Here are the highlights from the City Council meeting held on April 22, 2019:
Delegations
The Mighty Peace Youth Society requested funding in support of the 2019 Mighty Peace Day. They received $18,000 in funding from City Council’s Strategic Initiative Fund.
Council received information from City residents regarding the proposed removal of a sidewalk. Council referred the discussion to the appropriate standing committee.
Road Closure Bylaw C-1404
Council voted to close an existing road plan adjacent to two lots on 100 Avenue near 97 Street. This portion of the road is no longer required, allowing the City to explore other uses for the land.
Amended Schedule of Council and Committee Meetings for 2019
An amended schedule of Council and Committee meetings for 2019 was introduced to Council.
The proposed schedule sees Council meeting start at 3:00 p.m., recess at 5:00 p.m. and reconvene at 6:00 p.m. for Public Delegations and Public Hearings. It also sees the existing Council Committees meet at 9 a.m. on the Tuesday before the scheduled Council meeting.
If approved at the next Council meeting, the changes will go into effect May 14 on a trial basis to be evaluated on October 21. The proposed model is expected to improve the flow of decision making for Council while ensuring public transparency and continued opportunities for public involvement.
Council also received a Notice of Motion for Bylaw C-962V – Amendment to the Procedure Bylaw.
2019 Destruction of Municipal Records
Council authorized the destruction of a schedule of records under City Policy 114- Destruction or Preservation of Municipal Records. All records destroyed will be properly listed and incorporated into the minutes of Council, along with a signed affidavit as to witnessing of the destruction.
2018 Audited Consolidated Financial Statements
Council approved the Audited Consolidated Financial Statements of the City of Grande Prairie for the year ended December 31, 2018.
The Municipal Government Act (MGA) requires each municipality to prepare an annual financial statement, audited by a Council-appointed auditor.
As City owned entities, the audited financial statements for the Grande Prairie Public Library and the Grande Prairie Airport Commission are consolidated in the annual audited financial statements. The result of operations for Aquatera Utilities Inc. is also included in the consolidated financial statements as Other Item – Subsidiary Operations.
Unaudited Financial Statements- December 2018
Council approved transfer of the 2018 Operating Surpluses of $1.14 million to the Financial Stabilization Reserve, and of $500,000 to the Future Expenditure Reserve to support Affordable Housing.