Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-03-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL March 10, 2016 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, March 10, 2016 commencing at 10:47 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh L. Juss ABSENT: B. de Jong STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services K. Martin, Manager of Fire & Emergency Services M. Fenske, Manager of Finance A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: J. Jensen, Tilley School J. Foote, Tilley School J. Coombs, Tilley School 19 Students from the Grade 3/4 Class, Tilley School R. McPhillips, City of Brooks 1. 2. C-71/16 CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:47 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Councillor B. de Jong be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council March 10, 2016 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (2016-02-25) C-72/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the February 25, 2016 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 The Manager of Planning & Development reported that the Public Hearings and subsequent first readings for Bylaws 1859-16, 1860-16, and 1861-16 must be postponed until the advertising requirements have been met. The Public Hearings will be advertised for the April 7, 2016 Council Meeting. C-73/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 Bylaw 1859-16 Road Closure & SALE (NW 32-23-18-W4 & NE 31-23-18-W4) This item was removed from the agenda. 6.2 Bylaw 1860-16 Road Closure & LEASE (W 36-23-16-W4 & SE 35-23-16-W4) This item was removed from the agenda. 6.3 Bylaw 1861-16 Road Closure & SALE (NW 33-19-11-W4 & SW 4-20-11-W4) This item was removed from the agenda. 7. BYLAWS J� ) 7.1 Bylaw 1859-16 Road Closure & SALE (NW 32-23-18-W4 & NE 31-23-18-W4) This item was removed from the agenda. 7.2 Bylaw 1860-16 Road Closure & LEASE (W 36-23-16-W4 & SE 35-23-16-W4) This item was removed from the agenda. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council March 10, 2016 7.3 Bylaw 1861-16 Road Closure & SALE (NW 33-19-11-W4 & SW 4-20-11-W4) This item was removed from the agenda. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Jensen, J. Coombs, J. Foote, and 19 Grade 3/4 students from Tilley School arrived at 10:50 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Tilley School - Proposal to Make Main Street in Tilley an Idle Free Zone J. Jensen provided background information, indicating that her Grade 3/4 class came up with a project to make Main Street in Tilley, AB idle -free. The students made a presentation to Council which included their concerns regarding the negative aspects of vehicles idling and positive aspects of making Main Street an idle -free zone. They provided statistics to Council, indicating that unnecessary idling wastes fuel and money. The students showed a video outlining the negative environmental impacts. The positive aspects of creating an idle -free zone include saving gas and money, reducing pollution, and improving quality of life for pedestrians. The students provided a summary, indicating that turning off the engine when you are going to be out of the car for more than one minute will save the average driver $26.00 per year. It will also help Alberta meet its climate change goals and protect the health of children. If Council agrees to make Main Street in Tilley an idle -free zone, the students would use some of their BP A+ for Energy Grant funding to produce signs and do weekly monitoring. They requested assistance from the County to install the signs. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor L. Juss commended the students for recognizing a problem and taking steps to resolve it. He suggested signs be installed at the Tim Hortons locations in Brooks as well. Councillor W. Hammergren agreed and suggested that Council should look at this seriously and see what can be done. Reeve M. Douglass asked the students how they planned to make adults and drivers aware of the problem. One student replied that information cards will be created and placed on cars that are found idling between 8:00 - 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. when students are walking to and from school. Councillor G. Simpson suggested that the students make the same presentation to the Tilley Hamlet Advisory Committee at their upcoming Annual General Meeting. The students responded to further questions from Council, indicating that several other communities in Alberta have a no idling policy in place, including Calgary, Banff, Edmonton, Grand Prairie, and Leduc. J. Jensen noted that the Alberta Capital Airshed Municipal Idle -Free Toolkit contains policy templates and guidelines for implementing them. She indicated that the students have written and published a book and produced a movie called Exhausted Money based on their research of where oil and gas comes from and how it becomes exhaust. The movie was presented to Council. The students responded to further questions from Page 3 of 9 Regular Council March 10, 2016 Council. Councillor G. Simpson indicated that he would work with J. Jensen to arrange the presentation at the Tilley Hamlet Advisory Committee's Annual General Meeting. Reeve M. Douglass thanked the students and J. Jensen for the presentation and their work. LEFT THE MEETING J. Jensen, J. Coombs, J. Foote, and 19 Grade 3/4 students from Tilley School left the meeting at 11:45 a.m. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 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. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding drainage projects initiated by the County. The Eastern Irrigation District will be finishing work in Rainier under the drainage partnership. He indicated that he has requested work in the Millicent area and north. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding road and driveway delineators, indicating that crews check them in the spring and fall and replace where necessary. 11.2 Utilities - NRSC Report The Utilities-NRSC Report was presented to Council. C-74/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for February 2016 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 0`1 11.3 Solid Waste Services - Rural Solid Waste Collection - Pilot Project Report The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item. Bins for solid waste collection and select recyclables were placed in Johnson Estates 1 for a six-month period. A total of seven responses were received to the survey sent to the 33 participants. Most said that they would support the service if the cost was $10-20 per month, which is comparable to the service provided in urban areas. The Director of Municipal Services indicated that the response is not strong enough to warrant proceeding with providing this service. He recommended that the report be accepted as information and to revisit the issue if a request comes forward in the future. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions, indicating that there were no major issues reported. For the most part, all sites remained clean and there were no complaints from the residents. Council accepted this item as information. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council March 10, 2016 LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:10 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:03 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. McPhillips arrived at 1:03 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS - CONTINUED 8.2 Silver Sage Agricultural Society (D. Redman, President) This item was removed from the agenda. 8.3 2017 Southern Alberta Summer Games (R. McPhillips) R. McPhillips presented an overview of the Southern Alberta Summer Games, which have been taking place since 1979. Each year the events are hosted by a different community and offer a huge range of sporting and cultural events. The City of Brooks and the County of Newell hosted the 2010 Southern Alberta Summer Games and the event was very successful. R. McPhillips provided an overview of the economic benefits to the community, as the games bring in a large number of athletes, their families, and spectators. The event is partially funded by the province and the remainder comes from contributions from the municipalities, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising activities. She explained the reporting structure, indicating that it is primarily volunteer -driven. R. McPhillips provided the proposed budget for the events, indicating that they are requesting a commitment from the City and the County of Newell in the amount of $38,000.00 each. The events will be held on July 5-8, 2017. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. McPhillips responded to questions from Council, indicating that City Council passed a motion to provide the requested funding in their 2017 budget. She indicated that the host community will be selected soon as the torch will be passed to the next host community at the 2016 games. R. McPhillips responded to questions regarding the funding commitment, indicating that the municipalities will get a refund if the total amount is not used. She responded to questions regarding the insurance, indicating that this is required by the Southern Alberta Recreation Association (SARA). Councillor K. Christman noted that the bowling events were held in Bassano and asked if Bassano, Duchess, and Rosemary would be approached for participation. R. McPhillips replied that the intent is to make this a regional event including all communities. R. McPhillips responded to further questions from Council. Councillor A.M. Philipsen suggested that they approach the Destination Marketing Fund. Discussion followed regarding funding sources and the Chief Administrative Officer indicated that, if approved, the amount requested would be included in the 2017 budget. Discussion followed regarding the insurance and the Chief Administrative Officer indicated that this had also been discussed during the Joint Services Committee Meeting. The insurance is Page 5 of 9 Regular Council March 10, 2016 required and R. Tanner was obtaining further information regarding the possibility of reducing the cost. C-75/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that Council supports the bid to host the 2017 Southern Alberta Summer Games in the City of Brooks and the County of Newell and agrees to commit up to $38,000.00 for the event in the 2017 Budget. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING R. McPhillips left the meeting at 1:28 p.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. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor K. Christman asked if a book house could be built and placed at Emerson Bridge Park and agreed to provide photos. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding cellular service at Emerson Bridge Park, indicating that the booster is directed to provide access within the park. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 1:36 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.2 Alberta Health Services Review of Alberta Rural Physician Action Plan (RPAP) Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item, indicating that there is expected to be an emergent resolution presented at AAMDC on this topic. C-76/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell provides a letter in support of the continuation of the Rural Physician Action Plan (RPAP). MOTION CARRIED 10.3 AAMDC Spring 2016 Convention - Resolutions Package Council was presented with the resolutions package for the AAMDC Spring 2016 Convention. Discussion followed on each of the resolutions and whether to support them. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor W. Hammergren left the meeting at 1:45 p.m. and returned at 1:49 p.m. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council March 10, 2016 Councillor G. Simpson and Councillor L. Juss provided information related to Resolution 10-16S Genetically Modified Alfalfa, indicating that the issue is being adequately dealt with on a local level. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Martin arrived at 1:55 p.m. Discussion followed on the remaining resolutions. 10.4 Division 4 Personal Protective Equipment & Radios/Pagers The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services provided background information on this item. Thirteen new members have been recruited to the Scandia Fire Department and they require protective equipment and communications devices. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services responded to questions from Council. C-77/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council APPROVES up to $35,000.00 for the purpose of purchasing gear for new members for Division 4 Fire Services with funding from the reserves set aside to support fire services. MOTION CARRIED The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services responded to questions from Council regarding a recent fire in Scandia. He indicated that the necessary emergency personnel and equipment are called in immediately for any fire call. Discussion followed regarding water sources for fire suppression available in Scandia and the Manager of Fire & Emergency Services indicated that there are hydrants used by Newell Regional Services Corporation. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services provided an update on other recent events. LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 2:09 p.m. 10.5 Cheques for Payment C-78/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that cheque 183391 in the amount of $441,514.75 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 10.6 Payment Register C-79/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Requests for Functions of Council There were no requests for functions of Council to discuss at this time. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council March 10, 2016 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 2015 Annual Restricted Surplus Review & Approval of Year End Transfers The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item to Council, indicating that it is necessary to move funding to restricted surplus accounts to show on the financial statements that the County has an intended specific use for the funds. He provided an overview of the restricted surplus accounts that unrestricted surplus funds are being transferred into. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-80/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the preliminary 2015 unrestricted net asset balance be allocated to the various restricted surplus as proposed by the Manager of Finance. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 2:24 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 10.1 Planning & Development Report The Manager of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer provided further information on the North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan discussions. As the required improvements will include roads, sewer, and other infrastructure, a Local Improvement Project is certainly a possibility that could be considered as it would relieve some of the financial burden to the landowner by distributing applicable costs to each individual lot owner. The County Planner responded to questions regarding setbacks required when subdividing land with an open discharge sewer system in place. Landowners can obtain information regarding sewer systems and setback requirements from qualified septic installers. The Development Officer has access to the list of qualified septic installers maintained by the province. C-81/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Planning & Development report for February 2016 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS - CONTINUED 12.2 AAMDC Spring 2016 Convention -Dinner with MPE Engineering Councillor W. Hammergren provided background information on this item. The Chief Administrative Officer asked Council to let him know whether they plan to attend this event so he can provide numbers to MPE Engineering. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council March 10, 2016 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (February 2016) This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Cypress County - Proposed Changes to Land Use Bylaw The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and asked Council to provide any comments to her so she can include them in her response. This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor T. Fyfe reported that discussion had occurred during a Safe Communities Committee meeting regarding RCMP media releases and sharing the information on various social media channels. Discussion followed and Council agreed that the County should participate in this. Councillor K. Christman suggested that this be extended to Bassano, Duchess, and Rosemary as well. 15. IN CAMERA C-82/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 2:40 p.m. to discuss land issues. MOTION CARRIED C-83/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that we move out of camera at 4:56 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:56 p.m. Signed this T day of tip_ '2016 �eve' qn Administrator Page 9 of 9