Council Highlights May 3 2021

As a point of privilege, Councillor Friesen offered a tribute to former City Council member, Wayne Craven, who passed away on Friday, April 23, 2021. Councillor Dumanowski also shared remarks on Mr. Craven and his service to the community.

Merrick Brown, Manager of Support Services in Emergency Services, provided City Council a City of Medicine Hat COVID-19 update, including the rising number of cases in Medicine Hat. Full details on vaccine information, guidelines and current restrictions can be found here.

Aaron Nelson, Manager of Culture, Events, Experience & Programming, provided Council a presentation on the efforts city staff have undertaken to continue to offer cultural experiences despite COVID restrictions. Mr. Nelson also shared a vision for several future cultural experiences designed to inspire the community and support community vibrancy.

Director of Finance, Lola Barta, presented on Bylaw #4670, the 2021 Property Tax Bylaw. Ms. Barta summarized the changes to residential and non-residential assessments from 2020 to 2021, and Council’s plan to implement a one-time 2021 municipal rate neutralization credit to all taxpayers, which will result in a 0% municipal tax rate increase. Taxpayers may still see increases or decreases to their tax bill due to assessment valuation changes. In addition, the education tax requisition has increased from prior year due to an adjustment to the education requisition rates set by the province. The 2021 tax notices will include the approved the new tax rates as well as the Municipal Rate Neutralization Credit.

Following a public hearing, City Council approved second and third reading of Bylaw #4666, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to amend Bylaw #4168, the Land Use Bylaw. The amendment will see the re-designation of 214 4 Street SE from medium density residential to low density residential. City Council gave first reading of the bylaw on April 5, 2021.

Through Public Services Committee, Council received the Culture Update and Parks and Recreation Master Plan Overview for information.

Through Corporate Services Committee, Council received Bylaw #4670, the 2021 Property Tax Bylaw for adoption.

Through Administrative Committee, City Council received Bylaw #4672, a Bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to amend Bylaw #3302, the Tax Instalment Payment Plan (TIPP) Filing Fee Waiver, for adoption.

Through Administrative Committee, Council approved the 2020 City of Medicine Hat Annual Report.

City Council received the minutes of the Municipal Planning Commission meeting of April 7, 2021 and the Police Commission meeting of April 15, 2021.

City Council passed first, second and third reading of Bylaw #4670, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to impose a property tax for the year 2021 and to exempt certain properties from taxation for the year 2021.

City Council passed first, second and third reading of Bylaw #4672, a bylaw of the City of Medicine Hat to amend Bylaw #3302, the Tax Instalment Payment Plan Bylaw. The amendment will see the late filing fee waived for applications made in the months of May and June of 2021.

Under new business, City Council appointed Kyle Pudwell to the Combative Sports Commission effective immediately for a term to expire December 31, 2023.