Exhibition & Stampede Funding, City Task Force, Notices of Motion on Council Agenda
It’s been a bumpy ride for the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede’s funding request to city council to revitalize its grandstand since it was first brought forward in October 2023. While the wheels haven’t fallen off the wagon yet, city staff are recommending a decision be postponed.
At least until a provincial review on how to best fund Alberta’s agricultural societies is revealed. That review announced in July 2024 is completed with the province anticipated to announce a funding process in conjunction with the release of the assessment of the funding program before the end of March.
City staff are recommending council defer a decision on a funding arrangement until then.
The Exhibition & Stampede had secured $15 million from the provincial government contingent on the city also picking up the tab for the same amount. The initial request also included a $7.5 million interest-free loan from the city to round out the capital needed for the now estimated $39 million grandstand improvement project.
Exhibition & Stampede officials have also provided a lower cost option with city officials examining other funding formulas.
City council will debate the issue during Monday’s regular meeting.
Social disorder task force being struck
City administration will be presenting to council terms of reference for a new task force to deal with social disorder in Medicine Hat.
The Resilient and Inclusive Community Task Force’s purpose will be to, “develop and implement strategies and actions to bolster community capacity, enhance community safety and promote social cohesion.”
If council approves the task forces reference terms, it will develop and recommend strategies and actions within six months.
The 14 members will include the mayor, chair of the city’s public services committee, the two local MLAs and one MP, Mustard Seed, Miywasin, police, AHS, chamber of commerce and two members of the public along with a municipal staffer.
Motion, Motion and Notice of Motion about Notices of Motion
Council will be considering two councillor motions for debate along with a notice of motion regarding notices of motion.
Coun. Shila Sharps introduced a notice of motion last month which would direct staff to review business licencing fees.
Last month also saw Coun. Andy McGrogan introduce a notice of motion for a review of a previous review regarding internal and external committee membership.
The initial review was presented to council in October 2024 along with six recommendations.
The latest review is seeking for the city manager to review internal and external committees with feedback from council which may or may not include the previous six recommendations.
If adopted by council, that latest review would be due by the end of June.
Sharps will also be introducing a notice of motion on notices of motion.
That notice of motion will recommend, “that city council directs the city manager to present amendments to the procedure bylaw to provide clarity in such areas as notice of motion by (the end of June).”
Council meets at city hall chambers on Monday at 6:30pm.