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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-10 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL June 10, 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, June 10, 2021 commencing at 10:41 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. Biette, Assessment &Taxation Clerk A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:41 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (May 20, 2021) C-184/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the May 20, 2021 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council June 10,2021 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-185/21 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. Councillor 8, de Jong provided information on recent ransomware attacks and requested ° an update on the County's internet security situation and potential damages. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he would ask the Director of Information& Technology to provide this information and reminded everyone to change their passwords regularly. 8. BYLAWS 8.3 Bylaw 2014-21 -21 LUA 003 (North Headgates) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that part of the North Headgates subdivision process requires the creation of a Direct Control District. She outlined specific items that are directly related to the North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding the proposed pathway to Kinbrook Island, indicating the route is adjacent to the North Headgates development. He responded to further questions regarding propane tanks, indicating that the Area Redevelopment Plan states that propane tanks are not permitted as a primary heat source in a grouped residential development; however, those residences currently heated by propane systems will not be required to remove them at this time. C-186/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2014-21, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 29.5 acres (12.0 hectares) in SW 5-18-14-W4 from DC - Direct Control/A - Agricultural District to DC - Direct Control District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions from Council regarding the cost of the development under the local improvement. LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 10:56 a.m. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council June 10,2021 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He indicated that water distribution system flushing would be coordinated with fire hydrant testing in the future. K. Steinley reported that the Lake Newell Resort lift station is showing signs of degradation and further investigation will determine the extent of the repairs needed. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to guestions regarding recouping costs associated with repairs or replacement of the Lake Newell Resort lift station, indicating that the cost of repair or replacement must be determined first. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:02 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Report on Recreation Facility Improvement Funding Public Engagement Initiative The Director of Corporate Services presented the final report on the Recreation Facilities Improvement funding community engagement initiative to Council. He indicated that those involved in the engagement process were not able to attend today but have expressed support for what has been submitted. He indicated that additional conversation is required on the following items: • what constitutes major and minor projects for Category Two and Category Three projects? • can the principles and concepts be incorporated in existing recreation arrangements with the County's urban municipal partners? • should the funding application process remain open throughout the calendar year rather than at certain intervals? The Director of Corporate Services indicated that a draft Recreation Facility Improvement Funding policy is also included on the agenda. He thanked those who participated in the community engagement process. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council asked if any discussion had taken p/ace regarding obtaining professional facility assessment reports on the remaining useful life of recreation facilities as a condition of funding applications. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that there had been discussion on the difference between upgrades that are required for structural reasons versus other deficiencies. He indicated that the operational recreation funding allocation had been discussed during the first meeting, but the scope of this initiative focused on allocating funding for capital facilities. He explained that Category Three projects are those facility upgrades that would result in reduced Page 3 of 9 Regular Council June 10,2021 operating costs or potentially expanding usage in an effort to generate additional revenue. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the policy, suggesting that applications for Category Two projects above a certain cost could include a detailed assessment of the facility's condition. Discussion followed regarding how the viability of a recreation facility would be determined. The Director of Corporate Services indicated a building inspection or a structural engineer's report could provide information on the viability of proceeding with extensive upgrades of an existing recreation facility. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 DRAFT POLICY - Recreation Facility Improvement Funding Discussion followed on the draft Recreation Facility Improvement Funding policy. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the comments on the assessment of facilities can be incorporated into the policy before it is circulated to the participants of the community engagement initiative for their feedback. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the application is broad enough to allow for additional information to be requested during the review process. C-187/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the draft Recreation Facility Improvement Funding Policy be circulated as presented to the recreation organizations throughout the County. MOTION CARRIED Council reverted to agenda item 9.1 for further discussion, during which it was noted that the funding application form could be further adapted to include the requirement for a facility assessment supporting Category Two projects for extensive upgrades to extend the life of subject facilities. Councillor C. Amulung stated that he would abstain from voting because he was not sufficiently clear on the matter being considered. C-188/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council endorses the Recreation Facilities Improvement Funding Report with the notation that Category Two Project Applications should be supported by a facilities assessment report which confirms that approved funds contributed to the project would be money well spent. MOTION CARRIED C-189/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:47 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2011-21 21 LUA 002 (Lot 1 Blk 3 Plan 1513287 in SW 14-20-14-W4 -A to AR) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:47 a.m. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council June 10,2021 Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Supervisor of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2011-21. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating portions of Plan 1513287, Block 3, Lot 1 in SW 14-20-14-W4 from A - Agricultural District to AR - Acreage Residential District. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and to a list of affected agencies. No responses have been received from adjacent landowners. None of the affected agencies have indicated any . objections. 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. The Supervisor of Planning& Development responded to questions about the small strips of land that will remain with the larger parcel, indicating that there is a cistern on one of the parcels that provides water to multiple locations. Councillor B. de Jong provided additional information regarding a significant drain located on the portion between the proposed lot and Lot 2. C-190/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:52 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS —continued 8.1 Bylaw 2011-21 21 LUA 002 (Lot 1 Blk 3 Plan 1513287 in SW 14-20-14-W4-A to AR) C-191/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG 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 SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-192/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 2011-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:54 a.m. 8.2 Bylaw 2013-21 Municipal Election The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and outlined the election matters that are included in the bylaw. He indicated that Page 5 of 9 Regular Council June 10,2021 provisions for special ballots have been omitted from the bylaw as there are limited circumstances for providing them. Neither the County nor any of the other municipalities in the region have provided special ballots in the past. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Concerns were raised with reducing the number of polling stations if candidates for some divisions win by acclamation as it suggests that the senate and referendum elections are of lesser importance than the municipal election. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the opportunity to vote can be provided equally in all divisions, but the provisions in the bylaw allow for some flexibility. Discussion followed regarding using the minibus as a mobile polling station for advanced voting. The Director of Corporate Services replied that election plans must include provisions for COVID-19 restrictions, and it would be logistically difficult to meet the required safety standards on the minibus. Further, the advance poll should reguire the same amount of effort to vote as on election day. The proposed advance poll dates are October 2 and 13 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the County office. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding special ballots. Additional administrative effort is required to produce them and the circumstances where voters can request them are limited. He indicated that Council can wait to determine the number of polling stations reguired until closer to nomination day and that provincial funding is available for costs associated with holding the referendum and senate elections. � C-193/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 2013-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of providing for regulations and protocols for conducting municipal elections and by-elections within the County of Newell, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:17 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. 15. IN CAMERA C-194/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 1:04 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Legal - FOIPP Act Section 27. MOTION CARRIED C-195/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that we move out of camera at 1:34 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. The Rural Beautification Awards program Page 6 of 9 Regular Council June 10,2021 will proceed this year and tentatively end with a tour. The Soil Advisory Committee meeting went well, and they are working on a policy that will be presented to Council in the fall. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding wormwood and other weed control matters. 10.2 Request for Letter of Support - Farming Smarter The DirectorofAgricultural Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the County and neighbouring municipalities reached out to Farming Smarter to assist with preparing information on soil erosion in southern Alberta. Through that process, Farming Smarter has submitted a request for , support. The Director of Agricultural Services suggested that the County provide support in the form of human resources and information rather than funding. He responded to questions from Council. C-196/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the County of Newell provides a letter to Farming Smarter that outlines the County of Newell support for the Living Laboratories Initiative in the form of sharing information and human resources. MOTION CARRIED The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the Crop Diversification Centre, indicating that Farming Smarter has not had the opportunity to work there. Discussion followed. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.2 Set Date - Budget Planning Meeting The Assessment & Taxation Clerk provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed on potential dates. The Budget Planning Meeting will be held on Monday, July 5, 2021 beginning at 8:30 a.m. LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette left the meeting at 1:59 p.m. 11.3 Cancel/Reschedule Upcoming Council Meetings Council was provided with background information on this item. C-197/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Municipal Planning Commission and Council Meetings for August 19 and October 21, 2021 be CANCELLED; further that the November Municipal Planning Commission and Council Meetings be held on November 4 & 18, 2021. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 9 Regular Council June 10,2021 11.4 Request for Proclamation - National Drowning Prevention Week (July 18-24, 2021) Council was provided with background information on this item. C-198/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Council hereby proclaims July 18-24, 2021 as National Drowning Prevention Week in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 11.5 Request for Letter of Support - Red Bull Outliers Council was provided with background information on this item. C-199/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell provides a letter in support of the Red Bull Outliers Hard Enduro Motocross event scheduled for August 21 - 22, 2021. MOTION CARRIED 11.6 Assessment Model Changes — Public Awareness There was no information on this item to discuss. 11.7 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 11.8 Payment Register The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C-200/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 11.9 Requests for Functions of Council 11.9.1 Legal Hearing - Challenge to Electoral Divisions Bylaw (May 27, 2021) Reeve M. Douglass indicated that attendance at the legal hearing will be recorded on the June Councillor Payment Sheets with the times 9:45 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. C-201/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that any Councillor be permitted to attend the legal hearing for the Challenge to the Electoral Divisions Bylaw held online on May 27, 2021 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 9 Regular Council June 10,2021 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 12.2 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 costs associated with correcting soil erosion issues and provided an update on the Eastern Irrigation District drainage partnership work planned for Rosemary. C-202/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for May 2021 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED � 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS 13.1 Siksika Nation Reeve M. Douglass reported that she participated in the opening of the Siksika Nation's vaccination clinic on May 25, 2021. The blanket received as a gift is currently displayed above the reception area at the County facilities. She provided further information on recent conversations with the Siksika Nation Chief, indicating she is working on setting a date for both Councils to get together in the future. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m. � Signed this 2 day of .J V`'� , 2021 �.�1tiE� �c�-�.�dJ Reeve . � County Administrator Page 9 of 9