Policy outlines acceptable interaction between public and city staff (CHAT NEWS TODAY)

By Brian Konrad and Adrian St.Onge

Code of public conduct to be considered by Medicine Hat council committee Tuesday

Aug 13, 2024 | 6:08 PM

A public code of conduct governing the interaction between citizens and staff of the City of Medicine Hat was presented to the administrative and legislative review committee Tuesday afternoon.

Some key points in the verbiage for the code of conduct was requested to be clarified, including the definition of “frivolous communications”, what could “reasonable limitations photography and video” could look like and what the repercussions could be for violators.

Councillors Andy McGrogan and Alison Knodel both asked for clarification between initial and substantive reviews under the “Request for Review”.

A city solicitor clarified the items, saying that initial reviews are made to ensure that appropriate timeframe was followed, and that at the discretion the Administrative Committee, that proper protocols were followed.

The solicitor added that most of the points of discussion would need context and should be decided on a case by case basis.

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It would be up to the Administrative Committee’s discretion to determine if the request should be dismissed as frivolous, incomplete or has no reasonable prospects of success.

If the “Request for Review” passes the scrutiny of the initial review, it would be up to the Committee to conduct the review to make sure it is worthwhile to implement.

It would be up to the city manager to conduct the review, determine whether or not the attendance of the offending party is required and determine the format of the review.

It is then up to the Committee to implement, substitute or cancel the review, with all results being final.

McGrogan and Knodel both asked for clarification on limitations for directors responding to quarries as well as the limitations according to the Municipal Government Act.

Knodel said that she’s eager to see how council will weigh in on the proposed Code of Conduct and added that it’s important to establish reasonable boundaries for a safe and healthy work environment.

Work on the policy began at the direction of city council in November 2023.

It comes after a reported consistent pattern of frustration, harassment and unprofessional behaviors directed to city employees while in city buildings or speaking with city employees via email or phone.

The city says it has an obligation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and other regulations to ensure it is providing a psychological safe and healthy environment for all employees.

A staff report says the policy is not intended to deal with generally difficult clients or individuals.

There are provisions for enforcement of the policy, which may include a letter of warning or restrictions on an individual.

It also provides an opportunity for anyone subject to restrictions to make written application to the city clerk for a review within 15 days.

The committee asked for the solicitor to review the requests for clarification before bringing back before the committee in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, a judicial review case between Mayor Linnsie Clark and the city centered around a code of conduct complaint and the sanctions that came from it was taking place in Calgary.