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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-26 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL January 26, 2023 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 26, 2023 commencing at 10:01 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) L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development S. Simpson, Development Officer Z. Forest, Municipal Intern - Planning M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services D. Leeks, Community Peace Officer Level 1 J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant S. Page, Planning and Development Administrative Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: D. Bennett, Alberta Surface Rights Federation N. Crosby, Business Manager - Brooks Bandits 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council January 26, 2023 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (January 12, 2023) C-16/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the January 12, 2023 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-17/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT 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. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2044-23 Animal Control The Community Peace Officer Level 1 provided background information on this item, including an overview of the significant proposed changes. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Community Peace Officer Level 1 responded to questions regarding the number of current parcels with livestock within hamlets, indicating that the proposed bylaw would prohibit livestock in hamlets and in grouped residential properties on all parcels under 2.0 acres. He also responded to questions regarding urban chickens, indicating that licenses will no longer be required. Enforcement will continue to be driven by complaints. The Chief Administrative Officer provided an overview of the process, indicating that public feedback would be gathered following first reading of the proposed bylaw. Discussion followed. Council requested information regarding the number of properties that currently have livestock that will be grandfathered in under this bylaw, the animals included in the definition of livestock, and limits for the total number of animals of differing types. The Community Peace Officer Level 1 responded to further questions. The Director of Municipal Services indicated that provisions could be added specifying hamlets where livestock are permitted. C-18123 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2044-23, being a bylaw for the purpose of providing for the regulation and control of animals within the County, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 9 Regular Council January 26, 2023 LEFT THE MEETING D. Leeks and J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 10:32 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Bennett arrived at 10:32 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Alberta Surface Rights Federation - Background on Industrial Scale Renewable Energy Projects D. Bennett provided background information on himself as a representative for landowners negotiating renewable energy leases. He outlined the general issues raised by those opposed to solar projects and provided details regarding the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) hearing process, noting that municipalities are encouraged to become involved. D. Bennett provided examples of mitigation, which include requirements for screening and setbacks. He indicated that municipalities are concerned with solar development reclamation and encouraged intervening with the AUC to address these issues. D. Bennett explained three major liabilities for hosting landowners and provided some suggestions for improving leases. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Bennett responded to questions regarding the number of solar power developments, reclamation of renewable energy developments, and resources available for landowners. LEFT THE MEETING D. Bennett left the meeting at 10:59 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:00 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:09 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING N. Crosby arrived at 11:09 a.m. 8.2 Brooks Bandits N. Crosby provided background information on this item, indicating that the Brooks Bandits will be submitting a bid to host the Centennial Cup in 2024 or 2025. He indicated that the Brooks Bandits previously hosted the Centennial Cup in 2019 and the event was very successful. He provided details on the event, noting that the number of teams participating has increased to ten which increases expenses significantly. The Brooks Bandits are requesting a funding commitment of $50, 000 Page 3 of 9 Regular Council January 26, 2023 each from the County and the City of Brooks if Brooks is chosen to host the Centennial Cup in 2024 or 2025. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. N. Crosby responded to questions regarding the Brooks Bandits corporate structure, financial health, and how profits from the 2019 Centennial Cup were distributed. He provided information regarding tournaments, indicating that the host community is responsible for travel and accommodation expenses for the visiting teams. N. Crosby responded to further questions from Council. C-19/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell supports the Brooks Bandits bid to host the Centennial Cup Tournament in 2024 or 2025 and offers a conditional grant agreement to provide funding in the amount of $50,000 from the Future Projects Fund, if they are successful in being awarded the event, on the condition that funding in the amount of up to $50,000 be returned to the County of Newell from the profits, if any, of the tournament. The Chief Administrative Officer and N. Crosby responded to further questions from Council. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-19123 - MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING N. Crosby left the meeting at 11:30 a.m. 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Funding Request - Foothills Forage & Grazing Association The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed and Council requested that the Foothills Forage & Grazing Association be asked to host events in the County of Newell. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to further questions about the Foothills Forage & Grazing Association. C-20/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the additional spending request in the amount of $2,000 to sponsor the Foothills Forage & Grazing Association. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:41 a.m. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council January 26, 2023 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Planning & Development Report (2022 Year 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-21/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Planning & Development Report for 2022 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Policy Review- POL-010-23 Reserve Land The Municipal Intern -Planning provided background information on this item. The Municipal Intern - Planning and the Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council. C-22123 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Policy POL-010-23 (Reserve Land) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Z. Forest left the meeting at 11:52 a.m. 10.3 Appointment to County of Newell Library Board -Division 3 (Term Extension) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item, indicating that there is still a vacancy for the member -at -large representing Division 8. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-23/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Julie Musgrove be re -appointed as a Member -at -Large to the County of Newell Library Board representing Division 3 (Patricia/Millicent) for a three-year term expiring December 19, 2025. MOTION CARRIED C-24/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Rocky View County's proposed joint advocacy campaign for improved renewable energy project development governance be LIFTED FROM THE TABLE. MOTION CARRIED 10.4 Letter from Rocky View County - Joint Advocacy for Improved Solar Farm Governance The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item indicating that representatives from the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) will provide further information at a future Council meeting. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering reported on a meeting between Planning & Development staff and the AUC regarding municipal involvement in the approval Page 5 of 9 Regular Council January 26, 2023 process and current proceedings involving reclamation. The Director of Corporate Services provided additional information regarding determining sites for renewable energy development and reclamation. He indicated that the Canadian Renewable Energy Association representative can be invited to provide further information to Council. Discussion followed. C-25/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the County of Newell responds to Rocky View County expressing interest in participating in a joint advocacy effort for improved solar farm governance and commits funding in the amount of up to $10,000 towards this initiative. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, indicating that Rocky View County has allocated up to $10,000 towards the hiring of a third -party consultant to advocate on behalf of the coalition to the provincial government. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-25/23 - MOTION CARRIED The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided information regarding registering for intervenor status with the AUC. LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson and M. Jackson left the meeting at 12:10 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:10 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.5 Councillor Payment Sheets (December 2022) C-26/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the December 2022 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.6 Requests for Functions of Council 10.6.1 Elected Officials Education Program (EOEP) Courses Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information, indicating that EOEP Courses will be included in the list of pre -approved functions of Council in the updated Councillor Compensation & Expenses Policy. C-27/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that any Councillor be permitted to attend Elected Officials Education Program courses as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 9 Regular Council January 26, 2023 10.6.2 Alberta Irrigation Districts Association Conference (February 6-8, 2023) Councillor N. Johnson provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-28123 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Alberta Irrigation Districts Association conference in Calgary, AB on February 6-8, 2023 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.6.3 Asset Management for Elected Officials (February 16, 2023) Councillor H. Johnson provided background information on this item. Discussion followed. C-29/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that any Councillor be permitted to attend "Asset Management for Elected Officials" in Lethbridge, AB on February 16, 2023 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.6.4 Council Professional Development Opportunities The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the annual budget for Council conferences and courses. He suggested including in the Councillor Compensation & Expenses policy a framework that will allow Council the flexibility to pursue professional development opportunities. Discussion followed. 10.6.5 Community Planning Association of Alberta 2023 Conference (May 1-3, 2023) The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-30123 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Councillor A. Skanderup and Councillor A. Philpott be permitted to attend the Community Planning Association of Alberta Conference in Nisku, AB on May 1-3, 2023 as a function of Council. LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 1:15 p.m. 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS MOTION CARRIED 11.1 Virtual Community Justice Centre Engagement Session Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council January 26, 2023 11.2 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference Councillor E. Unruh submitted a written report. 11.3 Habitat for Humanity Key Turnover Event Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. 11.4 Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report and provided additional information on upcoming events. Councillor K. Christman responded to questions from Council. 11.5 Silver Sage Agricultural Society Councillor G. Skriver reported that the Annual General meeting was held last night, and the Silver Sage Agricultural Society bylaws have been updated. An outdoor events arena will be constructed next to the existing building and a hall may be added in the future. Councillor G. Skriver responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding whether a County representative was still required as the initial term requested by the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS) has passed. C-31/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell ends their involvement with the Silver Sage Agricultural Society. MOTION CARRIED 11.6 Newell Recycling Association Councillor L. Kopp reported that she and R. Juska would be attending the Alberta CARE Spring Seminar in Strathmore, AB February 22-24, 2023. 11.7 County of Newell Library Board Councillor L. Kopp reported that there is now an agreement in place for the Tilley Library at the Seniors Centre. 11.8 Shortgrass Library System Councillor L. Kopp provided a staffing update. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council January 26, 2023 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Payment Registers This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report (December 2022) This item was accepted as information. 13.3 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 13.4 Letter - County of Warner to Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation - Attraction & Retention of Rural Large Animal Veterinarians This item was accepted as information. 14. IN CAMERA C-32/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move in camera at 1:32 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations - FO/PP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-33/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 2:13 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15 ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:13 p.m. Signed this 9' day of ���� 2023 �R ve t County Administrator Page 9 of 9