense of $60,000 to be included in the 2021 variance reporting.

Receive and file office of the city clerk report CL-01-21 providing an update on accountability and transparency initiatives.

Instruct the Executive Director of Legal Services or their designate to proceed in accordance with the instructions sought in confidential legal department report and supplemental memorandum L-37-21.

Instruct the Executive Director of Legal Services or their designate to proceed in accordance with the instructions sought in confidential legal department memorandum (L-05-21).

Move into closed session in accordance with the following provisions under the Municipal Act: Section 239(2)(e) litigation or potential litigation, including matters before administrative tribunals, affecting the municipality or local board, and Section 239(2)(f) advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege, including communications necessary for that purpose, regarding Items 5.2 and 5.3, Confidential legal update on litigation matters (L-37-20) and (L-05-21).

Receive and file the following two items, having been given due consideration by the Corporate Services, Strategy, Risk and Accountability Committee.