Lethbridge public meetings in 2023

Downtown Lawlessness Reduction Task Force

The Downtown Lawlessness Reduction Task Force is meeting to establish its leadership structure. The committee will also review its terms of reference and set meeting dates for 2024.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Review of Task Force Terms of Reference
• Establishment of 2024 meeting dates and times

Special Meeting Of City Council

This is a special meeting of Lethbridge City Council with a single agenda item: a closed session to discuss the Lethbridge and District Exhibition Project. The closed session is authorized under FOIP sections 16, 21, 23, 24, and 25, and was created by resolution on December 12, 2023. No public decisions or discussions are listed on the open agenda.

• Closed session on Lethbridge and District Exhibition Project (verbal report)
• Closed session cited FOIP sections 16, 21, 23, 24, and 25
• Meeting created by Resolution 14.8 – December 12, 2023

Safety And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Safety and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to hear a presentation on the YWCA Harbour House expansion and a report from the Lethbridge Social Helping Organizations Coalition. The committee will also review minutes from the previous meeting and a status update on initiatives.

• Presentation by YWCA Director of External Relations on Harbour House Expansion
• Operational funding request for YWCA Lethbridge (F2025)
• Report from Lethbridge Social Helping Organizations Coalition
• Approval of minutes from November 16, 2023 meeting
• Status of initiatives update

City Council

The City Council is reviewing several bylaws, including updates to parking fines and downtown business taxes. The meeting includes presentations on a new Downtown Lawlessness Reduction Task Force and public hearings regarding land use at 2404 2 Ave N and 1624 9 Avenue South.

• Presentation on Downtown Lawlessness Reduction Task Force terms of reference
• Bylaw 6430: Downtown Business Improvement Area Tax Bylaw (1st Reading)
• Bylaw 6428: Increase of Parking Fines/Traffic Bylaw Amendment (2nd and 3rd Reading)
• Public Hearing: Land Use Amendment for 2404 2 Ave N
• Public Hearing: Specialist Offices Plan and Land Use Amendment for 1624 9 Avenue South

Assets And Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee

The Assets and Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee will elect a chair and vice-chair, then hear presentations on the Toxic & E-Waste Round-Up Pilot, the 2023 Transportation Master Plan, and the Land Use Bylaw Renewal Project. The committee will also receive a submission from the Lethbridge and District Exhibition, including public correspondence. The agenda includes adoption of prior minutes and a status of initiatives report.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Toxic & E-Waste Round-Up Pilot Update presentation
• 2023 Transportation Master Plan presentation
• Land Use Bylaw Renewal Project Update presentation
• Lethbridge and District Exhibition submission with public correspondence

Audit Standing Policy Committee

The Audit Standing Policy Committee is meeting to elect a chair and vice-chair, adopt its agenda, and approve minutes from its May 2023 meeting. The main business is three confidential reports covering the annual risk and controls update, audit planning, and an economic update on financial instruments. All substantive items are confidential under FOIP, so no public details are available.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Minutes of Audit SPC 04-05-2023
• Risk and Controls Annual Update and 2024 Workplan (confidential)
• Audit Planning Report (confidential)
• Economic Update and PS3450 - Financial Instruments (confidential)

City Council

Lethbridge City Council meets publicly at 1:30 PM after a closed session. The agenda is heavy with consent items from standing committees, including recommendations on the Housing Accelerator Fund action plan, a police technology line of credit, increased parking fines, and 2024 utility rates. Council will also hear presentations on the Lethbridge and District Exhibition project and consider a motion on canine welfare at the animal shelter.

• Bylaw 6428: Increase of parking fines/traffic bylaw amendment
• Bylaw 6415: 2024 Water Rates
• Bylaw 6416: 2024 Wastewater Rates
• Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan
• Lethbridge Police Service - Technology Line of Credit

Governance Standing Policy Committee

The Governance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to elect a chair, adopt minutes, and receive updates on several policies. They will hear presentations on the annual diverse and inclusive workforce update, and proposed changes to the Sponsorship, Naming Rights, & Advertising (CC70) and Community Capital Projects Grant (CC26) policies. Two confidential items are also on the agenda.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Annual update: Creating a Diverse & Inclusive Workforce
• Sponsorship, Naming Rights, & Advertising (CC70) policy updates
• Community Capital Projects Grant (CC26) policy updates
• Confidential: ENMAX Centre Master Plan and City Advocacy Plans

Safety And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Safety and Social Standing Policy Committee will meet to hear presentations and submissions, including the Lethbridge Public Library Facilities Master Plan, a proposal to designate the Whitney Block as a municipal historic resource, and an updated Whoop-Up Drive emergency traffic protocol. The committee will also elect a chair and vice-chair and consider consent items such as previous meeting minutes.

• Presentation on Lethbridge Public Library Facilities Master Plan
• Designation of Whitney Block (411 - 3 Ave S) as a Municipal Historic Resource
• Updated Whoop-Up Drive Emergency Traffic Protocol
• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Consent agenda: minutes from Oct 12 and Oct 19 meetings

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss the 2023 September operating forecast, budget appropriations, and several bylaws affecting utility rates and parking fines. They will also hear presentations on the Housing Accelerator Fund action plan, the Lethbridge Police Service technology line of credit, and community group funding requests. The agenda includes multiple items that are informational or procedural, such as the election of a vice-chair and adoption of minutes.

• 2023 September Operating Forecast presentation
• Housing Accelerator Fund Action Plan presentation
• Lethbridge Police Service Technology Line of Credit
• Bylaw 6428: Increase of Parking Fines/Traffic Bylaw Amendment
• Bylaws 6415 and 6416: 2024 Water and Wastewater Rates

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee is reviewing several financial and regulatory items. Discussions include 2024 water and wastewater rates, parking fine amendments, and housing fund action plans.

• Bylaw 6428: Increase of parking fines/Traffic Bylaw amendment
• Bylaw 6415: 2024 Water Rates
• Bylaw 6416: 2024 Wastewater Rates
• Lethbridge Police Service Technology Line of Credit
• Lethbridge Housing Authority Tax Request

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss and receive updates on the city's financial state, including the September 2023 operating forecast, budget processes, and several proposed bylaws that would set 2024 water, wastewater, electric, and waste rates. The committee will also hear presentations on the Housing Accelerator Fund action plan, a technology line of credit for the police service, and budget requests from community groups like food banks and Habitat for Humanity. Several items are for information or discussion only, with decisions expected on the bylaws and other recommendations.

• Bylaw 6415 (2024 water rates) and Bylaw 6416 (2024 wastewater rates)
• Bylaw 6410 (Regulated Rate Option) and Bylaw 6412 (Electric Distribution Tariff)
• Bylaw 6414 (amendment to Waste Bylaw 6146)
• Bylaw 6428 (increase of parking fines/traffic bylaw amendment)
• Lethbridge Police Service technology line of credit (10-year plan 2024-33)

City Council

Lethbridge City Council meets publicly at 1:30 PM after a closed session. The agenda includes consent items, first readings of three land use bylaws, second and third reading of a taxi business licence amendment, and several confidential reports. Most items are routine procedural matters.

• Bylaw 6413: Land Use Bylaw amendment re: 2404 2 Ave N (1st reading)
• Bylaw 6423: Amendment to Specialist Offices Plan re: 1624 9 Avenue South (1st reading)
• Bylaw 6424: Land Use Bylaw amendment re: 1624 9 Avenue South (1st reading)
• Bylaw 6422: Amendment to Business Licence Bylaw 5658 (Taxi Amendments) – 2nd and 3rd reading
• Closed session items: Lethbridge & District Exhibition Project update, Strategic Land Banking, Boards/Commissions matter, Alberta Municipalities 2023 Convention recap

Assets And Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee

The Civic Works Standing Policy Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 2, 2023, has been cancelled by the Chair, Councillor Belinda Crowson, with notice given October 24, 2023. No agenda items were considered.

• Meeting cancelled by Chair Councillor Belinda Crowson

City Council

Lethbridge City Council is meeting to consider several committee recommendations, including an animal bylaw review, taxi bylaw amendments, and funding allocations for community wellbeing programs. Council will also discuss a childcare needs assessment and unsafe properties. The agenda includes consent items, presentations, and a public hearing.

• Animal Bylaw Review recommendation from Community Safety SPC
• Bylaw 6422 Taxi Bylaw Amendments
• FCSS Allocation Request for Community Wellbeing and Safety Strategy
• Reaching Home (RH) Allocation Request
• Childcare Needs Assessment discussion

City Council

This is the Lethbridge City Council organizational meeting for October 31, 2023. Council will consider rescinding the Electoral Ward Boundary Commission Bylaw 6374, adopt the 2024 Council and Standing Policy Committee calendar, amend the BCC Terms of Reference, and make administrative and public appointments to boards, commissions, and committees. Several appointment items are confidential under FOIP.

• Bylaw 6429 to rescind Bylaw 6374 (Electoral Ward Boundary Commission Bylaw)
• Revision to 2023 Council and Standing Policy Committee Calendar
• Amendments to BCC Terms of Reference
• 2024 City Council and Standing Policy Committee Calendar recommendation
• Administrative appointments to boards, commissions, and committees

Advocacy Advisory Committee

The Advocacy Advisory Committee is meeting to consider a submission from Travis Hillier, Director of Community and Council Relations, about inviting MLAs and MPs to meetings on a regular basis. The agenda also includes a confidential recap from the Alberta Municipalities 2023 Convention, plus routine items like adopting the agenda and approving prior minutes.

• Submission by Travis Hillier on inviting MLAs and MPs regularly
• Confidential report: Recap from Alberta Municipalities 2023 Convention (FOIP sections 21 and 24)
• Approval of minutes from 2022-09-22 meeting
• Roll call and call to order with Mayor Blaine Hyggen, Deputy Mayor Mark Campbell, Acting Mayor John Middleton-Hope

Governance Standing Policy Committee

The Governance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to handle routine items, hear a verbal update on the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee's terms of reference, and discuss an ethics advisory matter. Two confidential items are also on the agenda, including the City's Strategic Plan and a boards/commissions matter.

• Verbal presentation by Indigenous Relations Advisor on Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee terms of reference update
• Discussion on ethics advisory (verbal) led by Committee Chair Belinda Crowson
• Confidential item: City of Lethbridge Strategic Plan (FOIP Section 24)
• Confidential item: Boards, Commissions, and Committees matter (FOIP Sections 16, 17, 24)

Cultural And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to consider allocation requests for Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and Reaching Home (RH) funding, and to receive a quarterly update on the Shelter Development Strategy. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and a status of initiatives report.

• FCSS allocation request with funding summary breakdown
• Reaching Home (RH) allocation request
• Shelter Development Strategy quarterly update
• Approval of September 14, 2023 committee minutes
• Status of initiatives report

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to receive a verbal quarterly report from the Lethbridge and District Exhibition and a tax request from the Lethbridge Housing Authority. The committee will also consider confidential updates on the Exhibition project and the airport. The agenda includes routine items like minutes and a status of initiatives report.

• Lethbridge & District Exhibition Quarterly Report (verbal)
• Lethbridge Housing Authority Tax Request
• Confidential: Lethbridge & District Exhibition Project Update
• Confidential: Airport Update
• Consent agenda: minutes and status of initiatives

City Council

Lethbridge City Council is meeting on October 17, 2023, with a closed session at 12:30 PM and a public session at 1:30 PM. The agenda includes a public hearing at 3:00 PM on Bylaw 6417, a land use bylaw amendment for 2802 5 Avenue North, and Bylaw 6407, an amendment to the Clean Energy Improvement Tax Bylaw. Council will also receive a verbal update on the encampment strategy, discuss collaboration with the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone, and consider a request for quotations for audit services. Several items are confidential, including the City Manager performance review and a land swap with Melcor.

• Public hearing on Bylaw 6417, Land Use Bylaw amendment for 2802 5 Avenue North
• Public hearing on Bylaw 6407, amendment to Clean Energy Improvement Tax Bylaw 6296
• Verbal update on monthly Encampment Strategy by Andrew Malcom
• Discussion on collaboration with Downtown Business Revitalization Zone (BRZ) on cross-functional task force
• Request for Quotations for Audit Services by CFO Darrell Matthews

Safety And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Safety and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss two regulatory submissions: proposed amendments to Bylaw 6422 regarding taxis, and a review of the animal bylaw. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and routine administrative items.

• Bylaw 6422 Taxi Amendments presentation by Duane Ens, General Manager - Regulatory Services
• Animal Bylaw Review presentation by Duane Ens
• Adoption of 2023-07-13 committee minutes

Assets And Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee

The Assets and Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee is meeting to hear presentations on the snow and ice control service level change implementation and a proposed amendment to the Watermark outline plan. The agenda includes consent items for prior minutes and a status of initiatives report.

• Snow and Ice Control Service Level Change Implementation – Phase 1 completion status, stakeholder feedback, and Phase 2 outlook
• Watermark Outline Plan Amendment – presentation by Senior Subdivision Planner and applicant
• 2023-07-06 committee minutes for adoption
• 2023-10-05 status of initiatives report

Audit Standing Policy Committee

The regularly scheduled Audit Committee meeting of October 4, 2023, has been cancelled by the Chair, Councillor Rajko Dodic, with notice given on September 28, 2023. No agenda items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancelled by Chair Councillor Rajko Dodic

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to consider two affordable and social housing capital funding requests, one from Streets Alive Mission and one from Concept Investment Partners Ltd. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes, a status of initiatives report, and a confidential verbal item regarding AHS contract ratification.

• Affordable and Social Housing Capital Funding Request - Streets Alive Mission
• Affordable and Social Housing Capital Funding Request - Concept Investment Partners Ltd
• AHS Contract Ratification (Verbal) (FOIP Sections 16 and 24)
• 2023-09-13-ECONSPC-Minutes
• 2023-10-03-ECONSPC-Status of Initiatives

City Council

Lethbridge City Council is meeting on October 3, 2023, to handle routine consent items, first readings of 2024 water and wastewater rate bylaws, and several official business items. The agenda includes proposed urgent business on affordable housing capital funding for Streets Alive Mission and Concept Investment Partners, plus a public hearing at 3:00 PM. Council will also discuss a development incentive program and a grant application for regional water and wastewater infrastructure.

• Bylaw 6415: 2024 Water Rates (first reading)
• Bylaw 6416: 2024 Wastewater Rates (first reading)
• Affordable and Social Housing Capital Funding Request – Streets Alive Mission (proposed urgent business)
• Affordable and Social Housing Capital Funding Request – Concept Investment Partners Ltd. (proposed urgent business)
• Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy Municipal Tax Cancellation – 311 8 Street South

Advocacy Advisory Committee

The Subdivision and Advocacy Advisory Committee is meeting to handle routine items including adopting the agenda, approving prior minutes, and receiving updates. The main substantive item is a confidential report on the City of Lethbridge Advocacy Plans, which will be discussed behind closed doors under FOIP sections 21 and 24.

• Confidential report: City of Lethbridge Advocacy Plans (FOIP Sections 21&24)
• Approval of AAC Minutes from June 29, 2023
• Public attendance welcome in City Council Chamber

Governance Standing Policy Committee

The Governance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss a website progress update and review Council Policy CC45. They will also receive a verbal update on the Blood Tribe/City of Lethbridge Intergovernmental Health Table. The agenda includes consent items such as minutes and a status of initiatives report.

• Website progress update presentation by Communications and Engagement staff
• Council Policy CC45 review with Solicitor and CFO
• Blood Tribe/City of Lethbridge Intergovernmental Health Table verbal update
• Consent agenda: meeting minutes from 06-22-2023 and status of initiatives

City Council

Lethbridge City Council is meeting on September 19, 2023, to consider several bylaws, including borrowing for water and wastewater system expansions, amendments to the waste bylaw, and land use changes. The agenda includes public hearings for two land use bylaw amendments and a verbal update on the encampment strategy. Several items are marked as urgent business from the Economic Standing Policy Committee and require a two-thirds vote to be added to the agenda.

• Bylaw 6419: Water System Expansion and Upgrades Borrowing Bylaw
• Bylaw 6420: Wastewater System Expansion and Upgrades Borrowing Bylaw
• Bylaw 6414: Amendment to Waste Bylaw 6146
• Public hearing for Bylaw 6404: Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 41 St. N
• Public hearing for Bylaw 6411: Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 416 Stafford Drive North

Cultural And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to consider two fee-for-service and lease agreements with the Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) and the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association (SAEA) for 2023-2026, and to hear student presentations from the University of Calgary's School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and a status of initiatives report.

• Southern Alberta Art Gallery (SAAG) Fee-for-Service and Lease Agreement (2023-2026)
• Southern Alberta Ethnic Association (SAEA) Fee-for-Service and Lease Agreement (2023-2026)
• Student presentations from School of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape (Harvest Trails and Make the Future Here)
• Adoption of 2023-06-15 committee minutes
• Status of initiatives report

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee will consider amendments to the 2022-2031 water and wastewater capital improvement plan, set 2024 water, wastewater, and electric rates, and amend the waste bylaw. They will also receive a Tourism Lethbridge 6-month update and discuss a tax cancellation for a property at 311 8 Street South. Several items are confidential under FOIP.

• Bylaw 6415 – 2024 Water Rates
• Bylaw 6416 – 2024 Wastewater Rates
• Bylaw 6410 – Amendment to Regulated Rate Option Bylaw (RRO)
• Bylaw 6412 – 2024 Electric Distribution Tariff
• Bylaw 6414 – Amendment to Waste Bylaw 6146

Special Meeting Of City Council

This is a special meeting of Lethbridge City Council with a single substantive item on the consent agenda: first reading of Bylaw 6411, a Land Use Bylaw amendment regarding 416 Stafford Drive North. The meeting is not livestreamed, and public feedback is not part of this agenda. No other business is listed.

• First reading of Bylaw 6411 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 416 Stafford Drive North

City Council provided first reading to Bylaw 6411 regarding a Land Use Bylaw Amendment for 416 Stafford Drive North. A public hearing on the matter is scheduled for September 19, 2023, at 3:00 P.M.

• Approved first reading of Bylaw 6411 Land Use Bylaw Amendment for 416 Stafford Drive North (6-0)
• Scheduled public hearing for Bylaw 6411 on September 19, 2023 (6-0)

City Council

City Council allocated funds for a Film Liaison and creative industries cluster and accepted a $665,618.10 federal grant for gang and gun prevention. Council also approved a land use amendment for 1304 6 Avenue South and defeated a proposal to study wrought iron fencing for Galt Gardens.

• Approved $319,505 for a 2.5-year Film Liaison position and $461,065 for a 3.3-year EDL position (Carried)
• Accepted $665,618.10 federal Building Safer Communities Fund grant for gun and gang initiatives (Carried)
• Approved Bylaw 6405 land use amendment for 1304 6 Avenue South (Carried)
• Defeated proposal to examine costs for a wrought iron fence at Galt Gardens (4-5)
• Passed first reading of Bylaw 6406 (Electronic Transmission of Documents) and Bylaw 6407 (Clean Energy Improvement Tax) (Carried)
• Scheduled public hearing for Bylaw 6407 for October 17, 2023 (Carried)
• Approved July 11, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)

Safety And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Safety and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to receive a presentation from the Lethbridge Police Commission on its 2022 annual report. A submission on enhanced safety measures for Galt Gardens was withdrawn from the agenda. The rest of the agenda is procedural, including adoption of previous minutes.

• Presentation: Lethbridge Police Commission 2022 Annual Report
• Withdrawn: Enhanced Safety Measures for Galt Gardens (Mayor Hyggen and Deputy Mayor Hope)
• Consent agenda: Approval of May 11, 2023 committee minutes

The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from May 11, 2023. Members voted to recommend that City Council receive the Lethbridge Police Commission Annual Plan as information.

• Adopted amended agenda removing Item 6.1 (Enhanced Safety Measures for Galt Gardens) (4-0)
• Approved May 11, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Recommended City Council receive the Lethbridge Police Commission Annual Plan as information (4-0)

City Council

Lethbridge City Council's July 11, 2023 meeting includes a closed session, consent agenda items, and public hearings for two bylaws: Bylaw 6394 (Railway Relocation Lands Area Redevelopment Plan amendment) and Bylaw 6395 (Land Use Bylaw amendment for 802 2A Avenue North, a shelter rezoning). Council will also consider several committee recommendations, including water/wastewater capital plan amendments, tax cancellations, and a film/TV industry exploration.

• Public hearing for Bylaw 6394 – Railway Relocation Lands Area Redevelopment Plan amendment
• Public hearing for Bylaw 6395 – Land Use Bylaw amendment re: 802 2A Avenue North (shelter rezoning)
• Bylaw 6404 – Land Use Bylaw amendment re: 41 St. N (multiple parcels) for 1st reading
• Bylaw 6408 – Traffic Bylaw amendment for harmonization of school and playground zones (2nd/3rd reading)
• Tax cancellation requests under Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy for 601 6 Ave South and 411 3 Ave South

Council approved municipal tax cancellations for two redevelopment projects and a compassionate grounds request. The Animal Welfare Committee was transitioned to a standing committee, and a broader review of all city boards and commissions was directed.

• Approved 6-year municipal tax cancellation for 601 6 Ave South
• Approved 6-year municipal tax cancellation for 411 3 Ave South
• Approved $189.65 tax cancellation for 43 Kootenay Pl W on compassionate grounds
• Adopted Honorariums for Boards, Committees and Commissions policy retroactive to Jan 1, 2023
• Approved transition of Animal Welfare Committee from 'Ad-Hoc' to 'Standing'
• Directed City Clerk’s Office to conduct a review of all Boards, Commissions and Committees (BCCs)
• Postponed Water and Wastewater 2022-2031 CIP budget amendments to Sept 13, 2023
• Directed Administration to draft rate bylaws with annual increases of 6.5% for Water and 7.5% for Wastewater for 2024-2026

Assets And Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee

The committee approved the meeting agenda and the minutes from the June 1, 2023 meeting. Members also received a status of initiatives report and a Land Use Bylaw Renewal Project update for information.

• Adopted the July 6, 2023 meeting agenda (Carried)
• Approved June 1, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
• Received Status of Initiatives – 07-06-2023 as information (Carried)
• Recommended Council receive the Land Use Bylaw Renewal Project update for information (Carried)

Audit Standing Policy Committee

The Audit Committee's regularly scheduled meeting of July 5, 2023, has been cancelled because there were no agenda items. The notice was issued by the Chair on June 23, 2023. No business will be conducted.

• Meeting cancelled due to no agenda items

Advocacy Advisory Committee

The Subdivision and Advocacy Advisory Committee is meeting to discuss downtown advocacy and hear from Travis Hillier, Director of Community and Council Relations, about the City of Lethbridge Advocacy Framework. The agenda includes routine items like roll call, adoption of the agenda, and confirmation of minutes. No decisions are listed; the main items are presentations and submissions.

• Downtown Advocacy submission
• Presentation by Travis Hillier on City of Lethbridge Advocacy Framework
• Confirmation of minutes from April 28, 2023

The Advocacy Advisory Committee recommended that City Council adopt a new Advocacy Framework and rescind the previous 2021 version. The committee also recommended that Administration create a prioritized Advocacy Plan for the 2023 Alberta Municipalities Convention based on downtown advocacy input.

• Recommended City Council rescind the August 24, 2021 Advocacy Framework (3-0)
• Recommended City Council adopt the new City of Lethbridge Advocacy Framework (3-0)
• Recommended City Council direct Administration to prepare a prioritized Advocacy Plan for the September 22, 2023 meeting (3-0)
• Approved April 28, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Adopted meeting agenda as amended (3-0)

City Council

Lethbridge City Council is meeting on June 27, 2023, to handle routine business, including consent agenda items, committee reports, and several bylaws. The most significant items are public hearings for three land use bylaw amendments (Bylaws 6402, 6403, and 6405) affecting specific properties, plus a second and third reading of the ATCO franchise agreement. Council will also receive a verbal update on the 2023 census results.

• Public hearing for Bylaw 6402 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 618 6 Avenue South
• Public hearing for Bylaw 6403 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 1730 10 Avenue South
• First reading of Bylaw 6405 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 1304 6 Avenue South
• Second and third reading of ATCO Franchise Agreement (Bylaw 6400)
• Verbal presentation on 2023 Census results

Council approved the Shelter Development Strategy and reallocated $100,000 for its execution. Two land use bylaw amendments were passed following public hearings, and the ATCO Franchise Agreement was approved. Council also confirmed the mandate of the Yates Memorial Centre as a community theatre.

• Approved Shelter Development Strategy and reallocated $100,000 for its execution (Unanimous)
• Confirmed Yates Memorial Centre mandate as a community theatre (Unanimous)
• Approved Bylaw 6400 ATCO Franchise Agreement (Unanimous)
• Approved Bylaw 6402 Land Use Amendment for 618 6 Avenue South to allow massage therapy spa (Unanimous)
• Approved Bylaw 6403 Land Use Amendment for 1730 10 Avenue South for care facilities and mixed-use (Unanimous)
• Passed first reading of Bylaw 6405 (1304 6 Avenue South) and Bylaw 6408 (Traffic Bylaw harmonization) (Unanimous)
• Scheduled Public Hearing for Bylaw 6405 for July 25, 2023 (Unanimous)
• Accepted 2023 Census verbal report for information (Unanimous)

Governance Standing Policy Committee

The Governance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss several governance-related items, including a proposed council policy on honorariums for boards, committees, and commissions, a review of councillor representation rotational models, and updates to the Animal Welfare Committee's terms of reference. The committee will also consider the overall governance structure of standing policy committees and term limitations for council members on boards.

• Review of Council Policy on Honorariums for Boards, Committees, and Commissions
• Review of Councillor Representation Rotational Models, including a precinct model proposal
• Proposed revised Standing Policy Committee structure and draft 2024 Council and SPC calendar
• Animal Welfare Committee Terms of Reference update
• Discussion on term limitations and stipends for council members on boards, commissions, and committees

The Governance Standing Policy Committee recommended updating the city's standing policy committee structure and disbanding the Advocacy Advisory Committee by October 31, 2023. The committee also recommended a new honorarium policy for boards and commissions and a comprehensive review of all city boards, commissions, and committees.

• Recommended adoption of City Council Policy for Honorariums for Boards, Committees, and Commissions retroactive to January 1, 2023
• Recommended amendments to Bylaw 6250 to update Standing Policy Committees Structure
• Recommended disbanding the Advocacy Advisory Committee effective October 31, 2023
• Recommended amendments to Animal Welfare Committee Terms of Reference to change it from 'Ad-Hoc' to 'Standing'
• Recommended City Clerk's Office conduct a review of all current Boards, Commissions, and Committees (BCCs)
• Referred term limitations and stipends for Council members on BCCs to Administration for 2024 report
• Recommended amendment to City Council Policy CC17 regarding City Manager Performance Review
• Defeated recommendation to forward the review of Councillor Representation Rotational Models to Council (2-2)

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to hear presentations and submissions on several financial and economic matters, including a water and wastewater capital plan amendment, a tax rate review, and potential city involvement in the film and TV industry. The committee will also consider municipal tax cancellations for two properties under the Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy. Several items will be discussed in confidential session, including lease negotiations and an airport operations update.

• Water and Wastewater 2022-2031 CIP Amendment
• Tax Rate Review
• Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy Municipal Tax Cancellation – 601 6 Ave South
• Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Policy Municipal Tax Cancellation – 411 3 Ave South
• Growing Creative Industries: Exploring City of Lethbridge Involvement in the Film and TV Industry

The committee recommended that City Council allocate $480,000 from the federal Reaching Home portfolio to various housing and mental health initiatives. A proposed amendment to the Water and Wastewater Capital Improvement Program budget was postponed to September. Two motions regarding the Lethbridge Oldtimers Sports Association Henderson Project were defeated.

• Recommended $200,000 for a needs assessment and strategic updates to housing and wellbeing strategies
• Recommended $90,000 annually for four years to Blood Tribe Department of Health for the PSN project
• Recommended $170,000 for the Canadian Mental Health Association to purchase two vehicles
• Recommended $20,000 for an Integrated Coordinated Access Engagement Service Fair
• Postponed Water and Wastewater 2022-2031 CIP budget amendment and rate bylaw recommendations to September 13, 2023
• Defeated motion to refer LOSA Henderson Project to Administration for review of other options
• Defeated motion to refer LOSA Henderson Project to Administration for CIP summary and cost identification
• Accepted Tax Rate Review and Lethbridge Destination Management Organization Update as information

Cultural And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee will receive presentations on the Lethbridge Social Helping Organizations Coalition, the Lethbridge Public Library's 2022 annual report and facilities master plan update, an indoor court audit and analysis recommendation strategy, and an update on the Shelter Development Strategy. The committee will also consider confidential reports on the Civic Culture Plan, Yates Memorial Operating Review, and Shelter Development Strategy.

• Presentation from Lethbridge Social Helping Organizations Coalition
• Lethbridge Public Library Report to the Community 2022
• Lethbridge Public Library Facilities Master Plan Update
• Indoor Court Audit and Analysis Recommendation Strategy
• Update: Shelter Development Strategy

The committee recommended that City Council reallocate $100,000 from Council Contingencies to the Shelter Development Strategy and rescind a 2022 resolution regarding a community care campus. Other actions included recommending a mandate for the Yates Memorial Centre as a community theatre and requesting a draft Civic Culture Plan by Q1 2024.

• Recommended reallocating $100,000 from Council Contingencies to the Shelter Development Strategy (4-0)
• Recommended rescinding the April 5, 2022 resolution for a community care campus (4-0)
• Recommended City Council confirm the mandate of Yates Memorial Centre as a community theatre (4-0)
• Requested a complete draft of the Civic Culture Plan by the end of Q1 2024 (4-0)
• Recommended Council direct Administration to provide quarterly updates on the Shelter Development Strategy (4-0)
• Referred review of Joint Use Agreements regarding indoor courts to Administration for October 2023 (4-0)
• Requested an update from the Lethbridge Social Helping Organization Coalition in Q4 2023 (4-0)
• Approved May 18, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

City Council

Lethbridge City Council meets June 13, 2023, with a public hearing on Bylaw 6401, a land use amendment for 2910 16 Avenue North. Council will also hear an update on the encampment strategy from the Lethbridge Police Service and consider a motion for complimentary parking at City Hall during tax payments. Committee reports on the River Valley Trail Network and Transportation Master Plan are on the consent agenda.

• Public hearing: Bylaw 6401 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 2910 16 Avenue North
• Encampment Strategy Update (verbal) from Lethbridge Police Commission and Police Service
• Motion: Complimentary parking at City Hall last week of June for municipal tax payments
• Committee report: River Valley Trail Network
• Committee report: Transportation Master Plan draft executive summary

Council approved the adoption of a sanctioned trail network in the river valley and amended the Land Use Bylaw for 2910 16 Avenue North. The City Manager was also encouraged to provide complimentary parking at City Hall during the last week of June for tax payments.

• Approved adoption of sanctioned river valley trail network
• Approved Bylaw 6401 Land Use Bylaw Amendment for 2910 16 Avenue North (unanimous)
• Encouraged City Manager to provide complimentary parking at City Hall during the last week of June (unanimous)
• Approved minutes from City Council Meeting 05-30-2023
• Deferred Lethbridge & District Exhibition Project Update to July 11, 2023
• Deferred Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee Terms of Reference to October 17, 2023
• Deferred Legal and Other Considerations in Land Use Bylaw to end of Q1 2024
• Invited community groups to the June 23, 2023 Advocacy Advisory Committee meeting

Special Meeting Of City Council

This is a special meeting of Lethbridge City Council with only two agenda items, both held in closed session under FOIP exemptions. Council will continue a governance seminar and receive a verbal update on the Lethbridge & District Exhibition Project. No public decisions or votes are scheduled.

• City Council Governance Seminar Continued (FOIP Section 24)
• Lethbridge & District Exhibition Project Update (Verbal) (FOIP Sections 16, 21, 23, 24 and 25)

City Council met in a special session to continue a governance seminar and receive a project update. Both items were discussed in a closed session, and the specific details of these discussions remain confidential.

• Added Lethbridge & District Exhibition Project Update to the agenda (8-1)
• Adopted the amended agenda (9-0)
• Entered closed session at 1:09 P.M. (9-0)
• Adjourned closed session at 2:10 P.M. (9-0)
• Resolved to keep City Council Governance Seminar discussions confidential (9-0)
• Authorized Mayor and City Manager to proceed with confidential direction regarding Lethbridge & District Exhibition Project (9-0)
• Resolved to keep Lethbridge & District Exhibition Project discussions confidential (9-0)

Safety And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Community Safety Standing Policy Committee meeting scheduled for June 8, 2023, was cancelled because no agenda items were submitted. The notice, signed by Chair Jenn Schmidt-Rempel on May 5, 2023, indicates the meeting will not take place.

• Meeting cancelled due to no agenda items

Audit Standing Policy Committee

The Audit Committee's regularly scheduled meeting for June 7, 2023, has been cancelled because there were no agenda items. The cancellation notice was issued by Chair Rajko Dodic on May 16, 2023. No business will be conducted at this meeting.

• Meeting cancelled due to no agenda items
• Notice issued by Chair Rajko Dodic on May 16, 2023

Assets And Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee

The Subdivision and Civic Works Standing Policy Committee is meeting to receive presentations on the River Valley Trail Network, the Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan, and the draft executive summary of the Transportation Master Plan. No decisions are listed; the agenda consists of presentations and a confidential report on a Park Master Plan engagement session.

• Presentation by Blair Richter, General Manager - Parks & Cemeteries, re: River Valley Trail Network
• Presentation by Raene Barber, Sustainability Engineer, re: Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan
• Presentation by Adam St. Amant, Transportation Engineer, re: Transportation Master Plan - Draft Executive Summary
• Confidential report: Park Master Plan Engagement Session (FOIP Section 24)

The Civic Works Standing Policy Committee recommended the adoption of a sanctioned trail network in the river valley. The committee also provided strategic direction for the Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan and requested a draft Parks Master Plan by early 2024.

• Recommended Council direct Administration to proceed with a sanctioned river valley trail network (4-0)
• Referred Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan back to Administration with specific vision and guiding principles (4-0)
• Recommended Council receive the Transportation Master Plan Draft Executive Summary for information (4-0)
• Referred Parks Master Plan engagement feedback to Administration with a request for a complete draft by end of Q1 2024 (4-0)
• Approved May 4, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Governance Standing Policy Committee

The Governance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss a submission from the Deputy City Clerk regarding City Council's Standing Policy Committees and the Governance Structure, referred from the April meeting. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and a status update on initiatives. No other substantive items are listed.

• Deputy City Clerk David Sarsfield submission on Standing Policy Committees and Governance Structure

The Governance Standing Policy Committee referred a proposal to Administration to create a one-page visual regarding the restructuring of committee mandates, memberships, and spending authorities. The proposed changes include combining several committees and rescinding the Advocacy Advisory Committee.

• Approved agenda (3-0)
• Approved April 27, 2023 minutes (3-0)
• Received Status of Initiatives for May 31, 2023 as information (3-0)
• Referred to Administration to report back on June 22, 2023 with a visual for combining Advocacy Advisory Committee into Governance Standing Policy Committee (3-0)
• Referred to Administration to report back on June 22, 2023 with a visual for combining Community Safety and Cultural committees into a Social and Safety Standing Policy Committee (3-0)
• Referred to Administration to report back on June 22, 2023 with a visual for delegating authority up to $75,000.00 per item for five specific standing policy committees (3-0)
• Referred to Administration to report back on June 22, 2023 with a visual for rescinding the Advocacy Advisory Committee (3-0)
• Referred to Administration to report back on June 22, 2023 with a visual for setting Audit Standing Policy Committee to four meetings per year or as needed (3-0)

City Council

Lethbridge City Council is meeting on May 30, 2023, to handle routine items and several notable decisions. They will consider a Housing Accelerator Fund grant application, a request to demolish the Manie Opera Society building, and four land-use bylaw amendments. The agenda also includes reports on procurement, spring hazards, and an update on the encampment strategy.

• Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) competitive grant application
• Request for heritage approval to demolish Manie Opera Society (318 2 Ave S)
• Bylaw 6394: Railway Relocation Lands Area Redevelopment Plan amendment
• Bylaw 6395: Land Use Bylaw amendment re: 802 2A Avenue North
• Bylaw 6402: Land Use Bylaw amendment re: 618 6 Avenue South

City Council directed administration to apply for the Housing Accelerator Fund and explore repurposing Exhibition Park pavilions for indoor recreation. Council also approved the demolition of the Manie Opera Society building and reduced the scope of the D-23 Outdoor Sports Court project.

• Approved application for Housing Accelerator Fund with 15% growth rate commitment (9-0)
• Allocated $1.5M from reserves as matching funds for Housing Accelerator Fund risk management (9-0)
• Approved feasibility study to repurpose Exhibition Park pavilions for recreation (9-0)
• Approved up to $50,000 for pavilion feasibility study (8-1)
• Reduced D-23 Outdoor Sports Court scope from two courts to one smaller court (9-0)
• Approved demolition and backfilling of Manie Opera Society building at 318 2 Avenue South (6-3)
• Adopted Lethbridge Land 2023-2026 Work Plan (9-0)
• Granted first reading to four land use and redevelopment bylaws (9-0)

Advocacy Advisory Committee

The Advocacy Advisory Committee's regularly scheduled meeting of May 26, 2023, has been cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The cancellation notice was issued by Mayor Blaine Hyggen on May 17, 2023. No items were discussed or decided.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items

Cultural And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to hear presentations on the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden's annual general meeting, winter lights, and building naming, plus the Green Acres Foundation's 2022 community report. They will also receive an update on a Housing Accelerator Fund competitive grant application. The agenda includes adoption of prior minutes and a status of initiatives report.

• Presentation on Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden AGM and Winter Light
• Building naming proposal for Old Visitor Centre/Garden Pavilion at Nikka Yuko
• Green Acres Foundation 2022 Report to the Community
• Housing Accelerator Fund (HAF) Competitive Grant Application update

The committee recommended that City Council apply for the Housing Accelerator Fund with a 15% housing supply growth commitment. They also proposed allocating $1.5 million in reserve funds as a risk backstop and pausing intakes for the Affordable and Social Housing Capital Grant. Additionally, the committee referred a building naming request for the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden to Administration for review.

• Recommended City Council apply for the Housing Accelerator Fund (3-0)
• Recommended 15% housing supply growth rate commitment and 11 action plan initiatives (3-0)
• Recommended allocating $1,500,000 from reserves as matching funds backstop (3-0)
• Recommended pausing Affordable and Social Housing Capital Grant intakes (3-0)
• Referred Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden building naming to Administration for review (2-1)
• Approved April 20, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Received Nikka Yuko AGM and Winter Light reports as information (3-0)
• Received Green Acres Foundation 2022 Report to the Community as information (3-0)

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic Standing Policy Committee recommended reducing the D-23 Outdoor Sports Court project from two courts to one smaller court. The committee also recommended the adoption of the Lethbridge Land 2023-2026 Work Plan and requested a funding review for the Spirit of the Horse project.

• Recommended Council adopt the Lethbridge Land 2023-2026 Work Plan (8-0)
• Recommended Council receive Spirit of the Horse report and directed Administration to review potential funding sources by July 11, 2023 (8-0)
• Recommended Council reduce D-23 Outdoor Sports Court scope from two courts to one reduced-size court (8-0)
• Directed that Lethbridge and District Exhibition Project Update discussions and documents remain confidential (8-0)
• Approved April 19, 2023 meeting minutes (8-0)

City Council

Lethbridge City Council meets May 16, 2023, with a closed session at 12:30 PM and public session at 1:30 PM. The agenda includes a land use bylaw amendment for 2910 16 Ave. N, a presentation on an encampment strategy, and consideration of 2023 municipal tax cancellations under the Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Program. Council will also discuss a motion supporting Edmonton's Clean Energy Improvement Program changes and indoor recreational opportunities.

• Bylaw 6401: Land Use Bylaw amendment re: 2910 16 Ave. N (1st reading)
• Encampment Strategy presentation by Andrew Malcolm, General Manager Community Social Development
• Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Program (TRIP) 2023 Municipal Tax Cancellations
• Motion to second City of Edmonton AM on Clean Energy Improvement Program changes
• Harmonization of school and playground zones (Civic Works SPC recommendation)

City Council adopted the Encampment Strategy and approved municipal tax cancellations for three properties under the Targeted Redevelopment Incentive Program. Council also approved the harmonization of school and playground zones and a land sale extension for Pure West Developments Ltd.

• Adopted Encampment Strategy (7-1)
• Approved $121,242.61 in TRIP municipal tax cancellations (8-0)
• Approved changing School Zones to Playground Zones (7:30 AM to 9:00 PM) effective Q3 2023 (8-0)
• Approved 3-month closing date extension for 624 Devonia Road and 808 Devonia Circle W to Pure West Developments Ltd (6-0)
• Approved first reading of Bylaw 6401 (Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 2910 16 Ave. N) and scheduled public hearing for June 13, 2023 (8-0)
• Endorsed Alberta Community Partnership grant application by Alberta Midsized City Mayors’ Caucus (8-0)
• Seconded City of Edmonton resolution regarding Clean Energy Improvement Program (8-0)
• Defeated amendments to Historic Places Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (4-4)

Safety And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Safety and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to consider the 2023 Spring Hazard Report, including a presentation from Emergency Preparedness Manager Luke Palmer on the spring hazard season outlook. The committee will also review minutes from its April 13, 2023 meeting. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda; the items are for discussion and information.

• 2023 Spring Hazard Report presentation by Luke Palmer, Emergency Preparedness Manager
• 2023 Spring Hazard Season Outlook Brief and Extended Brief attachments
• Correspondence from Dennis Chinner regarding the spring hazard report
• Approval of 2023-04-13 committee minutes

The Community Safety Standing Policy Committee met to adopt the agenda and approve previous minutes. The committee recommended that City Council receive the 2023 Spring Hazard Report for informational purposes.

• Adopted the May 11, 2023 agenda (3-0)
• Approved April 14, 2023 meeting minutes (3-0)
• Recommended City Council receive the 2023 Spring Hazard Report as information (3-0)

Assets And Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee

The Assets and Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee (also styled as Subdivision and Civic Works SPC) is meeting to hear three presentations: harmonization of school and playground zones, the Transportation Services annual report, and the Water, Wastewater & Stormwater 2022 annual report. The agenda also includes adoption of prior minutes and a status of initiatives update. No votes or decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation on harmonization of school and playground zones by Transportation Engineering Manager Ahmed Ali
• Annual report on Transportation Services by GM Transportation Darwin Juell
• Water, Wastewater & Stormwater 2022 annual report by GM Doug Kaupp
• Adoption of 2023-04-06 Civic Works SPC minutes
• Status of initiatives update

The Civic Works Standing Policy Committee voted unanimously to recommend that City Council approve harmonizing school and playground zones, changing existing school zones to playground zones and setting effective hours from 7:30 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with implementation targeted for Q3 2023. The committee also received the 2022 annual reports for Transportation Services and Water, Wastewater & Stormwater as information items. No other substantive decisions were made.

• Recommended Council approve harmonizing school and playground zones (3-0)
• Recommended Council receive 2022 Transportation Annual Report as information (3-0)
• Recommended Council receive Water, Wastewater & Stormwater 2022 Annual Report as information (3-0)
• Approved minutes of April 6, 2023 meeting (3-0)
• Received Status of Initiatives as information (3-0)

Audit Standing Policy Committee

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Audit Committee on May 3, 2023, was cancelled because there were no agenda items to discuss. The notice of cancellation was signed by Chair Rajko Dodic.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items

City Council

Council gave final reading to the 2023 Property Tax and Supplementary Property Tax Bylaw (Bylaw 6397) and the Pre-Authorized Tax Installment Pre-Payment Plan (Bylaw 6398), setting the tax rate and payment options for the year. Council also approved directing administration to apply for Bee City Canada designation, with ongoing renewal fees covered by the existing Parks Operating Budget. Several funding allocations were approved from federal Reaching Home funds, including up to $120,000 annually for a By-Names-List project and $50,000 annually for a Homeless Individuals and Families Information System.

• Approved 2023 Property Tax and Supplementary Property Tax Bylaw (Bylaw 6397) (9-0)
• Approved 2023 Pre-Authorized Tax Installment Pre-Payment Plan (Bylaw 6398) (9-0)
• Approved application to become a Bee City through Bee City Canada (7-2)
• Approved up to $120,000 annually for By-Names-List project from Reaching Home funds (9-0)
• Approved up to $50,000 annually for Homeless Individuals and Families Information System (HIFIS) (9-0)
• Approved up to $70,000 annually for Senior Supports Navigator at Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (9-0)
• Approved $225,000 to Green Acres Foundation for Abbey Road Terrace affordable housing project (9-0)
• Approved $210,000 over three years for PlayOn! Canada event grant to Downtown BRZ (9-0)

Special Meeting Of City Council

This is a special meeting of Lethbridge City Council held at 10:00 a.m. on May 2, 2023. The agenda consists of a call to order, a closed meeting item for a City Council Governance Seminar under FOIP Section 24, and adjournment. No public decisions or discussions are listed; the substantive portion is closed to the public.

• Closed meeting: City Council Governance Seminar (FOIP Section 24)

Special Meeting Of City Council

This is a special meeting of Lethbridge City Council with a single agenda item: a closed-session City Council Governance Seminar under FOIP Section 24. The meeting is largely procedural, with no public decisions or discussions listed.

• Closed meeting item: City Council Governance Seminar (FOIP Section 24)

Council entered a closed meeting to receive a confidential presentation regarding a City Council Governance Seminar. No public decisions were recorded.

• Entered closed session for City Council Governance Seminar by general consent

Advocacy Advisory Committee

The Advocacy Advisory Committee is meeting to consider two submissions: a verbal update from Deputy Mayor Middleton-Hope on basic income, and a request from Mayor Hyggen to endorse a grant application by the Midsized City Mayors Caucus. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and a confidential report on intermunicipal collaboration.

• Deputy Mayor Middleton-Hope verbal submission on basic income
• Mayor Hyggen request to support Midsized City Mayors Caucus grant application
• Confidential report on intermunicipal collaboration (FOIP Sections 21 and 24)
• Adoption of minutes from March 24, 2023 meeting

The Advocacy Advisory Committee recommended that Council endorse a grant application for the Alberta Midsized City Mayors’ Caucus. The committee also directed administration to prepare a report on intermunicipal collaboration opportunities.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved minutes from March 24, 2023 (3-0)
• Accepted Basic Income Report as information (3-0)
• Recommended Council endorse Alberta Community Partnership grant application by Alberta Midsized City Mayors’ Caucus (3-0)
• Recommended Council approve up to 30 hours of in-kind administrative support if grant is successful (3-0)
• Directed administration to prepare a report on future intermunicipal collaboration opportunities for May 26, 2023 (3-0)

Governance Standing Policy Committee

The Governance Standing Policy Committee will discuss proposed changes to election sign placement within road rights-of-way and review the status of the Historic Places Advisory Committee. A presentation on the city's standing policy committee structure is also scheduled. The meeting includes adoption of previous minutes and a status update on initiatives.

• Discussion of election signs within road right-of-way (item 6.2)
• Status update on Historic Places Advisory Committee (item 6.1)
• Presentation on City Council's Standing Policy Committees and governance structure (item 5.1)
• Adoption of March 23, 2023 minutes (item 4.1)
• Status of initiatives report (item 4.2)

The committee approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes. A proposal to formalize the Historic Places Advisory Committee as a Committee of Council was defeated. Discussions on governance structure and election signs in road right-of-ways were deferred to future meetings.

• Adopted the April 27, 2023 agenda (Carried)
• Approved March 23, 2023 meeting minutes (Carried)
• Referred discussion of Standing Policy Committees and Governance Structure to May 31, 2023 (Carried)
• Recommendation to formalize Historic Places Advisory Committee via bylaw defeated (2-2)
• Referred discussion of election signs within road right-of-way to Q4 2023 (Carried)

Cultural And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee will hear presentations on homelessness and community outcomes, and consider several funding allocation requests for social services, including the Blackfoot Resource Hub, By-Names-List Project, Senior Supports Navigator, Homeless Information System, and a capital grant for Green Acres Foundation affordable housing. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and a status update on initiatives.

• Presentation on Focus on Better Community Outcomes (Homelessness)
• CWSS Funding Allocation Requests Overview
• Blackfoot Resource Hub Facility Funding Allocation Request
• Affordable and Social Housing Capital Project Grant Request – Green Acres Foundation
• By-Names-List Project Funding Allocation Request

The committee recommended that City Council approve funding for the Blackfoot Resource Hub, the By-Names-List project, and a Senior Support Navigator. It also recommended a $225,000 grant for the Green Acres Foundation's Abbey Road Terrace Project. A request for HIFIS implementation funding was defeated.

• Recommended $40,000 annual Reaching Home funding for Blackfoot Resource Hub (4-0)
• Recommended $120,000 annual Reaching Home funding for By-Names-List project (4-0)
• Recommended $70,000 annual Reaching Home funding for Senior Support Navigator (4-0)
• Denied $50,000 annual Reaching Home funding for HIFIS implementation (2-2)
• Recommended $225,000 grant to Green Acres Foundation for Abbey Road Terrace Project (4-0)
• Approved keeping Website Update report and discussions confidential (4-0)

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee will hear annual reports from Tourism Lethbridge and Economic Development Lethbridge, consider a major event grant request from the Downtown Business Revitalization Zone for PlayOn! Canada, review a proposed amendment to the Capital Improvement Program for sustainability enhancements, and discuss online property tax payments. The committee will also receive a progress update on the Community Revitalization Levy. Two confidential items are on the agenda.

• Tourism Lethbridge Annual Report
• Economic Development Lethbridge Annual Report
• Downtown BRZ/PlayOn! Canada Major Event Grant Funding request
• CIP 2022-2031 E-11 Sustainability Enhancements proposed amendment
• Property Tax Payments Online discussion

The Economic Standing Policy Committee recommended that City Council approve $210,000 in cash and in-kind contributions for the Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone to host PlayOn! Canada. The committee also recommended approval of sustainability enhancement amendments for the 2022-2031 Capital Investment Plan.

• Recommended City Council approve $210,000 for PlayOn! Canada event ($70,000 annually 2024-2026)
• Recommended City Council approve CIP 2022-2031 E-11 Sustainability Enhancements amendments
• Recommended City Council receive Tourism Lethbridge Annual Report as information
• Recommended City Council receive Economic Development Lethbridge Annual Report as information
• Received presentation on Property Tax Payments Online as information
• Recommended City Council accept Community Revitalization Levy progress report as information
• Approved March 15, 2023 meeting minutes

City Council

Lethbridge City Council is meeting on April 18, 2023, to consider several routine items, including adoption of minutes, status reports, and committee recommendations. The main business is first reading of three bylaws: the 2023 Downtown BIA tax rate, the 2023 property tax and supplementary property tax, and the pre-authorized tax installment pre-payment plan. Council will also receive updates on off-leash parks and curbside organics, and hold a closed session for confidential matters such as labour negotiations, encampments, and land transactions.

• Bylaw 6396: 2023 Downtown BIA Tax Rate Bylaw
• Bylaw 6397: 2023 Property Tax and Supplementary Property Tax Bylaw
• Bylaw 6398: 2023 Pre-Authorized Tax Installment Pre-Payment Plan
• Off-Leash Parks – Phase 2 Survey Results
• Waste & Recycling Curbside Organics Update

City Council approved the sale of city land to the Spanish Montessori Learning Center and allocated funding for an Encampment Response Strategy. Council also gave first reading to property tax bylaws and established a framework for future dog parks.

• Approved sale of 217 12A Street South to Spanish Montessori Learning Center for $385,000 (7-0)
• Approved up to $500,000 per year (2023-2026) and $250,000 one-time funding for Encampment Response Strategy (5-2)
• Approved first reading of Bylaw 6397 (2023 Property Tax and Supplementary Property Tax Bylaw) (8-0)
• Approved first reading of Bylaw 6396 (2023 Downtown BIA Tax Rate Bylaw) (8-0)
• Approved first reading of Bylaw 6398 (2023 Pre-Authorized Tax Installment Pre-Payment Plan) (8-0)
• Directed Administration to develop design standards for new dog parks and identify underutilized city land for parks (8-0)
• Approved 2022 City of Lethbridge Annual Report (8-0)
• Received for information 2022 annual reports for Waste & Recycling, Sustainability, and Electric Utility (8-0)

Safety And Social Standing Policy Committee

This is a procedural meeting of the Safety and Social Standing Policy Committee. The agenda includes roll call, adoption of the agenda, approval of the March 9, 2023 minutes, and a confidential report on Emergency Services under FOIP sections 20 and 24. No public presentations or submissions are listed.

• Adoption of 2023-03-09 committee minutes
• Confidential Emergency Services report (FOIP Sections 20 and 24)

The committee adopted the meeting agenda and approved the minutes from March 9, 2023. Members entered a closed session to discuss confidential emergency services matters and decided to keep those discussions confidential.

• Adopted the April 13, 2023 agenda (4-0)
• Approved March 9, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Entered closed session at 1:33 P.M. to discuss Emergency Services (4-0)
• Adjourned closed session at 2:22 P.M. (4-0)
• Directed that Emergency Services discussions remain confidential (Carried)

Assets And Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee

The Assets and Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee (formerly Subdivision and Civic Works) is meeting to receive presentations on Varme Energy, Environment Lethbridge's activities, off-leash park survey results, curbside organics, and annual reports from waste, sustainability, and electric utilities. No decisions are listed on the agenda; it is primarily an information and discussion session.

• Presentation by Varme Energy on company overview
• Off-Leash Parks Phase 2 survey results presentation
• Waste & Recycling Curbside Organics update
• Waste & Recycling Utility 2022 Annual Report
• Electric Utility 2022 Annual Report

The Civic Works Standing Policy Committee recommended that Council direct administration to explore additional off-leash dog parks in new or amended Outline Plans. The committee also received several annual reports and presentations for information.

• Recommended Council direct administration to explore additional off-leash dog parks in new or amended Outline Plans (4-0)
• Recommended Council receive Waste & Recycling Utility Curbside Organics Update Report March 2023 for information (4-0)
• Recommended Council receive Waste & Recycling Utility 2022 Annual Report for information (4-0)
• Recommended Council receive Sustainability 2022 Annual Report for information (4-0)
• Recommended Council receive Electric Utility 2022 Annual Report for information (4-0)
• Received Varme Energy Overview as information (4-0)
• Received Environment Lethbridge 2022-2023 Report on Activities as information (4-0)
• Approved March 2, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Audit Standing Policy Committee

The Audit Standing Policy Committee is meeting to handle routine business, including adopting minutes and receiving confidential reports on risk controls, the 2022 draft annual report, and 2022 audit findings. The committee will also hold a private session with auditors. All substantive items are confidential under FOIP.

• Adoption of minutes from March 8, 2023 and December 7, 2022 meetings
• Confidential report: Risk and Controls Update (FOIP Sections 24 and 26)
• Confidential report: 2022 Draft Annual Report (FOIP Sections 23, 24 and 26)
• Confidential report: 2022 Audit Findings Report (FOIP Sections 23, 24 and 26)
• Private session with auditors (verbal, FOIP Sections 23, 24, and 25)

The Audit Standing Policy Committee met in a closed session to review confidential reports and auditor findings. The committee recommended that City Council approve the 2022 City of Lethbridge Annual Report.

• Adopted the April 5, 2023 meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved Community Safety Standing Policy Committee minutes from Dec 7, 2022 and March 8, 2023 (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve the 2022 City of Lethbridge Annual Report (3-0)
• Directed that Risk and Controls Update discussions and documents remain confidential (3-0)
• Directed that 2022 Audit Findings Report discussions and documents remain confidential (3-0)
• Directed that private session with auditors discussions and documents remain confidential (3-0)

City Council

Lethbridge City Council meets April 4, 2023, with a closed session at 12:30 PM and public session at 1:30 PM. The agenda includes consent items from standing policy committees, a proposed resolution to Alberta Municipalities, and a motion to rescind second reading of a rezoning bylaw. Several confidential reports are also scheduled.

• ATCO Franchise Agreement Renewal (Bylaw 6400)
• Lethbridge Curling Club Major Event Grant Funding Request (2025 Trials bid)
• Rescindment of Second Reading of Bylaw 6399 re: 1020 12A Street South
• Proposed Resolution to Alberta Municipalities re: Infrastructure Servicing and Construction Costs of School Sites
• Confidential reports: Bowman Building Opportunities Assessment, Affordable Housing Advocacy Update

City Council approved a major event grant for the Lethbridge Curling Club and authorized a request for provincial Sheriffs' resources to manage encampments. Council also approved the Marshall Water Pipeline Agreement with Lethbridge County and decided to retain the Bowman Building as a city asset.

• Approved $900,000 grant and letter of support for Lethbridge Curling Club to host 2025 Canadian Curling Trials
• Authorized Mayor to request provincial Sheriffs' resources for a six-month encampment management trial
• Approved Marshall Water Pipeline Agreement with Lethbridge County
• Decided to keep Bowman Building as a City asset and lease it to community groups or the open market
• Approved first reading of Bylaw 6400 for ATCO Franchise Agreement Renewal
• Disbanded the Aggressive Dog Appeal Board
• Denied motion to rescind the defeated second reading of Bylaw 6399 regarding 1020 12A Street South
• Resolved that Alberta Municipalities advocate for provincial funding to cover school site infrastructure costs

Special Meeting Of City Council

This is a special meeting of Lethbridge City Council with a single item on the agenda: a closed session to discuss 'Focus on Better Community Outcomes - Homelessness' under FOIP sections 18, 21, 24, and 25. The meeting is otherwise procedural, with no public hearings or open agenda items listed.

• Closed meeting item: Focus on Better Community Outcomes - Homelessness (FOIP Sections 18, 21, 24, 25)

City Council held a special meeting focused on homelessness. The council decided to keep the reports and discussions from the closed session confidential, though they directed administration to provide a redacted version of the presentation at a future public committee meeting.

• Amended title of item 1.1 to 'Focus on Better Community Outcomes (Homelessness)' (Carried)
• Resolved to keep closed meeting reports and discussions on homelessness confidential (Carried)
• Directed Administration to provide the closed session presentation, excluding FOIP exceptions, at the April 20th public Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee meeting (Carried)

Advocacy Advisory Committee

The Lethbridge Advocacy Advisory Committee is meeting to consider a proposed resolution to Alberta Municipalities regarding infrastructure servicing and construction costs of school sites, and to hear a verbal update on basic income. The committee will also discuss a request to support a grant application by the Midsized City Mayors Caucus and receive a confidential update on affordable housing advocacy.

• Proposed resolution to Alberta Municipalities on infrastructure servicing and construction costs of school sites
• Verbal update on basic income by Councillor John Middleton-Hope
• Request to support grant application by Midsized City Mayors Caucus
• Confidential affordable housing advocacy update (FOIP Sections 21 and 24)

The Advocacy Advisory Committee recommended that Council approve a resolution regarding Infrastructure Servicing and Construction Costs of School Sites for the Alberta Municipalities Convention. The committee also recommended that Council proceed with a confidential recommendation regarding affordable housing advocacy. Two other items were postponed to the April 28, 2023 meeting.

• Recommended Council approve resolution on Infrastructure Servicing and Construction Costs of School Sites (2-0)
• Recommended Council proceed with confidential recommendation on Affordable Housing Advocacy Update (2-0)
• Postponed discussion on Basic Income to April 28, 2023 (2-0)
• Postponed request to support Midsized City Mayors Caucus grant application to April 28, 2023 (2-0)
• Approved September 6, 2022 meeting minutes (2-0)

Governance Standing Policy Committee

The Governance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to hear presentations and discuss several items, including amendments to the Lethbridge Police Commission Bylaw 5969, updates from the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee and Youth Advisory Council, City Manager performance review opportunities and training for Council, and honorariums for public member volunteers. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and a status of initiatives report. No decisions are listed on the agenda itself; items are presented for discussion.

• Amendments to Lethbridge Police Commission Bylaw 5969
• Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee update
• Youth Advisory Council Terms of Reference update
• City Manager performance review opportunities and training for City Council
• Honorariums for public member volunteers on boards, committees, and commissions

The Governance Standing Policy Committee recommended a new honorarium policy for public volunteers and the disbanding of the Aggressive Dog Appeal Board. The committee also recommended continuing the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee and updating the Youth Advisory Council's Terms of Reference.

• Recommended Council direct City Clerk to draft Public Member Volunteer Honorarium Council Policy by June 30, 2023
• Recommended Council rescind Policy CC29 and reallocate $6,000 to honorariums for public members
• Recommended Council disband the Aggressive Dog Appeal Board
• Recommended Council support the continuation of the Reconciliation Lethbridge Advisory Committee
• Recommended Council approve amendments to Youth Advisory Council Terms of Reference
• Referred Lethbridge Police Commission Bylaw 5969 amendments to Administration for future review
• Directed Administration to report on 360-degree performance appraisal options for City Manager by end of Q2 2023
• Approved February 23, 2023 meeting minutes

City Council

Lethbridge City Council meets March 21, 2023, with a public hearing on Bylaw 6399, a Land Use Bylaw amendment for 1020 12 A Street South. Council will also consider consent agenda items including procurement, annual reports, drone regulation, taxi rates, and the Downtown Lethbridge BRZ 2023 budget. Closed session items include a 2023-2026 operating budget debrief and land banking update.

• Public hearing: Bylaw 6399 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 1020 12 A Street South
• Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone 2023 budget decision
• Drone regulation review from Community Safety Standing Policy Committee
• Taxi rates and regulation review update
• Unaudited 2022 year-end financial information

City Council voted to remove regulated taxi fares and the requirement for top lights. A proposed land use amendment to allow four residential units at 1020 12 A Street South was defeated. Council also approved a $3 million transfer to the Airport Reserve.

• Approved removal of regulated taxi fares and top light requirements
• Denied Land Use Bylaw Amendment (Bylaw 6399) for 1020 12 A Street South (3-5)
• Approved $3,000,000 reserve transfer to Airport Reserve
• Referred election sign guidelines amendment to Governance Standing Policy Committee (5-4)
• Approved 2023 Downtown Lethbridge Business Revitalization Zone Budget
• Declared April 7, 2023, as Green Shirt Day
• Approved 2022 Code of Conduct Compliance Report for Alberta Utilities Commission

Cultural And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee will receive the 2022 Galt Museum & Archives annual report and an administrative response to recommendations from the Social Service Integration Group. A verbal presentation on the history of 429 Squadron and the City of Lethbridge is also scheduled. The agenda includes adoption of previous minutes and a status update on initiatives.

• 2022 Galt Museum & Archives Annual Report presented by board chair and CEO
• Administrative response to Social Service Integration Group recommendations
• Verbal presentation by 702 Wing RCAF Association on history of 429 Squadron

The Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee recommended that City Council refer the Social Service Integration Group's recommendations to Administration for the upcoming Land Use Bylaw review. The committee also recommended that City Council receive the 2022 Galt Museum & Archives Annual Report as information.

• Adopted the meeting agenda (4-0)
• Approved February 16, 2023 minutes (4-0)
• Received Status of Initiatives for March 16, 2023 as information (4-0)
• Thanked Wayne King and Vance McGrath for their presentation on 429 Squadron (4-0)
• Recommended City Council receive 2022 Galt Museum & Archives Annual Report as information (4-0)
• Recommended City Council refer Social Service Integration Group recommendations to Administration for Land Use Bylaw review (4-0)

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to hear presentations on the Lethbridge and District Exhibition, a major event grant request from the Lethbridge Curling Club, and the ATCO Natural Gas franchise agreement renewal. The committee will also consider confidential updates on the Exhibition project and the Bowman Building opportunities assessment. Consent items include approval of previous minutes and a status of initiatives report.

• ATCO Natural Gas franchise agreement renewal presentation and proposed agreement
• Lethbridge Curling Club request for Major Event Grant funding for 2025 trials bid
• Lethbridge and District Exhibition presentation and confidential project update
• Bowman Building opportunities assessment (confidential)
• 2022 fiscal review and anticipated project escalation costs documents

The Economic Standing Policy Committee recommended a grant for the 2025 Canadian Curling Trials and proposed the city retain the Bowman Building as an asset. The committee also recommended moving forward with the ATCO Franchise Agreement renewal.

• Recommended City Council approve $900,000 Major Community Event Grant to Lethbridge Curling Club
• Recommended City Council provide letter of support for 2025 Canadian Curling Trials
• Recommended City Council provide first reading to Bylaw 6400 for ATCO Franchise Agreement Renewal
• Recommended City Council keep Bowman Building as a City asset rather than divesting
• Recommended Administration lease Bowman property to community groups or the open market
• Referred Lethbridge and District Exhibition item to Administration for payment amounts and milestones
• Approved February 15, 2023 meeting minutes

Safety And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Safety and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss two regulatory items: a review of drone regulations and an update on taxi rates and regulations. The committee will hear presentations from Duane Ens, General Manager of Regulatory Services, on both topics. No decisions are listed on the agenda; the items are for discussion and review.

• Drone Regulation Review presentation by Duane Ens
• Taxi Rates and Regulation Review Update presentation by Duane Ens
• Approval of minutes from February 9, 2023 meeting

The Community Safety Standing Policy Committee recommended that City Council remove regulated fares and charges for taxi operators and the requirement for top lights. A separate proposal to increase specific meter rates and cancellation fees was defeated.

• Recommended removing regulated taxi fares, charges, and top light requirements (4-0)
• Defeated proposal to increase taxi meter rates and cancellation fees (4-0)
• Recommended Council receive the Drone Regulation Review report as information (4-0)
• Approved the March 9, 2023 agenda (4-0)
• Approved the February 9, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Audit Standing Policy Committee

The Subdivision and Audit Committee is meeting to handle routine procedural items and a confidential report on unaudited 2022 year-end financial information. The agenda is largely boilerplate, with the only substantive item being the confidential financial report.

• Confidential report: Unaudited 2022 Year End Financial Information (FOIP Sections 23, 24 and 26)

The Audit Standing Policy Committee recommended that City Council approve a $3,000,000 reserve transfer to the Airport Reserve. The committee also recommended receiving the 2022 Unaudited Financial Information Report and acknowledging specific utility surplus allocations to CIP projects.

• Recommended City Council approve $3,000,000 transfer to Airport Reserve (4-0)
• Recommended City Council receive 2022 Unaudited Financial Information Report (4-0)
• Recommended City Council acknowledge allocation of Waste Processing, Water and Wastewater Utility surpluses to 2022-2031 CIP Projects (4-0)
• Approved adoption of the agenda (4-0)
• Approved entering a closed meeting for confidential matters (4-0)
• Approved adjourning the closed meeting (4-0)

City Council

The City Council is reviewing several committee reports, including proposed amendments to the Traffic Bylaw regarding parking fines. Other discussions include economic development recommendations, heritage management, and municipal election requirements.

• Bylaw 6393: Increase of Parking Fines - Amendments to the Traffic Bylaw
• Status Report on KPMG Recommendations for Economic Development Lethbridge
• Heritage Management Plan - Finalized Draft
• Increase to the Deposit and Signature Requirements for Municipal Election Candidates
• Funding Allocation Request - Outreach Program, Streets Alive Mission

City Council approved becoming a signatory to the Buffalo Treaty and adopted an updated Heritage Management Plan. The council also increased signature requirements for municipal election candidates and rescinded the Fee Assistance Policy.

• Approved becoming a signatory to the Buffalo Treaty (Unanimous)
• Adopted the 2023 City of Lethbridge Heritage Management Plan (Unanimous)
• Increased election candidate signature requirements to 50 for Councillor and 100 for Mayor (5-4)
• Rescinded Fee Assistance Policy CC56 and combined related budget funds (Unanimous)
• Approved up to $1,500 in-kind contributions for Voices of Youth Mental Wellness Community Forum (Unanimous)
• Defeated funding of up to $215,460 per year for Streets Alive Mission outreach (3-6)
• Referred term limitations and stipends for Council members on boards to Governance Standing Policy Committee (Unanimous)
• Referred parking fine increases to Administration for further engagement with business groups (Unanimous)

Assets And Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee

The Subdivision and Civic Works Standing Policy Committee is meeting to receive presentations from Integra Biologics on a proposed bio-industrial facility, and from Parks & Cemeteries and Planning & Design on their 2022 annual reports. The agenda also includes adoption of previous minutes and a status update on initiatives. No decisions are listed on the agenda.

• Presentation by Dale P. Leier, Business Development Officer, Integra Biologics, on 'The Chinook Biosphere: An Integrated Bio-Industrial Facility'
• Parks & Cemeteries 2022 Annual Report presentation by General Manager Blair Richter
• Planning & Design 2022 Annual Report presentation by General Manager Maureen Gaehring
• Consent agenda includes minutes from Dec 1, 2022 and status of initiatives

The Civic Works Standing Policy Committee approved the agenda and previous meeting minutes. The committee received a presentation on The Chinook Biosphere and recommended that Council receive the 2022 annual reports for Parks & Cemeteries and Planning and Design.

• Adopted the March 2, 2023 agenda (4-0)
• Approved December 1, 2022 meeting minutes (4-0)
• Received Status of Initiatives – 03-02-2023 as information (4-0)
• Received presentation on The Chinook Biosphere as information (4-0)
• Recommended Council receive Parks & Cemeteries 2022 Annual Report (4-0)
• Recommended Council receive Planning and Design 2022 Annual Report (4-0)

Advocacy Advisory Committee

The regularly scheduled meeting of the Advocacy Advisory Committee for February 24, 2023, has been cancelled. The cancellation is due to a lack of agenda items.

Governance Standing Policy Committee

The Governance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss two main items: a proposal to rescind the Fee Assistance Program (FAP) policy, and a submission from Councillor Paladino about increasing deposit and signature requirements for municipal election candidates. The committee will also review minutes from a previous meeting and a status update on initiatives.

• Presentation on Fee Assistance Program (FAP) Policy CC56 rescindment
• Councillor Paladino submission on increasing election candidate deposit and signature requirements
• Review of January 26, 2023 committee minutes
• Status of initiatives update

The Governance Standing Policy Committee recommended that City Council rescind Policy CC56 regarding the Fee Assistance Program. A proposal to increase deposit and signature requirements for municipal election candidates was defeated.

• Recommended City Council rescind City Council Policy CC56 Fee Assistance Policy (4-0)
• Defeated proposal to increase election candidate signatures to 25 for Councillor and 50 for Mayor, and deposits to $100 and $250 (1-3)
• Approved January 26, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

City Council

Lethbridge City Council meets February 21, 2023, with a closed session at 12:30 PM and public session at 1:30 PM. The agenda includes a proposed urgent business item on 2023 tax auction reserve bids, a land use bylaw amendment for 1020 12 A Street South, a motion on term limits for council members on boards, and a motion by Mayor Hyggen on provincial advocacy for a functional planning study and preliminary design for a third river crossing. A public hearing is scheduled for 3:00 PM, and a confidential development matter is listed.

• Proposed urgent business: 2023 Tax Auction Reserve Bids from Economic Standing Policy Committee (requires 2/3 vote to add to agenda)
• Bylaw 6399 – Land Use Bylaw Amendment re: 1020 12 A Street South (1st reading)
• Councillor Middleton-Hope: Term Limitations for Council Membership on Boards, Commissions or Committees
• Mayor Hyggen: Provincial Advocacy – Functional Planning Study and Preliminary Design for the Third River Crossing
• Public Hearing at 3:00 PM; Confidential Report on Development Matter (FOIP Sections 21 and 24)

City Council authorized the Mayor to request provincial and federal funding for the Functional Planning Study and Preliminary Design of a proposed third river crossing. Council also set reserve bids for the 2023 Public Tax Auction and gave first reading to a land use bylaw amendment.

• Authorized Mayor to request provincial and federal funding for third river crossing study (5-3)
• Approved reserve bids for parcels of land and manufactured homes for April 6, 2023 Public Tax Auction
• Passed first reading of Bylaw 6399 Land Use Bylaw Amendment for 1020 12 A Street South
• Scheduled Public Hearing for Bylaw 6399 for March 21, 2023
• Postponed revised motion on term limitations for Council membership on boards, commissions or committees to March 7, 2023
• Directed Administration to proceed with confidential direction regarding a Development Matter
• Resolved that discussions on electronic meetings and chamber technology issues remain confidential

Cultural And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to receive presentations on the Buffalo Treaty, a youth mental wellness forum, and a finalized Heritage Management Plan draft. They will also consider a CultureLINK report and a funding allocation request for the Streets Alive Mission outreach program.

• Presentation by Dr. Leroy Little Bear on the Buffalo Treaty
• Presentation on Voices of Youth Mental Wellness Community Forum
• Heritage Management Plan finalized draft presented by Ross Kilgour
• CultureLINK report from Galt Museum & Archives
• Funding allocation request for Streets Alive Mission outreach program

The committee recommended that City Council become a signatory to the Buffalo Treaty and provide funding for the Streets Alive Mission outreach program. Other recommendations included adopting a new Heritage Management Plan and providing in-kind contributions for a youth mental wellness forum.

• Recommended City Council sign the Buffalo Treaty on March 8, 2023 (4-0)
• Recommended City Council provide up to $1,500 in-kind contributions for Voices of Youth Mental Wellness Community Forum (4-0)
• Recommended City Council adopt the 2023 Heritage Management Plan to replace the 2007 plan (4-0)
• Recommended City Council request Galt Museum & Archives provide transportation system options and costs by end of Q4-2023 (3-0)
• Recommended City Council approve up to $215,460 per year (2023-2026) in federal Reaching Home funding for Streets Alive Mission outreach (2-1)
• Approved January 19, 2023 meeting minutes (4-0)

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss several items, including a proposed bylaw to increase parking fines, a status report on KPMG recommendations for Economic Development Lethbridge, and the 2023 tax auction reserve bids. The committee will also address a confidential item regarding the Enmax Centre.

• Bylaw 6393 - Increase of Parking Fines - Amendment to the Traffic Bylaw 5834
• Status report on KPMG recommendations for Economic Development Lethbridge
• 2023 Tax Auction Reserve Bids
• Enmax Centre Operational Matter (confidential, FOIP Sections 16 and 24)

The Economic Standing Policy Committee defeated a proposal to increase parking fines under Bylaw 6393. Instead, the committee directed administration to engage with the Downtown Business Improvement Area and the Heart of our City Committee on parking options. Other actions included recommending reserve bids for the 2023 Tax Auction.

• Defeated recommendation to approve parking fine increases in Bylaw 6393 (8-0)
• Approved direction for administration to engage Downtown Business Improvement Area and Heart of our City Committee on parking options (8-0)
• Recommended City Council accept status report on KPMG recommendations for Economic Development Lethbridge (8-0)
• Recommended City Council set reserve bids for 2023 Public Tax Auction parcels and manufactured homes (8-0)
• Approved keeping Enmax Centre operational matter discussions and documents confidential (8-0)
• Approved minutes from January 18, 2023 meeting (8-0)

Safety And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Safety and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to elect a chair and vice-chair, adopt the agenda, and consider the minutes from the previous meeting. The main item is a presentation from the General Manager of Regulatory Services on a taxi rates and regulation review update. The committee will also discuss a confidential inter-municipal matter.

• Election of Chair and Vice-Chair
• Adoption of 2022-10-13 committee minutes
• Presentation on Taxi Rates and Regulation Review Update
• Confidential inter-municipal matter (verbal, FOIP Section 24)

The Community Safety Standing Policy Committee elected its leadership and approved previous meeting minutes. A proposal to increase taxi meter rates and cancellation fees was postponed to the March 9, 2023 meeting. The committee also held a closed session regarding an inter-municipal matter.

• Elected Acting Mayor Schmidt-Rempel as Chair (acclamation)
• Elected Councillor Campbell as Vice-Chair (acclamation)
• Approved October 13, 2022 meeting minutes
• Postponed Taxi Rates and Regulation Review Update to March 9, 2023
• Resolved that closed meeting discussions on Inter-Municipal Matter remain confidential

City Council

Lethbridge City Council meets publicly at 1:30 p.m. after a closed session. The agenda includes consent items, presentations, and several bylaws for second and third reading, including a downtown business improvement area tax bylaw and a traffic bylaw amendment increasing parking fines. Council will also hear a presentation on Rapid Housing Initiative municipal funding requests and consider committee recommendations on items like the Lethbridge International Airshow, a sponsorship policy, and a civic culture plan update.

• Bylaw 6388 - Downtown Business Improvement Area Tax Bylaw (2nd/3rd reading)
• Bylaw 6393 - Increase of Parking Fines, amendment to Traffic Bylaw 5834 (2nd/3rd reading)
• Rapid Housing Initiative - Municipal Funding Requests presentation
• D-30 Legacy Park Pickleball Courts - Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Amendment
• Play On! Canada - Request for Major Event Grant Funding

City Council approved nearly $5M in funding for three housing organizations and expanded paramedic services through a new AHS agreement. The council also passed a downtown business tax bylaw and rejected a lease offer for the Bowman Building.

• Approved $4,970,240 for Blackfoot Family Lodge, Blood Tribe Housing, and MyCityCare Lethbridge
• Approved creation of 10.8 FTE paramedic positions and $304,954 for two ambulances
• Passed Bylaw 6388 Downtown Business Improvement Area Tax Bylaw
• Rejected unsolicited lease offer for Bowman Building
• Allocated $17,500 for 2023 Airshow and $17,500 for 2024 RCAF celebration
• Approved installation of Playgoers 100th Anniversary plaque at Sterndale Bennett Studio Theatre
• Denied $300,000 CIP amendment for Legacy Park Pickleball Courts
• Referred parking fine increases (Bylaw 6393) to Economic Standing Policy Committee

Assets And Infrastructure Standing Policy Committee

The Civic Works Standing Policy Committee meeting scheduled for February 2, 2023, was cancelled because there were no agenda items to discuss. The notice of cancellation was issued by Chair Belinda Crowson on January 24, 2023.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items

Audit Standing Policy Committee

The City of Lethbridge Audit Committee's regularly scheduled meeting of February 1, 2023, has been cancelled due to no agenda items. Chair Rajko Dodic provided notice of the cancellation on January 20, 2023. No business was conducted.

• Meeting cancelled due to no agenda items

Advocacy Advisory Committee

The Advocacy Advisory Committee's regular meeting scheduled for January 27, 2023, was cancelled due to a lack of agenda items. The notice was issued by Mayor Blaine Hyggen, who chairs the committee, on January 18, 2023.

• Meeting cancelled due to lack of agenda items

Governance Standing Policy Committee

The Governance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss two main items: proposed amendments to Lethbridge Police Commission Bylaw 5969, and a presentation on electoral reform (precinct model). The committee will also consider adopting previous meeting minutes and a status of initiatives report.

• Presentation on Lethbridge Police Commission Bylaw 5969 amendments, including a revised section 30 on appointment of Chief of Police
• Presentation by Councillor Middleton-Hope on Electoral Reform (Precinct Model)
• Adoption of 2022-11-24 committee minutes
• Status of initiatives report for GOVSPC

The Governance Standing Policy Committee referred proposed police commission bylaw amendments back for further member engagement. The committee also recommended that City Council direct administration to report on a potential 'precinct' model for electoral reform.

• Referred Lethbridge Police Commission Bylaw 5969 amendments back to the commission for member engagement (4-0)
• Recommended City Council direct administration to report on a 'precinct' model framework and budget by end of Q2 2023 (4-0)
• Approved minutes from November 24, 2022 meeting (4-0)
• Adopted the meeting agenda (4-0)

City Council

Lethbridge City Council meets January 24, 2023, with a closed session at 12:30 PM and public session at 1:30 PM. The agenda includes consent items, presentations, official business, and public hearings at 3:00 PM for three land use bylaws. Council will also discuss a permanent shelter and tax class review.

• Public hearing on Bylaw 6387: Land Use Bylaw amendment for Broadcast Business Park (1240 29 St. N, 1501 28 St. N, 2911-3033 15 Ave. N, 1211-1481 29 St. N, 1212-1453 30 St. N)
• Continued public hearings on Bylaw 6390 (215-221 2 Avenue South) and Bylaw 6391 (535-8 Street South), with applicant presentations by Lethbridge Housing Authority
• First reading of Bylaw 6388: Downtown Business Improvement Area Tax Bylaw
• First reading of Bylaw 6393: Increase of parking fines, amendment to Traffic Bylaw 5834
• Official business: Councillor Middleton-Hope and Paladino on permanent shelter; Councillor Crowson on tax class review

City Council directed administration to create a long-term response for sheltering high-acuity residents, including a permanent shelter. Council also approved several economic development initiatives and adjusted the City Manager's base salary. Two land-use bylaw amendments were defeated after rezoning applications were withdrawn.

• Directed administration to develop a strategic long-term permanent shelter response by end of Q2 2023
• Directed City Manager to review tax classes and subclasses and report to Economic Standing Policy Committee by June 2023
• Approved $45,000 for creative industry consulting services
• Approved 2023-2026 Operating Budget initiatives for Tourism Lethbridge and Economic Development Lethbridge (8-1)
• Approved Bylaw 6387 Land Use Bylaw Amendment for Broadcast Business Park
• Defeated second reading of Bylaw 6390 and Bylaw 6391 after rezoning applications were withdrawn
• Adjusted City Manager's base salary to $286,000 per year retroactive to December 14, 2022
• Appointed Andy Cimolai to Assessment Review Board and Clement Esene and Jennifer Visser to Lethbridge Police Commission

Cultural And Social Standing Policy Committee

The Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee is meeting to receive a presentation on the Civic Culture Plan update, consider a monument request from Playgoers for their 100th anniversary, and review the 2022 Public Art Program Annual Report. The agenda also includes a confidential report on the Japanese Garden MP Council Visioning Session, which is closed under FOIP.

• Presentation: Civic Culture Plan Update – Current State Analysis and Future Directions Report
• Submission: Playgoers' 100th Anniversary Monument Request
• Submission: 2022 Public Art Program Annual Report
• Confidential report: Japanese Garden MP Council Visioning Session (FOIP Section 24)

The committee recommended that City Council approve a commemorative plaque for the Sterndale Bennett Studio Theatre. It also recommended that Council accept reports on the Civic Culture Plan and the 2022 Public Art Program. A confidential draft Master Plan for the Japanese Garden was requested from Administration by the end of Q3 2023.

• Recommended City Council approve Playgoers 100th Anniversary plaque installation (3-0)
• Recommended City Council accept Civic Culture Plan Update report as information (3-0)
• Recommended City Council receive 2022 Public Art Program Annual Report as information (3-0)
• Referred confidential Japanese Garden Master Plan feedback to Administration for a draft by Q3 2023 (3-0)
• Approved meeting agenda (3-0)
• Approved December 15, 2022 meeting minutes (3-0)

Economic And Finance Standing Policy Committee

The Economic and Finance Standing Policy Committee is meeting to discuss several items, including a presentation on the Lethbridge International Airshow, a review of the City Wide Sponsorship Program Policy, a proposed amendment to add pickleball courts at Legacy Park to the Capital Improvement Plan, a grant request from Play On! Canada, and a status report on KPMG recommendations for Economic Development Lethbridge. The committee will also consider two confidential items related to a sponsorship opportunity and the Bowman Building.

• Presentation by Dallas Harty, President, Lethbridge International Airshow Association, re: Lethbridge International Airshow
• Kim Gallucci, General Manager - ENMAX Centre, re: City Wide Sponsorship Program Policy
• D-30 Legacy Park Pickleball Courts – Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) Amendment
• Play On! Canada - Request for Major Event Grant Funding Request
• Status report on KPMG recommendations for Economic Development Lethbridge

The Economic Standing Policy Committee recommended several funding allocations and policy approvals for Council. A proposal to add $300,000 for Legacy Park Pickleball Courts was defeated.

• Recommended $17,500 for 2023 Airshow and $17,500 for 2024 RCAF celebration (Carried)
• Recommended approval of Sponsorship, Naming Rights & Advertising Policy (Carried)
• Denied $300,000 Federal Gas Tax Fund amendment for Legacy Park Pickleball Courts (1-8)
• Recommended up to $200,000 in cash or in-kind contributions for PlayOn! Canada (Carried)
• Postponed KPMG recommendations report for Economic Development Lethbridge to Feb 15, 2023 (Carried)
• Recommended approval of a new confidential Sponsorship Agreement (Carried)
• Recommended rejecting an unsolicited lease offer for the Bowman Building (Carried)