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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-05-20 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL May 20, 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 20, 2021 commencing at 10:25 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 M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: J. Aleman, Canadian Natural Resources Limited D. Cockerill, Canadian Natural Resources Limited D. Willard, Canadian Natural Resources Limited K. Douglass, Bassano Curling Club 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:25 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council May 20, 2021 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (May 6, 2021) C-173/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the May 6, 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-174/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN 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 2011-21 21 LUA 002 (Lot 1 Blk 3 Plan 1513287 in SW 14-20-14-W4 - A to AR) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-175/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2011-21, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 3.0 acres (1.201 hectares) in SW 14-20-14-W4 from A - Agricultural District to AR - Acreage Residential District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 10:30 a.m. 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (May 2021) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding strychnine, indicating that the Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has changed the label making it illegal to use strychnine for Richardson's ground squirrel control after 2023 due Page 2 of 9 Regular Council May 20, 2021 to the potential for secondary poisoning. He provided information regarding the high winds that happened on May 18, 2021 which moved more soil into ditches. Further discussion occurred on soil erosion and reduced tillage associated with farming practices. C-176/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for May 2021 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Municipal Stimulus Program - Revised Project The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. The original Municipal Stimulus Program (MSP) application was submitted for funding to upgrade and pave a section of RR145 adjacent to the City of Brooks, but County staff are unable to acquire the additional land for the right of way and the project cannot proceed. The Director of Corporate Services asked Council to consider proceeding with an alternate project, which is a solar PV generating system that would provide energy to the County Administration facility and other nearby County sites. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions, indicating MSP Funding was intended to complete projects in 2021 that were not included in the budget and would not otherwise be completed. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided further information on the project and the steps taken to acquire the additional right of way. The landowner was not interested in selling the land and expressed concerns with increased traffic as a result of paving the road. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies, J. Aleman, D. Willard, and D. Cockerill arrived at 11:00 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Recognition of Donation to Fire & Emergency Services by Canadian Natural Resources Limited The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item. Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) has provided donations to County Fire & Emergency Services over the past few years and the funds have been used to purchase Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System equipment, wildland firefighting equipment, and a wildland firefighting course. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator gave a presentation on grass fire wildland firefighting and thanked CNRL for the generous donations for equipment and training. D. Cockerill and J. Aleman thanked the County for being open to ongoing partnerships and maintaining a good working relationship. M, Page 3 of 9 Regular Council May 20, 2021 The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to questions from Council regarding the use of drones for firefighting. He provided an update on the fire restriction in the County, indicating that he would consult with the divisional Fire Chiefs today to determine if the weather conditions would allow it to be lifted. LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies, J. Aleman, D. Willard, and D. Cockerill left the meeting at 11:30 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Douglass arrived at 11:30 a.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Funding Request (Capital) - Bassano Curling Club The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. The Bassano Curling Club has requested a commitment from the County and the Town of Bassano for funding to proceed with replacing an evaporative condenser if grant funding falls through. Under the Recreation agreement with the Town of Bassano, capital funding requests are reviewed on a case -by -case basis and funded 50150. He indicated that the Town of Bassano Council would be reviewing this item at their June 14, 2021 meeting. K. Douglass provided additional background information. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Douglass responded to questions, indicating that the Bassano Curling Club wants to complete the project prior to the start of the curling season. Grant applications have been submitted, but the remaining funding will not be available until November. She responded to questions regarding the age of the current equipment and indicated that the new condenser has a 25-year life span and is more efficient. K. Douglass responded to questions regarding the Bassano Curling Club board and membership. She confirmed that the funding from the County and Bassano would only be used in the event of a grant funding shortfall. C-177/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES funding up to a maximum of $24,429.50 from the Recreation Fund to replace the Bassano Curling Club's evaporative condenser. Funding is contingent on matching funds being approved by the Town of Bassano and the Bassano Curling Club providing the County with a summary of final project costs and supporting invoices to initiate payment. Discussion followed regarding developing a policy so that capital funding requests are dealt with fairly and consistently. It was noted that there can be significant variation between capital funding requests. In this case, the group has secured all the funding for the project and requesting a commitment so they can proceed and complete the project before the beginning of the season. Further discussion occurred. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council May 20, 2021 Reeve M. Douglass called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-177/21 — MOTION CARRIED The Director of Corporate Services provided an update on the community consultation on recreation indicating that the final report will be presented to Council in June. K. Douglass responded to further questions regarding the Bassano Curling Club's ongoing fundraising activities. LEFT THE MEETING K. Douglass left the meeting at 12:03 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:03 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:48 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.1 Municipal Stimulus Program - Revised Project — continued Discussion continued. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering indicated that the owner of the land critical to the project was not interested, so additional landowners were not engaged. He responded to further questions, indicating that the tender design for the project is ready for the future when RR145 requires upgrading. The landowner was mainly opposed to increasing traffic on that road. Discussion followed on the alternate project and the Director of Corporate Services indicated that there is uncertainty as to whether the Minister of Municipal Affairs will allow for the project to be changed. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions regarding the project and the annual estimated electrical energy cost savings associated with it. C-178/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that an amended Municipal Stimulus Grant application be submitted based on a Community Generation Solar PV System project that would supply electricity for the County of Newell Administration Facilities. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Assessment Model Changes — Public Awareness There was no new information on this item to discuss. 10.3 Councillor Payment Sheets (April 2021) Councillor C. Amulung provided an explanation of the entries associated with Council device updates. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council May 20, 2021 C-179/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the April 2021 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.4 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 10.5 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-180/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.6 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS V4 11.1 Joint Services Committee The minutes of the Joint Services Committee meetings are distributed to Council. 11.2 Shortgrass Library System Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. 11.3 County of Newell Library Board Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. 11.4 Bassano Recreation Board Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. 11.5 Safe Communities Committee Councillor H. Kallen submitted a written report. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council May 20, 2021 11.6 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Engagement Sessions Reeve M. Douglass reported that she had participated in an RMA Engagement Session last Friday. Topics of discussion included emergency disaster services, revenue generation, non -municipal rural issues, and collaboration between municipalities and the province. She noted that, while a lot of emphasis is placed on improving broadband internet, cell service in rural communities is also lacking. Discussion followed regarding ongoing requests to register for the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Convention. Reeve M. Douglass reported that it is not possible to register for just the Annual General Meeting portion of the FCM Convention. 11.7 Brooks Parks & Recreation Board Councillor T. Fyfe provided information on preliminary plans to develop a BMX track. The City of Brooks 10-year Recreation Master Plan will be reviewed by City Council first. She indicated that the priority is development of a non -motorized trail system. The Brooks Choosewell Committee has received grant funding to create a 9-hole disc golf course. Recreation funding applications will be reviewed and approved in July. 11.8 Siksika Vaccination Clinic Reeve M. Douglass reported that the Siksika Nation is hosting a vaccination clinic starting May 25, 2021 for residents of Wheatland County, Vulcan County, and the County of Newell. 11.9 Newell Regional Tourism Association Councillor E. Unruh provided the minutes of the April 15, 2021 Newell Regional Tourism Association meeting. She responded to questions about disc golf, indicating that the disc golf course in Rosemary is planning an expansion and the Village provides rental equipment. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 12.2 Funding Request (Capital) - Duchess Recreation Area The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. Under the Recreation agreement with the Village of Duchess, capital funding requests are reviewed on a case -by -case basis and cost shared between the recreation organization, the Village, and the County. He indicated that the projects are outlined in the attached minutes of the May 12, 2021 meeting of the Duchess Recreation, Parks & Culture Board. Councillor B. de Jong provided additional information, indicating that the Duchess Agricultural Society has identified their priority projects and some of these are included in this application. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Concerns were raised regarding the difference between this request, where the municipalities are funding C,,i44 IJ Page 7 of 9 Regular Council May 20, 2021 1/3rd of the project, and the request by the Bassano Curling Club, where the applicant has secured funding for 100% of the project. Councillor B. de Jong responded to questions regarding the list of projects, indicating that replacing the compressor is the top priority. He indicated that Division 8 receives a lower level of recreation funding per capita compared to other divisions. Discussion followed regarding the concept of requiring the recreation organization to contribute 50% towards a capital project to show there is community support. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the Recreation agreement between the County and Duchess states that capital funding requests will be reviewed on a case -by -case basis and the municipalities will share any shortfall costs 50150. He indicated that there is no standard in the agreements regarding the portion that must come from the recreation organization. Discussion followed and it was noted that Duchess has been setting funds aside for capital recreation projects and the Duchess Agricultural Society oversees 4-5 recreation facilities. Councillor B. de Jong responded to further questions, indicating that some of the funds raised by the Duchess Agricultural Society must be used for operations. Further discussion occurred. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the final report resulting from the community consultation sessions on recreation will address many of the concerns raised today. He acknowledged that the ICF and Recreation agreements are creating a more even playing field. C-181/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Council APPROVES funding up to a maximum of $60,000 from the Recreation Fund to complete the capital projects as recommended by the Duchess Area Recreation, Parks, & Culture Board at their May 12, 2021 meeting. Funding is contingent on matching funds being approved by the Village of Duchess and the Duchess Ag Society, with the Ag Society providing the County with a summary of final project costs and supporting invoices to initiate payment. MOTION CARRIED 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (April 2021) This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart 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. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council May 20, 2021 14. IN CAMERA C-182/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 1:56 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Land - FOIPP Act Section 23. MOTION CARRIED C-183/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that we move out of camera at 2:49 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:49 p.m. Signed this (0 day of 12021 Reeve County Administrator Page 9 of 9