Lethbridge Minute: Police Reprimanded, Inquiry Denied, and Fire Chief Retires

Lethbridge Minute - Your weekly one-minute summary of Lethbridge politics

This Week In Lethbridge:

• It’s a busy week ahead with three meetings scheduled, starting with a City Council Meeting on Tuesday at 1:30 pm (following a one-hour closed session from 12:30 pm). At this meeting, Council will give second and third readings to several Waste & Recycling Bylaws and Waste Water Treatment Bylaws. Council will also make amendments to the Waste Bylaw that will update definitions, add a notice that the City doesn’t take responsibility for damages caused by normal operations, and slightly reduce landfill fees for residents and commercial users.
  
  
• On Wednesday there will be a meeting of the Cultural and Social Standing Policy Committee at 1:30 pm. At this meeting, Council will receive several presentations, including an update from local doctors and healthcare professionals on the ongoing family physician crisis, a presentation from the Community Planner, and an update from the Indigenous Relations Advisor. To close out this meeting, Council will receive submissions from the Social Service Integration Committee.
  
  
• On Thursday, there will be a meeting of the Civic Works Standing Policy Committee at 1:30 pm. At this meeting, City Council will elect a Chair and Vice-Chair of the Committee. Afterward, Council will receive several presentations, including a presentation from the City Engineer and the Executive Officer of BILD on a Roundabout Outline Guide, a cycling update from the Transportation Engineer, and an update on the Transportation Master Plan.

Last Week In Lethbridge:

• The Lethbridge Police Commission denied a request for a Section 32 Public Inquiry of the Alberta Police Act requested by the lawyer of MLA Shannon Phillips. The two Lethbridge police officers who pleaded guilty to misconduct charges concerning the matter are expected to be sanctioned on Nov. 30.
  
  
• Lethbridge Fire Chief, Marc Rathwell, is set to retire on February 11, after serving nearly 20 years in the City, including two and a half in his current role. The City thinks his replacement will likely come from internal recruitment and has already begun the process. They hope to have the role filled by mid-January to allow for a smooth transition period. We’d like to thank Chief Rathwell for his service and wish him all the best in his retirement!
  
  
• Active cases of COVID-19 are on the decline and remain low in the South Zone and across the province. This is a welcome trend and couldn't come at a better time as the Holiday Season is officially upon us. Now that cases are trending in the right direction, do you plan to spend more time with family and friends this Christmas?

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