Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-20 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL January 20, 2022 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public via Lifesize on Thursday, January 20, 2022 commencing at 10:13 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 G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development J. Porfoun, Municipal Services Administrative Assistant S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: S. Sgt. G. Yetman, RCMP - Brooks Cpl. J. Argue, RCMP - Bassano 8 County Ratepayers physically in attendance 3 County Ratepayers in attendance via Lifesize 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:13 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council January 20, 2022 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (January 6, 2022) C-22/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that the adoption of the January 6, 2022 Council Meeting minutes be TABLED until later during this meeting while Motion C-05/22 is confirmed. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-23/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP 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. 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (January 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 the coyote survey. C-24122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for January 2022 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson, G. Tiffin, M. Harbicht, and J. Porfoun arrived at 10:19 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.3 Planning & Development Report (2021 in Review) The Supervisor of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-25/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Planning & Development Report for 2021 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 11 Regular Council January 20, 2022 10.4 Subdivision Extension Request 2019-0-065 (NE 20-19-13-W4) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council expressed concerns with granting an additional extension without knowing the reasons why an extension is required. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council regarding the history of the subdivision and the practice of granting subdivision extensions. Discussion followed. The Supervisor of Planning & Development indicated that she would contact the applicant and obtain more information regarding the reasons an extension is required. This item will be brought back to a future Council meeting. C-26/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the request for a time extension to subdivision application 2019-0-065 be TABLED for more information. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 County of Newell Water Project - Phase II The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item, indicating that previous Council had made a motion to proceed with Phase 2 of the County of Newell Water Project after a feasibility study was completed. He provided a summary of the feasibility study for phase 2 and responded to questions regarding the expansion capacity of the system and the number of locations that are currently not serviced. He also provided information regarding an incentive provided by the Eastern Irrigation District and other grant funding opportunities for landowners. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering indicated that Phase 2 has opportunities for construction contracts in smaller areas and noted that obtaining easements takes significant time. He responded to further questions regarding the possibility of running pipelines to all residences to provide the option to connect in the future. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Sgt. G. Yetman and Cpl. J. Argue arrived at 10:56 a.m. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering reported that interest in Phase 2 has been high. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that Municipal Sustainability Initiative grant funding has been approved to allocate towards Phase 2 of the County of Newell Water Project. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to further questions from Council. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson, G. Tiffin, M. Harbicht, and J. Porfoun left the meeting at 11:01 a.m. Page 3 of 11 Regular Council January 20, 2022 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports 8.1.1 Brooks RCMP (S. Sgt. G. Yetman) S. Sgt. G. Yetman presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. Emerging issues include increased theft of motor vehicles, well-being checks, and mental health issues. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 8.1.2 Bassano RCMP (Cpl. J. Argue) Cpl. J. Argue presented the Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. He highlighted community engagement efforts, which include school visits, live communications, the reading program, and presentations on rural crime prevention. Regular hotspot and night patrols increase visibility to the public. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 8.1.3 Safe Communities Committee (K. Sieben) The Safe Communities Committee Report was available for Council. 8.1.4 Municipal Enforcement (J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor) The County of Newell Enforcement Report was available for Council. LEFT THE MEETING S. Sgt. Yetman and Cpl. J. Argue left the meeting at 11:18 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:18 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:27 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson, M. Jackson, S. Simpson, G. Tiffin, and 11 County Ratepayers arrived at 11:29 a.m. (8 physically in attendance and 3 connected to the meeting via Lifesize) C-27/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move into Public Hearings at 11:29 a.m. MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 11 Regular Council January 20, 2022 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Disposal of Municipal Reserve (Lot 25MR Block 5 Plan 0514207 at Lake Newell Resort) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:29 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The Director of Corporate Services stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to discuss the removal of Municipal Reserve designation from a portion of the parcel described as Lot 25MR Block 5 Plan 0514207 at Lake Newell Resort. He indicated that the Area Structure Plan (ASP) for Lake Newell Resort designates the adjacent Lot 26 as the site of a future storage facility. Several submissions have been received from adjacent landowners in opposition and many of these mention a lack of maintenance of the Municipal Reserve lot. The ASP places responsibility for maintenance of that lot on the homeowners' association. The Director of Corporate Services discussed Municipal Reserve requirements during the subdivision process and indicated that reserve can be provided as land or cash in lieu. If land is provided and subsequently sold, funds from the sale are allocated to the dedicated cash in lieu of land reserve fund. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the dimensions of the portion of the lot to be sold. The recreation reserve fund could be used to develop the remainder of the MR lot into a park; however, the area west of the ditch that runs down the middle of the MR lot must be kept clear to allow access for County maintenance equipment. He noted that conditions for screening can be applied during the Development Permit application process. The applicants, T. Milot and E. Hugill, provided information on the proposed development on Lot 26, which would include an enclosed storage facility and a yard for parking RVs. Adding the portion of MR Lot 25 to Lot 26 makes the project feasible. E. Hugill acknowledged the existing storage facility at Lake Newell Resort. The applicants responded to questions from Council. T. Milot provided information regarding the proposed structure and yard and confirmed that their proposed facility would be quite different and developed to a much different standard. There were no persons in attendance speaking in favor of the proposed Disposal of Municipal Reserve. C. Archer spoke in opposition, indicating that increasing the size of the storage lot will lower property values and could discourage people from wanting to build there. T. Grobbelaar spoke in opposition, expressing concerns that increasing the size of the industrial lot will lower property values at Sandpiper Estates. She reported that a rough proposal for developing the MR Lot 25 was submitted to the County. She asked whether trees could be planted on the west side of the ditch if the portion of the MR Lot was sold. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that it would be difficult to plant a shelterbelt between the west property line and the ditch and maintain access for County maintenance equipment. T. Grobbelaar expressed Page 5 of 11 Regular Council January 20, 2022 concerns that the public had not been provided an equal opportunity to purchase the portion of MR Lot 25. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that, in accordance with the current policy, the County is permitted to receive expressions of interest and negotiate private land sales provided that the land is sold for at least market value. K. Rasmussen, a licensed realtor and Lake Newell Resort resident, responded to questions regarding the potential for a development of this type to lower property values. K. Rasmussen spoke in opposition, expressing concerns that reducing the MR buffer between the industrial lot and residential lots could lower property values and discourage future development. He responded to questions from Council, indicating that he is not opposed to the proposed development of a storage facility. His concern is with the proposal that would potentially expand the area closer to his home in Sandpiper Estates. K. and S. McClelland spoke in opposition, expressing concerns that reducing the size of the MR Lot would decrease property values and could discourage development. Other concerns include increased traffic, noise, garbage, and maintenance. K. McClelland questioned the need for a large storage facility and provided details regarding the proposal submitted for developing MR Lot 25. K. and S. McClelland responded to questions from Council regarding their concerns and the Sandpiper Estates homeowners' association. B. Endersby spoke in opposition and indicated that adjacent landowners he has spoken to are in favor of planting trees on the west side. He suggested installing a culvert instead of a ditch to make the MR Lot 25 more usable. B. Endersby responded to questions from Council. The applicants were given the opportunity to make closing remarks. E. Hug/fl acknowledged the concerns raised and provided additional information regarding the adjacent lots. T. Milot indicated that Lot 26 is designated a storage lot and indicated that the development is intended to work well for the community. C-28/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move out of Public Hearings at 12:44 p.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson, M. Jackson, S. Simpson, G. Tiffin, and 11 County Ratepayers left the meeting at 12:45 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:45 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:16 p.m. Page 6 of 11 Regular Council January 20, 2022 15. IN CAMERA C-29/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move in camera at 1:16 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations - FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-30/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that we move out of camera at 2:48 p.m. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht, G. Tiffin, and J. Porfoun arrived at 2:50 p.m. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 11.1 County of Newell Water Project - Phase II — continued The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided further information on Phase 1 of the County of Newell Water Project and requested direction for Phase 2 regarding: • who to service and at what cost, • how many units of water to offer; • whether to refund those who connected to the system after Phase 1 was complete; • the registration period, and • the requirement for registrants to allow access to their property for installation. He outlined a proposed timeline for the project and explained the process of prequalifying contractors. The goal is to have construction complete by winter 2023, Discussion followed regarding registration fees and the overall cost of the project. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding financing, indicating that Phase 1 will be paid off in 2023. He suggested that Council determine a level of bridge funding from reserves that they would be comfortable with and make the final decision after the registration period is complete. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding servicing Hutterite colonies, indicating that the feasibility study did account for parcels with multiple dwellings. He provided statistics on the number of service locations and indicated that contracts can be manipulated to be efficient as the construction areas are determined. He responded to questions regarding the cost of Phase 1, indicating that Phase 2 will utilize a lot of the infrastructure installed in Phase 1. Discussion followed regarding generating buy in and it was suggested that landowners may be more motivated now that Phase 1 has proven to be beneficial. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson arrived at 3:35 p.m. Page 7 of 11 Regular Council January 20, 2022 The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the County's return on investment and the expected useful life of the pipelines. C-31122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the registration fee for the County of Newell Water Project - Phase 2 be increased from $1,500 to $3,000 for a new service. MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed regarding eligibility for registration under Phase 2 of the County of Newell Water Project. C-32/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that landowners may register for a water service to be provided at: any assessed, habitable dwelling that currently is not serviced by the rural water distribution system; any assessed, operational commercial business that is currently not serviced by the rural water distribution system; or any location that, at the time of registration, has an approved development permit for a dwelling, or commercial business operation at a rate of $3,000 for the delivery of 300 gallons per day (1 water unit). MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed regarding when a registration will be deemed complete, when a registration will be refused, and the registration campaign timeline. C-33/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that the registration campaign for the County of Newell Water Project - Phase 2 shall begin on February 14, 2022 and end at the end of the business day on April 14, 2022; further, that a landowner's registration will only be deemed complete once the County has received payment in full; further, that a landowner shall be refused registration if they unreasonably withhold right- of-way access across their lands to service other registrants. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Reeve A. Doerksen declared a pecuniary interest and left the meeting at 3:59 p.m. Deputy Reeve K. Christman assumed the Chair. Discussion followed regarding whether to offer a refund to those landowners who connected to the water system after Phase 1 was complete. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions from Council. Page 8 of 11 Regular Council January 20, 2022 C-34/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the original landowners of the 24 properties who registered to connect after the County of Newell Water Project - Phase 1 was complete be given the opportunity to apply for a refund in the amount of $2,000. MOTION DEFEATED C-35/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that reimbursement not be offered to those who registered to connect to the County of Newell Water Project between the end of Phase 1 and the beginning of Phase 2. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Reeve A. Doerksen returned at 4:08 p.m. and assumed the Chair. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht, G. Tiffin, and J. Porfoun left the meeting at 4:09 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies arrived at 4:09 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.2 Patricia Grass Fire - Billing to Recoup Costs The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council regarding the results of the investigation. Discussion followed. C-36/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council authorizes the billing of $328,637.39 to the party responsible for the Patricia Grass Fire. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 4:18 p.m. 10.1 Disposal of Municipal Reserve (Lot 25MR Block 5 Plan 0514207 at Lake Newell Resort) Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C-37/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council REFUSE the removal of the Municipal Reserve designation and subsequent sale of a portion of land legally described as Lot 25MR Block 5 Plan 0514207 at Lake Newell Resort. Page 9 of 11 Regular Council January 20, 2022 Councillor G. Skriverprovided further information. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the unsolicited bid to purchase the land received by the applicant. VOTE ON MOTION C-37/22 - MOTION CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES — continued 3.1 Minutes - Council (January 6, 2022) — continued Reeve A. Doerksen lifted this item from the table. C-38/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that the January 6, 2022 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.6 Requests for Functions of Council 10.6.1 Grand Opening - Heather's Wooden Flower Shop C-39/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor G. Skriver be permitted to attend the grand opening of Heather's Wooden Flower Shop in Brooks, AB on February 1, 2022 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.6.2 National Police Federation Public Consultations C-40/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that any Councillor be permitted to attend a virtual session of the KeepAlbertaRCMP Community Engagement Tour as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 12. COMMITTEE REPORTS 12.1 Brooks Recreation & Parks Board Councillor G. Skriver reported on a project to upgrade a playground in Meadowbrook. He indicated that he and Councillor N. Johnson would be taking an active role on that board. 12.2 Joint Services Committee Councillor K. Christman reported that a strategic planning session has been scheduled for February 28, 2022. Page 10 of 11 Regular Council January 20, 2022 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Payment Registers This item was accepted as information. 14.2 Mini Bus Monthly Reports This item was accepted as information. 14.3 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.5 Rural Municipalities of Alberta Spring 2022 Convention (March 14-16, 2022) - Meetings with Ministers The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the Minister of Municipal Affairs has asked for meeting requests to be submitted by January 24, 2022. This item will be brought back to the next meeting for further discussion. 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:41 p.m. Signed this /O day of Y-0 2022 Reeve County A Iministra or Page 11 of 11