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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-22 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL October 22, 2015 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, October 22, 2015 commencing at 11:35 a.m. MEMBERS Molly Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: C. Amulung STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services K. Martin, Manager of Fire & Emergency Services O M. Gietz, Manager of Economic Development A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: S. Sgt. T. McNulty, RCMP - Brooks r C. Oliver, Safe Communities Committee 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:35 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-363/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Councillor C. Amulung be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 1 Regular Council October 22, 2015 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (October 8, 2015) C-364/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the October 8, 2015 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-365/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7. DELEGATIONS 7.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports 7.1.1 Brooks RCMP (S. Sgt. T. McNulty) S. Sgt. T. McNulty presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant incidents. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. S. Sgt. McNulty responded to questions regarding an increase in the number of arson cases and the impact on crime rates that the Domestic Violence Intervention Team has had. C. Oliver indicated that the general community is becoming more aware of the services available. S. Sgt. T. McNulty responded to further questions, indicating that there has been interest from other organizations regarding the DVIT program. 7.1.2 Safe Communities Committee (C. Oliver) C. Oliver provided an update on the Safe Communities Committee and an overview of the services provided in the County. The Healthy Relationships curriculum will be offered in Grasslands Schools in the County this year. She provided an overview of the Healthy Relationships Fair, indicating that it will be expanded this year. There is a plan to transport students to Bassano so that they can participate. Presentations on internet and cell phone safety have been given to students in Duchess, Tilley, Rolling Hills, Rosemary, and Gem. Rural Crime Watch has assisted to distribute resource booklets to oilfield workers that have been laid off. C. Oliver responded to questions from Council. 7.1.3 Bassano RCMP The Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report was presented to Council. Page 2 of 11 0 :j Regular Council October 22, 2015 7.1.4 LEFT THE MEETING Municipal Enforcement (J. Nesbitt) The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor presented the County of Newell Municipal Enforcement Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant incidents. He indicated that the Municipal Enforcement Department has been approached to assist with Halloween safety presentations in rural schools. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions regarding sprinkling on Roads, campground patrols, commercial vehicle inspections, and cell phone coverage at Emerson Bridge Park. S. Sgt. McNulty noted that the communication issues at Emerson Bridge Park are a safety concern for officers and suggested that the Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System (AFRRCS) be an ongoing discussion topic when meeting with the provincial government representatives. S. Sgt. T. McNulty, C. Oliver, and J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 12:08 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:08 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:48 p.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 Resolutions for South Region ASB Conference The Director of Agricultural Services presented Council with the resolutions that will be brought forward during the upcoming South Region ASB Conference. Discussion followed and Council decided to vote in the following manner: • Resolution 1 (Species at Risk Act (SARA)) - Yes • Resolution 2 (Used Pesticide Container Collection in Alberta) — No Councillor A.M. Philipsen and Councillor T. Fyfe will vote on behalf of the County of Newell at the conference. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 1:04 p.m. Page 3 of 11 Regular Council October 22, 2015 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Tilley & District Fire Association The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-366/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that Council APPROVES the request from the Tilley & District Fire Association and that the County of Newell assumes responsibility for overseeing the capital equipment of the Tilley Fire Department. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 1:11 p.m. 9.2 Request to Cancel Late Payment Penalties on Property Tax Accounts The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-367/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council DECLINES the request to cancel the tax penalties in the amount of $35,780.00 applied to Roll Numbers 0001181001, 0001181002, 0001181003, 0001181004, 0001181005, 0001181006, O 0001181007, 0001181008, 0001181019, 0001181021, 0001181022, 0001181023, 0001181024, 0001181025, 0001181026, 0001181027, 0001181028, 0001181029, 0001181030, 0001181031, 0001181032, 0001181033, 0001181034, 0001181035, 0001181036, and 0001181037. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Newell Regional Tourism Visioning Report The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the report is the result of a project undertaken under the Regional Collaboration Grant program. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Gietz arrived at 1:15 p.m. Discussion followed regarding the impact of tourism on rural areas. Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that exposure is the key to attract visitors to the rural areas and encourage business growth. The Manager of Economic Development explained that a dollar value was assigned to each click from online hotel bookings, resulting in a pretty significant amount of tourism revenue. Councillor B. de Jong asked whether there was interest from the municipalities within the region in following through with some of the recommendations in the report. The / Manager of Economic Development replied that each municipality developed a theme and the Newell Regional Tourism Association will look into incorporating these projects into their program. The Manager of Economic Development Page 4 of 11 Regular Council October 22, 2015 responded to questions regarding the VisitNewell brochure, indicating that it is available online and can be updated and reprinted. She also provided an overview of Project 52, the goal of which is to have one event per week within the region. Organizers of smaller events will be encouraged to work together to create larger., coordinated events that will attract more people. C-368/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Newell Regional Tourism Visioning Report be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Letter of Intent - Alberta Innovates & Technology Futures Funding Program The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that he is awaiting confirmation from JBS Foods regarding whether they are interested in participating. Details regarding the commitment from each of the partners will be confirmed if the project is approved and further information will be brought to Council before the formal application is submitted in January 2016. C-369/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that a letter of intent be submitted to the Alberta Innovates Bio Solutions - Alberta Bio Future, Research & Innovation Program. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Gietz left the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 9.5 Funding Request - Red Deer River Watershed Alliance The Director of Corporate Services provided background information and responded to questions from Council. Councillor A.M. Philipsen explained the difference between the two Red Deer River groups. The Red Deer River Municipal Users Group is made up of municipalities, whereas the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance has more private enterprise involved. Discussion followed. This item will be discussed further during the 2016 Budget Meeting on November 2, 2015. 9.6 Meeting with Grassland Board of Trustees (December 10, 2015) The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the meeting has been scheduled for December 10, 2015 beginning at 5:30 p.m. and invitations have been sent to the smaller municipalities as well. He asked Council to confirm their attendance and submit agenda items by November 27, 2015. Council suggested enrollment in hamlet schools, an update on how the process is working for bus routes, an update on how Grassland has been impacted by schools that are moving students out of the County, and an update on the homeschooling issue. Page 5 of 11 Regular Council October 22, 2015 9.7 AAMDC Fall 2015 Convention - Meetings with Ministers Reeve M. Douglass provided an overview of meetings attended during the eF ��fi✓� Alberta Urban Municipalities Association convention, indicating that the -GeeW Newell and the municipalities within it should be perceived as a solution to some f of the problems facing the province. The Executive Assistant provided an update - � t on the meeting schedule. Councillor B. de Jong suggested that accountability for the homeschooling system and how it affects enrollment in our hamlets be discussed with the Minister of Education. Councillor K. Christman suggested meeting with the Minister of Seniors to discuss the importance of seniors programming. 9.8 Organizational Meeting (November 2, 2015) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council, indicating that a discussion., on divisional boundaries will be included in the budget discussions. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that a policy is being developed regarding County staff members voting on boards and committees. 6. BYLAWS 6.1 Bylaw 1834-15 - Road Closure & LEASE (SE 13-16-14-W4 & NE 12-16-14-W4) O The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-370/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1834-15, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road allowance adjacent to the north boundary of NE 12-16-14-W4 which lies east of the northwesterly production of the eastern boundary of Plan IRR595, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-371/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1834-15 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 6.2 Bylaw 1845-15 - Road Closure & LEASE (W 1 & E 2-24-16-W4; W 12 & E 11-24-16-W4; W 27 & E 28-23-16- W4)) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that the lease will accommodate the adjacent landowner's needs regarding use of the portion of road allowance they require. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the lease agreement will be registered on the land titles on either side and will guarantee right of access to the applicant and the adjacent landowner. Councillor L. Juss asked why the portion of road allowance was not omitted and the Director of Corporate Services replied that the adjacent Page 6 of 11 Regular Council October 22, 2015 landowner requires access to more than just that one portion of road allowance. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions, indicating that the County hired a lawyer to draft the agreement, which will be used as a template for future road allowance leases. Discussion followed regarding application fees. C-372/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1845-15, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road allowance adjacent to the eastern boundary of 2-24-16-W4, that portion of road allowance adjacent to the eastern boundary of 11-24-16-W4, and that portion of road allowance adjacent to the eastern boundary of 28-23-16-W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-373/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that Bylaw 1845-15 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Policy Review - 2007-PPW-051 (Annual Road Work Plan) The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-374/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Policy 2007-PPW-051 (Annual Road Work Plan) be RESCINDED. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Policy Review- 2015-PPW-062 (Tow or Recovery) The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item, indicating that a Vehicle Recovery & Towing Guideline will be adopted in addition to this policy. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. C-375/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Policy 2015-PPW-062 (Tow or Recovery) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.3 Funding Adjustment - Tilley Infrastructure Improvements The Manager of Engineering Services provided background information on this item and an update on the Tilley Infrastructure Improvement project. He displayed a map showing the roads where asphalt is to be applied to protect the underground infrastructure. The Manager of Engineering Services responded to questions from Council. He indicated that he would review the Tilley Infrastructure Assessment to see if there are opportunities to pave additional roadways and bring that information to Council for budget consideration. Page 7 of 11 Regular Council October 22, 2015 C-376/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that $216,185.00 be allocated from the Paving Reserve to fund the portion of the Tilley Infrastructure Improvement Program for placing asphalt on the roads identified through the contract. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 2:40 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.9 Councillor Payment Sheets (September 2015) C-377/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the September 2015 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.10 Cheques for Payment C-378/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that cheque 182334 in the amount of $686,100.45 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 9.11 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-379/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.12 Requests for Functions of Council 9.12.1 Alberta Irrigation Projects Association (AIPA) Water Conference (Councillor A.M. Philipsen) Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-380/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Councillor A.M. Philipsen be permitted to attend the 2015 Alberta Irrigation Projects Association Water Conference in Lethbridge, AB on November 24, 2015 4a=an as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 9.12.2 Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year Awards (October 23, 2015) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. ( l ( 1 Page 8 of 11 Regular Council October 22, 2015 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS 11.1 Assessment Review Board Councillor A.M. Philipsen reported that the Assessment Review Board reviewed one appeal from the County and two from the City last month. The Executive Assistant indicated that she would check on the training schedule, as board members must be recertified every three years. Councillor A. M. Philipsen responded to questions from Council. 11.2 Veteran's Memorial Highway Development Safety Association Councillor W. Hammergren provided an overview of the Ports to Plains Conference. One of the speakers was a heavy hauler who said the Highway 36 corridor was one of the best in North America. Councillor W. Hammergren responded to questions from Council. 11.3 Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass reported that she attended a meeting of the Mayors & Reeves of Southwest Alberta on October 2, 2015. Both the southwest and southeast Mayors & Reeves groups have meetings scheduled in November. 11.4 Newell Foundation Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor G. Simpson provided an update on the Newell Foundation budget. Councillor G. Simpson reported that they are moving towards a more balanced operating budget. 11.5 Safe Communities Committee Councillor T. Fyfe reported on some upcoming projects that the Safe Communities Committee is working on. There will be a drive home program at Brooks Bandits games in December. The positive ticketing program will continue - peace officers will give out tickets with vouchers to youth who are observed practicing safety. The RCMP and Lions Club will be driving around on Halloween passing out candy. 11.6 Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Conference Reeve M. Douglass reported on meetings she and Councillor W. Hammergren attended with City Councillors during the AUMA convention. The group met with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and discussed the Bassano project, regional services and support, sustainable municipal funding, and linear assessment. They met with the Minister of Transportation and discussed Highway 36 and the criteria for future highway improvements and paving. 4n a Page 9 of 11 Regular Council October 22, 2015 meeting with the Minister of Education, Culture, & Tourism, the topics were Canadian Badlands and encouraging private investment in tourism. The group also met with the Minister of Agriculture and discussed funding for research at the Crop Diversification Centre, partnership opportunities, tourism opportunities, and value added businesses. At the meeting with the Minister of Justice, Aboriginal Relations, and Solicitor General, they discussed the civil forfeiture fund. The Minister of Environment and staff met with the group and discussed wastewater related to Bassano and Brooks and invasive species. Councillor W. Hammergren reported that he met with the Minister of Energy and discussed funding for developing wind farms. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 3:12 p.m. 11.7 Reeve's Report - continued Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on Castle Provincial Park and the impact this could have on the municipalities within its boundaries. The Mayors & Reeves of Southwest Alberta expressed concerns to the Minister of Environment & Parks regarding the short public consultation period. A letter will be written requesting more time to provide input. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (September 2015) This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 15. IN CAMERA C-381/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that we move in camera at 3:17 p.m. to discuss a labour issue. MOTION CARRIED U01 W Page 10 of 11 Regular Council October 22, 2015 ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 3:19 p.m. C-382/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 4:54 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-383/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Organizational Meeting will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Monday, November 2, 2015 and that the Budget Meeting will begin when the Organizational Meeting adjourns. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN O U Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Signed this S day of , 2015 Page 11 of 11