Council Highlights November 4, 2024

 This summary provides a brief overview of City Council meetings and does not reflect all discussion and debate. For full details, download the agenda package or watch the full meeting on the City of Medicine Hat’s YouTube channel.

Under Councillor Announcements:

• Councillor Robins offered accolades to City staff related to the recent contest to name the City’s snowplows and sanders.

City Council received the following items into the corporate record:

• Public Services Committee Meeting Minutes of October 15, 2024
• Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes of October 17, 2024
• Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of October 17,2024
• Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2024
• Audit Committee Meeting Minutes of October 23, 2024

City Council received the following items for information:

• Friends of Medalta 2023 Financial Report
• Community Vibrancy Advisory Board Meeting Minutes of June 26,2024
• 2023 Municipal Indicators
• Tri-Annual Management Report for the period ending August 31, 2024
• Police Commission Minutes of September 25, 2024
• Public Services Committee Action Items of October 15, 2024
• Development and Infrastructure Committee Action Items of October17, 2024
• Audit Committee Action Items of October 23, 2024

Medicine Hat Women's Shelter Society representatives Natasha Carvalho, Executive Director and Ryan Thorburn, Board President presented to City Council on Family Violence Prevention Month and advised City Council of their formal application to the City’s Non-Profit Capital Grant Program requesting $2.8 million in financial support for their facility expansion.

Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede (MHES) representatives Ron Edwards, General Manager, Lori Siedlecki, President Elect, Bob Burden, Director at Serecon and Kenzie Liefso, Project Engineering presented to City Council on their proposed revitalization project. The MHES is proposing a funding model of 40% contribution from the province, 40% contribution from the City, and 20% in the form of a loan from the City on either of two proposed building options. Administration will bring a recommendation forward to City Council at a future meeting.  

Robert Sissons, Manager of Planning, presented to City Council on Bylaw 4830 - Rezoning of 29 - 2 Street SW. The proposed amendments would see 29 2 Street SW rezoned to Medium Density Residential District from Low Density Residential District. The subject lands are currently vacant. Following a public hearing, City Council passed Bylaw 4830.

Under Committee Business, City Council:

• approved Enterprise Risk Management Policy 0184. The Enterprise Risk Management Policy establishes a structured and comprehensive approach to managing risks across the organization and ensures that risk management is integrated into all operations, fostering a culture of risk awareness and resilience throughout the organization.
• Gave first reading to Bylaw 4793 to Amend the Escort Services Bylaw. The amendments are proposed to align with common practices across the province while continuing to regulate in the best interests of the general public and those working within the industry. Council also approved a motion to have second and third readings at the December 2 meeting rather than November 18.