Last week:
Mayor Heron, Councillors Hansen and McKay, and I attended the AUMA Leaders Caucus in Edmonton where we learned about advocacy efforts by municipalities, and about our responsibilities regarding recreational cannabis legalization.
I attended the NOA Indoor Artwork at the Enjoy Centre and participated in the Canada 150 Mosaic Murals project - We have some amazing local artists, and the tile I created for the mural project is proof that I am not one of them!
The meeting this week will be long because of all the "by the end of Q1 2018" business that has to be managed...
Agenda highlights:
Outside Agency Budget Guiding Principles
Administration is recommending that the Outside Agency funding stream for not-for-profits is replaced with a grant program.
"Currently, this funding opportunity is not advertised and is run as an “invite only” program based on the group receiving funding in the previous year. This has become increasingly difficult to justify to other community support groups also requesting funding assistance... <and> groups continue to request funding increases well above the inflationary adjustment allowed through the Policy... To provide this funding opportunity as a transparent and equitable program, it is recommended that Outside Agency funding become an annual grant program which is publicly advertised... The funding framework will be a finite amount determined by a per capita dollar, and the components eligible for funding clearly stated."
Corporate Environmental Risk Assessment Funding ($50,000)
We will debate whether to change the funding source of a corporate environmental risk assessment from the 2017 surplus rather than from 2018 assessment growth revenue.
Year End Surplus & Reserve Transfers
Last month, we heard details about the preliminary figure for the 2017 surplus; On Monday, Admin is recommending "that $1,100,000 be transferred to the Stabilization Reserve... <and that we> transfer the remaining balance, of approximately $3,056,507, to the Capital Funding Reserve."
Task Force Addressing Homelessness
We are being presented with the proposed framework for a “Mayors Task Force to End Homelessness Terms of Reference”, and will consider allocating $2,000 for 2018, 2019, and 2020 to support the committee.
If approved, this committee will be in addition to the "Strategy and Mobilization Committee, the St. Albert Coalition to End Homeless and other community tables dealing with social issues of interdependency." Administration is recommending that, "if approved, on-going communication will need to occur to ensure no duplication occurs and efficient use of community resources and capacity is managed."
Off-site Levies Annual Report & Bylaw Amendment
"The report summarizes the off-site levy rates updated for the 2018 construction season, and subsequent bylaw amendment to reflect the changes in rates and project lists." Council will update the bylaw to reflect changes for 2018.
(I attended the Off-Site Levies Open House a few weeks ago so I could hear the comments and/or concerns of developers, but there were none to speak of!)
Jensen Lakes 7th Redistricting (First Reading)
This is to rearrange part of the development area in Jensen's Lakes.
"The Jensen Lakes Area Structure Plan (ASP) shows the subject area as Low Density Residential. The Municipal Development Plan (MDP) shows the subject area designated as Residential. The proposed redistricting is in keeping with the Jensen Lakes ASP and MDP... The proposed redistricting was circulated on December 13, 2017, to internal departments, external referral agencies, and property owners within a 100-metre radius. There were no objections. The public hearing is scheduled for April 23, 2018..."
This is a brief high-level overview of highlights from our meeting agenda, 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.