Council Recap: Monday, December 17, 2018

Monday was our third formal meeting of council. 

We have been busy for a number of weeks in informal sessions gaining knowledge of the budgeting process and what may be the greatest areas of need when we deliberate the budget in January. I’m looking forward to this. I know it might sound a bit odd to be looking forward to two full days of budget sessions and presentations, but I truly feel council should bring informed value to this process. I’m doing everything I can to gain as much knowledge prior to our deliberations to be sure I’m ready to make informed decisions on behalf of the residents of the University ward, and the City of Brandon. I look forward to this aspect of my time on council.

Last night’s meeting was a fairly full agenda. The City of Brandon was finally able to move forward on development charges (By-law No. 7175). DC’s as they are often referred to are collected from members of the development community to partially fund development and future growth in the city. The initial ask from staff was to implement the Development Charge structure for May 1, 2019, but after some consideration by council, we chose to alter the implementation date to honour past consultations on the charges. The new development charge structure will come to bear July 1, 2019.  

Also as part of the meeting council was able to receive an update on the request for funds through the Accommodation Tax Reserve. Brandon University’s bid to host the 2021 U-Sport Men’s Volleyball National Championship was successful. Initially the Bobcats were hoping to host in 2020, but were asked by the bid committee to be the host of the 2021 nationals instead. This money had previously been approved so their presentation to council was to update the members and gain approval on a new date. 

As part of this meeting their were a number of bylaws past, one with significance to the residents of the University ward.  Bylaw No.  7221 will see the closure of a portion of 20th street north of Victoria Ave. and the sale to the property owner of 2021 Victoria Avenue for the purchase price of $1.00. This short piece of property led into Brandon University but has been an unused part of their parking structure for the building on Victoria Ave. for a number of years. All costs associated with the closure and subsequent redevelopment will be handled by the University. You can read more about it here. 

Another item of significance was the awarding of the contract on the 34th street expansion. This will see 34th street expanded over the tracks to join with the western most point of McDonald Ave. I was appreciative of my colleagues, Councillors Loregio and Councillor Cullen for speaking to my motion on the expansion, as we have a great deal of concern with regards to the state of the road on McDonald Ave. I will continue to bring this to the attention of city management as this has become an increasing concern with water main breaks in the area. If you have had any issues with water along McDonald, I welcome you to bring them to my attention. Give me a call at (204) 724-0334 or email ward4@brandon.ca. The piping is scheduled for complete replacement coinciding with the development of the golf course property (approximately 2021). 

Lastly, we are still seeking feedback on what is important to you when it comes to recreation it would be greatly appreciated. This helps the City of Brandon shape the development of their new recreation plan. Follow the link to provide your feedback.

3 of 88 in the books. That is all for now.

Video of our meeting can be found below. Included in this meeting was council’s annual holiday carol! Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (fast forward to the end)! 

Want to receive regular updates on items pertaining to Ward 4, University and council? Follow the link to subscribe.

On anything presented here, feel free to reach out if you have questions or comments. I’m always open to hearing what you have to say.