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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-12-22 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL December 22, 2022 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Neweli was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public via Lifesize on Thursday, December 22, 2022 commencing at 10:03 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) S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief A. Ferguson, Fire and Safety Administrative Assistant L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Jacobsen, Scandia Community Hall Board E. Chandler, Scandia Community Hall Board 8 Residents from the Hamlet of Scandia K. Swanson, Brooks Fire Department B. Yokoyama, Brooks Fire Department 15 Recipients of Firefighters' Long Service Awards and Family Members CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council December 22, 2022 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (December 8, 2022) C-354/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the December 8, 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-355/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the agenda be adopted as amended. 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. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2042-22 Schedule of Fees The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on the amendment that would allow existing rural water distribution system users to purchase an additional water unit for their property. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council expressed concerns with the cost associated with purchasing additional water units. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering explained how Newell Regional Services Corporation monitors for increased water usage to locate potential line breaks or water theft. The Director of Corporate Services provided additional information regarding the bylaw that gives the County the authority to disconnect service if abuse of the system occurs. C-356/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2042-22, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given SECOND reading as amended. Discussion continued. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding different scenarios, indicating that the fee would only apply to existing users who want to increase the amount of water per day to the same cistern. Further discussion followed. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-356/22 — MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 10 Regular Council December 22, 2022 C-357/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2042-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 10:25 a.m. 7.2 Bylaw 2043-22 Meeting Procedures The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-358/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2043-22, being a bylaw for the purpose of regulating meeting proceedings, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-359/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2043-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Policy Review 10.1.1 POL-009-22 Political Council Delegations The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-360/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Policy POL-009-22 (Political Council Delegations) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.1.2 POL-007-22 No Hats or Caps in Council Chambers The Director of Corporate Services provided an overview of amendments made to this policy and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-361/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Policy POL-007-22 (No Hats or Caps in Council Chambers) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.1.3 POL-008-22 Electronic Recording of County Meetings The Director of Corporate Services provided an overview of amendments made to this policy and responded to questions from Council. C-362/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Policy POL-008-22 (Electronic Recording of County Meetings) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 3 of 10 Regular Council December 22, 2022 LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 10:33 a.m. 10.2 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Meeting (January 13, 2022) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Resolutions for the January 13, 2022 meeting of the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association must be submitted by December 23, 2022. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 10:35 a.m. 10.3 Draft Resolution — Expiration Date in Conservation Easement Agreements The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the goa/ of the resolution would be an amendment to the Alberta Land Stewardship Act to include an expiration date in conservation easements. He indicated that he was unaware of whether other provinces have expiration dates for conservation easements. Further discussion occurred. C-363/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council approves the resolution "Revise the Alberta Land Stewardship Act to Include an Expiration Date in Conservation Easement Agreements" and directs Administration to seek endorsement of the resolution at the January 13, 2023 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association meeting. MOTION CARRIED 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 2023 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference Resolutions The Director of Agricultural Services presented the resolutions being brought forward at the 2023 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference. Council decided to vote on the resolutions in the following manner.� Resolution 1-23 Creation of a mid-level Alberta Medical Association (ABVMA) Professional Designation — Yes Resolution 2-23 Rural Veterinary Students — Yes, but include a definition of 'rural' Resolution 3-23 Applied Research Associations Funding — Yes Resolution 4-23 Grizzly Bear Population Impact on Agricultural Production — Yes Resolution 5-23 Landowner Special License — Yes Resolution 6-23 Enforcement of Water Management of Alberta Water Act — Yes Resolution 7-23 Campaign to Raise Awareness on the Disparity Between Consumer Pricing and Producer Revenue — Yes Page 4 of 10 Regular Council December 22, 2022 Resolution 8-23 Consideration of Municipal Environmental and Agricultural Policies for Large Sca/e Solar and Related Energy Developments on Agricultural Lands — Yes Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson, K. Jacobsen, E. Chandler, and 8 residents from the Hamlet of Scandia arrived 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Funding Request - Scandia Community Hall Board E. Chandler provided background information on the funding request from the Scandia Community Hall Board, indicating that the east half of the hall has deteriorated significantly over the past year. She gave a summary of the quotes received and proposed funding sources, indicating that an application for funding under the Community Facility Enhancement Program will be submitted in January 2023. K. Jacobsen presented a series of photographs showing the damage to the east portion of the hall. E. Chandler reported that the board holds two successful annual fundraisers. She indicated that the building has not been inspected to assess the damage as the board is waiting to determine what funding is available. A public meeting was held last week, and the community is in support of the proposed renovations. K. Jacobsen expressed concerns with construction costs increasing further if the funds are raised slowly. E. Chandler closed by saying Scandia is proud of their community and thanked Council for considering this funding request. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. E. Chandler responded to questions regarding the plan to replace the quonset portion of the structure, facility usage statistics, and the amount of revenue generated through rentals. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the /ease agreement in place. The County owns the land and /eases it to the Scandia Community Hall Board. He indicated that the new template used for these agreements clearly it�dicates the responsibility for any structures placed on the land and requirements for liability insurance. Councillor H. Johnson responded to questions regarding community halls in the neighbouring communities of Rainier and Bow City. Discussion followed. K. Jacobsen and E. Chandler responded to further questions. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. LEFT THE MEETING K. Jacobsen, E. Chandler, and 8 residents from the Hamlet of Scandia left the meeting at 11:36 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:36 a.m, and RECONVENED at 11:41 a.m. Page 5 of 10 Regular Council December 22, 2022 ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies, A. Ferguson, K. Swanson, B. Yokoyama, and 15 recipients of Firefighters' Long Service Awards and their family members arrived at 11:41 a.m. 8.2 Presentation of Firefighters' Long Service Awards The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided background information on this item, indicating that the County's Fire Departments are strictly volunteer fire departments, and the Province of Alberta and Government of Canada recognizes the commitment of these individuals through long service awards. Awards were presented to the following: Derek Brown-John — Patricia Fire Department — 12 years Landon Hopp — Rosemary Fire Department - 12 years Derek Scheibner — Gem Fire Department - 12 years Dwayne Klassen — Gem Fire Department - 12 years Daniel Doerksen — Gem Fire Department - 12 years Matthew Janzen — Rosemary Fire Department - 20 years Kevin Pontarolo — Tilley Fire Department - 20 years Patrick Fabian — Tilley Fire Department - 20 years Bill Dickinson — Rolling Hills Fire Department - 30 years Tracy Tanigami — Rosemary Fire Department -32 years Darcy Neufeld — Rosemary Fire Department - 40 years The Newell Regional Fire Chief and Council thanked the long service award recipients for their many years of selfless dedication and commitment. LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies, A. Ferguson, K. Swanson, B. Yokoyama, and 15 recipients of Firefighters' Long Service Awards and their family members left the meeting at 11:54 a.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:54 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:35 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.1 Councillor Payment Sheets (November 2022) Councillor D. Short asked Council to make memos more consistent. C-364/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLL Payment Sheets be accepted with Compensation Review Committee. Y JOHNSON that the November 2022 Councillor the amendments recommended by the Councillor MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 12:37 p.m. Page 6 of 10 Regular Council December 22, 2022 9. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS - continued 9.1 2023 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference Resolutions - continued Discussion continued. Council decided to vote on the resolutions in the following manner.• Resolution 9-23 Synthetic Fertilizer Emissions - Yes Resolution 10-23 Organic Production Certification Standards and Provincially Regulated Weeds - More information required. Resolution 11-23 Loss of 2% Liquid Strychnine - Yes Resolution 12-23 Review of the Land and Property Rights Tribunal (LPRT) - Yes ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin arrived at 12:47 p.m. Discussion followed regarding the designated voters. C-365/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Councillor H. Johnson and Councillor A. Philpott be the designated voters during the resolution session at the 2023 ASB Conference. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 12:51 p.m. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Tender Award - Bridge File 71627 Replacement The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-366/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council awards the Bridge File 71627 replacement contract to East Butte Contracting Ltd. with project costs of $287,495.93 funded from the Infrastructure Fund. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 12:54 p.m. Page 7 of 10 Regular Council December 22, 2022 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.1 Requests for Functions of Council 10.1.1 Meeting with Alberta Health Services South Zone (January 26, 2023) Discussion followed regarding a follow up meeting with Alberta Health Services South Zone scheduled for January 26, 2023. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the invitation could be extended to the Bassano Health Project Steering Committee members. C-367/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Zoom meeting with Alberta Health Services South Zone on January 26, 2023 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 8. DELEGATIONS — continued 8.1 Funding Request - Scandia Community Hall Board — continued Discussion continued. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional background information and explained the proposed options. Councillor H. Johnson responded to questions regarding fundraising efforts in Scandia. Discussion followed. Council suggested that the definition of 'urgent' be clarified in the policy. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council regarding funding for recreation facilities. C-368/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council APPROVES funding in the amount of up to $342,000 or 50% of estimated project costs under "Category Two - Facility Life Extensions, Major Project, long-term, pre-planned" of the Recreation Facility Improvement Funding Policy, contingent on all necessary permits and approvals being in place prior to construction. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions, indicating that Administration would work with the Scandia Community Ha118oard and provide scenarios to cover the remainder of the funding required. Councillor H. Johnson provided information regarding the Community Facility Enhancement Grant application. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-368/22 - MOTION CARRIED 12. COMMITTEE REPORTS 12.1 Newell Housing Foundation Councillor A. Skanderup and Councillor A. Philpott submitted a written report. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council December 22, 2022 12.2 Safe Communities Committee Councillor A. Philpott submitted a written report. 12.3 Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor D. Short submitted a written report. 12.4 Brooks Newell Area Innovation Network Councillor D. Short submitted a written report. 12.5 Crop Diversification Centre South Tour Councillor D. Short, Councillor L. Kopp, and Councillor A. Philpott submitted a written report. 12.6 Joint Services Committee (Brooks) Councillor G. Skriver reporfed that the Joint Services Committee received a presentation from the Eastern lrrigation District and Alberta Jobs, Economy & Innovation. Joint Services Committee a/so discussed the New Home Warranty program and Palliser Economic Partnership. Discussion followed. 12.7 2023 Alberta 55+ Provincial Summer Games Committee Councillor G. Skriver provided an update on planning efforts. An Events Coordinator will be hired and there are many volunteer opportunities. 12.8 Bassano Health Foundation Councillor K. Christman reported that one of the three new doctors started work on November 29, 2022. Housing is limited in Bassano and the area and there are opportunities available for developers. 12.9 Crop Diversification Centre South The Chief Administrative Officer reported that the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation has requested a meeting in January to discuss a proposal submitted for the Crop Diversification Centre South. 12.10 Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Councillor N. Johnson reported on upcoming changes to commercial waste tipping fees. This item will be discussed further during the in camera portion of this meeting. Page 9 of ,10 Regular Council December 22, 2022 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS 13.1 Agricultural Education Councillor H. Johnson expressed concerns with information presented to students in schoo/s regarding the agriculture industry. Discussion followed regarding involving JBS Canada in presentations to schools to increase knowledge and generate support for the agricultural industry. Councillor L. Kopp indicated that Council has the opportunity to tour the JBS facility. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (November 2022) This item was accepted as information. 14.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 15. IN CAMERA C-369/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 1:38 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Confidential Evaluations - FOIPP Act Section 18; • Intergovernmental Relations - FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-370/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move out of camera at 2:16 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:16 p.m. Signed this � Z day of ���'`� �� , 2023 - .Il� - ?-� _ - - ;� - .��� __ _,. County Adminis ra r Page 10 of 10