MINUTES OF THE CITY OF LEDUC

COUNCIL MEETING

Monday, June 26, 2023 at 5:30 P.m. - 9:30 P.m.

Council Chambers, Leduc Civic Centre

1 Alexandra Park, Leduc, Alberta

Present:

• Mayor B. Young, 
• Councillor B. Beckett, 
• Councillor G. Finstad, 
• Councillor B. Hamilton, 
• Councillor L. Hansen, 
• Councillor R. Pollard, 
• and Councillor L. Tillack 

Also Present:

• D. Prohar, City Manager 
• and C. Belke, City Clerk 

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor B. Young called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.

    

2.

ADOPTION OF AGENDA

• MOVED by Councillor B. Hamilton

  That the agenda be adopted as amended by the addition of a Public Presentation by B. Thompson before Administration's presentation of agenda item 10.1.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

3.

PROPOSED CONSENT AGENDA ITEMS

• MOVED by Councillor B. Beckett

  That Council approve the proposed consent agenda and respective recommendations.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

  The following item was approved by consent agenda:

  4.1    Approval of Minutes of the Council Meeting held June 19, 2023

  
  

4.

ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES

4.1

Approval of Minutes of the Council Meeting held June 19, 2023

This item was passed by consent agenda.

   

• MOVED by Councillor B. Beckett

  That the minutes of the Council Meeting held June 19, 2023, be approved as presented.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

5.

RECOGNITION ITEMS

There were no Recognition Items for the agenda.

6.

PUBLIC HEARING

6.1

Bylaw No. 1148-2023 - Amendment to Bylaw No. 846-2014 - Speed Bylaw (Non-Statutory)

Mayor B. Young declared the Public Hearing for Bylaw No. 1148-2023 open at 5:32 pm.

Written Submissions:

No written submissions were received.

Presentations:

Administration

S. Olson, Director, Engineering and Environment, made a presentation and responded to questions from Council.

Other Presentations

B. Goodman spoke in opposition to the bylaw.

Mayor B. Young declared the Public Hearing for Bylaw No. 1148-2023 closed at 5:40 pm.

7.

PRESENTATIONS

There were no Presentations for the agenda.

8.

BUSINESS

There were no Business items for the agenda.

9.

BYLAWS

9.1

Bylaw No. 1148-2023 - Amendment to Bylaw No. 846-2014 - Speed Bylaw (2nd and 3rd Readings)

S. Olson, Director, Engineering and Environment, introduced the bylaw for consideration by Council.

   

• MOVED by Councillor R. Pollard

  That Council give Bylaw No. 1148-2023 second reading.

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• MOVED by Councillor B. Beckett

  That Council give Bylaw No. 1148-2023 third reading.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

       

  
  

9.2

Bylaw No. 1156-2023 – Amendments to Bylaw No. 1138-2022 – Fees 2023 Bylaw (1st, 2nd and 3rd Readings) (Transit Subsidy) (Procedural Correction)

C. Belke, City Clerk, presented the recommendations for consideration by Council.

• MOVED by Councillor G. Finstad

  That all readings of Bylaw No. 1156-2023 made on June 19, 2023, be rescinded.

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• MOVED by Councillor B. Hamilton

  That Council give Bylaw No. 1156-2023 first reading.

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• MOVED by Councillor R. Pollard

  That Council give Bylaw No. 1156-2023 second reading.

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• MOVED by Councillor G. Finstad

  That Council unanimously agree to consider three readings of Bylaw No. 1156-2023 in the same meeting.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

   

   

       

  
  
• MOVED by Councillor B. Beckett

  That Council give Bylaw No. 1156-2023 third reading.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

10.

UPDATES FROM BOARDS, COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS AND AUTHORITIES

10.1

Traffic Advisory Committee (TAC) 2023 Annual Update

B. Thompson, Leduc resident, shared his opinion with Council that the 44th Street gates at Lede Park should be permanently opened.

S. Olson, Director, Engineering and Environment, gave a PowerPoint presentation (attached to agenda) with the 2023 update from the Traffic Advisory Committee, including upgrades that the City implemented in the past year based on TAC recommendations, and new recommendations for Council's consideration, and responded to questions from Council.

• MOVED by Councillor L. Tillack

  That Council directs Administration to bring back Grant MacEwan multiway construction in the 2024 budget for consideration.

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• MOVED by Councillor G. Finstad

  That Council directs Administration to bring forward a road closure bylaw for 44th street for consideration.

  Opposed: (7)

  Mayor B. Young, Councillor B. Beckett, Councillor G. Finstad, Councillor B. Hamilton, Councillor L. Hansen, Councillor L. Tillack, and Councillor R. Pollard

  Motion Defeated

11.

INFORMATION REPORTS

There were no Information Reports for the agenda.

12.

COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE

12.1

Transit Update for June 26, 2023

K. Wenzel, Manager, Public Transportation, gave a PowerPoint presentation (attached to agenda) with the June 26, 2023 Transit Update, and responded to questions from Council.

    

12.2

2024-2026 Pre-Budget Session 2 (Infrastructure and Planning)

M. Pieters, General Manager, Infrastructure and Planning, gave a PowerPoint presentation (attached to agenda) on the 2024-2026 Pre-Budget Session 2.  M. Pieters along with S. Olson, Director, Engineering and Environment, R. Sereda, Director, Public Services, M. Hancharyk, Manager Environment, K. van Steenoven, Manager, Capital Projects and Developments, and K. Wenzel, Manager, Public Transportation, responded to questions from Council.

Mayor B. Young called a recess 7:03 pm.

The meeting reconvened at 7:12 pm.

    

13.

PUBLIC COMMENTARY

B. McDavid and L. McDavid, strongly expressed their opposition to several City initiatives, including Pride recognition.

Mayor B. Young called a recess at 7:25 pm.

The meeting resumed at 7:29 pm.

    

14.

CLOSED SESSION

• MOVED by Councillor R. Pollard

  That Council move into Closed Session at 7:35 pm per sections 17, 21, 23, 24, 25 and 27 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

14.1

Committee-of-the-Whole Closed Session

14.1.1

Community Group Update

FOIP s. 24

14.1.2

Intermunicipal Projects Update / Strategic Planning

FOIP s. 21, 23, 24 and 25

14.1.3

Personnel Matters Update for June 26, 2023

FOIP s. 17, 24 and 27

14.2

Council Closed Session

14.2.1

Council Code of Conduct Complaints

FOIP s. 17, 24 and 27

• MOVED by Councillor L. Tillack

  That Council move into Open Session at 8:30 pm.

  Motion Carried Unanimously

15.

RISE AND REPORT FROM CLOSED SESSION

15.1

Rise and Report from Committee-of-the-Whole Closed Session

15.1.1

Community Group Update

FOIP s. 24

Also in attendance:

Executive Committee

K. Wenzel, Manager, Public Transportation

C. Belke, City Clerk

M. Hormazabal, Deputy City Clerk

D. Melvie, General Manager, Community and Protective Services, provided an update on a community group in Leduc, and responded to questions from Council.

15.1.2

Intermunicipal Projects Update / Strategic Planning

FOIP s. 21, 23, 24 and 25

Also in attendance:

Executive Committee

K. Wenzel, Manager, Public Transportation

C. Belke, City Clerk

M. Hormazabal, Deputy City Clerk

M. Pieters, General Manager, Infrastructure and Planning, updated Council on intermunicipal projects and strategic planning.

15.1.3

Personnel Matters Update for June 26, 2023

FOIP s. 17, 24 and 27

Also in attendance:

D. Prohar, City Manager

G. Klenke, City Solicitor

K. McNeill, Director, Communications and Marketing Services

C. Belke, City Clerk

D. Prohar, City Manager, updated Council on personnel matters.

15.2

Rise and Report from Council Closed Session

15.2.1

Council Code of Conduct Complaints

FOIP s. 17, 24 and 27

Also in attendance:

Executive Committee

K. McNeill, Director Communications and Marketing Services

C. Belke, City Clerk

M. Hormazabal, Deputy City Clerk

C. Belke, City Clerk, provided procedural advice to Council and, along with G. Klenke, City Solicitor, responded to questions.

15.2.2

Resolutions Arising From Council Closed Session

Mayor B. Young declared that regarding the Code of Conduct allegations against him, he would recuse himself from participating on the basis that Council sanctions may result, which could present as a pecuniary interest.

Mayor B. Young handed over the Chair to Deputy Mayor G. Finstad.

Mayor B. Young left the meeting and left Council Chambers at 8:31 pm.

• MOVED by Councillor B. Hamilton

  WHEREAS the Council of the City of Leduc has enacted Bylaw 957-2017, the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw;

  AND WHEREAS the Bylaw establishes standards that Council Members are expected to meet in the discharge of their Council responsibilities;

  AND WHEREAS the Bylaw provides opportunities for individuals to submit a complaint if they reasonably believe, in good faith, that a member of Council has contravened the Council Code of Conduct;

  AND WHEREAS on February 14 and 15, 2023, two Council Code of Conduct complaints were submitted alleging that certain members of Council, including Mayor Bob Young, had contravened the Council Code of Conduct;

  AND WHEREAS an independent investigator was engaged to conduct a full review and investigation into the complaint;

  AND WHEREAS the independent investigator concluded that there were no contraventions of the Council Code of Conduct by Mayor Bob Young as alleged, and recommended that no action against Mayor Bob Young be taken;

  NOW THEREFORE the Council of the City of Leduc hereby dismisses the Council Code of Conduct complaint against Mayor Bob Young, as submitted on February 14 and 15, 2023.

  In Favour: (6)	Councillor B. Beckett, Councillor G. Finstad, Councillor B. Hamilton, Councillor L. Hansen, Councillor L. Tillack, and Councillor R. Pollard
  Abstain (1)	Mayor B. Young

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• Mayor B. Young returned to Council Chambers and rejoined the meeting at 8:34 pm.

  Deputy Mayor G. Finstad returned the Chair to Mayor B. Young.

  Councillor B. Beckett declared that regarding the Code of Conduct allegations against her, she would recuse herself from participating on the basis that Council sanctions may result, which could present as a pecuniary interest.

  Councillor B. Beckett left the meeting, and left Council Chambers at 8:35 pm.
• MOVED by Councillor R. Pollard

  WHEREAS the Council of the City of Leduc has enacted Bylaw 957-2017, the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw;

  AND WHEREAS the Bylaw establishes standards that Council Members are expected to meet in the discharge of their Council responsibilities;

  AND WHEREAS the Bylaw provides opportunities for individuals to submit a complaint if they reasonably believe, in good faith, that a member of Council has contravened the Council Code of Conduct;

  AND WHEREAS on February 15, 2023, a Council Code of Conduct complaint was submitted alleging that certain members of Council, including Councillor Beverly Beckett, had contravened the Council Code of Conduct;

  AND WHEREAS an independent investigator was engaged to conduct a full review and investigation into the complaint;

  AND WHEREAS the independent investigator concluded that there were no contraventions of the Council Code of Conduct by Councillor Beverly Beckett as alleged, and recommended that no action against Councillor Beverly Beckett be taken;

  NOW THEREFORE the Council of the City of Leduc hereby dismisses the Council Code of Conduct complaint against Councillor Beverly Beckett, as submitted on February 15, 2023.

  In Favour: (6)	Mayor B. Young, Councillor G. Finstad, Councillor B. Hamilton, Councillor L. Hansen, Councillor L. Tillack, and Councillor R. Pollard
  Abstain (1)	Councillor B. Beckett

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• Councillor B. Beckett returned to Council Chambers and rejoined the meeting at 8:37 pm.

  Councillor G. Finstad declared that regarding the Code of Conduct allegations against him, he would recuse himself from participating on the basis that Council sanctions may result, which could present as a pecuniary interest.

  Councillor G. Finstad left the meeting and left Council Chambers at 8:37 pm.
• MOVED by Councillor L. Tillack

  WHEREAS the Council of the City of Leduc has enacted Bylaw 957-2017, the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw;

  AND WHEREAS the Bylaw establishes standards that Council Members are expected to meet in the discharge of their Council responsibilities;

  AND WHEREAS the Bylaw provides opportunities for individuals to submit a complaint if they reasonably believe, in good faith, that a member of Council has contravened the Council Code of Conduct;

  AND WHEREAS on February 14, 2023, a Council Code of Conduct complaint was submitted alleging that certain members of Council, including Councillor Glen Finstad, had contravened the Council Code of Conduct;

  AND WHEREAS an independent investigator was engaged to conduct a full review and investigation into the complaint;

  AND WHEREAS the independent investigator concluded that there were no contraventions of the Council Code of Conduct by Councillor Glen Finstad as alleged, and recommended that no action against Councillor Glen Finstad be taken;

  NOW THEREFORE the Council of the City of Leduc hereby dismisses the Council Code of Conduct complaint against Councillor Glen Finstad, as submitted on February 14, 2023.

  In Favour: (6)	Mayor B. Young, Councillor B. Beckett, Councillor B. Hamilton, Councillor L. Hansen, Councillor L. Tillack, and Councillor R. Pollard
  Abstain (1)	Councillor G. Finstad

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• Councillor G. Finstad returned to Council Chambers and rejoined the meeting at 8:38 pm.

  Councillor L. Hansen declared that regarding the Code of Conduct allegations against him, he would recuse himself from participating on the basis that Council sanctions may result, which could present as a pecuniary interest.

  Councillor L. Hansen left the meeting and left Council Chambers at 8:38 pm.
• MOVED by Councillor G. Finstad

  WHEREAS the Council of the City of Leduc has enacted Bylaw 957-2017, the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw;

  AND WHEREAS the Bylaw establishes standards that Council Members are expected to meet in the discharge of their Council responsibilities;

  AND WHEREAS the Bylaw provides opportunities for individuals to submit a complaint if they reasonably believe, in good faith, that a member of Council has contravened the Council Code of Conduct;

  AND WHEREAS on February 15, 2023, a Council Code of Conduct complaint was submitted alleging that certain members of Council, including Councillor Lars Hansen, had contravened the Council Code of Conduct;

  AND WHEREAS an independent investigator was engaged to conduct a full review and investigation into the complaint;

  AND WHEREAS the independent investigator concluded that there were no contraventions of the Council Code of Conduct by Councillor Lars Hansen as alleged, and recommended that no action against Councillor Lars Hansen be taken;

  NOW THEREFORE the Council of the City of Leduc hereby dismisses the Council Code of Conduct complaint against Councillor Lars Hansen, as submitted on February 15, 2023.   

  In Favour: (6)	Mayor B. Young, Councillor B. Beckett, Councillor G. Finstad, Councillor B. Hamilton, Councillor L. Tillack, and Councillor R. Pollard
  Abstain (1)	Councillor L. Hansen

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• Councillor L. Hansen returned to Council Chambers and rejoined the meeting at 8:39 pm.

  Councillor R. Pollard declared that regarding the Code of Conduct allegations against him, he would recuse himself from participating on the basis that Council sanctions may result, which could present as a pecuniary interest.

  Councillor R. Pollard left the meeting and left Council Chambers at 8:41 pm.

     
• MOVED by Councillor B. Beckett

  WHEREAS the Council of the City of Leduc has enacted Bylaw 957-2017, the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw;

  AND WHEREAS the Bylaw establishes standards that Council Members are expected to meet in the discharge of their Council responsibilities;

  AND WHEREAS the Bylaw provides opportunities for individuals to submit a complaint if they reasonably believe, in good faith, that a member of Council has contravened the Council Code of Conduct;

  AND WHEREAS on February 14 and 15, 2023, two Council Code of Conduct complaints were submitted alleging that certain members of Council, including Councillor Ryan Pollard, had contravened the Council Code of Conduct;

  AND WHEREAS an independent investigator was engaged to conduct a full review and investigation into the complaint;

  AND WHEREAS the independent investigator concluded that there were no contraventions of the Council Code of Conduct by Councillor Ryan Pollard as alleged, and recommended that no action against Councillor Ryan Pollard be taken;

  NOW THEREFORE the Council of the City of Leduc hereby dismisses the Council Code of Conduct complaint against Councillor Ryan Pollard, as submitted on February 14 and 15, 2023. 

        

  In Favour: (6)	Mayor B. Young, Councillor B. Beckett, Councillor G. Finstad, Councillor B. Hamilton, Councillor L. Hansen, and Councillor L. Tillack
  Abstain (1)	Councillor R. Pollard

  Motion Carried Unanimously
• Councillor R. Pollard returned to Council Chambers and rejoined the meeting at 8:42 pm.

16.

ADJOURNMENT

The Council meeting adjourned at 8:42 pm.