The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About2024-09-19 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL September 19, 2024 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, September 19, 2024 commencing at 9:59 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: D. Short (via Microsoft Teams) 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 M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor R. Burgess, Community Peace Officer Level 1 C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: B. Gibeau, County Ratepayer J. Gibeau, County Ratepayer S. Hawkins, Brooks Animal Protection Society (BAPS) C. Campbell, ALUS 1. 2. 3. C-292/24 CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 9:59 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (September 5, 2024) MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the September 5, 2024 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council September 19, 2024 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-293/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON 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. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS 10.1 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association Councillor N. Johnson provided information regarding an upcoming meeting between SAEWA and the vendors on October 4, 2024 starting at 9:00 a.m. He suggested that interested members of Council could participate online. 10.2 Newell Recycling Association Councillor L. Kopp reported that Newell Recycling has taken over recycling operations for the Bassano & Area Resource Recovery Association (BARRA). 10.3 Shortgrass Library System Councillor L. Kopp provided an update on the Pronghorn Card initiative, which will allow library patrons to apply and renew library memberships online. They hope to have more regional library systems involved in this initiative by October. A contest was held to design decals for the new Shortgrass Library van. Councillor L. Kopp responded to questions from Council. 10.4 County of Newell Library Board Councillor L. Kopp reported that the Brooks Public Library has been invited to the October 1, 2024 meeting to discuss funding. 10.5 Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor H. Johnson reported that the quarterly meeting was held on September 13, 2024. Grants for housing needs assessments were allocated for several communities. The Rural Infrastructure Strategy Project continues. The Palliser Page 2 of 9 Regular Council September 19, 2024 Economic Partnership received a presentation by Roc Modular, a housing company from Bow Island. Discussion followed. 10.6 Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor H. Johnson reported that Grasslands Regional FCSS reviewed presentations for 2025 funding requests on Saturday, September 14, 2024. Funding allocations will be announced following a meeting today. 10.7 Safe Communities Committee Councillor G. Skriver reported that stolen vehicles are still an issue. During the last meeting, the RCMP provided an overview about how fines collected from tickets are distributed, indicating that the province collects 40% of the fines and the remaining 60% remains in the community. The Safe Communities Committee will meet every two months starting in September with no meetings over the summer. 10.8 City of Brooks Recreation & Parks Board Councillor G. Skriver reported that the Tennis & Pickle Ball Association in Brooks is obtaining non-profit status and expressed concerns regarding the state of the tennis courts in Brooks. The Recreation & Parks Board will recommend to City Council that the tennis courts be improved. One County member -at -large has moved out of the County. The board will be considering changes to recreation discounts for large employers in the future. The code of conduct was also reviewed. Councillor N. Johnson reported that the board received a presentation by the Brooks International Gospel Church and their efforts welcoming newcomers. This presentation was recommended to Grasslands Regional FCSS. 10.9 Airport Commission Councillor D. Short reported that he attended a meeting on August 22, 2024 where the budget was reviewed. He requested further information regarding surplus funds and expressed concerns regarding the budget layout. Councillor D. Short indicated that he was unable to attend the meeting on October 1, 2024. Councillor N. Johnson indicated that he would attend in place of Councillor D. Short. 10.10 Fire Area Committee - Duchess & Rural Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. 10.11 Joint Services Committee (City & County) Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report. Page 3 of 9 Regular Council September 19, 2024 10.12 Newell Housing Foundation Councillor A. Skanderup and Councillor A. Philpott submitted a written report. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (September 2024) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht, J. Nesbitt, and R. Burgess arrived at 10:22 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding clubroot inspection and testing. ARRIVED AT MEETING B. Gibeau, J. Gibeau, and S. Hawkins arrived at 10:26 a.m. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding raccoon traps. C-294/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for September 2024 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 2024 South Region ASB Conference (October 28-29, 2024) The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:28 a.m. 7. DELEGATIONS 7.1 Review of Enforcement File 2024-0181 The Community Peace Officer (CPO) provided background information on this item including an explanation of the notice and order issued. He indicated that the landowner has complied with the order and the enforcement file has been concluded on this matter other than the Council review requested. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council September 19, 2024 J. Gibeau indicated that a response from the CPO dated September 16, 2024 was received yesterday. He expressed concerns with errors in the enforcement order and a lack of clarity on maintenance standards. The property was certified organic pastureland in 2019, and the crested wheat grass cannot be grazed. The use is consistent with the County's Agriculture - General zoning. J. Gibau outlined the clean up activities completed and expressed concerns that the mowing standards were consistent with the Town of Bassano's requirements while the property is within the County. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. B. Gibeau responded to questions, indicating that he intends to sell the organic crested wheat grass seeds in the future and the crop cannot be grazed. Councillor K. Christman provided additional information regarding the property. J. Gibeau provided feedback on the process, indicating that the original enforcement notice was clear but did not mention mowing. The subsequent order was difficult to understand and mentioned public safety issues not included in the original notice. Specific bylaw infractions and what was required to remedy these infractions was also unclear. J. Gibeau indicated that the response letter did clarify many of the points raised in the order and expressed concerns that a rural agricultural property would be held to urban maintenance standards. B. Gibeau indicated that the requirements for mowing was difficult to understand and asked that the County include concessions so that he can harvest the grass seed in the future. B. Gibeau responded to questions regarding the property and the fence. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that County staff would follow up regarding the mowing issue and potential to accommodate future harvesting of the grass. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor N. Johnson, J. Nesbitt, R. Burgess, B. Gibeau, and J. Gibeau left the meeting at 10:52 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING C. Campbell arrived at 10:52 a.m. 7.2 Funding Request - Brooks Animal Protection Society The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that a funding request has been received from the Brooks Animal Protection Society (BAPS). S. Hawkins provided background information on BAPS. The shelter is currently over capacity and expenses have increased significantly. She provided information on the number of cats and dogs received at the shelter and explained the adoption process. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. S. Hawkins responded to questions regarding the adoption policies, indicating that the board would be reviewing them in the near future. She responded to questions regarding staffing, adoption fees, and the availability of farm cats. S. Hawkins responded to further questions from Council regarding the number of adoptions to County residents and how BAPS communicates with the public. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council September 19, 2024 LEFT THE MEETING S. Hawkins left the meeting at 11:06 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:06 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:13 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green returned at 11:13 a.m. 7.3 ALUS C. Campbell provided background information on herself and ALUS which works with farmers and ranchers on projects that build climate resilience and enhance biodiversity while increasing production. She provided examples of the types of projects that ALUS facilitates, indicating that producers are compensated through agreements. Programs are delivered locally through a Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC) and individual projects are cost -shared with the producer. C. Campbell provided an overview of the ALUS guiding principles and the responsibilities of ALUS, the municipality and the PAC. She noted that the program is voluntary with five-year agreements. She outlined the benefits ofALUS projects and displayed a map showing current municipal partners. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C. Campbell provided information regarding the process for establishing a PAC within a municipality and responded to questions regarding reporting and accountability. She responded to questions regarding provincial and federal funding and indicated that there is an annual membership fee to participate in the ALUS program. C. Campbell responded to further questions from Council. 7.1 Review of Enforcement File 2024-0181 — continued The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional background information on this item, indicating that Administration will review the process internally and consider how to accommodate the organic farming operation in the future. Discussion followed regarding the fire risk associated with unmowed grass. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C-295/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council confirms the Enforcement Order dated August 23, 2024 setting the maintenance standard for the property whereby the property is to be maintained to the standard as other properties in the surrounding area which includes properties in the Town of Bassano. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Funding Request - Brooks Animal Protection Society — continued The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional background information on this item, indicating that the Joint Services Committee had also recently discussed Page 6 of 9 Regular Council September 19, 2024 this item. Discussion followed regarding future revisions to municipal agreements and adoption policies. C-296/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES additional spending in the amount of $7,000 from the Grants & Donations account to provide emergency funding to the Brooks Animal Protection Society, funded from the County's unrestricted surplus. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) Grant Application - Regional Emergency Management Plan The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information. C-297/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council appoints the Town of Bassano as the lead municipality on an Alberta Community Partnership grant for phase II of the Newell Regional Emergency Management Plan, which will focus on plan implementation and processes required to ensure the plan remains current during periods of change within each of the partner municipalities. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor D. Short, T. Green, and C. Campbell left the meeting at 12:02 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:02 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:48 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.2 Councillor Payment Sheets (July 2024) C-298/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the July 2024 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Requests for Functions of Council 9.3.1 Global Village Interviews (September 20-22, 2024) C-299/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Councillor H. Johnson and Councillor K. Christman be permitted to participate in interviews by the Global Village television program on September 20-22, 2024 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 9 Regular Council September 19, 2024 9.3.2 Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce WestJet Roundtable (October 2, 2024) Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item. C-300/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Councillor H. Johnson and Councillor K. Christman be permitted to attend the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce WestJet Roundtable in Medicine Hat, AB on October 2, 2024 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 9.3.3 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association Board Meeting (October 4, 2024) Discussion followed regarding online participation in this meeting. C-301/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association board meeting on October 4, 2024 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Meeting with Grasslands Schools (October 10, 2024) Discussion followed regarding arrangements to recognize the 30th anniversary of Grasslands Schools. Council suggested the following agenda items: Government of Alberta announcement regarding new schools and the need for new schools in the region supporting rural schools. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Payment Registers This item was accepted as information. 12.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report (August 2024) This item was accepted as information. 12.3 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council September 19, 2024 12.4 Bassano RCMP Report (August 2024) This item was accepted as information. Council appreciated Monthly Mountie Memo. 13. QUESTION PERIOD A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. 14. IN CAMERA C-302/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move in camera at 1:00 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations — FO/PAct Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-303/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move out of camera at 1:46 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:46 p.m. Signed this �01 day ofyG� �`"" , 2024 Reeve County Administrator Page 9 of 9