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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-11-24 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL November 24, 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, November 24, 2022 commencing at 11:16 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 T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator) M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: S. Zacharias, CAO - Village of Rosemary L. Pye-Matheson, Grasslands Regional FCSS C. Amulung, Grasslands Regional FCSS K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation L. Vickerman, Cats Home Foundation R. Finseth, Cats Home Foundation (via Lifesize) CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 11:16 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council November 24, 2022 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Organizational Meeting (October 20, 2022) C-315122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the October 20, 2022 Organizational Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 3.2 Minutes - Council (October 20, 2022) The following changes were made to the October 20, 2022 Council Meeting minutes: Page 7 - Item 11.5.1 - should read "Councillor D. Short reminded Council to request permission from the Reeve for attendance at events that occur in between regular Council meetings. " C-316/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the October 20, 2022 Council. Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-317/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH 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 Funding Request - Rosemary Agricultural Society The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that the recommendation is based on a three-year average of usage by County residents. Discussion followed regarding whether usage statistics is the most accurate way to determine funding. It was noted that the Village of Rosemary does not have a large tax base and the Rosemary Agricultural Society provides assistance to neighbouring agricultural societies. S. Zacharias responded to questions regarding user fees, indicating that recreation rates are discussed between municipalities to ensure they are all comparable. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the funding source for this request and suggested recreation agreements with the agricultural societies to provide stable funding. S. Zacharias suggested that usage by Special Areas Page 2 of 11 Regular Council November 24, 2022 residents be considered as part of Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework agreement discussions. C-318/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Council approves a payment in the amount of $37,400 to the Rosemary Community Agricultural Society for 2022. Discussion followed. S. Zacharias responded to questions regarding the funding approved by the Village of Rosemary Council. Council requested further discussion at a later date on the issue of recreation funding for agricultural societies and determining equitable arrangements for all divisions. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that a review of the recreation inventory is a strategic priority. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of the Rosemary Agricultural Society approaching other municipalities directly for funding for their users. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-318/22 - MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Zacharias left the meeting at 11:46 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 11:47 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Grasslands Regional FCSS L. Pye-Matheson provided a brief history of Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) in Canada and indicated the key principles are local decision making and community development. There are 207 local FCSS programs in Alberta that receive funding through Provincial/Municipal agreements. L. Pye-Matheson outlined the eligible and non -eligible service and projects offered by FCSS, indicating that these preventative services are provided through direct service delivery, external grants, or a combination of the two. L. Pye-Matheson provided background on Grasslands Regional FCSS, which includes Brooks, the County of Newell, Duchess, and Rosemary, and outlined the annual funding sources. C. Amulung provided additional information regarding funding for Grasslands Regional FCSS. L. Pye-Matheson outlined the vision, mission, and strategic priorities for 2021-2023. A list of organizations and initiatives supported by Grasslands Regional FCSS through 2022-2023 was provided. L. Pye-Matheson provided statistics for 2021 and 2022 and thanked Council and staff for their ongoing support. Page 3 of 11 Regular Council November 24, 2022 Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. L. Pye-Matheson responded to questions regarding the LiveBrooksNewell.com website and reporting requirements for service providers. LEFT THE MEETING L. Pye-Matheson and C. Amulung left the meeting at 12:32 p.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 12:38 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:38 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:12 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Vickerman, R. Finseth, and M. Jackson arrived at 1:12 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS — continued 8.2 Bantry Bay/North Headgates Trap/Neuter/Release Program L. Vickerman provided background information on Trap/Neuter/Release programs for feral cat colonies, providing Cypress County as a successful example. She provided details regarding a preliminary assessment of the Bantry Bay/North Headgates area cat population, noting there are several colonies throughout the County. R. Finseth provided background information regarding Cats Home Foundation and the service provided. Cats are trapped, spayed or neutered, vaccinated and then either released back into the community or adopted into homes. The preliminary solution would require funding from the County in the amount of $100 per cat. Future steps could include a more permanent shelter and feeding station and education for community members that want to be involved. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. L. Vickerman responded to questions regarding the program in Cypress County and outlined the benefits of having an established community of cats. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions, suggesting that town hall meetings would be beneficial to determine whether there is community support for a program of this Page 4 of 11 Regular Council November 24, 2022 nature. L. Vickerman responded to further questions, indicating that a pilot program could be set up for $3,000. LEFT THE MEETING L. Vickerman and R. Finseth left the meeting at 1:35 p.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2020-21 Road Closure & LEASE (SW 13-20-14-W4) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson arrived at 1:37 p.m. C-319/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2020-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the most southerly 237 meters of government road allowance adjacent to SW 13-20-14-W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-320/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2020-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 1:38 p.m. 7.2 Bylaw 2040-22 Weed Bylaw The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-321/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2040-22, being a bylaw for the purpose of regulating and designating certain plants as 'Prohibited noxious" or "Noxious, be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.3 Bylaw 2041-22 Designated Officers The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional background information on this item. Page 5 of 11 Regular Council November 24, 2022 C-322/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2041-22, being a bylaw to establish certain Designated Officer positions, to assign powers, duties and functions to those positions, and to establish a framework for delegation of administrative functions, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-323122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2041-22 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-324122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that consent be given for Bylaw 2041-22 to receive third reading this 24th day of November, 2022. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-325/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2041-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 1:43 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 1:45 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.2 Joint Municipal Meeting (December 15, 2022) -Agenda Items The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item. Council provided the following topics for discussion: • Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework agreement updates • Upcoming projects in the region - Bassano Health Project, Crop Diversification Centre South, Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association, Kinbrook Connection Pathway • Thank you to municipal partners for their collaboration • Ideas for "aging in place" programs This item will be placed on the December 8, 2022 Council agenda for further discussion. Page 6 of 11 Regular Council November 24, 2022 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (November 2022) 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 Environmental Farm Plans. C-326/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for November 2022 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9.2 Policy Review The Director of Agricultural Services provided an update on Policy POL-004-11 (Shelterbelt Program) and outlined the changes made. C-327/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Policy POL-004-22 (Shelterbelt Program) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED The Director of Agricultural Services provided an overview of Policy POL-005-22 (Coyote Control Incentive Program) and responded to questions from Council regarding the contracted service providers (fur buyers) and proper carcass disposal. C-328122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Policy POL-005-22 (Coyote Control Incentive Program) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information and responded to questions from Council. Council requested further discussion on this item during the In Camera portion of this meeting. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 2:05 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.3 Cancel/Reschedule MPC/Council Meetings (January 2023) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding Council attendance at the Provincial Agricultural Services Board conference. Page 7 of 11 Regular Council November 24, 2022 C-329/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the January Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) and Council meetings be held on January 12 & 26, 2023. MOTION CARRIED 10.4 Councillor Payment Sheets (September 2022) Council requested that the Payroll & Finance Support Clerk check the Compensation totals listed on the summary for May and June 2022. Councillor D. Short asked that items missed be submitted on the following month's claim with a note indicating that it was omitted. C-330/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the September 2022 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 Requests for Functions of Council 10.5.1 Brooks Greenhouse Research Update & Tour (December 1, 2022) C-331/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Brooks Greenhouse Research Update & Tour at the Crop Diversification Centre South on December 1, 2022 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 2:15 p.m. 10.5.2 Alberta Health Services South Zone Healthcare Planning Sessions The Chief Administrative Officerprovided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-332/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Alberta Health Services South Zone Healthcare Planning session in Brooks, AB on December 1, 2022 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 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 the stop orders at North Headgates. Page 8 of 11 Regular Council November 24, 2022 C-333/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for October 2022 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:24 p.m. 12. COMMITTEE REPORTS 12.1 Joint Services Committee Councillor G. Skriver reported that the Rural Health Professionals Action Plan (RhPAP) Let's Go Rural! Post -Secondary Experience on November 9, 2022 was very well attended and there are plans to hold health services skills days for high school students twice next year. The Christmas Open House and Joint Municipal Meeting will be held on December 15, 2022. Councillor G. Skriver is now the chair of the Joint Services Committee. 12.2 Brooks Region Tourism Association Councillor A. Skanderup reported that the Canada Emergency Business Account loan has been paid off. Volunteers are required for the Alberta 55+ Summer Games. More information and an application form are available online: https:llwww.brooks. cal811155plus-Summer-Games. Travel Alberta is looking for agritourism development opportunities. Councillor A. Skanderup reported that branding will remain Brooks Region Tourism Association. Discussion followed. 12.3 Newell Further Education Council Councillor K. Christman provided information on the Newell Further Education Council, an organization for which she is a volunteer. The annual general meeting was held on November 23, 2022. There are currently 17 adult learners in the program, and they are seeking more learners and tutors. A first aid program will begin in December. 12.4 Palliser Economic Partnership CouncillorH. Johnson reported that the Palliser Economic Partnership had a booth at the Rural Municipalities of Alberta Fall 2022 Convention Trade Show. 12.5 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association Councillor N. Johnson indicated that he would forward an update on the Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association project. Page 9 of 11 Regular Council November 24, 2022 12.6 Reeve's Report Reeve A. Doerksen provided information regarding the Gem School's Innovations Project market every Monday from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Gem Community Library. The products for sale at the market are created by the grades 1 through 6 students from Gem School as they develop entrepreneurial skills and financial literacy. 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 Report (October 2022) This item was accepted as information. 14.3 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 14.4 Brooks RCMP Report (July -September 2022) This item was accepted as information. 14.5 Letter from Cypress County - Rural Veterinarian Shortage This item was accepted as information. 15. IN CAMERA C-334/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move in camera at 2:35 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Confidential Evaluations - FOIPP Act Section 19. LEFT THE MEETING MOTION CARRIED Councillor A. Skanderup left the meeting at 2:56 p.m. Page 10 of 11 Regular Council November 24, 2022 C-335/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that we move out of camera at 2:56 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-336/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that on behalf of the County of Newell Agricultural Service Board we nominate the Russel Douglass family for the 2023 BMO Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award; further, that Reeve A. Doerksen attend the Awards banquet on behalf of the County of Newell ASB. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:59 p.m. Signed this S 'day of 2022 Reeve County Ad istrator Page 11 of 11