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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-03-21 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL March 21, 2019 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, March 21, 2019 commencing at 10:59 a.m. MEMBERS Molly Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung H. Kallen A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC G. Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services W. Schaap, Manager of Agricultural Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Irwin, Grasslands Public Schools A. Kassem, Global Village M. Andruschak, SPEC Association 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:59 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (March 7, 2019) -82/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the March 7, 2019 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CA IED �w Regular Council March 21, 2019 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-83/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 City/County Mental Health Network (Community Collaborative Network) K. Irwin provided an update to Council. The Prairie Girls Gala raised $30, 000.00 for Canadian Mental Health that will be allocated within the community. Alberta Health Services is moving forward with support for children and families in the area. The Healing Path Wellness Centre for newcomers is in development. The Cantara Safe House youth program is back in operation. Medicine Hat College is working on mental health education programs. Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Mental Health Week is May 6-12, 2019 and local events will be promoted. Grasslands Public Schools continues their commitment to mental health awareness and education. K. Irwin reported that 1 in 5 people will have a mental illness in their lifetime and asked Council to continue advocating good mental health for all. A. Kassem provided background information on the Healing Path Wellness Centre that will help newcomers access health services and provide health education in partnership with Alberta Health Services. He also reported that Medicine Hat College is developing an education program regarding mental health for newcomers. A. Kassem indicated that the federal Ministry of Immigration, Refugees, & Citizenship will be including assistance for immigrants with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in their funding program. M. Andruschak stressed the importance of raising awareness of mental illness and helping people recognize the services available to them. She reported that the SPEC Association staff have recently moved into individual offices and that this has resulted in clients sharing more information. K. Irwin provided information on the LINKS Wellness and Mental Health Navigator positions and requested funding from the County in the amount of $77, 625.00 for each position. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council March 21, 2019 Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. A. Kassem responded to questions from Council regarding the meeting with the federal Minister of Immigration, Refugees, & Citizenship. M. Andruschak responded to questions regarding the two-way referral process between the SPEC Association and Alberta Health Services. A. Kassem provided further information regarding the role of the Newcomer Health Facilitator. K. Irwin responded to further questions, indicating that there are currently no funds for these positions presently. A follow up delegation will be requested for an upcoming City Council meeting. K. Irwin responded to questions regarding the CMHA Rural Mental Health Project, indicating that they have been invited to participate and have met with the group. LEFT THE MEETING K. Irwin, M. Andruschak, and A. Kassem left the meeting at 11:37 a.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 1934-18 Traffic The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that item 5.3 in Schedule A - Penalties has been removed. C-84/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1934-18, being a bylaw for the purpose of controlling and providing regulations and penalties pertaining to highways, roadways, streets, and sidewalks for the orderly and safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and for the parking of vehicles on the said highways, roadways, and streets, be given SECOND reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED C-85/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1934-18 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Horvath and A. Wickert arrived at 11:39 a.m. 7.2 Bylaw 1941-19 North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan The County Planner provided background information on this item. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 11:40 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Engineering Services responded to questions regarding the wetlands component of the Albe a Page 3 of 10 Regular Council March 21, 2019 Environment approval process and the Stormwater Management Plan which addresses the concerns brought forward by the Eastern Irrigation District. The Manager of Engineering Services reported that WSP is revising Schedule D of the ARP and will be sending it this afternoon. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert, D. Horvath, and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 11:50 a.m. 7.3 Bylaw 1944-19 Special Tax Bylaw (Eastern Irrigation District) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-86/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1944-19, being a bylaw for the purpose of imposing a special tax on lots within subdivisions that are receiving waterworks from the Eastern Irrigation District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-87/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1944-19 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-88/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that consent be given for Bylaw 1944-19 to receive third reading this 21st day of March, 2019. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-89/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1944-19 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Update - Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Program The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. Information about the PACE Program was distributed to the public and a limited number of responses were received. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the Alberta PACE office is recommending that implementation of the program be delayed until the completion of a pilot project with the City of Edmonton. This item was accepted as information. 10.2 Finding a Home for the Old Council Chambers Table The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicat that the new tenant for the east half of the top floor of the old County Page 4 of 10 Regular Council March 21, 2019 Administration Building would like the old Council Chambers table removed. Discussion followed regarding modifying the table for use in Council Chambers or another meeting room as it holds historical value for the County of Newell. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council and indicated that he would pursue the option to modify the table. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:02 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:49 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green and W. Schaap arrived at 12:49 p.m. 7. BYLAWS — continued 7.2 Bylaw 1941-19 North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan — continued The Director of Corporate Services reported that the revised Schedule D has been received and has been included in the Council agenda package. He responded to questions from Council. -90/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1941-19, being a bylaw for the purpose of adopting the North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (March 2019) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding TD Tree Days. C-91/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for March 2019 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9.2 Appointment of Weed & Pest Inspectors The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-92/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we appoint Nicole Skanderup, Emma Van Steekelenburg, Donovan Kopp and Stratton Pickett as Inspectors for the County of Page 5 of 10 Regular Council March 21, 2019 Newell pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act until such a time that their employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED C-93/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we appoint Nicole Skanderup, Stratton Picket, Emma Van Steekelenburg and Donovan Kopp as Inspectors for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural Pest Act until such a time their employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Policy Review - 2019-PAG-035 Sale of Hawk Nesting Poles The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Manager of Agricultural Services provided further background information on the project and responded to questions regarding the cost of each pole. He indicated that Alberta Fish & Wildlife was not contacted. The Director of Agricultural Services indicated that a survey could be conducted of those purchasing strychnine to see if there is interest in purchasing a hawk nesting pole for an alternate method of pest control. C-94/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Agricultural Services staff create a short survey and advertise the program's possibility in order to garner some feedback from the public; further, feedback received and Policy 2019-PAG-035 (Sale of Hawk Nesting Poles) will be brought back to a future Council meeting for final deliberation. MOTION CARRIED The Director of Agricultural Services provided an overview of the proposed agreement which outlines some of the restrictions associated with the installation of the poles. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green and W. Schaap left the meeting at 1:09 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.3 Funding Request - Brooks & District Seniors OutReach Society Council was presented with background information on this item. C-95/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council APPROVES the request from the Brooks & District Seniors OutReach Society in the amount of $1,000.00 for the Seniors OutReach Dinner with funding from the Charitable Grants & Donations Account. MOTION CARRIED c Page 6 of 10 Regular Council March 21, 2019 10.4 Request for Letter of Support - Francophone Association of Brooks Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-96/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that the County of Newell provides a letter in support of the Francophone Association of Brooks' application to Immigration, Refugees & Citizenship Canada's Call for Proposals 2019: Settlement & Resettlement Assistance Programs. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 Canadian Mental Health Association Alberta Rural Mental Health Project - Call for Community Animators The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, suggesting that Council forward the information to individuals in their divisions that may be interested. This item was accepted as information. 10.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (February 2019) C-97/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the February 2019 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 10.8 Payment Register C-98/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.9 Requests for Functions of Council 10.9.1 Economic Development Strategic Planning Session (March 26, 2019) Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item. C-99/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Councillor C. Amulung be permitted to attend the Economic Development Strategic Planning Session in Brooks, AB on March 25, 2019 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 10 Regular Council March 21, 2019 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS 11.1 Bow River Basin Council Councillor B. de Jong gave an overview of the highlights of the Bow River Basin Council Forum he attended on March 13, 2019 and responded to questions from Council. 11.2 Newell 911 Dispatch Association Councillor B. de Jong reported that the Newell 911 Dispatch Association awarded the tender for Alberta First Responder Radio Communications System (AFRRCS) equipment to Bearcom. The first radios should be delivered in the summer. 11.3 Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor C. Amulung reported that the Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year have been selected. The Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year Awards Gala will be held at the Heritage Inn on April 5, 2019. 11.4 Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor C. Amulung reported that some major issues with water leaks over the past two weeks have been repaired. The waterline break affecting the Rosemary and Bassano area highlighted the need for better communication between the NRSC, the municipalities, and the water system users. Councillor C. Amulung responded to questions from Council. 11.5 Shortgrass Library System Councillor K. Christman indicated that the audited financial statements are now available. Office renovations are proceeding. A strategic planning session has been scheduled for June. 11.6 Newell Recycling Association Councillor L. Juss gave an overview of the highlights of the Alberta CARE conference. One of the topics focused on a deposit system on hard plastic packaging for manufacturers. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that he attended a session during the Rural Municipalities of Alberta convention regarding making manufacturers responsible for the cost of recycling or disposing of items at the end of their life. Councillor L. Juss responded to questions from Council. The Newell Tl�cycllng Association's Annual General Meeting will be held on March 27, 2019 inning at 7:00 p.m. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council March 21, 2019 11.7 Reeve's Report Recent events attended by Reeve M. Douglass include a meeting of the Division 9 Recreation Board, a meeting of the Gem Community Association, the Montreal Canadiens Alumni Tour game versus the Crossroads Challengers. The Newell Regional Expo "Gem Honouring Cassils" community dinner will be held on April 13, 2019 at the Gem Community Hall starting at 5:30 p.m. 11.8 Rural Municipalities of Alberta Spring 2019 Convention Reeve M. Douglass reported on the highlights of the RMA Spring 2019 Convention. One topic focused on a climate change target that would require 17% of land to be protected in Alberta. There are concerns from municipalities regarding a lack of consultation. Reeve M. Douglass also attended a breakout session on "Understanding Unpaid Linear Property Taxes. " The Chief Administrative Officer provided further information. There is currently no easy way to recoup unpaid linear property taxes and it is a concern for municipalities. Changes to the legislation are required. Discussion followed. The Councillors in attendance at the RMA Spring 2019 Convention indicated that there was a lot of interest from other municipalities regarding regionalization. Discussion followed. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 2019 Citizen & Junior Citizen of the Year Awards - Request for Gift Basket Council was presented with background information on this item. C-100/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council supports the Grasslands Regional FCSS Citizen & Junior Citizen of the Year Awards, and that a gift basket in the amount of $100.00 be donated on behalf of the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Update — Regionalization There was no update on Regionalization at this meeting. 13.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report (February 2019) This item was accepted as information. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council March 21, 2019 13.3 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 13.4 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 14. IN CAMERA C-101/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we move in camera at 2:10 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Land - FOIPP Act Section 27. MOTION CARRIED C-102/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we move out of camera at 3:10 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m. Signed this day of(- 2019 C"� Reev C ursify dministrator Page 10 of 10