Medicine Hat Minute: Public Conduct, Committee Structure, and an Education Event Tomorrow

Medicine Hat Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Medicine Hat politics

This Week In Medicine Hat:

• Today, there will be a City Council meeting at 3:45 pm. The meeting will begin with a closed session wherein Council will discuss an energy business matter, a personnel matter, and a tax relief request. When the meeting opens up to the public, around 6:30 pm, the agenda includes a new Council Code of Conduct Bylaw that would establish a system for all complaints against a Councillor to be directed to an external Integrity Commissioner for initial assessment and investigation. Council will receive a presentation from the Energy, Land and Environment Managing Director regarding the City’s Energy Business Strategy, as well as discuss a City Facility Recognition / Commemoration Policy.
  
  
• The Municipal Planning Commission will meet on Wednesday at 1:30 pm. The agenda is pretty lean - the Commission will discuss rezoning 29 2 Street SW from Residential to Medium Density. On Thursday, at 1:00 pm, the Development and Infrastructure Committee will meet. This meeting will be closed to the public as the Committee discusses the land use bylaw engagement update and a Highway 3 twinning update.
  
  
• Our friends at the Alberta Parents’ Union are coming to Redcliff on Tuesday, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, as part of their Back to School Tour. Executive Director Jeff Park will host a discussion focused on key issues within the education system, like the role of the School Board, upcoming School Trustee elections, recent policy decisions, and future legislation that could impact schools. Whether you're a parent, grandparent, or community member with an interest in education, this event is open to everyone. The event is free, but RSVPs are required. You can register online here.

Last Week In Medicine Hat:

• We launched a petition to oppose the City’s pilot project to look in your recycling using AI cameras. If the cameras catch improper items in the bin, residents will receive a postcard reminding them of correct disposal practices, with no penalties or fines at this stage. But, we’re concerned about the potential for fines in the future, and even more importantly, the potential for misuse of the technology. If you agree, click here to sign the petition to Stop Government Garbage Snooping.
  
  
• Medicine Hat's City Manager, Ann Mitchell, has proposed a significant overhaul of Council's Committee structure, aiming to update what she says are outdated practices. Her recommendations include a review of all Committees to ensure they have clear mandates, requiring Councillors to report on their assignments, and removing Council representatives from the Administrative Committee to avoid operational interference. Mitchell also suggests integrating several Committees and revising the Administrative Organizational Bylaw. The proposal, approved by the Administrative and Legislative Review Committee, will be presented to Council on October 7th. Opinions on the changes are mixed, with some supporting the separation of political and administrative roles, but others viewing it as a potential power shift away from Council.
  
  
• The Public Code of Conduct Policy was presented to the Administrative and Legislative Review Committee, with members giving it a final review before it goes to Council for approval in October. The policy aims to establish clear boundaries and expectations for acceptable behaviour at City-run facilities and in interactions with City staff. Councillors say that the policy is designed to protect staff and residents from offensive or aggressive actions, and provides clear protocols for staff to follow when dealing with inappropriate behaviour. If approved, it will include a review process for individuals who repeatedly engage in unreasonable conduct, potentially leading to restrictions or bans.

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