Budget 2018 is (almost) over!
Last week:
We finished a quick regular council meeting with a marathon meeting policy session; Expect revisions in the new year, including a recommendation to require speakers to register in advance for non-germane topics, and having all presentations available to council beforehand. We also wrapped up budget deliberations on Tuesday, with only one small detail missed (see below).
Along with Councillor Watkins and one member of Administration, I attended the Hole's press conference about their partnership with a cannabis grower. With some of the most restrictive bylaws in the region, I look forward to the admnistrative report on local impacts and responsibilities related to cannabis legalization.
On Wednesday evening, I stopped by the Advanced Water Meter Open House. Changes are coming to St. Albert water meters in 2018, and I appreciated the opportunity to see the new hardware and chat with staff about the project.
I also attended my first meeting of the Homeland Housing Board of Directors. I suspect they'll miss having Councillor Brodhead on the board, but I'm excited about joining this group to share my passion for seniors' housing and supports.
Monday, December 4 Agenda Highlights:
Public Agency Appointments
This year, we had a record number of residents apply for positions on the boards that serve the city. After three teams of councillors spent a full Saturday completing interviews, we came together as a group to make the difficult decisions about recommendations for appointments. Please know that some incredible candidates didn't make the list; I encourage all of them to consider applying again.
Alberta Resource Recovery Centre MOU
There is a facility for blackwater/greywater treatment and stormwater management being proposed for an area that is under consideration for annexation by St. Albert. Administration will provide an update about the project and any potential memorandum of understanding with the city.
Motion - SDAB Council Member & Amendments to SDAB Bylaw
It's always fun when Admin supports a proposed amendment. Right now, there is one councillor appointed to the Subdivision Development Appeal Board; this motion is to remove the council position and replace it with a public member.
Motion - Women Building Futures (Budget 2018)
Oops, this was missed last week in budget deliberations. Mayor Heron is proposing that we fund one student ($4,200) in the Women Building Futures program.
Motion - Survey Processes
Councillor Hughes is requesting that admin look at the weaknesses in surveys, and how they'll be made more effective.
Motion - Edmonton Handibus Stops
This motion is to have Administration propose three new handibus stops in Edmonton, within existing resources,
Motion - Sign Regulations
In September, after a lengthy public and industry consultation process, Council amended the sign bylaw. This motion is to reverse one part of the bylaw, which reduced the number of signs allowed on three commercial properties in the city by one each.
This is a very brief high-level overview of our meetings, with my personal comments sprinkled in - In no way are my opinions representative of the official direction of council or the City of St. Albert. Please let me know of any typos or errors. As always, I also encourage everyone who is able to tune in the the live-stream of the meeting (3pm here) or attend in-person (3rd floor of St. Albert Place, hang a right getting out of the elevator). You can also register to speak if you have information to present to council. Full agenda packages can be found on the stalbert.ca website.