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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-11 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL March 11, 2021 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public via Lifesize on Thursday, March 11, 2021 commencing at 10:10 a.m. 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: H. Kallen A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: C. Amulung STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator) G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations D. Leeks, Community Peace Officer S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator S. Biette, Assessment & Taxation Clerk A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:10 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-75/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Councillor C. Amulung be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council March 11. 2021 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (February 25, 2021) C-76/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the February 25, 2021 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-77/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN 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. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Leeks arrived at 10:13 a.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2002-21 Weight Restriction The Community Peace Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-78/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Bylaw 2002-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of restricting commercial vehicle weights and dimensions on roads within the County of Newell, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-79/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 2002-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Bylaw 2003-21 Breach of Bylaw — Penalties The Community Peace Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council March 11, 2021 C-80/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2003-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of providing penalties for breaching any bylaws of the County of Newell, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-81/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2003-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Leeks left the meeting at 10:16 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Biette arrived at 10:16 a.m. 7.3 Bylaw 2005-21 Special Tax (EID Water Users) The Assessment & Taxation Clerk provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council regarding whether a new landowner would be made aware of the special tax prior to purchasing the lot. Council suggested that information on this topic be included in the County's public education initiative. C-82/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 2005-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of imposing a special tax on lots within subdivisions that are receiving waterworks from the Eastern Irrigation District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-83/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 2005-21 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-84/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that consent be given for Bylaw 2005-21 to receive third reading this 11th day of March, 2021. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-85/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 2005-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.4 Bylaw 2006-21 Special Tax (Rolling Hills Communal Raw Water) The Assessment & Taxation Clerk provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 3 of 10 Regular Council March 11, 2021 C-86/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 2006-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of imposing a special tax on residential lots within the Hamlet of Rolling Hills that are serviced by the Rolling Hills Communal Raw Water Irrigation System, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-87/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Bylaw 2006-21 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-88/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that consent be given for Bylaw 2006-21 to receive third reading this 11th day of March, 2021. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-89/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 2006-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.5 Bylaw 2007-21 Special Tax (Scandia Communal Raw Water) The Assessment & Taxation Clerk provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-90/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 2007-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of imposing a special tax on lots within the Hamlet of Scandia that are serviced by the Scandia Communal Raw Water Irrigation System, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-91/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Bylaw 2007-21 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-92/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that consent be given for Bylaw 2007-21 to receive third reading this 11th day of March, 2021. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-93/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 2007-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette left the meeting at 10:24 a.m. Page 4 of 10 Regular Council March 11. 2021 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. He provided information on strychnine and gopher control planned for hamlets. The County of Newell has partnered with other municipalities to hold a shelterbelt and ecobuffer webinar on April 8, 2021. Emerson Bridge Park will open for the season on May 20, 2021 and five of the ten seasonal campsites have been booked. The Director of Agricultural Services provided an update on the Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards, indicating that the program may not proceed in 2021. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the trees to be planted by the Kinsmen, the shelterbelt and ecobuffer webinar, seasonal staff training, gopher control services, and reports of moss balls contaminated with zebra mussels. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 10:41 a.m. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley responded to questions regarding the EID irrigation pipe from Rock Lake, rural water hookups, and contingency plans in place for dealing with power outages. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:49 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Planning & Development Report Council was presented with a written report on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. C-94/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Planning & Development Report for February 2021 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies arrived at 10:50 a.m. Page 5 of 10 Regular Council March 11, 2021 9.2 Policy Review - 2021-FES-003 Recognition of Donations to Emergency Services (Corporate or Individual) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-95/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Policy 2021-FES-003 Recognition of Donations to Emergency Services (Corporate or Individual) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.2 HALO Air Ambulance Training/Fundraiser The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item. HALO Air Ambulance has offered to host a training session for the County of Newell Fire Departments with a fundraising event to follow. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided preliminary details, indicating that the cost to the Fire Departments is anticipated to be minimal. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to questions regarding the nature of the training and COVID-19 safety protocols that will be in place for the event. C-96/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council approves this as information and endorses the proposed training/fundraising event for the HALO Air Ambulance Service. MOTION CARRIED The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to questions regarding the fire advisory that is currently in effect for the County of Newell and centralized EMS dispatch services. LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 11:09 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.3 Proposed Criteria for Recreation Facility Funding Application Form The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and requested feedback on additional criteria to be added to the draft application form for Recreation Facility Funding. He indicated that the community engagement process with recreation organizations in the County is proceeding with a virtual meeting on March 18, 2021. The Chief Administrative Officer outlined some suggested key requirements for a project including demonstrated community support, usage statistics, and financial statements. This information will set expectations and allow for calculations to determine the best use of recreation funding. Page 6 of 10 Regular Council March 11, 2021 Discussion followed. Council suggested that the recreation mill rate could be reduced to only collect funds for operating and not continue to build the capital replacement fund. This would allow recreation groups to petition for a local improvement tax to fund a particular project in their community. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding reducing the recreation mill rate and only applying it to identified properties, indicating that Council would need to determine which property classes to apply the mill rate. He provided additional information on local improvement taxes. Discussion followed on the fact that recreation facilities are also used by people who live outside of the community where the facility is located. The Chief Administrative Officer explained that the operating portion of recreation would still be funded by the County at large and explained how local improvements could proceed. Council indicated that they were in favor of requiring the community to fund 50% of the project. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the 50150 cost sharing agreement is in line with Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework and Recreation agreements. Further, the local improvement petition process requires community engagement and support. Other key pieces of information for a funding application include cost estimates, the expected useful life of the facility, the number of users, expected impacts on operating costs and service delivery, and the organization's financial statements. This information will be discussed with the County's recreation organizations during the March 18, 2021 meeting. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the meeting, which will be held online unless COVID-19 restrictions are changed. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Schroeder arrived at 11:40 a.m. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 10.3 Policy Review - 2021-PPW-052 Dust Abatement Program - Non -Residential The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He indicated that the County communicates with trucking companies and encourages them to slow down when driving past residences to reduce dust. The Manager of Operations responded to further questions regarding the dust abatement application process and road maintenance, indicating that non-residential dust abatement would be applied as per the program approved by Council and notification sent to those residents who will have to apply for dust abatement under the residential program next year. C-97/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Policy 2021-PPW-052 Dust Abatement Program - Non -Residential be adopted with the following amendment: Remove Guideline 1.(a.)(iv.) "100 meters on roads adjacent to residences, commercial and industrial buildings or sites (50 meters each way from primary driveway) on County Aggregate Haul Routes. County Aggregate Haul Routes are identified annually and approved by Council." MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 10 Regular Council March 11, 2021 10.4 Policy Review - 2021-PPW-063 Dust Abatement Program —Residential The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-98/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Policy 2021-PPW-053 Dust Abatement Program - Residential be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 2021 Proposed Dust Abatement (County Paid) Program The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-99/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council APPROVES the 2021 Dust Abatement (County Paid) Program plans as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Schroeder left the meeting at 12:06 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:07 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:02 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.4 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Spring 2021 Convention Resolutions Council was presented with the resolutions package for the RMA 2021 Spring Convention. Discussion followed on the resolutions and whether to support them. 9.5 Assessment Model Changes — Public Awareness There was no new information on this item to discuss. 9.6 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 9.7 Payment Register C-100/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 10 Regular Council March 11, 2021 9.8 Requests for Functions of Council 9.8.1 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Bylaw Revision Meetings Councillor A. M. Philipsen provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-101/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Councillor A.M. Philipsen be permitted to attend Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Bylaw Revision meetings as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 10.2 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 road delineator replacement and the future capabilities of the Geotab AVL system. He provided background information and an update on the land acquisition and fencing along RR182 in Division 6. Councillor K. Christman reported that the Town of Bassano sewage lagoon project has begun. Councillor H. Kallen provided a compliment to Municipal Services for addressing washboard issues on Old Highway 1. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the new well on the Scandia Lagoon property, indicating that he would forward information to Council. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided an update on construction at the North Headgates site. C-102/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for February 2021 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Appointment to County of Newell Library Board (Division 2) Councillor H. Kallen provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-103/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Jane Marsh (Division 2) be appointed as a Member -at -Large to the County of Newell Library Board. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS MOTION CARRIED 12.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (February 2021) This item was accepted as information. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council March 11. 2021 12.2 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 13. IN CAMERA C-104/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 1:50 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Legal - FOIPP Act Section 27. MOTION CARRIED C-105/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that we move out of camera at 2:22 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 14. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:23 p.m. Signed this �� day of 1'"0-\ 12021 Reeve zz� County Administrator Page 10 of 10