City Council on the agenda – December 16, 2024

The Monday, December 16, Regular City Council Meeting will start at 10 a.m. in open Council.

CONSENT AGENDA:

Amendments to the Zoning Bylaw – Direct Control Zone

• City Council will consider proposed amendments to the Zoning Bylaw, including the adoption of a new Direct Control Zone No. 35. If approved, these amendments will allow the development of house suites in duplexes on a case-by-case basis. Rezoning to DC (35) would be required before an application for a house suite could be pursued.
• Under the new Zoning Bylaw, house suites are a permitted use in residential zones but are limited to houses only. The new DC (35) Zone will be used as a tool to evaluate applications for house suites in duplexes to ensure administration can exercise discretion when reviewing such requests.
• Administration supports the amendment, which will expand housing opportunities in the city.
• If the amendments are approved, Council will then consider approval of a rezoning application for 34 Rutherford Drive (Bylaw 3357/VV-2024) from R-D to DC (35).

REPORTS:

RCMP Quarterly Community Policing Report – Q2

• Red Deer RCMP will present the Second Quarter (July-Sept) crime statistics and an update on the Annual Policing Priorities.

Community Revitalization Levy Report

• City Council is asked to receive a report about Community Revitalization Levies (CRLs) as information. The report was developed in response to a Council inquiry.
• CRLs are used by municipalities in Alberta to stimulate urban renewal in specific areas by redirecting property tax revenue increases to fund infrastructure improvements.
• Creating a CRL is a regulated, resource-intensive process. While not feasible at this time, future opportunities may arise with a long-term financial plan and economic strategy.

Long Term Financial Plan scoping report:

• City Council will receive an overview presentation and update regarding the Long Term Financial and Business Systems Plan and will be introduced to the support consultant. 
• The update will include project scope and process to be followed for Council’s reference and information. 

BYLAWS:

Elections Bylaw

• City Council will consider second and third reading of the Elections Bylaw. These changes are mainly triggered by the proclamation of Bill 20 on October 31, 2024. Proposed changes to the bylaw include:
• Increased number of nomination signatures (50 per councillor candidate and 100 per Mayoral candidate).
• A $100 nomination deposit per candidate for mayor or councillor.
• The removal of the use of electronic tabulators, with ballots to be hand-counted after polls close.
• The addition of the Permanent Electors Registers.
• Expanded eligibility of special ballots to any voter.
• Clarification that polls will open at 10 a.m. on election day

Procedure Bylaw – Committee of the Whole

• Administration is requesting three readings and Council approval of a Procedure Bylaw (3681/2022) Amendment, adding Committee of the Whole (COTW) meetings to begin in 2025. The addition of COTW will provide a mechanism for Council to meet in a less structured setting than Council Meetings and ensures compliance with the Municipal Government Act, Freedom of Information and Privacy Act, and Council’s Code of Conduct.