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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-01-15 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL January 15, 2015 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, January 15, 2015 commencing at 11:03 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: 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 H. White, Manager of Agricultural Services C. Christensen, Weed Inspector M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations M. Gietz, Manager of Economic Development A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: A. Kassem, JBS Foods D. Heller, Cenovus C. Takeda, Ratepayer 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:03 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council January 15, 2015 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (2014-12-11) C-01/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the December 11, 2014 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-02/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (January 2015) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for January 2015. ARRIVED AT MEETING l Councillor L. Juss arrived at 11:08 a.m. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council. C-03/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for January 2015 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9.2 Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award The Director of Agricultural Services presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor L. Juss and Councillor B. de Jong provided additional background information on the nominated family. C-04/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that, on behalf of the County of Newell Agricultural Service Board, we nominate the John Dyck family for the 2015 BMO Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award; further, that Councillor L. Juss attend the Awards banquet on behalf of the County of Newell ASB. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 12 Regular Council January 15, 2015 9.3 Resolutions for Provincial ASB Conference The Director of Agricultural Services presented the resolutions being brought forward at the 2015 Provincial ASB Conference to Council. Council decided to vote on the resolutions in the following manner. Resolution 1 (Adapt Crop Insurance to Protect Clubroot Tolerant Varieties - Discussion followed regarding how this would be monitored and the Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council. More information is required. Resolution 2 (Pest Control Act - Clubroot) - Yes. Resolution 3 (Standardized Clubroot Inspection Procedure) - Yes. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. C-05/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we move into Public Hearings at 11:31 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 Bylaw 1811-15 Road Closure & SALE (SW 34-21-13-W4 & NW 27-21-13-W4) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:31 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 Manager of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1811-15. The intent of this bylaw is to close and SELL that portion of road on the west boundary of SW 34-21-13-W4 and on the west boundary of NW 27-21-13-W4. The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. It was noted the bylaw provides for the closure and sale of a road allowance, however the landowner is providing alternate access by way of a new dedicated road plan that would be registered in conjunction with the closure and sale of the subject road allowance. A copy of the document had been circulated to all adjacent landowners as well as a list of affected agencies. Responses have been received from ATCO, AltaLink, Telus, and Fortis - all have no objections to the proposed road closure and no right of way agreements are required with these agencies. 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. Councillor B. de Jong asked whether the road plan should be in place prior to giving the bylaw first reading. The Manager of Planning & Development replied that the requirements have been discussed with the landowner and they will be meeting tomorrow As the road closure process usually takes several months to complete, the die n Page 3 of 12 ��� Regular Council January 15, 2015 plan would be developed and be in place by the time approval is received from Alberta Transportation. C-06/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:36 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 1811-15 Road Closure & SALE (SW 34-21-13-W4 & NW 27-21-13-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-07/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1811-15, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and SELLING that portion of road on the west boundary of SW 34-21-13-W4 and on the west boundary of NW 27-21-13-W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Kassem arrived at 11:37 a.m. 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.3 Resolutions for Provincial ASB Conference - continued Discussion continued on the resolutions for the Provincial ASB Conference. • Resolution 4 (Additional Funding for Municipalities Dealing with Prohibited Noxious Weeds that Come from Outside the Province of Alberta) - Yes. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Gietz arrived at 11:39 a.m. • Resolution 5 (Maintaining Canada Thistle as a Noxious Weed Under the Alberta Weed Control Act & Regulation) - Yes. • Resolution 6 (Legal Opinion on the Jurisdiction of the Weed Control Act on CN Rail) - Yes. • Resolution 7 (Prevention of the Introduction of Zebra and Quagga Mussels into Alberta Water Bodies) - Yes. • Resolution 8 (Monitor Ergot Levels in Livestock Feeds) - Yes. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. Page 4 of 12 Regular Council January 15, 2015 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 JBS Foods (A. Kassem) -11:45 a.m. A. Kassem provided background information on himself and his role as Manager of Community & Stakeholder Relations at JBS. He has been meeting with various service providers within the Newell region to see how JBS can help achieve common goals. They want to create an employee cultural centre that would provide ESL services as well as information on the community. He provided details regarding changes to the temporary foreign workers program which has caused some issues, He suggested that the Newell Regional Economic Development Initiative kiosk could be useful within the employee cultural centre. Affordable housing and daycare services would also contribute to attracting and retaining employees. The vision of the project is to provide employees with cultural skills so that they can become part of the community and succeed. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor G. Simpson suggested investigating housing within the county and, in particular, within the hamlets. A. Kassem agreed and suggested that the cultural centre would let people know what services are available within hamlets. A. Kassem responded to further questions from Council. Councillor K. Christman indicated that a cultural integration workshop would be held in Bassano in the near future and that she would forward the details to A. Kassem. LEFT THE MEETING A. Kassem left the meeting at 12:10 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:10 p.m ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Heller and C. Takeda arrived at 1:00 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS — continued 8.2 Cenovus (D. Heller) -1:00 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:01 p.m. D. Heller indicated that he met with the Manager of Operations, Councillor B. de Jong, and landowners in the area to discuss a portion of road in Scandia that they would like to see built to County standards and maintained. The road is used by oil companies and local farming operations for hauling and becomes nearly impassable in the spring. Cenovus would prefer this route as it is a shorter access that passes by fewer residences. Council was given the opportunity to ask Services indicated on the map the locatio n Page 5 of 12 questions. The Director of Municipa of the road, noting it was t on th Regular Council January 15, 2015 County's road maintenance grid. When the road was created, connection to Highway 36 was not considered. D. Heller requested that the County consider 1 adding the road to their maintenance grid as it is inconvenient for Cenovus to maintain such a short portion of road. He also requested that the road be improved to County standards. Councillor B. de Jong asked how much longer the route is without this road and, on average, how many tanker trucks per day use it. D. Heller replied that there is a maximum of ten loads per day right now. He indicated the location of the plants and the distance traveled. The Director of Municipal Services outlined the process for road construction, which involves a request for road construction received by the County and reimbursement for construction to a maximum amount. The Manager of Operations indicated that he had provided a copy of the policy, maps, and several options had been reviewed. Cenovus would have to build the road to County standards, it would be inspected by County staff, and then added to the maintenance grid. He indicated that Cenovus was going to get an engineered cost and return with a request. The Director of Municipal Services suggested that, if improving the road would be mutually beneficial, a cost sharing agreement should be worked out between the affected parties. Councillor B. de Jong asked if there was value to adding this road to the County's maintenance program. The Director of Municipal Services and the Manager of Operations responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING D. Heller and C. Takeda left the meeting at 1:25 p.m. 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.3 Resolutions for Provincial ASB Conference - continued Discussion continued on the resolutions for the Provincial ASB Conference. • Resolution 9 (Elk Quota Hunt) - Yes. • Resolution 10 (Alberta Fish & Wildlife Officer Availability) - Yes. • Resolution 11 (Wildlife Predator Compensation for Domestic Equine Loss) - No. More information is required. • Resolution 12 (Agriculture Plastics Recycling) - Discussion followed on this item. More information is required. • Resolution 13 (Pesticide Container Collection Program) - Discussion followed on this item. More information is required. • Resolution 14 (Management of Farm & Agricultural Leases) - Discussion followed on this item. More information is required. • Resolution 15 (Farm Property Assessment) - Discussion followed on this item. More information is required. • Resolution 16 (Preventing Licensing of Tolerant Wheat) - Yes. • Regional Resolution (South Elk Population Control at Canadian Forces Base Suffield) - Yes. Page 6 of 12 Regular Council January 15, 2015 Councillor W. Hammergren and Councillor L. Juss were selected to vote as representatives for the County of Newell Agricultural Services Board at the Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference in January 2015. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 1:59 p.m. BYLAWS - CONTINUED 7.2 Bylaw 1812-15 Schedule of Fees The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, outlining the changes made. Councillor A.M. Philipsen asked about fees for processing FOIP requests. The Executive Assistant replied that there is an initial $25.00 fee to begin processing a FOIP request, then the requestor can be charged for time spent processing the request. Councillor G. Simpson expressed concerns with increasing the mini bus user fee. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that the riders be consulted. Discussion followed regarding changes to Road Allowance Lease fees. The Director of Corporate Services explained the current process, noting that some lease holders have chosen not to pay when the lease is to be renewed. The proposed amendment would charge an amount that would cover the initial ten year lease period plus renewals until the landowner no longer requires the lease or the County reclaims the road allowance. Discussion followed and Council expressed concerns with the proposed change, indicating that road allowances should be leased out at a fair market value with shorter term agreements. Councillor A.M. Philipsen suggested that a meeting be held to discuss road allowance leases further. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the County Planner had looked into the License to Occupy option, which she indicated would still have to go through the bylaw process. He suggested that lease payments be determined by a formula that would be equivalent to the purchase price of the land or taxes. He also stated that, if leases are not paid, the road allowance should be reopened and any improvements removed at the cost of the tenant. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding dust control applications, indicating that Council had decided to subsidize the rate for applications under 300 meters. Councillor B. de Jong suggested that the subsidy be changed to 50-50. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from Council, indicating that any further information required be requested at this time so that it can be gathered prior to the next Council meeting. The meeting to discuss road allowance leases will be held on Wednesday, February 4, 2015 beginning at 9:30 a.m. Page 7 of 12 Regular Council January 15, 2015 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1 10.1 Policy Review (Councillor Compensation & Expenses & Committee) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor C. Amulung requested that a standing item be placed on Council agendas where possible functions of Council could be considered. Discussion followed. C-08/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that Policy 2015 -PLG -014 (Councillor Compensation & Expenses) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Bassano Health Services Planning Session (January 29, 2015) -Request for Designates The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-09/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Reeve M. Douglass, Councillor G. Simpson, and Councillor K. Christman be permitted to attend the Bassano Health Services Planning Session in Bassano, AB on January 29, 2015 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.3 Reschedule or Cancel MPC/Council Meeting (February 19, 2015) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-10/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the February 19, 2015 Municipal Planning Commission and Council Meetings be CANCELLED. MOTION CARRIED C-11/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the February 5, 2015 Municipal Planning Commission and Council Meetings be RESCHEDULED for February 12, 2015. MOTION CARRIED 10.4 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association (2015-01-16) - Review Resolution The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. 10.5 GFOA Canadian Award for Financial Reporting The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 8 of 12 Regular Council January 15, 2015 \ 10.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (November & December 2014) %,-12/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the November and December 2014 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Cheques for Payment The Manager of Engineering Services responded to questions from Council. C-13/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that cheque 179860 in the amount of $395,100.62, cheque 179861 in the amount of $432,638.21, cheque 180007 in the amount of $464,394.99, and cheque 180090 in the amount of $10,000,000.00 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 10.8 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services, the Manager of Engineering Services, and the Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. C-14/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 1 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal overview of the highlights. questions from Council. 11.2 Utilities - NRSC Report Services presented his report to Council, giving an The Director of Municipal Services responded to The Utilities-NRSC Report was presented to Council. C-15/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for January 2015 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Tender Award -Fuel The Director of Engineering Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Director of Municipal Services provided further information regarding rack pricing. Councillor K Christman asked about the possibility of splitting the tender between two organizations to allow employees to choose which location was most convenient to them. The Director of Municipal Services provided information regarding th accessibility of each of the fueling stations. The Director of unicip ice Page 9 of 12 Regular Council January 15, 2015 responded to questions regarding fuel delivery to the Division 8 grader site and tenders satisfying the requirements of the Trade, Investment & Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA). C-16/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Council accepts the tender as submitted and awards the tender for supply and delivery of all fuel for the calendar year of 2015 to South Country Co-op Ltd. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 Tender Award - CNWP (Contract 9 - Division 6 - Bassano) The Director of Engineering Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-17/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the County of Newell Water Project (CNWP) Contract 9 (Division 6 - Bassano) tender to T.A. Excavating Ltd. for the tendered price of $4,827,060.00 plus additional engineering, land, and environmental costs of $745,206.00. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 3:44 p.m. 1 12. COMMITTEE REPORTS 12.1 Airport Commission Councillor L. Juss provided an update on the fuel tanks, indicating that they would be meeting again to discuss how to proceed. 12.2 Joint Services/IMDP Committee Councillor B. de Jong indicated that there were meetings held on December 9, 2014 and January 13, 2015. Discussions regarding economic development have occurred and a meeting is scheduled for February 4, 2015 to organize the realignment and establish timelines. The Eastern Irrigation District and Grasslands Public Schools are now part of the committee. Grasslands Public Schools is looking for solutions to improve Supernet coverage that could involve the County, the City, and the Eastern Irrigation District. 12.3 9-1-1 Committee Councillor B. de Jong reported that the committee is negotiating with the Eastern Irrigation District to lease their tower site to one of the providers which would \ 1 provide improved access, as the contract for the site of the current antenna is \ 1� going to expire. \\,J) Page 10 of 12 Regular Council January 15, 2015 12.4 Newell Foundation Reeve M. Douglass reported that progress continues on the Bassano project. Budget figures for next year have been set. An architect has been consulted regarding the expansion of the Newbrook Lodge dining room. 12.5 Newell Recycling Councillor L. Juss reported that Newell Recycling requires more participation in order to become financially sustainable. They are trying to initiate a cardboard collection service in the City of Brooks. Councillor L. Juss responded to questions from Council. 12.6 Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor C. Amulung reported that there is one section of pipeline in Bassano to be flushed and they expect the water to be turned on the last weekend of January. He also reported that operations are doing well. 12.7 IMDP Committee (Vulcan) Councillor G. Simpson reported that he had attended a meeting in Vulcan on Monday with Councillor W. Hammergren, the Director of Corporate Services, and the Manager of Planning & Development. The first draft of the Inter Municipal Development Plan will be distributed by the end of the month for review. An open house is scheduled in Bow City on March 5, 2015 from 5:00 - 7.00 p.m. 12.8 National Public Works Week Committee Councillor W. Hammergren reported that planning is going well for events that will take place the week of May 18, 2015. Bassano High School will be making a video and they would like to recover their costs and get new screens. The committee has nearly finalized the list of items they will purchase. The plan is to have schools come to the County facilities on Tuesday and Wednesday for tours and equipment demonstrations. On Friday there will be an open house from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. with beef on a bun. 12.9 Mayors & Reeves Association of Southwest Alberta Reeve M. Douglass reported that she had attended a meeting last Friday where they discussed remedies to food wastage and the resolution regarding rural broadband Internet. 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. Pagel 1 of 12 Regular Council January 15, 2015 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (December 2014) This item was accepted as information. 14.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 15. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 16. IN CAMERA C-18/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that we move in camera at 4:14 p.m. to discuss a land and a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C-19/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of camera at 5:45 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 17. ADJOURN �. Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 5:45 p.m. Signed this 12— day of Fe-6,F^r-� 2015 Reeve U y Administrator Page 12 of 12