General Issues Committee (Budget) - January 30, 2026

By GPT-4 & Parth on 2026-01-31, City: Hamilton, View Transcript

City Council Meeting Summary

A General Issues Committee Budget Meeting on January 30, 2026 opened with approval of the agenda (including revisions to item 7.2) and a unanimous motion to extend presentation times. The session then focused on the 2026 Corporate Services and IT budget and related leadership recognitions, establishing a framework for continued budget discussions in upcoming sessions.

Five Most Important Topics Discussed

1) Approval of Agenda and Meeting Procedures - The meeting began with approval of the agenda, including revisions to item 7.2 and added presentations. A motion to extend presentation times was passed unanimously (12-0). - Public remarks noted: “Thank you for the extension of time,” echoed by several counselors, underscoring the value placed on thorough deliberation. - Public input: No formal public input documented in this segment; emphasis on procedural approvals.

2) 2026 Corporate Services and IT Proposed Budget - GM Mike Sigeric and CIO Cyrus Stranny presented the proposed budget for corporate services and IT, highlighting organizational recovery, service delivery, financial sustainability, and technology’s role in resilience and security. - Direct Quote: “This joint presentation reflects the leadership that guides the work of IT division in the importance of technology as the enterprise function.” - Public input: Not explicitly recorded in this segment; discussion centered on budget rationale and alignment with city goals.

3) Recognition of Leadership Team - GM Sigeric acknowledged the Corporate Services Leadership Team for their contributions to financial planning, procurement, revenue services, and investment strategy, highlighting their collective support for the city’s goals. - Direct Quote: “I want to just recognize, introduce, and thank the corporate services leadership team.” - Public input: Not detailed; internal acknowledgment of staff contributions.

4) IT Division's Role in Service Delivery - CIO Cyrus Stranny stressed the IT division’s critical role in resilience, security, and efficient service delivery, highlighting IT’s integration within corporate services to enhance overall city functionality. - Direct Quote: “Technology is an enterprise function and a collective responsibility for resilience, security, and service delivery.” - Public input: Not specifically noted; emphasis on enterprise-wide impact.

5) Investment Strategy and Financial Data Recovery - Brian McMullen’s leadership in rebuilding financial data and supporting the city’s investment strategy was highlighted as integral to financial recovery. - Direct Quote: “Brian is providing supports as it relates to our investment strategy and providing leadership to our investment team.” - Public input: Not specified; focus on strategy and recovery.

File Numbers Discussed - File Numbers Discussed: None mentioned in this segment.

Opportunities for Public Input - Public input opportunities: No explicit public consultation opportunities documented in this section. Residents may have chances to provide input during future budget discussions or public consultations related to the 2026 budget.

Motions and Outcomes 1) Motion: Approval of the Agenda - Title: Approval of the agenda as presented, including revisions to item 7.2 and additional presentations - Outcome: Passed unanimously.

2) Motion: Extension of Presentation Time - Title: Extend presentation times to avoid interruptions - Outcome: Passed unanimously (12-0).

Follow-Up Actions - The 2026 Corporate Services and IT Proposed Budget will continue to be discussed in upcoming meetings, with additional details expected. - The leadership team will implement strategies for financial recovery, service delivery, and IT integration as outlined.

Councillors Present - Moren Wilson (Chair) - Mayor Andrea Horvath (online) - Jeff Bey - Esther Pauls - Brad Clark - Rob Cooper - Cameron Kretch - Mike Spataphora - Craig Kazar - Matt Francis (online) - Mark Tatison (online) - Alex Wilson (online)

Note: No file numbers or bylaw references were discussed in this portion of the transcript.

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