Council Highlights May 2 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.

Cypress County representatives Dan Hamilton, Reeve; Tarolyn Aaserud, CAO; and Steven Toews, Director of Corporate Services presented to City Council on the Province of Alberta’s assessment review model and the future impacts on rural and urban municipalities.

Casey Van Maarion and Joel McNally of McNally Associates Ltd. presented to Council a proposed site redevelopment plan for 1222 Allowance Avenue SE at the former ADM Mill site.

Medicine Hat Skateboard Association representatives Chris Nickel, Vice President; Michaela Burgess, Treasurer; Davie James, Director; and Zach Beriault, skateboarder presented on the proposed micro transportation bylaw amendments.

Council received the minutes of the Public Services Committee meeting of April 25 for information with the Micro Transportation Bylaw Amendments for adoption.

Council approved first reading of Bylaw #4698, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to amend Bylaw #2527, the Parks and Recreation Bylaw. The amendment would see the addition of e-scooters as a permitted use on paved pathways within the City of Medicine Hat.

Council approved first reading of Bylaw #4699, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to amend Bylaw #4346, the Public Roads Bylaw. The amendment will see a new definition added to include e-scooters as a means of transportation, and the repeal of Bylaw #3506, the Skateboarding Bylaw.

Manager of Planning Services, Robert Sissons, presented on Direct Control Development Permit PLDP20220274. The permit application would see an artist studio move into Unit A10 of 1177 Factory Street to fabricate and sell products. The site is in a Direct Control district and as such requires approval from City Council.

Following a public hearing, City Council approved second and third reading of Bylaw #4700, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to close roads in the City of Medicine Hat. The road closure will facilitate the availability of land for the proposed residuals solids handling facility at the Medicine Hat Power and Water Treatment Plant. This registered road is developed and is used as an access point to the water treatment plant and power plant site through a controlled gate. The subject lands currently provide minor public access to the river but does not include any parking or turn around area.

Following a non-statutory public hearing, City Council approved Direct Control Development Permit PLDP20220274. Advertising was done on April 16 and April 23, 2022. No submissions were received.

Council received the minutes of the Council Employee Committee of April 26 for information.

Council received the Administrative Committee meeting of April 27 for information and approved Tender Award Recommendation CMH22-47 – Leinweber Park Landscape and Irrigation Improvement and the City of Medicine Hat Annual Report. The Annual Report is available online at www.medicinehat.ca.

Council received the minutes of the Municipal Planning Commission meetings of March 9 and April 13 for information.

Council approved second and third reading of Bylaw #4691, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to establish a process for sending assessment and taxation notices, documents and other information by electronic means.

Council approved first reading of Bylaw #4696, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to amend Bylaw #4168, the Land Use Bylaw. The amendment would see the addition of a new land use district to adequately accommodate higher density developments in alignment with the development goals of the Municipal Development Plan. A public hearing will be held on June 6, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.

Council approved first reading of Bylaw #4697, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to amend Bylaw #4168, the Land Use Bylaw. The amendment would see changes regarding remote work and home business regulations that aim to recognize advances in technology and evolving modes of employment, align as appropriate with our existing home occupations, and provide clearer, more thorough regulations for home-based businesses. A public hearing will be held on June 6, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers.