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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-06 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL May 6, 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, May 6, 2021 commencing at 10:30 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) G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development S. Hanson, Controller A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation C. Chahal, CIBC Wood Gundy J. Hobson, CIBC Wood Gundy 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (April 22, 2021) C-157/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the April 22, 2021 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council May 6, 2021 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-158/21 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. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2012-21 Unauthorized Road Use Development The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item. He indicated that the definition of Designated Officer should be amended to read as follows: "Designated Officer" shall include the Chief Administrative Officer or their designate. " The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering asked Council to consider proceeding with three readings of the bylaw as the changes are minor and landowners have expressed interest in completing the work as soon as possible. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 10:38 a.m. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions, indicating that irrigation water would be considered a substance that is prohibited from being deposited on the road. He noted that certain situations would require input from the Eastern Irrigation District as they maintain some of the ditches. Sprinkling on roads is enforceable under separate Bylaw. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding the application of water to a road surface to control dust, indicating that there is no permitting process in place, but the County appreciates being notified. C-159/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 2012-21, being a bylaw for the purposes of controlling and managing developments on and use of roads and prohibiting the unauthorized use of and damage to roads, be given FIRST reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 9 Regular Council May 6, 2021 C-160/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Bylaw 2012-21 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-161/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that consent be given for Bylaw 2012-21 to receive third reading this 6th day of May, 2021. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-162/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 2012-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Spring maintenance is planned for hamlet lift stations. Hydrant flushing at Lake Newell Resort will be postponed until after July 1, 2021 as the ditches were reseeded last year, but hydrant flushing in Tilley will proceed. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley provided information regarding NRSC's participation in the NAIT Co-op program for Water/Wastewater Program students. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:52 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.2 Policy Review- 2021-PAD-032 (Investment) The Controller provided background information on this item and outlined the changes that have been made to the policy. The Controller responded to questions from Council. C-163/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Policy 2021-PAD-032 (Investment) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING C. Chahal and J. Hobson arrived at 11:00 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Economic Update/Portfolio Review - CIBC Wood Gundy Investment Advisors J. Hobson provided an overview of the County's investment portfolio performance since 2019. He indicated that performance has been strong with excess capital gains on the majority of the County's investments. Page 3 of 9 Regular Council May 6, 2021 C. Chahal provided an economic update with information on personal savings activity in both the United States and Canada. Last year, the service sector was the largest pain point for the recession and GDP growth. He indicated that, for Canadians, travel is the main goal for savings, but Canadians are also investing, building savings, and paying off debt. He showed a graph showing capital spending for 2020 and 2021 compared with 2019 for each province and explained how lack of investment has affected the oil sector. C. Chahal also provided an overview of provincial forecasts, indicating that Alberta is leading in GDP growth. J. Hobson provided historical information on interest rates, indicating that peak rates are expected to remain well below the highest rates of the 1990s. He also provided information on forecasted inflation rates, which will affect the County's long-term purchasing power. He displayed a graph comparing Canada's debt servicing costs to other countries and gave an overview of Government spending. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. J. Hobson responded to questions regarding government spending having reached its peak. C. Chahal responded to questions regarding investment in the oil and gas industry, indicating that while investment in capital is low, commodities will play a large role in economic recovery. He indicated that banks are reassessing how they are lending to oil and gas companies. C. Chahal responded to further questions regarding green and solar power. The Chief Administrative Officer thanked J. Hobson and C. Chahal for their work and for the presentation to Council. LEFT THE MEETING C. Chahal and J. Hobson left the meeting at 11:29 a.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 provided details on the ballast pit fencing, tree planting at the Kinsmen Rodeo Grounds, and an application for a TD Tree Days project at a site north of Brooks. Seasonal staff have begun working and Emerson Bridge Park will be ready to open just before the May long weekend. Drill rentals are going well and nearly all of the strychnine has been distributed. The hawk nesting pole near the County facilities is currently occupied. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services, the Manager of Planning, Development, and Engineering, and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding fencing around grader sites. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.1 Planning & Development Report The Supervisor of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. Discussion followed Page 4 of 9 Regular Council May 6, 2021 regarding reducing the frequency of the Planning & Development Report and Council indicated a preference for a quarterly report. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-164/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Planning & Development Report for March & April 2021 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:48 a.m. 10.3 Recreation Plan Requests - Town of Bassano The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, outlining the requests that were made during the presentation by the Town of Bassano at the April 22, 2021 Council meeting. Discussion followed and Council indicated that more information is required on usage statistics. Concerns were raised regarding the County's lack of input in the Bassano Recreation & Leisure Master Plan. Endorsing this plan could give the impression that the County was involved in its development. It was suggested that a decision be postponed until after the County's community consultation with recreation groups is complete. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the Town of Bassano is looking for support from the administrations of both municipalities to review the survey questions, and the survey will be used to gather recreation information that was previously absent. Endorsing the plan is part of the collaboration component of the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) agreement. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the purpose of Bassano's survey is to gather information that will be used to find ways to lower facility operating costs and maximize facility usage. He suggested postponing any decisions on capital items until the County's community consultation is finished. Discussion followed regarding support for the operational component and whether that matter can be separated from endorsement of the Recreation & Leisure Master Plan. Further questions were raised regarding whether the plan includes the rural residents living around Bassano. It was noted that the administrative support position had been filled prior to the start of the County's 2021 budget process. C-165/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council endorses the Town of Bassano's Recreation and Leisure Master Plan and approves the additional $36,608 in operational spending requested as a pilot project with funding from the Recreation Fund. Discussion continued and it was noted that the City of Brooks is developing a 10- year Recreation Master Plan. VOTE ON MOTION C-165121 - MOTION DEFEATED The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he would communicate to the Town of Bassano that their recreation survey proceed as a Town initiative. Discussion followed regarding continuing the conversation to ensure both parties are on the same page going forward. Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor K. Christman indicated that they would begin the discussion during the Bassano Recreation Page 5 of 9 Regular Council May 6, 2021 meeting scheduled for next week. Council expressed appreciation for the Town of Bassano's presentation. The Chief Administrative Officer will be invited to participate in the Bassano Recreation meeting. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:26 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:02 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.4 Request for Proclamation -Economic Development Week (May 9-15, 2021 Council was provided with background information on this item. C-166/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that WHEREAS the International Economic Development Council is the largest professional economic development organization dedicated to serving economic developers; and WHEREAS for almost 50 years, Economic Developers Alberta has been Alberta's leading economic development network, committed to advancing the economic development profession by providing resources, professional development and networking opportunities; and WHEREAS economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base; and WHEREAS economic developers stimulate and incubate entrepreneurism in order to help establish the next generation of new businesses, which is the hallmark of Alberta's economy; and WHEREAS economic developers are engaged in a wide variety of settings including rural and urban, local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public -private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions; and WHEREAS economic developers attract and retain high -quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions; and WHEREAS economic developers work in the County of Newell; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Reeve does hereby recognize May 9-15, 2021 as "Economic Development Week" in the County of Newell and remind individuals of the importance of this community celebration which supports the expansion of career opportunities and improving quality of life. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Reeve is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Economic Developers Alberta in support of these provincial celebrations. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 9 Regular Council May 6, 2021 10.5 Assessment Model Changes — Public Awareness There was no new information on this item to discuss. 10.6 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 10.7 Payment Register The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C-167/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.8 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 11.2 Director of Municipal Services Report The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering presented the Director of Municipal Services report to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding crack sealing and dust control for construction projects. He also provided an update on progress at the North Headgates. C-168/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for April 2021 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Soil Erosion Survey Results The Director of Agricultural Services provided an update on the soil erosion survey, indicating that a County staff member has nearly completed surveying all the roads, concentrating on areas with known issues. He also indicated that the Soil Erosion/Degradation Advisory Committee is proceeding and there are other municipalities that are interested in the process that is being developed. Council was provided with maps and general cost estimates for correcting the issues affecting County infrastructure. Discussion followed. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions, noting that the diagonal lines on the map indicate the areas where the soil in the ditches originated. The number of property owners has not yet been calculated, but a letter was sent to landowners who owned more than 20 acres of land and it Page 7 of 9 Regular Council May 6, 2021 was relatively well -received. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding contact with the Eastern Irrigation District, indicating that the EID has already begun cleaning up their infrastructure. He indicated that the areas identified in the maps are the most heavily impacted. The Director of Agricultural Services indicated that he is aware of two landowners who are proceeding with removing the soil from the ditches themselves. Additional funding will be required to continue cleaning up the rest of the heavily affected areas. He provided details regarding the clean up process, noting that the cost estimates are only for County infrastructure. The most cost-effective method involves moving the soil from the infrastructure to the adjacent property. The Soil Erosion/Degradation Advisory Committee will be responsible for establishing landowner responsibility in a policy. Discussion followed and Council indicated that the landowners should be responsible for the costs associated with clean up. C-169/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council APPROVES additional funding in the amount of $203,000 from the Stabilization Fund to be used to clean out the heavily impacted areas identified on the Soil Erosion Survey. Discussion followed. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council, indicating that there were varying opinions from producers on what to do with the soil. Hauling the soil away would be more expensive, but soil can be used for a variety of projects. Discussion followed regarding charging the landowners and it was noted that the Soil Erosion/Degradation Advisory Committee would determine the policy going forward. Discussion followed on the motion and the costs associated with removing the soil from the heavily impacted areas. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that Council approved $100, 000 from the Stabilization Fund previously. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the policy, indicating that the advisory committee will determine inspections, when individuals would be contacted, and the process for issuing Soil Conservation Orders. The bylaw can also be amended in the future to assign remediation costs to the landowner. Further discussion occurred. VOTE ON MOTION C-169/21 - MOTION CARRIED The Director of Agricultural Services provided information on upcoming education campaigns in development with Farming Smarter and the Foothills Forage Association. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Request for Letter of Support - Bassano Arts Council Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item. C-170/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell provides a letter in support of the Bassano Arts Council's application to the Alberta Culture Days Grant Program for the Bassano Damfest & Cultural Days event. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 9 Regular Council May 6, 2021 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 2021 Q1 Financial Information Package This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Retirement of Dr. Folton This item was accepted as information. 13.3 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 14. IN CAMERA CA71/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that we move in camera at 1:58 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Land — FOIPP Act Section 23. • Labour — FOIPP Act Section 17. MOTION CARRIED C-172/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of camera at 3:08 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:08 p.m. Signed this Z day of f 2021 Reeve County Administrator Page 9 of 9