Council Roundup – April 10, 2013
April 11, 2013
2013 Operating Budget Update
The City’s operating budget for programs and services in 2013 will grow by $24.6 million within a combined municipal and education residential property tax increase of 3.33%. Council heard on April 10 that an extra $19.3 million is available because the amount due to the province in education tax is increasing by less than 3.33%, leaving a balance available for municipal purposes. In addition, $5.3 million is available because assessment growth, due to new construction and improvements, is higher than originally estimated. Council agreed to allocate the money as follows:
$10.3 million to pay for land purchases for city projects
$9 million for additional neighbourhood road repairs
$3 million increase in the allowance for assessment complaints
$2.3 million to help achieve a 0.75% tax rate reduction requested by Council last December
Supplemental Capital Budget Adjustment
Council accepted recommendations to amend the 2012-2014 capital budget to accommodate cost escalations and emerging issues. Six projects will be funded, using funds carried over from 2012, transferred between projects, or received from the provincial government:
Snow Valley landslide, due to 2012 rain storms ($2.5 million)
Commonwealth Stadium locker room retrofit to host FIFA Women’s World Cups in 2014 and 2015 ($1.9 million)
William Hawrelak Park lake redevelopment, to meet International Triathlon Union requirements ($1.232 million)
Great Divide waterfall refurbishment ($735,000)
Five slope repairs, due to 2012 rain storms (covered by Alberta Disaster Fund - $363,000)
Six park conservation projects, due to 2012 rain storms (covered by Alberta Disaster Fund - $320,000)
Creating Positive Outcomes for Urban Aboriginals
On behalf of City Council, Mayor Stephen Mandel will sign a Memorandum of Coordination and Collaboration with the Government of Alberta, Aboriginal Relations. The agreement brings both levels of government together to advance opportunities for positive social and economic outcomes for Aboriginal peoples living in Edmonton.
Council Does Downtown Proud!
City Council granted an additional $50,000 to Downtown Proud!, a program responsible for removing approximately 144,000 litres of litter off downtown streets. Downtown Proud!, a social enterprise that hires hard-to-employ individuals, will use the funds to increase their summer hours, contributing to a cleaner, safer and more welcoming City.
Stage set for Tour of Alberta
Tour of Alberta, a six-stage cycling race from September 3-8 is the newest pro-cycling event on the international cycling circuit. The race, modeled after classic road races, such as the Tour de France, will cover more than 800 kilometres through 20 Alberta communities. This year’s race will begin in Edmonton and finish in Calgary. The City of Edmonton granted $250,000 to the local organizing committee, the Alberta Pelaton Association, to support the direct costs associated with the Edmonton leg of the race.
Council honours City’s Roadway Maintenance Crew
City Council gave a standing ovation to City of Edmonton Road Maintenance employees for the exceptional job they did this winter caring for City streets, sometimes during very difficult circumstances and weather conditions. From October through April, City crews worked in rotating shifts to provide 24/7 coverage to sand, plow and clear nearly 12,000 km of roads.
Poetry among provinces
Mayor Mandel responded to a poetry challenge issued from the City of Regina Mayor Michael Fougere to recognize UNESCO’s World Poetry Day on March 21 and National Poetry Month in April. Edmonton's Poet Laureate Anna Marie Sewell wrote a poem entitled Sister Song: for the Cranes. Anna Marie performed the poem with the help of Norwood Elementary Grade 3 students. A video of the performance will be sent to Mayor Fougere in Regina.
For more information:
Melissa Lovatt
Corporate Communications
http://www.edmonton.ca/city_government/news/2013/council-roundup-april-10-2013.aspx
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