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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-06-24 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL June 24, 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 24, 2021 commencing at 10:19 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 S. Yokoyama, Information & Technology Administrative Assistant (Moderator) 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 T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator R. Fernell, Director of Information & Technology A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:19 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council June 24, 2021 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (June 10, 2021) C-203/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the June 10, 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-204/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH 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 2015-21 Road Closure & LEASE - Ptn. of NW 28-20-17-W4 and NE 29-20-17-W4, SW 28-20-17-W4 and SE 29-20-17-W4 The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-205121 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2015-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING those portions of road allowance lying adjacent to the west boundary of NW 28-20-17-W4 & SW 28-20-17-W4, and those portions of road allowance lying adjacent to the east boundary of SE 29-20-17-W4 & NE 29-20-17-W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 10:25 a.m. C-206/21 7.2 Bylaw 2013-21 Municipal Election The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN 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 SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 8 Regular Council June 24, 2021 C-207/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 2013-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 2021 Rural Beautification Awards - Council Judge The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-208/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor C. Amulung be a judge for the 2021 Rural Beautification Awards and that it be considered a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference Resolution Responses & Grading Summary The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council requested the Director of Agricultural Services to respond indicating that the County of Newell accepts the resolution grading as proposed by the Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee including the proposed change to resolution 9-21. Reeve M. Douglass provided information regarding the ADM Town Hall meeting on June 15, 2021 with the Assistant Deputy Minister of Agriculture & Forestry. The 2019 ASB Program Review recommended enhanced communications between the minister, ministry, and agricultural service boards. These town hall meetings are an effort to achieve this. The Director of Agricultural Services provided additional information, indicating that Council would have the opportunity to meet the South Region Liaison during the ASB review on July 8, 2021. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Tender Award - Rural Pumper/Tender Fire Engine (Duchess Fire Department) The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item and outlined the tender process and scoring criteria. He responded to questions from Council regarding the timelines for delivery, the SCBA holding system, and plans for disposal of the old units. C-209/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council awards the tender for one (1) 3000 Gal Pumper/Tender Fire Engine Vehicle for the Duchess Fire Department to Fort Garry Trucks for the tendered price of $400,864.00 with funding from the capital project Apparatus Replacement Fund. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 10:48 a.m. Page 3 of 8 Regular Council June 24, 2021 9.2 Return to In Person Meetings The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council indicated that livestreaming should continue and asked that the option for remote participation remain available to delegations and Councillors that may be unable to attend in person. Council agreed to conduct the July 5, 2021 Budget Planning meeting in person. The Director of Information & Technology indicated that she would confirm details with the IT Project Manager to have everything in place by July 5, 2021. 9.3 Assessment Model Changes — Public Awareness There was no new information on this item to discuss. 9.4 Councillor Payment Sheets (May 2021) C-210/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the May 2021 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.5 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 9.6 Payment Register C-211/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.7 Requests for Functions of Council Councillor T. Fyfe confirmed that the Joint Services subcommittee investigating pathways is considered a function of Council. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Annual Road Tours The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed and Council agreed that inviting councillors from our neighbouring urban municipalities was beneficial. The suggestion was made to also hold a road tour in the spring to familiarize new councillors with our roads and projects. C-212/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Road Tours be scheduled in the following manner - One Day Road Tour, like 2019, County Council and invited Page 4 of 8 Regular Council June 24, 2021 municipal guests where Councillors, at their availability, join Municipal and Agricultural Services staff on a tour of key accomplishments and future planned work. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Rural Water Phase 2 Feasibility Study The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item. Currently, 1544 customers receive potable water through the rural water system and an additional 732 potential service locations have been identified. He provided a breakdown of the estimated cost per service, indicating that servicing these locations would be feasible. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the debenture for phase 1 of the County of Newell Water Project would be fully paid off in 2023. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding agreements with landowners currently on the system. Blanket easements were used for phase 1 and landowners today may not be willing to give up land for alignments. Further, the easements are solely for maintenance and repair of the existing water system. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering indicated that rural water users recognize the benefit of the system and construction of the first phase went well, so they might be receptive to phase 2. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding funding, indicating that there are several options available and that grant funding opportunities can be investigated. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering indicated that the cost estimate includes engineering and land acquisition but determining funding sources and landowner contributions requires further discussion. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he would provide some funding options. This item will be discussed further during the 2022 Budget Planning Meeting on July 5, 2021. C-213/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council accepts the findings of the County of Newell Rural Water Project - Phase 2 Feasibility Study as information and directs Administration to place this item on the 2022 Budget Planning Meeting agenda for consideration of a future program. MOTION CARRIED 10.3 2021 Proposed Dust Abatement (County Paid) Program The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item, proposing that calcium be applied for approximately 180m on RR192 from the intersection with SH873 to the entrance to Evergreen Subdivision. He indicated that the road is difficult to maintain and applying dust abatement will reduce the frequency of grading. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Operations responded to questions, indicating that consideration would be given to applying dust abatement further into the subdivision past the business entrances in that area. The Director of Municipal Services provided additional information, indicating that the business owner had contacted the Municipal Services Department with concerns regarding the condition of the road itself. The business owner has purchased dust abatement in front of their property. Council asked if consideration had been given to paving a portion of TR192. The Manager of Operations and Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the paving plan which outlines ptg priorities that re set Page 5 of 8 Regular Council June 24, 2021 by Council. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information, indicating that no funding for new paving has been allocated, only for overlays. C-214/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council APPROVES the addition of approximately 180 meters on RR192 off SH873 to the Evergreen Subdivision entrance to the County Paid Dust Abatement Program for 2021. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Schroeder left the meeting at 11:42 a.m. 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS 11.1 Newell Housing Foundation Councillor A. M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 11.2 Red Deer River Watershed Alliance Councillor A. M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 11.3 Land Use Bylaw Review Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 11.4 Safe Communities/Rural Crime Watch Councillor H. Kallen submitted a written report. 11.5 County of Newell Library Board Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. She responded to questions from Council regarding the Tilley Library Society's move from the Tilley School into the seniors' centre. 11.6 Shortgrass Library System Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. 11.7 Newell Regional Tourism Association The minutes of the May 20, 2021 Newell Regional Tourism Association meeting were submitted. Councillor E. Unruh provided information on the farmer's market, Wi-Fi for the outdoor buildings at the Brooks & District Museum, and the Show and Shine scheduled for September 11, 2021. The Bassano pool will be open July 1, Page 6 of 8 Regular Council June 24, 2021 2021 and a disc golf course has been set up with baskets on empty lots. There is a village market in the Duchess Hall. Brooks has allowed the consumption of beer and wine in public parks. The Destination Marketing Fund collected by local hotels has increased and the extra funding will be sent to the Newell Regional Tourism Association. Kinbrook Island Park and Lake Newell are both very busy. Dinosaur Trail signs to be installed in July. Councillor E. Unruh responded to questions regarding the name change from Newell Regional Tourism Association to Brooks Region Tourism Association. Reeve M. Douglass provided additional information. Discussion followed. 11.8 ADM Town Hall Meeting (June 15, 2021) Reeve M. Douglass reported that another ADM Town Hall Meeting is tentatively scheduled for September and provided information on Results Driven Agricultural Research (RDAR), an initiative created by the Government of Alberta to turn the decision -making power over to agricultural producers. One of the goals of RDAR is to determine what agriculture will look like in 50 years. She also provided information on a Ducks Unlimited video that is important for the stewardship of wetlands. There is funding pressure on all provincial government departments. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Request for Letter of Support - Brooks & District Museum Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item. C-215/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the County of Newell provides a letter in support of the Brooks & District Museum's application to the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative for outdoor picnic tables, umbrellas, and a sea can for storage. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:06 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:51 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 12.2 Recognition - Dr. Van der Linde Awarded the Fellowship of Rural & Remote Medicine (Society of Rural Physicians of Canada) Reeve M. Douglass reported that Dr. E. Van der Linde has received the Fellowship of Rural and Remote Medicine awarded by the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada. She noted that Dr. E. Van der Linde received the Rural Service Award in 2020. Several Councillors provided additional information on Dr. E Van der Linde's contributions to the Newell region. 12.3 Rosemary Canada Day Celebration Discussion followed regarding Council's participation in the Rosemary Canada Day parade which starts at 10:00 a.m. on July 1, 2021. Councillor H. Kallen reported that Tilley's Canada Day parade is scheduled for July 3, 2021. r Page 7 of 8 Regular Council June 24, 2021 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (May 2021) This item was accepted as information. Reeve M. Douglass reported that users of the mini bus appreciate the service and the ability to use the County facilities for lunch while COVID-19 restrictions did not allow for in person dining at restaurants. 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. 14. IN CAMERA C-216/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 1:07 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Legal - FOIPP Act Section 27; • Legal - FOIPP Act Section 27; • Intergovernmental Relations - FO/PP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-217/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 3:04 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:05 p.m. Signed this �? day of 2021 WAV KAZIZITIZA County Administra Page 8 of 8