Council Highlights February 16 2021

Merrick Brown, Director of Emergency Management and HSE, provided City Council a City of Medicine Hat COVID-19 update. Mr. Brown reviewed details of the public health measures currently in place as well as Alberta Health’s plan for easing of restrictions. Full details on guidelines and restrictions can be found here.

Imran Ahmed, Manager of Development Services, presented on Bylaw #4660, a bylaw to amend the Bylaw #4168, the Land Use Bylaw. The amendment proposes the rezoning of lots 471 and 475 on 21 Street NE from Low Density Residential to Medium Density Residential. The owner has applied for the rezoning of the property in order to comply with the Land Use Bylaw and permit a multiple unit residential development on site. First reading was passed at the January 18, 2021 meeting of City Council.

Following the presentation, a public hearing was held on Bylaw #4660. After which, Council passed second and third reading.

Through Administrative Committee, City Council received for information RFP Recommendation: IC20-142 ICS Hyperconverged Infrastructure (HCI) Refresh. Administrative Committee awarded the tender to the best-evaluated bid meeting specification: Powerland in the amount of $ 1,246,177.80, subject to an agreement satisfactory to the City Manager and City Solicitor.

Through Administrative Committee, City Council approved Incentive Policy #0170. The new policy establishes consistent standards and guidelines for the delivery of incentives in a way that is fair and transparent, results in reasonable rate of return on the City’s investment, has built in measurability and accountability, and complies with applicable law. With the decision, Council also approved the Development Incentive Program, which budgets $5.2 million in incentives for the period March 1, 2021 through November 30, 2023. Through Administrative Committee, City Council received for information Tender Recommendation EU21-01, 5th Street SE and Foundry Street SE Water & Sanitary Main Replacement. Administrative Committee awarded the tender to the lowest bid meeting specification: Hamm Construction Ltd. in the amount of $3,726,060.90.

Under new business, City Council received a valid petition to disestablish the City Centre Development Agency (CCDA). In response to the petition, Council must pass first reading of a bylaw to disestablish the CCDA which will allow for a vote of the taxpayers of the business improvement area. Staff will draft a bylaw and bring forward to a future meeting.