MINUTES of the Regular Meeting of the City Council held on Tuesday, October 17, 2023 in City Council Chambers at 12:44 PM

PRESENT:

Mayor

Blaine Hyggen

Deputy Mayor

Mark Campbell

Acting Mayor

John Middleton-Hope

Councillor

Ryan Parker

Councillor

Jeff Carlson

Councillor

Belinda Crowson

Councillor

Rajko Dodic

Councillor

Nick Paladino

Councillor

Jenn Schmidt-Rempel

OTHERS:

City Clerk

Bonnie Hilford

Legislative Services Assistant

Janessa Brown

City Manager

Lloyd Brierley

A/Director of Infrastructure Services

Darwin Juell

Director of Community Services

Carly Kleisinger

A/Director of Corporate Services

Abby Slovack

Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

Darrell Mathews

Director of Council and Community Relations

Travis Hillier

Director of Legal Services

Brian Loewen

Councillor Carlson:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT we do now enter a Closed Meeting at 12:45 P.M. to discuss confidential matters with respect to items 14.1, 14.2, 14.3 and 14.4 as per Sections 17 (Harmful to Personal privacy), 21 (Harmful to Intergovernmental Relations), 23 (Local Public Body Confidences), 24 (Advice from Officials) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

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Councillor Campbell:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT we do now adjourn the Closed Meeting at 1:33 P.M.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

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1.

2.

2.1.

2.2.

2.2.1

Acting Mayor Middleton Hope, re: Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden Gold Maple Reception, Southern Alberta Art Gallery 4th Grand Opening, New restaurant in Lethbridge - Brickstone Kitchen and Bar

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2.2.2

Councillor Crowson, re: October 18 – Persons Day, Oct 21 – Take Back the Night Walk and Oct 21 – Southern Accord Concert

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2.2.3

Deputy Mayor Campbell re: Welcoming New University of Lethbridge President and Chancellor Head Dress Transfer Ceremony and Installation, Sympathy to Ed Baileys wife and family on the recent passing of Ed Bailey

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2.2.4

Councillor Carlson, re: Passing of Ed Bailey, Welcoming New University of Lethbridge President and Chancellor Head Dress Transfer Ceremony and Installation, Lethbridge Musical Theatre - Fully Monty

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2.2.5

Councillor Schmidt-Rempel, re: Provincial Government Recognized the contribution of newcomers with the Alberta new comer recognition awards, Celebrated the Galt Gardens Inclusive and Accessible Play Space

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2.2.6

Mayor Hyggen, re: Seniors of Distinction Awards at Age Care Columbia, Veterans Banners throughout the streets of Downtown

3.

Deputy Mayor Middleton-Hope:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Agenda of the Regular Meeting of City Council on October 17, 2023 be adopted with the following amendment:

• Addition - 14.4 External Boards, Commission and Committees Update (Verbal)

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

4.

Councillor Campbell:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT the minutes of the following Meeting of City Council be approved, with the following corrections, and the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized to sign the same:

City Council Meeting – 10-03-2023;

• Spelling correction of the word “soaring” in recognitions
• Add additional closed session meeting

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council receive for information the Status of Directed Resolutions for 10-17-2023, and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council approve the recommendations contained within the following Standing Policy Committee Reports:

4.4.1 Snow & Ice Control Service Level Change Implementation - Phase 1 Completion Status, Stakeholder Feedback & Phase 2 Outlook

BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council direct Administration to continue with the implementation of Phase 2 as described in the Progress Report - Attachment 1 and report back to a Standing Policy Committee in the spring of 2025 on operating budget and resource impacts.               

4.4.2 Watermark Outline Plan Amendment

BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council approve the amended Land Use Concept for the Watermark Outline Plan as per Attachment 1.                                                                                                                                

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

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5.

5.1.

Andrew Malcom – General Manager of Community Social Development and Eric Foster, Encampment Support Specialist re:

Councillor Crowson:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council accept the verbal Encampment Strategy as information.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

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6.

6.1.

Mayor Hyggen and Deputy Mayor Middleton-Hope:

WHEREAS one of the core purposes of a municipality, as articulated in the Alberta Municipal Government Act, is to develop and maintain a safe and viable community; and

WHEREAS there continues to be high incidences of lawlessness in our city, lawlessness is defined as a state of disorder due to a disregard of the law, and these behaviours include criminal, uncontrolled and anti-social conduct that has a sustained, pervasive impact on communities; and

WHEREAS the Downtown BRZ has formally expressed deep concerns as to the observed lawlessness occurring in our downtown and its ongoing impacts;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council direct administration to engage with Downtown BRZ representatives immediately to collaborate on the development of a structure, stakeholder composition and resourcing requirement (if any) for a cross-functional task force on lawlessness with a mandate to:

• Identify the symptoms and depth of lawless behaviours and their impacts in our city,
• Identify stakeholders to strategize on responses and resourcing requirements,
• Work collaboratively with stakeholders to identify solutions and assist in implementing strategies identified to create a sustainable impact,
• Develop a joint communication plan for this task force and its member stakeholders,
• Consider how any recommendations from the task force can support and/or integrate with existing encampment, shelter and housing strategies developed and being implemented by the City of Lethbridge; and

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT, recognizing that time is of the essence, joint recommendations from the Downtown BRZ and administration be prepared and presented for Council consideration at the December 12, 2023 meeting of City Council.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

7.

8.

9.

10.

10.1.

Acting Mayor Parker:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council appoint KPMG LLP as the City’s auditors for a four-year period, 2023-2026, for a total fee of $319,410 less GST, for a net fee of $304,200, with the option for a four-year extension to the agreement on the same terms and conditions for an additional four-year term.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

11.

12.

13.

13.1.

Larry Laverty, Assessment and Taxation manager, advised that the proposed amendment to Bylaw 6296 the Clean Energy Improvement Tax Bylaw will remove the annual camp amounts, allowing for an expedited service delivery of the Clean Energy Improvement Program, and therefore more homeowners timely access to funding.

There were no responses to the Mayor's three calls for public speakers.

Councillor Paladino:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw 6407 – Amendment to Bylaw 6296 – Clean Energy Improvement Bylaw be given second reading.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

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Councillor Paladino:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw 6407 – Amendment to Bylaw 6296 – Clean Energy Improvement Bylaw be given third reading and the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and seal the same.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

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13.2.

Genesis Molesky, Community Planner advised that the proposed amendment to Bylaw 6417 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 2802 5 Avenue North would change the land use classification of PLAN 4310 AL BLOCK 6 THE WESTERLY 289 FEET AND 4 INCHES OF LOTS 1 AND 2 - (2802 5 Avenue North): From: DC (Direct Control) Existing To: DC (Direct Control) New.

There were no responses to the Mayor's three calls for public speakers.

Councillor Dodic:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw 6417 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 2902 5 Avenue North be given second reading, as amended.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Middleton-Hope, Acting Mayor Parker, Councillor Campbell, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

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Councillor Dodic:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Bylaw 6417 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 2902 5 Avenue North be given third reading, as amended, and the Mayor and City Clerk to sign and seal the same.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

14.

14.1.

Mayor Hyggen:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council direct that the closed meeting discussions and documents with respect to the City Manager Performance Review remain confidential pursuant to Sections 17 (Harmful to Personal Privacy), 23 (Local Public Body Confidences) and 24 (Advice from Officials) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

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14.2.

(City Manager, City Clerk, Legislative Services Assistant, A/Director of Infrastructure Services, A/Director of Corporate Services, Director of Legal Services, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Director of Community Services, Director of Community and Council Relations) add yourself

Councillor Paladino:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council Approve the exchange of land between Melcor Developments Ltd. (PTN. SW 34 TWP 8 RGE 22 W4M) and the City (LSD 13 and 14, PTN. NW 27 TWP 8 RGE 22 W4M), with Melcor paying to the City a net payment of $4.02.

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council direct that the closed meeting report and discussions, with respect to the City and Melcor Developments Ltd Land Swap remain confidential pursuant to Sections 23 (Local Public Body Confidences) and 24 (Advice from Officials) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

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14.3.

(City Manager, City Clerk, Legislative Services Assistant, A/Director of Infrastructure Services, A/Director of Corporate Services, Director of Legal Services, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Director of Community Services, Director of Community and Council Relations) add yourselft

Councillor Dodic:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT Council:

1. Adopt the attached confidential City of Lethbridge Advocacy Plans as provided in confidential Attachments 1-9. 
2. Rescind the Housing and Homeless Supports Advocacy Plan as provided in confidential Attachments 10. 
3. Authorize Administration to share components of the attached confidential City of Lethbridge Advocacy Plans, as provided in confidential Attachments 1-9, with identified Political, Regional and Community Partners in order to execute on the strategies identified in the Plans.

FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council direct that the closed meeting report and discussions, with respect to the City of Lethbridge Advocacy Plan remain confidential pursuant to Sections 21 (Harmful to Intergovernmental Relations) and 24 (Advice from Officials) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

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14.4.

External Boards, Commissions and Committees Update (Verbal) (FOIP Sections 21 and 24)

(City Manager, City Clerk, Legislative Services Assistant, A/Director of Infrastructure Services, A/Director of Corporate Services, Director of Legal Services, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer, Director of Community Services, Director of Community and Council Relations) add yourself

Councillor Carlson:

BE IT RESOLVED THAT City Council direct that the closed meeting verbal report and discussions, with respect to the External BCC Matter remain confidential pursuant to Section 21 (Harmful to Intergovernmental Relations) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

In Favour:   Mayor Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Campbell, Acting Mayor Middleton-Hope, Councillor Parker, Councillor Carlson, Councillor Crowson, Councillor Dodic, Councillor Paladino, Councillor Schmidt-Rempel

--------------- CARRIED

15.

16.

Mayor

City Clerk