HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-03-23 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
March 23, 2017
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday,
March 23,2017 commencing at 10:30 a.m.
MEMBERS Molly Douglass, Reeve
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS: C.Amulung
A.M. Philipsen
W. Hammergren
T. Fyfe
K.Christman
E. Unruh
B. de Jong
L.Juss
ABSENT: G.Simpson
STAFF: K.Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer
L.Johnson, Director of Corporate Services
A. Wickert, Manager of Planning& Development
D. Horvath,County Planner-ORRSC
- � M. Fenske, Manager of Finance
T.Green, Director of Agricultural Services
M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
G.Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S.Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
AITENDANCE: D.Stabbler, County Ratepayer
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
C-74/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Councillor G.Simpson be�excused from the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council
March 23,2017
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes-Council (March 9,2017)
C-75/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the March 9, 2017 Council Meeting minutes be
adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items.
11. POST AGENDA ITEMS
11.3 Utility Billing Concerns(D.Stabbler,County Ratepayer-Rolling Hilis)
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. The
automatic meter readings showed zero consumption for several billing cycles for an
account in Rolling Hills. The meter reading device has since been replaced and the latest
invoice reflects actual consumption from the billing cycles that were previously missed.
D.Stabbler,speaking on behalf of the utility account holders, expressed concerns with the
; utility billing process, suggesting that someone should have recognized the incorrect
i details and notified the account holder. He asked why only certain months were shown. 1
i
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor E. Unruh arrived at 10:37 a.m.
D. Stabbler compared his own utility bill, noting that the highest rates of consumption
occurred when he was not there. He questioned the validity of the meter readinqs and
suggested that the meters be checked physically. He also suggested that each bill include
an explanation of what constitutes a cubic meter of water. Reeve M. Douglass thanked
D. Stabbler for the suggestions and indicated that the County would work with Newell
' Regional Services Corporation to improve the billing process.
' The Manager of Finance provided an overview of the billing process. When errors are
discovered, they are dealt with in a manner that is more flexible than what is written in
the bylaws. Consumption is monitored and if it is found to be unreasonably high or low,
the account is flagged. The Manager of Finance indicated that there is an expectation
that the customers review their own bills and report any issues. Physical meter readings
will be done on accounts that have been flagged. The Manager of Finance indicated that
the utility bill totals are also reviewed and any bill over$300.00 is accompanied by an
explanation. He acknowledged the suggestion for additional information and indicated
that bills with zero consumption will include an insert asking the account holder to confirm
that this is the case. The Manager of Finance will meet with D. Stabbler and review the
details of his utility account. Reeve M. Douqlass thanked D. Stabbler for addressing
Council.
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Regular Council
March 23,2017
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Fenske and D.Stabbler left the meeting at 10:52 a.m.
7. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
7.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report(March 2017)
The Director of Agricultural Services provided an update on the flooding at Emerson Bridge
Park.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
A.Wickert and D. Horvath arrived at 10:55 a.m.
The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council regarding
Emerson Bridge Park. He presented the Aqricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. Council
was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services
responded to questions regarding the rental drills, indicating that maintenance was
completed during winter. He responded to questions regarding potential damage to the
power systems at Emerson eridge Park. The power has been shut off and Fortis will ensure
that everything is in good shape before the pedestals are turned on. Discussion followed
regarding the ASB Summer Tour.
;/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for March
2017 be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
T.Green left the meeting at 11:10 a.m.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-77/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
6. BYLAWS
6.1 Bylaw 1877-16 Road Closure&SALE(Scandia)
The Manager of Planning& Development indicated that road closure applications would
not be accepted after the beginning of June due to the election. The Municipal
Government Act requires the Councillors giving second and third reading to a bylaw to be
the same Councillors who were present during the public hearing. Th County Planner
indicated that Alberta Transportation has communicated that the will be doing the
same. The Manager of Planning& Development, the County Planne, and the Director of
Corporate Services responded to questions from Council.
Page 3 of 12
Regular Council
March 23,2017
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information for
Bylaw 1877-16.
C-78/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1877-16, being a bylaw for the
purpose of closing to public travel and SELLING a portion of 1st Street in the Hamlet of Scandia,
be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-79/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1877-16 be given THIRD and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
6.2 Bylaw 1878-16 Road Closure& LEASE(NE&SE 8-17-16-W4 and NW&SW 9-17-16-W4)
The Manager of Planning& Development provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
: C-80/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1878-16, being a bylaw for the
purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road allowance between NE&SE
8-17-16-W4 and NW&SW 9-17-16-W4, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-81/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1878-16 be given THIRD and FINAL
� reading.
I MOTION CARRIED - �
�
LEFT THE MEETING
A.Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:20 a.m.
6.3 Bylaw 1882-17 Special Tax-Eastern Irrigation District
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-82/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1882-17, being a bylaw to impose a
special tax levy on lots within subdivisions that are receiving waterworks from the Eastern
Irrigation District, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-83/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1882-17 be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-84/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that consent be given for Bylaw 1882-17 to
receive third reading this 23rd day of March,2017.
� MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
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Regular Council
March 23,2017
C-85/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1882-17 be given THIRD and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
6.4 Bylaw 1883-17 Special Tax-Rolling Hilis Irrigation System
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-86/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1883-17, 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-87/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1883-17 be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-88/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that consent be given for Bylaw 1883-17 to
receive third reading this 23rd day of March, 2017.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C-89/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1883-17 be given THIRD and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
`,
6.5 Bylaw 1884-17 Special Tax-Scandia lrrigation System
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-90/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1884-17, being a bylaw to impose a
special tax on lots within the Hamlet of Scandia that are serviced by the Scandia Communal Raw
Water Irrigation System, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-91/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1884-17 be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-92/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that consent be given for Bylaw 1884-17 to receive
third reading this 23rd day of March,2017.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C-93/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1884-17 be given THIRD and FINAL
reading.
MOTION CARRIED
ARRIVED AT MEETING
G.Tiffin arrived at 11:24 a.m.
Page 5 of 12
Regular Council
March 23,2017
8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
8.1 Councillor Payment Sheets(February 2017)
C-94/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the February 2017 Councillor Payment Sheets
be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review
Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
8.2 Cheques for Payment
There were no Cheques for Payment to discuss at this meeting.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht arrived at 11:25 a.m.
8.3 Payment Register
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council.
C-95/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Payment Register be accepted.
MOTION CARRIED
9. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS �
9.1 Range Road 164 Paving-East Gem Road
The Manager of Enqineering Services provided background information on this item,
indicating that, if Council chooses to proceed to tender he would also recommend
proceeding with the required Land Acquisition. The Manager of Engineering Services
responded to questions regarding the amount of land required and the average price per
tonne of asphalt.
C-96/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that staff proceed with tendering the Range Road
164 (East Gem Road) Paving project in 2017 based on receiving good value through the
competitive bidding process.
MOTION CARRIED
C-97/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that staff proceed with the land acquisition required
for the Range Road 164(East Gem Road) Paving project.
MOTION CARRIED
.2 Township Road 172 Railway Crossing
�, The Manager of Engineering Services provided background information on this item and
outlined the options available. The preference is to proceed with the installation of
audible measures, flashers, and control arms as there is a cost-sharing grant
available. The Manager of Engineering Services responded to questions from Council.
Page 6 of 12
Regular Council
March 23,2017
C-98/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council approve the installation of audible
measures,flashers,and control arms at the CP crossing of Township Road 17-2 with funding from
the Infrastructure Fund.
MOTION CARRIED
The Director of Municipal Services indicated that municipalities will have unti12021 to
address anything identified in Transport Canada's crossing standards assessment.
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht and G.Tiffin left the meeting at 11:52 a.m.
8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS—continued
8.4 Requests for Functions of Council
8.4.1 Alberta Community Crime Prevention Annual Conference(May 2-3,2017)
Councillor T. Fyfe provided background information on this item. The Safe
Communities Committee is sending two members through their budget and have
asked if the City and County representatives would attend as well.
f-99/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Councillor T. Fyfe be permitted to attend
� the Alberta Community Crime Prevention Annual Conference in Calgary,AB on May 2-3, 2017 as
a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
8.4.2 Community Planning Association of Alberta Conference(May 1-3,2017)
CouncillorA.M. Philipsen provided background information on this item.
C-100/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Councillor C. Amulung and Councillor
A.M.Philipsen be permitted to attend the Community Planning Association of Alberta Conference
in Red Deer,AB on May 1-3, 2017 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
8.4.3 Canadian Badlands Board of Directors
Councillor A.M. Philipsen reported that she had been appointed to the Canadian
Badlands Board of Directors as Director for the Southeast Region during their
Annual General Meeting on March 16, 2017. She indicated that there would be
three meetings to attend between now and October 2017. Councillor
A.M. Philipsen responded to questions from Council. D' cussion followed
regarding compensation. Councillor A.M. Philipsen indic ted that Canadian
Badlands would compensate her for mileage.
Page 7 of 12
Regular Council
March 23,2017
C-101/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor A.M. Philipsen be permitted to
attend meetings of the Canadian Badlands Board of Directors in the capacity of Director of the ^
Southeast Region as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
8.4.4 Shortgrass Library Board
Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-102/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Councillor K. Christman be permitted to attend the
Alberta Library Conference in Jasper,AB on April 27-30, 2017 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:06 p.m.and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m.
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS
10.1 Red Deer River Municipal Users Group
CouncillorA.M. Philipsen submitted a written report.
i
10.2 Bow River Basin Council
Councillor 8. de Jong submitted a written report. Councillor 8. de Jong responded to
questions regarding the Source Water Protection Plan,indicating that the Bow River Basin
Council is a partner. Councillor A.M. Philipsen noted that the Red Deer River Municipal
Users Group is also working on a water quality plan and suggested that the groups could
work together. Councillor 8. de Jong indicated that he would suggest this to the BRBC.
10.3 Digital Futures(March 16-17,2017)
Councillor 8. de Jong submitted a written report.
10.4 Canadian Badlands
Councillor E. Unruh reported that she attended the Canadian Badlands Tourism
Development Conference with Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor K. Christman. The
keynote speaker's topic was the importance of thinking regionally. The Red Roof Studio
received a Cindy Amos Tourism Champion Award. The Brooks Medieval Faire was also
nominated in a different category. Councillor K. Christman reported that D. Griffiths gave
a presentation entitled "13 Ways to Kill Tourism." She provided information regarding a
proposal for an upscale racetrack south of Drumheller in the badlands. Reeve M.Douglass
Page S of 12
Regular Council
March 23,2017
provided information on a presentation on the historical development of the Calgary
Stampede and the importance of community involvement.
10.5 Grasslands Regional FCSS
Councillor C. Amulung reported that the Community Resource Committee has decided to
meet twice per year to ensure ongoing communication between the groups
involved. Services are being provided and the economy is showing signs of improvement.
10.6 Newell Recycling Association
Councillor L.Juss provided a summary of the Alberta CARE Conference he attended in Olds,
AB in February. There were presentations regarding recycling of agricultural plastics,
groundwater from landfills, and managing methane gas emissions. Councillor L. Juss
reported that the Olds College has diversified into businesses that make them a viable part
of the community. Councillor L.Juss responded to questions from Council.
10.7 Recreation Board-Division 5 &10
Councillor L. Juss congratulated the Executive Assistant on her work on the "Partners in
Recreation"logo that was installed in the new floor of the Lakeside Leisure Centre.
'a
10.8 Veteran's Memorial Highway Development Safety Association
Councillor W. Hammergren provided a summary of the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor
Local to Global Forum that he attended. W. Valentini presented an update on the
Wildhorse Border Crossing, noting that upgrades are required to the Canadian side. The
Mayor of Oyen spoke about promoting Highway 41 in conjunction with Hiqhway 36 as it
is an outlet for moving products between the USA and Alberta. There were other
presentations regarding the Alberta Government's renewable energy program,
TransCanada Pipelines, a food processing development center, and development of the
Edmonton International Airport. Councillor W. Hammergren responded to questions from
Council.
10.9 Reeve's Report
Reeve M. Douglass reported that she attended the Franco-Albertan flag-raising ceremony
and a meeting of the Gem Community Association. She indicated that she would forward
the minutes of the last meeting of the Mayors& Reeves Association of Southwest Alberta
where they had a presentation on EMS Dispatch. She noted that the Alberta Southwest
Regional Alliance and Southgrow are two regional economic development groups that are
working on twinning Highway 3. Mayor C. Spearman led a discussion on regional
transportation around Lethbridge. There was also discussion on a group from Lethbridge
_ that travelled to China for Economic Development. Reeve M. Douglass an the Director
of Corporate Services attended a meeting at the erooks& District Chambe of Commerce
Page 9 of 12
Regular Council
March 23,2017
regarding economic development. Newell Foundation went to the Siksika Health Centre
on March 10, 2017. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that this would be a good time to
approach the Siksika Nation Chief and Council. Council agreed that Reeve M. Douglass
should arrange a meeting. Reeve M. Douglass reported that union negotiations will
continue next week. She will also attend a meeting at the Medicine Hat College-Brooks
Campus next Monday to discuss options for continued viability.
10.10 Safe Communities Committee
Councillor T. Fyfe reported that the next installment of the Prevent& Protect series would
be held toniqht at the Heritage Inn beginning at 7:00 p.m. This session will be an open
forum for the public to ask questions from RCMP representatives. Councillor T. Fyfe
reported that Sheldon Kennedy would be giving a free presentation in Medicine Hat, AB
on Apri15,2017 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The Safe Communities Coordinator position
_ will be advertised in the near future and the Safe Communities Committee will also have
a booth in the Brooks& District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show.
10.11 Newell Regional Tourism Association
Councillor E. Unruh reported that she attended the Growing Rural Tourism Conference in
Camrose, A8. The highlights included discussions on keeping money in Alberta, the
booming craft beer market, and a tour of the Reynolds Alberta Museum. Councillor
j E. Unruh indicated that they pointed out that the millennial generation shares stories
� through social media and stressed the importance of having buy-in from the local ?
residents for successful events.
11. POST AGENDA ITEMS—continued
11.1 Funding Request-Prairie Pioneers
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and
outlined the available options. The request could either be forwarded to the Division 5&
i 10 Recreation Board or Council could allocate funds from the Recreation Reserve that was
recently established for upgrading and replacement of capital infrastructure. The Director
of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding
; how seniors' centres are funded throughout the divisions. Councillor A.M. Philipsen
provided further information, indicated that seniors from all over the County use this
facility.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Fenske arrived at 2:01 p.m.
The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from Council.
C-103/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell provide funding in the
amount of$11,000.00 from the Stabilization Fund to the Prairie Pioneers for kitchen renovations. �
Page 10 of 12
Regular Council
March 23,2017
The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the Recreation
Reserve, noting that there has been no discussion on how the funds are to be allocated or
handling requests. Discussion followed regarding other potential funding sources. The
Manager of Finance provided an explanation of the Stabilization Fund and its
purpose. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from Council,
indicating that funding for seniors' centres is generally allocated through the divisional
recreation board.
CouncillorA.M. Philipsen called the question.
VOTE ON MOTION C-103/17-MOTION DEFEATED
Councillor A.M. Philipsen requested that the request from the Prairie Pioneers be
forwarded to the Division 5& 10 Recreation Board for consideration.
11.2 Funding Local Improvement Taxes on Tilley Recreation Facilities
The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item, indicating that
the Division 2 Recreation Board is looking for options to assist them with funding their
share of the Local Improvement Tax on recreation facilities in Tilley. Consideration should
be given for four buildings-the community centre,the curling club, the seniors centre,and
the arena. The Manager of Finance indicated that the pre-payment option would be
preferable for the County-owned buildings as it would save interest and bookkeeping
,� work. The Division 2 Recreation Board has also asked that the deadline for prepayment
be extended to 2018. Councillor C. Amulung suggested that doing this for one hamlet
could set a precedent and indicated that it is important for communities to realize the true
costs for these facilities. Discussion followed. The Manager of Finance indicated that
decisions must be made regarding how recreation funding will work in the future, noting
that local investment is an important component of maintaining community facilities. The
Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding the Recreation Reserve,
noting that processes were not established for how and when the portion not reserved for
capital was to be distributed. The topic was brought forward during the last Joint
Municipal Meeting as the other parties must be involved in the discussion, but there has
been no response. Councillor W. Hammergren suqgested that the divisional recreation
boards should be responsible for raising the funds necessary to cover the local
improvement tax. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the Division 2
Recreation Board has allocated all of the funding for 2017 and did not consider the local
improvement. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that the County cover the amount for the
time being and take it from the 2018 allocation. The Manager of Finance indicated that
he would include it as a line item in the 2017 budget.
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Fenske left the meeting at 2:43 p.m.
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Regular Council
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12. INFORMATION ITEMS
12.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report(February 2017)
This item was accepted as information.
12.2 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held.
14. IN CAMERA
C-104/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that we move in camera at 2:44 p.m.to discuss
a legal issue.
MOTION CARRIED
C-105/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move out of camera at 3:12 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED !
15. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded,the meeting adjourned at 3:12 p.m.
Signed this B�day of , 2017
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