Item - 2013.CC41.4

City Council on November 13, 14, 15 and 18, 2013, adopted the following:

1.         City Council adopt the recommendations contained in the investigation report (November 5, 2013) from the Ombudsman.

Ombudsman Recommendations:

Taking into account all of the evidence gathered during this investigation, I am making the following recommendations.

1.         That, with the necessary support and expertise, Leaside Arena develop the required policies as directed by City Council, including but not limited to

a.         Procurement;

b.         Procedure requirements for board proceedings;

c.         Human resources;

d.         Naming rights and sponsorship.

2.         That the above recommendation be fulfilled and filed with the City Manager’s Office by July 31, 2014, and that the Board notify my office when this is completed.

3.         That, as required, the Board seek advice from the City should it be unsure of its obligations.

4.         That, by June 2015, the City Manager examine a variety of governance models and service delivery mechanisms related to arena boards with the objective of providing best advice on options for Council’s consideration.

5.         That, by June 2015, the role of elected representatives on arena boards be clarified and communicated during the orientation of newly appointed Councillor board members.

6.         That the City Manager review resources to ensure there are appropriate levels of staffing to support good governance for arm’s length agencies, and particularly, for community-based boards.

7.         That the City Manager confirms in writing to my office by August 31, 2014, that the above recommendation has been completed, with an explanation for the conclusions reached.

8.         That, following consultation with other arena boards and City officials:

a.         The Leaside Arena General Manager develop an advertising policy;

b.         The policy be approved by the Board by March 1, 2014; and

c.         A copy of the policy be provided to my office by March 15, 2014.

9.         That the General Manager be held accountable by the Board for ongoing compliance with City Council directives and the provisions of the Relationship Framework.

10.        That, should the individual general manager not possess the required expertise to implement recommendation 9, the Board procure the expertise to do so, as set out in the public appointments policy.

11.       That the Board ensures it receives governance training by March 1, 2014.

12.       That the General Manager be responsible for ensuring that Board members receive governance training upon their appointment.

13.       That by January 1, 2014, the role of the Parks Forestry and Recreation representative on the arena board be properly defined with appropriate reporting relationships within the division.

14.       That effective immediately, the minutes of all Board meetings accurately reflect the deliberations in sufficient detail for the reader to understand the nature of the decisions made.

15.       That the Board consult with the Integrity Commissioner by December 15, 2013, regarding its members' compliance with the Code of Conduct.

16.       That by December 15, 2013, the Chair of the Board apologize in writing to the Complainant for the Board's handling of the matter.

17.       That a draft of that letter be provided to my office by December 1, 2013.

18.       That effective immediately, the Board delegate to the General Manager, the authority to negotiate contracts on behalf of the Board; and in cases where another individual is to do so, that written instructions be provided by the Board to that individual

2.         City Council request the Office of the Ombudsman to distribute the report (November 5, 2013) from the Ombudsman to all City Arena Boards.