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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-02-23 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL February 23, 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 23, 2023 commencing at 10:06 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 H. Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman E. Unruh (via Lifesize) A. Philpott N. Johnson ABSENT: L. Kopp STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator) G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering Z. Forest, Municipal Intern - Planning S. Simpson, Development Officer S. Hanson, Controller L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services R. Fernell, Director of Information and Technology A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant S. Page, Planning and Development Administrative Assistant C. Groom, Medicine Hat College Workplace Practicum Student OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: W. MacKenzie, Alberta Utilities Commission (via Lifesize) G. Scotton, Alberta Utilities Commission (via Lifesize) JP Mousseau, Alberta Utilities Commission (via Lifesize) E. Wilson, Canadian Renewable Energy Association (via Lifesize) A. Ming, RemedX Remediation Services Inc. (23 LUA 004) C. Wantono, RemedX Remediation Services Inc. (23 LUA 004) A. Wang, Bossco EnviroTech Canada Limited (23 LUA 004) 48 County Ratepayers CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. Regular Council February 23, 2023 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-56/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Councillor L. Kopp be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (February 9, 2023) C-57/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the February 9, 2023 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. Question Period will be deferred until after the delegations. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-58/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2049-23 23 LUA 004 (SW 4-23-18-W4 - A-GEN to I-GEN) The Municipal Intern - Planning provided background information on this item. The applicants were present to respond to questions. C. Wantono responded to questions regarding the type of waste involved to be stored. A. Hofer responded to questions, indicating that Newell Colony is diversifying their operations into a new industry in response to demand from the oil and gas industry. Adjacent landowners will be notified and given an opportunity to provide feedback prior to the public hearing. C. Wantono responded to further questions. C-59/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2049-23, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating a 104.73-acre portion of SW 4-23-18-W4 from Agriculture - General (A-GEN) District to Industrial - General (I-GEN) District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Ming, C. Wantono, A. Wang, and 4 County Ratepayers left the meeting at 10:22 a.m. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council February 23, 2023 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Policy Review - POL-014-23 Restricted Surplus The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and an overview of the significant proposed changes to the policy. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding funding carried forward for capital expenditures and whether investments keep up with inflation. He also provided an explanation of funding sources and responded to further guestions. C-60/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Policy POL-014-23 (Restricted Surplus) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9.2 Restricted Surplus Review & Approval of Year-End Transfers The Controller provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding funding for Recreation Boards and the Regional Enhancement Reserve. C-61/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the year-end transfer of unrestricted net assets to the restricted surplus funds as proposed by Finance be approved as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Hanson left the meeting at 10:41 a.m. 9.3 Electoral Division Boundaries Community Engagement Initiative The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating Council is being asked to confirm the content and process for the public engagement initiative to gather feedback regarding municipal electoral division boundaries. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the information presented is a draft and extensive revisions are expected prior to releasing it to the public. He outlined the proposed process for gathering public feedback, which will include information on Newell Notify and the Newell Connect app which can be used to submit feedback in addition to traditional methods. Discussion followed. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council regarding current divisional boundaries, indicating that achieving an even population distribution across ten divisions will significantly alter the existing boundaries. Council provided feedback regarding the proposed content, indicating it should be limited to two pages with some pictures, include costs associated with electoral boundary redistribution, and provide information on why there are currently ten divisions. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, indicating that the Municipal Government Act does not require municipalities to distribute the population evenly across electoral divisions. The Page 3 of 9 Regular Council February 23, 2023 Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from Council and suggested that including potential boundaries could create confusion at this time. Administration was directed to condense the information package to a maximum of two pages. Council was asked to submit further changes to the information package. This item will be brought back to a future Council meeting for further discussion. LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson and R. Fernell left the meeting at 11:00 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:00 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:05 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING W. MacKenzie, JP Mousseau, and G. Scotton arrived at 11:05 a.m. 44 County Ratepayers were in attendance. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Alberta Utilities Commission -(W. MacKenzie, JP Mousseau, & G. Scotton) W. MacKenzie provided background information on the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), outlined the responsibilities of commission members and staff, and gave an overview of the application process. Municipalities can get involved at the AUC review step when staff are gathering information for large developments. W. MacKenzie indicated that the level of AUC involvement depends on the size of the development, but even small projects are reguired to meet certain conditions. He provided an overview of rules for power plants that applicants must follow, noting that Rule 007 includes requirements for public consultation. W. MacKenzie provided information regarding decommissioning and reclamation of a project and indicated that the AUC is looking at the issue in greater detail as many municipalities have raised concerns. He provided information regarding how municipalities can participate in a proceeding and explained the difference between being granted standing versus participation rights. W. MacKenzie indicated that Section 619 of the Municipal Government Act gives AUC decisions paramountcy over municipal decisions, noting this only applies to issues considered by the AUC and not municipal requirements for development permits, road use agreements, etc. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. W. MacKenzie responded to questions regarding reclamation requirements. Currently, reclamation costs are covered in private agreements with landowners. The AUC is reviewing Rule 007 to gain a better understanding of these agreements and costs associated with reclamation. Council expressed concerns with a lack of a clear plan for reclamation and how that affects economic impact. W. MacKenzie indicated that Alberta Environment and the AUC have requirements for reclamation and Page 4 of 9 Regular Council February 23, 2023 decommissioning. Requirements for security are addressed in the /ease agreements with private landowners and the AUC is working to understand the details. LEFT THE MEETING W. MacKenzie, JP Mousseau, and G. Scotton left the meeting at 11:41 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING E. Wilson arrived at 11:41 a.m. 8.2 Canadian Renewable Energy Association (E. Wilson) E. Wilson provided background information on the Canadian Renewab/e Energy Association and the number of active members investing in Alberta. He provided information regarding the number of so/ar and wind energy projects currently in Alberta and displayed maps showing the best areas for so/ar and wind resources. Additional favourable opportunities in Alberta come from a deregulated energy market, the Technology Innovation & Emissions Reduction regime, and the Transmission Regulation. E. Wilson showed graphs indicating the decreasing price of wind and solar power worldwide and in Alberta. He gave an overview of permitting and regulation of renewable energy developments in Alberta, indicating that landowners can reject /ease agreements for renewable energy developments if they do not agree with the terms. He a/so noted that repowering or upgrading is an option in addition to reclamation and decommissioning. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. E. Wilson responded to questions regarding costs associated with recycling so/ar panels, indicating that best practices are being developed as solar energy developments in Canada have not reached the reclamation stage. He responded to questions regarding energy costs. 6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 44 County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public on the livestream. T. Dahl indicated that she had not received responses to questions regarding the County's Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and expressed concerns regarding the level of public consultation associated with the MDP review. She questioned why the information on the MDP review included references to the United Nations and a quote suggesting that the County of Newell transition away from fossil fuels sooner than later. She asked whether the County of Newell was knowingly doing business with the United Nations. T. Dahl requested information regarding the County's contracts with the Miistakis Institute and ISL Engineering and asked how long the Chief Administrative Officer and the Municipal Intern - Planning had been County ratepayers. Reeve A. Doerksen indicated that the County of Newell is not working with the United Nations. The Chief Administrative Officer replied that the United Nations was referenced Page 5 of 9 Regular Council February 23, 2023 on the topic sheets that were issued to engage the public in conversation regarding the MDP. He indicated that public consultation is ongoing. When a draft MDP document is available, the public will have an opportunity to provide feedback. The Chief Administrative Officer expressed concerns with information being taken out of context. The County is not reviewing the Land Use Bylaw at this time, but the MDP is being updated and the public is asked to submit feedback. Reeve A. Doerksen provided additional information regarding the MDP and encouraged the public to provide feedback on what they would like to see in that document. He expressed appreciation for the concerns brought forward, indicating that many of them are shared concerns and efforts should be made to influence where we can, which include protecting landowner rights to develop how they want without compromising the rights of others or the environment. The Chief Administrative Officer and the Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding the County's involvement with the Miistakis Institute and ISL Engineering. Information regarding these contracts will be provided to T. Dahl after the meeting. C. Sieberer indicated that she had received notice from the AUC regarding a proposed so/ar development near her property in October but none of the other residents of the subdivision had received the notice. She expressed concerns with the lack of specific reclamation plans for renewab/e power developments required by the AUC and stressed the importance of municipalities getting their autonomy back to make decisions for their ratepayers. Reeve A. Doerksen indicated that Council has similar concerns regarding reclamation of renewable energy developments and has raised them with the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. He indicated that the County has also joined an initiative with other municipalities that will be working to get a better understanding of and direction for reclamation. Reeve A. Doerksen thanked the ratepayers in attendance for bringing forward their concerns and encouraged further questions to be submitted to Administration. LEFT THE MEETING 44 County Ratepayers left the meeting at 12:26 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:26 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:32 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.4 International Federation of Ag Journalists - Congress & Farm Tour Sponsorship The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. The Joint Services Committee passed a motion to seek Platinum Sponsorship with the funding request to be considered by each Council. Discussion followed the County committing $40, 000 and inviting the other municipalities in the region and the Eastern Irrigation District to participate. The Page 6 of 9 Regular Council February 23, 2023 Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, suggesting that it would be best for Brooks Newell Region Economic Development to be involved. Council agreed with the importance of working together as a region and suggested that videos or other marketing tools be developed that can be used for other projects going forward. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that Council could fund up to $40, 000 with the assumption that other partners would join the initiative. Cost sharing levels and details for planning the event would be determined later. Further discussion followed. C-62/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that the County of Newell join the regional sponsorship of the International Federation of Ag Journalists (IFAJ) and Tour for up to $40,000 with funding from the Regional Enhancement Fund with cost sharing partnerships and details for the event to be determined. MOTION CARRIED 9.5 Councillor Payment Sheets (January 2023) Councillor D. Short provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-63/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the January 2023 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.6 Requests for Functions of Council There were no requests for functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS 10.1 Alberta Irrigation Districts Association Conference Councillor H. Johnson and Councillor K. Christman submitted written reports. Reeve A. Doerksen provided additional information. 10.2 Newell Housing Foundation Councillor A. Philpott submitted a written report. 10.3 RMA Asset Management Workshop Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. 10.4 Airport Commission Councillor D. Short reported that the Airport Commission is seeking volunteers to help with a pancake breakfast as part of an Alberta Air Tour event in June 2023. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council February 23, 2023 10.5 Southern Alberta Energy From Waste Association Councillor N. Johnson reported that a meeting will be held February 28, 2023 to discuss the recent funding announcement. 10.6 Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor K. Christman provided an update on a transition to a new Executive Director that was reported at a recent City of Brooks Council meeting. Discussion followed. Councillor K. Christman responded to questions from Council. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Payment Registers The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. 12.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as rnformation. 12.3 Bassano RCMP Report This item was accepted as information. 12.4 Request to Review Newell Regional Landfill Hours of Operation Discussion followed. Councillor N. Johnson indicated that he would bring the letter to the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority and discuss hours of operation. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. 12.5 2022 Q4 Financial Information Package The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the audit has been scheduled and some Councillors may be called for interviews. This item was accepted as information. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Alberta Land Trust Grant Program for Conservation Easements Councillor N. Johnson reported that the Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce had recently distributed information regarding a grant program available for landowners interested in conservation easements. Discussion followed and Council indicated that they are not opposed to conservation easements but are Page 8 of 9 Regular Council February 23, 2023 suggesting that they be reviewed periodically or include sunset c/auses. This item was accepted as information. 13. IN CAMERA C-64/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move in camera at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations — FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-65/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move out of camera at 2:18 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 14. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:18 p.m. Signed this ��day of �C� , 2023 � eeve � �i-� _�--•..�.�-� County Administrator Page 9 of 9