TAMRMS#: B06
14.1
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2025 Base Budget Increase Re Additional Planters
Notice given by: Councillor Killick
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
That the 2025 base budget be increased by $10,000, funded through taxes on an ongoing basis, for additional planters to be deployed at the Tache roundabout, downtown and along North St. Albert trail.
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ADMINISTRATION’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTENT OF THE MOTION
Administration understands that the intent of this motion is to increase the number of annual flower planters placed each season to include the Tache Street traffic circle, downtown area and north St. Albert trail.
ADMINISTRATION’S RECOMMENDATION
That the 2025 base budget be increased by $10,000, funded through taxes on an ongoing basis, for additional planters to be deployed at the Tache roundabout, downtown and along North St. Albert trail.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to present a motion for which Councillor Killick gave notice on March 5, 2025.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
N/A
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
Referencing IR-25-001, the current annual flower program consists of 53 extra-large planters (includes both the decorative Madison planters found at St. Albert Place front plaza and the extra-large black ones more commonly found at intersections), 92 regular planters, 5 balcony planters at St. Albert Place, 2 raised concrete planters, and 7 in-ground flowerbeds, provided by a contractor, at 55 locations.
Adding planters to the Tache Street roundabout island can be done with a minimum of one extra large planter ($695), but it would likely look more attractive if it was one extra large surrounded by at least three smaller planters ($420 each), $1,955 total. The 12 additional planters downtown would cost approximately $5,040. Total anticipated costs for both locations is $7,000.
The north section of St. Albert trail landscape design includes perennial/shrub/trees beds that will beautify the area, negating the need for annuals however they will be assessed as they are completed. This area has also not been FAC’d therefore any assessment will occur after the area becomes the responsibility of the City. The additional $3,000 will be temporarily utilized in other locations as defined by Administration until North St. Albert Trail has been turned over to the City and assessed for opportunities.
IMPACTS OF MOTION
The contractor who supplies the annual flowers is typically contacted in January for discussions regarding quantity and design for the upcoming season. The contractor grows additional flowers that can be placed in the event of damage/theft/poor health. The downtown planters have been confirmed as available for 2025. Tache Street availability has yet to be confirmed for 2025 however it is likely that the spare planters can be used in the interim.
Financial:
Contract would increase by $10,000 in 2025 and thereafter, which will be added to the budget on an ongoing basis. The 2025 impact will be included in the Budget Adjustment AR going to Council April 15, 2025.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time
Organizational:
None at this time
Risks
Should there be excessive damage to the existing planters provided by the contract, the spare planters at Tache Street may be removed to serve as replacement for the 2025 season.
ALIGNMENT TO PRIORITIES IN COUNCIL’S STRATEGIC PLAN
None at this time
ALIGNMENT TO LEVELS OF SERVICE DELIVERY
Service and Service Level Inventory
C.1.2.f Annual Flower Program
ALTERNATIVES
If Council does not wish to support the proposed motion, Administration presents the following alternative for Council’s consideration.
Alternative:
Do nothing
Financial:
None at this time.
Compliance & Legal:
None at this time.
Program or Service:
None at this time.
Organizational:
None at this time.
Risks
Should there be excessive damage to the existing planters provided by the contract, the spare planters at Tache Street may be removed to serve as replacement for the 2025 season.
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Report Date: April 1, 2025
Author: Louise Stewart
Department: Public Operations
Department Director: Tim Saunders
Managing Director: Dinu Alex
Chief Administrative Officer: William Fletcher