Highlights from the week’s meetings…
Video and agenda packages for all meetings are available at: https://agendas.lethbridge.ca/AgendaOnline
If you have any questions at all, or would like to talk further about the work Council is doing, please contact me via this website, or email me at:
jenn.schmidt-rempel@lethbridge.ca
Governance Standing Policy Committee, Nov. 23, 2023:
Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
Committee received an update on creating a Diverse & Inclusive Workforce at the City of Lethbridge.
I had concerns around reporting as the information Committee received included a request to rescind the annual standing resolution for the City Manager to report annually on efforts and achievements related to creating a workforce that reflects our community.
Our Administrative team outlined that significant changes cannot be captured in an annual report, and will actually single individuals out. Instead, we will see reporting every 2 – 3 years.
The City of Lethbridge is committed to creating an inclusive workplace through resourcing, strategic planning, and thoughtful actions in collaborations with employees and community partners. Committee also received an outline of 2023 achievements in the areas of:
- Establishing a foundation for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility in the workplace
- Events & Engagement
- Learning & Development
- Partnership & Programs
Sponsorships, Naming Rights & Advertising
A request for amendments on our Sponsorship, Naming Rights & Advertising policy was submitted to Committee. The amendments align procedural elements of the policy with respect to other operational organizations such as boards and fee for service groups.
I had concerns regarding political advertising as outlined in the policy. Once Council approves the amendments, specific guidelines will be set around what can/cannot be done for political advertising and ensure it is clearly outlined that political advertising is not sponsored by the City of Lethbridge.
Community Capital Projects Grant
Committee received an update and request for amendments to our Community Capital Projects Grant. The amendments will allow for our Administrative team to be more flexible and responsive to changing community needs.
However, in the Committee materials “Removal of annual reporting to City Council, in alignment with corporate direction to not provide annual reports to City Council” was requested. I had concerns with this, as did the residents who contacted me.
Reporting will be included in audit and financial reports, so Council will still get reporting through other means.
Congratulations to Tourism Lethbridge!
Tourism Lethbridge has been honoured with the Culinary Tourism Experience Award! This is a national award that recognizes their commitment to showcasing our local Agri-Food experiences. Learn more about Tourism Lethbridge and experiences in our local area at: https://tourismlethbridge.com/
Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit announced for Lethbridge…
In an effort to improve public safety in southern Alberta, the Alberta Sheriffs have created six positions for a Safer Communities and Neighbourhoods (SCAN) unit in Lethbridge. The new team will work with local police to investigate illegal activity at problem properties throughout the region. Learn more at: New sheriff team established in southern Alberta | alberta.ca
Highway 3 update…
Through $179.7 million in provincial funding, this first phase will twin Highway 3 between the town of Taber and the hamlet of Burdett. Learn more at: Highway 3 twinning moves ahead | alberta.ca
Have your say…
Support a climate-resilient future with your feedback. The City of Lethbridge is working to create a Climate Adaptation Strategy and Action Plan to help guide decision-making, policy setting and organizational actions. Provide your feedback at: https://getinvolvedlethbridge.ca/climate-adaptation
The provincial government is calling on Albertans to help shape health care and participate in an online survey on the refocusing of Alberta’s health care system: Shape the way | Alberta.ca
Next week at City Council:
Agenda packages and video are available at: https://agendas.lethbridge.ca/AgendaOnline
- Nov. 28: City Council
Sadly, we seem to be in an era of unlimited spending without considering the long term effects. Capital expenditures are only the tip of the long-term cost of ownership. Everyone seems to forget that the long term operating costs often exceed the initial acquistion costs. Currently, the City is labouring under a cloud of operating expenses that threaten to drown us with the never-ending nature of the beast. Meanwhile, we have run our water and wastewater facilities into a wall while more visible infrastructure such as parks and roads are showing clear signs of deferrred maintainance.
When is enough going to be enough? Sadly, the building boom continues while certain elected officials remain oblivious to the need to suspend their expensive dreams. This, when we can’t even afford to pay for what we have. As it turns out, relying on variable revenue from land development to underwrite ongoing expenses is effectively the crack cocain of municipal finance. When can we get some adult supervision in place for this City?
Every large visionary project has been in this position. I hope all revenue opportunities to support the Agri-Food hub can be looked at. I believe there are options and we need to do a 5year plan of advocating and attracting hotel development and air service to make this a long term success. Lethbridge strength is a diverse economy. Agriculture and Tourism which will bring a large economic impact (ROI) in the future.