Special Council meeting (2024 budget deliberations), November 23, 2023
Attendance
The following members were present: Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price and Councillors Marcus Lindqvist, Priya Raman, Tom Beaudry, Grace Whitlock, Arjun Sidhu, and Helen Marchetti. City Manager Robert Eng and City Clerk Nadia Kowalczyk also attended.
Delegations
The council heard from three delegations. A representative from Northfield Logistics asked about freight traffic on Concession 4 Road. Tara Sandhu, CEO of the Wrenford Public Library Board, requested funding for a new digital literacy programme. Sam, a Kingfisher resident, spoke in favour of adding a crosswalk on Kingfisher Drive.
Reports and decisions
The council reviewed the draft 2024 operating budget. Members discussed tax rates, service levels, and reserve fund transfers. The council approved the operating budget in principle and directed staff to finalize the document for a December vote. You can track the final vote on the Budget page.
Council reviewed a report on capital infrastructure spending for the Wildrye neighbourhood. The council approved an additional $2.5 million for road widening and stormwater upgrades along Eastfield Road. This funding ensures new homes in the area get the infrastructure they need from day one.
Staff presented a review of waste collection service levels. The council agreed to maintain the current biweekly garbage and weekly recycling schedule for 2024. Members also confirmed there will be no rate increase for residential customers this year.
The council discussed transit service levels. Members voted to keep the existing 14 fixed routes running on their current schedules. A separate vote added $150,000 to the Wrenford Access specialized transit fund to cover winter scheduling costs.
The council reviewed park maintenance plans. The council directed staff to prioritise snow clearing on the main paths at Benchlands Lookout Park and Centennial Gardens before the winter season begins. These parks host several annual events, so clear paths are essential for public safety.
By-laws
No by-laws were passed at this meeting.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.