Medicine Hat council approves conduct code update, integrity commissioner role

Mayor Linnsie Clark was the only elected representative to vote against the new changes to the code of conduct after raising concerns over staff involvement and council’s contact with the integrity commissioner.

As the chair of the meeting is not permitted to propose amendments and no one else took up Clark’s concerns, council did not have the opportunity to vote on the mayor’s suggested changes.

However, council voted unanimously in favour of directing city administration to start the search for an integrity commissioner.

Still to be confirmed is the funding model the city will use for the $100,000 budgeted for the commissioner.

For example, if a resident sends complaints several times a day, it could be costly for the city if the commissioner is on a by-case rate.

The details on the exact approach will be sorted out through the application process.

Monday’s code of conduct update will allow Medicine Hat residents and employees to file complaints against members of council.

Any complaints that are filed before the integrity commissioner is in place will be held until the role is filled.

Clark raised concerns over having the Administrative and Legislative Review Committee chair being the only point of contact with the integrity commissioner.

Coun. Ramona Robins agreed with Clark regarding the ALR chair concern, saying it was a remnant left over from the old bylaw. But Robins did not vote against the changes.

The updated code, known formally as Bylaw 4805, comes into effect immediately.

Coun. Allison Knodel said after the meeting that the new code allows for more council accountability.

“The way you talk to people and behave and whether you’re treating somebody with dignity and respect is absolutely essential for doing business and just having a relationship with a person,” Knodel told CHAT News.

“We have an obligation to uphold and mentor healthy and productive behavior. And if we’re not doing that, then the public inevitably can hold us accountable.”

Knodel said she hopes the public won’t abuse the ability for any resident to submit conduct complaints against members of council.

“I hope that, in time — once people get used to the structure being in place — that it is used for times that are important and not frivolous or vexatious,” she said.

The structure is there if it’s needed, Knodel explained.

“If it’s something that cannot be resolved through an informal conversation between two people, then the structure provides certainty that there’s a resolution.”

Coun. Shila Sharps, who filed a code of conduct complaint against Clark last year that led to sanctions, is looking forward to having a third-party referee in place.

“It really does give everybody, including us, the ability to say, ‘he’s not being directed by us,'” Sharps said.

“He’s got his own guidelines and ethics, and that’s what he’s going to go by. And he’s got to follow the MGA to the letter,” she added, in reference to the Municipal Government Act.

Sharps said the commissioner is likely to be a lawyer.

“They may not be practicing any longer, but they have passed the bar at one point so they understand the law.”

There’s no exact timeline for when the role will be filled.

Medicine Hat city council’s next regular meeting is in October.

by Eli J. Ridder

Medicine Hat council approves conduct code update, integrity commissioner role

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