Regular Council Meeting May 19, 2020
Agenda highlights
COVID-19 Financial Scenarios
The cost of of our response to the pandemic is substantial, with $1.8M having been spend already and a previously forecasted deficit of ~6M by the end of the year. Administration reduced this deficit by approximately $2.7M through temporary lay-offs of permanent staff, elimination of inside worker salary adjustments, the reduction of learning & development support, etc.
With recreation and culture facilities not expected to open until Stage 3 of the provincial recovery plan, at a unknown date, we continue to face losses due to these closures. With a “best case” scenario of an October 1 opening date, a $3.9M deficit is forecasted.
Ray Gibbon Drive construction scope change
Although no change to the approved RGD budget is required, Council is required to approve a scope change that would allow us to add the following to the Phase 1 RGD construction plan to reduce the bottleneck at the south portion of the road:
Relocate the AHD westbound off-ramp right turn movement from its current acceleration turn lane to the intersection of 184 Street (at the signals) and re-design the intersection to accommodate a dual left turn and dedicated right turn with a smart channel right.
Extend the northbound left turn bay for the intersection of 184 Street at 137 Ave; redesign the northbound right turn to deter northbound right turn to westbound through movements.
This work, estimated to cost $520,000, will be reimbursed by the City of Edmonton as this work is being completed in Edmonton. The province will not contribute to this project, but they are supportive of the work and the agreement with Edmonton.
Oakmont Area Structure Plan & Land Use Bylaw (First Reading)
The public hearing for proposed changes to the Oakmont ASP to allow higher density mixed-use development at the old Holes site is tentatively scheduled for June 22 at 9am.
Tax Rate Bylaw
The final municipal tax rate means that residential properties will be taxed at $834 per $100,000 of assessment value, and non-residential properties at $1,095. The municipality is also required to collect the following on behalf of the province: The provincial Education Requisition was increased by 2.3%, so residential properties will be taxed at $259 per $100,000 of assessment value, and non-residential properties at $366. The provincial Homeland Housing Requisition was increased by 3.2%, so residential properties will be taxed at $9 per $100,000 of assessment value, and non-residential properties at $12.
South Riel - Land Use Bylaw Amendment (Public Hearing + 2nd/3rd Readings)
This is determine whether a higher density area is supported in the new Riel development near the Enjoy Centre and adjacent to Heritage Lakes.
Free All Aboard Program ($31,000)
This motion would align our free transit program for low-income residents to all transit services, including the Handibus service. Currently, low-income residents who require Handibus service due to to disability are excluded from this program.
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.
From the City: “While we are in a state of public health emergency as declared by the Province of Alberta, the City of St. Albert Council meetings will be conducted… through the ZOOM platform which will… stream to this page from YouTube…. Members of the public who wish to address Council on a specific item must send an email to legislative@stalbert.ca indicating your desire to speak and including the title of the item on the Agenda that you wish to address.”