Council Highlights October 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.

The annual Organization Meeting was called to order prior to the regular City Council meeting. This annual meeting is required by the Municipal Government Act and meant to confirm the appointments to various internal and external committees. During the meeting, City Council approved the following:

• Councillor Hider was confirmed as the new chair of Public Services Committee (replacing Councillor Ramona Robins.)
• Establishment of the 2025 Regular City Council meeting dates and Council confirmation of the provisional schedule for 2025 Council Committee meetings, including Council Committee of the Whole.

 

Under Councillor Announcements:

• Councillor Hider shared accolades for a local slo-pitch team for their recent tournament success in St. George, Utah. 

 

City Council received the following items into the corporate record:

• Council Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes of October 1, 2024
• Energy, Land and Environment Committee Meeting Minutes of October 3, 2024

 

City Council received the following items for information:

• Energy, Land and Environment Committee Outstanding Items of October 3, 2024

 

Catherine Knaus, Director of Public Affairs for IPSOS presented the 2024 Community Survey Results to City Council for information. The full report is available on the City’s website at  https://www.medicinehat.ca/en/government-and-city-hall/community-survey-2024.aspx.

 

Under unfinished business, City Council:

• Approved a motion to refer Policy 0107 Employee Business Expense and Policy 0108 Vehicle Allowance and Mileage Reimbursement back to Administrative Committee for amendments in alignment with Policy 8043 Council Remuneration.  
• Approved Bylaw 4828, a bylaw to repeal Bylaw 4114 - Heritage Resources Committee. This bylaw was deemed unnecessary due to the retirement of the Heritage Resources Committee in November of 2020.

 

Under New Business, City Council:

• Approved a motion to accept and ratify the focused City of Medicine Hat 2024 – 2026 Strategic Plan, as presented. The focus items are as follows:

Priority #1: Create Organizational Capacity For Effective & Efficient Service Delivery

• Inventory/define the current service levels
• Define required and desired service levels
• Implement a workforce strategy

Priority #2: Build a Resilient and Inclusive Community

• Lead a provincial/municipal/community urgent response to social disorder

Priority #3: Foster a Dynamic & Thriving Community Economy

• Action the Regional Economic Development Plan
• Create opportunities to incentivize businesses and reduce barriers

Priority #4: Action Recreation & Wellness Opportunities

• Develop a multi-faceted recreation complex on the south side
• Determine the future of existing facilities

 

Under Committee Business, City Council:

• Received a report on Governance Framework - Committees, Commissions and Boards for information and agreed to bring forward Notices of Motionfor direction at a future meeting of City Council.
• Approved a budget amendment of $4,313,000 for Unit 15 Hot Section Replacement & 'B' Air Compressor and Dryer Replacement, funded through working capital.

 

Under Councillor Reports:

Councillor McGrogan shared his positive experience from attending the 7 Under 70 awards hosted by the Community Foundation.

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