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Home My WebLink About2019-12-05 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL December 5, 2019 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, December 5, 2019 commencing at 11:02 a.m. MEMBERS M. 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 G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development H. Winder, County Planner-ORRSC E. Graham, County Planner- ORRSC M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator M. Fenske, Manager of Finance R. Fernell, Director of Information & Technology S. Kipta, IT Project Manager K. Glants, GIS Analyst A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation L. Hoggan, Canadian Badlands Tourism B. Varga, Canadian Badlands Tourism P. Maloney, Dillon Consulting K. Harder, Dillon Consulting R. Oster, Cypress County D. Concepcion, Cypress County B. Mack, Cypress County K. Simpson, Cypress County M. McKenzie, Cypress County 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:02 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING _ �'''; ,'r��'s/ "l All members were in attendance at this meeting. , f �' � - Regular Council December 5,2019 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes -Council (November 21, 2019) C-390/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the 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-391/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was he/d. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report , K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He reported that some ca//s were received from customers regarding lead in drinking water and indicated that Alberta Environment & Parks requires drinking water to be tested regularly. He provided further information, indicating that information will be distributed to the public. K. Steinley responded to questions from Council regarding the NRSC fleet trucks. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:11 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Canadian Badlands Tourism L. Hoggan displayed a video and distributed information regarding Canadian Badlands Tourism, indicating that the annual conference will be held in March 2020 in Strathmore, A8. She provided information on some new projects, including a digital experience guide, and indicated that their website is linked to the A/berta Tourism Information Service (ATIS) website for shared information. L. Hoggan provided an overview of the Canadian Badlands Destination Marketing Fund � (DMF), indicating that, from the 3% collected by participating hotels, 2% comes ��'�'/ back to the community and the remaining 1% goes towards a regional marketing �/ - campa�gn. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council December 5,2019 8. Varga provided further information on the importance of the tourism industry to the area and provided examples of the tourism impact from some recent events. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin, M. Jackson, H. Winder, and E. Graham arrived at 11:28 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. L. Hoggan responded to questions regarding the DMF, indicating that a local committee would be set up to determine how to spend the 2% /oca/ portion on marketing. She indicated that they are not approaching the Canalta or Heritage lnn hotels that are already collecting a DMF. LEFT THE MEETING L. Hoggan and B. Varga left the meeting at 11:33 a.m. C-392/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:33 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 1964-19 Intermunicipal Development Plan (Cypress County) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:33 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The intent of this Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1964-19, a bylaw to adopt an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) between Cypress County and the County of Newell. K. Harder provided information on the IDP, including what is required under the Municipal Government Act. She indicated thaf an open house was held on September 11, 2019 and those in attendance brought forward concerns with potential changes to landowner properties. These concerns have been resolved. K. Harder displayed maps showing the plan boundary and land use and outlined policies that had been considered. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided information regarding the letter from TC Energy, which states they have no concerns with the proposed IDP but notes that their pipelines are not indicated on Figure 6. He indicated that this has been acknowledged. 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 3 of 9 Regular Council December 5,2019 7.2 Bylaw 1965-19 Intermunicipal Development Plan (Village of Rosemary) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to orderat 11:40 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 intent of this Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1965-19, a bylaw to adopt an Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) between the Village of Rosemary and the County of Newell. P. Maloney provided information on the IDP, including what is required under the Municipal Government Act. An open house was held for this IDP as well as the Village of Rosemary Municipal Development Plan. P. Maloney reported that the Village of Rosemary has adopted the MDP and provided second reading to the IDP. She displayed a map showing the proposed IDP boundary and indicated an area within that boundary for potential annexation and future growth. P. Maloney also provided an overview of policy considerations. 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. LEFT THE MEETING H. Winder and E. Graham left the meeting at 11:45 a.m. , P. Maloney responded to questions from Council regarding the /DP boundary, which is a half mile wide. C-393/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:47 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 1964-19 Intermunicipal Development Plan (Cypress County) C-394/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1964-19, being a bylaw to adopt an Intermunicipal Development Plan between Cypress County and the County of Newell, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed. Council suggested amending the text on page 6 of the IDP that states "do not take irrigated lands out of production." P. Maloney indicated that the IDP applies only to the lands within the IDP boundary. The Manager of Planning, Development& Engineering indicated that further discussion regarding ( amending this text can occur prior to third reading. Further, he suggested looking � / �fj � at irrigated land and native grass to include all grasslands. He noted that the \, ; `' V� � objectives listed in section 2.2 come from Cypress County's MDP. The objectives from the County's MDP start on page 7 of the IDP document. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council December 5,2019 8.2 Bylaw 1965-19 Intermunicipal Development Plan (Village of Rosemary) '-395/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1965-19, being a bylaw to adopt an Intermunicipal Development Plan between the Village of Rosemary and the County of Newell, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-396/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1965-19 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:03 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:02 p.m. 9. DELEGATIONS —continued 9.2 Perini Subdivision -Speed Limit Reduction Request The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and data collected from the speed spy devices. Over a five-day period, 411 vehicles were recorded with an average speed of 27km/h. The maximum speed recorded was 64km/h. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies arrived at 1:04 p.m. The Director of Municipal Services indicated that, based on the data collected, the speed limit shou/d remain at 50km/h. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor T. Fyfe provided further information, indicating that the request to reduce the speed limit in that subdivision to 30km/h had been signed by most of the subdivision residents. Further, she requested that speed spies be installed to collect data over a longer period of time. Discussion followed regarding other options, including additional signage, and whether enforcing a reduced speed limit was feasible. The Director of Municipal Services responded to further questions from Council. C-397/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the speed limit in the Perini Subdivision be reduced from 50km/h to 30km/h, as requested by the residents. MOTION DEFEATED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 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 Supervisor of Planning & Deve opment � responded to questions regarding a recent open house for the Suna�a � .�` \..••�/• Page 5 of 9 Regular Council December 5,2019 Project in Lathom. Councillor K. Christman indicated that she had attended and provided further details. C-398/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the Planning & Development Report for November 2019 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 1:24 p.m. 10.3 Shortgrass Library System 2020 Budget The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-399/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the 2% reduction in the Shortgrass Library System 2020 Budget. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Fernell, S. Kipta, and K. Glants arrived at 1:26 p.m. 10.6 Regional Disaster Planning The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, � indicating that Bassano, Duchess, and Rosemary have submitted letters asking for consideration of a regional emergency management initiative where there would be a sing/e Director of Emergency Management representing all member municipalities and a combined approach in place for fulfilling all other obligations of municipalities under the Emergency Management Act and the Local Authorities Emergency Management Regulation. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the regional body would be responsible for managing disaster events and planning activities for the member municipalities. The scope of the project is yet to be determined, but a revised bylaw and partnership agreement would be required. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions, indicating that the member municipalities would appoint the Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator as their Director of Emergency _ Management. Each member would adopt their own Emergency Response Plan 1 and delegate administration and response to the County. He indicated that most ^ � � agreements include a 'save harmless'clause where one member commits to not rV� taking legal action against another. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services ,��,�� Coordinator responded to questions, indicating that his workload would increase but that he is eager to assist other communities and strengthen them. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Fenske arrived at 1:36 p.m. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council December 5,2019 The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator continued, providing information on the committee and meetings required. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested setting up a single committee with trained representatives from the urban municipalities as well as hamlets to avoid duplication. C-400/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council agrees to proceed in principle with establishing a Regional Disaster Management Service and that Administration is directed to initiate the steps required to proceed. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 1:39 p.m. 10.2 2020 Interim Budget The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item, outlining changes that have been made since the 2020 /nterim Budget Meeting. He provided an overview of the highlights, indicating that this is a conservative budget that is responsive to the current economy. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-401/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the 2020 Interim Budget be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.4 Tax Deferral Request-Torxen Energy The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-402/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Administration is authorized to enter into an individual tax payment agreement with Torxen Energy Ltd. that defers the collection of a portion of their linear property taxes owing in 2020 without penalty on the condition that regularly scheduled payments are made on time. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 Policy Review- 2019-PAD-059 (Personnel) The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item, indicating that the proposed amendments are related to the provincial government's elimination of flexible averaging agreements. Discussion followed and Council directed administration to explore options for providing benefits to individuals with disabilities. C-403/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Policy 2019-PAD-059 (Personnel) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING -`/ ?. ' �' ) t �l� M. Fenske left the meeting at 1:52 p.m. �,,..,,,. ' �`� Page 7 of 9 Regular Council December 5,2019 10.7 Public Sector Digest GMI Survey Results The Director of Information & Technology provided Council with the results of GMI (Geospatial Maturity Index) Survey for 2019. The County of Newell was ranked 4th in Alberta, 11 th in North America overall, and first in our size category in North America. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Information & Technology responded to questions regarding the survey, which involves producing a submission that is then evaluated by a team of GIS Specialists. GIS for local government includes public and internal web maps, analytics, and determining sites for planning and development. She provided an example of how field collection of assets and features are uploaded to the asset management system and used to prepare budget information. The Director of Information & Technology responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING R. Fernell, S. Kipta, and K. Glants left the meeting at 2:11 p.m. 10.8 Request for Letter of Support- Canadian Badlands Tourism Council was presented with a request from Canadian Badlands Tourism for a letter of support. Councillor A.M. Philipsen responded to questions regarding the Destination Marketing Fund. Currently, the Newell Regional Tourism Association receives DMF funding from the Heritage Inn and Canalta hotels. Canadian Badlands is encouraging all the other hotels to collect a DMF. These funds would be managed by an independent accountant. Councillor E. Unruh provided further information on how the NRTA distributes the DMF. Discussion followed. C-404/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the County of Newell provides a letter in support of Canadian Badlands Tourism to the Minister of Economic Development, Trade &Tourism. MOTION CARRIED 10.9 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Meeting (January 17, 2020) This item was accepted as information. 10.10 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 10.11 Payment Register C-405/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED � , 10.12 Requests for Functions of Council ,.��:_ ' There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council December 5,2019 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 11.2 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-406/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for November 2019 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:27 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Police Costing Model The Chief Administrative Officer provided an update on the Police Costing Model and funding required for 2020. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 14. IN CAMERA C-407/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move in camera at 2:29 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Land — FO/PP Act Section 27. MOTION CARRIED C-408/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that we move out of camera at 3:44 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:55 p.m. Si ned this � � da of ��C��'�ti-�.d� , 2019 9 � Y � �" � � ��---� �.� � '�; Lc�' Ree � nt Administrator Page 9 of 9