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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-11 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL April 11, 2024 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, April 11, 2024 commencing at 10:26 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: A. Skanderup L. Kopp H.Johnson K. Christman E. Unruh A. Philpott N.Johnson ABSENT: D. Short G. Skriver STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer S. Hanson, Controller S. Biette, Corporate Services Supervisor M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor R. Burgess, Community Peace Officer Level 1 M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor S. Simpson, Development Officer C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: G. Hankins, Cassils Community Club D. Adamson, Avail CPA B. de Jong, Applicant (24 LUA 001) Sgt. D. Searle, Brooks RCMP Cpl. J. Schmidt, Brooks RCMP 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:26 a.m. Regular Council April11, 2024 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-99/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor D. Short and Councillor G. Skriver be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (March 28, 2024) C-100/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the March 28, 2024 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-101/24 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. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Request to Refund Development Permit Fee (DP 2024017) The Development Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information and suggested that Council approve additional spending in the amount of $600 as a donation towards the Rolling Hills Agricultural School. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions, indicating that Grasslands Schools is responsible for obtaining Development Permits. The Development Officer and Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the shipping container. C-102/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council does not waive the Development Permit Application fee for the Rolling Hills School (DP2024017) in the Page 2 of 11 Regular Council April 11, 2024 amount of $600; further, that Council APPROVES additional spending in the amount of $600 from the Agricultural Services Grants & Donations account to cover the cost of DP2024017 for the Rolling Hills School. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Simpson and M. Jackson left the meeting at 10:33 a.m. 10.2 Survey - Municipal Affairs Engagement on Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICF) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Hankins arrived at 10:35 a.m. Council reviewed the proposed survey responses and provided feedback. Discussion followed regarding adding libraries, airports, and social services to the list of mandatory intermunicipal services. Council suggested that costs for mediation and arbitration should be divided evenly between the parties involved, but the province should consider penalties for initiating frivolous arbitration and mediation. Council agreed that usage data should support funding decisions and a municipality's ability to provide input and make decisions should be proportionate to the funding provided. It was noted that conversations regarding shared services have been occurring within the Newell region for many years prior to the legislated requirements. The Chief Administrative Officer will submit the survey responses. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Adamson and S. Hanson arrived at 10:57 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Recreation Facility Improvement Funding Request - Cassils Community Centre The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. G. Hankins provided additional background information regarding the proposed equipment storage structure. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. G. Hankins responded to questions regarding a previous request for funding, indicating that Page 3 of 11 Regular Council April 11, 2024 the Cassils Community Club has decided not to proceed with paving the parking lot. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. LEFT THE MEETING G. Hankins left the meeting at 11:03 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:03 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:08 a.m. 9.2 Presentation of Audited Financial Statements -Avail CPA D. Adamson presented Council with the 2023 Year End Financial Statements, including an explanation and an overview of the highlights. He provided an overview of significant changes in revenues and expenses. D. Adamson provided a summary of accumulated surplus, assets, and the County's debt limits. He also gave a summary of the Indicators of Financial Position and how the County compares to other municipalities of a comparable size. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson, G. Tiffin, and B. de Jong arrived at 11:26 a.m. D. Adamson reviewed the Post Audit Letter and outlined some upcoming changes to accounting standards. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council thanked D. Adamson and congratulated S. Hanson and the Finance Department for their work on the audit. C-103/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the 2023 Year End Financial Statements for the period ending December 31, 2023 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Adamson left the meeting at 11:34 a.m. 9.3 Brooks RCMP 2024 Community Consultation Report This item will be discussed during the In Camera portion of this meeting. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Biette arrived at 11:34 a.m. Page 4 of 11 Regular Council April 11, 2024 C-104/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move into Public Hearings at 11:34 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2067-24 24 LUA 001 (SE 7-20-14-W4 -A-GEN to R-RUR) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:34 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 Planning & Development Supervisor stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2067-24. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by rezoning a portion of the SE 7-20-14-W4 from Agriculture - General (A-GEN) District to Residential - Rural (R-RUR) District. The Planning & Development Supervisor 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. The applicant was present to respond to questions from Council Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 7.2 Bylaw 2068-24 Road Closure & LEASE (NW 4-20-13-W4) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:36 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 Planning & Development Supervisor stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2068-24. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE the road allowances adjacent to the NW 4-20-13-W4. The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all adjacent landowners as well as to a list of affected agencies. No responses were Page 5 of 11 Regular Council April11, 2024 received from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the required referrals and none 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. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions from Council. C-105/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:39 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2067-24 24 LUA 001 (SE 7-20-14-W4 - A-GEN to R-RUR) C-106/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON 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 SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-107/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2067-24 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Bylaw 2068-24 Road Closure & LEASE (NW 4-20-13-W4) C-108/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Bylaw 2068-24, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING all those portions of government road allowance adjacent to the north west of the north westerly limit of spillway right of way on Plan IRR1078 containing 38.5 hectares (95.3 acres) more or less, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson and B. de Jong left the meeting at 11:40 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.3 Request for Proclamation - Mental Health Week (May 6-10, 2024) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor H. Johnson provided additional Page 6 of 11 Regular Council April 11, 2024 background information regarding Mental Health Week events planned by Grasslands Regional FCSS. C-109/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council hereby proclaims May 6-10, 2024 as "Mental Health Week" in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 10.4 Request for Proclamation -Alberta Seniors' Week (June 3-9, 2024) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-110/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council hereby proclaims June 3-9, 2024 as "Seniors' Week" in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 Requests for Functions of Council 10.5.1 Zoom Meetings with MP M. Shields Discussion followed regarding the regular Zoom meetings hosted by MP M. Shields. The attendee speaking on behalf of the County (usually the Reeve) is permitted to attend as a Function of Council. Council discussed determining who will be speaking on behalf of the County ahead of time so they can prepare. 10.6 Approval of 2024 Final Budget The Controller provided background information on this item and summarized the changes included since the Interim Budget Approval. She also gave an overview of highlights. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information regarding assessment growth. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding increases and decreases in the budget for water and fire services. Funding for Lake Newell Resort Lift Station repairs will be offset by grant funding, if approved. He provided different options for funding future recreation capital projects and provided an overview of the recreation fund. C-111/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the 2024 Final Budget be approved as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 11 Regular Council April11, 2024 8. BYLAWS — continued 8.4 Bylaw 2072-24 Tax Rates (2024) (1st Reading) The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-112124 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2072-24, being a bylaw to authorize the rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2024, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Hanson and S. Biette left the meeting at 12:00 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:42 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and R. Burgess arrived at 12:43 p.m. 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.1 Recreation Facility Improvement Funding Request - Cassils Community Centre Further discussion occurred. C-113124 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES funding 25% of the Cassils Community Centre garage project costs to a maximum amount of $12,379.06 under "Category One - New Build" of the Recreation Facility Improvement Funding Policy. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS — continued 8.3 Bylaw 2074-24 Community Standards The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding cannabis consumption and the Director of Municipal Services provided additional Page 8 of 11 Regular Council April11, 2024 information on provincial legislation regarding cannabis consumption in public places. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Nesbitt arrived at 12:54 p.m. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions from Council regarding enforcement activities, indicating that the focus is on education before issuing tickets. C-114/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2074-24, being a bylaw for the purpose of regulating and abating public nuisances and unsightly property, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-115/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2074-24 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIE D C-116/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that consent be given for Bylaw 2074-24 to receive third reading this 11th day of April, 2024. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-117/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2074-24 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING J. Nesbitt and R. Burgess left the meeting at 12:57 p.m. 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 Utilities - NRSC Report The Utilities - NRSC Report was presented to Council. Page 9 of 11 Regular Council April 11, 2024 12.2 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. ARRIVED AT MEETING Sgt. D. Searle and Cpl. J. Schmidt arrived at 1:00 p.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding in house versus contracted grading and provided an update on Fisher Bridge. He also responded to questions regarding RR182 going south from HVVY1, indicating that the Manager of Operations communicates with industry regarding road use and dust control plans. He indicated that he would investigate the condition of RR182 and see what can be done. C-118/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for March 2024 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:07 p.m. 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (March 2024) This item was accepted as information. 14.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. Page 10 of 11 Regular Council April 11, 2024 15. IN CAMERA C-119/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move in camera at 1:07 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Disclosure Harmful to Law Enforcement - FO/PPAct Section 20; • Disclosure Harmful to Intergovernmental Relations - FO/PPAct Section 21. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Sgt. D. Searle and Cpl. J. Schimdt left the meeting. C-120/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 1:50 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:50 p.m. Signed this 2S day of 2024 Reeve County Administrator Page 11 of 11