City Council on the agenda – July 22, 2024

The Monday, July 2, 2024, Regular City Council Meeting will start with a closed portion.

 CONSENT AGENDA

Budget Amendment: Storm Pond Reconstruction Funding

• City Council will consider a capital budget transfer of $800,000 from the Civic Yards Flood Berm project to the Storm Pond Reconstruction project at Piper Creek and 19th Street (adjacent to Westerner Park).
• The amount exceeds Administration’s approval levels established in Council Policy 5320.03C – Capital Budget Funding Policy. Both projects are grant funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) which means there will be no effect on City reserves if approved. 
• The Storm Pond Reconstruction project will have a positive impact on the water quality in Piper Creek which in turn will have a positive impact on the water quality in the Red Deer River. The project supports the Environmental Master Plan aspects related to improving water quality in water bodies within Red Deer. 

BYLAWS

Operating Line of Credit – Borrowing Bylaw 3709/2024

• Every three years, The City must renew its operating line of credit, which requires a new borrowing bylaw to be passed.
• The City of Red Deer had maintained an operating line of credit of $30 million. This line of credit allows The City the flexibility to manage cash effectively, use investments to the greatest extent, fill the gaps in any short-term needs, and provide sufficient security of any letters of credit issued.
• Although The City does not regularly use the line of credit, one is maintained in case it is needed. There is no cost to have this contingency, except for the interest paid if used. Interest is at prime minus 0.75%.
• A borrowing bylaw is necessary to provide the authority for The City to enter into an operating line of credit with our bank. The credit facilities specifically with the bank are:
• $22 million for a general line of credit
• $8 million for a letter of credit issued to the Alberta Electric System Operator
• $0.4 million for a letter of credit issued to Canada Fisheries and Oceans

REPORTS

Utility Governance Model Review

• On Monday, City Council will consider a way forward for the future operation of The City of Red Deer’s electrical utility, with administration recommending the creation of a transition plan to establish a Municipally Controlled Corporation (MCC) as a means of further exploring modernization of The City’s utility governance models.
• More information is outlined in a related news release located at A new model for City’s electric utility could be on the way
   

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3357/QQ-2024

• A public hearing will held to consider omnibus Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3357/QQ-2024, which was initiated by City administration to reduce red tape, align with other regulations and help external applicants with immediate development needs.
• These amendments will improve efficiency in the application of the Zoning Bylaw by clarifying definitions and regulations to reduce interpretation errors and will clearly outline application requirements to avoid confusion regarding submission expectations. The amendment better aligns the Zoning Bylaw with standard departmental practices and other pieces of legislation.