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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-04-21 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL April 21, 2016 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, April 21, 2016 commencing at 10:20 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: M. Douglass, Reeve C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services D. Horvath, County Planner M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services 0G. Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services H. White, Manager of Agricultural Services M. Fenske, Manager of Finance J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor S. Kipta, IT Project Manager M. Marshall, IT Administrative Assistant A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN J. Nesbitt, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: S. Sgt. T. McNulty, RCMP - Brooks Cpl. B. McDonald, RCMP - Bassano C. Oliver, Safe Communities Committee S. Vikedal, Duchess Agricultural Society D. Drader, Duchess Agricultural Society/Village of Duchess CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass 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 21, 2016 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (April 7, 2016) C-126/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the April 7, 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 C-127/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 6. BYLAWS 6.1 Bylaw 1852-16 Road Closure & LEASE (E 36-23-16-W4 & W 31-23-15-W4) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-128/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1852-16 being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road adjacent to the western boundary of 31-23-15-W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-129/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1852-16 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Update - North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan The County Planner provided background information on this item, indicating that a draft Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) has been received that outlines three options. Staff have reviewed the draft plan and a letter has been sent back to the engineers requesting clarification of the landowner's preferred option with a servicing plan. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The County Planner responded to questions, indicating that the letter sent to Sheffer Andrew and the landowner outlined deadlines for submission of the ARP. She also noted that delays could result from a staff change within Sheffer Andrew. The County Planner responded to further questions from Council, indicating that the full ARP was to be submitted in June. Councillor C. Amulung asked if one of the three options presented in the draft was preferred by County staff. The County Page 2 of 13 Regular Council April 21, 2016 Planner replied that none of the options presented met County standards. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that a meeting was held on Tuesday with -_ County staff, the landowner, Scheffer Andrew, and the tenants. The draft ARP was presented to the group. One of the issues discussed was the sewage handling facility and the suggestion from County staff was that it be piped into a single tank and then removed by truck. Other issues identified were that the roads must be developed to County standards with proper access, building separation, and fire protection standards. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the meeting was positive overall and Sheffer Andrew gathered information that will be used to revise the ARP. He suggested that staff meet to review the ARP and make a recommendation to Council. 9.2 Policy Review - 2016 -PAD -057 (Municipal Reserve Dedication) The County Planner provided background information on this item, outlining the amendments made to the policy. The County Planner responded to questions from Council regarding the land values and the definition of irrigated land. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Nesbitt arrived at 10:48 a.m. The County Planner responded to questions from Council regarding the appeal process if the applicant disagrees with the land value. Discussion followed regarding the definition of irrigated land. The County Planner indicated that she would obtain clarification from the Eastern Irrigation District. This item will be brought back to the May 5, 2016 Council Meeting. 7. DELEGATIONS 7.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports 7.1.1 Municipal Enforcement (J. Nesbitt) The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor presented the County of Newell Municipal Enforcement Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Sgt. T. McNulty, Cpl. B. McDonald, and C. Oliver arrived at 10:57 a.m. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor indicated that, due to the warm weather, the Eastern Irrigation District has requested that they start patrols early and focus on unauthorized camping, fire hazards, and vehicles driving outside of the roads and trail systems. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions from Council regarding fire hazards and the CPO Services provided -to the Village of Hussar. The Chief Administrative Officer asked for cl rification on tbe_outcond'Flof the Page 3 of 13 Regular Council April 21, 2016 meeting regarding off-highway vehicles on EID land. The Municipal Enforcement Officer indicated that off-highway vehicles are not permitted on EID land and other vehicles are permitted only on the roads and trail ' systems. Enforcement will involve either a warning or a ticket, depending on the circumstances. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to further questions from Council. 7.1.3 RCMP - Bassano (Cpl. B. McDonald) Cpl. B. McDonald presented the Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. He reported that a community consultation meeting had been held in Bassano on March 21, 2016 and the major concerns were fraud prevention and traffic enforcement. The 2016-2017 Performance Plan for the Bassano RCMP will focus on impaired driving, traffic offenses, and fraud. Cpl. B. McDonald also noted that the Rural Crime Watch is becoming more active. Cpl. B. McDonald responded to questions from Council. Councillor B. de Jong asked whether drugs like crystal meth and fentanyl are becoming more present. Cpl. B. McDonald replied that the dangerous street drugs are out there, but there have been no reports of overdoses or other problems in Bassano. He noted that the province is starting an aggressive education campaign regarding these drugs. 7.1.2 RCMP - Brooks (S. Sgt. T. McNulty) 0 S. Sgt. T. McNulty presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. He also presented the 2015 Crime Statistics and Profile, noting that crime in the rural area is minimal. There has not been a significant increase in crime due to the economic downturn. S. Sgt. T. McNulty responded to questions from Council. Councillor W. Hammergren noted that the increased speed patrols on Highway 36 have been effective. S. Sgt. T. McNulty reported that the Annual Performance Plan will be presented to Council in the near future. The priorities identified from the community consultation are traffic enforcement and outreach/education. He reported that four teams have been established and each will make a presentation once per quarter throughout the rural area on specific topics. S. Sgt. T. McNulty responded to further questions from Council. 7.1.4 Safe Communities Committee (C. Oliver) C. Oliver provided an update on the Safe Communities Committee and an overview of the services provided in the County. The Rural Crime Watch has created a Facebook page and will host an education in the fall that will focus on hunting and land rights. On May 4, grade 7-9 students will be bussed to Bassano for the Healthy Relationships Fair. C. Oliver provided an overview of this event, which focuses on healthy relationships and activities and self-respect. She reported that the Safe Page 4 of 13 Regular Council April 21, 2016 Communities Committee has been able to showcase their accomplishments with crime reduction around the province. In particular, the Brooks RCMP Detachment is recognized as a leader in the habitual offender management program. Presentations on cell phone and internet safety have been distributed to other RCMP detachments for use in their communities. C. Oliver responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING S. Sgt. T. McNulty, Cpl. B. McDonald, J. Nesbitt, and C. Oliver left the meeting at 11:41 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.4 Cassils Community Centre - Request for Second Water Unit The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor C. Amulung suggested that the issue may be related to storage and that the problem would remain with an extra water unit. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that the Duchess Golf Course has only one water unit and a 5,000 gallon cistern and have not had any issues. He suggested that it would be more economical to get extra water hauled in as needed, rather than purchasing an additional water unit. Discussion followed and it was determined that anyone can purchase an additional water C� unit at a cost of $7,700.00, as per policy. A suggestion will be made to the requestor that the equipment be inspected to make sure everything is working correctly and that they are receiving the correct amount of water. In addition, it will be noted that an additional water unit may not solve the problem and a larger cistern may be required. C-130/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council approves the request from the Cassils Community Centre for a second water unit at a rate of $7,700.00, as per policy. MOTION CARRIED 8. C-131 /16 AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 Appointment of Weed & Pest Inspectors The Manager of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we appoint Nikki Skanderup, Cianna Slenders and Chelsea Krause as Inspectors for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act until such a time that their emDlovment with the County ceases. Page 5 of 13 MOTION CARRIED Regular Council April 21, 2016 C-132/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we appoint Nikki Skanderup, Cianna Slenders and Chelsea Krause as Inspectors for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural Pest Act until such a time their employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Automatic Door Openers The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor A.M. Philipsen asked if installing automatic door openers on the single washrooms outside Council Office 166 had been considered. The Director of Agricultural Services replied that costs had been obtained for the public washrooms only. He responded to further questions from Council. Councillor L. Juss indicated that washroom accessibility is a priority and that they are currently difficult to get into. Discussion followed and the Director of Agricultural Services was directed to get a quote to install automatic door openers on the single washrooms as well. C-133/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council APPROVES the installation of automatic door openers for the main floor public washrooms with funding from the Future Project reserve. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green and H. White left the meeting at 12:10 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:10 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:53 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS CONTINUED 9.5 Annual General Meeting Format Council discussed the Annual General Meeting. Councillor C. Amulung suggested adding a discussion regarding divisional boundaries to the agenda. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that there would be a presentation on the Newell Connect app. 9.6 .2016 Annual Report (Newspaper Version) Council reviewed the 2015 Annual Report document. The Executive Assistant responded to questions regarding distribution. Page 6 of 13 Regular Council April 21, 2016 0 9.7 Councillor Payment Sheets (March 2016) Discussion followed regarding charging mileage for the Eastern Irrigation District's Annual General Meeting. Councillor C. Amulung provided background information, indicating that these charges are at the discretion of the Councillor. C-134/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the March 2016 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Proposed Increase in Funding for Duchess/Division 8 Recreation Board The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. S. Vikedal, representing the Duchess Agricultural Society, and D. Drader, representing the Duchess Agricultural Society and the Village of Duchess, were in attendance to provide information in support of the request. D. Drader indicated that the Village of Duchess supports the requested increase. The Duchess Agricultural Society needs the funding for daily operations and feels that the proposed increase is fair, compared to the other divisional recreation mill rates. The Duchess Agricultural Society has been overseeing the funds for the recreation facilities in Duchess for thirty years. D. Drader acknowledged that the Village of Duchess has a lot of recreational C facilities for its size, but noted that costs continue to increase while grant funding decreases. He indicated that residents from other communities make use of the facilities in Duchess. D. Drader responded to questions regarding how recreation funding is distributed by the Division 8 Recreation Board. He indicated that the Village of Duchess owns title to the new recreation facility and the Duchess Agricultural Society owns the other four facilities. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the current recreation funding agreement which allows for a mill rate to be applied to the assessment base in each municipality. Of the funding allocated to the Division 8 Recreation Board, 25% came from the Village of Duchess and 75% came from the County of Newell. D. Drader suggested that this means the assessments are higher in the County. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions, indicating that the arrangement for recreation funding is the same for all divisions. S. Vikedal noted that other divisions are dealing with fewer facilities. Councillor C. Amulung suggested that there is a difference where an urban municipality is included with a rural electoral division within the same recreation area. He also noted that several responses were received in opposition to the proposed increase. D. Drader responded to further questions from Council. He provided further background information on the new recreation facility, indicating that the project was completed using funding from the County's Regional Enhancement & Cooperation grant and the facility is used by people from all over the County. He noted that the recreation mill rates for each division are different. S. Vikedal provided further background information on the recreation facilities in Duchess. Page 7 of 13 Regular Council April 21, 2016 The Chief Administrative Officer reported that recreation funding was discussed during the Regional CAOs meeting yesterday where he presented an overview of an exercise that will look at the revenue and expenses for all recreation facilities throughout the County. He provided further information, indicating that a report should be available by late summer and will provide a better understanding of how recreation should be more consistently funded by all stakeholders. C-135/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council APPROVES increasing the Division 8 recreation mill rate to 0.3. Councillor T. Fyfe asked whether there was a capital replacement plan and D. Drader replied that this had been submitted to Council. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, indicating that this recreation mill rate increase request is not connected to the review that will take place over the summer and needs to be dealt with separately. He noted that the study will address annual funding allocations as well as set out the one-time requests that have been funded over the past several years. Discussion followed. S. Vikedal acknowledged the responses received in opposition but also noted that there are many other people who are committed to saving these facilities. VOTE ON MOTION C-135/16 — MOTION DEFEATED C-136/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council APPROVES increasing the Division 8 recreation mill rate to 0.1654. Councillor B. de Jong responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that costs and revenues for all recreation facilities will be broken down by population and that usage will also be investigated. The goal is to move away from fluctuating subsidies with all parties contributing a proportionate amount. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council regarding timelines. He indicated that the 2016 Tax Rate bylaw must reflect the decision made for the Division 8 recreation mill rate. D. Drader responded to further questions from Council. VOTE ON MOTION C-136/16 - MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Drader and S. Vikedal left the meeting at 1:58 p.m. 9.8 Cheques for Payment C-137/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that cheque 183733 in the amount of $534,270.13 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 13 Regular Council April 21, 2016 9.9 Payment Register .,- 38/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.10 Requests for Functions of Council There were no requests for functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 6. BYLAWS - CONTINUED 6.2 Bylaw 1863-16 - Tax Rates (2016) The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-139/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1863-16, being a bylaw to authorize the various rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2016, be given SECOND reading with the following amendment: - that the Recreation Area mill rate for Division 8 be set at 0.1654. MOTION CARRIED C-140/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1863-16 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 2:04 p.m. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Tilley Infrastructure Improvements Extension The Manager of Engineering Services provided background information on this item, outlining the costs associated with extending the contract to complete short- term hoe`term and medium-term infrastructure improvements and paving in the Hamlet of Tilley. He requested approval from Council to present this information to the Hamlet of Tilley residents at their annual general meeting on May 9, 2016 and, if they are agreeable to the terms, to proceed with the work. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Engineering Services indicated that the local improvement would have to be re -advertised as the scope of the work has changed. The plan would be sent out at this time. The Manager of Engineering Services responded to further questions from Council. Page 9 of 13 Regular Council April 21, 2016 C-141/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the residents of the Hamlet of Tilley be presented with information on extending the infrastructure contract to complete remaining underground improvements that will enable the hamlet for complete paving and, if they are agreeable, that the County proceed with the project after appropriate local improvement requirements are executed. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 2:12 p.m. 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS 11.1 Canadian Water Resources Association Conference & Bow River Basin Council Councillor B. de Jong submitted a written report. 11.2 Shortgrass Library System Councillor K. Christman reported that funding will remain the same for 2016. The second day of work on the 2017-2020 Plan of Services required by Municipal Affairs is complete. She also indicated that she has e-mailed a copy of the 2014 O Annual Report. 11.3 Tourism Representative Councillor E. Unruh reported that she provided information to the Eastern Irrigation District Annual General Meeting regarding the 2016 North American Championship Regatta that will take place at Lake Newell this summer to assist them on Aquatic Invasive Species inspections and monitoring. 11.4 NRSWMA/Newell Recycling Councillor L. Juss reported that the annual pancake breakfast will be held on April 30, 2016 at the Newell Recycling Facility starting at 9:00 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that Newell Recycling contact the M.D. of Taber for a presentation regarding their proposed Materials Recovery Facility. 11.5 Newell Foundation Councillor G. Simpson indicated that he would be attending the Alberta Seniors Communities & Housing Association (ASCHA) Convention on April 25-27, 2016 and that the Minister of Health and the Minister of Seniors & Housing would be in attendance. He also attended a meeting with several MLAs where the Minister of Page 10 of 13 Regular Council April 21, 2016 Health & Seniors indicated that a detailed plan for seniors housing and care is being drafted. Councillor G. Simpson indicated that everyone is aware of the Bassano project. He provided some provincial statistics about continuing care funding, the age of long term care facilities and lodges, and the aging population. By 2035, there will be a need for twice as many facilities but there have been no increases to the independent living program in the past four years. Reeve M. Douglass reported that she met with the Minister of Seniors & Housing on April 11, 2016 along with C. Stephenson and B. Morishita to discuss the Bassano project. She indicated that no one has tried to discourage the project. Reeve M. Douglass responded to questions from Council. 11.6 Joint Services Committee Councillor T. Fyfe reported that members of local service groups had been invited to the last Joint Services Committee meeting. These groups are facing issues with low membership and volunteers. Most of these groups have regular events where they promote themselves and there was a discussion regarding arranging something with the schools for volunteer recruitment. A strategic planning session for Economic Development is scheduled for April 25, 2016. The annual meeting with physicians will be rescheduled. She provided information regarding a program at Medicine Hat College that will promote trades to high school students. 11.7 Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass reported that she attended the Brooks Health Foundation 20th Anniversary Reception and the Grasslands Regional FCSS Citizen and Junior Citizen of the Year Banquet. She indicated the last citizenship ceremony had 134 new Canadians. Reeve M. Douglass reported that she attended the last meeting of the Palliser Economic Partnership on behalf of Councillor B. de Jong. The Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor Conference was well attended and PEP is working on developing logistics parks along the railway. Highway 36 is being repaved in Special Areas and they are building a pullout with a lane going north. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that this be considered if the portion of Highway 36 in the County is to be repaved. 11.8 Canadian Badlands Conference & AGM Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 11.9 Safe Communities Committee Councillor T. Fyfe provided information regarding anissu where an ambulance was unable to find an address at Lake Newell Resort. She asked that each Councillor try to locate their own municipal address using oogle Map I t her know the results. Councillor T. Fyfe also indicated tha cr s k has been requested for Block 5. Page 11 of 13 Regular Council April 21, 2016 7. DELEGATIONS - CONTINUED 7.2 Newell Connect Demonstration The IT Administrative Assistant distributed information regarding the Newell Connect app. The IT Project Manager provided further information, indicating that testing will occur in the live production environment over the next few weeks. He indicated that those who have already installed the app must select a location outside of the County of Newell and then select a location within the County to refresh the environment. The IT Project Manager and the IT Administrative Assistant responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING S. Kipta and M. Marshall left the meeting at 2:47 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (March 2016) This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 15. IN CAMERA C-142/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move in camera at 2:51 p.m. to discuss legal issues. MOTION CARRIED C-143/16 M V BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of camera at MOTION CARRIED Page 12 of 13 Regular Council April 21, 2016 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:08 p.m. Signed this -5 day of , 2016 RPavR Page 13 of 13