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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-11-06 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL November 6, 2014 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, November 6, 2014 commencing at 10:21 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson 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 A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, Planner - ORRSC T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services M. Fenske, Manager of Finance A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Dumont, Brooks & County Chronicle S. Bartman, Applicant (14 LUA 004) D. Camplin, Alberta Transportation D. Davidson, Alberta Transportation K. Daniels, Cenovus Community of Leaders J. Schmidt, Cenovus Community of Leaders K. Bulger, Cenovus Community of Leaders S. Creary, Cenovus Community of Leaders K. Deschamps, Cenovus Community of Leaders K. Gette, Cenovus Community of Leaders 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:21 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-349/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor K. Christman be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED J Regular Council November 6, 2014 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (October 23, 2014) The following changes were made to the October 23, 2014 Council Meeting minutes: Page 9 - Item 10.11: Should read "M. Douglass indicated that she would be attending an Alberta Health Services Community Engagement Meeting and would ask about the diagnostic lab situation in Brooks." Page 9 - Item 10.12: Should read 'Because the Alberta Health Services land for the Bassano project will be leased, details need to be worked out for construction/ownership of the life leases." C-350/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the October 23, 2014 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-351/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS 7.3 Bylaw 1808-14 - Rescinding Bylaws The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-352/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1808-14, being a bylaw for the purpose of rescinding County of Newell bylaws that are no longer required, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-353/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1808-14 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-354/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that consent be given for Bylaw 1808-14 to receive third reading this 6th day of November, 2014. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Page 2 of 12 Regular Council November 6, 2014 C-355/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1808-14 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.4 Bylaw 1809-14 - Rescinding Bylaws (Tilley) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-356/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1809-14, being a bylaw to rescind bylaws of the former Village of Tilley, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-357/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1809-14 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-358/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that consent be given for Bylaw 1809-14 to receive third reading this 6th day of November, 2014. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-359/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw1809-14 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Bylaw 1806-14 - 14 LUA 006 (NW 32-18-15-W4 - A to SLA) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The County Planner indicated where the accesses to each parcel were located. Councillor A.M. Philipsen requested a map showing all the existing subdivisions in the area. The County Planner indicated that a map with an aerial photo would be created for the Public Hearing. C-360/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1806-14, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 5.0 acres (2.02 hectares) in NW 32-18-15-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SLA - Single Lot Agricultural District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the provincial ASB Conference in January, 2015. Page 3 of 12 Regular Council November 6, 2014 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Selection of Attendees - Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species Summit (January 14-15, 2015) The Agricultural Fieldman provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding holding an information session locally and involving the Eastern Irrigation District. The Agricultural Feldman indicated that representatives from Alberta Environment & Sustainable Resource Development could be invited to do a presentation to Councils and the EID as well as a public information session. The Agricultural Fieldman and Councillor A.M. Philipsen will attend the Alberta Aquatic Invasive Species Summit in Calgary on January 14-15, 2015. Councillor G. Simpson was selected as an alternate attendee. C-361/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the Agricultural Services Update be accepted. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:49 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Terms of Reference - County Sustainability Vision The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, which had been brought up during the Corporate Retreat. She requested clarification on the definition of 'sustainability,' as it can have different meanings for different departments. The County Planner indicated that, if Council is looking for something based on land use planning, Wheatland County's Regional Growth Management Study could be used as an example. The Manager of Planning & Development outlined several options to proceed. Discussion followed on whether the vision was to focus on financial sustainability and what types of development Council has control over. Reviewing bylaws, developing design guidelines, and infrastructure improvements contribute towards sustainability. Discussion followed regarding economic sustainability and diversification that has already taken place to prepare for a decline in oil and gas revenue. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that sustainability is an important issue that most municipalities will have to deal with. It needs to be broken down into specific areas, such as hamlets, planning, and industries but it will be ultimately tied to finance and who pays for what and how much do they pay. The County Planner replied that the County of Lethbridge is undergoing the same process by identifying and prioritizing different areas, currently, they are working on an Industrial/Commercial Land Use Strategy. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that a model must be created that clearly shows who is responsible for costs of development within the County, and that County Page 4 of 12 Regular Council November 6, 2014 policies should reflect discussions at the federal and provincial level as well as align with other municipalities. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor W. Hammergren left the meeting at 11:21 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that in, order to facilitate growth in the County, development must take place strategically and work towards a long-term vision. A financing model on "who pays" for replacing existing infrastructure and maintaining it versus adding new infrastructure and maintaining it needs to be a part of the long-term plan. Funding models need to be established that outline the responsibilities at each level of government (Federal, Provincial, and Local) and at the local level (by assessment class). He further outlined that if development and growth remains important to the County, then it must be attractive to the industry and developers and as industry increases then residential growth will follow as jobs are created. If industry does not grow or shifts from current paying ratios then what does that look like and how is it addressed in the long-term plan for "who pays for what." ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor W. Hammergren returned at 11:23 a.m. Discussion followed and the County's model for responsibility for development costs will be discussed further during future Council meetings. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and S. Bartman arrived at 11:25 a.m. The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that she would begin looking at the Hamlet Growth & Development Strategy. C-362/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:28 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 Bylaw 1805-14 - 14 LUA 004 (SE 4-20-14-W4 - A to SLA) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11.28 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The County Planner stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1805-14. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by rezoning approximately 2.31 acres (0.934 hectares) in Page 5 of 12 Regular Council November 6, 2014 SE 4-20-14-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SLA - Single Lot Agricultural District. The County Planner provided background information on this item. She noted that, while the parcel size is less than minimum 3 acres required by the Land Use Bylaw, there is merit to approving this application in the interest of conserving agriculture. She indicated that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and affected agencies. No responses in opposition have been received. There were no persons in attendance speaking in opposition to the proposed bylaw. The Applicant provided background information and responded to questions from Council. C-363/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:32 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS - CONTINUED 7.1 Bylaw 1805-14 -14 LUA 004 (SE 4-20-14-W4 - A to SLA) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council C-364/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1805-14, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 2.31 acres (0.934 hectares) in SE 4-20-14-W4 from A — Agricultural to SLA — Single Lot Agricultural be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-365/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1805-14 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert, D. Horvath, and S. Bartman left at 11:33 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 10.2 ACP Grant Application for Regional Sewage & Infrastructure Analysis The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, outlining the details of the grant applications. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor A.M. Philipsen asked about the focus of the study. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the study would focus on the City, Town, Villages, and Hamlets within the County and would not include sewage delivery to rural residents. He indicated that the studies would be funded by provincial grants and there would be no cost to the County at this time. The Page 6 of 12 Regular Council November 6, 2014 Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. The Director of Municipal Services provided an update on the Infrastructure Master Plans for Scandia, Rolling Hills, Patricia, and Lake Newell Resort. C-366/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we authorize the County of Newell to participate in the Regional Wastewater Treatment Assessment and the development of a Regional Infrastructure Master Plan with the City of Brooks, the Town of Bassano, the Village of Rosemary, and the Village of Duchess to be submitted by the City of Brooks in two applications under the Alberta Community Partnership Program. MOTION CARRIED 10.3 Div 8 Recreation Funding Request The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. A formal request has been received from the Division 8 Recreation Board proposing a 50% increase in recreation funds. The Director of Corporate Services outlined the process, which involves notifying affected property owners and giving them the opportunity to provide input before the request is brought back to Council for approval. He indicated that the notification process should be coordinated with the Village of Duchess, who has requested additional time to review the issue with their Council. Councillor B. de Jong reported that the Village of Duchess Council is aware of the request and is in favor of the increase. The Division 8 Recreation Board passed the following motion during their October 2, 2014 Meeting: "Brian moved that the Board makes a recommendation to the Village and County Councils for an increase in millrate from 0.0927 to 0.1391." C-367/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that we approve the request in principle to increase Recreation Funding in Division 8 and proceed with the public notice process inviting feedback from Division 8 residents regarding the proposal to increase recreation funding in Division 8 provided that the Village of Duchess Council also approves the request. MOTION CARRIED 10.4 AAMDC Fall 2014 Convention -Meetings with Ministers The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. She indicated that she would send an update next week regarding meeting schedules and topics for discussion to Council as well as Mayor M. Shields and Councillor B. Morishita. Reeve M. Douglass reported that Councillor A.M. Philipsen and Councillor T. Fyfe would be accepting the Municipal Excellence Award on behalf of the Domestic Violence Intervention Team (DVIT). Council reviewed the discussion topics. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:01 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:46 p.m. Page 7 of 12 Regular Council November 6, 2014 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 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. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding adding underground infrastructure and roads to the GIS system. 11.2 Utilities - NRSC Report The Utilities - NRSC Report was presented to Council. Councillor C. Amulung provided updates on Rosemary and Bassano. C-368/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities- NRSC Report for October, 2014 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 10.5 Resolutions for AAMDC Fall 2014 Convention Council was presented with the resolutions package for the AAMDC Fall 2014 Convention. Discussion followed on each of the resolutions and whether or not to support them. 2-14F Controlling and Enforcing the Spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (Quagga and Zebra Mussels) (County of Newell and Red Deer County) - Yes. Councillor B. de Jong will be speaking to this item. 12-14F Amend the Waste Control Regulation 192/1996 to Address Classification of Hazardous Wastes in Landfills (County of St. Paul) - Discussion followed and Councillor L. Juss indicated that he would obtain feedback from R. Juska from the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority. 10.6 Cancel/Reschedule January 22, 2014 Council Meeting Council was provided with background information on this item. C-369/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the January 8 and 22, 2015 Municipal Planning Commission and Council Meetings be combined and RESCHEDULED for January 15, 2015. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Cheques for Payment There were no Cheques for Payment for approval at this meeting. Page 8 of 12 Regular Council November 6, 2014 _ 10.8 Payment Register The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. C-370/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Camplin and D. Davidson arrived at 1:00 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Alberta Transportation (D. Camplin) The Director of Municipal Services reviewed the topics for discussion. Overlays & Maintenance of Secondary Highways (in particular, SH 873 north, SH 544, and the portion of SH 876 between Hwy 1 and the Hamlet of Tilley) - The Director of Municipal Services asked when these secondary highways would be placed on the priority list. D. Camplin replied that work on those roads is still outside the three-year program window. He indicated that some engineering work has been completed for overlays and some patching has been done. Upgrading Secondary Highways to Paved Standards (in particular, SH 873 south 1 from Kinbrook Island Access to Hwy 36, SH 876 between Hwy 1 and SH 544, SH 862 from SH 550 to SH 561, and SH 525) - D. Camplin indicated that cost sharing has been discussed for SH 873 but an agreement has not yet been made. He noted that traffic counts are below the threshold and that SH 873 is currently sitting outside of the three-year program window. D. Camplin noted that at this time the Province is not in a position to increase their current inventory of paved roads. Restoration of Bridge Funding & Status of Fisher Bridge - D. Camplin suggested that, as there are more bridges in the south than any other region, Council should continue to bring it up with the Minister of Transportation. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Deschamps arrived at 1:15 p.m. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that there was a resolution submitted to the AAMDC Fall 2014 convention regarding resource road and bridge funding. D. Camplin responded to questions from Council regarding the Hwy 63 project and cost sharing models. Councillor B. de Jong asked about scenarios where the municipality takes over maintenance of the road after the project is complete. D. Camplin explained situations involving finite maintenance terms. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Gette arrived at 1:24 p.m. Page 9 of 12 moi'"��' Regular Council November 6, 2014 Councillor G. Simpson asked if the three-year program included any projects within the County of Newell. D. Davidson indicated that there were three paving projects in the region last year and six this year. He provided further details on the projects. Highway 36 Corridor Projects - D. Camplin indicated that there are no major projects in the near future involving Highway 36. He provided details on the traffic camera program and requested that suggestions for additional camera locations be submitted to AB Transportation. Discussion followed regarding traffic cameras and weather stations. Councillor C. Amulung asked about the gravelock on SH 525. D. Camplin reported that it is holding up well, despite not being a long-term solution. Councillor W. Hammergren expressed concerns with wide load traffic on Hwy 36 before sunrise and after sunset. D. Camplin indicated that he would relay that information to enforcement and permitting. Traffic Concerns with Power Plant on Hwy 36 - The Director of Municipal Services expressed concerns with traffic and mud and other debris being tracked onto Hwy 36. D. Camplin replied that the developers have been asked to remove the mud and debris on a regular basis. He indicated that he would follow UP. D. Horvath expressed concerns with development referrals not receiving timely responses from Alberta Transportation, which results in delays. D. Camplin provided history of the departmental structure and suggested that representatives from the Lethbridge and Calgary offices of Alberta Transportation meet with the County Planner and the Manager of Planning & Development to try and find a solution. LEFT THE MEETING D. Camplin and D. Davidson left the meeting at 1:44 p.m, ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Schmidt, K. Bulger, K. Daniels, and S. Creary arrived at 1:45 p.m. 8.2 Cenovus Community of Leaders Program 8.2.1 Group 1 - Shared Services The group presented a proposal for shared services that was developed after participating in the Cenovus Community of Leaders program. The presentation included an overview of prerequisites and expectations for successful collaboration, indicating that the County is proactive in its collaborative efforts. The benefits of collaboration were outlined. The group provided several examples of successful regional services within the County, including the mini bus service, the Fire & Emergency Page 10 of 12 Regular Council November 6, 2014 Services Coordinator, the Duchess/Bassano recreation area, the County of Newell Water Project, and the Newell network of websites. One gap identified was regarding a lack of transportation between the municipalities within the County and beyond. The group proposed a partnership with another municipality in the central to northern region of the province. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Fenske arrived at 2:02 p.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong asked for feedback on the experience from the participants. The group indicated that, overall, the Community of Leaders Program was a positive experience but the time commitment required had not been communicated at the beginning. 8.2.2 Group 2 - Economic Development The group presented a proposal for enhancing communications between divisions to increase awareness and interest in community events. They suggested that each community prepare and submit a list of community events to the County's Economic Development department. These events would be compiled into a quarterly newsletter and distributed to all municipalities. The group also presented a long-term goal of a network of walking paths that would connect all the communities. This system would attract residents and encourage a healthier lifestyle by providing a safe place to walk. The County would be asked to provide financial support and assistance in writing grant applications. The Economic Development department would assist the inter -community communications by setting up websites, preparing newsletters and posters, and preparing grant proposals. K. Gette suggested that developers be required to provide walking paths. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed regarding the Community of Leaders program and the time commitment required. Council thanked both groups for taking the time to participate in the program and for the presentations. LEFT THE MEETING K. Gette, K. Deschamps, J. Schmidt, K. Bulger, K. Daniels, and S. Creary left the meeting at 2:32 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS - CONTINUED 12.2 Water Utility Billing Error The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item. He outlined an error that has been discovered in the water meter readings that Page 11 of 12 �W_ Regular Council November 6, 2014 resulted in only a portion of water consumption being billed to users. The supplier, when they set up the system for importing readings, put the "decimal' in the wrong spot which resulted in bills being sent out for only 10% of actual water usage; for instance, users were only billed for 3 cubic meters of water versus 30. For a typical residence that used 10 cubic meters of water per month, that equates to a $17.50 water usage bill that was charged $1.75 as a result of the setup error. The Manager of Finance asked Council to consider extending the deadline for users to pay the bill to 120 days and waiving the penalties for this time period. The Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council. A letter will be sent to affected water users outlining the situation and the steps being taken to correct it. C-371/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON to approve the temporary adjustment to water utility payment terms by extending the due date from 30 day to 120 days and waiving the penalty charges over this period as recommended by the Manager of Finance. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 2:53 p.m. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Financial Information for the Period Ending September 30, 2014 This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 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 2:55 p.m. Signed this' day of J 2014 Reev t Administrator Page 12 of 12