HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-20 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
October 20, 2016
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on
Thursday, October 20, 2016 commencing at 10:28 a.m.
MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS: 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
D. Horvath, County Planner-ORRSC
J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor
� M. Fenske, Manager of Finance
N. Sagala, Payroll & Benefits Administrator
S. Hanson, Assistant Manager of Finance
M. Patton, Finance Intern
E. Hansen, Land Assessment/Taxation Clerk
S. Biette, Accounting Clerk
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: S. Sgt. T. McNulty, RCMP - Brooks
Cpl. B. McDonald, RCMP - Bassano
C. Oliver, Safe Communities Committee
L. Tiffin, Manager of Shared Services - City of Brooks
R. Redelback, Ratepayer (North Headgates ARP)
K. Finley, Scheffer Andrew Ltd. (North Headgates ARP)
4 County Ratepayers (North Headgates ARP)
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:28 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
_, All members were in attendance at this meeting.
Regular Council
October 20, 2016
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes -Council (October 6, 2016)
C-327/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the October 6, 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-328/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the agenda be adopted as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED
6. BYLAWS
6.1 Bylaw 1874-16 Regional Subdivision & Development Appeal Board
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-329/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1874-16, being a bylaw for the �
purpose of establishing a Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, be
given THIRD and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
6.2 Bylaw 1876-16 Land Use Bylaw Amendment—Signage
The County P/anner provided background information on this item, outlining the
changes that have been made to the section regarding signage. Following first
reading, the proposed bylaw wil/ be circulated to Inter Municipal Development
Plan partners and other required referral agencies. The Public Hearing will be
schedu/ed for December. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
C-330/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1876-16, being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 to address signage and provide clarification to
setbacks to dugouts, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
8.3 Joint Meeting -County 8� EID (November 24, 2016)
Suggested items were discussed, including rural broadband, update on the
proposed so/ar power development, the North Headgates Area Redevelopment
�\J J�,� P/an, an update on Shared CPO Services, upstream water storage for Bow River
Basin Council, flood miti gation, an u pdate on the b y pass construction, and the _
regional pathway system.
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Regular Council
October 20,2016
8.4 Community & Regional Economic Support(CARES) Program
Reeve M. Douglass reported that the CARES Program had been discussed at
meetings of both the Joint Services Committee and the Palliser Economic
Partnership. Councillor B. de Jong asked if Administration staff could provide
direction regarding eligible projects. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated
that that there was some uncertainty regarding whether having your name
associated with one grant application would remove your eligibility for other
grants. L. Tiffin and J. Surgenor were trying to get information regarding how
many times an organization can submit applications.
The Chief Administrative Officer also provided information regarding the
Mountain View County Rural Broadband Workshop scheduled for November 7,
2016. This workshop will be focused on the rural communities and their level of
broadband internet. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that this workshop
will be different than the one held by the Palliser Economic Partnership and rural
broadband projects would qualify under the CARES program. The Chief
Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council regarding the CARES
Program. This item will be discussed further next meeting.
Discussion followed regarding the Mountain View County Rura/ Broadband
Workshop. Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor K. Christman expressed interest
in attending.
C-331/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that one Councillor be permitted to attend
the Mountain View County Rural Broadband Workshop on November 7, 2016 as a
, function of Council.
' MOTION CARRIED
8.5 Subdivision & Development Appeal Board Training (November 25, 2016)
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
J. Nesbitt arrived at 10:45 a.m.
C-332/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Council APPROVES and encourages
Subdivision & Development Appeal Board members to participate in the Subdivision &
Development Appeal Board Training provided by the Oldman River Regional Services
Commission on November 25 2016 with registration, travel, and per diem costs to be
covered by the County of Newell.
MOTION CARRIED
8.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (September 2016)
C-333/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the September 2016
Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the
Councillor Compensation Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
October 20,2016
8.7 Cheques for Payment
C-334/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that cheque 184922 in the amount of
$569,664.56 be APPROVED.
MOTION CARRIED
8.8 Payment Register
C-335/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Payment Register be accepted.
MOTION CARRIED
8.9 Requests for Functions of Council
There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting.
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 Grasslands Regional FCSS
Council/or C. Amu/ung reported that a meeting was he/d yesterday and budget
allocations were discussed. The Community Response Committee is looking for
additiona/ funding as there is still a /arge need for services in the
community. Councillor C. Amu/ung suggested that the County consider this
during budget discussions.
ARRIVED AT MEETING i
Cpl. B. McDonald and C. Oliver arrived at 10:56 a.m.
Councillor C. Amulung noted that there are several organizations in the County
that provide assistance to non-members. Councillor W. Hammergren suggested
further discussion during the budget meeting regarding setting aside funding to
donate to community organizations.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
S. Sgt. T. McNulty arrived at 10:59 a.m.
7. DELEGATIONS
7.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports
7.1.1 Municipal Enforcement(J. Nesbitt)
The Municipa/ Enforcement Supervisor presented the County of Newell
Municipal Enforcement Report to Council, providing an overview of the
statistics and significant events.
EFT THE MEETING
Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 11:07 a.m.
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Regular Council
October 20,2016
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Municipal
Enforcement Supervisor noted that he provided a summary of the citation
numbers and descriptions used in the report. The Municipal Enforcement
Supervisor responded to questions regarding tinted windows and blue
headlights. Cpl 8. McDonald provided further information, indicating that
the high intensity lights found on newer vehicles are legal.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor L. Juss returned at 11:07 a.m.
7.1.2 RCMP - Brooks (S. Sgt. T. McNulty)
S. Sgt. T. McNulty presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to
Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant
events. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. S. Sgt.
T. McNulty responded to questions regarding the reduction in fa/se alarm
calls to residential and commercial buildings, responding to calls involving
cattle, and fentanyl.
7.1.3 RCMP - Bassano (Cpl. B. McDonald)
Cpl. 8. McDonald presented the Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report to
� Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant
events. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
7.1.4 Safe Communities Committee (C. Oliver)
C. Oliver provided an update on the activities of the Safe Communities
Committee. The Prevent & Protect Information Sessions have been held
in various locations throughout the County on the topics of identifying
frauds and scams and hunting safety and landowner rights. Another
session will be held in December on C/ass 7 and winter driving. C. Oliver
provided an update on the habitual offender management program and
the safe youth program. She also provided details regarding the My Hero
& Me event, which is aimed at preventing domestic violence through
working with fathers and their children. The event will be held on
November 19, 2016.
LEFT THE MEETING
J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 11:32 a.m.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C. Oliver responded
to further questions regarding the My Hero & Me event. S. Sgt.
T. McNulty provided further information regarding the federal grant
funding received for the My Hero & Me event. He also outlined the '
, process involved with the habitual offender management program,
indicating that it has been very successful. �
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October 20,2016
7.2 My Hero & Me (L. TifFin & C. Oliver)
L. Tiffin and C. Oliver provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-336/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Council hereby proclaims November
2016 as Family Violence Prevention Month in the County of Newell.
MOTION CARRIED
C-337/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Council hereby proclaims November 19,
2016 as Men's Day in the County of Newell.
MOTION CARRIED
C-338/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council hereby proclaims
November 19, 2016 as Day for the Prevention of Child Abuse in the County of Newell.
MOTION CARRIED
S. Sgt. T. McNulty responded to further questions from Council regarding the
possibility of a new RCMP facility in Brooks, indicating that preliminary dialogue
has occurred. He suggested discussion at the Joint Services Committee level
would be beneficial.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
j M. Fenske, N. Sagala, S. Hanson, M. Patton, E. Hansen, and S. Biette arrived at 11:50 a.m.
, � 1
S. Sgt. T. McNulty responded to questions regarding suicide prevention
programs, indicating that all school districts have similar programs and police
forces do what they can to assist. C. Oliver provided further details regarding
programs available for at-risk youth.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht arrived at 11:52 a.m.
C. Oliver outlined the importance of sharing information on successful programs
with other communities.
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Sgt. T. McNulty, Cpl. B. McDonald, C. Oliver, and L. Tiffin left the meeting at 11:54 a.m.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
8.1 Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) Award for Distinguished
Budget Presentation
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item,
indicating that the County has been awarded the Distinguished Budget
Presentation Award by the Government Finance Officers Association. Members
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Regular Council
October 20,2016
of the Finance Department were present. The Manager of Finance thanked
Council and the Chief Administrative Officer for investing time and funding to
improving the Finance systems. He acknowledged that the Managers and
Directors made significant contributions towards the preparation of the budget
document. Council and the Chief Administrative Officer congratulated the
Finance Department on this achievement.
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Fenske, N. Sagala, S. Hanson, M. Patton, E. Hansen, and S. Biette left the meeting at
12:01 p.m.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:01 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:01 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
R. Redelback, K. Finley, A. Wickert, D. Horvath, S. Simpson, G. Tiffin, and 4 County Ratepayers
arrived at 1:01 p.m.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS —continued
8.2 UPDATE North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan
� The Manager of P/anning & Development provided background information on
this item. The fina/ draft of the North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan has
been reviewed by the Manager of Planning & Development, the County Planner, �
the Director of Corporate Services, and the Manager of Engineering Services to
determine whether the fina/draft p/an meets the requirements of the order issued
on September 30, 2015, which provided deadlines for comp/etion. The Manager
of Planning & Development indicated that an Area Redeve/opment Plan is
supposed to provide broad so/utions for wastewater management, stormwater
management, potable water distribution, and road systems. In addition, a
wetland has been identified on the site that must be taken into consideration.
The Manager of P/anning & Development asked Council their thoughts on the
plan as presented. Councillor W. Hammergren suggested that the wastewater
p/an may work, but expressed concerns with the proposal that the County take it
over upon comp/etion. He also felt that the access issues required further
examination, but overall the plan is on the right track. The Manager of Planning &
Deve/opment provided further information, indicating that the goa/ of the plan is
to accommodate as much of what is currently on the site as possible, but
acknowledged that some buildings may have to be removed or relocated. She
indicated that more information is required about the wetland before the lot and
access layouts can be completed. There is a need to understand whether the
wetland can be used as a stormwater pond before these layouts can be
established. She noted that the Municipal Services Department requires the road
system to be constructed to County standards in order for services to be
_ provided, and that the calculations for the water and sewer systems should be
revisited.
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Regular Council
October 20,2016
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Reeve M. Douglass noted
that the concerns identified by staff are not new. The County Planner responded
to questions regarding the wetland, indicating that a Wetland Assessment
Practitioner should be engaged to determine whether it creates constraints on
the site that should be taken into consideration. She suggested that this
information should have been considered as preliminary background
information. The Chief Administrative Officer provided further background
information. He acknowledged that action was taken to correct some of the
problems and the submitted ARP contains useful information, though some areas
should be expanded. He indicated that, regardless of any adopted ARP, the
septic fields will need to upgraded to meet code as the geotechnical assessment
has identified that the site is not suitable for septic fields.
The Manager of Planning & Development outlined options availab/e to Council,
including accepting the ARP as presented and allowing the landowner to make
_ the revisions, accepting the ARP and directing County staff to take over the
responsibility for making the necessary revisions, and refusing the ARP. She
explained that, if the second option is chosen, another engineer would likely be
hired to he/p staff determine solutions for water and sewer distribution, but the
plan would be managed and revised by County staff. In addition, a legal opinion
will be sought with regards to transferring costs back to the landowner. The
County Planner responded to further questions from Council regarding the
proposal that the landowner sell the subdivided lots to the individual
residents. She indicated that an implementation strategy for this was not outlined
{ in the plan and suggested obtaining legal advice before making a decision.
,
I �
; Discussion followed. Councillor B. de Jong asked what the timelines would be if
Council accepted the ARP and allowed the landowner to make the revisions. The
Manager of Planning & Development indicated that implementation and phasing
dates are outlined in the ARP, starting in 2017. She suggested that these be
amended and that the additional background information should be obtained
before Christmas so that a design can be established and construction can begin
as soon as possible in 2017. The County Planner expressed concerns with the
uncertainty around whether the wetland identified in the stormwater management
plan can be used for that purpose. If the wetland cannot be used, an alternate
location must be selected, which could affect how much of the existing
development can remain. She a/so noted that County staff have provided a list
of deficiencies to the landowner several times, including the wetland issue, and
that very few have been addressed in the final draft ARP. The Manager of
P/anning & Development and County Planner responded to further questions
regarding timelines. The County Planner acknowledged that the ARP contains
useful information, but further revisions are required. The Chief Administrative
Officer indicated that he is very concerned that a viability analysis was not a part
of the submitted ARP. He suggested that a viability analysis be conducted and
the tenants or individual lot owners who will be subject to the ARP need to be
consulted with all upgrades/costs that will be undertaken.
K. Finley provided further information regarding the wetland, indicating that the
senior engineer who was working on the ARP had consulted Alberta
��1 p��� Environment and they had indicated that the wetland is a viable option for a
� U stormwater facility. K. Finley noted that stormwater management is not .
�_%' addressed in the ARP because further work must be completed, but indicated
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Regular Council
October 20,2016
that they are confident it can be addressed. He indicated that he and the
landowner have discussed the viability analysis and plan to meet with the County
to determine options for the facilities and the associated costs.
The County Planner responded to questions from Council regarding next steps.
She indicated that the County has been clear on their expectations but the
current ARP does not include the requested changes or justification for why the
changes were not included. K. Finley replied, indicating that he would discuss
water and sewer service calculations with the Manager of Engineering Services
as part of the engineering services report to be prepared at a later date.
K. Finley responded to questions from Council, indicating that an Area Structure
Plan addresses roads, water, sewer, and lot layouts for a new development
site. The functional servicing report is completed /ater and contains the
engineering calculations. The County Planner noted that this is an area
redeve/opment situation, where detailed design and functional servicing is
required for the development that is already there.
Discussion followed. Councillor E. Unruh asked if Scheffer Andrew could
comp/ete the work required in the time frame suggested by the Manager of
Planning & Development. K. Finley indicated that this was possible. He a/so
noted that the `future development' component of the ARP is important to the
viability analysis and determining sewer requirements. Reeve M. Douglass
asked K. Finley if the County's requirements were c/ear, indicating that there is a
list of deficiencies identified that have not been addressed. The County Planner
suggested that both parties be given a two week time frame in which to complete
the required tasks and then report back at the November 10, 2016 Council
� meeting. County staff will obtain a /egal opinion regarding how the County
shou/d proceed. In addition, staff will meet with the landowner and K. Finley to
determine what is required to revise the ARP.
C-339/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council request Scheffer
Andrew Ltd. to provide additional information regarding completing the North Headgates
Area Redevelopment Plan, including accurate and updated information on potable water
services, sewer services, stormwater management, wetlands, site density, roads and
access, together with a time frame for completion; further, that County staff also prepare
the same information listed above as well as estimated costs to complete the North
Headgates ARP relying on in house resources and also request an updated opinion
regarding legal matters on this file, including the recovery of costs the County may incur
in this regard.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
R. Redelback, K. Finley, A. Wickert, D. Horvath, S. Simpson, G. Tiifin, and 4 County Ratepayers
left the meeting at 2:04 p.m.
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS —continued
9.2 Shortgrass Library Board
_ Councillor K. Christman reported that the Shortgrass Library Board is planning a
zero fee increase for the 2017 budget. The plan of service has been submitted
Page 9 of 12
Regular Council
October 20, 2016
to Edmonton for approval. Councillor K. Christman reminded Council to renew
their library memberships for access to resources such as books, movies, and
newspapers.
9.3 County of Newell Library Board
Councillor K. Christman reported that she would forward the Municipal Library
Board's five-year plan of service to Council. There will be information in the
Bassano Times and the Brooks Bulletin regarding services available at local
libraries.
9.4 Tourism Representative
Councillor E. Unruh reported that the Newell Regional Tourism Association is
developing a new strategic plan. One of the goa/s will be creating a higher profile
in the community. The NRTA will have a table at the Business of the Year
Awards and a calendar of annual events is being compiled.
9.5 Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Convention
Councillor G. Simpson reported that he was part of a group that met with the
Minister of Health regarding the Bassano Project. A meeting was a/so held with
the Minister of Cu/ture & Tourism and he seemed interested in paving the road to
Dinosaur Park. Councillor G. Simpson indicated that meetings were also held
with the Minister of Seniors & Housing, the Minister of Economic Development &
Trade, and the Minister of Transportation. Councillor T. Fyfe reported that she
was part of a positive meeting with the RCMP "K" Division's Deputy �
Commissioner regarding new RCMP facilities and beginning the assessment
process.
9.6 Art 8�Visual Display Committee
Councillor T. Fyfe reported that the staff arts and crafts exhibit was on display in
the front entrance for two weeks in October. Halloween decorations are now
up. N. Sharpe, the Term Records Management Technician, has joined the
Committee. Councillor T. Fyfe indicated that she would circulate a list of Farm
Family Award winners as the Committee is looking for contact information to
obtain pictures.
9.7 Alberta Health Services
Councillor L. Juss reported that he attended an Alberta Health Services South
Zone Advisory Committee meeting on behalf of Reeve M. Douglass. The
meeting featured discussion on experiences with the healthcare system.
9.8 Reeve's Report
Reeve M. Douglass reported that Child & Family Services has invited several
groups to a meeting at the women's shelter which is working with youth. She
also attended a meeting that included the school divisions and other social
agencies to discuss the gap in services that resulted from the closure of Ashton's
Place. The Southwest Mayors & Reeves Association met last month as
well. Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor 8. de Jong attended a Palliser
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Regular Council
October 20,2016
Economic Partnership meeting regarding rural broadband. The Palliser
Economic Partnership study will look at bringing areas together and accessing
fibre opt�c lines. Councillor 8. de Jong indicated that feedback from the Eastern
Irrigation District would be he/pful regarding whether there is still a market for
wireless internet in urban areas. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative
Officer indicated that about 400 units per square kilometer are required for a
viable wired connection and most of the rural internet service will have to be
wire/ess. Reeve M. Douglass reported that the Palliser Economic Partnership
initiative is trying to gather information to determine how fibre optic internet
service can fit into communities. Councillor 8. de Jong responded to questions
from Council.
9.9 Associate Dean's Advisory Committee
Reeve M. Douglass provided an update on the Rural Physician's Action
Plan. The provincial government is shifting funding from the RPAP grant to the
Faculty of Medicine to ensure accreditation. There is a Physician's Assistant
Bachelor's Degree program in development with a distributed rura/ focus format
for two years following the initial two years. Reeve M. Doug/ass provided
information on the Pathways to Medicine Scho/arship, which provides financial
support to students from low socio-economic backgrounds. The scholarship was
awarded to students in Dunmore and Bassano this year. Nominations are being
accepted for the Rura/Medicine Recognition Awards.
10. POST AGENDA ITEMS
� There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting.
11. INFORMATION ITEMS
11.1 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
11.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report(September 2016)
This item was accepted as information.
12. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held.
The Executive Assistant provided an update on meetings with Ministers during the
AAMDC Fall 2016 Convention. Councillor 8. de Jong indicated that the meeting with the
Minister of Justice & Solicitor General is no longer necessary as the information on
AFRRCS radios was obtained during the AUMA Convention. Reeve M. Douglass
provided background information and asked if Council should make comments about the
_ carbon tax. Discussion followed. Councillor W. Hammergren suggested meeting with
the Minister of Agriculture & Forestry regarding chemical-resistant alfalfa weevil.
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October 20,2016
Reeve M. Douglass requested information regarding the proposed Municipal
Government Act and the elimination of the ability for urban municipalities to collect taxes
on agricultural buildings in their communities. The Chief Administrative Officer provided
further details, indicating that the change is less about municipalities losing revenue and
more about trying to even out the field for agricultural producers in urban versus rural
settings. Discussion followed.
13. IN CAMERA
C-340/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at
2:52 p.m. to discuss a land issue.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor E. Unruh left the meeting at 2:54 p.m.
C-341/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at
4:12 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
14. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:12 p.m.
-,
, �
Signed this ��day of , 2016
.�'�i
Reeve
C u ministrator
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