City of Peterborough looks to cut back on overtime to workers

ThePeterboroughExaminer.com
Nov. 9, 2016
Joelle Kovach

A plan to have a local accounting firm review the city's practices and procedures for paying overtime to municipal workers was approved by city council Monday night.

Councillors approved a plan to hire Collins Barrow to review the city's overtime practices. The review is expected to cost about $10,000.

Over the last three years, overtime costs to the city have been about $1.8 million annually.

The city pays about 1,000 employees every year. The base salaries and wages are $52.2 million; $1.8 million in overtime is 3.4 per cent of those base salaries.

That's a bit high, says a city staff report to councillors. Recent reviews in cities such as Guelph, Vaughan and Toronto show that a reasonable target is more like 2 per cent.

Collins Barrow will also be asked to identify the inconsistencies in the city's overtime billing. Some departments pay extra money, while others give time off in lieu of cash (but don't record the overtime).

In other business, at the committee of the whole meeting at City Hall on Monday night:

Reducing gas emissions

Councillors heard about a consultant's idea to set an aggressive new target for cutting greenhouse gas emissions in Peterborough, over the next 15 years.

Liz Nield, CEO of Lura Consulting in Hamilton, was joined by the firm's senior planner Jeff Garkowski. They suggested that the city try to cut its emission levels back by 39 per cent, compared to levels recorded in 2011.

Councillors agreed to have city staff review the plan and report back on whether it's achievable.

Most greenhouse gas emissions are energy-related, explains the report. They come from sources such as cars, power appliances and natural gas used for heating.

The plan includes ideas such as building more cycling trails and encouraging farmers' markets as a means of cutting greenhouse gas emissions.

Cenotaph restoration

Councillors approved a plan to restore the Cenotaph.

The Cenotaph was dedicated in Confederation Square in 1929. It was designed by renowned sculptor Walter Allward.

Although the bronze figures are in good shape, the masonry base needs repair. The city had a mason assess the damage, but hasn't yet heard back on how much the restoration will cost.

Meanwhile there's a plan to raise funds for the restoration by asking people to buy trilliums to place at the Cenotaph for $35 each.

The idea is to place the trilliums on the mound for a special service to mark the 100th anniversary of the Vimy Ridge on April 9, 2017.

The plan is to have 580 white trilliums, one for every city and county resident killed in the First World War. There would also be 20 red trilliums, one for each of those killed at Vimy and Hill 70.

Economic development

Councillors heard a presentation from Rhonda Keenan, the president and CEO of Peterborough Economic Development.

The city retains the services of the PED to do economic development, every year. PED presents their progress to council every quarter.

This quarter, they've achieved or surpassed their goals for economic development.

They shattered their goal of helping 85 business start-ups, expansions and relocations, for instance - they've already helped 97, with three months left in the year.

YMCA Peace Week

Councillors heard a presentation from David Allen, the new president and CEO of the YMCA. Allen, a Peterborough native, was there to introduce himself to council and also remind the city that it's YMCA Peace Week from Nov. 19 to 26.