The Municipal Corporation of the Town of Fort Erie

Council-in-Budget Committee Minutes

Wednesday, November 15, 2023 at 6:00 P.m. - 7:00 P.m.

Council Chambers

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1.

Call to Order

Mayor Redekop called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.

2.

Roll Call

The Deputy Clerk gave the roll call.

Present: His Worship Mayor Redekop and Councillors Christensen, Dubanow, Flagg, Lewis, McDermott and Noyes

Staff: A. Carter, A. Herlovitch, J. Janzen, C. McQueen, C. Patton, and K. Walsh.

3.

Announcements/Addenda

None.

4.

Declarations of Pecuniary Interest

None.

5.

2024 Capital Budget

Chaired by: Councillor McDermott

5.1

Presentations

5.1.1

Jonathan Janzen, Director, Corporate Services

J. Janzen delivered a PowerPoint presentation and provided the following summary regarding the Capital Budget:
• Overview: Inputs & Process
• Budget Program Highlights
• Risks & Opportunities
• Next Steps
• Presentation Questions
• Capital Project Worksheets Review

5.2

Reports

5.2.1

2024 Capital Budget and 2025 to 2034 Forecast, CBC-01-2024

• Moved by: Councillor Lewis

  That: Council approves the 2024 Preliminary Capital Budget of $10,809,861 as per Appendix 1 to Report CBC-01-2024 and directs staff to submit the By-law for Council approval on December 18, 2023, and further

  That: Council defers approval of the balance of the 2024 Capital Budget of $16,413,800 as per Appendix 2 to Report CBC-01-2024 to February 26, 2024 with consideration of the 2024 General Levy Budget By-law, and further

  That: Council approves the exclusion of amortization from the 2024 Operating Budget as required by Ontario Regulation 284/09.
• Amendment:
  Moved by: Councillor Noyes

  That: The 2024 Preliminary Capital Budget Project DOGP23 Dog Park be decreased by $50,000 for one off-leash dog park in North Fort Erie.

  Carried
• Amendment:
  Moved by: Councillor Noyes

  That: The 2024 Preliminary Capital Budget Project FETC24 be amended to $250,000 over three years.

  Yes (1)	Councillor Noyes
  No (6)	Mayor Redekop, Councillor McDermott, Councillor Dubanow, Councillor Flagg, Councillor Christensen, and Councillor Lewis

  Lost
• Amendment:
  Moved by: Mayor Redekop

  That: The 2024 Preliminary Capital Budget Projects A16024, B06824, P15924, R13624, R13724 and U11724 be deferred to the December 6, 2023 Council-in-Budget Committee meeting to allow staff time to provide information regarding financing rationale and justification of purchases.

  Carried
• Recommendation 1
  Moved by: Councillor Lewis

  That: Council approves the 2024 Preliminary Capital Budget of $10,366,861, as amended, as per Appendix 1 to Report CBC-01-2024 and directs staff to submit the By-law for Council approval on December 18, 2023, and further

  That: Council defers approval of the balance of the 2024 Capital Budget of $16,413,800 as per Appendix 2 to Report CBC-01-2024 to February 26, 2024 with consideration of the 2024 General Levy Budget By-law, and further

  That: Council approves the exclusion of amortization from the 2024 Operating Budget as required by Ontario Regulation 284/09.

  Carried

6.

Next Council-in-Budget Meetings

6.1

Wednesday, December 6, 2023 - Water and Wastewater Budget and Rates and User Fees

6.2

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 - Fort Erie Library, Assessment Analysis and General Levy Operating Budget

6.3

Wednesday, February 7, 2024 - if required

7.

Adjournment

• Recommendation 2
  Moved by: Councillor Dubanow

  That: Council-in-Budget Committee adjourns at 9:02 p.m.

  Carried