HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-14 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
March 14, 2024
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public on Thursday, March 14, 2024 commencing at 10:30 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
M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor
S. Simpson, Development Officer
T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services
M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator)
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: B. Hall, Rosemary Agricultural Society
S. Zacharias, CAO - Village of Rosemary
B. Bietz, IEPS Canada Ltd.
G. Baden, IEPS Canada Ltd.
M. Iwaasa, Brooks Newell Region Economic Development
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (February 15, 2024)
C-48/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the February 15, 2024 Council
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council
March 14, 2024
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-49/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT 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 2066-24 Land Use Bylaw Text Amendment
The Development Officer provided background information on this item and gave
an overview of the proposed text amendments. Council was given the opportunity
to ask questions. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to
questions regarding secondary suites, indicating that development permits are
required to ensure these suites are legal. Inspections required as part of the
building permit process ensure that the suites meet Alberta Safety Code
requirements. Discussion followed. The Development Officer responded to
further questions from Council.
C-50/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2066-24, being a bylaw to amend
Land Use bylaw 2016-21 by including additions to the permitted and/or discretionary uses
within the A-GEN, A-SML, A -HAM, R-MAN, R-HAM, B-HAM, B-RUR, I-GEN and S-PPS
land use districts in accordance with Schedule A, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
7.2 Bylaw 2067-24 24 LUA 001 (SE 7-20-14-W4 -A-GEN to R-RUR)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council. She indicated where variances
would be required if the future subdivision is approved. The Planning &
Development Supervisor responded to questions regarding the history of the
property, indicating there is no active feedlot permit at this time.
C-51/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2067-24, being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating a portion of SE 7-20-14-W4 from
Agriculture - General (A-GEN) District to Residential - Rural (R-RUR) District, be given
FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
March 14, 2024
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Jackson, S. Simpson, and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 10:49 a.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
B. Hall and S. Zacharias arrived at 10:49 a.m.
11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report
K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview
of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
LEFT THE MEETING
K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:55 a.m.
11.2 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.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Jackson returned at 10:58 a.m.
The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council.
C-52/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the Director of Municipal Services
Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for February 2024 be APPROVED as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht left the meeting at 10:59 a.m.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
10.5 Recreation Agreement— Rosemary Community Agricultural Society & Village
of Rosemary
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item,
indicating that the draft agreement will be amended with the inclusion of an
insurance and indemnity clause. He provided an overview of the significant
clauses in the proposed agreement. Council was given the opportunity to ask
questions. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that capital expenditures will
be dealt with on a case -by -case basis and all partners should be working towards
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March 14, 2024
5 and 10 year projections. S. Zacharias responded to questions regarding
participation in the recCONNECT program, indicating that the Village of Rosemary
has not yet signed up. She indicated that recreation services usage data can be
provided as needed.
C-53/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Council approves the Recreation
Services Agreement with the Rosemary Community Agricultural Society and Village of
Rosemary as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
B. Hall and S. Zacharias left the meeting at 11:08 a.m.
10.2 Policy Review - POL-036-24 (Committee & Board Member at Large
Compensation)
The Director of Corporate Services provided an overview of the changes made to
the policy since the February 15, 2024 Council meeting. Discussion followed. The
Chief Administrative Officer indicated that, if Council wants to expand
compensation for all members -at -large, budget implications should be discussed
during a Committee of the Whole meeting. Council indicated that the policy should
read "... Committees or Boards which fill a mandatory legislative role or require
formal training..."
C-54/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Policy POL-036-24 (Committee &
Board Member at Large Compensation) be adopted as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
Further discussion regarding compensation for members -at -large followed and it
was noted that some committees provide compensation for mileage.
10.1 Road Closure -Approval to Proceed (NW 4-20-13-W4)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
B. Bietz, G. Baden, and T. Green arrived at 11:17 a.m.
Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that further
discussion on compensation for road closures will occur during the April 15, 2024
Committee of the Whole meeting.
C-55/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we proceed with the process for
closing and LEASING the portion of undeveloped road allowance RR134 adjacent to NW
4-20-13-W4.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
March 14, 2024
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:21 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, including preparations for hamlet gopher
control and updates on the Coyote Control Incentive and tree planting
programs. Webinars on kochia produced in partnership with Vulcan County and
the Special Areas Board have been going well and the recordings will be posted
online. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of
Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding hawk nests and phostoxin
for gopher control.
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 11:28 a.m.
8. DELEGATIONS
8.1 Newell Region Hydrogen Hub Initiative
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item
to Council, indicating that the City/County Joint Services Committee endorsed
moving ahead with the proposed pilot project during their meeting on March 12,
2024. B. Bietz and G. Baden indicated that the County of Newell would lead the
project and IEPS Canada Ltd. would provide support.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. G. Baden indicated that
hydrogen is anew fuel source with many potential uses. The Director of Corporate
Services responded to questions regarding the pilot project, which would involve
installing hydrogen conversion kits on three of the County's diesel powered
units. Other public and private sector organizations will be invited to join the pilot
project with their own equipment to be converted. A temporary hydrogen fuelling
station would be operating during the pilot project and data gathered will be used
to determine the type of facility required and potential sites. B. Bietz responded to
questions regarding hydrogen fuelled vehicles, indicating that the initial focus will
be on larger vehicles. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions
regarding parameters for the pilot project. G. Baden and B. Bietz responded to
further questions regarding hydrogen fuel and how it is used and produced. M.
Iwaasa provided additional information, indicating that the pilot project would help
to bring attention to the Brooks Newell Region as a developer of new energy
sources. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from
Council.
C-56/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council endorses the concept outlined in
the report submitted to the March 12, 2024 Joint Services Committee meeting and
authorizes Administration to work together with Brooks -Newell Region team members on
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March 14, 2024
the submission of a funding application in support of the proposed Newell Region
Hydrogen Hub pilot project initiative.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
B. Bietz, G. Baden, and L. Johnson left the meeting at 11:57 a.m.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:57 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:58 p.m.
8. DELEGATIONS — continued
8.2 Pheasant Hatchery Recycling Facility (Sunset Renewables)
This delegation will be rescheduled for a future Council meeting.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
10.3 Electoral Division Boundary Review - Phase 4 - Review of Public Feedback
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item,
indicating that a final concept map can be prepared based on feedback received
during the public engagement process. Council was given the opportunity to ask
questions. Councillor A. Skanderup expressed concerns with the proposed
southern boundary for Division 2 along SH535 as this divides the
community. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to
further questions from Council.
C-57/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council accepts the survey responses
as information and directs Administration to present a final concept map based primarily
on concept map 2, except for proposed divisions 4, 7 and 8, which should be replaced
with the boundaries for divisions 4, 7 and 8 from concept map 1.
MOTION CARRIED
10.4 Recreation Agreement — Rolling Hills Agricultural Society
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item,
indicating that the draft agreement will be amended with the inclusion of an
insurance and indemnity clause. He responded to questions from Council,
indicating that Rolling Hills has agreed to be part of recCONNECT and has a draft
long-term plan for capital expenditures. Discussion followed. The Chief
Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council regarding the
recreation funding formula and the projected balances of the recreation fund for
2024-2027.
C-58/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council approves the Recreation
Services Agreement with Rolling Hills Agricultural Society as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
March 14, 2024
10.6 Crop Diversification Centre (CDC) South Revitalization Committee - Terms
of Reference
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed.
C-59/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Council approves the Crop
Diversification Centre (CDC) South Revitalization Committee Terms of Reference as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED
10.7 Crop Diversification Centre (CDC) South Revitalization Committee -Appoint
Members -at -Large
This item will be discussed during the In Camera portion of this meeting.
10.8 Resolution Against Federal Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. He provided information on the timeline for
the federal Zero Emission Vehicle mandate. Reeve A. Doerksen indicated that
Cypress County has agreed to second the resolution if it is brought forward as an
emergent resolution at the RMA Spring 2024 Convention. Discussion
followed. The ChiefAdministrative Officer read the proposed resolution, indicating
that it is asking the federal government to reconsider the ZEV mandate in its
current form.
C-60/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council approves the resolution
against federal zero -emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate as presented and directs
Administration to submit it as an emergent resolution for the Rural Municipalities of Alberta
(RMA) Spring 2024 Convention.
MOTION CARRIED
10.9 Request for Proclamation - Resiliency Week (April 14-20, 2024)
Council was presented with background information on this item.
C-61/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council hereby proclaims
April 14-20, 2024 as "Resiliency Week" in the County of Newell.
MOTION CARRIED
C-62/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that CouncillorA. Skanderup and Councillor
A. Philpott be permitted to attend the Resiliency Day Celebration in Brooks, AB on April
16, 2024 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10.10 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Spring 2024 Convention Resolutions
Council was presented with the resolutions package for the RMA Spring 2024
Convention. Discussion followed on each of the proposed resolutions.
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10.11 UPDATE RMA Spring 2024 Convention -Meetings with Ministers
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. Reeve A. Doerksen, Councillor
H. Johnson, Councillor K. Christman, and Councillor N. Johnson indicated that
they would attend the meeting with the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation and
Council asked that "Crop Diversification Centre South" be added to the list of
discussion topics.
10.12 Councillor Payment Sheets (January 2024)
C-63/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the January 2024 Councillor
Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor
Compensation Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
10.13 Requests for Functions of Council
10.13.1 Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association Annual
Conference (May 6-8, 2024)
Councillor G. Skriver provided background information on this item.
C-64/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor G. Skriver be permitted
to attend the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Association (ACCPA) Annual
Conference in Calgary, AB on May 6-8, 2024 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10.13.2 Federal/Provincial Announcement on Joint Broadband Investment
(March 5, 2024)
Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item.
C-65/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor K. Christman be permitted to
attend the Federal/Provincial Announcement on Joint Broadband Investment at Blackfoot
Crossing on March 5, 2024 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10.13.3 Rural Routes Canada (RRC) Agri -Food - Agri -Tourism Ecosystem
Summit (March 25, 2024)
Councillor H. Johnson provided background information on this
item. Discussion followed.
C66/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that any Councillor be permitted to
attend the Rural Roots Canada (RRC) Agri -Food - Agri -Tourism Ecosystem Workshop in
Brooks, AB on March 25, 2024 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10.13.4 IQubed Conference (April18-19, 2024)
Councillor G. Skriver provided background information on this item.
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March 14, 2024
C-67/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend
the IQubed Conference in Brooks, Alberta on April 18-19, 2024 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10.13.5 Community Planning Association of Alberta Conference
(April 29 - May 1, 2024)
Discussion followed. Councillor G. Skriver and Councillor N. Johnson
indicated that they would be attending.
12. POST AGENDA ITEMS
There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting.
13. INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1 Payment Registers
This item was accepted as information.
13.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report (February 2024)
This item was accepted as information.
13.3 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
13.4 Bassano RCMP - Community Policing Report
(October 1 - December 31, 2023)
This item was accepted as information.
13.5 Newell Housing Foundation - 2023 Highlights
(Councillor A. Philpott & Councillor A. Skanderup)
This item was accepted as information
13.6 2024-03-05 Federal/Provincial Announcement - Joint Broadband Investment
This item was accepted as information.
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March 14, 2024
13.7 Letter from Alberta Municipal Affairs - 2024 Budget
This item was accepted as information.
14. IN CAMERA
C-68/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 2:12 p.m. to
discuss the following matters:
• Confidential Evaluations - FO/PPAct Section 19;
• Land - FOIPPAct Section 25.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor A. Skanderup left the meeting at 2:47 p.m.
C-69/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that we move out of camera at 3:00 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
C-70/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council appoints David Andrews
and Bruce Balog as Members -at -Large to the Crop Diversification Centre (CDC) South
Revitalization Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
C-71/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council approves the sale of the
1.57 acre parcel referenced as roll number 000294901 in S 24-17-13-W4 for the amount
of $15, 000.
MOTION CARRIED
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:07 p.m.
Signed this ?� day of 1--'°`'V�• 2024
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County Administrator
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