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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-11 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL July 11, 2019 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, July 11, 2019 commencing at 10:19 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung H. Kallen A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: K. Christman STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC W. Schaap, Manager of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services K. Halsted, County Assessor A. Ferguson, Administrative Assistant - Fire & Safety A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation K. Swanson, Fire Chief - City of Brooks S. Luchies, Acting Rural Fire Coordinator P. Fabian, Fire Chief - Hamlet of Tilley R. Torkelson, Fire Chief - Hamlet of Patricia T. Preston, Newell 9-1-1 Dispatch Association J. Aleman, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. C. Scherger, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. D. Cockerill, Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. A. Bartlette, Manager of Planning & Engineering Services - City of Brooks D. Saari, Manager of Works & Utilities - City of Brooks R. Tanner, Recreation & Facility Services - City of Brooks CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:19 a.m. Regular Council July 11, 2019 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-223/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor K. Christman be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (July 11, 2019) C-224/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the June 20, 2019 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-225/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. 8. BYLAWS 8.2 Bylaw 1954-19 -19 LUA 005 (NW 34-18-15-W4 - AR to SLA) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-226/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1954-19, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 6.6 acres (2.67 hectares) in NW 34-18-15-W4 from AR - Acreage Residential District to SLA - Single Lot Agricultural District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.3 Bylaw 1955-19 -19 LUA 006 (SW 15-20-17-W4 - A to SH) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council regarding the land use amendment process, indicating that Council would debate the merits of the proposal prior to giving the bylaw second and third reading. Changes to the size of the parcel can be made after the public hearing. Page 2 of 12 Regular Council July 11, 2019 C-227/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1955-19, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 29.24 acres (11.83 hectares) in SW 15-20-17-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SH - Small Holdings District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 Planning & Development Report The Supervisor of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided an update on the North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan Water Act Approval, indicating that the application is currently at the technical review stage. C-228/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Planning & Development Report for July 2019 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.2 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (W 24-23-18-W4) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council approved proceeding with the closure and lease of the road right of way located between E 23-23-18- W4 and W 24-23-18-W4. 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS 13.1 UPDATE Intersection at RR150 and HWY1 The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on the traffic safety issues at the intersection of RR150 and HWY1. County staff met with Alberta Transportation and representatives from JBS Canada to review various options to correct these safety issues that were included in a Traffic Safety Report. Removing the access and median in HWY1 is the safest and most cost-effective option. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering reported that maps showing alternate accesses have been provided to JBS to review and determine any possible impact to their operations. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering indicated that options involving the installation of flashing lights were discussed but removing the median access would be more cost effective. Speed reduction was also discussed. Maps have been created showing where the traffic would go. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding requests for additional traffic enforcement by the RCMP at that intersection, indicating that is a possibility but not a long-term solution. Reeve M. Douglass provided further information regarding the meeting, indicating that JBS Canada is open to finding a solution for this intersection. Page 3 of 12 Regular Council July 11, 2019 LEFT THE MEETING D. Horvath, G. Tiffin, and M. Jackson left the meeting at 10:44 a.m. 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 ASB Update The Manager of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding traps available from the County, roadside weed control, Emerson Bridge Park, and maintenance at the Rolling Hills Cemetery. LEFT THE MEETING W. Schaap left the meeting at 10:52 a.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.3 Alberta Assessors' Association Concerns The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that Council has the opportunity to consider possible action to address the issues raised by the Alberta Assessors' Association. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Halsted arrived at 10:57 a.m. The County Assessor indicated that the main issues raised by the Alberta Assessors' Association are lack of consultation, lack of transparency, and the Assessment Year Modifiers. He indicated that the provincial government had included industry representatives in the consultation process for reviews of the machinery and equipment and well models but not assessors. Further, recent significant changes to assessment have not been announced with impact analyses as has been done in the past. The County Assessor indicated that municipalities should be given the same information as the property owners. He provided background information on Assessment Year Modifiers, indicating that the decisions made in the last few years have forced municipalities to accept undervalued assessments and the resulting shortfall must be shifted to other property owners. The County Assessor expressed concerns with the lack of consultation with either assessors or municipalities on decisions that will directly impact municipalities. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The County Assessor indicated that both the RMA and Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) have been involved and the issue of updating assessment manuals is brought up regularly with the Minister of Municipal Affairs during the annual conference. Discussion followed regarding the recent meeting between the Page 4 of 12 Regular Council July 11, 2019 Minister of Municipal Affairs and municipalities affected by the Shallow Gas Tax Reduction. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, indicating that, while the changes to shallow gas tax was communicated as a one- off situation, the lack of consultation is concerning. He further suggested that requesting updated assessment manuals may have unintended impacts. This item was accepted as information. LEFT THE MEETING K. Halsted left the meeting at 11:18 a.m. 11.4 Shallow Gas Tax Reduction The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that the shallow gas tax reduction will reduce the County's tax revenue by approximately $2 million. Municipal Affairs will be providing grant funding to municipalities to cover the 2019 budget shortfall. Reeve M. Douglass provided further information on this item. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Horvath and M. Jackson arrived at 11:24 a.m. Discussion followed. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that Council will need to pass a motion accepting the changes. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding reducing services to cover the shortfall, indicating that it would be difficult to reduce services provided to the oil and gas industry as most services are provided to more than one sector. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 11:29 a.m. Discussion followed regarding the state of the shallow gas industry and whether this change is encouraging a solution that is not sustainable. This item was accepted as information. C-229/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move into Public Hearings at 11:34 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 1953-19 Road Closure & SALE (Former Hamlet of Millicent NW 20-20-13-W4) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:34 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be f Ilowed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. Page 5 of 12 Regular Council July 11, 2019 The Supervisor of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1953-19. The intent of this bylaw is to close and SELL the road allowances within the former Hamlet of Millicent in NW 20-20-13-W4. The Supervisor 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. C-230/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:35 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 1953-19 Road Closure & SALE (Former Hamlet of Millicent NW 20-20-13-W4) C-231/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1953-19, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and SELLING the following: • that portion of north/south and east/west lanes in Block 3, Plan 1349BA lying south of Lot 29, Block 7, Plan 151 2326, and • that portion of Erskine Street on Plan 1349BA lying south of the south limit of Lot 29, Block 7, Plan 151 2326 and north of the easterly production of the south limit of Lots 1 to 10, Block 3, Plan 1349BA, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 11:35 a.m. LEFT THE MEETING D. Horvath, G. Tiffin, and M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:35 a.m. 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview JOof the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley Page 6 of 12 Regular Council July 11, 2019 responded to questions regarding the leaks in Rolling Hills and Rainier. Discussion followed regarding the pumps at Lake Newell Resort. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:45 a.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.5 Meeting Request from Lac Ste. Anne County Council discussed the request from Lac Ste. Anne County for a meeting to discuss the roles of Rural MLA's. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Swanson, S. Luchies, P. Fabian, R. Torkelson, T. Preston, and A. Ferguson arrived at 11:46 a.m. Discussion followed regarding getting MLA M. Glasgo involved with issues affecting the County of Newell and Cypress County. Accepting this meeting request suggests a lack of confidence in the RMA and the County acknowledges that the RMA is aware, engaged, and advocating for rural municipalities. A response will be sent to Lac Ste. Anne County declining the invitation and indicating that the RMA is looking after the interests of the County of Newell. 11.6 Appointment of Director of Emergency Management The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-232/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Stewart Luchies be appointed as the Director of Emergency Management for the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Aleman, C. Scherger, and D. Cockerill arrived at 11:51 a.m. 11.10 Request for Proclamation -National Drowning Prevention Week (July 21-27, 2019) C-233/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council hereby proclaims July 21-27, 2019 as National Drowning Prevention Week in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 12 Regular Council July 11, 2019 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Presentation of Canadian Natural Resources Limited Funding Contribution for Emergency Communications Equipment Councillor B. de Jong provided background information on this item, indicating that Canadian Natural Resources Limited has provided funding to the Newell 9-1-1 Dispatch Association and the Fire Departments of Brooks, Tilley, and Patricia for the purchase of Alberta First Responder Radio Communications System radio equipment. C. Scherger expressed appreciation for being able to work within the region and the opportunity to contribute. Council thanked CNRL for the generous donation. The CNRL representatives formally presented cheques to the Fire Chiefs from Tilley and Patricia. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:55 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:50 p.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.7 Proposed Fire & Emergency Services Agreement with the City of Brooks The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht, A. Bartlette and D. Saari arrived at 12:52 p.m. C-234/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Council APPROVES the Fire & Emergency Services Agreement between the County of Newell and the City of Brooks as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.8 Recreation Agreement - Bassano & Division 6 The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The County and the Town of Bassano will each contribute $25,000.00 for recreational programming, allowing local organizations to access the same amount of annual funding. The agreement also provides for a 50150 cost sharing arrangement between the Town of Bassano and the County on all recreation costs incurred by facilities within the Town. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Tanner arrived at 12:56 pm The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the number of recreation facilities in Bassano, indicating that the County's share of this would be approximately $175, 000.00 and that numbers could fluctuate slightly. Page 8 of 12 Regular Council July 11, 2019 C-235/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Council APPROVES the Recreation Board Agreement between the County of Newell and the Town of Bassano as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.2 Funding Request - Regional Enhancement Reserve (City of Brooks) A. Bartlette provided background information on the funding request for the Hort Lift Station pipeline expansion project, indicating that the issue had been identified in the City's Wastewater Infrastructure Master Plans completed in 2008 and 2018. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Saari responded to questions regarding the capacity for growth included in the Infrastructure Master Plans. He indicated that the study refers to up to 20 years of growth but does not specify the type of growth. He indicated that Westland Acres was not included to his knowledge. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the number of houses and volume of sewage currently generated by Lake Newell Resort. He indicated that an agreement exists between the County and the City including a plan for a total of 700 units with calculations for capacity. In 2004, the County issued a payment to the City of Brooks in the amount of $185, 000.00 for improvements. The Director of Municipal Services indicated that he is unsure of whether the improvements were done, or the funding was being held in a reserve. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the payment process. D. Saari provided further information on the project and the Hort Lift Station, indicating that the project has been tendered out. C-236/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the request from the City of Brooks for the Hort Main Pipeline Expansion Project in the amount of $850,000.00 be APPROVED with funding from the Regional Enhancement Reserve Fund for Divisions 5 & 10 (Brooks). MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Bartlette and D. Saari left the meeting at 1:12 p.m. R. Tanner provided background information on the funding request for the JBS Canada Centre Daycare Expansion project which would increase capacity from 36 to 60. R. Tanner responded to questions from Council. C-237/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the request from the City of Brooks for the JBS Canada Centre Daycare Expansion project in the amount of $101,500.00 be APPROVED with funding from the Regional Enhancement Reserve Fund for Divisions 5 & 10 (Brooks). MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING R. Tanner left the meeting at 1:17 p.m. Page 9 of 12 Regular Council July 11, 2019 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.9 Update - Municipal Community Generation Challenge The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that discussions have occurred regarding partnering with the City of Brooks and Medicine Hat College - Brooks Campus to develop a site on the campus that would complement the college's renewable energy programming. Sale of energy generated at the site would provide a source of revenue and the site itself would help to promote the Newell Region as a hub for renewable energy. August 9, 2019 is the deadline for submission of an Expression of Interest to proceed. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council regarding the selection of the Small to Medium Sized Enterprise (SME) through an invitational process. There is $10 million available to be allocated across approved projects and the agency receiving the funds must contribute 25% of the equity for the project. The Director of Corporate Services reported that the size of the project will determine the amount of funding required. C-238/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the County of Newell confirms its intentions to proceed with round two of the Municipal Community Generation Challenge Program and submits an Expression of Interest to develop a community generation facility within the Brooks/County of Newell region. MOTION CARRIED 11.11 Councillor Payment Sheets (May 2019) C-239/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the May 2019 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 11.12 Cheques for Payment C-240/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that cheque 187332 in the amount of $367,036.94 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 11.13 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-241/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 11.14 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. Page 10 of 12 Regular Council July 11, 2019 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.2 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-242/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for June 2019 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:41 p.m. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Update — Regionalization Councillor C. Amulung requested an amendment to the proposed map with seven electoral divisions that would move land in the southeast corner back into Division 1. He indicated that there are no residents in that area. The Director of Corporate Services will investigate making this amendment. Reeve M. Douglass reported that the minutes from the July 3, 2019 Regionalization Working Group will be distributed soon. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that the City of Brooks Council will be discussing the governance model at an upcoming meeting. The RWG will discuss the taxation model further. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that the RWG had no interest in the 6.3 mill tax rate as reported in the Brooks Bulletin. ISL Engineering & Land Services Ltd. has been selected to develop the RWG Communications Strategy & Implementation Plan. The RWG discussed initiating staffing committees to discuss staff concerns regarding regionalization/amalgamation. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that there is a public misconception that the County can withdraw from RWG discussions. He outlined key points of the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Regulation, indicating that the County of Newell must negotiate with all bordering municipalities. Regarding the request for a plebiscite, the recommendation from Municipal Affairs is that the County of Newell does not have jurisdiction over these discussions. The information can be gathered from residents using something other than a plebiscite. Discussion followed regarding the advertisement published on the front page of the July 9, 2019 Brooks Bulletin and the need to communicate to the public that no decisions have been made yet. Councillor W. Hammergren indicated that he would be meeting with some ratepayers from Division 4 on August 7, 2019 to discuss their regionalization concerns and invited the Chief Administrative Officer to attend. Page 11 of 12 Regular Council July 11, 2019 14.2 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 15. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:52 p.m. Signed this � day of , 2019 ai OE- Ziy Administrator Page 12 of 12