Council Roundup - June 20, 2012

June 21, 2012

Council provides 2013 budget guidelines

City Council directed Administration to prepare a 2013 draft operating budget within a 5.5% tax increase for all civic operations, including the Neighbourhood Renewal Program. A draft budget will be presented in November to start Council’s deliberations and the first step in determining the 2013 tax rate and user fees.

Revenue is forecast to increase in 2013 due to growth of the city, but revenue is not keeping pace with increased costs for materials inflation, wages and costs to operate new infrastructure such as recreation centres and LRT extension. Administration will work over the next few months to review service levels, deferrals, efficiencies and sources of revenue in an effort to reduce costs, increase revenues and meet the tax guideline. 

Community Sustainability Task Force report endorsed

City Council endorsed the Elevate Report, developed by the Community Sustainability Task Force, recommending ways to enhance and support the viability of mature neighbourhoods. The City will continue to work with its partners, including school boards, to review and implement the report's recommendations. The City will also advance a number of City-led actions that complement the recommendations of the task force, such as exploring ways to enhance neighbourhood businesses.

Changes to LRT concept plan approved

Council approved amendments to the Southeast LRT Concept Plan. These changes include minor amendments to the track alignment of the Southeast LRT in the Wagner and Roper Industrial Areas on 75th Street between Whitemud Drive and Wagner Road, along with the relocation of the associated transit centre, park and ride lot and the LRT operations and maintenance facility. These amendments will result in reduced land acquisition costs, while also mitigating several technical challenges associated with traffic congestion along the east end of the Inner Ring Loop and the high-load corridor.

Council accepts green building plan

City Council accepted the City’s Green Building Plan. The document is one of the implementation plans for The Way We Green, Edmonton’s environmental strategic plan.  The Green Building Plan is a strategy for improving the environmental, health and socio-economic performance of all types of buildings in Edmonton. 

Council approves accessible taxi grant program

Council approved one-time $300,000 grant program to help 50 taxi drivers with purchase of newer model accessible van and the conversion into a wheelchair accessible taxi. The grant supports recent release of 50 new accessible taxi licences to increase community capacity and service.

 

For more information:

Melissa Lovatt

Corporate Communications

Title	Senior Communications Advisor
Telephone	780-944-5585 780-719-0544 (cell)