Council Highlights June 6 2022

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.

As a point of privilege, Councillor Robins acknowledged the Platinum Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, recognizing her 70th anniversary on the Throne. To mark this historic milestone, the City of Medicine Hat has a guest book available in the lobby of City Hall from June 2 to 17 for anyone wishing to share well wishes and Finlay Bridge is illuminated in purple from June 2 to June 7 as one of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Beacons, a long-held tradition to celebrate Royal occasions.

As a point of privilege, Councillor Robins also acknowledged Seniors Week and encouraged the community to reach out to a senior or partake in one of the many activities underway in the community this week.

As a point of privilege, Councillor Hider recognized the departure of Acting Managing Director of Invest Medicine Hat, Eric Van Enk, and thanked him for the dedication and drive that he demonstrated during his time with the City of Medicine Hat.

As a point of privilege, Councillor Knodel offered a thank you to Acting City Manager Merete Heggelund for stepping out of retirement to serve in the role temporarily. City Council will announce a new Acting City Manager on Monday, June 13.

Petra Mauerhoff, CEO of Shortgrass Library System, presented to Council on their organization, its mandate and the services it offers to the community.

Robert Sissons, Manager of Planning and Development Services, presented to City Council on Bylaw #4696, a proposed amendment to Bylaw 4168, the Land Use Bylaw. The amendment would see the addition of a High-Density Mixed-Use classification.

Jim Genge, Senior Planner in Planning and Development Services, presented on Bylaw #4697, a proposed amendment to Bylaw #4168, the Land Use Bylaw. The proposed amendment would see updates to remote work and home business regulations.

Following a public hearing, City Council approved second and third reading of Bylaw #4696.

Following a public hearing, City Council approved second and third reading of Bylaw #4697.

Council received the minutes of the Corporate Services Committee meeting of May 12, 2022 for information with the Tax Incentive Bylaw for adoption.

Council received the minutes of the Council Employee Committee meeting of May 17, 2022 for information.

Council received the minutes of the Administrative Committee meeting of May 18, 2022 and approved the sale of 271 Southland Blvd. SE.

Council received the minutes of the Public Services Committee meeting of May 24, 2022 for information and approved an item (as amended) to provide support for Ukrainian evacuees, where the City will provide transit monthly passes and 31-day passes for Big Marble Go Centre and Crestwood Pool for three months to any government-assisted refugees settling in Medicine Hat (within the past year) in conjunction with any Government of Canada Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Program, as well as Ukrainian evacuees settling temporarily in Medicine Hat as part of the Government of Canada’s Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) program.

Council received the minutes of the Municipal Planning Commission meeting of May 25 for information.

City Council approved first reading of Bylaw #4667, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to provide for partial exemptions from taxation under Part 10, Division 2, of the MGA, pursuant to Sections 364.1 and 364.2 of the MGA. A public hearing will take place during the July 4 meeting of City Council.

Under new business, Mayor Clark introduced City Council’s Strategic Plan for 2023-2026. City Council approved the plan, which can be found online at www.medicinehat.ca.

Committee Meeting Agendas and Minutes
www.medicinehat.ca/AgendasMinutes

Watch City Council meetings live at:
https://www.youtube.com/citymedicinehat