The city has issued a tender for the review of the energy division's business model.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
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A study of the city’s Comco business model is now out to tender, and garnering interest from several national-level infrastructure and business advisory firms.
Council ordered a third-party review of business practice, mission statements and rate-setting options in September to address concerns raised by Hatters with high power bills, a council committee heard Thursday.
The notice of contract offering was published Nov. 10, and they next public an update to council Dec. 4, though the contract won’t be awarded by that time, say city officials.
The initial process will take six weeks, at which point shortlisted parties will be contacted and subject to further evaluation.
“We’ve been silent on the timelines, other than there’s a condition it must be done by the end of 2024, but one of the criteria (judgements) will a timeline,” said Rochelle Pancoast, the top administrator in the energy division.
She says nine interested parties have reviewed the materials, according to the city’s publicly accessible tendering site.
“There’s sensitivity so everyone feels it should be done yesterday,” said incoming committee chair Coun. Darren Hirsch. “But for us to do it methodically makes sense. It’s an all-encompassing review.”
The scope of review, outlined for bidders in the documents, is to focus on the electrical generation department and “present options of overall strategic approach with an objective of ensuring best value for the community.”
“The review is to include all possible options and a list of pros and cons for each, backed by appropriate analytics, to help the city choose the best option to move the business unit or units forward.”
Parking
The Esplanade Parkade has moved to online payment service “HotSpot Parking” and will phase out cash payments at the end of 2023, the city announced Tuesday.
The system, which is used at the Towne Square lot near city hall as well as Medicine Hat College, takes payment via a smartphone app or by scanning a QR code.
Officials say it will be easier for patrons.
“Our guests can enjoy their visit without worrying about parking meters or change,” said city manager Trampas Brown. “Guests can manage their parking time and payments directly from their mobile devices, which helps to avoid parking tickets and also allows for refunds on any unused parking time.”
The ability to pay with cash or coins will remain in place until Dec. 31, at which point the cash payment option will cease.
Parking rates remain $1 per hour, $5 per day or $770 for the year.
