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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-07 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL May 7, 2015 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, May 7, 2015 commencing at 10:22 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath - County Planner - ORRSC T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services K. Martin, Manager of Fire & Emergency Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation D. Gibb, Mayor - Village of Rosemary B. Snape, Mayor - Village of Duchess T. Rose, Mayor - Town of Bassano G. Gallup, Applicant - 15 LUA 003 A. Kassem, Global Village CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:22 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council May 7, 2015 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (April 23, 2015) C-177/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the April 23, 2015 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-178/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report (R. Havinga -10:45 a.m.) R. Havinga presented the Utilities- NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss and Gordon Gallup arrived at 10:24 a.m. He provided an update on a recent issue with the Tilley Water Treatment Plant. R. Havinga also noted that delivery of water to Bassano began on May 5, 2015, thus completing the Regional Water project. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 10:32 a.m. R. Havinga responded to questions from Council regarding his discussions with Wheatland County. Councillor G. Simpson asked if water service in Tilley would be disrupted today. R. Havinga replied that MPE Engineering is working with the contractors to ensure proper notification is sent to residents and the County office. LEFT THE MEETING R. Havinga left the meeting at 10:35 a.m. Page 2 of 14 Regular Council May 7, 2015 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 and responded to questions from Council regarding equipment rental and gopher control. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Gibb, B. Snape, and T. Rose arrived at 10:42 a.m. 9.2 Appointment of Weed & Pest Inspectors The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-179/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we appoint Rae Neely, Cianna Slenders and Chelsea Krause as Inspectors for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act and pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural Pest Act until such a time that their employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Regional Enhancement & Cooperation Agreement Funding (D. Gibb - Village of Rosemary, B. Snape - Village of Duchess, & T. Rose - Town of Bassano) D. Gibb thanked the County for the assistance provided to the smaller urban municipalities in recent years and expressed appreciation for the opportunity to work together on various projects. He noted that there is one year remaining in the Regional Enhancement & Cooperation Agreement, which has provided funding from a share of the County's linear tax base to the Villages of Duchess and Rosemary and the Town of Bassano. D. Gibb asked Council to consider extending the Regional Enhancement & Cooperation agreement as the funding has been very beneficial to the smaller municipalities. T. Rose indicated that the Town of Bassano appreciates the funding and the opportunity to work with the County of Newell. B. Snape agreed, indicating that the funding has been used for capital projects in Duchess. He also thanked the Director of Corporate Services and the Manger of Fire & Emergency Services for their assistance with the fire department. D. Gibb responded to questions from Council regarding the proposed commercial development in Rosemary. B. Snape responded to questions from Council regarding the new recreation centre, indicating that the project is on schedule and on budget and scheduled to open July 1, 2015. T. Rose provided an update on the street improvement program in Bassano. Councillor C. Amulung indicated that Council will continue to cooperate with the smaller municipalities and Page 3 of 14 6 Regular Council May 7, 2015 stressed the importance of communication between the larger urban and rural municipalities. LEFT THE MEETING D. Gibb, B. Snape, and T. Rose left the meeting at 11:09 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.2 Funding Request -Ashton's Place The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that Grasslands Regional FCSS has provided a letter requesting a one-time contribution of $25,000.00 from the County of Newell for Ashton's Place. Councillor L. Juss indicated that Ashton's Place provides an important service for the community and without this funding, they will close. C-180/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the County of Newell APPROVES the request from Grasslands Regional FCSS and provides funding in the amount of $25,000.00 for Ashton's Place Youth Center. Councillor C. Amulung responded to questions regarding the funding shortfall faced by Ashton's Place, indicating that the $50,000.00 contribution from the County and City would allow them to continue operating until budget discussions in the fall. He suggested that a permanent solution would require some sort of government assistance. Discussion followed and Councillor L. Juss and \ Councillor C. Amulung responded to questions regarding staffing levels and the number of youth served by Ashton's Place. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that, if approved, the funding source would be the Municipal Special Projects fund. Councillor B. de Jong reported that the City has agreed to approve the funding request on the condition that the County also provides approval. Councillor B. de Jong requested a recorded vote. Councillor G. Simpson requested that a process be developed to deal with funding requests. Councillor C. Amulung suggested that consideration should be made towards funding Grasslands FCSS to a greater degree, as that group makes decisions on funding for social support groups. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Horvath, A. Wickert, and G. Gallup arrived at 11:30 a.m. VOTE ON MOTION C-180/15: In Favour: Divisions 1, 3, 8, 9, 10 Opposed: Divisions 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 MOTION DEFEATED C-181/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that we move into Public Hearings at 11:33 a.m. MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 14 Regular Council May 7, 2015 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 Bylaw 1829-15 Inter Municipal Development Plan (Vulcan County) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:33 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The County Planner stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1829-15. The intent of this bylaw is to provide a framework and guidelines for dealing with future subdivision and development of lands within the designated inter municipal plan boundary and promotes the ongoing cooperation, consultation, and coordination between the County of Newell and Vulcan County. The County Planner provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and affected agencies. No responses have been received. She indicated that Vulcan County provided second and third reading to the bylaw yesterday. 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. 6.2 Bylaw 1830-15 Inter Municipal Development Plan (Wheatland County) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:35 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The County Planner stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1830-15. The intent of this bylaw is to provide a framework and guidelines for dealing with future subdivision and development of lands within the designated inter municipal plan boundary and promotes the ongoing cooperation, consultation, and coordination between the County of Newell and Wheatland County. The County Planner provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and affected agencies. None of the affected agencies expressed concerns. 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. 6.3 Bylaw 1831-1515 LUA 003 (NW 18-21-15-W4 - RB to A) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:36 a.m. l; --s Page 5 of 14 Regular Council May 7, 2015 Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The County Planner stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1831-15. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by rezoning approximately 4.75 acres (1. 92 hectares) in NW 18-21-15-W4 from RB - Rural Business District to A - Agricultural District. The County Planner provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and affected agencies. No responses have been received. There were no persons in attendance speaking in opposition to the proposed bylaw. The applicant provided background information and responded to questions from Council. The County Planner responded to questions regarding the zoning of the northern portion of the parcel and access, which will be discussed in detail at the subdivision stage. The applicant responded to questions from Council regarding the business, which is no longer in operation. C-182/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:43 a.m. MOTION CARRIED BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 1829-16 Inter Municipal Development Plan (Vulcan County) l The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-183/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1829-15, being a bylaw to adopt a statutory land use plan that provides a framework and guidelines for dealing with future subdivision and development of lands within the designated inter municipal plan boundary and promotes the ongoing cooperation, consultation, and coordination between the County of Newell and Vulcan County, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-184/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1829-15 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Bylaw 1830-15 Inter Municipal Development Plan (Wheatland County) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-185/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1830-15, being a bylaw to adopt a statutory land use plan that provides a framework and guidelines for dealing with future subdivision and development of lands within the designated inter municipal plan boundary and promotes the ongoing cooperation, consultation, and n� Page 6 of 14 Regular Council May 7, 2015 coordination between the County of Newell and Wheatland County, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-186/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1830-15 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.3 Bylaw 1831 -15 15 LUA 003 (NW 18-21-15-W4 - RB to A) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-187/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1831-15, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 4.75 acres (1.92 hectares) in NW 18-21-15 from RB - Rural Business District to A - Agricultural District, be given SECOND reading MOTION CARRIED C-188/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1831-15 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Gallup left the meeting at 11:45 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 10.1 Planning & Development Report The Manager of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding the Millicent road closure land transfers and sale of County -owned land. She also provided an update on the Scandia telecommunications tower, indicating that a meeting was held and a summary available. The County Planner indicated that the parties involved are still negotiating but Industry Canada could make a decision if an agreement cannot be made. The Manager of Planning & Development and the County Planner responded to further questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the applicant has fulfilled the requirements of the County Land Use Bylaw and that Council is not required to grant their concurrence if they don't agree with the placement of the tower but it will be Industry Canada that ultimately decides on whether the application and placement is approved or not as it is within their jurisdiction and not ours. Councillor K. Christman asked if Planning & Development considered contacting Cypress County and the County of Forty Mile to reconsider Inter Municipal Development Plan opportunities. The County Planner indicated that the M.D. of Willow Creek and Vulcan County have been in discussion with the municipalities that chose not to participate in phase 1, Page 7 of 14 Regular Council May 7, 2015 but another Regional Collaboration Grant application could be submitted in the future. C-189115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Planning & Development report for April 2015 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:59 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:56 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Kassem arrived at 12:58 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS - CONTINUED 8.2 Global Village (A. Kassem) A. Kassem provided background information on the Global Village television program which is used to provide information and promote the community. Emphasis is placed on giving back to the community and maintaining one's own culture while understanding the culture of the local area. Knowledgeable individuals are invited to speak about specific topics. A. Kassem indicated that they are investigating the possibility of incorporating Skype so that individuals from different countries could be guests on the show. He outlined future plans, including a live fundraising component for health foundation, including a multi -cultural component to the Kinsmen Rodeo Parade, and reinstating the women's' only session at the swimming pool. He provided an overview of the costs associated with producing the Global Village show and requested funding from the County in the amount of $2,500. 00, indicating that he would request similar contributions from the City and Medicine Hat College. A. Kassem responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING A. Kassem left the meeting at 1:27 p.m. Discussion followed and Administration was directed to obtain a written funding request and an outline of what the funding is to be used for from A. Kassem. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 10.3 Funding Request - 2015 Seniors' Week Lunch & Learn (June 2, 2015) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor K. Christman responded to questions from Council regarding the history of the event and past funding sources, which include Bassano FCSS and Newell Further Education. f�,� Page 8 of 14 Regular Council May 7, 2015 ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Martin arrived at 1:37 p.m. Discussion followed regarding the need for a process for funding requests that come to Council. Councillor K. Christman responded to further questions from Council. C-190/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the funding request from the Bassano FCSS for their Seniors' Week Lunch & Learn be APPROVED in the amount of $500.00. MOTION DEFEATED 10.4 Funding Request - FCM Women in Municipal Government Fund This item was accepted as information. 10.5 Approval of Grazing Lease on County Owned Lands The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-191115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Council APPROVES the high tender as submitted and awards a five year grazing lease on the lands described as S 29-16-16- W4 to Russel Coyne based on an annual payment of $1,800.00 per year. - MOTION CARRIED 10.6 Directors Insurance Coverage for Tilley Ball Park Association The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Further discussion on this item was postponed until after discussion of the lease agreement. 10.7 Lease Agreement -Tilley Ball Park & Campground The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor A.M. Philipsen requested that article 1(l) be amended to read "To maintain the said /ands... in a good manner. " C-192/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council APPROVES the proposed lease agreement for the Tilley Ball Park and Tilley Campground properties as amended, subject to the Tilley Ball Park Association approving the same. MOTION CARRIED Page 9 of 14 /3. Regular Council May 7, 2015 10.6 Directors Insurance Coverage for Tilley Ball Park Association — continued C-193115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council APPROVES the request to extend Additional Named Insured liability coverage to the Directors of the Tilley Ball Park Association. MOTION CARRIED 10.8 Tilley Community Action Team Society - Proposal to Develop a Green Space The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He indicated that the County is granting permission as the landowner to begin the development permit process. C-194115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that Council APPROVES the proposal from the Tilley Community Action Team Society to submit a Development Permit Application for the construction of improvements on a municipally owned lot in Tilley. MOTION CARRIED 10.9 Request to Endorse FCC AgriSpirit Funding Application Submitted by Tilley Community Action Team Society (CATS) Group The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-195115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the County of Newell endorses the Tilley Community Action Team Society funding request that will be / submitted to the FCC AgriSpirit Grant Program. MOTION CARRIED 10.10 Update on Fire & Emergency Services Funding The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He indicated that the other municipalities had not provided feedback regarding their stance on the cost sharing proposals. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that there had been discussion during the regional CAOs meeting and the small urban municipalities need more details regarding who funds what, in detail, and what that amounts to under the new proposal. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding the cost sharing proposals, which included 75% of funding contributed from the County towards the operating budget based on assessment numbers and 50% for fire halls. Discussion followed regarding callout revenue and whether all or a portion of that should betaken in by the County for an equipment reserve. Councillor A.M. Philipsen suggested that each department be permitted to maintain $50,000.00 in reserves and anything over that amount will be returned to the County for capital purchases. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services responded to questions regarding funding that is raised by or donated to each fire department, suggesting that this money be kept in a separate account by each fire department. He suggested that callout revenue be collected by the County in a capital fund that would be distributed to all departments. The Chief /I Page 10 of 14 1 Regular Council May 7, 2015 \ Administrative Officer stressed the need for a consistent funding formula and a clear idea of what is included in operating costs. The Director of Corporate Services provided an explanation of the linear assessment for all divisions and responded to further questions from Council. Council requested further information regarding capital funding scenarios, including and not including fire halls, and with various cost sharing options. This item will be brought back to a future meeting for further discussion. LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 2:33 p.m. 10.11 Update -Pathways to the Future Councillor T. Fyfe provided an update, indicating that terms of reference have been established and maps have been prepared for the proposed pathways. The next step will be conducting stakeholder meetings to present ideas. Councillor E. Unruh reported that the Chief Administrative Officer, Director of Municipal Services, and Manager of Engineering Services have been assisting rather than hiring an outside contractor for the project. Councillor T. Fyfe indicated that the pathway to Lake Newell Resort had been selected as the pilot project. 10.12 Proclamation -National Health & Fitness Day Council was presented with background information on this item. C-196/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell hereby proclaims June 6, 2015 as National Health & Fitness Day in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 10.13 Councillor Payment Sheets (March 2015) CA 97115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the March 2015 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.14 Payment Register C-198/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.15 Requests for Functions of Council 10.15.2 Pathways to the Future Councillor G. Simpson provided background information and responded to questions from Council. Page 11 of 14 9 . Regular Council May 7. 2015 C-199/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that Councillor T. Fyfe and Councillor E. Unruh be permitted to attend meetings related to the Pathways to the Future project as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.15.1 Economic Development for Elected Officials Course The Director of Corporate Services provided background information and responded to questions from Council. C-200/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that one member from the Joint Services Committee be permitted to attend the Economic Development for Elected Officials Course as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS - CONTINUED 11.2 Introduction of New Municipal Services Staff The Director of Municipal Services introduced S. Waddell (Seasonal Gravel Foreman), A. Heinrichs (Operations Administrative Assistant Summer Term), and A. Hermus (Fleet & Inventory Administrative Assistant Summer Term) to Council. 11.3 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He provided information regarding gravel that is moved into the ditch as a result of snow clearing and outlined grader procedures used to prevent this. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding crack sealing and provided information regarding technology that would track traffic and construction and report this back to drivers. The Manager of Operations responded to questions regarding shoulder pulls. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the County's Annual Safety Day, indicating that the event will be held on May 12, 2015 and has been scaled back. Council is welcome to attend, but will not be required to provide breakfast for staff. He outlined the agenda for the day. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the calcium program, grading, snow removal, and salt/sand. C-201/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for April 2015 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 Proclamation - National Public Works Week The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. 1, / Page 12 of 14 Regular Council May 7, 2015 02/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the County of Newell hereby proclaims May 17-23, 2015 as National Public Works Week. MOTION CARRIED 11.5 2015 Non -Residential Dust Abatement The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He provided an update on the residential calcium program, indicating that applications are on par with last year with several first time applications. He provided an overview of the budget numbers and cost for the program. C-203/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the plans for the 2015 Non - Residential Dust Abatement Program (County Aggregate Haul Routes, Intersection Treatments, and Additional Locations) be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.6 Tender Award -County of Newell Water Project Contract 10 (Gem) The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-204/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the County of Newell Water Project (CNWP) Contract 10 (Division 9 - Gem) tender to K -Line Maintenance & Construction for the tendered price of $6,459,495.00 plus additional engineering, land, and environmental costs of $908,450.00. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Schroeder left the meeting at 3:36 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS There were no information items to discuss at this meeting. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding the Kinsmen Rodeo Pancake Breakfast hosted by the City and County on June 5, 2015. Councillor C. Page 13 of 14 13 -T Regular Council May 7, 2015 Amulung, Councillor A.M. Philipsen, Councillor W. Hammergren, Councillor T. Fyfe, and Councillor E. Unruh indicated that they would assist. 15. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:53 p.m. Signed this ZbS day of nLr , 2015 Page 14 of 14