Council meetings 2023

Council reviews the draft 2024 budget, discusses tax rates and community programs, and schedules a final vote.

Special Council meeting (2024 budget deliberations), December 6, 2023

Attendance

Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price presided over the session. Councillors Marcus Lindqvist, Priya Raman, Tom Beaudry, Grace Whitlock, Arjun Sidhu, and Helen Marchetti were present. City Manager Robert Eng and City Clerk Nadia Kowalczyk attended to support the meeting. This session was livestreamed online for residents who could not attend in person.

Delegations

Two members of the public spoke during the open forum. A resident from the Larch Heights neighbourhood shared concerns about winter road clearing, asking for more frequent plowing on residential streets. A representative from the Downtown Wrenford BIA discussed plans for the upcoming summer festival, highlighting how small businesses hope to attract more visitors to the core.

Reports and decisions

Council reviewed the draft 2024 budget and discussed how to balance city services with stable taxes. The main decisions included:

  • Draft budget review: Mayor Okafor-Price presented the financial outlook for 2024. Council agreed to keep property taxes flat and focus on maintaining roads and water services. Carried unanimously.
  • Youth and seniors programs: Councillor Whitlock proposed adding money to support local recreation and social programs for younger residents and older adults. Council approved the extra funding to keep these services running smoothly. Carried 6–1.
  • Transit schedule review: Councillor Sidhu raised questions about the afternoon schedule for Route 12. Council directed the transit team to check passenger numbers and suggest changes. Carried unanimously.
  • Road maintenance plans: City Manager Eng outlined the city's strategy for resurfacing streets in 2024. Council agreed to prioritize main roads and high-traffic neighbourhoods. Carried unanimously.
  • Public safety funding: Council discussed the operating costs for the Wrenford Police Service and Fire Rescue. The Mayor noted that emergency services remain a top priority and directed staff to review overtime budgets before the final vote. Carried unanimously.

By-laws

No by-laws were passed at this meeting.

Adjournment

The meeting ended at 8:45 p.m. Council will continue its budget work at the next scheduled meeting, where the final 2024 budget will be voted on.