CITY COUNCIL MINUTES
Monday, November 29, 2004
Wednesday, December 1, 2004
Tuesday, December 7, 2004
Wednesday, December 8, 2004
Thursday, December 9, 2004
Friday, December 10, 2004
Monday, December 13, 2004
Tuesday, December 14, 2004
Wednesday, December 15, 2004
PRESENT:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons, R. Hayter,
K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
ALSO IN ATTENDANCE:
A. B.Maurer, City Manager
D. H. Edey, City Clerk
A.Sinclair, Office of the City Clerk
A.CALL TO ORDER AND RELATED BUSINESS
A.1.CALL TO ORDER
Mayor S.Mandelcalled the meeting to order at 9:34 a.m.
Councillor K.Krushell was absent.
A.2.ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOVED R.Hayter – J. Batty:
That the November 29, 2004, City Council meeting agenda be adopted with the addition of the following items:
D.1.c.Response to Councillors’ Questions on the 2005 Proposed Budget
Attachment 1
E.1.b.Alberta Centennial Legacies Grant Programs
H.1.b.Upgrade of Alberta Avenue Business Area
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk,
M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:K.Krushell.
A.5.EXPLANATION OF THE PROCESS FOR THE CITY COUNCIL BUDGET MEETINGS
Mayor S.Mandel explained the process for the City Council Budget meetings.
B.2005OPERATING AND CAPITAL BUDGET
B.1.a.2005 Operating and Capital Budget
MOVED M.Phair – J.Melnychuk:
1.That the 2005 Operating Budget be approved as follows:
a)Tax-Supported operations based on a total property, business, and payment-in-lieu tax levy of $565,998,000 (5% increase for operating and 1% for capital, plus estimated real growth).
b)That the tax rate bylaws be brought forward in 2005 generating the tax revenues in recommendation 1(a) above based on:
i)Business tax revenue, including the estimated real growth, to be $90,368,000;
ii)Property tax revenue, including the estimated real growth, to be $459,216,000; and,
iii)Payment-in-lieu of taxes, including the estimated real growth, to be $16,414,000 ($688,000 for business and $15,726,000 for property).
c)Municipal Enterprises with expenditures of $125,207,000 and revenues of $131,530,000.
d)Drainage Services Utility with operating revenues in the amount of $109,103,000 and expenditures of $84,331,000.
2.That the 2005-2009 Capital Priorities Plan and Budget be approved with $2,970,945,000 in funded plan expenditures incorporating the following:
a)An increase in budget authority of $427,235,000 for a total of $1,843,140,000 in budgeted expenditures, including $50,000,000 for the following tax-supported debt projects in 2005:
Fire Stations (old and new)$11,403,000
Neighbourhood/District Park
Development4,408,000
Mature Neighbourhood Roads Rehabilitation6,000,000
Lessard Library7,325,000
Recreation Facilities Rehabilitation11,500,000
Senior Centre Consolidation & Upgrading9,364,000
Total$50,000,000
A. B.Maurer, City Manager, made a presentation.
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 118)
C.REPORTS FROM CIVIC AGENCIES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
C.1.a.Edmonton Public Library Funding Request
L.Cook and N.Ouellet, Edmonton Public Library, answered Council’s questions.
Edmontonhistory.ca
AMENDMENT MOVED M.Phair – D. Thiele:
That the Edmonton Public Library 2005 Operating Budget be increased by $30,000 to support the ongoing operation and maintenance of Edmontonhistory.ca, with funding from an increase in the tax levy.
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 63)
Public Library Self Service Checkout System
AMENDMENT MOVED M.Phair – D. Thiele:
That Project No. 04-20-0026 Public Library Self Service Checkout System in the amount of $3,000,000 be added to the funded capital plan in 2005, with funding from an increase in the tax levy.
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 112)
C.1.b.Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues
K.Kuchelyma, Chair, Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues, made a presentation and answered Council’s questions.
C.1.c.Odyssium – Space and Science Centre
G. Smith, President, Space and Science Foundation; R. Rosychuk, Corporate Services Department; and A.B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council’s questions.
C.1.d.Taxi Cab Commission
M.Garrett, Planning and Development Department, answered Council’s questions.
C.1.e.Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) – 2005 Budget Additional Request
A. Scott, President, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, made a presentation.
Mayor S.Mandel vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor J. Batty presided. Mayor S.Mandel left the meeting and re-entered a few minutes later. Deputy Mayor J. Batty vacated the Chair and Mayor S.Mandel presided.
M. Borys, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, made a presentation.
A.Scott, M.Borys, K.Fiske, M.Fitzpatrickand J. Devaney, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation; and A.B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council’s questions.
Mayor S.Mandel vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor J. Batty presided. Mayor S.Mandel left the meeting and re-entered a few minutes later. Deputy Mayor J. Batty vacated the Chair and Mayor S.Mandel presided.
Councillor K.Krushell entered the meeting.
MOVED D. Thiele – M.Phair:
That any Member of Council who may wish to do so be allowed to speak for an additional five minutes.
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, K. Krushell, K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk,
M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan, D.Thiele.
ABSENT:R.Hayter.
M.Borys, M.Fiske and A. Scott, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation; and
R.Rosychuk, Corporate Services Department, answered Council’s questions.
A.4.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS
A.4.a.Welcome to the Students from EvansdaleElementary School
(S.Mandel)
On behalf of City Council, Mayor S.Mandel welcomed Grade 6 students from EvansdaleElementary School, and their teacher, Ms.LynnPeacock.
Orders of the Day were called.
Council recessed at 12:03 p.m.
Council reconvened at 1:34 p.m.
Councillors B.Anderson, E.Gibbons, K.Krushell, J.Melnychuk and L.Sloan were absent.
C.REPORTS FROM CIVIC AGENCIES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
C.1.e.Edmonton Economic Development Corporation (EEDC) – 2005 Budget Additional Request
A. Scott, Edmonton Economic Development Corporation, made a further presentation and answered Council’s questions.
Councillors B.Anderson, E.Gibbons, J.Melnychuk and L.Sloan entered the meeting.
A. B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council’s questions.
Tourism
AMENDMENT MOVED J. Batty – E. Gibbons:
That the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation 2005 Operating Budget -Tourism be increased by $500,000 on an ongoing basis, with funding from an increase in the tax levy.
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 63)
Economic Development – Marketing of Business Attractions and Activities
AMENDMENT MOVED J. Batty – E. Gibbons:
That the Edmonton Economic Development Corporation 2005 Operating Budget - Economic Development be increased by $500,000 to fund marketing of business attractions and activities on an ongoing basis, with funding from an increase in the tax levy.
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 64)
Municipal Base Voluntary Marketing Levy
MOVED K.Leibovici – M.Phair:
That Edmonton Economic Development Corporation pursue a municipal base voluntary marketing levy and report back to City Council in March 2005. / EEDCDue: Mar. 15, 2005
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk,
M. Nickel, M. Phair, D. Thiele.
OPPOSED:L.Sloan.
ABSENT:K.Krushell.
C.1.f.Edmonton Arts Council – Requested Amendment to the 2005 Proposed Budget
G.Takach, Edmonton Arts Council, made a presentation. Copies of an Attachment 1 – Summary of Applications to Community Investment Arts Operating Grants in 2005 were distributed to Members of Council and a copy was filed with the Office of the City Clerk.
J. Mahon, Edmonton Arts Council, answered Council’s questions.
Community Investment Grants to Arts Organizations
AMENDMENT MOVED M.Phair – L.Sloan:
That the Edmonton Arts Council 2005 Operating Budget be increased by $500,000 to fund an increase in the Community Investment Grants to Arts Organizations on an ongoing basis, with funding from an increase in the tax levy.
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 65)
AMENDMENT TO AMENDMENT MOVED R.Hayter – T.Cavanagh:
That “$500,000” be replaced with “$200,000.”
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 65)
Edmonton Arts Council Three-Year Plan
MOVED K.Leibovici – M.Phair:
That the Edmonton Arts Council bring forward a three-year plan to City Council in March 2005, of expected increases to operations and the tax levy over the next three years. / Arts CouncilDue: Mar. 15, 2005
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, M. Nickel,
M. Phair.L.Sloan.
OPPOSED:J.Melnychuk, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:K.Krushell
A.4.URGENT MATTERS - PROTOCOL ITEMS
A.4.b.Welcome to the Students from St.BenedictSchool (S.Mandel)
On behalf of City Council, Mayor S.Mandel welcomed the students from
St.BenedictSchool, and their teacher, Ms.Holzman.
C.REPORTS FROM CIVIC AGENCIES, BOARDS AND COMMISSIONS
C.1.g.Edmonton Downtown Development Corporation Funding Request
K. Cantor, Edmonton Downtown Development Corporation, made a presentation, and answered Council’s questions.
S. McGee, Executive Director, Edmonton Downtown Development Corporation, answered Council’s questions.
Mayor S.Mandel vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor J. Batty presided. Mayor S.Mandel left the meeting.
A. B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council’s questions.
MOVED K.Leibovici – J.Melnychuk:
That the November 17, 2004, Edmonton Downtown Development Corporation report 2004DDC001 be referred to the January 12, 2005, Executive Committee meeting. / EDDCExec. Committee
Due: Jan. 12, 2005
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh, R. Hayter,
K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair,
L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
OPPOSED:E.Gibbons.
ABSENT:S.Mandel; K.Krushell.
MOVED M.Phair – J. Batty:
That Council recess for 15 minutes.
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh, R. Hayter,
K. Leibovici, M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan,
D. Thiele.
ABSENT:S.Mandel; E.Gibbons, K. Krushell, J.Melnychuk.
Council recessed at 2:57 p.m.
Council reconvened at 3:19 p.m.
Deputy Mayor J. Batty presided.
Mayor S.Mandel and Councillors K. Krushel and J.Melnychuk were absent.
C.1.i.Edmonton Police Commission - Requests for Additional Funding in 2005 Budget Process
Councillor J.Melnychuk entered the meeting.
M.Ignasiuk, Chair, and C.Wagar, Edmonton Police Commission; and F.Rayner, Chief, Edmonton Police Service, answered Council’s questions.
A. B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council’s questions.
Mayor S.Mandel entered the meeting. Deputy Mayor J. Batty vacated the Chair and Mayor
S.Mandel presided.
MOVED B.Anderson – J.Melnychuk:
That any Member of Council who may wish to do so be allowed to speak for an additional five minutes.
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk,
M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:K.Krushell.
M. Ignasiuk, and C.Wagar, Edmonton Police Commission; F.Rayner, Edmonton Police Service; and A.B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council’s questions.
Front-line Policing
AMENDMENT MOVED R.Hayter – T.Cavanagh:
That the Edmonton Police Commission 2005 Operating Budget be increased by $3,500,000 to fund an increase in front-line policing on an ongoing basis, with funding from an increase in the tax levy.
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 65)
AMENDMENT TO AMENDMENT MOVED K.Leibovici – M. Nickel:
That “$3,500,000” be replaced with “$1,750,000.”
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 65)
C.1.h.Greater Edmonton Foundation – Request for Amendment to the Proposed 2005 Budget
J.Anderson, Greater Edmonton Foundation, made a presentation, and answered Council’s questions.
D. Mayne, Greater Edmonton Foundation, answered Council’s questions.
R.Rosychuk, Corporate Services Department; and A.B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council’s questions.
MOVED B.Anderson – M.Phair:
That any Member of Council who may wish to do so be allowed to speak for an additional five minutes.
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, M. Nickel,
M. Phair, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:K.Krushell, J.Melnychuk.
J.Anderson and D. Mayne, Greater Edmonton Foundation, answered Council’s questions.
A. B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council’s questions.
Greater Edmonton Foundation Operating Budget
AMENDMENT MOVED D. Thiele – T.Cavanagh:
That the Greater Edmonton Foundation 2005 Operating Budget be increased by $791,000 on an ongoing basis, with funding from $390,000 set aside corporately, and the balance from an increase in the tax levy.
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 66)
D.REPORTSFROM ADMINISTRATION
D.1.a.Changes to Council’s Guidelines
J.Tustian, General Manager, and R.Rosychuk, Corporate Services Department; and
A.B.Maurer, City Manager, made a presentation, and answered Council’s questions.
MOVED M.Phair – J.Melnychuk:
That the verbal report be received for information. / City ManagerCARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk,
M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:K.Krushell.
E.COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
MOVED K.Leibovici – R.Hayter:
That Administration prepare a report for Council (or the Business Tax Review Committee) on the implementation of a specific business tax or differential mill rate for downtown hotels, and/or downtown businesses that would provide up to $500,000 to Edmonton Economic Development Corporation for marketing or tourism programs.
MOVED J. Batty – K.Leibovici:
That Orders of the Day be extended to 5:45 p.m.
LOST
FOR THE MOTION:J. Batty, K.Leibovici, R.Hayter, L.Sloan.
OPPOSED:S.Mandel; B.Anderson, T.Cavanagh, E.Gibbons,
J.Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M.Phair, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:K.Krushell.
MOVED K.Leibovici – L.Sloan:
That the following Motion on the Floor be postponed to the December 7, 2004, City Council Budget meeting:
MOVED K.Leibovici – R.Hayter (Made at the 2004 City Council meeting):
That Administration prepare a report for Council (or the Business Tax Review Committee) on the implementation of a specific business tax or differential mill rate for downtown hotels, and/or downtown businesses that would provide up to $500,000 to Edmonton Economic Development Corporation for marketing or tourism programs.
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, R. Hayter, K. Leibovici, J. Melnychuk,
M. Nickel, M. Phair, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:K.Krushell.
(Continued on page 56)
Council adjourned at 5:30 p.m.
Council reconvened on Wednesday, December 1, 2004, at 9:33 a.m.
Councillors J. Batty, E.Gibbons, R.Hayter, K.Krushell, K.Leiboviciand D. Thiele were absent.
D.1.b.Quarterly Report on the $3,500,000 Savings Commitment for the 2005 Budget (Next Level Project)
A. B.Maurer, City Manager; and H. Crone, Corporate Services Department, answered Council's questions.
Councillors J. Batty and E.Gibbons entered the meeting.
J.Tustian, General Manager, Corporate Services Department; and A.B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council's questions.
MOVED M.Phair – J.Melnychuk:
That the following items be added to the City Council meeting agenda:
D.1.a.Changes to Council’s Guidelines
G.1.f.Bylaw 13894 – A Bylaw to Amend Taxi Bylaw Amendment No. 9
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, J. Melnychuk,M. Nickel, M. Phair,
L. Sloan.
ABSENT:R.Hayter, K.Krushell, K.Leibovici, D. Thiele.
J.Tustian, General Manager, Corporate Services Department; and A.B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council's questions.
CouncillorD.Thiele entered the meeting.
A. B.Maurer, City Manager; J.Tustian, General Manager, and H. Crone, Corporate Services Department, answered Council's questions.
Councillor K.Krushell entered the meeting.
A. B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council's questions.
MOVED T.Cavanagh – J.Melnychuk:
That the November 8, 2004, Corporate Services Department report 2004COS020 be received for information. / Corporate Svcs.CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, K. Krushell, J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel,
M. Phair, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:R.Hayter, K.Leibovici.
D.1.c.Response to Councillors’ Questions on the 2005 Proposed Budget
A. B.Maurer, City Manager; A.Sinclair, Office of the City Clerk; and J. Tustian, General Manager, Corporate Services Department, answered Council's questions.
MOVED J. Batty – E.Gibbons:
That the November 24, 2004, Corporate Services Department report 2004COF123 be received for information. / Corporate Svcs.CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, K. Krushell, J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel,
M. Phair, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:R.Hayter, K.Leibovici.
E.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
D. Kloster, General Manager, L.Brenneis and R.Smyth, Community Services Department; and A.B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council's questions.
Mayor S.Mandel vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor J. Batty presided. Mayor S.Mandel left the meeting.
L.Brenneisand R.Smyth, Community Services Department, answered Council's questions.
Mayor S.Mandel re-entered the meeting. Deputy Mayor J. Batty vacated the Chair and Mayor
S.Mandel presided.
R.Smyth, D. Kloster, General Manager, and L.Brenneis, Community Services Department; and A.B.Maurer, City Manager, answered Council's questions.
Mayor S.Mandel vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor J. Batty presided.
MOVED S.Mandel – J.Melnychuk:
That any Member of Council who may wish to do so be allowed to speak for an additional five minutes.
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:S. Mandel; B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh,
E. Gibbons, K. Krushell, J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel,
M. Phair, L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:R.Hayter, K.Leibovici.
Deputy Mayor J. Batty vacated the Chair and Mayor S.Mandel presided.
Natural Areas Acquisition and Conservation
AMENDMENT MOVED L.Sloan – D. Thiele:
That Project No. 04-21-5390 Natural Areas Acquisition and Conservation in the amount of $1,000,000 be added to the funded capital plan in 2005, with funding fromtax-supported debt. (Funds to be earmarked for acquisition of land and the completion of a wetland inventory for the City of Edmonton.)
POSTPONED
(Dealt with on p. 97)
L.Brenneis and D. Kloster, General Manager, Community Services Department, answered Council's questions.
Mayor S.Mandel vacated the Chair and Deputy Mayor J. Batty presided. Mayor S.Mandel left the meeting.
L.Brenneis and D. Kloster, General Manager, Community Services Department, answered Council's questions.
E.1.b.Alberta Centennial Legacies Grant Programs
L.Brenneis, Community Services Department, made a presentation.
D. Kloster, General Manager, L.Brenneisand L.Cochrane, Community Services Department, answered Council's questions.
MOVED T.Cavanagh – E.Gibbons:
1.That the allocation of the Alberta Centennial Legacies Municipal Per Capita Grant award of $2,064,922 to complete the five projects partially funded by the Province for the Alberta Centennial Legacies Phase 3 Grant Program, as outlined in Attachment 1 of the November 25, 2004, Community Services Department report 2004CSW041, be approved.2.That Administration enter into Contribution Agreements, which agreements will incorporate the implementation of the Centennial Legacies Municipal Per Capita Grant award as contemplated in recommendation #1, andthat the Contribution Agreements be in content acceptable to the General Manager of Corporate Services Department and the General Manager of Community Services Department and in a form acceptable to Law Branch. / Community Svcs.
Corporate Svcs.
CARRIED
FOR THE MOTION:B. Anderson, J. Batty, T. Cavanagh, E. Gibbons,
K. Krushell, J. Melnychuk, M. Nickel, M. Phair,
L. Sloan, D. Thiele.
ABSENT:S.Mandel; R.Hayter, K.Leibovici.
E.REPORTS RELATED TO COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
K.Barnhart, L.Cochrane, D. Kloster, General Manager, M.Kroening and J.Freeman, Community Services Department, answered Council's questions.
Mayor S.Mandel re-entered the meeting. Deputy Mayor J. Batty vacated the Chair and Mayor
S.Mandel presided.
J.Freeman, M. Kroening and K. Barnhart, Community Services Department; A.B. Maurer, City Manager; D. Kloster, General Manager, and R. Smyth, Community Services Department, answered Council's questions.