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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-07-23 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL July 23, 2020 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, July 23, 2020 commencing at 10:21 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 T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Meeting Moderator) M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor M. Fenske, Manager of Finance A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: Sgt. B. McDonald, RCMP - Brooks Cpl. R. Harms, RCMP - Brooks Cpl. S. Andrews, RCMP - Bassano K. Sieben, Safe Communities Coordinator D. Eaton, Elemental Energy CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:21 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council July 23, 2020 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (July 9, 2020) C-267/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the July 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-258/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH 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. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (July 2020) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding managing field staff during extreme heat and controlling downy brome. C-259/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for July 2020 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 2020 Tax Sale by Public Auction Council was presented with background information on this item. C-260/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the 2020 Tax Sale by Public Auction be held on Wednesday, November 4, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. in the County of Newell Building with cash or certified cheque only terms, and that the reserve bids for the 2020 Tax Sale properties be set as recommended by Administration. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 9 Regular Council July 23, 2020 11.2 Letter from City of Cold Lake re: Criminal Code Amendment Council was presented with a letter from the City of Cold Lake calling for municipalities in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba to consider voicing concerns to the federal government on recent criminal code amendments. Discussion followed. This item was accepted as information. 11.3 Councillor Payment Sheets (June 2020) C-261/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the June 2020 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 Cheques for Payment C-262/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that cheque 187984 in the amount of $1,580,174.53 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 11.5 Payment Register C-263/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 11.6 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 Tender Award - Gravel/Plow Truck The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item including some potential reasons for higher tendered prices. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council regarding the mileage on the current gravel/plow truck, indicating that typically these units are replaced every ten years to ensure there is reliable equipment for winter maintenance. The replaced unit will be sold at auction. C-264/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that County Council APPROVES the Additional Funding request in the amount of $41,408.00, and awards the Gravel Plow Truck tender to R. James Management Group Ltd (Calgary, AB) for the Viking Cives Western Star bid totalling $341,408.00 (without GST). MOTION CARRIED Page 3 of 9 Regular Council July 23, 2020 13. COMMITTEE REPORTS 13.1 Joint Services Committee Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the minutes of the Joint Services Committee were forwarded to Council. 15. INFORMATION ITEMS 15.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (June 2020) This item was accepted as information. 15.2 2020 Q2 Financial Information Package This item was accepted as information. 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. ARRIVED AT MEETING Cpl. S. Andrews, K. Sieben, and J. Nesbitt arrived at 11:00 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports 9.1.4 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. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions from Council regarding changes due to COV/D-19. The public health state of emergency in Alberta has been lifted and Peace Officers can no longer enforce the Public Health Act. He noted that campgrounds and beaches have been busy during patrols. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions regarding sprinkling on roadways, indicating that there have been fewer public complaints. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council July 23, 2020 9.1.2 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 indicated that more focus is being placed on mental health supports and informing the public of the resources available. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Cpl. S. Andrews outlined the Bassano detachment's COVID-19 safety protocols, indicating that the public are encouraged to phone for services rather than attending in person. 9.1.3 Safe Communities Committee (K. Sieben) K Sieben presented the Safe Communities Committee Report to Council, providing an overview of initiatives and events. She provided information regarding obtaining services from the Brooks RCMP detachment, indicating that they are asking people to call first as many services can be provided over the phone or via e-mail. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Sieben responded to questions regarding the new police boat, indicating that it is being kept at the Brooks Fire Department and there will be a meeting this afternoon to discuss patrols at water bodies other than Lake Newell. K. Sieben provided information regarding the alert system available to Rural Crime Watch members. ARRIVED AT MEETING Sgt. B. McDonald and Cpl. R. Harms arrived via telephone at 11:21 a.m. 9.1.1 RCMP - Brooks (Sgt. B. McDonald) Sgt. B. McDonald presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. He also provided information on community engagement efforts to improve relationships with the local ethnic community and youth. Community mental health has expressed interest in working with the RCMP to address mental health challenges in the community. Sgt. B. McDonald reported that K. Sieben, Safe Communities Facilitator, has been a valuable resource to the RCMP and the community. Cpl. R. Harms provided information on the new police boat that has been used to patrol water bodies and encourage boating safety. The feedback received so far has been positive. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Cpl. R. Harms responded to questions regarding requirements for lifejackets and indicated that the RCMP are not involved with the watercraft inspections for aquatic invasive species. He indicated that the police boat is available to the surrounding detachments. K Sieben provided further information regarding lifejacket requirements, indicating that some educational material is in development. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council July 23, 2020 LEFT THE MEETING Sgt. B. McDonald, Cpl. R. Harms, Cpl. S. Andrews, K. Sieben, and J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 11:42 a.m. C-266/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:43 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 1995-20 - 20 LUA 004 (Ptn. SE 22-15-15-W4 - A to SH) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:43 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 Supervisor of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1995-20. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by rezoning approximately 17.41 acres (7.046 hectares) in SE 22-15-15-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SH - Small Holdings District. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and to a list of affected agencies. No responses have been received from adjacent landowners. None of the affected agencies 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. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council, indicating that the landowner is proposing to subdivide one parcel as the purchaser of the farmland is not interested in that piece of land. C-266/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:46 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 1996-20 - 20 LUA 004 (Ptn. SE 22-15-15-W4 - A to SH) C-267120 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1995-20, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 17.41 acres (7.046 hectares) in SE 22-15-15-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SH - Small Holdings District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 9 Regular Council July 23, 2020 C-268/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1995-20 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Bylaw 1996-20 - 20 LUA 005 (Lot 1, Block 2, Plan 1712141 in NW 19-15-15-W4 - RB/A to RI) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-269/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1996-20, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating Lot 1, Block 2, Plan 1712141 in the NW 19-15- 15-W4 from RB - Rural Business/A - Agricultural District to RI - Rural Industrial District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.3 Bylaw 1997-20 - 20 LUA 006 (Block PCL C, Plan 1380EU in NW 13-20-13-W4 - HR to DC) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. The applicant is aware of the requirement to construct an access from a paved road. They will also be required to connect to hamlet services, which Municipal Services has indicated is acceptable. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding water and sewer services, indicating that the system has the capacity to accommodate this development. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding the existing residence, indicating that the applicant is prepared to complete the necessary renovations. Parking requirements will be addressed during the Development Permit stage, but the parcel of land is large enough to accommodate this. The Supervisor of Planning & Development explained that the land must be rezoned to Direct Control District as the current Land Use Bylaw does not have any provisions for a combined private school and religious assembly. The Manager of Planning, Development, & Engineering responded to further questions regarding the water and sewer connections. C-270/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1997-20, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating Block PCL C, Plan 1380EU (Patricia) in NW 13-20-13-W4 from HR - Hamlet Residential District to DC - Direct Control District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:06 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Eaton arrived via telephone at 1:00 p.m. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council July 23, 2020 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.2 Elemental Energy - Request for Property Tax Reduction D. Eaton provided background information on the Brooks Solar and Brooks Solar Il projects. A long-term power purchase agreement is the final requirement before construction can begin on the Brooks Solar 11 project. In an effort to make the project more competitive, Elemental Energy is requesting a 20% reduction in the municipal taxes applied to the Brooks Solar II project for the life of the project. D. Eaton indicated that the Brooks Solar project was beneficial to the region and the larger Brooks Solar 11 project is expected to provide more benefits. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Eaton indicated that the City of Brooks has not been approached as the Brooks Solar 11 project is located within the County of Newell. He also indicated that Elemental Energy was aware of the tax implications prior to obtaining a development permit. D. Eaton responded to questions regarding competitive tax rates, indicating that solar energy projects are being developed all over southern and central Alberta. He stressed that the request for a tax reduction does not indicate that Elemental Energy disagrees with the County's tax rates, rather they are looking for ways to make the project as competitive as possible. The Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council. A development that is fully operational by October will be added to the following year's tax bill. Council indicated that a broader discussion on tax relief is required as requests have been received from other companies. D. Eaton responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING D. Eaton left the meeting at 1:22 p.m. Discussion continued regarding tax relief options such as lowering the non- residential tax rate to attract businesses or calculating non-residential taxes to reflect the costs of maintenance required as a result of the industry's use of road infrastructure. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated more information on the Assessment Model Review may be available after a meeting with the Rural Municipalities of Alberta tomorrow. He noted that there will be a range of financial implications to consider that will require us to review priorities for both capital and operational items. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested Council consider shorn` -term incentives to attract development rather than addressing one-off requests from individual companies. The Manager of Finance indicated that he had included tax incentives as a topic for Council to consider during the July 28, 2020 Budget Planning Meeting as recent updates to the Municipal Government Act have provided some new options. He also indicated that he hoped for some input from the community regarding their expectations. The topic of tax incentives that encourage development will be discussed further during the July 28, 2020 Budget Planning Meeting. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council July 23, 2020 14. POST AGENDA ITEMS 14.1 Request for Letter of Support - Global Village Centre - Mental Health & Addiction COVID-19 Community Funding Grant Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item. C-271/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the County of Newell provides a letter in support of the application by the Global Village Centre to the Mental Health & Addiction COVID-19 Community Funding grant. MOTION CARRIED 16. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. 17. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:40 p.m. Signed this It day of AC15US , 2020 Reeve Coun ministrator Page 9 of 9