Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-23 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL May 23, 2019 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, May 23, 2019 commencing at 10:10 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 T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering P. Elliott, Administrative Assistant - Planning OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (May 9, 2019) Discussion followed regarding the last paragraph under "Regionalization — Taxation Policy." The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he would amend the section. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. 6-� Regular Council May 23, 2019 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-178/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE 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. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.2 Palliser Economic Partnership - Notice of Special Resolution The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-179/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor A.M. Philipsen attend the meeting and vote in favour of the Notice of Special Resolution. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Palliser Economic Partnership - Member Contribution Rates for 2020, 2021 & 2022 Council was provided with background information on this item. Councillor A.M. Philipsen responded to questions regarding the services provided by the Palliser Economic Partnership (PEP). Council inquired if there was a financial accounting summary and a list of services available that Council could review. Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that PEP primarily applies for grants, then hires a consultant to do a feasibility study. She circulated an email regarding PEP's financial information. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor W. Hammergren arrived at 10:33 a.m. Councillor A.M. Philipsen suggested that PEP be invited to a future Council meeting and give a presentation to Council twice a year. A motion on the Membership Contribution Rates for 2020, 2021 and 2022 was deferred until the June 6, 2019 meeting, pending additional financial information. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council May 23, 2019 11.4 Rolling Hills Cemetery Company - Grounds Maintenance Request The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. He indicated that fulfilling this request may result in other organizations coming forward with similar requests, and that it would be appropriate for Council to support requests of this nature. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the ability of the Agricultural Services Department to handle any new requests that come in. There was further discussion and it was decided that Council wait until they had discussed the matter with the Director of Agricultural Services before making a decision. 11.5 Grasslands School Division -Joint Meeting It was agreed that the suggested meeting date of June 20, 2019 at 4:00 pm was acceptable. 11.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (April 2019) C-180/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the April 2019 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 11.7 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 11.8 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-181/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 11.9 Requests for Functions of Council There were no requests for functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 13. COMMITTEE REPORTS 13.1 Newell Foundation Business Plan Councillor A.M. Philipsen reported that the Newell Foundation's Business Plan for 2020 — 2022 will follow later. Councillor H. Kallen reported that the Newbrook Lodge will be adding on a solarium that will extend 50 ft out into the parking lot, which will affect parking. Page 3 of 10 Regular Council May 23, 2019 13.2 Recreation & Parks Board Councillor T. Fyfe reported that the Recreation & Parks Board is looking at installing a pickle ball court at Griffin Park as well as putting aside $150,000.00 per year for new walking path plans. Councillor T. Fyfe responded to questions regarding the costs of the pickle ball court, which should be minimal as the installation will involve painting lines and rearranging facilities that are already there. 13.3 Federation of Canadian Municipalities Councillor W. Hammergren and Councillor H. Kallen reported that they will be attending the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference in Quebec City next week. 13.4 National Junior A Championship (NJAC) Tournament Councillor B. de Jong asked if there had been any feedback from the NJAC tournament. Councillor E. Unruh indicated that CTV had given excellent reviews. There was a discussion regarding the NJAC tournament where Councillors had heard that the event was a tremendous success and the organizing committee needs to be congratulated on a job well done. It was mentioned that there were 170 volunteers with an additional 70 that were turned away. 13.5 Irrigation Meeting Reeve M. Douglass reported that she and the Chief Administrative Officer attended a meeting between municipalities and their irrigation districts held in Lethbridge, AB. She commented that there was not much new information reported. The next meeting will be held on June 16, 2019, The Chief Administrative Officer provided further information, indicating that the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association municipalities have hired mediators to work with their membership and the irrigation districts to improve joint operations and provide better clarity of who is responsible for what moving forward between both parties. 13.6 Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass attended the HALO Rescue fundraiser in Rolling Hills. Today she will be attending the Rural Health Professions Action Plan Skills Day at the Brooks Campus where local high school students are introduced to a wide range of medical professions. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she and other members of the Emergency Management Committee would be attending a Social Services course on May 24, 2019. Page 4 of 10 Regular Council May 23, 2019 13.7 Bow River Basin Council Working Group The Chief Administrative Officer reported that he attended the Bow River working group in Calgary. The focus is on the Calgary area, which is looking at three different projects for enhancement: Morley Reservoir, Ghost Reservoir, and the Glenmore Reservoir. The group meets every three months. 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (May 2019) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding equipment rentals, weed identification, and weed control. He indicated that the partnership with the City of Brooks is going well and Agricultural Services had received approval from Canadian Pacific Railways to spray along the railway tracks as required to maintain weed control. The Director of Agricultural Services reminded Council of the Weed School being held in Rainier and that all Councillors were encouraged to attend. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and A. Wickert arrived at 11:29 a.m. Council asked the Director of Agricultural Services if he had any concerns regarding mowing the Rolling Hills Cemetery and any future requests for mowing that may come from other communities. The Director of Agricultural Services replied that he did not foresee any issues as crews are in the communities on a regular basis. He indicated that more overtime may be involved but did not anticipate a need to hire new staff to accommodate the few additional requests received thus far. There was further discussion. The Director of Agricultural Services indicated that a discussion would be required with each community to decide on the level of work and costs required. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 11:34 a.m. C-182/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for May 2019 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED C-183/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:37 a.m. MOTION CARRIED Page 5 of 10 Regular Council May 23, 2019 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 1950-19 Road Closure & LEASE (NW 27-20-17-W4 & SW 34-20-17-W4; SW 27-20-17-W4 & NW 22-20-17-W4; 22-20-17-W4) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:37 a.m. She indicated that she would need to leave during the Public Hearings and the Deputy Reeve would take over the chair at that time. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Manager of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1950-19. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE a portion of the road allowance at NW 27-20-17-W4 and SW 34-20-17-W4, SW 27-20-17-W4 and NW 22-20-17-W4, and all of the north boundary of 22-20-17-W4. The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all adjacent landowners as well as to a list of affected agencies. No responses were received from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the required referrals and none have indicated any objections. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 7.2 Bylaw 1951-19 Road Closure & LEASE (NW 17-16-16-W4 & NE 18-16-16-W4) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:39 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Manager of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1951-19. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE a portion of the road allowance between NW 17-16-16-W4 and NE 18-16-16-W4. The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all adjacent landowners as well as to a list of affected agencies. No responses were received from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the required referrals and none have indicated any objections. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Page 6 of 10 Regular Council May 23, 2019 LEFT THE MEETING Reeve M. Douglass left at 11:40 a.m. Deputy Reeve B. de Jong assumed the Chair. C-184/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:41 a.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen excused herself due to a pecuniary interest at 11:42 a.m. 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 1950-19 Road Closure & LEASE (NW 27-20-17-W4 & SW 34-20-17-W4; SW 27-20-17-W4 & NW 22-20-17-W4; 22-20-17-W4) C-185/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1950-19, being a bylaw for the purposes of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road allowance at NW 27-20-17-W4 and SW 34-20-17-W4, SW 27-20-17-W4 and NW 22-20-17-W4, and all of the north boundary of 22-20-17-W4, receives FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED RETURNED TO MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen returned at 11:44 a.m. 8.2 Bylaw 1951-19 Road Closure & LEASE (NW 17-16-16-W4 & NE 18-16-16-W4) C-186/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1951-19, being a bylaw for the purposes of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road allowance between NW 17-16-16-W4 and NE 18-16-16-W4, receives FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - continued 11.1 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (McKillop) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that the land is located just outside the Hamlet of Millicent. There was further discussion regarding the history of the area. C-187/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we proceed with the process for closing and SELLING the road right of way located adjacent to Lot 28, Block 3, Plan 1811656 (NW 20-20-13 W4). MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 10 /3 - Regular Council May 23, 2019 9. DELEGATIONS There were no delegations in attendance at this meeting. 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS There was no Municipal Services Business to discuss at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES — continued 3.1 Minutes - Council (May 9, 2019) — continued The following changes were made to the May 9, 2019 Council Meeting minutes: Page 5 - Item 10.5 — The last paragraph under "Regionalization — Taxation Policy" should read: "The Chief Administrative Officer suggested the following: • Keeping the existing tax rates for 3 years to allow for the transition period, with surplus monies saved to be set aside for future municipal initiatives or projects. • After year 3, setting the initial taxation rates at 0 3.25 for rural residential and hamlets under a population of 1, 000 0 3.25 for farmland 0 6.5 for other residential and small commercial ratepayers (based on a set employee count), subject to a satisfactory business licensing program being implemented 0 8.125 for all other non-residential properties • As costs become known, moving future taxation policies based on a true costing model on where services are delivered. • Adopting a user fee philosophy to recoup 100% of certain municipal services costs such as water, sewer and waste management, where services are provided to a certain group of taxpayers within the municipality. • Adopting a recreation model where 25% of facility operations are funded through general taxation. • Utilizing a special taxation model for additional facility funding as may be required. • Setting a recreation "program" funding allocation for users to access through a budget/application process like the County has currently. • Funding recreation capital at 50% through general taxation, borrowing or reserves with the balance coming from grants, donations and other funding sources. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council May 23, 2019 He wrapped up by indicating this would provide tax savings for all ratepayers as compared to what they currently pay, while ensuring the region is very attractive from a taxation perspective moving forward." C-188/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the May 9, 2019 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 15. INFORMATION ITEMS 15.1 Update — Regionalization The Chief Administrative Officer commented that there are no further updates from the last meeting. The next meeting will be on June 4, 2019 and will include a discussion on taxation. 15.2 KAIROS Blanket Exercise Initiative Councillor T. Fyfe explained that this item was brought up at the last Joint Services Committee meeting and that 20-40 participants are required. Discussion followed and it was decided that if any Councillors wish to participate, they can submit their own registration. 15.3 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 15.4 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 15.5. 2019 Q1 Financial Information Package The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, suggesting that the Manager of Finance provide an explanation regarding the Oil & Gas Well Drilling figures on page 15. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:58 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:45 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Reeve M. Douglass returned to the meeting at 12:45 p.m. and assumed the Chair. c� Page 9 of 10 Regular Council May 23, 2019 14. POST AGENDA ITEMS 14.1 Request for Proclamation — Seniors' Week (June 2-8, 2019) Council was provided with background information on this item. C-189/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Council hereby proclaims June 2-8, 2019 as Seniors' Week in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 16. IN CAMERA C-190119 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we move in camera at 12:54 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Two (2) Land Matters — FOIP Act Section 27; • Two (2) Legal Matters — FOIP Act Section 27; • One (1) Intergovernmental Matter — FOIP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-191/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move out of camera at 2:39 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 17. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m. Signed this day of 7.1-0 /\ 1 )—'::7 , 2019 d�P 7Reeve Oo y Administrator Page 10 of 10