HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-25 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
April 25, 2024
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public on Thursday, April 25, 2024 commencing at 10:20 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
T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services
L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services
S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief
M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor
S. Simpson, Development Officer
G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering Services
C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator)
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: Cpl. C. Mamchur, RCMP - Bassano
Cpl. C. Hrynyk, RCMP - Bassano
G. Trembecki, Silver Sage Agricultural Society
A. Trembecki, Silver Sage Agricultural Society
K. Neufeld, Silver Sage Agricultural Society
D. Weestra, Silver Sage Agricultural Society
1 County Ratepayer in attendance
CALL TO ORDER
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
Regular Council
April 25, 2024
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (April 11, 2024)
C-121/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLORAMANDA PHILPOTT that the April 11, 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-122/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the agenda be adopted as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED
6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held. One County Ratepayer was in
attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public.
10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
10.1 Legislative Appointments - Weed Inspectors & Pest Inspectors
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-123/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell appoints
Josh Fitzgerald, Brady Anderson, Jenna Presley, and Rebecca Andrew as Inspectors
pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act until such a time that their employment
with the County ceases.
MOTION CARRIED
C-124/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the County of Newell appoints Josh
Fitzgerald, Brady Anderson, Jenna Presley, and Rebecca Andrew as Inspectors
pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural Pests Act until such a time their employment
with the County ceases.
MOTION CARRIED
10.2 Rural Beautification Awards - Review Policy POL-025-24 & Assign Council
Judge
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this
item, including an overview of changes to the judging criteria. He responded to
questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding the Council judge.
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April 25, 2024
C-125/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Policy POL-025-24 (Rural
Beautification Awards) be adopted as presented; further, that Councillor A. Skanderup be
appointed as the Council judge with the judging day(s) considered a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 10:29 a.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
L. Johnson and S. Luchies arrived at 10:29 a.m.
11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
11.1 Fire Service Mutual Aid Agreement - Wheatland County
The Director of Corporate Services explained the purpose of mutual aid
agreements, which outline services to be provided by neighbouring municipalities
in emergency situations. The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided background
information on this item, indicating that mutual aid agreements create beneficial
partnerships between municipalities. He responded to questions regarding
Schedule 8, indicating that more detailed information on Wheatland County's
equipment has been requested. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that the
Schedules are meant to be updated regularly.
C-126/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Mutual Aid Agreement with
Wheatland County be APPROVED as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
The Director of Corporate Services indicated that mutual aid agreements with
other municipalities will a/so be updated. The Newell Regional Fire Chief
responded to further questions, indicating that he has reached out to Siksika
Nation regarding entering a mutual aid agreement.
LEFT THE MEETING
L. Johnson and S. Luchies left the meeting at 10:40 a.m.
11.2 2023 Annual Report
The Communications Officer provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. Council reviewed the 2023 Annual Report
document and provided feedback.
C-127/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council APPROVES the 2023 Annual
Report as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
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April 25, 2024
11.3 Recreation Agreement Update - City of Brooks
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item,
noting that the skateboard park and old rodeo grounds redevelopment are not
included on the amended Schedule A. The Chief Administrative Officer
responded to questions from Council, indicating the budget numbers and details
have been updated. Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) agreements
must be updated by 2027, and the ICF/Intermunicipal Development Plan
committee will be reviewing the Recreation Services agreement with the City of
Brooks for the years beginning 2025. The Chief Administrative Officer responded
to further questions from Council.
C-128/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the amended Schedule A be
APPROVED as presented and further, that the Reeve and Chief Administrative Officer
sign the amendment to the Recreation, Parks & Culture Services agreement with the
City of Brooks.
MOTION CARRIED
11.4 Request for Letter of Support - Belly River Reservoir Proposal (United
Irrigation District)
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. Council
indicated that they would be in favor of providing a letter in support of irrigation in
general, provided that the projects are cost effective and prioritized. Further
discussion occurred and Council requested additional information on the Belly
River Reservoir project before providing a letter.
C-129/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Administration obtain more
information from the United Irrigation District on the Belly River Reservoir Proposal.
MOTION CARRIED
11.5 2024 Citizen & Junior Citizen of the Year Awards - Request for Gift Basket
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-130/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council supports the Grasslands
Regional FCSS Citizen & Junior Citizen of the Year Awards, and that a gift basket in the
amount of $125.00 be donated on behalf of the County of Newell.
MOTION CARRIED
11.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (March 2024)
C-131/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the March 2024 Councillor Payment
Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor
Compensation Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
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April 25, 2024
11.7 Requests for Functions of Council
11.7.1 Palliser Health Triangle Meeting (June 4, 2024)
Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item.
C-132/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Councillor K. Christman be permitted
to attend the Palliser Health Triangle meeting on June 4, 2024 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
11.7.2 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association Meeting
(April 26, 2024)
C-133/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to
attend the Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association (SAEWA) Meeting in
Strathmore, AB on April 26, 2025 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
11.7.3 Seeds of Change Rural Immigration Conference (May 7-8, 2024)
C-134/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend
the Seeds of Change Rural Immigration Conference in Brooks, AB on May 7-8, 2024 as
a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
11.7.4 Request for Volunteers - Brooks & Community Agencies Community
Resource Fair (May 29, 2024)
Councillor H. Johnson provided background information on this
item. Councillor A. Skanderup, Councillor L. Kopp, and Councillor
K. Christman volunteered to participate in this event.
C-135/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that we move into Public Hearings at
11:00 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
7. PUBLIC FiEARINGS
7.1 Bylaw 2073-24 Electoral Division Boundaries
Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:00 a.m.
Reeve A. Doerksen reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the
hearing.
The Chief Administrative Officer stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to
hear representations on Bylaw 2073-24. The intent of this bylaw is to establish
electoral division boundaries and the number of Councillors to serve on County
of Newell Council.
There were no persons in attendance speaking in favor of the proposed bylaw.
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April 25, 2024
J. Dovichak, spoke in opposition to the proposed bylaw, indicating that the
proposed boundary change divides the community of Tilley. She asked Council
to reconsider and keep the existing boundaries for current Division 2. Council
responded to questions regarding the importance of even population distribution.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Cpl. C. Mamchur and Cpl. C. Hrynyk arrived at 11:07 a.m.
Discussion followed. Council indicated that, while each member of Council is
elected in a specific division, they work together in the best interests of the entire
County of Newell.
The moderator indicated that there were no online participants wishing to speak
to the proposed bylaw.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
C-136/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that we move out of Public Hearings at
11:10 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
1 County Ratepayer left the meeting at 11:11 a.m.
9. DELEGATIONS
9.1 Bassano RCMP - Policing Priorities (2024-2025)
Cpl. C. Mamchur introduced Cpl. C. Hrynyk who will be covering his upcoming
leave. Cpl. C. Mamchur provided an update on resource levels, indicating that
the temporary amalgamation of the Brooks and Bassano detachments is
expected to end around January 2025. He requested input from Council
regarding the Bassano detachment's annual performance plan and whether to
maintain the priorities set during the previous year. The priorities were
community engagement and visibility; traffic enforcement with a focus on
impaired and dangerous driving; and rural crime. Cpl. C. Mamchur indicated that
additional emphasis is placed on Bassano RCMP members maintaining a good
worWlife balance and adequate training. Council was given the opportunity to
ask questions. Cpl. C. Mamchur responded to questions regarding traffic
enforcement, presentations to schools, and engagement with the colonies. He
also asked Council to identify key events at which it would be desirable to have
Bassano RCMP presence.
LEFT THE MEETING
Cpl. C. Mamchur and Cpl. C. Hrynyk left the meeting at 11:26 a.m.
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Regular Councii
April 25, 2024
RECESS
Council RECESSED at 11:26 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:33 a.m.
C-137/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that we move into Public Hearings at
11:34 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS — continued
7.2 Bylaw 2066-24 LUB Text Amendments
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 Development Officer stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear
representations on Bylaw 2066-24. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land
Use Bylaw 2016-21 to include policy that will create efficiencies in the
development permit process.
The Development Officer provided background information on this item including
an overview of the proposed amendments. She indicated that a copy of the
document had been circulated to a list of affected agencies and neighbouring
municipalities. 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-138/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move out of Public Hearings at
11:38 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
8. BYLAWS
8.1 Bylaw 2073-24 Electoral Division Boundaries
C-139/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2073-24, being a bylaw for the
purpose of establishing electoral division boundaries and the number of Councillors to
serve on County of Newell Council, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
8.2 Bylaw 2066-24 LUB Text Amendments
C-140/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP 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 SECOND
reading.
MOTION CARRIED
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C-141/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2066-24 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
G. Tiffin left the meeting at 11:40 a.m.
8.3 Bylaw 2054-23 - Road Closure & LEASE
(Various Locations in Townships 19 & 20 Range 17 - Division 6)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information and
responded to questions from Council, indicating on the map where the new
irrigation is located.
C-142/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2054-23, being a bylaw for the
purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the following described roadway:
1. The most westerly 1085 meters of government road allowance adjacent to plan
3278EC in parts of Section 5-20-17-W4;
2. The most southerly 968 meters of Road Diversion Plan 7488BM in
S 6-20-17-W4;
3. The most northerly 473 meters of government road allowance adjacent to
NE 31-19-17-W4 excepting: 1.01 hectares (2.5 acres) more or less comprised
within the right of way as shown on plan IRR 1005 excepting thereout all mines
and minerals and the right to work the same;
4. The most easterly 1609 meters of government road allowance adjacent to
NE 32-19-17-W4 excepting thereout all mines and minerals and the right to work
the same and SE 32-19-17-W4 excepting thereout all mines and minerals and
the right to work the same;
be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-143/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2054-23 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
8.4 Bylaw 2059-23 Road Closure & LEASE
(Portions of RR183 Adjacent to E 28 & E 33-21-18-W4)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information and
responded to questions from Council regarding signs to be posted.
C-144/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2059-23, being a bylaw
for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING portions of Range Road 183
adjacent to E 28-21-18-W4 and E 33-21-18-W4, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-145/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2059-23 be given THIRD
and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
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April 25, 2024
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Jackson and S. Simpson left the meeting at 11:45 a.m.
8.5 Bylaw 2072-24 Tax Rate
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information and responded
to questions from Council.
C-146/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2072-24, being a bylaw to
authorize the rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2024, be given SECOND
reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-147/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Bylaw 2072-24 be given THIRD
and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
11.7 Functions of Council — continued
11.7.5 Documentary Film Premiere "Bridging the Gap" (May 8, 2024)
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council. Reeve A. Doerksen,
Councillor A. Skanderup, Councillor K. Christman, and Councillor
N. Johnson indicated that they would attend.
12. COMMITTEE REPORTS
12.1 Brooks Region Tourism Association
Councillor A. Skanderup reported that grant funding had been received under the
Small Community Opportunity Program (SCOP) and will be used towards
agritourism events. A meeting was held recently regarding updating the Brooks
Aqueduct Interpretive Center. Experience Development Funding has been
allocated to two upcoming rodeos at Silver Sage. Councillor A. Skanderup
provided information regarding the Destination Marketing Fund (DMF) and
regular account balances. She provided a list of some upcoming events.
12.2 Newell Housing Foundation
CouncillorA. Skanderup and CouncillorA. Philpott submitted a written report.
12.3 Grasslands Regional FCSS
Councillor H. Johnson reported that Grasslands Regional FCSS has completed a
strategic plan and will present it to Council at an upcoming meeting. A seniors'
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Regular Council
April 25, 2024
lunch will be held on June 3, 2024 and is free for anyone over 50 years of
age. Tickets are available for the Citizen & Junior Citizen of the Year Awards
ga/a on May 3, 2024. More advertising is planned for seniors' services including
the meals on wheels program, especially for rural residents. Councillor
H. Johnson provided an overview of funding allocated under the microgrant
program.
12.4 Joint Services Committee
Councillor K. Christman reported that Joint Services Committee had received
presentations from Medicine Hat College regarding their education delivery
system and updated student statistics for the Brooks Campus. Prairie Rose
Hospice also gave a presentation and requested an eight-bed
facility. Information on their "Good Grief" program is available online
https://prairierosehospice.ca/. Brooks Region Tourism is hiring a tourism
marketing videographer, and a$15,000 grant has been received to be used
towards succession planning for businesses. Councillor N. Johnson asked
Council to provide feedback on the iQubed Conference to M. /waasa.
12.4 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association
Councillor N. Johnson encouraged Council to attend the meeting tomorrow in
Strathmore, A8.
12.6 Palliser Economic Partnership
Councillor H. Johnson reported that the Palliser Economic Partnership's Annual
General Meeting will be held in Rolling Hills, AB on June 14, 2024. Items of
interest include needs on roadways, especially the Wild Horse Border Crossing
and Highway 36, and funding for larger projects like housing and infrastructure.
13. POST AGENDA ITEMS
There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting.
14. INFORMATION ITEMS
14.1 Payment Registers
This item was accepted as information.
14.2 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
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April 25, 2024
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
G. Trembecki, A. Trembecki, K. Neufeld, and D. Weestra arrived at 1:00 p.m.
9. DELEGATIONS - continued
9.2 Silver Sage Agricultural Society
G. Trembecki provided background information on the Silver Sage Agricultural
Society. He provided a list of the events planned for 2024, indicating that
approximately 13, 000 people attend these events annually. He outlined the
Silver Sage Ag Society's values and commitment to community. A strategic plan
has been developed, focusing on sustainability, optimization, and community.
G. Trembecki provided additional details for achieving these goals which will
preserve the spirit of agriculture and western values. He thanked J. Goodnough
and Councillor G. Skriver for their participation and invited a County Councillor to
sit on the Silver Sage Agricultural Society board in the future.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council congratulated the
Silver Sage Agricultural Society on the progress made in recent years.
K. Neufeld responded to questions regarding future plans for the facility,
indicating that they are currently focused on maintaining the existing structure
and programs and increasing membership. G. Trembecki responded to
questions regarding funding sources that the Silver Sage Agricultural Society can
access. He also indicated that the Ag Society is maintaining a good relationship
with Alberta Agriculture.
LEFT THE MEETING
G. Trembecki, A. Trembecki, K. Neufeld, and D. Weestra left the meeting at 1:16 p.m.
15. IN CAMERA
C-148/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move in camera at 1:16 p.m.
to discuss the following matters:
• Disclosure Harmful to Intergovernmental Relations - FOIPAct Section 21;
• Advice from Officials - FOIPAct Section 24.
MOTION CARRIED
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April 25, 2024
C-149/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at
2:09 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
16. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:10 p.m.
Signed this �ay of �� , 2024
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County Administrator
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