Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-07-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL July 10, 2025 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, July 10, 2025 commencing at 10:47 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: A. Skanderup L. Kopp H.Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman E. Unruh A. Philpott N.Johnson ABSENT: D. Short STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services C. Cochrane, Newell Regional Deputy Fire Chief M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: J. McCrady, County Ratepayer G. McCrady, County Ratepayer R. McCrady, County Ratepayer H. Smith, County Ratepayer M. Chorney, County Ratepayer D. Declerq, Brooks and District Health Foundation 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:47 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-215/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor D. Short be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council July 10, 2025 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (June 19, 2025) C-216/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the June 19, 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-217/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN 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. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Appointment of Regional Deputy Director Emergency Management (DDEM) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-218/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council appoint Newell Regional Deputy Fire Chief Cory Cochrane as the new Deputy Director of Emergency Management (DDEM). MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2100-25 — Fire The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-219125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2100-25, 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 SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-220/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2100-25 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 7 Regular Council July 10, 2025 LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson and C. Cochrane left the meeting at 10:51 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. McCrady, G. McCrady, R. McCrady, M. Chorney, and H. Smith arrived at 10:52 a.m. 7.2 Bylaw 2103-25 - 25 LUA 003 (Plan Scandia 4111 EA, Block 2, Lot 7 and Plan Scandia 4111 EZ, Block 2, Lots 8-12 - B-HAM to R-HAM) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council regarding mixed residential/business uses. C-221/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2103-25, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating lots known as Plan Scandia 4111 EA, Block 2, Lot 7 and Plan Scandia 4111 EZ, Block 2, Lots 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 from Business, Hamlet (B-HAM) District to Residential, Hamlet (R-HAM) District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.2 Road Closure -Approval to Proceed (SE 23 & NE 14-20-17-W4 and W 26-19-17-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding rates for road allowance leases. C-222/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that we proceed with the process for closing and LEASING the road allowances adjacent to the SE 23-20-17-W4 and NE 14-20-17-W4 and the road allowance adjacent to the W 26-19-17-W4. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:01 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Request - Permits for Golf Carts on County Pathways The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item, indicating that a request had been submitted to Council to consider permitting the use of golf carts on County pathways. He indicated that golf carts were not considered during the design phase of the pathway and are currently prohibited Page 3 of 7 Regular Council July 10, 2025 in the agreement with the Eastern Irrigation District. He provided additional information regarding acceptable usage of pathways from other municipalities. J. McCrady provided further information regarding the request, expressing concerns with accessibility for emergency vehicles. She also suggested that allowing golf carts could allow those that cannot walk or ride a bicycle to enjoy the pathway. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions, indicating that electric mobility scooters can be used on the pathway. Gates have been installed to allow barrier -free access to a variety of acceptable modes of transportation. These gates will remain locked unless maintenance equipment or emergency vehicles require access to the pathway. The Director of Municipal Services also indicated that there are alternate access points for emergency vehicles, if required. G. McCrady reiterated concerns with access for emergency vehicles and noted that not everyone has mobility scooters. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Declerq arrived at 11:15 a.m. Council thanked the delegation for the presentation and the Chief Administrative Officer indicated that County of Newell staff would work to resolve any potential issues with emergency access to the pathways. C-223/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the letter requesting the use of golf carts be permitted on County Pathways be accepted as information. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING J. McCrady, G. McCrady, R. McCrady, H. Smith, and M. Chorney left the meeting at 11:19 a.m. 8.2 Update - Brooks & District Health Foundation D. Declerq provided Council with an update on the Brooks & District Health Foundation (BHF). She explained the role that BHF has in the community, indicating that there is strong support from local businesses, organizations, and individuals. Activities of the BHF include fundraising and financial support, community engagement, acting as a liaison between the community and the health care system, supporting partnerships with Alberta Health Services and education, maintaining relationships with donors, and local health care advocacy. D. Declerq indicated that physician attraction and retention continues to be a priority and gave an overview of efforts related to this initiative. She also provided an update on medical equipment and upgrades to the hospital facilities in progress. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Declerq responded to questions regarding the level of involvement that Alberta Health Services has in Page 4 of 7 Regular Council July 10, 2025 upgrading hospital facilities and the amount of funds BHF has invested in the hospital. LEFT THE MEETING D. Declerq left the meeting at 11:34 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.3 Request for Support - Scandia Community Centre The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-224125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council approve the request from the Scandia Community Centre Board and direct Administration to coordinate the removal of the chain -link fence surrounding the tennis court utilizing County staff and equipment as an in -kind donation. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Councillor Payment Sheets (May 2025) C-225/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the May 2025 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.5 Requests for Functions of Council 9.5.1 Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta -Rural Futures: Virtual Engagement Experience (July 2, 2025) Councillor A. Philpott provided background information on this item. C-226/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor A. Philpott's attendance at the Rural Futures: Virtual Engagement Experience on July 2, 2025 be considered a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 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 gravel and grading service levels. He also provided an update on the pathways, indicating that construction is not yet complete so the contractor remains responsible for mowing and safety. The pathway is currently closed with natural and man-made hazards present. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the gravel study, indicating that further discussion is required during the budget planning process. Page 5 of 7 Regular Council July 10, 2025 C-227/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the Director of Municipal Services Report for June 2025 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Request - SH873 Speed Zone Review The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-228125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council approve sending a letter to the local MLA, signed by the Reeve, requesting a speed limit review at this location, recommending the southbound 70km/h zone be moved north to align with the northbound speed change. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Future Delegation - Intensive Livestock Working Group (ILWG) Reeve A. Doerksen provided background information on this item. Discussion followed. C-229/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Administration proceed with arranging a delegation for the Intensive Livestock Working Group at a future Council meeting. 11.2 STARS Base Tour - Select Potential Date The Executive Assistant provided background item. Discussion followed. MOTION CARRIED information on this C-230/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Administration proceed with arranging a tour of the STARS base in Calgary, AB in September; further, that the Councils from the Village of Duchess, Village of Rosemary, Town of Bassano, and City of Brooks be invited to attend. MOTION CARRIED 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 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. Page 6 of 7 Regular Council July 10, 2025 14. IN CAMERA C-231125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move in camera at 11:58 a.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations — Access to Information Act Section 26. MOTION CARRIED C-232/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move out of camera at 12:24 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-233/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell supports the decision of the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority to withdraw its membership from the Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 12:25 p.m. Signed this Zq 'day of 2025 Reeve County Administrator Page 7 of 7