City Council Meeting Summary

High-level overview - The meeting centered on the 2026 operating and capital budgets, the proposed stormwater funding framework, and public engagement plans. The council approved the reserve funds outlook and approved the 2026 rates and fees with an amendment to reflect continued review, while coordinating upcoming staff Q&A sessions and an open house to gather resident input. Public engagement activities, including an open house on November 5 and upcoming council discussions (November 27 and December), were highlighted as opportunities for residents to weigh in.

Five most important topics discussed

1) Reserve funds outlook - The finance department presented the reserves and reserve funds outlook, a critical factor for long-term financial stability. The motion to receive the reserve funds outlook was moved by Counselor Null and passed. - Direct quotes: "Reserve funds outlook from the finance department be received. Uh it's been moved by counselor Null." - Public impact: Understanding the reserve trajectory informs budgeting decisions that affect tax levels and service levels.

2) 2026 rates and fees - The council reviewed the proposed 2026 rates and fees and agreed to an amended approach: the rates would be reviewed for implementation on January 1, 2026 rather than being treated as already approved. The motion to adopt the 2026 rates and fees passed with amended wording to reflect review. - Direct quotes: "The rates and fees established in the rates and fees schedule attached as appendix A to the October 14, 2025 report from the finance department be reviewed for implementation on January 1st, 2026." “The rates and fees established... be reviewed for implementation.” - Public impact: This sets the framework for rate changes in 2026 and signals upcoming discussion about how fees will be structured and applied.

3) Public engagement and stakeholder input - Several public engagement steps were outlined to involve residents in budget and program decisions. An open house is scheduled for November 5 at Town Hall to allow residents to ask questions about programs, funding sources, and other concerns; individual Q&A sessions with staff were also planned during the first week of November for council members. - Direct quotes: "We are working on an open house on November 5th to be hosted here at town hall." “We do have the individual sessions for members of council to have Q&A with members of staff coming up the first week of November.” - Public impact: These processes provide formal opportunities for residents to influence budget priorities and funding decisions, including stormwater fees and capital projects.

4) Staff presentations on 2026 operating and capital budgets - The chair noted that staff presentations on the 2026 operating and capital budgets were to be received, and staff were to respond to questions from budget committee members. This indicates ongoing scrutiny and refinement before final approval. - Direct quotes: "The recommended motion is that staff presentations on the 2026 operating and capital budgets be received." - Public impact: Ensures transparency and informed public discussion around budget allocations and program funding.

5) Access to capital project details and budget documentation - The meeting highlighted that capital detail sheets for every capital project are publicly accessible on the budget website alongside the budget book. This supports transparency and allows residents to review project scopes and timelines. - Direct quotes: "We actually have capital detail sheets on every one of our capital projects over the tenure. Those are available on our website with the budget book and our budget documents." - Public impact: Improves resident access to project specifics and aids informed feedback during consultations.

File numbers and bylaw references discussed - Appendix A and the October 14, 2025 report were referenced in relation to the 2026 rates and fees discussion. - No other specific file numbers or bylaw citations were noted in this section beyond Appendix A and the referenced budget document.

Opportunities for public input - Open House: November 5 at Town Hall to ask questions about programs, funding sources, and related concerns. - Public consultations are anticipated during the November 27 discussions and the December budget approval process, providing opportunities to submit questions, data, or comments. - Additional avenues include upcoming individual council member Q&As in early November, which may offer discussion points for residents to bring forward.

Motions and outcomes - Motion: Reserve Funds Outlook - Outcome: Passed - Next steps: None specified beyond receipt of the report. - Motion: 2026 Rates and Fees - Outcome: Passed with amended wording to reflect that rates are under review rather than approved; implementation expected January 1, 2026. - Next steps: Further discussions planned for November 27, 2025; finalization in the December meeting. - Other motions in this excerpt: None explicitly passed or rejected beyond these two; staff presentations on the 2026 budgets to be received and further questions to be addressed.

Councillors present - Chair Adams - Counselor Null - Counselor Shei (Note: Other council members or attendees are not named in this section.)

Key contacts for public input (where applicable) - Open House details: Town Hall, November 5 (no email provided in this excerpt). Residents are encouraged to participate in the November 5 open house and the November 27 budget discussions, with further updates at the December budget meeting.

Follow-up actions and next steps - Staff to present and respond to questions during the November 1st–7th Q&A sessions and the November 27 budget discussion. - Public input to be gathered at the November 5 open house and through ongoing budget consultations. - Continued monitoring of rates and fees implementation timing, with final approvals in December.