Brooks public meetings in 2024

City Council

City Council will decide on the 2025 Tax Supported Operating Budget ($24,858,900), Rate Supported Operating Budget ($8,676,380), and Capital Budget ($5,328,362). They will also consider designating Magnetsigns Brooks as an authorized sign distributor, approving a Grants to Organizations policy, and reappointing John Arvie Diaz to the Safe Communities Committee. Bylaw 24/26 to establish a Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee will be introduced for first reading.

• 2025 Tax Supported Operating Budget approval: $24,858,900
• 2025 Rate Supported Operating Budget approval: $8,676,380
• 2025 Capital Budget and funding sources: $5,328,362
• Designate Magnetsigns Brooks as authorized sign distributor under Portable Sign Bylaw 21/09
• First reading of Bylaw 24/26 to establish Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee

Council approved the 2025 tax-supported operating budget of $24,858,900, the rate-supported operating budget of $8,676,380, and the capital budget of $5,328,362. They also accepted the three-year operating forecast as information. Other actions included designating Magnetsigns Brooks as an authorized sign distributor, approving the Grants to Organizations policy, and reappointing John Arvie Diaz to the Safe Communities Committee.

• Approved 2025 tax-supported operating budget of $24,858,900
• Approved 2025 rate-supported operating budget of $8,676,380
• Approved 2025 capital budget of $5,328,362
• Accepted three-year operating forecast as information
• Designated Magnetsigns Brooks as authorized sign distributor
• Approved Policy F-001-001 Grants to Organizations
• Reappointed John Arvie Diaz to Safe Communities Committee for second three-year term
• Introduced Bylaw 24/26 to establish Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee (first reading)

City Council

Brooks City Council is meeting to review the 2025 operating budget, including base budget changes that would result in a 5.03% tax rate increase. Council will discuss additional funding requests, decision packages for capital projects, and a three-year operating budget forecast for 2026–2028. Key items include RCMP cost increases, grants to organizations, and proposed capital projects such as railroad crossing replacement and park improvements.

• RCMP cost increases: $186,500 for 90% cost share, $282,000 annual change, $50,000 municipal decrease
• Base budget changes total $715,091, driving a 5.03% tax rate increase
• Decision packages include $254,614 for 7th Street E railroad crossing replacement and $50,000 for Griffin Park tennis court resurfacing
• Additional operating grants requested: $35,000 increase to Oldman River Regional Services Commission and $15,938 for Brooks Public Library
• Discussion of three-year operating budget forecast for 2026–2028

Council Committee

The Brooks Council Committee will discuss and review several items including a proposed bylaw to establish a Welcoming and Inclusive Community (WIC) Committee, updates to the Grants to Organizations policy, and the Q3 Municipal Enforcement report showing 800 citations and 217 warnings. Other items include the future location of soccer fields, 2025 arena ice installation dates, and an authorized sign distributor agreement.

• Bylaw 24/26 to establish a Welcoming and Inclusive Community (WIC) Committee
• Review of Policy F-001-001 (Grants to Organizations) including annual and community support grants
• Q3 Municipal Enforcement Report: 800 citations and 217 warnings issued
• Future location of soccer fields with proposed field sizes (U7 to U12)
• Arena ice installation dates for 2025

Council Committee supported the development of soccer fields by the Grasslands Soccer Association on a 17-acre city-owned parcel south of the Regional Ball Park. The committee also approved forwarding a new Grants to Organizations Policy to Council with amendments, and directed Administration to bring Bylaw 24/26 for first reading. Arena ice installation dates for 2025 were accepted as information.

• Supported SE-33-18-14-4 parcel for soccer field development by Grasslands Soccer Association
• Approved Grants to Organizations Policy (Option 1) with amendments, directed to Council
• Directed Administration to bring Bylaw 24/26 to Council for first reading
• Directed Administration to bring Authorized Sign Distributor request to Dec 16 Council meeting
• Accepted 2025 arena ice installation dates as information

City Council

The City Council is meeting to review and discuss the 2025 Operating Budgets (tax-supported and rate-supported), decision packages, and an environmental and fiscal update. The meeting is informed by the 2025 Budget Survey, which gathered resident feedback on priorities such as policing, snow removal, road maintenance, and recreation. Council will use this input to shape the final budget.

• 2025 Operating Budget – Tax Supported
• 2025 Operating Budget – Rate Supported
• 2025 Decision Packages
• Budget Survey results showing top resident priorities for increased service levels (RCMP/policing, snow/ice removal, storm water, road maintenance, recreation)
• Environmental and Fiscal Update

City Council

Council will hold two public hearings at 5:00 PM on Bylaws 24/31 and 24/32 to amend the Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan and Land Use Bylaw. It will then consider second and third readings of those bylaws. Also, Bylaw 24/33 on municipal elections will be introduced and possibly given three readings, setting advance voting dates and institutional voting locations. Council will also receive an update from the Brooks Health Foundation.

• Public hearing for Bylaw 24/31 (amendment to Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan Bylaw 13/12)
• Public hearing for Bylaw 24/32 (amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12)
• Bylaw 24/26 to establish a Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee (first reading)
• Bylaw 24/33 to establish municipal election rules, with advance voting on Oct 4 and Oct 18, 2025, and institutional voting stations at Brooks Health Centre, Extended Care, Newbrook Lodge, Orchard Manor, Pioneer Villa Courts, and Sunrise Gardens
• Cancellation of the October 20, 2025 Council meeting

Council held public hearings and adopted Bylaw 24/31 and Bylaw 24/32, which amend the Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan and Land Use Bylaw to redesignate a property (Plan 0512323 Block 6 Lot 1) from residential to commercial to allow a mixed-use building with commercial and residential space. Council also adopted Bylaw 24/33, establishing rules for municipal elections, and set dates and locations for the 2025 advance vote. No public comments were received at the hearings.

• Adopted Bylaw 24/31 amending Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan (carried)
• Adopted Bylaw 24/32 rezoning Plan 0512323 Block 6 Lot 1 to Commercial General (carried)
• Adopted Bylaw 24/33 Municipal Election Bylaw (carried unanimously)
• Set 2025 advance vote for Oct 4 and Oct 18, 12-6 p.m. at Cenovus Flex Hall (carried)
• Established institutional voting stations at six locations (carried)
• Cancelled Oct 20, 2025 Council meeting (carried)

Council Committee

The Council Committee is reviewing a proposed bylaw to create a Welcoming and Inclusive Community (WIC) Committee to advise on diversity and inclusion. The body will also discuss international challenge recommendations for Communities in Bloom and a confidential land matter.

• Bylaw 24/26 to establish a 10-15 member Welcoming and Inclusive Community Committee
• Review of Brooks Regional Communities in Bloom international challenge recommendations
• Confidential discussion regarding a land matter

Council Committee directed administration to bring Bylaw 24/26, establishing a diversity, equity and inclusion committee, to a future Regular Council Meeting for first reading. The committee also heard recommendations from Brooks Regional Communities in Bloom, including not participating in the 2025 International Competition, and discussed a potential flag park and fruit orchard project. No formal decisions were made on the Communities in Bloom items.

• Directed administration to bring Bylaw 24/26 (WIC Committee) to a future Regular Council Meeting for first reading
• Closed meeting to the public for land, contracted service, and third-party business interest items (motion carried)
• Moved out of closed session at 6:36 p.m. (motion carried)
• Adjourned meeting at 6:36 p.m. (motion carried)

City Council

City Council is meeting to discuss the 2024 Third Quarter Variance Report and 2025 Council Remuneration. The body will also introduce amendments to the Land Use Bylaw and the Southeast Area Structure Plan.

• Bylaw 24/31: Amendment to Southeast Area Structure Plan Bylaw 13/12
• Bylaw 24/32: Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12
• Public hearings for Bylaws 24/31 and 24/32 scheduled for December 2, 2024
• 2024 Third Quarter Variance Report
• Proclamations for International Day of Persons with Different Abilities and Living Wage Week

Council approved two policies (expense reimbursement and employee appreciation/wellness), proclaimed December 3 as International Day of Persons with Different Abilities and Nov 18-24 as Living Wage Week, and directed land sale/off-site levy funds to reserves. It also gave first reading to two bylaws (Southeast Area Structure Plan amendment and Land Use Bylaw amendment) and scheduled a joint public hearing for December 2, 2024. All motions carried unanimously.

• Approved Policy L-001-007(L) Reimbursement of Expenses Policy
• Approved Policy F-002-025(E) Employee Appreciation and Wellness Policy
• Proclaimed Dec 3, 2024 as International Day of Persons with Different Abilities
• Proclaimed Nov 18-24, 2024 as Living Wage Week
• Directed 2024 land sales and off-site levy monies to appropriate reserves
• Accepted 2024 Third Quarter Variance Report as information
• Gave first reading to Bylaw 24/31 (Southeast Area Structure Plan amendment)
• Gave first reading to Bylaw 24/32 (Land Use Bylaw amendment)

Council Committee

The committee will discuss the 2025 Council Remuneration Report, which recommends a 2.5% annual salary increase for the mayor (to $72,000 in 2025) and councillors (to $30,000), plus per diem changes. Other items include a speed limit change, a bylaw requiring criminal record checks for election candidates, and reports on strategic focus areas and provincial legislation. Three confidential land matters and one inter‑municipal relations item will be discussed in closed session.

• Remuneration report: mayor salary proposed at $72,000 (Nov 1, 2025) with 2.5% annual increases, councillor salary at $30,000 with 2.5% annual increases, per diem rates set ($80/$145/$285), and expense policy changes
• Speed limit change – staff report for discussion and possible recommendation
• Election Candidate Criminal Record Check Bylaw 24/33 – public hearing and committee action recommendation
• Council Strategic Focus Areas 2021–2025 – review and discussion of progress
• Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act 2024 – information report

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will consider four development applications, including a proposed apartment building with commercial main-floor uses and variances for parking and height. Also on the agenda are a new public works building, a shipping container use, and a change of use to personal services. The commission will also approve minutes and receive a list of development permits issued in October.

• 24-D-89: Apartment building with commercial ground floor, parking and height variances (Lot 1, Block 6, Plan 0512323, Cira Homes/EFG Architects)
• 24-D-95: New public works building at 204 7 Street East (permitted use, no variances)
• 24-D-91: Discretionary use for shipping containers at 1260 Cassils Place East
• 24-D-96: Change of use from repair shop to personal services at Bay 3 - 775 Sutherland Drive East
• Approval of minutes from October 2, 2024 and receipt of development permits issued October 2024

City Council

Council will vote on adopting the 2025 Budget Guidelines and Timelines, and decide on grant applications for a wastewater treatment plant project and runway lighting replacement at Brooks Regional Airport. A donation request from Brooks Minor Hockey Association and an appointment to the Municipal Planning Commission are also on the agenda. A proclamation for International Day for Tolerance is scheduled.

• Adoption of 2025 Budget Guidelines and Timelines
• Application for Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership grant for a Wastewater Treatment Plant project
• Application for Community Airport Program grant under Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program for Brooks Regional Airport runway lighting replacement
• Appointment of Duane Perkins to Municipal Planning Commission for a two-year term
• Donation request from Brooks Minor Hockey Association for up to 60 youth recreation passes per tournament for three seasons

Council adopted the 2025 Budget Guidelines and Timelines, approved a donation of up to 60 youth recreation passes per tournament for Brooks Minor Hockey Association, and authorized grant applications for a wastewater treatment plant project and airport runway lighting replacement. All motions carried unanimously.

• Adopted 2025 Budget Guidelines and Timelines
• Approved donation of up to 60 youth recreation passes per tournament for Brooks Minor Hockey Association (2024/25-2026/27)
• Approved application for Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership grant for Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
• Approved application for Community Airport Program funds for Brooks Regional Airport runway lighting replacement ($54,888.09 from Airport Reserve)
• Proclaimed November 16, 2024 as International Day for Tolerance
• Appointed Duane Perkins to Municipal Planning Commission for two-year term

Council Committee

This Council Committee meeting will review and discuss the 2025 Street Improvement Program and Work Plan, the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership Grant (report to follow), and the Council Strategic Focus Areas 2021-2025. Two items are held confidential: a land matter and intermunicipal relations. The street program includes specific road overlays and concrete work estimated at over $2 million per year for five years.

• 2025 Street Improvement Program: 1st Avenue overlay from 3rd Street East to 7th Street East ($536,252), 4th Avenue from 3rd Street West to 10th Street West ($611,795), and other streets totaling $2,012,021 for 2025.
• Multi-year street plan: 2026 projects include 1 Street East, Centre Street, 7 Street East ($1,868,124); 2027 includes Prairie Meadows Close, Industrial Road, Ingram Park Drive ($1,856,349); 2028 includes Young Road West, Beamish Park Drive ($2,014,485); 2029 includes Pleasant Park Road, Coultis Court ($1,850,697).
• Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership Grant – report to follow, to review and discuss.
• Council Strategic Focus Areas 2021-2025 update including physician/veterinarian recruitment, public transportation options exploration, waste diversion, arts and culture spaces, and community policing mix.
• Confidential items: Land Matter (Section 16 FOIP) and Intermunicipal Relations (Section 21 FOIP).

Council Committee directed Administration to bring a recommendation to the November 4, 2024 Regular Council Meeting to apply for an Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP) grant for a new wastewater treatment system. The committee also accepted the five-year Street Improvement Program Work Plan as information and supported exploring a commercial cardboard recycling bylaw. The meeting closed to the public for land and intermunicipal relations matters.

• Directed Administration to bring AMWWP grant application recommendation to Nov 4 Council meeting
• Accepted five-year Street Improvement Program Work Plan as information
• Directed Administration to proceed with 2025 Street Improvement Program scope
• Supported Administration exploring commercial cardboard recycling bylaw
• Closed meeting to public for land and intermunicipal relations items

City Council

City Council held an organizational meeting to establish leadership roles and committee assignments for 2024/2025. The body appointed a Deputy Mayor, an Acting Mayor, and assigned councillors to various local and regional boards.

• Appointment of Joel Goodnough as Deputy Mayor
• Appointment of Mohammed Idriss as Acting Mayor
• Council appointments to the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC)
• Council appointments to the Intermunicipal Development Plan Committee (IMDP)
• Council appointments to the Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC)

The City of Brooks Council held its organizational meeting and made appointments for the 2024/2025 term. Councillor Joel Goodnough was appointed Deputy Mayor, and Councillor Mohammed Idriss was appointed Acting Mayor. Council also approved the full slate of board, committee, and commission appointments, and authorized signing authority for specified officials. The meeting was procedural, with no other substantive decisions.

• Appointed Joel Goodnough as Deputy Mayor for 2024/2025 (carried)
• Appointed Mohammed Idriss as Acting Mayor for 2024/2025 (carried)
• Approved 2024/2025 board, committee, and commission appointments (carried)
• Authorized Mayor, Deputy Mayor, Acting Mayor, and senior staff as signing authority (carried)

City Council

City Council will hold a public hearing and consider the adoption of Bylaw 24/25 to amend Land Use Bylaw 14/12. The meeting also includes appointments to the Safe Communities Committee and the Brooks and District Recreation and Parks Board.

• Public hearing for Bylaw 24/25 (Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12)
• Appointment of Laura Lukye to the Safe Communities Committee
• Reappointment of Patti Jones to the Brooks and District Recreation and Parks Board
• Review of September 2024 RCMP report
• Adoption of Bylaw 24/25

Council held a public hearing and then gave second and third reading to Bylaw 24/25, which amends the Land Use Bylaw to redesignate 23.35 acres of the Old Rodeo Grounds from Public Recreation and Open Space (P-OS) to Public and Quasi-Public Service (P-PS), allowing a future Catholic high school. The motion for third reading carried 5-2, with Councillors Idriss and Wardrop voting against. Council also approved two committee appointments and accepted the September 2024 RCMP report as information.

• Adopted Bylaw 24/25 (third reading) to rezone Old Rodeo Grounds for school use (5-2)
• Gave Bylaw 24/25 second reading (carried)
• Appointed Laura Lukye to Safe Communities Committee for 3-year term (carried)
• Reappointed Patti Jones to Recreation and Parks Board for 2-year term (carried)
• Accepted September 2024 RCMP Report as information (carried)
• Approved minutes of October 7, 2024 meeting (carried)

Council Committee

The Brooks Council Committee will review and discuss the final concept design report for the skatepark redevelopment (for information only), a progress update on the Council Strategic Focus Areas 2021-2025 workplan, and a proposal regarding portable signs for elections. The strategic focus areas update includes status reports on economic growth, affordable housing, and future development projects.

• Skatepark Redevelopment Final Concept Design Report presented by Trevor Morgan Design
• Council Strategic Focus Areas 2021-2025 workplan progress update
• Portable Signs regulation discussion related to elections
• Brownfield and vacant lot development, including Old Rodeo Grounds land committed to Catholic school
• Affordable housing initiatives including partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and land incentives

City Council

City Council will discuss proposed updates to Building, Development and Planning Application Fees. The body is also reviewing an amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12 and several board appointments.

• Proposed Building, Development and Planning Application Fees effective November 1, 2024
• Public hearing set for October 21, 2024, regarding Bylaw 24/25 (Amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12)
• Termination of Jim Third's appointment to the Municipal Planning Commission
• Reappointment of Sarah Zottl to the Brooks Library Board
• Proclamations for Women’s History Month, International Day of the Fight Against Breast Cancer, and others

Municipal Planning Commission

The Brooks Municipal Planning Commission will meet on October 2, 2024, to consider a discretionary use application (24-D-84) to change an education facility to a daycare at 1308 2A Street West. The commission will also receive a list of development permits issued in September 2024. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and media questions.

• Discretionary use application 24-D-84: Change of use from education facility to daycare at 1308 2A Street West (Lots 1-2, Block 2, Plan 7711348, Zone C-G)
• Report on development permits issued September 2024

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission is meeting to discuss several development applications, including a change of use for a business and new residential builds. The body will also discuss whether future meetings should be held in-person at City Hall or virtually via Zoom.

• The Pack Ltd. (24-D-78): Change of use from Light Manufacturing to Kenneling at 328 8 Street East
• Kumar Homes Ltd. (24-D-80): New attached housing (2 units) and secondary suites at 1508-1510 2 Avenue East
• Wembley Homes (24-D-82): Multi-unit dwelling (8-plex) at 264-268 16 Street East
• Wembley Homes (24-D-83): Multi-unit dwelling (8-plex) at 335-339 16 Street East

Municipal Planning Commission

The Brooks Municipal Planning Commission voted to approve a development application for an eight-unit multi-dwelling at 311 and 315 16 Street East, with a reduced parking requirement of seven stalls instead of the usual twelve. The decision included 13 conditions, such as lot consolidation and payment of offsite levies. Commissioners also accepted a summary of development permits issued in July 2024 as information.

• Approved 8-plex (multi-unit dwelling) at 311 and 315 16 Street East (Lots 4-5, Block 10, Plan 9813007)
• Parking requirement reduced from 12 to 7 stalls, with stacked parking allowed per Land Use Bylaw 14/12
• Adjacent property owner opposed the parking variance in person at City Hall
• Conditions include lot consolidation, offsite levies (Bylaw 21/24), and safety codes permits
• Media question clarified that future redesigns may require a new MPC application

The Municipal Planning Commission approved a parking variance for Kumar Homes Ltd. at 1504-1506 2 Avenue East, reducing the required parking from 6 to 4 stalls. The approval includes conditions such as drainage requirements, submission of energy code details, new home warranty, and fire safety plan before building permits are issued. A resident opposed the variance, citing concerns about traffic and mailbox placement.

• Approved parking variance for Kumar Homes Ltd. (24-D-77) reducing parking from 6 to 4 stalls
• Approved new attached housing (2 units) with secondary suites at 1504-1506 2 Avenue East
• Imposed conditions including drainage, energy code, warranty, and fire safety plan submissions

City Council

Council will decide on awarding a $457,250 contract for the Sunnylea Lift Station generator replacement to Spider Electric Ltd., approve a tax sale scheduled for November 25, 2024, and give second and third reading to Bylaw 24/21 authorizing a franchise agreement with ATCO Gas. Also on the agenda are a proclamation for Truth and Reconciliation Day, a reappointment to the Municipal Planning Commission, and appointments for a Community Peace Officer as Licence Inspector, Inspector under the Weed Control Act, Development Officer, and Pest Inspector.

• Award of Sunnylea Lift Station generator replacement to Spider Electric Ltd. for $457,250.00 from the Sanitary Sewer Reserve
• Tax sale of properties set for November 25, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. in Council Chambers with minimum 10% deposit
• Bylaw 24/21 – second and third reading to authorize an agreement with ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd.
• Proclamation of September 30, 2024 as Truth and Reconciliation Day in Brooks
• Reappointment of Dave Zukowski to the Municipal Planning Commission for a third term ending October 19, 2026

Council Committee

The Brooks Council Committee will discuss and potentially take action on several items, including a bylaw to establish a Welcoming Inclusive Committee, park renaming criteria, and a speed change in an alley. Information items include the Grasslands Regional FCSS strategic plan, a Q2 2024 municipal enforcement report (340 citations), and a traffic bylaw fine comparison.

• Grasslands Regional FCSS strategic plan 2024-2028 (for information)
• Q2 2024 municipal enforcement report — 340 citations total (for information)
• Traffic Bylaw fine comparison (for information)
• Park renaming criteria (committee action recommendation)
• Welcoming Inclusive Committee (WIC) bylaw (committee action recommendation)

City Council

The council will vote on several proclamations, a $14,925 membership with the Palliser Economic Partnership, and appointments of development officers. They will also consider three readings for a Youth Advisory Committee Bylaw (24/24) and a School Reserve Bylaw (24/27), and introduce a Land Use Bylaw amendment (24/25) with a public hearing set for September 16. A closed session on a confidential land matter is scheduled.

• $14,925 membership with Palliser Economic Partnership funded from the Joint Shared Services Committee budget
• Bylaw 24/24 to establish a Youth Advisory Committee given three readings
• Bylaw 24/25 amendment to Land Use Bylaw 14/12 with a public hearing on September 16, 2024
• Bylaw 24/27 designating a parcel of land as School Reserve
• Appointment of Bailee Boulet and Bryce Mackan as Development Officers and Licence Inspectors

Council gave three readings to Bylaw 24/28, amending the Lane Closure Bylaw 22/10 to correct a clerical error, and adopted it unanimously. Bylaw 24/27, designating land as School Reserve, received first and second readings but a motion to give it three readings at this meeting was defeated, so it remains pending.

• Adopted Bylaw 24/28, amending Lane Closure Bylaw 22/10 (unanimous)
• Gave first reading to Bylaw 24/27 (School Reserve designation)
• Gave second reading to Bylaw 24/27
• Defeated motion to give Bylaw 24/27 three readings at this meeting

Council Committee

The Council Committee will discuss and consider several items, including a request from the Grasslands Soccer Association for a long-term lease on land for soccer fields, a request from the Brooks Lacrosse Association for reduced facility fees due to a tournament shortfall, a bylaw from the Youth Advisory Committee, and two confidential matters. No decisions are recorded; all items are either for information or committee action recommendation.

• Grasslands Soccer Association requests a low-cost, 99-year lease for land to build and maintain soccer fields (options include Old Rodeo Ground, Meadowbrook, and others)
• Brooks Lacrosse Association asks for reduced floor time costs after the Macdonald Cup tournament had a $7,500 shortfall due to fewer teams
• Youth Advisory Committee Bylaw 24/24 is presented for review and discussion
• Brooks Bandits delegation and invoice request (PBR invoice) are listed for discussion
• Two items are held confidential under FOIP Sections 16 (land) and 17 (personnel)

Council Committee denied the Brooks Bandits' request to waive or reduce the PBR Rodeo ice removal invoice, despite the team's volunteer labour. The committee also referred soccer field options back to Administration, directed Administration to request financial statements from the Southern Alberta Chaos lacrosse organization, and directed changes to the Youth Advisory Committee Bylaw.

• Denied Brooks Bandits' request to waive or reduce PBR invoice
• Referred soccer field options back to Administration for future meeting
• Directed Administration to request audited financial statement from Southern Alberta Chaos
• Directed Administration to bring back amended Bylaw 24/24 for formal approval

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission will meet to consider a development application for attached housing and secondary suites. The body will also review development permits issued in July 2024.

• Application 24-D-62: Attached housing (4 units) and secondary suites at 311 and 315 16 Street East
• Parking variance request for 311 and 315 16 Street East

City Council

Council adopted an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw removing a specific lot (Lake Newell Crescent East, Lot 81, Block 6) and Schedule D. They also gave three readings and adopted Bylaw 24/23, amending the Animal Control Bylaw. Additionally, Chris Parker was appointed Chief Administrative Officer effective July 22, 2024.

• Bylaw 24/20 amended to remove Lake Newell Crescent East, Lot 81, Block 6, Plan 7811182, and Schedule D from the Land Use Bylaw
• Bylaw 24/23 adopted to amend the Animal Control Bylaw (Bylaw 21/20)
• Chris Parker appointed as Chief Administrative Officer effective July 22, 2024

City Council

The council will vote to adopt amendments to the Safe Communities and Waste Management bylaws. They will also introduce new land use bylaw amendments and review an ATCO Gas franchise agreement. The meeting includes several proclamations and administrative appointments.

• Adoption of Safe Communities Committee Bylaw (24/18)
• Adoption of Waste Management Bylaw amendment (24/22)
• Introduction of Land Use Bylaw amendments (24/19 and 24/20)
• ATCO Gas Distribution System Franchise Agreement Bylaw (24/21)
• Closure of delinquent general AR accounts totaling $21,679.46

Council Committee

The committee will review an amendment to the Safe Communities Committee Bylaw regarding meeting frequency requirements. Members will also discuss a list of municipal policies proposed for rescission. The agenda includes presentations from the Brooks Bandals and Social Impact Lab.

• Amendment to the Safe Communities Committee Bylaw (Bylaw 24/18)
• Review of various municipal policies proposed for rescission
• Brooks Bandits delegation regarding a PBR invoice
• Social Impact Lab presentation
• Confidential discussions on land matters and future development

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission is reviewing several development applications, including two proposals to convert existing buildings into daycare facilities. The agenda also includes a change of use for a bar/lounge and the construction of Brooks Junior High School.

• Change of use from vacant building to daycare at 119 1 Avenue East (24-D-45)
• Change of use from personal service to daycare at 1308 2A Street West (24-D-46)
• Change of use from government and public services to bar/lounge at 328 7 Street East (24-D-47)
• Construction of Brooks Junior High School with a parking variance at 124 4 Avenue East (24-D-48)

City Council

The City of Brooks will consider a $278,976.35 purchase for a regional fire safety trailer. Council will also hold a public hearing regarding amendments to the Land Use Bylaw. Additionally, the agenda includes approving a new multi-family development permit and a water and sewer connections policy.

• $278,976.35 purchase of 2024 Regional Fire Safety Trailer from JHB Group Inc.
• Public hearing and adoption of Bylaw 24/16 (Land Use Bylaw amendment)
• Approval of Development Permit #24-D-44 for a new multi-family development
• Adoption of Water and Sewer Service Connections Policy E-002-007(A)
• Approval of the amended Grasslands Regional FCSS Agreement

Council Committee

The committee will review a request from Christ the Redeemer Schools regarding space at the JBS Canada Centre. Members will also discuss the City’s Water and Sewer Connection Policy and permit procedures. Information regarding gender-neutral washrooms at the JBS Canada Centre will be presented.

• Request for Christ the Redeemer Schools to use JBS Canada Centre space
• Information regarding gender-neutral washrooms at JBS Canada Centre
• Review of City Water and Sewer Connection Policy
• Discussion of water and sewer connection permit procedures

Municipal Planning Commission

The Brooks Municipal Planning Commission is reviewing a request to extend the development permit for a 43-unit apartment project at 104 1 Avenue West until May 31, 2025. Staff recommends approval because the developer needs additional time to finalize financing with CMHC and National Bank amid rising construction costs. The proposed project includes 11 affordable rental units priced at $1,120 monthly under CMHC guidelines. The commission also reviewed administrative updates, including previously issued development permits and minutes from a prior session.

• Request to extend development permit 20-D-51 for a multi-family building at 104 1 Avenue West (Zone C-C) until May 31, 2025
• Review of minutes from the regular meeting held on May 1, 2024
• Correspondence listing development permits issued between December 2023 and May 2024

City Council

The City Council will consider awarding the 2024 Street Improvement Project tender to Brooks Asphalt and Aggregate Ltd. for $2,574,854.00. The agenda also includes first readings for amendments to the Land Use Bylaw and the EcoBrooks Bylaw. Additionally, council will review proposed hours of operation for the Centennial Regional Arena.

• $2,574,854.00 contract for 2024 Street Improvement Project
• First reading of Land Use Bylaw amendment (Bylaw 24/16)
• Adoption of EcoBrooks Bylaw amendment (Bylaw 24/17)
• Proposed hours of operation for Centennial Regional Arena
• Proclamations for Pride Month, Pollinator Week, and National Indigenous Peoples Day

Council Committee

The Council Committee is reviewing and discussing several items, including proposed Canadian sustainability disclosure standards, the Q1 2024 municipal enforcement report, and animal fencing requirements. The committee will also consider a letter of support for the Salt Flats Solar Farm to the AUC and a storm pond/temporary dog park on Young Road. Two agenda items, future development and personnel, are held confidential under provincial privacy law.

• Salt Flats Solar Farm – letter of support to AUC
• Young Road storm pond/temporary dog park
• Animal fencing requirements
• Q1 2024 municipal enforcement report (309 citations, 52 warnings)
• Canadian sustainability disclosure standards review

City Council

The City of Brooks Council is meeting to decide on several business items, including proclaiming June as Recreation and Parks Month, approving proposed recreation rates and fees for 2024/25 and 2025/26, and considering a facility rental donation for the Brooks Smoker Wars event. They will also review the Financial Variance Report, consider donating 250 youth passes to the Brooks Minor Baseball Association, and give three readings to Bylaw 24/15 amending fire service fees. The agenda includes an RCMP report for April 2024 and a closed session for confidential matters.

• Approve 2024/25 & 2025/26 Recreation Rates and Fees
• Donate CRA rental for Brooks Smoker Wars in exchange for donation to City-funded project
• Donate 250 youth passes to Brooks Minor Baseball Association for tournament at Brooks Regional Ballpark
• Bylaw 24/15 – Fire Service Fees Bylaw (three readings)
• RCMP report: 420 calls, 36 prisoners, 50 violation tickets in April

Council Committee

The Brooks Council Committee is meeting to review and discuss several items, including a presentation on the Social Impact Lab's Brooks Design Lab, a residential land use bylaw review, proposed recreation rates and fees for 2024/25 and 2025/26, a facility request for the Brooks Smoker Wars, a youth representative for the EcoBrooks Committee, and an irrigation water quality/expansion plan. Some items are for information only, while others may result in committee action or recommendations.

• Social Impact Lab presentation on Brooks Design Lab, including a $10,000 commitment and request for council support and staff attendance at five sessions
• Residential Land Use Review: proposed updates to Land Use Bylaw No. 14/12, including district regulations and use-specific standards
• Proposed 2024/25 and 2025/26 recreation rates and fees
• Brooks Smoker Wars facility request
• EcoBrooks Committee youth representative appointment

City Council

The City of Brooks Council will consider several bylaws, including the 2024 Property Tax Bylaw and the 2024 Repaving Tax Bylaw, which set tax rates for the year. The meeting also includes a public hearing on a Land Use Bylaw amendment, appointments to boards, and a request to waive a utility penalty.

• Public hearing and second/third reading of Bylaw 24/12, amending Land Use Bylaw 14/12
• Introduction and adoption of Bylaw 24/14 (2024 Property Tax Bylaw) and Bylaw 24/13 (2024 Repaving Tax Bylaw)
• Appointment of Rob Hugill to the Brooks and District Recreation and Parks Board
• Request to waive $12.36 utility penalty for 324 2nd Street East not recommended for waiver
• Appointment of Amanda Peterson as Acting CAO

Council Committee

The Council Committee is meeting to review and discuss several items, including private and public properties, a hen pilot program at 12 St W, PEP membership, 2024 drought planning, and development of the old rodeo grounds. These are discussion items with committee action or recommendation to follow.

• Review of private and public properties
• Hen pilot program at 12 St W
• PEP membership discussion
• 2024 potential drought planning
• Old rodeo grounds development discussion

City Council

The City of Brooks Council is meeting to decide on several administrative and business items, including awarding a dog park fencing contract, adopting the 2023 financial statements, and proclaiming awareness days. A public hearing will be held for Bylaw 24/11, which sets the business tax levy rate for the Brooks Town Centre Revitalization Zone. Council will also receive the March RCMP report and consider a resolution on Alberta's Learner's License Program.

• Award Dog Park Fencing project to Bobcat Guy of Brooks, Alberta for $49,420.00 exclusive of GST
• Adopt City of Brooks Financial Statements for year ending December 31, 2023
• Public hearing and second/third reading of Bylaw 24/11 – BRZ Mill Rate Bylaw
• Proclaim May 12, 2024 as Fibromyalgia Awareness Day and April 28, 2024 as Day of Mourning
• Submit resolution for Learner's Licence Program Review to Alberta Municipalities 2024 Convention

Council Committee

The Council Committee is meeting to review and discuss two items: a presentation on the threat of invasive zebra and quagga mussels to Alberta's lakes, rivers, and irrigation infrastructure, and a request for quotes (RFQ) for dog park fencing. The invasive species presentation includes a call for a temporary moratorium on all out-of-province watercraft. The meeting also includes a confidential land matters item and questions from the media.

• Invasive species threat presentation by Todd Beasley, including a call for a temporary moratorium on all out-of-province watercraft
• Dog park fencing RFQ presented by Lisa Tiffin for committee action/recommendation
• Confidential land matters item held under Section 16 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act

City Council

The City of Brooks Council will consider several spending items, including a $745,413 vacuum/flusher truck purchase and a $14,924 contribution to STARS air ambulance. They will also vote on a land use bylaw amendment to allow high-density housing on specific lots, and approve several proclamations for community awareness weeks.

• Award $745,413 for a Freightliner vacuum/flusher truck to Joe Johnson Equipment, funded by the General Sanitary Sewer Reserve.
• Approve $14,924 in funding for STARS, funded from the Operating Contingency Reserve, and add $1 per capita to the base budget in 2025.
• Approve $36,840 in ice costs for the Brooks Bandits, with the City funding $27,000 from the Capital Projects Reserve.
• Introduce Bylaw 24/12 to rezone Lots 18-23, Block 4, Plan 0712061 from Residential Single Detached to Residential High Density, with a public hearing on May 6, 2024.
• Proclaim several awareness weeks and days, including Brooks Resiliency Week, National Volunteer Week, and Green Shirt Day.

Council Committee

The Council Committee is reviewing and discussing six items: a May/June ice request from the Brooks Bandits, the Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan, Canada Day and Movie in the Park celebrations, Access Transit quality assurance survey results, a snow removal report, and a STARS funding request. The committee will make recommendations on most items, while the transit survey and snow removal report are for information only. One item, Business Interest of a Third Party, will be held confidential under FOIP.

• Brooks Bandits May/June ice request with installation timeline for ice decking and PBR event
• Southeast Sector Area Structure Plan review and discussion
• City of Brooks Canada Day Celebration and Movie in the Park
• Access Transit Quality Assurance Survey results for January–December 2023
• STARS request for funding

City Council

The Brooks City Council is meeting to receive reports, hear delegations, and make decisions on several items, including supporting a hydrogen hub project, cost-sharing ice time for the Brooks Bandits, and adopting land use bylaw amendments. Two public hearings are scheduled for the land use amendments. The agenda also includes proclamations and appointments to the Business Revitalization Zone Board.

• Approve $36,840 cost-share (50/50 with Brooks Bandits) for May/June ice request, funded from Council Projects Reserve
• Adopt Bylaw 24/03 and 24/10, amendments to Land Use Bylaw 14/12, following public hearings
• Introduce Bylaw 24/11 to set a mill rate for businesses in the Brooks Town Centre Revitalization Zone
• Formally support City of Brooks involvement in the Brooks Newell Region Hydrogen Hub Project
• Appoint nine members to the Business Revitalization Zone Board for 2024-2025

Council Committee

The Council Committee meeting on March 12, 2024, will discuss a Request for Proposals (RFP) for a transit feasibility pilot project and a request from the Brooks Bandits. The meeting also includes several confidential items related to land and business interests. The agenda is primarily for discussion and recommendation, with no final decisions listed.

• Discussion of RFP for a transit feasibility pilot project
• Discussion of Brooks Bandits ice request
• Confidential land matters (2 items)
• Confidential third-party business matter

City Council

The City of Brooks City Council is meeting to consider several routine items, including proclamations, appointments, and a records policy. The most substantive item is a request from the SPEC Association to continue using space at the JBS Canada Centre for its Youth Connections program at no cost for two more years. Council will also hear a delegation from SPEC and accept an administrative report on a financial reporting award.

• SPEC Association request for free space at JBS Canada Centre for Youth Connections program, April 2024 to March 2026
• Proclamation of March 26, 2024 as Purple Day for Epilepsy Awareness
• Proclamation of March 8, 2024 as International Women's Day
• Appointments to Arts, Culture and Heritage Board: Amanda Peterson (new), Tyler Wardrop (reappointment), Rodas Massey (reappointment)
• Approval of Records Retention and Disposal Policy F-002-009(D)

Council Committee

The Council Committee is reviewing and discussing Bylaw 24/03, an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw 14/12, which would update standards for modular dwellings and multi-unit residential developments, including design, density, amenity space, parking, and landscaping requirements. The committee will also review a records retention policy and discuss a confidential land matter. No final decisions are being made at this meeting; it is for discussion and recommendation.

• Bylaw 24/03 amending Land Use Bylaw 14/12 to revise standards for modular dwellings and multi-unit dwellings
• Proposed security deposit of $5,000 to 50% of assessed value for development permits
• New requirements for multi-unit dwellings: minimum 4.6 m² private patios/balconies, 37.2 m² common indoor amenity space, 25% landscaped area
• Liquor stores must be at least 150 m from dwellings, schools, parks, etc.
• Confidential land matter under FOIP Section 16

City Council

The City of Brooks Council will hold a public hearing on Bylaw 24/03, an amendment to the Land Use Bylaw, and consider several business items including a police vehicle purchase, appointments, proclamations, and a request from the Brooks Bandits for ice time. The agenda also includes reports from the RCMP and financial variance, and a closed session for confidential matters.

• Public hearing on Bylaw 24/03 to amend Land Use Bylaw 14/12
• Police vehicle purchase from Martin Chrysler for $56,026 plus $13,765 for completion
• Brooks Bandits ice request: approve timeline, pay $10,280 for ice costs
• Proclamation of Francophone Day and Francophone Days in March 2024
• Appointments to Environmental Advisory Committee and Library Board

Council Committee

The Brooks Council Committee is meeting to discuss and potentially recommend action on several items, including a funding request from the Newell Integrated Child Care Society, the Q4 2023 municipal enforcement report, a new traffic bylaw, the 2024 street improvement program, and a lacrosse tournament. The agenda also includes a confidential project discussion. Most items are for information or committee action/recommendation, meaning decisions may be made at this meeting or forwarded to full council.

• Funding request from Newell Integrated Child Care Society (NICCS) to be reviewed
• Q4 2023 Municipal Enforcement Report: 267 citations issued, 46 incident types
• Traffic Bylaw 24/01: regulates highway traffic, includes definitions for heavy vehicles, truck routes, and parking rules
• 2024 Street Improvement Program and Work Plan to be reviewed
• Lacrosse – Western Canada Championship Tournament: committee action/recommendation

Municipal Planning Commission

The Municipal Planning Commission is meeting to consider a development application for commercial and childcare use and a subdivision application for industrial use.

• Development application 24-D-6 for commercial rental units and day care at 1130 3 Street West
• Subdivision application 2024-0-001 by Brooks Industrial Holdings Ltd. to create a 0.98 acre industrial lot

City Council

The City of Brooks Council will hold a public hearing and consider several bylaws, including amendments to the Land Use Bylaw and a line of credit for operating expenses. Council will also decide on appointments to boards, a subdivision time extension, and whether to apply for a provincial police transition grant. The meeting includes routine reports and proclamations.

• Public hearing and second/third reading of Bylaw 23/17, amending Land Use Bylaw 14/12
• First reading of Bylaw 24/03, another Land Use Bylaw amendment, with public hearing set for Feb 20
• Adoption of Bylaw 24/08, authorizing short-term borrowing for operating expenditures
• Application to Alberta Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Grant Program, with County of Newell as managing partner
• Appointments to Recreation and Parks Board, Arts Culture and Heritage Board, and Regional Assessment Review Board Clerks

City Council

The City of Brooks Council is meeting to consider several items, including the introduction and adoption of two bylaws (Traffic Bylaw 24/01 and Business License Bylaw 24/02), a one-year extension for a subdivision application, appointments to the Municipal Planning Commission, and receiving reports on fire services and an arts grant. They will also receive the RCMP report for December 2023.

• Bylaw 24/01 – Traffic Bylaw: introduction and three readings
• Bylaw 24/02 – Business License Bylaw (amends Bylaw 23/03): introduction and three readings
• Subdivision 2022-0-178: extend deadline one year to January 16, 2025
• Appoint Juvelyn Uy and Fred Rattai to Municipal Planning Commission
• 2023 Fire Services Year-End report and 2023 Arts, Culture & Heritage Board Grant report to be received as information

Council Committee

The Council Committee will review and discuss a proposed Traffic Bylaw (24/01) that consolidates and updates traffic regulations, including truck routes, speed zones, and parking rules. They will also discuss adding a youth representative to the EcoBrooks Committee. A confidential proposed project will be discussed in closed session.

• Traffic Bylaw 24/01: comprehensive update to regulate highway traffic, including definitions, truck routes, speed zones, and parking rules.
• EcoBrooks Committee: discussion on adding a youth representative.
• Confidential proposed project: held confidential under FOIP Section 24(1)(g).
• Permit fee for overweight/oversize vehicles: $25.00.
• Prohibition on engine retarder brakes (engine braking) within city limits.

City Council

The City of Brooks Council is meeting to consider two main items: appointing Genelva Gibbs to the Safe Communities Committee for a three-year term, and approving the relocation of a Communities in Bloom private mural from Curtis Cleaners to StarTech Automotive Ltd. The agenda also includes routine items such as adoption of minutes, correspondence, and a closed session for personnel matters.

• Appointment of Genelva Gibbs to Safe Communities Committee for a three-year term (Jan 3, 2024 – Jan 2, 2027)
• Approval to relocate Communities in Bloom private mural from Curtis Cleaners to StarTech Automotive Ltd.
• Closed session for personnel matters under Section 17 of FOIP