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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-12-09 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL December 9, 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, December 9, 2021 commencing at 10:24 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: D. Short A. Skanderup L. Kopp H.Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman E. Unruh A. Philpott N. Johnson STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator) M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation N. Gray, Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta N. Nichols, Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta D. Andrews, Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta H. Minor, Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:24 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council December 9, 2021 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (November 18, 2021) C-344/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the November 18, 2021 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-345/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the agenda be adopted as presented. 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. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 .2022 Interim Budget The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, including an overview of tax incentives, operating expenses, and the annual surplus. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the funding sources for the regional pathway project, indicating that both phases of the project are included in the budget. He responded to further questions regarding the small business tax rate and the capital replacement program. C-346/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the 2022 Interim Budget be approved as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2021-21 Schedule of Fees The Director of Corporate Services provided an overview of the changes in the proposed Schedule of Fees Bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions, regarding changes to fees required as a result of the new Land Use Bylaw. Specifically, Agricultural buildings in the Agricultural land use district have been included as a separate category whereas these were previously included under Page 2 of 8 Regular Council December 9, 2021 residential permits. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding permitting requirements for above ground pools and hot tubs and costs associated with preparing hard copies of documents. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions regarding development permit fees. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that cost comparisons have been done for a variety of budget line items and the Schedule of Fees bylaw follows the philosophy that the costs for providing a service should, wherever possible, be covered by the users accessing that service. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that amendments to camping fees will be made in 2022 once improvements at Emerson Bridge Park have been completed. C-347/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2021-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson and M. Jackson left the meeting at 10:54 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING N. Gray, N. Nichols, D. Andrews, and H. Minor arrived at 10:55 a.m. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:01 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Brooks & District Community Fund D. Andrews provided introductions for the members of the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta. N. Gray gave an overview of the history of the Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta and their activities under three pillars - grow, give, and inspire. She explained the various ways that community funds can be established to build sustainable income for non-profit organizations. N. Nichols outlined the options available for residents to leave future gifts to the Community Foundation. She provided a summary of the funding allocated by the Brooks & District Community Fund since 2019. N. Nichols also gave examples of events and initiatives that have created connections within the community. She Page 3 of 8 Regular Council December 9, 2021 noted that the revenue generated by the Brooks & District Community Fund is used to benefit charities and organizations in the region. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. N. Gray responded to questions regarding potential funding from the Brooks & District Community Fund for the regional pathway project. She indicated that there are opportunities to partner with municipalities for federal grant programs, such as the Canada Healthy Communities Initiative. Alternately, a municipality could establish an agency endowment fund for a specific project. N. Gray responded to questions regarding the Brooks & District Community Fund. Initial donations are never spent to preserve capital and ensure that they can always provide assistance to charities. Donations can be made without setting up a fund and endowments are intended for long-term sustainability as they take time to grow. D. Andrews thanked Council for their time, indicating that N. Nichols or N. Gray are available for further questions. Information packages were made available to Council. LEFT THE MEETING N. Gray, N. Nichols, D. Andrews, and H. Minor left the meeting at 11:23 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:24 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:34 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, which include winterizing the structure on a recently purchased property, planning for the upgrades to Emerson Bridge Park, and preparing Environmental Farm Plans. He provided details on an upcoming nutrient management seminar presented in partnership with the County of Warner and Lethbridge County. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 9.2 Policy Review - 2021-PAG -036 Soil Conservation The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Agricultural Service Board Act and other enabling legislation, such as the Soil Conservation Act, give municipalities the power to work with landowners to preserve agricultural land. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions, indicating that the Eastern Irrigation District provided feedback on the draft policy via their representative on the Soil Erosion/Degradation Advisory Committee. C-348/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Policy 2021-PAG-036 (Soil Conservation) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 8 Regular Council December 9, 2021 The Director of Agricultural Services reported that a copy of the adopted policy will be circulated to the landowners who received the previous two letters regarding soil erosion concerns. 9.3 Request - Brooks Fish & Game Association The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the County could provide labour and resources for tree planting under the Shelterbelt policy. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services indicated that the site is on crown land and the County provides maintenance under a contract with the Alberta Conservation Association. He responded to questions regarding sourcing the trees. C-349/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Administration writes a letter to the president of the Brooks Fish & Game Association confirming the County of Newell's ability to provide labour and equipment to plant trees for the Habitat Enhancement Project at the Brooks Aqueduct Property (NE 15-18-14-W4). MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.2 Meeting with MLA M. Frey - Select New Date The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council suggested December 16, 2021 starting at 4:30 p.m. and provided the following topics for discussion: • Update from MLA Frey on the Bassano Project • Ambulance service delivery • Provincial funding for Helicopter Emergency Medical Services • Labour concerns and the need for provincial government involvement • Update from MLA Frey on rural broadband connectivity • Possibility of provincial partnerships for development • Proposed provincial police force and the need for more communication/consultation. 10.3 Meeting with City of Brooks & Eastern Irrigation District (December 14, 2021) - Agenda Items The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council provided the following topics for discussion: • Update on EID Internet Project • Lobbying for EID Water Project —What can be done? • Development at Lake Newell. Page 5 of 8 Regular Council December 9, 2021 10.4 Joint Municipal Meeting (December 16, 2021) -Agenda Items The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council provided the following topics for discussion: • the nomenclature around what was the AUMA • suggestion for Intermunicipal Development Plan committees to meet over the winter • County's position on economic development and placing more focus on attracting and developing businesses rather than tourism. Discussion followed regarding each municipality giving presentations featuring local industry highlights. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested volunteering to host a future meeting could provide the opportunity to change the format. Further discussion followed and Council suggested setting up another joint meeting mid -year to allow more time for preparation and keep the Christmas meeting less formal. 10.5 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Meeting (January 21, 2021) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. 10.6 Requests for Functions of Council 10.6.1 Eastern Irrigation District Historical Park Society Meeting (December 11, 2021) Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item, indicating that she was asked to chair the election process for a new Board of Directors for the EID Historical Park Society. C-360/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor K. Christman be permitted to attend the Eastern Irrigation District Historical Park Society meeting in Scandia, AB on December 11, 2021 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:14 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:04 p.m. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 11.2 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 Page 6 of 8 Regular Council December 9, 2021 priorities for snow removal and access options for the truck parking site in Rolling Hills. C-351/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for November 2021 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Tender Award - Replacement of Bridge File 76696 & Bridge File 76697 The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-352121 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that County Council award the contract for the replacement of bridge files 76696 and 76697 to Brooks Asphalt and Aggregate Ltd. as per their bid submission. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 Tender Award -Replacement of Bridge File 72744 The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-353/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that County Council award the contract for the replacement of bridge file 72744 to East Butte Contracting Ltd. as per their bid submission. MOTION CARRIED 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:20 p.m. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Municipal Engagement Sessions - Alberta Provincial Police Service Transition Study The Executive Assistant responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. 14. IN CAMERA C-354/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 1:21 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations — FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 8 Regular Council December 9, 2021 C-355/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that we move out of camera at 2:27 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:27 p.m. /11 Signed this42� day of 2021 2021 Reeve County Administrator Page 8 of 8