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Home My WebLink About2014-12-11 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL December 11, 2014 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, December 11, 2014 commencing at 10:58 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson 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 A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, Planner - ORRSC T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Gietz, Manager of Economic Development W. Slenders, Market Researcher M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Dumont, Brooks & County Chronicle R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation D. Pate, Western Sky Land Trust J. Brunen, Western Sky Land Trust E. Bork, University of Alberta/Mattheis Ranch (via telephone) 1 County Ratepayer CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:58 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council December 11, 2014 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (November 21, 2014) The following changes were made to the November 21, 2014 Council Meeting minutes: Page 6 - Item 8.7 - should read 'Reeve B. Lengyel from the County of Forty Mile... - Page 7 - add between Motion C-381/14 and C-382/14 - "LEFT THE MEETING - Councillor E. Unruh left the meeting at 1:45 p.m. " C-383114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the November 21, 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-384114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 8. DELEGATIONS l 8.1 Creating a Progressive Online Culture (M. Gietz & W. Slenders) The Manager of Economic Development provided background information on this item. The kiosks are part of a project funded through a Regional Collaboration Grant and will provide access to regional information in high traffic areas. ARRIVED AT MEETING One County Ratepayer arrived at 11:03 a.m. The Market Researcher provided a demonstration of the key features of the kiosks and outlined the proposed locations. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING W. Slenders left the meeting at 11:24 a.m. The Manager of Economic Development responded to questions from Council regarding how the locations for the kiosks will be determined. She indicated that the kiosks are able to track usage and can be moved if they are not receiving enough traffic. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council December 11. 2014 ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Horvath and A. Wickert arrived at 11:27 a.m. The Manager of Economic Development responded to further questions from Council. C-385/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move into Public Hearings at 11:28 a.m. 6. C-386/14 MOTION CARRIED PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 1806-14 -14 LUA 006 (NW 32-18-15-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 1806-14. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by rezoning approximately 5.0 acres (2.02 hectares) in NW 32-18-15-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SLA - Single Lot Agricultural District. The County Planner provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and affected agencies. No responses have been received. There were no persons in attendance speaking in opposition to the proposed bylaw. The Applicant was present to respond to questions from Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The County Planner responded to questions regarding access to the parcel. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:34 a.m. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Havinga arrived at 11:34 a.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 1806-14 -14 LUA 006 (NW 32-18-15-W4 - A to SLA) The County Planner provided background information i responded to questions from Council. Page 3 of 10 o this i em an Regular Council December 11, 2014 C-387/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG 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 SECOND reading MOTION CARRIED C-388/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1806-14 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Horvath and A. Wickert left the meeting at 11:35 a.m. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report R. Havinga presented the Utilities - NRSC report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. Havinga responded to questions regarding water distribution to Rosemary, preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species, and future pipelines. 8. DELEGATIONS - CONTINUED \ 8.2 FCM Municipal Partners in Economic Development J (M. Gietz & Councillor A.M. Philipsen) The Manager of Economic Development presented the final report for the FCM Municipal Partners in Economic Development project. Goals of the project included improved living standards, increased wealth, increased agricultural productivity, and improved accessibility to markets. A group of twenty-two champion farmers and three farmer libraries have been established in order to train other farmers. The local government was also taught that they could approach other levels of government for funding to complete road projects. The Manager of Economic Development provided a background of several individuals involved in the project and outlined their results. Improvements have been made in the areas of regionalization, crop production, rat control, chicken farming, and marketing. Future actions that need to be taken include retention of agricultural extension staff, establishing an additional farmer library, and purchasing an egg incubator. The Manager of Economic Development indicated that there are three groups interested in providing funding for these actions and that a formal request letter would be sent in the near future. She noted that the County of Newell's contribution to the project was knowledge and expertise, and no actual funding was sent. The project had a positive effect on that area of Cambodia and they are grateful. The Manager of Economic Development responded to questions from Council. Page 4 of 10 Regular Council December 11. 2014 LEFT THE MEETING M. Gietz and R. Havinga left the meeting at 12:15 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:15 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:58 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 12:58 p.m. 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. He indicated that he would distribute to Council a list of past winners of the BMO Farm Family Awards and some recommendations so that the nomination for the 2015 awards can be made in January. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Springside Colony - Use of Road Allowances for Cultivation The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. She indicated that the agenda package contains an airphoto showing the entire Springside Colony area and that more detailed maps of each section are available. Approximately 92 acres of County road allowances are being used for cultivation. The Manager of Planning & Development suggested that this land be encompassed in a road closure and lease agreement. An alternate access would be required around the home site. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor A.M. Philipsen expressed concerns with staff initiating this road closure and lease as use of the road allowance is not an issue unless something is built on it. Councillor C. Amulung indicated that direction was given to staff at the September 25, 2014 Council Meeting to find a solution to the problem throughout the County. The roads are essentially closed because they are being cultivated. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Pate, J. Bruner, and E. Bork (via telephone) arrived at 1:15 p.m. 1\ Page 5 of 10 Regular Council December 11, 2014 15. IN CAMERA 1 C-389/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move in camera at 1:16 p.m. to discuss a land issue. MOTION CARRIED C-390/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move out of camera at 2:33 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-391/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council APPROVES the request from the Western Sky Land Trust Society to waive the 60 -day notice period so that the proposed conservation easement may be registered as soon as possible. MOTION DEFEATED LEFT THE MEETING D. Pate, J. Bruner, and E. Bork left the meeting at 2:40 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 10.1 Springside Colony - Use of Road Allowances for Cultivation — continued Discussion continued. The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information, indicating that County road allowances are being used throughout the County without leases in place and that a consistent way of \ dealing with these situations needs to be established. Discussion followed regarding situations where the road leases have lapsed and the County cannot collect payment. The Director of Municipal Services indicated that there is no access to the northern portion that would remain open after the closure, and suggested alternative accesses. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. C-392/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the Colony must dedicate and register land to provide an alternate road allowance route around the west side of the Colony yard site as part of being granted approval to close and purchase the road allowances between SW 34 and SE 33-21-13 W4M and between NW 27 and NE 28-21-13 W4M. Discussion continued. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to further questions from Council. The County Planner provided further information, indicating that road closures are governed by the Municipal Government Act and that the County has reduced liability for damages that occur on roads that have Oen closed to public travel. MOTION C-392/14 — MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding access to the river. Discussion followed regarding increasing awareness of the benefits of closing and leasing road allowances. The Chief Page 6 of 10 Regular Council December 11, 2014 Administrative Officer suggested that the Manager of Planning & Development research Licenses to Occupy a Road Allowance. C-393/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the approximately 92 acres of land being used by Springside Colony be brought under a road closure and lease agreement as per Policy 2012-PPW-022 (Road Allowances - Closure & Lease or Sale). MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 Review & Amendments The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed and Councillor G. Simpson, Councillor A.M. Philipsen, Councillor W. Hammergren, and Councillor E. Unruh were appointed to the Land Use Bylaw Review Committee. The County Planner indicated that meetings would start in early 2015. LEFT THE MEETING D. Horvath and A. Wickert left the meeting at 3:28 p.m. 10.3 Request for Funding Increase -Recreation Board (Division 2) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 3:29 p.m. Councillor G. Simpson provided further background information on this item. The Director of Corporate Services explained the public notification process and responded to further questions from Council. C-394/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council supports the request to increase Recreation Funding in Division 2 and proceed with the public notification process. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 3:36 p.m. 10.4 Funding Request - Brooks & District Victims Assistance Association The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-395/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Council APPROVES the 1% increase in funding for the Brooks & District Victims Assistance Association. MOTIQN CAR TN_9 Page 7 of 10 Regular Council December 11, 2014 10.5 10.6 10.7 Request for Funding Assistance - Chinese New Year Celebration The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He noted that they have also requested the attendance of Reeve M. Douglass or her designate. This item was accepted as information. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she would attend the event. Developing & Navigating Environmental Management Systems Workshops The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed and the Director of Corporate Services indicated that he would determine if any staff members were interested in attending. Councillor Payment Sheets (October 2014) C-396/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the October 2014 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.8 Cheques for Payment C-397/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that cheque 179860 in the amount of $395,100.62, cheque 179861 in the amount of $432,638.21, cheque 179998 in the amount of $317,719.67, and cheque 180007 in the amount of $464,394.99 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 10.9 Payment Register C-398/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 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. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council regarding the de-icer being tested and the clearwell expansion in Tilley. C-399/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for November 2014 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 10 Regular Council December 11, 2014 LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 3:55 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Regional Municipal Meeting (Duchess -December 16, 2014) -Agenda Items Council suggested discussion topics for the Regional Municipal Meeting on December 16, 2014, including Economic Development and Shared Services. 12.2 Request for Letter of Support -Safe Communities Committee Councillor T. Fyfe provided background information on this item. C-400114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that a letter be written in support of the Safe Communities Committee's application for funding to be used for hiring a youth case facilitator for their Youth at Risk Program. MOTION CARRIED 12.3 Cenovus Community of Leaders Program Councillor T. Fyfe reported that, during the Cenovus Community of Leaders Program windup meeting in Banff, The Banff Centre indicated they liked the initiatives chosen by the County of Newell, which were economic development and a network of walking paths. If Council agrees, they would send G. McIntosh to the County of Newell on April 13, 2015 to do a workshop to investigate these initiatives further. The Chief Administrative Officer provided further information, indicating that the workshop would take the idea of the network of walking paths and proceed through the preliminary stages of determining feasibility and planning. Discussion followed. C-401114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell accepts the proposal to have G. McIntosh facilitate a workshop on April 13, 2015 to further investigate the network of walking paths initiative. MOTION CARRIED Reeve M. Douglass requested that Councillor T. Fyfe and the Chief Administrative Officer get further details and determine who should be involved in the workshop. 12.4 Request for Letter of Support - Canadian Badlands Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-402114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that a letter be written in support of the Canadian Badlands' application for funding from Alberta Culture & Tourism to be used for a feasibility study for a festival site. MOTJ� IE Page 9 of 10 Regular Council December 11, 2014 12.5 Request for Letter of Support - Lethbridge Bulls Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-403/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that a letter be written in support of the Lethbridge Bulls' application to the Community Initiatives Program for funding to be used for an initiative to improve rural baseball. MOTION CARRIED 12.6 Request for Letter of Support - CCI Wireless Councillor W. Hammergren indicated that the request from CCI Wireless discussed during the November 21, 2014 Council Meeting was for a letter in support of them applying for more bandwidth and not for the installation of an additional tower. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (November 2014) This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. l 15. IN CAMERA - CONTINUED C-404/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move in camera at 4:16 p.m. to discuss a labour issue. MOTION CARRIED C-405/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that we move out of camera at 4:48 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:48 p.m. Signed this ( day of1 Gt IvlILA ['CA 201A' Page 10 of 10