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Home My WebLink About2022-05-19 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL May 19, 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, May 19, 2022 commencing at 10:00 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 (via Lifesize) 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) G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development S. Simpson, Development Officer Z. Forest, Municipal Intern - Planning and Development M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services S. Luchies, Rural Fire and Emergency Services Coordinator A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: J. Lloyd, Newbit Technology Inc. J. Gerald, Tech Operations Ltd. W. Cloake, Tech Operations Ltd. L. Velez, Colliers Project Leaders C. Monson, Colliers Project Leaders M. Iwaasa, Economic Development Officer (City of Brooks) N. Dewsbury, Economic Development Summer Student (City of Brooks) L. Tiffin, Manager, Community Development (City of Brooks) :�. T. Steidel, Mayor (Village of Duchess) � D. Reid-Mickler, Councillor (Village of Duchess) 3 County Ratepayers in attendance for Public Hearings D. Johnson, Cleanfarms (via Lifesize) S. McKay, Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. Regular Council May 19, 2022 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (April 21, 2022) C-154/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the April 21, 2022 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-155/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER 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. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (May 2022) The Agricultural Fieldman's Report was presented to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-156/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for May 2022 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.2 Adoption of Strategic Priorities The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-157/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council adopts the strategic priorities and recommendations of the Strategic Priority Setting Session report from Dr. Gordon A. Mclntosh including the Request for Decision and Request for Clarification forms as amended by Administration. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 10.2 Community Spirit Events The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item, indicating that building community spirit was identified as a priority by Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson arrived at 10:06 a.m. Discussion followed and the suggestion was made to follow the format used in the past by the local radio station where residents could enter their block in a draw for a block party hosted by the radio station and other local businesses. Council indicated that more information is required from the communities regarding whether they want the County to host events or simply provide financial support. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that Administration could send a survey to the Community groups requesting feedback and report back to Council. He noted that County hosted events would reguire a significant amount of staff time. Discussion followed and it was suggested that divisional Councillors gather feedback from their communities rather than Administration. Further discussion followed regarding the level of financial commitment required and potential events for 2022. The Chief Administrative Officer recommended the option provided in the RFD that involves gathering information for further discussion during the Budget Planning Meeting for a 2023 program start. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies arrived at 10:15 a.m. Council and Administration will gather more information and this item will be brought back to a future Council meeting for further discussion. 8. BYLAWS 8.3 Bylaw 2033-22 - 22 LUA 004 (NE 28-17-12-W4 - A-GEN to I-GEN) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. J. Lloyd gave a presentation on the proposed project including estimated costs and potential positive impact to the local economy. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. J. Lloyd and J. Gerald responded to questions from Council regarding the purpose of the data centre, strategies for sound reduction, and emergency response. The facility will be staffed at all times. J. Gerald provided information on other projects by Tech Operations. C-158/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2033-22, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating a portion of the NE 28-17-12-W4 from Agriculture, General District to Industrial, General District as shown in schedule A, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 3 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 LEFT THE MEETING J. Lloyd, J. Gerald, and W. Cloaker left the meeting at 10:29 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Velez and C. Monson arrived at 10:29 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Patricia Fire Hall Capital Project The Rural Fire & Emergency Services coordinator provided background information on the Patricia Fire Hall expansion project, indicating that the tenders submitted are significantly higher than the amount approved in the budget. C. Monson gave a presentation that included progress made to date and an overview of the bids received from prequalified contractors. He outlined the next steps, which include investigating value engineering opportunities to reduce the cost of the project and bring it within budget. C. Monson provided examples of some suggested changes that would reduce the cost without compromising functional requirements. An anticipated schedule was provided for the next steps in the process. Council was given the opportunity to ask guestions. C. Monson responded to questions, indicating that the proposed changes would not compromise warranties or the useful life of the building. He responded to questions regarding energy efficiency and potential for expansion of pre-engineered structures. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to questions regarding the call volume for the Patricia Fire Hall and indicated that the blueprint could be adjusted for other fire departments. C. Monson and S. Luchies responded to further questions from Council. L. Velez responded to questions regarding the construction cost per square foot. C-159/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council awards the intent of the Patricia Fire Hall project to Armor Building Systems and authorizes Colliers to negotiate a change in scope for the project which brings the final approved budget to $1.632 million plus 10% contingency on the construction costs which will be brought back to Council for review before the contract is approved. Discussion followed regarding the budget amount for the construction portion versus the amount for the overall project budget. C. Monson responded to further questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that Council has the option to have Colliers renegotiate a tender price with Armor Building Systems and a plan indicating the items that are being scaled back. C. Monson proposed that Colliers would work with their design team and Armor building Systems and return to Council with a clear list of revisions, a draft contract, and a fixed dollar amount for approval. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-159/22 - MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies, L. Velez, and C. Monson left the meeting at 11:21 a,m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:22 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:26 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING N. Dewsbury, L. Tiffin, T. Steidel, D. Reid-Mickler, and 3 County Ratepayers arrived at 11:22 a.m. 9.2 Request for Proclamation - Alberta Rural Health Week N. Dewsbury provided background information on this item and responded to questions from CounciL C-160/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council hereby proclaims May 30 — June 3, 2022 as Alberta Rural Health Week in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED C-161/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move into Public Hearings at 11:29 a. m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2031-22 - 22 LUA 002 Text Amendments - A-Gen Agriculture, General District 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 Supervisor of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2031-22. The intent of this bylaw is to update Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 with additions of prohibited specific uses in the Agriculture, Genera/ Land Use District within the plan area of the Intermunicipal Development Plan with the Village of Duchess. 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. None of the affected agencies have indicated any objections. One letter has been received from a ratepayer expressing concerns with the proposed bylaw. There were no persons in attendance speaking in favor of the proposed bylaw. Page 5 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 D. Reid-Mickler spoke on behalf of the Village of Duchess in opposition to the proposed bylaw, indicating that the proposed amendments are not sufficient to address the needs of this urban development area. D. Reid-Mickler responded to questions from Council. The Supervisor of Planning & Development read the letter received from the ratepayer, which expressed concerns that the proposed bylaw will restrict their ability to develop a youth recreation location on their property and increase the cost and time it takes to obtain permits. K. Neufeld, County ratepayer, indicated that he was unaware of what controls the Village of Duchess has in place to protect rural landowners in the fringe district from urban growth and expressed concerns regarding potential changes in the future. He noted the fringe district seems to cross a lot of natural boundaries and asked if other communities have similar areas. K. Ramer, County ratepayer, expressed appreciation for the County's efforts to make the development process /ess cumbersome, but indicated that the list of uses was restrictive and all of them already exist within the Village of Duchess. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 7.2 Bylaw 2032-22 Road Closure & LEASE (NW 34-14-14-W4) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:48 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen 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 2032-22. The intent of this bylaw is to c/ose and LEASE the road allowance along the westerly boundary of NW 34-14-14-W4. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all adjacent landowners as well as to a list of affected agencies. No responses were received from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the required referrals and none 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. C-162/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:50 a. m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Steidel, D. Reid-Mickler, and 3 County Ratepayers left the meeting at 11:50 a.m. Page 6 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.3 Economic Development Update M. Iwaasa provided an overview of the Brooks Region Economic Deve%pment Strategic Plan for 2022-2024 which has four focus areas: business retention and expansion, workforce development, marketing, and tourism. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. M. /waasa responded to questions regarding the blade sign initiative, indicating that the property owner is responsible for maintenance of these signs. M. /waasa presented the brand strategy that has been developed and three branding options to be considered by the Joint Services Committee. M. Iwaasa provided information regarding costs associated with changing to Option C(Brooks Newell Region). He responded to questions regarding the Newell Proud program and indicated that Option 8(Brooks Region Newell Proud) was a way to connect Newell Proud to Brooks Region Economic Development. Discussion followed and Council indicated a preference for Option C. The County's representatives will provide feedback to the Joint Services Committee. M. Iwaasa provided an overview of current projects, including the blade sign program, the Kinbrook Connection Pathway, and the business beautification program. He a/so reported that the City of Brooks has been accepted to the Rural Renewal and Rural Entrepreneur streams of the Alberta Advantage Program, which will be beneficial to local businesses. LEFT THE MEETING M. Iwaasa, N. Dewsbury, and L. Tiffin left the meeting at 12:22 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:22 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:01 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Johnson and S. McKay arrived at 1:01 p.m. 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.4 Cleanfarms Agricultural Plastics Pick Up D. Johnson provided the history of Cleanfarms and the programs available for the recycling and safe disposal of agricultural plastics, packaging, and products. He provided an overview of each of the six collection programs currently running in Alberta for pesticide containers; unwanted pesticide and livestock medication; and agricultural plastics, grain bags, and twine. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Johnson responded to questions regarding bundling of agricultural plastics for collection, and the collection of pesticide containers, and the return to retailers' program. Page 7 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson and S. Simpson arrived at 1:25 p.m. D. Johnson responded to further questions regarding site incentives for grain bag and twine collection sites. LEFT THE MEETING D. Johnson left the meeting at 1:27 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 1:29 p.m. 9.5 Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority S. McKay provided background information on himself and his role at the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority. He provided Council with information on the transfer stations that are strategically placed throughout the County for residents to facilitate the transfer of waste to the landfill and the Newell Recycling facility. He a/so provided lists of materials that are accepted and not accepted at the transfer stations, noting that items not accepted at the transfer stations may be accepted at the landfill itself. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson arrived at 1:31 p.m. S. McKay provided additional information, indicating that transfer stations are intended for the transfer of household waste and do not have the capacity for a home renovation project or commercial haulers. He indicated that the NRSWMA board has been reviewing commercial hauling and will be working with the transfer stations to come up with a solution. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. ARRIVED AT MEETING Z. Forest arrived at 1:36 p.m. S. McKay responded to further questions from Council regarding materials accepted at transfer stations. He provided Council with NRSWMA financial statements to the end of March 2022 and collection statistics for 2021 and gave an update on planned upgrades to the landfill. S. McKay responded to questions regarding communication and waste collected from other municipalities at a non- regional rate. Page 8 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 LEFT THE MEETING S. McKay left the meeting at 1:46 p.m. 8. BYLAWS — continued 8.4 Bylaw 2034-22 - 22 LUA 005 Text Amendment - B-HAM Business, Hamlet District The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-163/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2034-22, being a bylaw to amend Section 5, B-HAM Business, Hamlet District of Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 as indicated in Schedule A to include self storage as a discretionary use, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.5 Bylaw 2035-22 - 22 LUA 003 (Plan 0514207, Block 5, Lot 26 at Lake Newell Resort - S-PPS to B-HAM) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-164/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2035-22, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating Plan 0514207, Block 5, Lot 26 from S-PPS Special, Parks and Public Service District to B-HAM Business, Hamlet District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.5.2 Request to Refund Land Use Amendment Application Fee (22 LUA 003) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-165/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Council does not refund the application fee for Land Use Amendment Bylaw 2035-22 (22 LUA 003). MOTION CARRIED 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.1 Request for Proposals - Safety Codes Services The Development Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided additional information regarding permit fees and responded to further questions. Page 9 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 C-166/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Administration proceeds with the preparation of a three-year contract with Park Enterprises for the provision of Alberta Safety Codes inspection services to the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Simpson left the meeting at 2:04 p.m. 11.3 Initiating Council Committee of the Whole Discussions The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the intent of initiating Committee of the Whole discussions would be to facilitate the Council decision-making process. Items discussed would be limited to requests for information and consideration of items requiring extensive discussion prior to a decision by Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that Committee of the Whole meetings would be scheduled and advertised to the public. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information. Discussion followed regarding the format and frequency of Committee of the Whole meetings. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested the first meetings focus on a review of the paving plan and the recreation services review. A quarterly update on strategic priorities will a/so be provided. C-167/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council establishes a Committee of the Whole comprised of all Council Members which shall meet beginning at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, June 20, 2022. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 Funding Request - Allocation of Residual Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding (Division 2) - Tilley CATS The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-168/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council APPROVES the allocation of funding in the amount of $1,460 that remains in the Division 2 Regional Enhancement Reserve fund to the Tilley CATS organization for uses outlined in the request submitted. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 2:28 p.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 2:28 p.m. and RECONVENED at 2:38 p.m. Page 10 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 2:38 p.m. 11.5 Budget Planning Meeting — Reschedule The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-169/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the annual Budget Planning meeting be rescheduled to July 5, 2022. MOTION CARRIED 11.6 Newell Pro Rodeo Pancake Breakfast (June 10, 2022) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-170/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we accept the invitation from the City of Brooks to participate in the Newell Pro Rodeo Pancake Breakfast being held on June 10, 2022 at 7:00 a.m.; further, that the County of Newell agrees to cover 50% of the costs. MOTION CARRIED 11.7 Request for Proclamation - Seniors' Week (June 6-12, 2022) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-171/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the County of Newell hereby proclaims June 6-12, 2022 as Seniors' Week in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 11.8 Requests for Functions of Council 11.8.1 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) Member Townhall (May 25, 2022) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-172/22 MOVED BY REEVE ARNO DOERKSEN that any Councillor be permitted to attend the RMA Local Government Fiscal Framework townhall meeting on May 25, 2022 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11.8.2 Library Board Basics Workshops Councillor L. Kopp provided background information on this item and requested permission to attend two of the online sessions offered. Page 11 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 C-173/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor L. Kopp be permitted to attend two of the Library Board Basics workshops offered online by the Public Library Services Branch as a function of CounciL MOTION CARRIED 11.8.3 Business-to-Business Networking Breakfast Discussion followed. C-174/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend two Business-to-Business Networking Breakfasts per year as a function of Council. MO�ION CARRIED 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 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. C-175/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the Director of Municipal Services Report for April 2022 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 13. COMMITTEE REPORTS 13.1 CPAA Conference Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. 13.2 Joint Services Committee Councillor G. Skriver submitted a written report and provided an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 14. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to diseuss at this meeting. 15. INFORMATION ITEMS 15.1 Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) - Application LA22011 (NW 11-15-14-W4) This item was accepted as information. Page 12 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 15.2 2022 Q1 Financial Information Package This item was accepted as information. 15.3 Payment Registers This item was accepted as information. 15.4 Mini Bus Monthly Report (April 2022) This item was accepted as information. 16. IN CAMERA C-176/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 3:15 p.m. to discuss the foliowing matters: • Land — FOIPP Act Section 25; • Intergovernmental Relations — FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-177/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that we move out of camera at 3:40 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS — continued 8.1 Bylaw 2031-22 - 22 LUA 002 Text Amendments - A-Gen Agriculture, General District C-178/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2031-22, being a bylaw to amend Section 5 A-GEN Agriculture, General District of Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 as indicated in Schedule A to prohibit specific uses within the plan area of the Intermunicipal Development Plan with the Village of Duchess, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-179/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2031-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Bylaw 2032-22 Road Closure & LEASE (NW 34-14-14-W4) C-180/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2032-22, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the most westerly 804.67 meters of government road allowance adjacent to NW 34-14-14-W4 as shown on a township plan dated July 8, 1885 containing 64.248 hectares (158.86 acres) more or less excepting thereout the road widening on Plan 7510890 containing 1.00 acre more or less, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 13 of 14 Regular Council May 19, 2022 16. IN CAMERA — continued C-181/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council approves removal of the residential and accessory structures on the property described as Block PCL C Plan 3271JK in NW 22-18-14-W4. MOTION CARRIED C-182/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that the County of Newell withdraw from mediation with the Village of Duchess and move forward with any Intermunicipal Development Plan updating and concerns using our regular procedures. MOTION CARRIED 17. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:48 p.m. .�-- Signed this C ay of � v"�-� , 2022 .�� ,��/�'�v�.,_... � , Reeve �___ �.,.�e.�� County Administrator Page 14 of 14