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Home My WebLink About2023-02-09 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL February 9, 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, February 9, 2023 commencing at 10:17 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 (via Lifesize) A. Philpott N.Johnson STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator) M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering Z. Forest, Municipal Intern - Planning S. Biette, Corporate Services Supervisor M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant S. Page, Planning and Development Administrative Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:17 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (January 26, 2023) C-34/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the January 26, 2023 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council February 9, 2023 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-35/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP 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 2045-23 Non-Residential Municipal Tax Incentive The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item including a comparison of non-residential tax incentives offered by municipalities similar to the County of Newell. He a/so pointed out eligibility thresholds for non- residential and linear development, indicating that the goal is long-term, stab/e growth with permanent employment opportunities. Following first reading of the proposed bylaw, there will be an opportunity for stakeholders and members of the public to provide feedback. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, indicating that there must be a change in assessment in order to benefit from this bylaw and a tax incentive agreement under this bylaw cannot be combined with other County of Newell tax incentives. Discussion followed regarding requiring a minimum number of employees. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that this would be difficult to monitor. Council requested information regarding current provincial and federal incentives available for solar developments. Discussion continued regarding adding a renewal clause and lowering the development value thresholds. C-36/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that article 3.2(e) of proposed Bylaw 2045-23 be amended to read as follows "the current Improvement Assessment for the New Development or Renovated Development on the subject property must have increased by at least $750,000..." Further discussion followed. Council suggested that article 4.3 be amended to refer to the Schedule of Fees bylaw for the application fee. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-36/23 — MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 8 Regular Council February 9, 2023 C-37/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that proposed Bylaw 2045-23 be amended with the addition of a clause stating that a Tax Incentive Agreement can be renewed at the discretion of Council. MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed regarding raising the threshold for the Improvement Assessment for Linear Property to $75 million. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council regarding linear property assessment. C-38/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that proposed Bylaw 2045-23 be amended with the addition of a clause stating that the County will not provide more than one (1) municipal tax exemption for a single operation. MOTION CARRIED C-39/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2045-23, being a bylaw for the purpose of providing a municipal property tax exemption for non-residential development or expansions, be given FIRST reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Bylaw 2047-23 23 LUA 002 (Plan 7811556 Block X Lot 1- R-RUR to A-SML) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. She indicated that a development permit would be required if a business were to be associated with the riding arena in the future. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding legal access to the property. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding tax implications, indicating that use determines assessment. C-40/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Bylaw 2047-23, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating all of Plan 7811556 Block X Lot 1 in NW 17-20-14-W4 from Residential - Rural District to Agriculture - Small Lot District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.3 Bylaw 2048-23 23 LUA 003 (Plan 7811556 Block X Lot 2- R-RUR to A-SML) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-41/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2048-23, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating all of Plan 7811556 Block X Lot 2 in NW 17-20-14-W4 from Residential - Rural District to Agriculture - Small Lot District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson, G. Tiffin, and Z. Forest left the meeting at 11:18 a.m. Page 3 of 8 Regular Council February 9, 2023 ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 11:18 a.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (January 2023) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Biette arrived at 11:20 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding Environmental Farm Plans. C-42/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for January 2022 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Policy Review 8.2.1 POL-012-23 (Emerson Bridge Park) The Director of Agricultural Services provided an overview of changes made to Policy POL-012-23 and responded to questions from Council. Council requested the following amendments: • change all instances of "their designate" to "designate" • under Generators, should read "The Emerson Bridge Park Supervisor will ensure that generator noise is not excessive. Quiet time hours of 11:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. shall include generator use and patrons may need to turn generators off during that time. " C-43/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Policy POL-012-23 (Emerson Bridge Park) be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 8.2.2 POL-013-23 Pest Control The Director of Agricultural Services provided an overview of changes made to Policy POL-013-23. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-44/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Policy POL-013-23 (Pest Control) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:32 a.m. Page 4 of 8 Regular Council February 9, 2023 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Provincial Education & Designated Industrial Requisition Credits The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information, indicating efforts to collect taxes in arrears continue. C-45/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council cancel the 2022 property taxes in arrears in the amount of $25,852.44 from tax rolls 0005010000, 0005012000, 0005014000, 0005126000, 0005294000, 0005320100, 0005320500, 0005596000, 0005926000, 0006101500, 0006108000, 0006110000, 0006115000, 0006338210, 2310091613, 8000005643, 8000006477, and 8000022895 and that an application be made for these properties to the PERC & DIRC programs. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette left the meeting at 11:35 a.m. 9.2 Policy Review - POL-011-23 Councillor's Compensation & Expenses The Chief Administrative Officer provided an overview of the changes made to Policy POL-011-23, which include an increase to base compensation rates to account for inflation and a section that formalizes professional development opportunities available to Council. Council was presented with current compensation rates from comparable municipalities. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that there is the option to have a third-party review Council's compensation and benefits package. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed and Council provided amendments. C-46/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council recommends edits to and adopts Policy POL-011-23 (Councillor's Compensation & Expenses) as amended and that Administration engage a third-party consultant to complete a benchmark analysis of Council remuneration and benefits at a maximum cost of $7,000. MOTION DEFEATED C-47/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council recommends edits to and adopts Policy POL-011-23 (Councillor's Compensation & Expenses) as amended and that Administration engage a third-party consultant to complete a benchmark analysis of Council remuneration and benefits at an estimated cost of approximately $7,000. MOTION DEFEATED C-48/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Policy POL-011-23 (Councillor's Compensation & Expenses be adopted with the following amendments to Schedule A: • Basic Honourarium (paid monthly) - Reeve $1,953.80; Councillors $1,302.53; further, that no third-party review will be conducted. MOTION DEFEATED Page 5 of 8 Regular Council February 9, 2023 LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:07 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:50 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.2 Policy Review - POL-011-23 Councillor's Compensation & Expenses — continued Discussion continued. C-49/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Policy POL-011-23 (Councillor's Compensation & Expenses be adopted with the following amendments to Schedule A: Basic Honourarium (paid monthly effective January 1, 2023) - Reeve $1,953.80; Councillors $1,302.53. MOTION CARRIED Discussion continued regarding establishing a committee to review the Councillor's Compensation & Expenses Policy prior to the next municipal election. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information on the process. C-50/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Administration is directed to establish a committee to review the Councillor's Compensation & Benefits policy at the beginning of 2025. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Appointment of Fire Guardians The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-51/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the following individuals be appointed as Fire Guardians: All Divisions — Stewart Luchies Rolling Hills — Bill Dickinson Tilley — Robin Daniels Patricia — Ray Torkelson Duchess — Gregory Witt Scandia — Ryan Slenders Brooks Rural — Kevin Swanson Bassano — Cory Cochrane Rosemary — Anton van Bavel Gem — Dwayne Klassen Bow City — John Ketchmark and further that the Finance Clerk, the Payroll & Utility Clerk, the Executive Assistant, the Planning & Development Administrative Assistant, the Fire & Safety Administrative Assistant, the Municipal Services Administrative Assistant, the Records Management Technician, the Information & Technology Administrative Assistant, Projects Assistant, Page 6 of 8 Regular Council February 9, 2023 and the Corporate Services Supervisor be appointed as Fire Guardians for the issuance of Fire Permits only. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Spring 2023 Convention The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding arranging a meeting with Premier D. Smith. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that the Premier could be invited as our MLA to accompany Council with any meetings with Ministers during the RMA convention. Alternately, a meeting in Brooks could be scheduled through the local office. 9.5 Requests for Functions of Council 9.5.1 County of Forty Mile Council Chambers Conference Equipment Demo (February 7, 2023) C-52/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the demonstration of Council Chambers Conference Equipment that Councillor A. Philpott attended in the County of Forty Mile on February 7, 2023 be considered a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 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-53/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that the Director of Municipal Services Report for January 2023 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:10 p.m. 11 POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (January 2023) This item was accepted as information. Page 7 of 8 Regular Council February 9, 2023 12.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 12.3 Brooks RCMP Report This item was accepted as information. 12.4 Safe Communities Facilitator Report (January 26, 2023) This item was accepted as information. 12.5 Report - County of Forty Mile Council Chambers Conference Equipment Demo (February 7, 2023) Councillor A. Philpott and the Chief Administrative Officer provided Council with details regarding the demonstration of the equipment in the County of Forty Mile's Council Chambers. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the timeline for replacing the current microphones and screens. 13. IN CAMERA C-54/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 1:15 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations - FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-55/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move out of camera at 2:08 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 14 ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:08 p.m. rU ---- Signed this Z3 day of -2h✓�vG- , 2023 / , �,� �� County Adm nis r r Page 8 of 8