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Home My WebLink About2025-02-06 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL February 6, 2025 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, February 6, 2025 commencing at 10:16 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 (via Microsoft Teams) A. Philpott N. Johnson (arrived at 1:06 p.m.) STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services S. Hanson, Controller E. Pankratz, Finance Clerk D. Christensen, Projects Assistant S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief A. Ferguson, Fire and Disaster Services Administrative Assistant C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: MP M. Shields, Bow River 12 Recipients of Alberta Emergency Services Medals, Family Members, and Divisional Fire Department Representatives 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:16 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council February 6, 2025 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (January 16, 2025) C-22125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the January 16, 2025 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-23/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT 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. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2080-24 Road Closure & LEASE (NE 26-18-13-W4 & SW 25-18-13-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-24/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2080-24, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING all those portions of government road allowance adjacent to E 26-18-13-W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-25/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2080-24 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Bylaw 2081-24 Road Closure & LEASE (E 1-20-16-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-26/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2081-24, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING all those portions of government road allowance adjacent to E 1-20-16-W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 10 Regular Council February 6, 2025 C-27/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2081-24 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.3 Bylaw 2087-25 Water & Sewer The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-28/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2087-25, being a bylaw for the regulation of the water works and sanitary sewer works systems throughout the County of Newell, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-29/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2087-25 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.4 Bylaw 2090-25 Land Use Bylaw Text Amendments (Airports) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item including an overview of the proposed airport policy and provisions for legal non -conforming developments. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed regarding informing Emergency Services about residences within industrial areas. The Planning & Development Supervisor indicated that municipal addresses are assigned to both residential and commercial structures. C-30/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2090-25, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 to include policy for Airports and land surrounding Airports as indicated in Scheule A, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.5 Bylaw 2091-25 Amendment to Bylaw 2063-23 (Debenture - Lake Newell Resort Pathway) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that the tenders received are higher than the original estimate for the project. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 10:40 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer outlined the potential options, including alternate funding sources, and provided additional information on the preferred strategy, which includes an application for funding under the Canada Community -Building Fund (CCBF). Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding funding allocated for other projects to be completed at Lake Newell Resort. Councillor G. Skriver provided additional information, indicating that the optional extension would better connect the pathway to the community. The Chief Administrative Officer Page 3 of 10 Regular Council February 6, 2025 indicated that, if Council is in support of applying CCBF funding to this project, the tender award would be deferred to a future Council meeting to ensure the grant application is approved. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions regarding the Local Improvement process. Further discussion followed. C-31126 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2091-25, being a bylaw for the purpose of amending Bylaw 2063-23 to reflect updated costs and funding sources for the Hamlet of Lake Newell Resort Pathway Local Improvement Borrowing Bylaw, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-32/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2091-25 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-33/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that consent be given for Bylaw 2091-25 to receive third reading this 6th day of February, 2025. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-34/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2091-25 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:02 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:07 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Hanson, E. Pankratz, and D. Christensen arrived at 11:07 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 Coyote Control Incentive Program statistics, an update on the Bassano Fire Hall renovations, and Environmental Farm Plans. He also provided an update on the Crop Diversification Centre South revitalization project, indicating that community support has been great, and an open house is being planned for spring. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:14 a.m. Page 4 of 10 Regular Council February 6, 2025 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Planning & Development Report (Year in Review 2024) The Planning & Development Supervisor presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson arrived at 11:16 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions regarding construction permits for Agricultural buildings, indicating that the Land Use Bylaw could be updated to also require development permits for agricultural buildings over a certain size if that is Council's wish. C-35/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the Planning & Development Report for 2024 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Approval to Proceed - Road Closure (E 31-17-17-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-36/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that we proceed with the process for closing and LEASING the road allowances adjacent to E 31-17-17-W4. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:23 a.m. 10.3 Community Organization Insurance Cost Concerns The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that six options were investigated with the goal of reducing insurance costs incurred by community organizations. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the property percent increase, noting that the replacement cost increases are caused by inflation. Discussion followed. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that community organizations would be encouraged to increase insurance deductibles, then funding from the County would be applied to offset their costs in the event of a claim. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions regarding the Additional Named Insured program. C-37/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council directs Administration to investigate alternative policy terms and conditions whereby the County could provide funding support for insurance deductibles of the not -for -profit organizations it supports. Page 5 of 10 Regular Council February 6, 2025 MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson, S. Hanson, E. Pankratz, and D. Christensen left the meeting at 11:32 a.m. 10.4 Policy Review POL-055-25 Councillor Compensation Review Committee The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-38/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Policy POL-055-25 (Councillor Compensation Review Committee) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 Policy Review POL-011-25 Councillor's Compensation & Expenses The Chief Administrative Officer provided an overview of the changes made to this policy. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council indicated that the Spring FCSS convention could be removed from the list of Conferences and Conventions in article 7. C-39/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Policy 2008-PLG-006 (Spouses - Payment of Fees at Conventions) be RESCINDED; further, that Policy POL-011-25 (Councillor's Compensation & Expenses) be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING MP M. Shields arrived at 11:30 a.m RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:36 a.m. and reconvened at 11:39 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 MP M. Shields MP M. Shields provided updates on various topics: • Alberta Irrigation Districts Association Conference • how to identify Canadian -made goods • the importance of agrifood business and its potential for continued growth • communicating the economic value that irrigation creates, especially to urban people • Premier D. Smith's meetings with U. S. President Elect D. Trump Council was given the opportunity to raise questions. MP M. Shields responded to questions regarding when parliament will return to session. Page 6 of 10 Regular Council February 6, 2025 ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies, A. Ferguson, and 12 recipients of Alberta Emergency Services medals, their family members, and Divisional Fire Department Representatives arrived at 11:45 a.m. 8.2 Presentation of Alberta Emergency Services Medals The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided background information on this item, indicating that the County's Fire Departments are strictly volunteer fire departments, and the Province of Alberta recognizes the commitment of these individuals through Alberta Emergency Services Medals. Awards and certificates from MP M. Shields were presented to the following: • Ronald Torkelson - Duchess Fire Department - 12 years • Claudia Locke - Duchess Fire Department - 12 years • Bernhard Thiessen - Duchess Fire Department - 12 years • Michael Phillips - Bassano Fire Department - 12 years • Michael Wetzstein - Bassano Fire Department - 12 years • Martin Wiebe - Rosemary Fire Department - 22 years • Weston Harder (not present) - Rosemary Fire Department - 32 years The Newell Regional Fire Chief and Council thanked the award recipients for their many years of dedication and commitment. LEFT THE MEETING MP M. Shields, S. Luchies, A. Ferguson, and 12 recipients of Alberta Emergency Services medals, their family members, and Divisional Fire Department Representatives left the meeting at 12:12 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:12 p.m, and RECONVENED at 1:06 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor N. Johnson and D. Christensen arrived at 1:06 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.6 Terms of Reference - Councillor Compensation Advisory Committee The Projects Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council suggested providing mileage expenses to committee members. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions and outlined the following steps, which will include advertising for members -at -large. Discussion followed. Page 7 of 10 Regular Council February 6, 2025 C-40/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the Terms of Reference for the Councillor Compensation Advisory Committee as amended. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Christensen left the meeting at 1:12 p.m. 10.7 Councillor Payment Sheets (December 2024) C-41/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the December 2024 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.8 Requests for Functions of Council 10.8.1 Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce Round Table Discussions Councillor K. Christman provided information regarding a round table meeting hosted by the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce on February 7, 2025. Councillor H. Johnson indicated that a series of these meetings have been scheduled and that another will be held at the Medicine Hat College - Brooks Campus. Discussion followed. C-42/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that any Councillor be permitted to attend one (1) of the round table meetings hosted by the Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.8.2 Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta (February 11, 2025) Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item, indicating that she is unable to attend. This item was accepted as information. 10.8.3 Inventures Canada (May 21-23, 2025) Reeve A. Doerksen provided background information on this event, which will be held in Calgary, AB. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding Council's Training & Development Allowance. Discussion followed. 10.8.4 Brownlee LLP Emerging Trends in Municipal Law The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council February 6, 2025 10.8.5 Youth Police Academy Graduation Ceremony (February 7, 2025) C-43/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Councillor A. Philpott be permitted to attend the Youth Police Academy Graduation Ceremony in Brooks, AB on February 7, 2025 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services report was presented to Council. Council requested an update on the rural water project in the Bassano area. C-44/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that the Director of Municipal Services Report for January 2025 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.2 Tender Award -Lake Newell Resort Pathway C-45/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that "Tender Award - Lake Newell Resort Pathway" be TABLED until an application for funding has been submitted to the Canada Community -Building Fund grant program. MOTION CARRIED 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Payment Registers The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the Tilley Landfill reclamation. This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. r-- Page 9 of 10 Regular Council February 6, 2025 15. IN CAMERA C-46/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 1:30 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Crop Diversification Centre South -Advice from Officials — FO/PAct Section 24. MOTION CARRIED C-47/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 2:00 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. Signed this 0 day of 7`� 2;.4pAL4 , 2025 lkhlZL24;" _ Reev �. County Administrator — Pagel 0 of 10