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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-04-22 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL April 22, 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, April 22, 2021 commencing at 10:54 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: C. Amulung H. Kallen A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator) M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor S. Hanson, Controller S. Biette, Assessment &Taxation Clerk A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: A. Davis, CAO -Town of Bassano I. Morey, Councillor-Town of Bassano Sgt. G. Yetman, RCMP - Brooks Cpl. S. Andrews, RCMP - Bassano K. Sieben, Safe Communities Coordinator 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:54 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council April 22,2021 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (April 8, 2021) C-136/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the April 8, 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-137/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN 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. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.2 RCMP Quarterly Reports 8.2.2 Bassano RCMP (Cpl. S. Andrews) Cpl. S. Andrews presented the Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 8.2.1 Brooks RCMP (Sgt. G. Yetman) Sgt. G. Yetman introduced himself to Council and presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, including an overview of the statistics and significant events. He a/so provided an update on staffing levels at the Brooks RCMP Detachment. Sgt. G. Yetman and Cpl. S. Andrews responded to guestions from Council regarding the training of new recruits under COVID-19 protocols. Council attributed the reduction in rural crimes to the increased visibility of RCMP officers in rural areas. 8.2.3 Safe Communities Committee (K. Sieben) K. Sieben presented the Safe Communities Committee Report to Council, providing an overview of initiatives and events. Instead of Community Consultation sessions, the Brooks RCMP conducted a survey and used the data to set policing priorities for the upcoming year. K. Sieben responded r i Page 2 of 10 Regular Council April 22,2021 to questions from Council, indicating that Safe Communities initiatives include all the municipalities within the County of Newell. 8.2.4 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. LEFT THE MEETING Sgt. G. Yetman, Cpl. S. Andrews, K. Sieben, and J. Nesbitt leftthe meeting at 11:31 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Davis and I. Morey arrived at 10:30 a.m. 8.1 ICF - Recreation Update -Town of Bassano/County of Newell l. Morey introduced the presentation, stating the importance of recreation and the purpose of the report, which is to provide an update on the 2020 recreation outcomes, introduce the Town of Bassano Recreation &Leisure Master Plan, and provide an update on the 2021 recreation objectives. A. Davis provided a summary of the 2020 recreation outcomes, indicating that the recipients of the funding allocations had achieved the goa/s of their applications. Further, three of the four capital projects included in the multi-year capital plan for8assano's recreation facilities have been completed. She provided details on these projects. Working relationships are being developed between the Town of Bassano and the recreation groups. A. Davis provided background information on the Town of Bassano Recreation & Leisure Master Plan, which will provide the framework for advancing recreation and leisure within the community. She provided an overview of how the plan will be implemented through collaboration with user groups, noting that a key component will be the development and implementation of inethods to decrease operating expenses. A. Davis stressed the importance of balancing the human element with the business side of recreation. She further noted that the Recreation &Leisure Master Plan was connected to other strategic documents. A. Davis reported that Bassano Council has approved the addition of a full-time administrative assistant to assist with three functions related to implementing the Recreation & Leisure Master Plan. A third full-time Public Works employee will also be added. Further, there are funding opportunities related to reducing facility operating costs. A. Davis responded to questions regarding the additional staff members, providing examples of the staffing requirements of various recreation facilities. Administrative support is required to facilitate programming for the recreation facilities and assist with grant writing. A. Davis provided an overview of the funding summary, acknowledging that the County is currently working on developing a capital funding allocation strategy with �---�1/v�-.Y� Page 3 of 10 Regular Council April 22,2021 rural recreation groups. Council provided feedback on the funding strategy, indicating that c/ear definitions are required for what constitutes capital costs versus operating costs. Council acknowledged that recreation requires support from the municipalities but buy in and contributions from the users is a/so required. A. Davis responded to guestions from Council. A. Davis continued, requesting an endorsement of the Recreation & Leisure Master Plan, the development of a Recreation Facility Efficiency Project framework, and approval of a revised 2021 recreation operations budget. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. A. Davis responded to questions, indicating that the County's endorsement of Bassano's Recreation & Leisure Master Plan would establish the framework for updating the individual recreation user agreements. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the funding arrangement, indicating that the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework agreement between the County and Bassano includes sharing recreation costs 50/50 based on approved operational budgets. He stated the amount approved in the County's 2021 final budget and indicated that A. Davis is requesting a budget adjustment. He responded to questions regarding the allocation for capital which was based on the 5-year Capital Plan approved last year. A. Davis provided additional details regarding specific capital projects and responded to further questions. LEFT THE MEETING A. Davis and I. Morey left the meeting at 12:27 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:27 p.m, and RECONVENED at 1:04 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS —continued 8.3 Licence for Temporary Occupation or Use of Road The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the applicant would not be attending due to a scheduling conflict. He provided a timeline, indicating that the applicant had contacted the County to initiate an application for a Temporary Occupation or Road Use Licence forRR125 adjacent to SE 31-96-12-W4 and was advised that it would be reviewed by Council during the April 22, 2021 meeting. The applicant came in to sign the agreement on April 99, 2021 and advised the Director of Municipal Services that the work had already been completed. The Director of Municipal Services recommended that Council not grant this licence agreement as the applicant proceeded with completing the work without notifying the County. Further, the applicant has been issued a ticket by Municipal Enforcement. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council regarding liability in the event a landowner does work without the County's licence. Councillor H. Kallen provided additional details regarding the actual clean up, indicating that the landowner was concerned with flooding and he accepted the consequences. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding Bylaw 1742-11. Page 4 of 10 Regular Council April 22,2021 The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on a second application for a Temporary Occupation or Road Use Licence for RR155 adjacent to SE 30-15-15-W4. C-138/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that County Council approve the Licence as requested by S & K Farms for the purpose of excavating to recover eroded soils from road allowance RR155, adjacent to SE 30-15-15-W4, including terms and conditions as written. MOTION CARRIED The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council regarding the process for landowners to obtain a Licence for Temporary Occupation or Use of Road, indicating that Bylaw 1742-11 requires applications to be approved by Council. Discussion followed. � C-139/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council provides direction to prepare an amendment to Bylaw 1742-11 Unauthorized Road Use Development for consideration by Council that would allow staff to process licence applications. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2008-21 Tax Penalties & Incentives The Assessment & Taxation Clerk provided background information on this item, indicating that no feedback had been received from the public. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-140/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 2008-21, being a bylaw to establish incentives for payment of taxes and penalties for non-payment of taxes, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-141/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Bylaw 2008-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Bylaw 2009-21 Tax Rates The Assessment & Taxation Clerk provided background information on this item, indicating that no feedback had been received from the public. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-142/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 2009-21, being a bylaw to authorize the rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2021, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-143/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 2009-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 5 of 10 Regular Council April 22,2021 LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette left the meeting at 1:26 p.m. 7.3 Bylaw 2010-21 Recreation Areas, Establishment of The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating an amendment that had been made to the map since first reading to ensure that the Division 2 boundaries are consistent with those in the original bylaw. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council and confirmed the boundaries of Division 1. C-144/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 2010-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing Recreation Areas, be given SECOND reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED C-145/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 2010-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Legislative Appointments -Weed Inspectors, Pest Inspectors, and Soil Conservation Officer The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item. He indicated that a Soil Conservation Officer will be appointed this year to conduct roadside surveys and monitor erosion. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-146/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell appoints Emma Van Steekelenburg, Donovan Kopp, Gina Berg, Erin Olivier, and Lane Suchy as Weed Inspectors pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act until such time their employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED C-147/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that we appoint Emma Van Steekelenburg, Donovan Kopp, Gina Berg, Erin Olivier, and Lane Suchy as Inspectors for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural PestAct until such time their employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED C-148/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we appoint Tina Taylor as a Soil Conservation Officer for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 15 of the Soil Conservation Act until such time their employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED �_i��'� Page 6 of 10 Regular Council April 22,2021 9.2 Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Program Team Field Visits The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed and Council indicated that the meeting could be held prior to a Council meeting. The Director of Agricultural Services will try to schedule the meeting for July 8, 2021 starting at 9:00 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Hanson arrived at 1:42 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS � 10.1 Renewing Audit Services (2021-2022) The Controller provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-149/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that we exercise the option and renew the auditing services agreement with Avail LLP for the years ending 2021 and 2022. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Hanson left the meeting at 1:43 p.m. 10.2 Request for Support - 2021 Census Council was provided with background information on this item. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council, indicating that the federal census is conducted on a regular cycle with census areas that differ from the County. C-150/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Council of the County of Newell supports the 2021 census and encourages all residents to complete their census questionnaire online at www.census.gc.ca because accurate and complete census data supports programs and services that benefit our community. MOTION CARRIED 10.3 Assessment Model Changes — Public Awareness There was no new information on this item to discuss. 10.4 Councillor Payment Sheets (March 2021) C-151/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the March 2021 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 10 Regular Council April 22,2021 10.5 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 10.6 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-152/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Request for Proclamation - National Public Works Week(May 16-22, 2021) The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-153/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Council hereby proclaims May 16-22, 2021 as National Public Works Week in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 11.2 Alberta Motor Association (AMA) Rural Road Signing Program The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-154/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that County Council agrees to remove the Alberta Motor Association (AMA) Road Signs. MOTION CARRIED 12. COMMITTEE REPORTS 12.1 Joint Services Committee The minutes of the Joint Services Committee meetings are distributed to Council. 12.2 Community Response Committee Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the minutes of last week's meeting will be distributed when they are available. � Page 8 of 10 Regular Council April 22,2021 12.3 Brooks Recreation & Parks Board Councillor T. Fyfe reported that a Ten-Year Recreation Plan is being compiled. A manual for board members is also in development that will assist new members- at-large to understand theirrole on the board. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, some facilities are only available for one-on-one use. There is a vacancy for a County representative on the Brooks Recreation & Parks Board. Councillor T. Fyfe and Councillor L. Juss responded to questions from Council regarding the Ten-Year Recreation Plan. 12.4 Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor C. Amulung reported that the Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year for � 2021 have been selected. The audited financial statements for 2020 have been approved. Reserves will be discussed at the next meeting. He noted that food bank costs have increased and there have been legislative changes that will allow for more flexibility in dealing with COVID-19 issues. 12.5 Shortgrass Library System Councillor K. Christman reported that the audited financial statements for 2020 were approved at the last meeting. Policies and procedures have a/so been updated. She reminded Council that libraries, while closed to the public, continue to offer a wide variety of online and curbside services. 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS 13.1 Rest Stop Funding Councillor C. Amulung asked if the County had received any information regarding the Government of Alberta's plans to enhance roadside stops along Highway 1. Reeve M. Douglass and the Director of Municipal Services provided further information; both indicating that the information received had been limited. Discussion followed. The Director of Municipal Services indicated that enhancing roadside stops is beneficial to the large trucking industry as it allows them to access required services without imposing on communities. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report(March 2021) This item was accepted as information. 14.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council April 22,2021 14.3 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 15. IN CAMERA C-155/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that we move in camera at 2:25 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Legal - FOIPP Act Section 27 • Legal - FOIPP Act Section 27 • Land - FOIPP Act Section 23. ' MOTION CARRIED C-156/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 4:43 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:44 p.m. Signed this�day of �� o��J►� , 2021 Reeve • �w: County Administrator Page 10 of 10