Mayor Ford is attending his first executive committee meeting since returning from a two-month long leave of absence.
Ford did not take questions as he entered the meeting shortly after 9:30 a.m.
A total of 38 items are on the agenda for today's executive committee meeting, which is the second last of this term of council.
Some of the highlights include a review of the city’s response to December’s ice storm, as well as a recommendation from city staff to name the still under construction plaza in front of Union Station after former Prime Minister Sir. John A. Macdonald.
The executive committee is also expected to consider a motion to increase the budget for the BMX track being built in Etobicoke for the 2015 Pan American Games from $1.5 million to $4.4 million.
According to a staff report, the cost overruns for the BMX track are largely due to the fact that the location had to be shifted from Ontario Place to Centennial Park, resulting in changes to the design of the facility.
Staff are recommending redirecting about $1.3 million in funding from the Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre, which is expected to come in $10 million under budget, to help cover part of the shortfall.
“This matter is urgent because, in order to complete the BMX Track venue in time for adequate testing prior to the 2015 Games, project construction must commence before the end of July 2014,” the report states. “Furthermore, if construction commences after that date, project costs will increase to address the challenges arising from completing the work in colder weather and within shorter days.”
Ford has gotten a mixed reception since returning to work earlier this week with some supporters welcoming him back and others criticizing him for his refusal to answer a number of outstanding questions about his past behaviour.
On Wednesday morning, Deputy Mayor Norm Kelly was asked if he thought Ford was fit to return to work, however he said he was not in a position to provide an answer.
Kelly, who was given many of the mayor's powers in November, then added that he hadn't even seen Ford's address to the city on Monday.
"I didn't see it. I had a very busy couple of days with my family," he said.
Today will be Ford's first full day back on the job after showing up at city hall at 1 p.m. on Monday. According to Ford's office, one of the first things the mayor did when he returned to work was reimburse the city for the salary he recieved while on leave.
@chrisfoxnews is on Twitter. Remember for instant breaking news follow @cp24 on Twitter.
