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Bylaw 25/2017 Business License Bylaw Amendment - 2nd and 3rd Reading
Presented by: Dawn Fedorvich, Economic Development Officer
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RECOMMENDATION(S)
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1. That Bylaw 25/2017, being amendment #17 to Business Bylaw 43/2000 be amended by deleting it in its entirety and substituting in its place the version of Bylaw 25/2017 provided as an attachemnt to the May 23, 2017 agenda report entitled "Bylaw 25/2017 Business License Bylaw Amendment - 2nd and 3rd Reading".
2. That Bylaw 25/2017, being amendment #17 to Business Bylaw 43/2000 as amended, be read a second time.
3. That Bylaw 25/2017 be read a third and final time.
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PURPOSE OF REPORT
This report is to request direction from Council to amend Business License Bylaw 43/2000. Bylaws are required to be reviewed regularly to ensure relevancy. Administration is recommending a few minor changes to clarify some of the terminology within the existing Bylaw. Administration is also adding clarity to the status of Farmers’ Market vendors and vendors who are part of a Special Event and recommending an additional prorated fee.
COUNCIL DIRECTION
On April 3, 2017 Council provided first reading of Bylaw 25/2017, being amendment #17 to Business Bylaw 43/2000 and provided feedback to Administration.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
In addition to minor grammatical changes, the proposed amendments to the Bylaw include 3 main elements:
1. Terminology change - Resident/Non-Resident business to In Town/Out of Town business
2. Exemptions for Farmers’ Market and Special Event vendors
3. An additional pro-rated fee starting May 1 along with set terms for the discounts
STAKEHOLDER COMMUNICATIONS OR ENGAGEMENT
Administration received feedback from Council and made changes to help clarify the proposed amendments. As such, Administration is recommending a slight change to how Farmers’ Market and Special Event exemptions are handled. The intent of the new exemption category was not to create an overly onerous and possibility limiting scope of exemption for vendors that support the St. Albert Farmers’ Market and other special events in St. Albert. Rather than single out the Farmers’ Market as a category of businesses that are exempt, Administration has changed the proposed bylaw to simply refer to Special Events. An additional definition for Special Events has been created: "Special Event" means a trade show, craft fair, Provincially-approved farmers' market, or event permitted as such by the Chief Administrative Officer or designate.
Administration feels this helps clarify the intent without altering the original intent of the bylaw amendment.
IMPLICATIONS OF RECOMMENDATION(S)
Financial: Administration calculates these amendments will result in approximately 2.1% revenue reduction in 2018. Based on 2016 business licensing numbers, this would be $17,824.
Legal / Risk: Legal Services has reviewed and assisted in the drafting of the proposed Bylaw amendments.
Program or Service: none at this time
Organizational: none at this time
ALTERNATIVES AND IMPLICATIONS CONSIDERED
Council may choose to not accept the amendments to Bylaw 43/2000.
STRATEGIC CONNECTIONS
a) Council’s Strategic Outcomes and Priorities (See Policy C-CG-02)
• Cultivate Economic Prosperity: A diversified, robust and resilient economic foundation to support growth and community service delivery.
• CULTIVATE SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE AND SERVICES: A growing community that has balanced development and management of civic facilities, transportation networks and related services.
b) Long Term Plans (e.g. MDP, Social Master Plan, Cultural Master Plan, etc.)
• N/A
c) Corporate Objectives (See Corporate Business Plan)
• Deliver programs and services that meet or exceed our standards
• Ensure our customers are very satisfied
d) Council Policies
• N/A.
e) Other Plans or Initiatives (Business Plans, Implementation Strategies, etc.)
• N/A
Report Date May 23, 2017
Author(s): Dawn Fedorvich
Committee/Department: Economic Development
General Manager: Glenn Tompolski
City Manager: Kevin Scoble