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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-06 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL March 6, 2025 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, March 6, 2025 commencing at 10:29 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, ChiefAdministrative Officer T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services S. Hanson, Controller L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: V. Alberts, Duchess Agricultural Society M. Crossland, Duchess Agricultural Society D. Hemsing, Rolling Hills Agricultural Society D. Baumgarten, Rolling Hills Agricultural Society K. Davidson, Rolling Hills Agricultural Society D. Stabbler, Ratepayer - Rolling Hills B. Stabbler, Ratepayer - Rolling Hills 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:29 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council March 6, 2025 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (February 20, 2025) C-65/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the February 20, 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-66/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP 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. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor D. Short arrived at 10:31 a.m. Updates were provided on seasona/ staff recruitment, Emerson Bridge Park, gopher control, and equipment repairs. The Director of Agricultural Services provided Coyote Control Incentive Program statistics for January and February. He also provided an update on the Crop Diversification Centre South Revitalization. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:36 a.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 Restricted Surplus Review & Approval of Year End Transfers The Controller provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 2 of 12 Regular Council March 6, 2025 C-67/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the year-end transfer of unrestricted net assets to the restricted surplus funds as proposed by Finance be approved as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Hanson left the meeting at 10:37 a.m. 11.2 Policy Review - POL-014-25 Restricted Surplus The ChiefAdministrative Officer provided background information on this item and an overview of changes to the policy. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-68/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Policy POL-014-25 (Restricted Surplus) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor D. Short excused himself at 10:42 a.m. 11.3 Approval to Sell Surplus County Owned Lot in Patricia (Roll 0001110300) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He indicated that County-owned properties identified as surplus properties are advertised for sale on the County website. The sa/e of this parcel to the adjacent landowner is at market value with the condition that it must be consolidated with the adjacent parcel. C-69/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council APPROVE the sale of Tax Roll 0001110300 in the Hamlet of Patricia. (Legal Description, Lot 1, Block 2, Plan 1217BA) in the amount of $2100 subject to the lot being consolidated with the adjacent title. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 City of Brooks Request to Join Newell Regional Emergency Management Partnership The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the Newell Regional Emergency Advisory Committee (NREAC) would review this reguest during their meeting on April 1, 2025 and make a recommendation to Council. The Director of Corporate Services responded to guestions from Council. Council accepted this item as information and agreed to await the recommendation from the NREAC. 11.5 Request for Proclamation - Resiliency Week (April 6- 12, 2025) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 3 of 12 Regular Council March 6, 2025 C-70/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Council hereby proclaims April 6-12, 2025 as "Resiliency Week" in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED C-71/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that one (1) Councillor be permitted to attend the Resiliency Day Celebration in Brooks, AB on April 8, 2025 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Councillor L. Kopp indicated that she would attend the Resiliency Day Celebration on April 8, 2025. 8.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (January 2025) C-72/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the January 2025 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 8.7 Requests for Functions of Council 8.7.1 Silver Sage Agricultural Society Meetings (Monthly) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding all the agricultural societies in the County. Severa/ Councillors indicated that they attend public meetings of the agricultural societies within their divisions. Councillor N. Johnson provided additional information regarding the Silver Sage Agricultural Society, indicating a City of Brooks Council member was on the board. Further discussion followed. C-73/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the County of Newell does not appoint a County Councillor to the Silver Sage Agricultural Society Board. MOTION CARRIED 8.7.2 HALO Air Ambulance Annual General Meeting (March 27, 2025) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-74/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that two (2) Councillors be permitted to attend the HALOAirAmbulanceAnnual General Meeting in Medicine Hat, AB on March 27, 2025 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Councillor K. Christman and Councillor L. Kopp indicated that they would attend the HALO AirAmbulance Annual General Meeting. Page 4 of 12 Regular Council March 6, 2025 8.7.3 Integrated Agriculture Technology Centre (IATC) Local Producers Dinner Gala (April 11, 2025) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that Reeve A. Doerksen had been invited to attend. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Capital Funding Request - Duchess Ag Society V. Alberts and M. Crossland were in attendance representing the Duchess Agricultural Society. V. Alberts provided background information on the Duchess Agricultural Society and details regarding the four phases of planned upgrades to the Duchess Arena. The ice plant project will be completed as phase 1 and includes replacement of the chiller and condenser and upgrades to the other components. Planned upgrades to the upper level will increase capacity and provide an area for dryland training and the bar. V. Alberts gave an overview of proposed renovations to the kitchen, lobby, and parking lot and plans to upgrade to an energy-efficient ice resurfacing machine in the future. Quotes for the ice plant replacement were provided. V. Alberts indicated that the ChiefAdministrative Officer had suggested providing details for the complete project, but the ice plant replacement will be completed first. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. V. Alberts indicated that this information was presented to the DuchessArea Recreation, Parks & Culture Board on March 3, 2025. The ChiefAdministrative Officer expressed appreciation for the detailed usage statistics for the arena and provided additional information. Under the Recreation Services Agreement, annual funding is provided by the County and the Village of Duchess. If Council approves the project in principle, the Duchess Agricultural Society will determine the final amount for the complete project and the County will guarantee a/oan to the Duchess Agricultural Society. The annual repayment amount will be taken from the annual recreation funding contribution. The Chief Administrative Officer explained the process, which will require a borrowing bylaw to be advertised to the public and an annual repayment agreement. Discussion followed. M. Crossland responded to questions regarding the ice plant replacement, indicating that there would be opportunities for a longer skating season and increased revenue. V. Alberts responded to questions regarding loan repayment, indicating that the Duchess Agricultural Society would have to review the details. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor D. Short returned at 11:22 a.m. V. Alberts indicated that grant funding opportunities would be investigated for future phases of the project. V. Alberts and M. Crossland responded to questions regarding fundraising efforts. Council suggested approaching Special Areas and Cypress County for funding. Page 5 of 12 Regular Council March 6, 2025 The Chief Administrative Officer outlined the recommended option to Council, indicating that administration would work with the Duchess Agricultural Society to help them complete the project. Discussion followed. C-75/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Council approves funding in the amount of one-third (1/3) of the cost to replace the DuchessAgricultural SocietyArena Ice Plant, contingent on all necessary permits and approvals being in place prior to construction, and further, that Council directs Administration to prepare the necessary bylaw and repayment agreement authorizing a loan to the Duchess Agricultural Society to complete the projects identified in their five-year capital plan. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council and outlined the process. M. Crossland provided additional background information. VOTE ON MOTION C-75/25 - MOTIOf� CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING V. Alberts and M. Crossland left the meeting at 11:38 a.m. C-76/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that we move into Public Hearings at 11:38 a.m. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS MOTION CARRIED 7.1 Bylaw 2090-25 Land Use Bylaw Text Amendments (Airports) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:38 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The Planning & Development Supervisor stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2090-25. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 to include policy forAirports and land surrounding Airports within the County as well as policy to allow the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) some flexibility on legal non-confirming buildings to help create efficiencies in the development permit process. 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. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Page 6 of 12 Regular Council March 6, 2025 7.2 Bylaw 2092-25 Road Closure & LEASE (E 31-17-17-W4) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:41 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 2092-25. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE that portion of roads adjacent to E 31-17-17-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 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. C-77/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:42 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.2 Capital Funding Request - Rolling Hills Ag Society D. Hemsing, D. Baumgarten, and K. Davidson were in attendance representing the Rolling Hills Agricultural Society. Two County ratepayers from Rolling Hills were a/so in attendance. D. Hemsing provided background information on the Rolling Hills Arena, indicating that they are requesting funding to replace the ice plant before next season. He reported that grant funding applications have been submitted and provided an overview of fundraising efforts so far. Volunteers will be used whenever possible to keep costs down. D. Hemsing provided testimonials from arena users and usage statistics, indicating that the Rolling Hills Arena hosts 8-10 tournaments per year, which brings teams and their families into the County. He gave additional details regarding the quotes for the chiller and the capital plan. The Chief Administrative Officer commended both the Rolling Hills and Duchess Agricultural Societies for their work in the County and outlined the recommended option to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Hemsing responded to guestions regarding freon, indicating that the quotes received were for freon ice plants. K. Davidson indicated that the equipment to be purchased can be retrofitted for ammonia, if required. C-78/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council approves funding of fifty percent (50%) of the Rolling Hills Agricultural Society Ice Plant Replacement project costs as a"Category Two — Facility Life Extensions, Major Project, long-term, pre-planned" Page 7 of 12 Regular Council March 6, 2025 initiative as outlined in the Recreation Facility Improvement Funding Policy, contingent on all necessary permits and approvals being obtained prior to construction. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Hemsing, D. Baumgarten, K. Davidson, D. Stabbler, and B. Stabbler left the meeting at 11:57 a.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:57 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:41 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson, L. Johnson, T. Green, and M. Harbicht arrived at 12:41 p.m. 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2088-25 Bassano Airport (N 20-21-18-W4 - B-RUR & S-PPS to DC) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item. She explained that noise concerns can be mitigated through provisions in the Community Standards Bylaw and by limiting hours of operation in the Development Permit conditions. She indicated that policy has been included in Schedule 8 requiring shipping containers be in good condition and painted. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-79/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Bylaw 2088-25, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating portions of N 20-21-18-W4 at the BassanoAirport from B-RUR Business - Rural District and S-PPS Special - Parks & Public Service to DC Direct Control District, be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Council requested that the Planning & Development Supervisor thank the delegation for attending the public hearing and communicate the changes made in response to their concerns. 8.2 Bylaw 2090-25 Land Use Bylaw Text Amendments (Airports) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-80/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP 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 SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 12 Regular Council March 6, 2025 C-81/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2090-25 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.3 Bylaw 2092-25 Road Closure & LEASE (E 31-17-17-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-82/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2092-25, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of roads adjacent to E 31- 17-17-W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 12:45 p.m. 8.4 Bylaw 2089-25 Fire The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, giving an overview of changes made since the February 20, 2025 Council meeting. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council expressed concerns with the articles in Schedule C requiring all fires to be extinguished by sunset. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that Schedule C pertains to controlled burns requiring a fire permit and the use of burn barre/s, not recreational fire pits. Discussion followed regarding whether a threshold should be set for fireworks requiring a permit. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that fireworks ratings would be investigated. He indicated that a public engagement campaign would follow first reading to gather feedback on the proposed bylaw. C-83/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2089-25, being a bylaw for the prevention or extinguishing of fires, for the safety, health and welfare of people and the protection of people and property from injury or destruction by fire, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 12:56 p.m. 8.5 Bylaw 2094-25 Animal Control The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item, noting that the proposed amendments align the numbering in Schedule 8 with the prohibition sections of the bylaw. No changes have been made to the intent of the bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-84/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2094-25, being a bylaw to provide for the regulation and control of animals within the County, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 9 of 12 Regular Council March 6, 2025 C-85/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2094-25 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-86/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that consent be given for Bylaw 2094-25 to receive third reading this 6th day of March, 2025. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-87/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2094-25 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 12:58 p.m. 8.6 Bylaw 2095-25 Schedule of Fees The ChiefAdministrative Officerprovided background information on this item. He provided an update on the Crop Diversification South Revitalization initiative and indicated that the changes to the bylaw include proposed rates for cost recovery at the CDC South. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council regarding the /ease agreements for the use of the CDC South equipment. C-88/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2095-25, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-89/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2095-25 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-90/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that consent be given for Bylaw 2095-25 to receive third reading this 6th day of March, 2025. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-91/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2095-25 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 1:06 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and T. Schroeder arrived at 1:08 p.m. Page 10 of 12 Regular Council March 6, 2025 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 12.2 Utilities - NRSC Report The Utilities - NRSC Report for March 2025 was presented to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 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 gravel hauling, the County of Newell Water Project construction, and current road conditions. C-92/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for February 2025 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 12.3 Tender Award - Lake Newell Resort Pathway The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item. The Chief Administrative Officer provided an update on the status of the Canada Community-Building Fund grant application and outlined a proposed strategy if funding is not approved. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, indicating that there is no tax impact associated with this project other than the local improvement. C-93/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Pathway construction to Brooks Asphalt & Aggregat (including Optional Items). Reeve A. Doerksen requested a recorded vote. In Favor — Division 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10 Opposed — Division 7 Council award the Lake Newell e in the amount of $1,560,868.84 MOTION CARRIED 12.4 Policy Review - POL-062-25 Vehicle/Equipment Recovery The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-94/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Policy POL-062-25 (Vehicle/Equipment Recovery) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and T. Schroeder left the meeting at 1:26 p.m. Page 11 of 12 Regular Council March 6, 2025 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. 14.3 Letter from Minister of Municipal Affairs - Budget 2025 This item was accepted as information. 15. QUESTION PERIOD A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. 16. IN CAMERA C-95/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move in camera at 1:27 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations — FOIPAct Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-96/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that we move out of camera at 1:53 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 17. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:53 p.m. Signed this Gti" day of �v" \ , 2025 Reeve _��� ��a CountyAdministrator �� Page 12 of 12