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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-07-06 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL July 6, 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, July 6, 2023 commencing at 10:03 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: ABSENT: A. Doerksen, Reeve A. Skanderup L. Kopp H.Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman E. Unruh A. Philpott N. Johnson D. Short STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director ofAgricultural Services M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: J. Thompson, Southern Alberta Land Trust Society 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:03 a.m. F C-230/23 EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Councillor D. Short be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 3 C-231/23 ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (June 22, 2023) MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the June 22, 2023 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council July 6, 2023 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-232/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN 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 2058-23 - 23 LUA 005 - Hamlet Boundaries The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 10:08 a.m. C-233/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2058-23, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating • All of a 0.42 hectare parcel in the NE 24-13-17-W4, and • All of the 0.32 hectare Plan 0111253, Block 1, Lot 2, and • All of the 0.29 hectare Plan 0111253, Block 1, Lot 3, and • Ail of the 0.5 hectare Plan 0813191, Block 1, Lot 1, and • All of the 0.2 hectare Plan 8110850, Lot 1 from Residential, Rural District to Residential, Hamlet District as shown in Schedule `A', and by redesignating: • All of a 0.21 hectare parcel in the NW 31-14-13-W4 from Business, Rural District to Business, Hamlet District as shown in Schedule `B', and by redesignating: • A portion of the 14.12 hectare parcel in the SE 14-17-17-W4 from Agriculture, General District to Special, Parks and Public Services District as shown in Schedule `C', be given FIRST reading. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to further questions, indicating that the new hamlet boundaries were approved as part of the new Municipal Development Plan. She explained the process for communicating changes, indicating that owners of parcels that are directly affected were notified prior to first reading. Owners of the adjacent parcels will be included in the circulation prior to the public hearing. VOTE ON MOTION C-233/23 - MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 8 Regular Council July 6, 2023 LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 10:13 a.m. 7.2 Bylaw 2060-23 - Schedule of Fees The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating the changes include fees associated with Bylaw 2045-23 Non-Residential Municipal Tax Incentive and Emergency Services response. He noted one typographical error that will be corrected under Emergency Services - the rate for fire suppression services from Rescue Units is $700/Unit/Hour and not $7, 000/Unit/Hour. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-234/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2060-23, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-235/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2060-23 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-236/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that consent be given for Bylaw 2060-23 to receive third reading this 6th day of July, 2023. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-237/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2060-23 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 10:16 a.m. 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. He provided details regarding an upcoming weed survey for the federal government. The Director of Agricultural Services indicated that more nominations are needed for the RuralBeautification Awards by July 11, 2023. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding weed control along the Kinbrook Connection Pathway, indicating that the contractors are currently responsible for the landscaping. Page 3 of 8 Regular Council July 6, 2023 ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies arrived at 10:24 a.m. The Director ofAgricultural Services provided details on an upcoming session with Foothills Forage & Grazing Association on grazing strategies for native grass. This event will be held in Gem on August 16, 2023. The DirectorofAgricultural Services responded to further questions regarding weed control. 9.2 Potential Declaration of an Agricultural Disaster The DirectorofAgricultural Services provided background information on this item, indicating some neighbouring municipalities have declared agricultural disasters already. He explained the maps showing moisture reserves and rainfall and provided details on the situation faced by local producers. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council, indicating that declaring an agricultural disaster raises awareness of the local situation. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson returned at 10:39 a.m. C-238/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council defers a decision on declaring a state of Agricultural Disaster in the County of Newell to a future Council meeting. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:39 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Recognition Night for Volunteer Firefighters & Their Employers for the Provincial Wildfire Response to Northern Alberta The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided background information on this item including details for the proposed event and a budget overview. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council suggested the Silver Sage Arena as a venue so that the event could move indoors if the weather is bad. S. Luchies responded to further questions. Discussion followed and Council indicated that food and supplies should be purchased locally, wherever possible, to support local businesses. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information on the Purchasing Policy. Discussion followed and Council indicated that the event should celebrate all fire services and their ability to provide support to other municipalities. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Thompson arrived at 10:55 a.m. Page 4 of $ Regular Council July 6, 2023 S. Luchies responded to further questions from Council. C-239/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES holding a public recognition night for all volunteer firefighters within the County of Newell and their employers, with special acknowledgement of those involved with the provincial wildfire response to northern Alberta, with funding in the amount of up to $13,000 from the projected cost recovery from the province. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 10:59 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Southern Alberta Land Trust Society J. Thompson provided background information on the Southern Alberta Land Trust Society, indicating that their priorities are conservation of grass/ands and watersheds but also maintaining ranching. He provided statistics on conservation easements, indicating that /ess than 0.5% of private land in Alberta has a conservation easement. He explained how conservation easements can support municipal objectives and planning. J. Thompson reviewed specific concerns raised by the County regarding conservation easements. Nothing in the SALTS conservation easement prevents the management of weeds using herbicide or pesticide. He acknowledged that cultivation is restricted, but the lands involved are limited in terms of cultivation. J. Thompson outlined the value of conservation easements, indicating development and cultivation have similar long-term effects on land use. He expressed concerns that incorrect information on the conservation easement was published. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. J. Thompson provided clarification, indicating that the perception from a recent newspaper article and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta resolution is that conservation easements lock up land and prevent landowners from weed and fire control. He responded to questions regarding compensation, indicating that conservation easements are paid in a combination of cash and a charitable receipt based on the land value. He provided information regarding the difference between SALTS and Ducks Unlimited. J. Thompson responded to further questions, indicating that landowners make land use decisions that affect future generations all the time and it is their right to do so. SALTS is trying to conserve land that will be beneficial to the community in the long term. Ownership of the land is independent of the easement which ensures the land conservation value is protected for the future. Council provided information regarding another municipality where weed and fire control are not permitted under a conse►vation easement. J. Thompson indicated that the SALTS conservation easement contains a clause that accommodates changes to land management practices. J. Thompson responded to further questions from Council. Page 5 of 8 Regular Council July 6, 2023 LEFT THE MEETING J. Thompson left the meeting at 11:53 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.2 Alberta Municipalities Convention (September 27-29, 2023) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-240/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Councillor G. Skriver attend the Alberta Municipalities Convention in Edmonton, AB on September 27-29, 2023 in place of Councillor D. Short. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED at 11:55 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:50 p.m. 10.3 Requests for Functions of Council 10.3.1 Meeting with MLA D. Smith (July 26, 2023) C-241/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend the meeting with MLA D. Smith in Brooks, AB on July 26, 2023 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.3.2 Crop Diversification Centre South Field Day (July 20, 2023) The Chief Administrative Officer provided details, indicating that the time would be determined next week. 10.3.3 Invitation to Spruce Meadows (July 7, 2023) Reeve A. Doerksen provided background information on this item. C-242/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Reeve A. Doerksen and Councillor E. Unruh be permitted to attend the event at Spruce Meadows on July 7, 2023 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.3.4 REDI Brooks Grand Opening (July 24, 2023) Discussion followed. Page 6 of 8 Regular Council July 6, 2023 10.3.5 Brooks Regional Communities in Bloom International Judges Dinner (July 19, 2023) Reeve A. Doerksen provided information regarding this event and indicated that Councillor K. Christman was available to attend in his place. C-243/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Councillor K. Christman be permitted to attend the Brooks Regional Communities in Bloom International Judges Dinner in Brooks, AB on July 19, 2023 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. The Annual Field Day is planned for September 14, 2023 in the southwest quadrant of the County. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding grader resa/e value, the dust abatement application process, and the new graders. C-244/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the Director of Municipal Services Report for June 2023 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:11 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Payment Registers The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. Page 7 of 8 Regular Council July 6, 2023 14. IN CAMERA C-245/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 1:14 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations - FOIPPAct Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-246/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move out of camera at 2:20 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:20 p.m. Signed this ��day of �� � 2023 , � �/ . -- �!� - County Adm nistrator Page 8 of 8