2023-11-08 Finance Committee Minutes - Open SessionFinance Committee Meeting
Open Session
November 8, 2023
MINUTES — OPEN SESSION FINANCE COMMITTEE MEETING
NOVEMBER 8, 2023 AT 4:10 PM
MEETING CONDUCTED THROUGH ELECTRONIC PARTICIPATION
Present: Councillor G. Sullivan
Mayor D. Noade Reardon
Councillor P. Radwan
Councillor G. Norton
Councillor D. Hickey
Also
Present: Commissioner of Finance and Treasurer/ Acting CAO K. Fudge
Commissioner Human Resources S. Hossack
Commissioner Utilities & Infrastructure I. Fogan
Acting Commissioner Growth and Community Development A. Poffenroth
Commissioner Public Works and Transportation M. Hugenholtz
Fire Chief K. Clifford
Financial Controller C. Lavigne
Director Financial Services J. Forgie
Director Transit and Fleet I. MacKinnon
Director Saint John Water M. Kendall
Director Public Works T. O'Reilly
Director Growth and Community Planning D. Dobbelsteyn
Senior Manager Community Support Services C. Coes
Manager Community Planning J. Kirchner
Intermediate Accountant V. Parikh
Deputy Clerk P. Anglin
Administrative Assistant A. MacLean
Meetina Called to Order
Councillor Sullivan called the Finance Committee open session meeting to order.
Mayor Noade Reardon joined the meeting.
2. ADDroval of Minutes
2.1 Minutes of October 26, 2023
Moved by Councillor Hickey, seconded by Councillor Norton:
RESOLVED that the minutes of October 26, 2023 be approved.
MOTION CARRIED.
3. Approval of Agenda
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Hickey:
RESOLVED that the agenda of November 8, 2023 be approved.
MOTION CARRIED.
4. Disclosures of Conflict of Interest
No disclosures.
Finance Committee Meeting
Open Session
November 8, 2023
5. Consent Agenda
6. Business Matters
6.1 Draft 2024 Utilitv Fund Operatina Budaet
Reviewing the submitted presentation 2024 Utility Fund Budget Timeline, Commissioner Fogan
provided an overview of the 2024 budget. He highlighted that there will be no proposed increase
for flat rate customers or metered customers, with the flat rate of $1,428 for the past 6 years.
The rate stabilization was achieved by the ongoing focus on significant cost reductions and is
allowing the Utility to mitigate the current economic pressures. Commissioner Fogan stated that
due to increasing costs for goods, the Utility faces risk with continued cost cutting measures
without impacting the level of service.
Moved by Councillor Hickey, seconded by Mayor Noade Reardon:
RESOLVED that 2024 Utility Fund Operating Budget presentation be received for information
and any questions be directed to staff.
MOTION CARRIED.
6.2 Reauest to Adiust 2023 Heritaae Grant Budaet
Referring to the submitted report Request for Supplementary Heritage Grant Funding, Manager
Kirchner stated that the inflationary pressures, increasing costs of products, and increasing
developer/construction service prices make it challenging for the owners of heritage homes to
maintain them. New applications are coming in and a waitlist has been created. Staff believe
that the extra funding should be able to help cover the initial projects that have been submitted
to keep benefitting citizens who may face the repair and maintenance challenges while owning
a heritage home.
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Norton:
RESOLVED that Finance Committee recommends Common Council approves the following:
Amend the 2023 General Operating Budget to reallocate $30,000 from Unspecified Grants to
Heritage Grants, with no overall change to the overall 2023 General Operating Budget.
MOTION CARRIED
6.3 2024 Draft General Fund Operatina Budaet
Reviewing the submitted presentation 2024 Draft General Fund Operating Budget,
Commissioner Fudge provided an overview of the 2024 budget which included service levels,
enhancements, initiatives, affordable housing priorities, revenues highlights, Wage Escalation
policy, General Fund Operating Budget for service areas, long term debt and fair taxation. He
stated that staff will be seeking feedback from the Finance Committee on the 2024 budget,
before the final recommendation will be brought before the Common Council for consideration
Moved by Councillor Radwan, seconded by Councillor Hickey:
RESOLVED that the Finance Committee:
1. Reflect upon the proposed 2024 General Fund Operating Budget and direct questions to
staff.
2. 2024 Draft General Fund Operating Budget presentation be received for information.
MOTION CARRIED.
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Hickey:
RESOLVED that the Finance Committee recommends Common Council send a letter to the
provincial government and municipal associations regarding municipal tax reform.
MOTION CARRIED.
7. Adjournment
Moved by Mayor Noade Reardon, seconded by Councillor Radwan:
RESOLVED that the Finance Committee meeting be adjourned.
Finance Committee Meeting
Open Session
November 8, 2023
MOTION CARRIED.
The Finance Committee open session meeting held on November 08, 2023 was adjourned at
5:51 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Anna MacLean, Recording Secretary