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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-06-09 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL June 9, 2016 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, June 9, 2016 commencing at 10:01 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 A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development O D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: C. Simpson, Brooks Food Bank Foundation K. MacLellan, Brooks Food Bank Foundation 1 0 CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:01 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (May 19, 2016) I he following changes were made to the May 19, 2016 Council Meeting minutes: Regular Council June 9, 2016 Page 9 - Item 11.4 - should read "The other will be hosted by the Rural Crime Watch on September 17, 2016..." C-183/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the May 19, 2016 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-184/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 6. BYLAWS 6.1 Bylaw 1856-16 Special Tax - Scandia Irrigation System The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-185/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1856-16, being a bylaw to impose a special tax on lots within the Hamlet of Scandia that are serviced by 0 the Scandia Communal Raw Water Irrigation System, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-186/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1856-16 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-187/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that consent be given for Bylaw 1856-16 to receive third reading this 9th day of June, 2016. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-188/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1856-16 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 6.2 Bylaw 1857-16 Special Tax - Rolling Hills Irrigation System The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council June 9, 2016 C-1 89/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that Bylaw 1857-16, being a bylaw to impose a special tax on residential lots within the Hamlet of Rolling Hills that are serviced by the Rolling Hills Communal Raw Water Irrigation System, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-190/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1857-16 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-191/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that consent be given for Bylaw 1857-16 to receive third reading this 9th day of June, 2016. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-192/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1857-16 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 6.3 Bylaw 1868-16 16 LUA 003 O The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-193/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw1868-16, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 0.56 acres (0.024 hectares) in NW 31-14-13-W4 from HR - Hamlet Residential to HB - Hamlet Business, be given FIRST 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 meeting was held with the landowner and his engineer in May where the County provided direction for the final draft of the Area Redevelopment Plan. The landowner and engineers indicated that they would be able to submit a final draft by the June 30, 2016 deadline. The County Planner reported that they had also discussed the items that had been missed for the March 30, 2016 deadline and indicated that the meeting had been positive. 9.2 Policy Review - 2016 -PAD -057 (Municipal Reserve Dedication) The County Planner provided background information on this item, amendments made to the policy. She indicated that she had sp Page 3 of 10 Regular Council June 9, 2016 Eastern Irrigation District and determined that land with first or second water rights would be deemed irrigated. The County Planner responded to questions from Council. C-194/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Policy 2016 -PAD -057 (Municipal Reserve Dedication) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor B. de Jong provided information regarding a landowner in his division who had been approached to provide land for a solar power plant project. He asked if the landowner would be responsible for potential contamination if the equipment is removed in the future or if there is a process in place to protect them. The County Planner replied, indicating that a reclamation plan would be required under the current land use bylaw. The Municipal Planning Commission could make the decision to require a reclamation plan and a bond to protect the landowner when approving the development permit. Councillor B. de Jong suggested implementing a committee to work on solar power projects so that the County is prepared if they become a common occurrence. The County Planner suggested that the Land Use Bylaw could be amended to incorporate information specific to solar power projects. She noted that they should also be accounted for in the Municipal Development Plans and asked Council to consider where they would be comfortable having solar power plants and direct development. ARRIVED AT MEETING C. Simpson and K. MacLellan arrived at 10:21 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding the tax revenue that could be generated from solar power plants. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 10:23 a.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 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. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding noxious weeds, indicating that he would provide Council with identification guides. Page 4 of 10 0 Regular Council June 9, 2016 LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:29 a.m. 7. DELEGATIONS 7.1 Funding Request - Brooks Food Bank Foundation (C. Simpson -10:30 a.m.) C. Simpson provided background information, indicating that donations from the oil and gas industry have decreased significantly and the Brooks Food Bank must purchase food to remain viable. She indicated that they are requesting funding in the amount of $15, 000.00 per year for two or three years from both the County and the City. C. Simpson provided usage statistics, indicating that hamper usage has doubled since last year and that the food bank has had to increase their hours of operation. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C. Simpson responded to questions, indicating that the amount requested is based on the projected costs to purchase the groceries required. Currently, $1,500.00 per week is spent on groceries to supplement donations and that number will increase as usage increases. K. MacLellan responded to questions regarding funding sources. The Brooks Food Bank Foundation raises money through catering events, holding casinos, and canvassing for donations throughout the year. C. Simpson provided information regarding sponsorships for the milk and school lunch programs. As well, local ranches and businesses provide meat, eggs, and bread. C. Simpson responded to questions regarding food sharing between food banks, where excess items are distributed to other food banks. C. Simpson responded to further questions, indicating that the food bank is not eligible for FCSS funding and all food banks are feeling the strain with the poor economy and the recent fires in Fort McMurray. Councillor C. Amulung suggested that the public should be made aware of the situation. C. Simpson replied that the food bank is part of a coalition helping oil workers. She provided an overview of total operating costs and responded to further questions. Councillor T. Fyfe asked about a volunteer drive and C. Simpson replied that a letter would be sent to the City and the County asking for board members. Councillor K Christman asked if the village and town Councils would be approached as well. C. Simpson provided an overview of the qualifying procedures and assistance programs available. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding potential funding sources if Council were to approve this request. Discussion followed. C-195/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the request from the Brooks Food Bank Foundation be APPROVED in the amount of $15,000.00 with funding from the Grants & Donations Account in 2016. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING C. Simpson and K. MacLellan left the meeting at 11:09 a.m. Page 5 of 10 Regular Council June 9, 2016 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.3 Regional Transportation Initiative The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the Regional Transportation Committee has requested feedback from each municipal Council to determine whether there is interest in moving forward with specific steps in this service area. He noted that the County has maintained their independent bus service and the City is also operating their own bus service. The Director of Corporate Services provided information regarding the cost to operate the County's bus service, noting that the subsidy could increase with a regional service. He also noted that the provincial government is placing emphasis on regional services and cooperation within the proposed amendments to the Municipal Government Act and the mini bus service could benefit from regionalization. Councillor C. Amulung provided an update on the City's mini bus service and asked what Council wanted to see in the future regarding transportation. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the mini bus rider survey and the transportation review. He provided background information on the project, indicating that there are some options outlined in the transportation review that could be pursued. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the City's mini bus service, which operates only within the City. He responded to further questions regarding the regional transportation project, indicating that there are funds remaining from the Regional O Collaboration grant allocation for this project. He explained that the proposed Transportation System Coordinator would be responsible for assisting municipalities in creating a regional mini bus service. Discussion followed regarding forwarding this item to the Joint Services Committee or maintaining the current service. Councillor W. Hammergren suggested that the occasional trip to Medicine Hat be considered. Councillor L. Juss suggested a survey to the general public to determine whether there are potential users who are not using the mini bus service for specific reasons. Discussion followed and Council indicated preference for the recommendation from the Director of Corporate Services, which is to postpone a decision pending clarification regarding the financial and organizational implications of the proposed Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks as outlined in the recently introduced Municipal Government Modernization Act. This item will be discussed further during the next Joint Services Committee meeting. 9.4 Review of County Electoral Boundaries & Council Composition The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. He indicated that there are no significant changes proposed to the Municipal Government Act that would affect this and asked Council whether they JA wanted to proceed with a formal review of the County's electoral boundaries. Councillor W. Hammergren reported that he spoke to some ratepayers in Division 4 and they are not interested in any changes. Councillor Page 6 of 10 Regular Council June 9, 2016 B. de Jong asked about the possibility of an electronic census. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the federal census will not generate information by division and the County last conducted its own census in 2009. Nothing short of a detailed census will provide an accurate breakdown of population by division, but information can be extrapolated based on information we can access. The Director of Corporate Services requested direction from Council regarding whether to proceed with this exercise. Councillor G. Simpson provided a summary of information received during the AAMDC's MGA Consultation Session regarding the requirement for Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) documents with neigbouring municipalities. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council, noting that the County should consider completing a municipal census if the federal census numbers are lower than the previous data. 9.5 Request for Proclamation — Seniors' Week (June 6-12, 2016) Council was presented with background information on this item. C-196/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell hereby proclaims June 6-12, 2016 as Seniors' Week. MOTION CARRIED 9.6 Appointment - County of Newell Library Board U Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-197/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Sherry Steinbach be appointed to the County of Newell Library Board as a member -at -large representing Division 6. MOTION CARRIED 9.7 Appointment - Assessment Review Board The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, indicating that training must be completed before an individual can be added to the list. He asked the Director of Corporate Services if there is a maximum number of individuals that can be on the list as trained. The Director of Corporate Services replied that anyone who completes the training will have their name added to the list for the Regional Assessment Review Board pool. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the Regional Assessment Review Board, indicating that the City was designated as the administrator. Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided further information on the Local and Composite Assessment Review Boards. Three members are selected for LARB hearings and CARB hearings consist of a provincial member plus two selected members from the regional pool. She indicated that training must be renewedvery three years. Page 7 of 10 Regular Council June 9, 2016 LUNCH 0 Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:03 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:45 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.7 Appointment - Assessment Review Board Discussion continued on this item. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the agreement establishing the Regional Assessment Review Board was originally approved in 2010 and extended for another three years in 2013. It will be reviewed again this month. He indicated that the City had been appointed as the coordinator and he outlined the duties of the coordinator, which includes recruitment. The County is to ensure that the individuals are also appointed to act on behalf of the County as well. C-198/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Anne Marie Philipsen, Duane Perkins, Susan Robertson, Fred Rattai, and Glenn Ravnsborg be appointed as members to the Regional Assessment Review Board. MOTION CARRIED 9.8 Cancelling or Rescheduling Upcoming MPC/Council Meetings C-199/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the August 25, 2016 Municipal O Planning Commission and Council Meetings be CANCELLED. MOTION CARRIED 9.9 Pre -Budget Meeting - Set Date The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The pre -budget meeting will be held on August 12, 2016 beginning at 9:00 a.m. 9.10 Councillor Payment Sheets -New Form Councillor T. Fyfe provided background information on this item and explained the changes made to the form. Councillor T. Fyfe responded to questions from Council. 9.11 Cheques for Payment C-200116 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that cheque 184004 in the amount of $524,519.83 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 10 Regular Council June 9, 2016 9.12 Payment Register The Director of Municipal Services and Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-201/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.13 Requests for Functions of Council 9.13.1 Palliser Economic Partnership Broadband Project Consultation Session (June 14, 2016) Councillor B. de Jong indicated that he would be attending on behalf of the Palliser Economic Partnership. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she would be attending on behalf of the Mayors & Reeves Association of Southeast Alberta. Councillor T. Fyfe and Councillor L. Juss will be attending as part of the Joint Services Committee. Reeve M. Douglass provided an overview of the purpose of the meeting, which is to gather input from those in attendance. 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. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding service requests received via the Newell Connect app and a recent equipment failure on two graders. Councillor K. Christman asked if any feedback had been received from staff regarding the Annual Safety Meeting. The Director of Municipal Services and Director of Corporate Services replied that, while no specific comments were received, the event is usually well- received. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding dust control on SH535, indicating that he would follow up. 10.2 Utilities - NRSC Report The Utilities-NRSC Report was presented to Council. C-202/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for May 2016 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS j There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council June 9, 2016 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 2015 Annual Report (Long Version) This item was accepted as information. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION - CONTINUED A question period and notice of motion was held. Reeve M. Douglass provided information regarding the City/County pancake breakfast that will be held on June 10, 2016. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor K. Christman left the meeting at 1:47 p.m. 14. IN CAMERA C-203/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 1:48 p.m. to discuss a land issue. MOTION CARRIED C-204/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of camera at 2:04 p.m. 0 MOTION CARRIED C-205/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council APPROVES up to $20,000.00 additional spending with funding from the Stabilization Fund for the purchase of fifteen (15) meters by thirty-two hundred (3,200) meters of land for the purposes of establishing a road allowance known as Township Road 16-3 between Range Road 13-4 and Range Road 14-0. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:04 p.m. Signed this �3 day of , 2016 Reeve C PAdm-inistratcr Page 10 of 10