Tomorrow is our first budget debate, starting at 3pm. There are 38 Council motions that could be voted on; These are all available on the public website along with their related backgrounders: https://access.stalbert.ca/cosa/finance/pms/
The following are a few highlights, including a few that are likely to be debated:
Social Services
That the Senior Homeowners Property Tax Assistance Grant be increased by $50 per grant, to be funded through taxes. $30,000
That the Rental Assistance Program and Income Supplement for Residents in Need business case be unfunded. ($60,000 but actual cost expected to increase to double that. These programs are in addition to provincially-required requisitions for Homeland Housing and grants to St. Albert Housing Society & other social agencies.)
That the unfunded business case “Enhanced Housing Options” be funded for $60,000... (To explore options and make a plan for affordable & emergency housing.)
City Council
Notwithstanding the provisions of... Procedure<s> which adjusts Council Member Remuneration on April 1 of each year based on the Edmonton Consumer Price Index (ECPI), Council Members Annual Remuneration not be increased on April 1, 2020.
That... Council Sponsorship Policy is amended to allow cash donations to eligible not-for-profits up to the maximum already specified in the policy ($1000)... <OR> That Council Sponsorship Policy is rescinded and... the 2020 Council budget related to individual Council Member Sponsorships be reduced in the amount t of $7,000.
That the Council Contingency budget be reduced from $69,000 to $15,000.
That The Mayor’s Telephone & Mobile Device Charges be reduced to the same as the Councillor’s ($3,200 down to $1500).
That the Office & Operating Supplies for the Mayor be reduced from $10,000 to $4000.
That the Mayor’s office Event Registration be reduced from $10,000 to $5,000.
That the Mayor’s office Advertising & Promotion budget be reduced from $13,200 to $6,000.
Recreation Services
That fitness equipment is removed from the scope of RECR-010 - Lacombe Park West. $164,000
That the public consultation portion of the project charter <for the Servus Place Aquatics Expansion> be funded in the amount of $XXXXXXX to determine whether to expedite this project ahead of a recreation facility being built.
That... Community Amenities Site Planning be postponed by one year. $900,000 (This is to start planning the site for the potential rec centre that would go on the land in the N/NW that we're expected to select in the next couple months.)
Emergency Services
That Emergency Services Municipal Enforcement Officer for $103,700 be funded through taxes. (Add a Bylaw officer.)
That... Fire Tanker Vehicle be unfunded. $779,000
Firehall #4 - Motion to proceed with land acquisition for $2.5 million in 2020 and delay design, construction and all related mobile equipment by one year to commence in 2022.
Transit
That fees for local (not commuter) passes for all persons who qualify for the Community and Protective Services "All-Aboard" Subsidy Program are waived. (For AISH and low-income residents.) $6,000
That the Free Local Transit for Youth program is extended to December 31, 2020. $9,000
That the Public Works & Transit Weekday Evening Local Handibus Service business case be funded for $57,500 within the 2020 operating budget.
That $67,400 for Public Works & Transit Additional Dial-A-Bus be funded through taxes.
Other
That the funding for... Neighbourhood Traffic Calming Strategies is unfunded for 2020. $500,000 (This will be updated to combine this project with Safe Journeys to School, which is about $450,000.)
That... Solar Photovoltaics (PV) Program be funded in the amount of $500,000.
This is a brief and incomplete 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). Full agenda packages can be found on the stalbert.ca website.
