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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-08-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL August 10, 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, August 10, 2023 commencing at 10:27 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 L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services D. Leeks, Community Peace Officer Level 1 M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering Z. Forest, Municipal Intern - Planning R. Fernell, Director of Information and Technology C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation Cpl. J. Schmidt, RCMP - Brooks Cpl. W. Oliver, RCMP - Brooks G. Greenaway, Corvus Centre for Conservation Policy T. Beasley, Lake Newell Marina R. Noack, Lake Newell Marina J. Annicchiarico, Lake Newell Marina W. Herman, Lake Newell Marina 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:27 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council August 10, 2023 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (July 20, 2023) C-261/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the July 20, 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-262/23 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. 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2046-23 Traffic The Community Peace Officer Level 1 provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-263/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2046-23, being a bylaw for the purpose of controlling and providing regulations and penalties pertaining to highways, roadways, streets, sidewalks, and pathways for the orderly and safe movement of vehicular and pedestrian traffic and for the parking of vehicles on the said highways, roadways, and streets, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-264/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2046-23 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Leeks left the meeting at 10:33 a.m. Page 2 of 12 Regular Council August 10, 2023 ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 10:31 a.m. 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He provided an overview of water consumption numbers, indicating that the message to users regarding water conservation efforts has been ineffective. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley responded to questions regarding distribution system flushing, which happens twice per year and water usage statistics broken down by community and irrigation system. Discussion followed regarding the current water levels. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:53 a.m. 12.2 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-265/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for July 2023 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Cpl. J. Schmidt and Cpl. W. Oliver arrived at 10:57 a.m. 12.3 Tender Award - TR184 (Silver Sage Road) Overlay The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-266/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the Silver Sage Road Overlay & Other Work tender to Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate Ltd. for the tendered price of $2,192,253.25. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 11:00 a.m. Page 3 of 12 Regular Council August 10, 2023 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report Cpl. J. Schmidt presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, including an overview of the statistics and significant events. He responded to questions regarding the Brooks Detachment's assistance with the Bassano Detachment. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Greenaway arrived at 11:08 a.m. Cpl. J. Schmidt and Cpl. W. Oliver responded to further questions from Council, indicating that property crime, increased presence in schoo/s, and traffic safety are priorities for the County of Newell. LEFT THE MEETING Cpl. J. Schmidt and Cpl. W. Oliver left the meeting at 11:11 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 11:11 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:12 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:17 a.m. 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Deparfinent. He provided details regarding a Foothills Forage & Grazing Association field tour in Gem on August 16, 2023 and a University of Alberta agricultural tour on August 23, 2023. The Director of Agricultural Services also reported that the new Patricia Fire Hall will receive its final inspections this week. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 10.2 Potential Declaration of an Agricultural Disaster The Director ofAgricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He indicated that there has been no change in the drought situation since the discussion during the July 6, 2023 Council meeting. Page 4 of 12 Regular Council August 10, 2023 C-267/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council declares a state of Agricultural Disaster for drought in the County of Newell. Discussion followed. VOTE ON MOTION C-267/23 - MOTION CARRIED C-268/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move into Public Hearings at 11:30 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2058-23 - 23 LUA 005 - Hamlet Boundaries Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:30 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Municipal Intern - Planning stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2058-23. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by re-designating seven (7) parce/s that are now included within the expanded Hamlet boundaries adopted through Bylaw 2057-23, the revised Municipal Development Plan (MDP). The subject parcels are in the Hamlets of Tilley, Rolling Hills, and Bow City. The Municipal Intern - Planning provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and to a list of affected agencies. No responses have been received from adjacent landowners. None of the affected agencies have indicated any objections. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-269/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:33 a.m. MOTION CARRIED Page 5 of 12 Regular Council August 10, 2023 8. BYLAWS — continued 8.2 Bylaw 2058-23 - 23 LUA 005 - Hamlet Boundaries C-270/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON 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 • Ali of the 0.29 hectare Plan 0111253, Block 1, Lot 3, and • All 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 SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-271/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2058-23 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin and Z. Forest left the meeting at 11:35 a.m. 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 10.3 Agriculture Extension Survey The DirectorofAgricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council reviewed the proposed survey responses and provided suggestions. Page 6 of 12 Regular Council August 10, 2023 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.2 Corvus Centre for Conservation Policy G. Greenaway provided background information on himself and the Corvus Centre for Conservation Policy. He gave an overview of conservation easements and how they can be used to protect the environment; natural, scenic, or aesthetic values, or agricultural land. He explained how conservation easements affect a parcel of land and outlined the common restriction/prescription areas. G. Greenaway provided an overview of landowner compensation and how conservation easement values are determined. He also explained how conservation easements can be changed. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. G. Greenaway responded to questions from Council, indicating that the A/berta Land Trust Grant program provides the majority of funding for landowner compensation. LEFT THE MEETING G. Greenaway and T. Green left the meeting at 12:09 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:09 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:59 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Beasley, T. Noack, J. Annicchiarico, and W. Herman arrived at 1:00 p.m. 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.3 Lake Newell Resort - Marina Boat Launch Replacement T. Beasley provided background information on this item, indicating that the Lake Newell Resort Marina Association is requesting support for replacing the boat launch. T. Beasley indicated that Lake Newell Land Corp. is prepared to grant an easement in perpetuity to authorize access and parking for use of the marina. He indicated that he had discussed the matter with the Eastern Irrigation District (EID) as well and, if approved by their board, they are prepared to complete the required work. T. Beasley provided an overview of quotes received for the construction of the boat launch and indicated that, if improved, this location could be certified by the province for the investigation and mitigation of aquatic invasive species. Page 7 of 12 Regular Council August 10, 2023 Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. T. Beas/ey responded to questions regarding parking and access, which will be guaranteed in a long term development plan. He indicated that Lake Newell Land Corp. is prepared to transfer ownership of the boat launch for public use. He suggested that there be no charge associated with using the boat launch in the future. T. Beas/ey responded to further questions regarding aquatic invasive species monitoring. Councillor G. Skriver indicated that the boat launch is important infrastructure and asked if there was a lease agreement in place with the EID for the land that the boat launch is built on. W. Herman provided additional background information, indicating that neither the EID nor Lake Newell Land Corp. own the boat launch itself. T. Beasley responded to further questions from Council. Discussion followed. Council expressed concerns with approving public funding for a semi-private purpose. T. Beasley reiterated that Lake Newell Land Corp. was prepared to transfer ownership to the County with easements in place for access and dedication of a public park. He responded to further questions regarding public parking. Council indicated that an agreement with the EID is required along with additional information about usage fees for the boat launch. T. Beas/ey outlined the EID's requirements, which include the easement and any permits required by Alberta Environment. He provided details regarding the proposed project. The Chief Administrative Officer outlined options for funding sources, which include Recreation Facility Improvement Funding or Municipal Public Reserve. Usage fees are in place to be set aside for future replacement of the infrastructure. He indicated that, subject to approval by the EID Board, the EID is prepared to provide support in the form of materials and equipment. C-272/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council approves the funding request from the Lake Newell Resort Marina Association for replacing the Marina boat launch in the amount of $65,800 with funding from the Municipal Reserve that is contingent on registration of a blanket easement at Land Titles on the Marina Lot of Block 6, Plan 9411167 that provides public access to the boat launch over its useful life and on the condition that there is an agreement for access with the Eastern Irrigation District; further, that Administration be directed to work with the Lake Newell Resort Marina Association to develop a Memorandum of Agreement regarding launch fees. T. Beasley responded to questions regarding launch fees, indicating that there are options for day use and annual passes. Discussion followed on whether launch fees would deter users. T. Beas/ey responded to questions from Council regarding funding set aside for future replacement, indicating that the docks and breakwater are a/so a priority. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-272/23 - MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 12 Regular Council August 10, 2023 LEFT THE MEETING T. Beasley, T. Noack, J. Annicchiarico, and W. Herman left the meeting at 1:54 p.m. RECESSED Council RECESSED at 1:54 p.m. and RECONVENED at 2:00 p.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 2023 Tax Sale by Public Auction The ChiefAdministrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-273/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the 2023 Tax Sale by Public Auction be held on Thursday, November 16, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the County of Newell Building with cash or certified cheque only terms, and that the reserve bids for the 2023 Tax Sale properties be set as recommended by Administration. MOTION CARRIED 11.2 Policy Review - POL-029-23 Recreation Facility Improvement Funding The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, outlining the significant changes made to the policy. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed regarding whether applicants should be required to access funding under their insurance policies first and provide proof of claims denial before Council would consider an application. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Fernell arrived at 2:06 p.m. Council asked that applicants be required to attend a regular Council meeting to present their funding application. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that would be added under Funding Application requirements. He responded to further questions from Council, indicating that usage statistics and audited financial statements are requested on the funding application form itself. C-274/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Policy POL-029-23 (Recreation Facility Improvement Funding) be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Appointment to County of Newell Library Board The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding costs associated with advertising for board and committee members. Page 9 of 12 Regular Council August 10, 2023 C-275/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Sherry Steinbach be re-appointed as a Member-at-Large to the County of Neweli Library Board representing Division 6 (Bassano) for a one-year term expiring June 9, 2024 and that Tammie Cage-Parker be re- appointed as a Member-at-Large to the County of Newell Library Board representing Division 7(Rosemary) for a three-year term expiring October 22, 2026. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 Organizational Meeting - Set Date The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-276/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the 2023 Organizational Meeting be held on Thursday, October 19, 2023 starting at 9:00 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 11.5 Director of Information & Technology Report (August 2023) The Director of Information & Technology presented the August 2023 report to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. This item was accepted as information. LEFT THE MEETING R. Fernell left the meeting at 2:24 p.m. 11.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (June 2023) Discussion followed. C-277/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the June 2023 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 11.7 Requests for Functions of Council 11.7.1 Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association (ACFA) Feedlot & Butcher Shop Tour (August 17, 2023) Discussion followed. C-278/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Alberta Cattle Feeders' Association Feedlot & Butcher Shop Tour in Vauxhall and Enchant, AB on August 17, 2023 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Page 10 of 12 Regular Council August 10, 2023 11.7.2 Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony (November 4, 2023) Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer asked those Councillors interested in attending to submit their names for a random draw. C-279/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Reeve A. Doerksen and two additional Councillors be permitted to attend the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Charlottetown, PEI on November 4, 2023 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11.7.3 Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Ministry Dinner Councillor H. Johnson provided information regarding the annual Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Ministry Dinner and asked that County attendance be considered for next year. This item will be placed on the Organizational Meeting agenda to determine which representatives will attend. 11.7.4 Foothills Forage & Grazing Association "Managed Grazing Strategies on Native Grassland" Field Tour (August 16, 2023) Reeve A. Doerksen provided information regarding this item. Discussion followed. C-280/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Foothills Forage & Grazing Association "Managed Grazing Strategies on Native Grassland" Field Tour in Gem, AB on August 16, 2023 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Payment Registers The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. Page 11 of 12 Regular Council August 10, 2023 14.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report (July 2023) This item was accepted as information. 14.3 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 14.4 Letter from Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association This item was accepted as information. 14.5 Q2 2023 Financial Information Package This item was accepted as information. 14.6 Update - RMA Quasi-Judicial Agencies Member Committee This item was accepted as information. 15. IN CAMERA C-281/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move in camera at 2:40 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations - FOIPPAct Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-282/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move out of camera at 3:10 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m. Signed this �ay of �����b�-'�� , 2023 Reeve a n � 1.� County Administrator Page 12 of 12