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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-04-23 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL April 23, 2020 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held via Lifesize Livestream Video on Thursday, April 23, 2020 commencing at 10:52 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer, being the Designated Officer for the County of Newell, attended at the County Council Chambers to allow members of the public to watch the livestream meeting proceedings. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. No members of the public were physically in attendance. 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 T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Meeting Moderator) G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development M. Fenske, Manager of Finance M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant DELEGATIONS: Sgt. B. McDonald, RCMP - Brooks Cpl. S. Andrews, RCMP - Bassano K. Sieben, Safe Communities Facilitator W. Patterson, Elemental Energy D. Eaton, Elemental Energy J. Jones, Elemental Energy PRESS: S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin (via livestream) 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:52 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council April 23,2020 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (April 9, 2020) C-165/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that the April 9, 2020 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-166/20 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 held. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Fenske arrived at 10:53 a.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 1988-20 Tax Rates — 2020 The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item, indicating that there has been a positive response to the tax relief initiatives approved during the April 9, 2020 Council meeting. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-167/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1988-20, being a bylaw to authorize the rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2020, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-168/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Bylaw 1988-20 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 10:57 a.m. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council April 23,2020 ARRIVED AT MEETING Sgt. B. McDonald, Cpl. S. Andrews, K. Sieben, and J. Nesbitt arrived at 11:00 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports 8.1.1 RCMP - Brooks (Sgt. B. McDonald) Sgt. 8. McDonald presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. He reported on collaborative efforts between the RCMP and other organizations to combat rural property crime and copper wire theft. He a/so provided details of the RCMP's COVID-19 response and contingency plans that are in place with neighbouring detachments and the province. The direction from Alberta Health Services is to provide education on COVID-19 safety protocols first but the RCMP has the power to charge people under the Public Health Act. Sgt. B. McDonald provided details regarding one individual in Brooks who has been charged under the Public Health Act. Sgt. 8. McDonald responded to questions from Council. 8.1.2 RCMP - Bassano (Cpl. S. Andrews) Cpl. S. Andrews presented the Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. He provided additional information regarding collaborative efforts to prevent . copper wire theft. Rural patrols have been increased to provide reassurance to those who are in isolation. Cpl. S.Andrews provided details regarding the Bassano RCMP's COVID-19 safety protocols, indicating that the same contingency plan is in place for the Bassano RCMP to maintain service levels. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 8.1.3 Safe Communities Committee (K. Sieben) K. Sieben presented the Safe Communities Committee report to Council, providing an overview of initiatives and events. While community events have been cancelled due to COVID-19, the Safe Communities Committee has been successful in distributing information via social media channels. The Safe Communities Committee is a/so working with . Grasslands Regional FCSS to assist with mental health initiatives. A mock car crash is planned for 2021. K. Sieben provided information regarding an alert broadcasting system that has been selected for the Rural Crime Watch. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor H. Kallen provided additional information regarding Rural Crime Watch. LEFT THE MEETING Sgt. B. McDonald, Cpl. S. Andrews, and K. Sieben left the meeting at 11:36 a.m. Page 3 of 9 Regular Council April 23,2020 8.1.4 Municipal Enforcement(J. Nesbitt) The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor presented the County of Newell Enforcement Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. Municipal Enforcement Officers are authorized to enforce the Public Health Act and are working with Alberta Health Services and the RCMP to address complaints. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor indicated that patrols include monitoring of playgrounds and other areas where people may gather to ensure that people are following physical distancing requirements. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Policy Review - 2020-CPO-007 (Enforcement on One- and Two-Digit Highways) The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor indicated that this policy would allow Municipal Enforcement Officers to stop motorists who are driving in an unsafe manner on the 1- and 2-digit highways. He indicated that Municipal Enforcement Officers would not be actively patrolling the 1- and 2-digit highways, but they do travel on them and have witnessed unsafe driving. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions from Council, indicating that the Municipal Enforcement Officers have completed the required training outlined in the policy and time spent on 1- and 2-digit highways is minimal. C-169/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Policy 2020-CPO-007 (Enforcement on One- & Two-Digit Highways) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 11:55 a.m. 7. BYLAWS —continued 7.2 Bylaw 1992-20 Schedule of Fees The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-170/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1992-20, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 9 Regular Council April 23,2020 C-171/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1992-20 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-172/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that consent be given for Bylaw 1992-20 to receive third reading this 23rd day of April, 2020. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-173/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1992-20 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:59 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:50 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS � 9.4 Councillor Payment Sheets (March 2020) C-174/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the March 2020 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.5 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin, M. Jackson, and S. Simpson arrived at 12:53 p.m. 9.6 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-175/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.7 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council April 23,2020 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS 11.1 Joint Services Committee The Joint Services Committee Meeting for April was cancelled. 11.2 Newell Foundation Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 11.3 Canadian Badlands Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 11.4 Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass submitted a written report. She provided additional information regarding the Point Prevalence Screening site that is being setup in the County by Alberta Health Services. She also indicated that AHS is working with social services in the community to set up isolation spaces in local hotels. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.1 Prioritizing Potential Economic Stimulus Projects for Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. Discussion followed regarding the list of potential projects. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the so/ar project, indicating that there is a lease option on the land adjacent to the County facilities and the /essee indicated previously that they were open to partnership agreements. Further, a solar development would create a lot of jobs which is likely one of the goals of the stimulus program. Council identified solar development, rural broadband and the second phase of rural water as three projects that would be the most beneficial to the County as a whole. The remaining list is to be sent in for consideration for stimulus funding. The Manager of Planning, Development &Engineering provided information regarding the One Tree Road overlay including timelines for completion. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. ARRIVED AT MEETING W. Patterson, D. Eaton, and J. Jones arrived at 1:00 p.m. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council April 23,2020 8. DELEGATIONS —continued 8.2 Brooks Solar—Additional Livestock Request(SW-03-19-14-W4) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. The County's Animal Control bylaw(1939-19) allows a maximum of ten sheep on parcels of land that are not zoned Agricultural. Elemental Energy is requesting permission for approximately 100 sheep to maintain vegetation on the Brooks Solar property which is zoned Rural Industrial. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The representatives from Elemental Energy indicated that a sheep rancher has been hired to do regular checks to ensure that areas are not overgrazed. The Supervisor of Planning&Development responded to questions regarding the Animal Control Bylaw, indicating that the maximum number of sheep applies to non-agricultural parcels of land of any size. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the Animal Control Bylaw includes a provision allowing Council to consider requests for additional animals. Discussion followed. The representatives from Elemental Energy responded to further questions from Council. C-176/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the request from Brooks Solar Corporation to allow sheep grazing in excess of the maximum allowable number of animals as stated in Bylaw 1939-19 (Animal Control) on the lands described as Lot 1, Block 3, Plan 1712266 (SW 3-19-17-W4) at the capacity determined by the shepherd/agronomist. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson, S. Simpson, W. Patterson, D. Eaton, and J. Jones left the meeting at 1:27 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS —continued 9.1 Prioritizing Potential Economic Stimulus Projects for Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the ElD Drainage Partnership. Further discussion followed and Council expressed concerns with the limited amount of detail regarding any grant funding criteria. Reeve M. Douglass reported that the information provided in conference calls indicates that the projects should be ready to begin for this year's construction season. The Chief Administrative Officer provided further information on the rural broadband project, indicating that specific details would need to be worked out with . the EID before determining grant amounts that would be required by the County. He indicated that could be done quickly if the project was selected to move forward. A list of projects was requested by the Rural Municipalities of A/berta to bring to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to lobby for funding. Rural broadband, renewable energy, and water all align with federal priorities. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council April 23,2020 9.2 Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) Convention (September 23-25, 2020) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council directed the Executive Assistant to wait until c/oser to the date of the AUMA Convention to make any reservations. 9.3 Annual Report 2019 The Executive Assistant presented Council with the 2019 Annual Report document and requested feedback. This document will be posted to the County of Newell web page for public viewing next week. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.3 Rolling Hills Cemetery Co. Land The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-177/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Council direct the Municipal Services Operations Department to proceed with acquisition of the lands with a budget of $10,000.00 funded from the Infrastructure Fund. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Request for Proclamation - National Public Works Week (May 17 - 23, 2020) The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-178/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council hereby proclaims May 17-23, 2020 as National Public Works Week in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Letter from Council to Ratepayers The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, suggesting that a message to ratepayers be included in the tax notices in addition to changes to the tax payment schedule and other matters of interest. Discussion followed. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she would incorporate parts of the Reeve's Message that appears in the 2019 Annual Report document. Council agreed that this is a good opportunity to send best wishes and thanks to the ratepayers in times of uncertainty. The names and contact information for all of Council will be included with the message. The letter will be published in the Brooks Bulletin and Bassano Times newspapers in an effort to reach everyone. The message will contain reassurance that the County is looking out for its residents, information on tax relief, and an overview of the efforts of our Page 8 of 9 Regular Council April 23,2020 Emergency Operations Centre. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she would draft the letter. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 14. IN CAMERA C-179/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 2:36 p.m, to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations— FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-180/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of camera at 4:00 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. �. Signed this � day of �" , 2020 c...�.c�.��-� Reeve �,� �r Co y Ad ' istrator Page 9 of 9