City Council recap – July 22, 2024

The following decisions were made by City Council during their July 22 regular meeting:

CONSENT AGENDA

Budget Amendment: Storm Pond Reconstruction Funding

• City Council unanimously approved a capital budget transfer of $800,000 from the Civic Yards Flood Berm project to the Storm Pond Reconstruction project at Piper Creek and 19 Street (adjacent to Westerner Park).
• This was necessary as 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

• City Council unanimously passed a borrowing bylaw that enables renewal of its operating line of credit.
• 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.
• The borrowing bylaw provides the authority for The City to enter into an operating line of credit with the 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
• 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 per cent.

REPORTS

Utility Governance Model Review

• A transition plan outlining costs, processes, systems and structures of potentially moving to a Municipally Controlled Corporation (MCC) for The City’s electric utility will come back to City Council in the third quarter of 2024 as unanimously directed by City Council at today’s regular meeting.
• More information about this can be found at reddeer.ca/news

PUBLIC HEARINGS

Zoning Bylaw Amendment 3357/QQ-2024

• City Council unanimously passed a 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.
• A public hearing was held.
• The 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.