Council Highlights May 21 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 Councilor Announcements:

• Councilor Hider introduced a video from City Council promoting respectful dialogue and civil interactions to build a stronger, healthier community.
• Deputy Mayor McGrogan invited the community to a special Council Committee of the Whole meeting on May 29 to hear a presentation from George Cuff, a renowned expert in Municipal Governance. The event will take place in the City Council Chambers at City Hall from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. and is open to the public.

City Council received the following items into the corporate record:

• Corporate Services Committee Meeting Minutes of April 25, 2024
• Public Services Committee Meeting Minutes of April 29, 2024
• Development and Infrastructure Committee Meeting Minutes of May 2, 2024
• Energy, Land & Environment Committee Meeting Minutes of May 2, 2024

City Council received the following items for information:

• Police Commission Meeting Minutes of March 20, 2024
• Corporate Services Outstanding Items of April 25, 2024
• Public Services Outstanding Items of April 29, 2024
• Development and Infrastructure Outstanding Items of May 2, 2024
• Energy, Land & Environment Outstanding Items of May 2, 2024

Brad Irwin, Intermediate Planner introduced 4813 to amend the Land Use Bylaw to Rezone 512, 517,

625 and 650 13th Street SE to Business Industrial District. The intent of the rezoning is to accommodate future development. Following a public hearing, City Council passed Bylaw 4813.

Mr. Irwin then introduced 4818 to amend the Land Use Bylaw to Rezone 640 Clay Avenue SE to Business Industrial District. The intent of rezoning is to accommodate a Development Permit for the expansion of the Self- Storage Facility located at 1003 Bridge Street SE. Following a public hearing, City Council approved Bylaw 4818.

Under new business, City Council:

• approved a motion to change the funding for the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) as follows:
  • External loan financing reduction from $4,800,000 to $3,618,912 from an external funding partner that must remain confidential until a formal announcement can be made.
  • Internal loan increase from $1,200,000 to $1,356,491 from the Operating Reserve.
  • Grant funding of $1,807,052 from the same external funding partner to cover all operating costs for the program. A major operating expense will be created to track these costs.
  • approved the relocation of Emergency Management to People Services to form part of Corporate Safety, utilizing Safety Specialists to support a centre-led model for Emergency Management within the organization.
  • approved recommendations from administration related to compensation disclosure as follows:
    • directing administration to prepare a report that discloses the salary ranges (minimum and maximum annual salaries) for all Management and Non-Union Professional positions in Municipal Services to be made available on the City’s website no later than July 2, 2024 (positions that are covered by a collective agreement are already publicly available).
    • Salary range information for Management and Non-Union Professional positions dedicated in the energy business units will not be disclosed at this time, and that disclosure will be readdressed after the Energy Business Review is completed.
    • Information related to the May 6, 2024, Council motion directing Administration to conduct a jurisdictional scan regarding the severance agreement disclosure practices of other municipalities will be completed under a separate briefing note, to be brought back in July 2024.

Under Committee Business, City Council:

• received the 2023 Off-Site Levy Annual Report and presentation for information.
• Approved a motion to deny a Tax Penalty Cancellation Request for 57 - 11 Street SE as such a cancellation would not be fair and equitable to all property owners.
• Approved an amendment to the 2024 electric generation capital budget of $33,630,000, funded through working capital. This request is to address a budget period timing issue, with an acceleration in the timing of funds needed to secure long lead parts required in the execution of the Gas Turbine Overhauls, Steam Turbine Generator Overhauls and Generator Rotor Refurbishment Program in 2025 and 2026.
• Gave first reading to Bylaw 4814 to amend the Transportation of Dangerous Goods. The Dangerous Goods Transportation and Handling Act requires that a municipality’s Transportation of Dangerous Goods Bylaw be approved by Alberta’s Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors at least every 5 years. Amending Bylaw No. 4814 is required to amend the City of Medicine Hat’s bylaw (which expires on July 17, 2024) to reflect changes to roads and areas within the city.