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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2005-03-24 Council (Regular) Minutes.- COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING MARCH 24, 2005 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, March 24, 2005 commencing at 11:08 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT Reeve M. Douglass Councillors W. Daniels I. Schroeder A. Philipsen C. Vermeeren M. Nesbitt S. Evans A. Eastman A. Eckert H. Wutzke Administrator A. Martens Assistant Administrator N. Moriyama f-- Executive Assistant C. Isaac 1. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 2. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. 3. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-163/05 MOVED by Councillor Vermeeren that we adopt the agenda as amended. MOTION CARRIED L~ 4. BUSINESS FROM MINUTES - a) Subdivision & Development Appeal Board Workshops - 2005 Administration informed Council that Alberta Municipal Affairs contracts out the facilitation of the Subdivision & Development Appeal Board Workshops; therefore, there is a budget that must be followed. Alberta Municipal Affairs advised that they are planning to hold workshops at five more locations, so they will make a note that the County is interested in hosting a workshop. It was also mentioned that the workshop would be beneficial to Subdivision & Development Appeal Board members, but may not be as beneficial for Municipal Planning Commission members. 5. CORRESPONDENCE a) Newell Recyclina Association -Recycling Funding Request A funding application was submitted to Council, from the Newell Recycling Association, for the Newell Recycling Depot. Copies of the 2003 financial statements and 2004 unaudited financial statements were also submitted. C-164/05 MOVED by Councillor Schroeder that we refer this item to a future meeting when a budget for the year 2005 can be presented to Council. -- MOTION CARRIED b) Alberta Municipal Affairs -Assessment Review Board Training Sessions A letter was presented to Council, from Alberta Municipal Affairs, regarding Assessment Review Board training sessions that will be held in various locations throughout the province. C-165/05 MOVED by Councillor Nesbitt that all Assessment Review Board members be permitted to attend the Assessment Review Board (ARB) training sessions in either Taber or High River. MOTION CARRIED 7. OTHER BUSINESS a) Rollina Hills Fire Department -Request for Requisition Increase A letter was presented to Council, from the Rolling Hills Volunteer Fire Department, requesting a requisition increase from $14,000.00 to $20,000.00. A copy of the notice that has been advertised for two weeks in both the Brooks Bulletin and the Bassano Times and mailed to ratepayers in Division 1 was also presented to Council. Administration reported that no objections were received from the public regarding this notice. March 24, 2005 Council Page 2 ,--C-166/05 MOVED by Councillor Daniels that the County approve the requisition increase for the Rolling Hills Volunteer Fire Department from $14,000.00 per year to $20,000.00 per year, commencing in 2005. MOTION CARRIED b) Duchess Firehall -Division 3 & 8 Fire Capital A letter was presented to Council, from Divisions 3 and 8 Duchess and Rural Fire Area, requesting funds in the amount of $192,000.00 to construct a new Firehall in the Village of Duchess. A copy of the notice that has been advertised for two weeks in both the Brooks Bulletin and the Bassano Times and mailed to ratepayers in Divisions 3 and 8 were also presented to Council. Administration submitted three written comments received from members of the public. C-167/05 MOVED by Councillor Eckert that we fund the construction of a new Firehall in Duchess in the amount of $192,000.00, that these funds be taken from the municipal surplus reserve and that they be replaced with requisitions over a three year period at an interest rate of 3.21%. MOTION CARRIED Arrived at Meeting Agricultural Fieldman, Steve Wylie, arrived at 11:25 a.m. c) Appointment of Todd Green as Inspector under the Weed Control Act. Agricultural Pest Act & Soil Conservation Act C-168/05 MOVED by Councillor Eckert that we appoint Todd Green as an Officer for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 5 of the Weed Control Act, Section 10 of the Agricultural Pest Act, and Section 15 of the Soil Conservation Act. MOTION CARRIED d) Wheatland Surface Rights Action Groun Copies of the letter that the County sent to the Wheatland Surface Rights Action Group (W.S.R.A.G), the Surface Rights Act, and the proposal that was presented to the Standing Policy Committee were presented to Council. March 24, 2005 Council Page 3 C-169/05 MOVED by Councillor Daniels that we rescind motion #C-71/05, which - reads as follows: "C-71/05 MOVED by Councillor Eckert that we send a letter of support to the Wheatland Surface Rights Action Group (WSRAG) stating that we support the initiatives described in their presentation. MOTION CARRIED" MOTION CARRIED C-170/05 MOVED by Councillor Nesbitt that we send a letter to the Wheatland Surface Rights Action Group (W.S.R.A.G) informing them that, although we have rescinded our motion, we are in support of many of the concepts and specific amendments to the Act put forth. However, Council is concerned that opening the Act may jeopardize some of the provisions that are favourable to landowners. MOTION CARRIED Agricultural Fieldman, Steve Wylie, left the meeting at 11:34 a.m. Arrived at Meetin4 County Planner, Tammy Henry, Fred Barg, and Doug Barg arrived at 11:35 a.m. 6. DELEGATION -FRED BARG -LAND USE CHANGE INFORMATION/WAIVER OF ASP AMENDMENT FEE Fred Barg presented a letter to Council regarding his request for Council to waive the fee to amend the John Ware Trail Area Structure Plan. The County Planner commented that before the John Ware Trail Area Structure Plan was approved, all public comments were given equal consideration by Council. A few suggestions from the public were incorporated into the plan and a few suggestions were not. Fred Barg stated that the other two houses adjacent to this property were built in the year 2000. Councillor Vermeeren expressed his concern about setting ,larf° a precedence for other people who made recommendations that were not incorporated into the John Ware Trail Area Structure Plan. Doug Barg . responded that Council is too concerned about setting a preceden"c-e and suggested that each case be considered on their own merit. ''9"~' March 24, 2005 Council Y ~ ' Page 4 ,-- Fred Barg presented a second letter to Council expressing concerns about how restrictive the County is regarding new development and what effects this may have on farm viability and succession in the long term. Doug Barg stated that the ability to subdivide is important to the economic ability to farm. Fred Barg stated that permitting a subdivision like this allows the younger generations to continue farming. Council discussed the effects of fragmentation versus the clustering of developments. Fred Barg stated that there are already four residences in the corner of the proposed quarter. The County Planner mentioned that she informed the applicant that under the current guidelines you must have three lots and also informed Council that they could waive the third lot requirement. County Planner, Tammy Henry, Doug Barg, and Fred Barg left the meeting at 12:14 p.m. Lunch Council recessed from 12:15 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. 6. DELEGATION -FRED BARG -LAND USE CHANGE INFORMATION/WAIVER OF ASP AMENDMENT FEE - CONT'D ;-171/05 MOVED by Councillor Vermeeren that we deny the request from Fred Barg to waive the John Ware Trail Area Structure Plan amendment fee. MOTION CARRIED 7. OTHER BUSINESS - CONT'D e) Lake Newell Resort -Sewer Bvlaw #1509-05 Administration submitted a copy of proposed bylaw #1509-05 regarding the Lake Newell Resort Area Sewage System. This item was referred to the next Council meeting to be held on April 7, 2005. 8. POST AGENDA ITEMS a) AAMD&C -Convention Resolutions C-172/05 MOVED by Councillor Daniels that we not support Resolution No. 1-05S. MOTION CARRIED ,--~ March 24, 2005 Council Page 5 C-173/05 MOVED by Councillor Evans that we support Resolution 2-05S. -- MOTION CARRIED C-174/05 MOVED by Councillor Nesbitt that we support Resolution No. 3-05S. MOTION CARRIED C-175/05 MOVED by Councillor Eastman that we support Resolution No. 4-05S. Councillor Vermeeren agreed to speak to this motion. MOTION CARRIED C-176/05 MOVED by Councillor Vermeeren that we support Resolution No. 5-05S. MOTION CARRIED C-177/05 MOVED by Councillor Philipsen that we listen to Resolution No. 6-055. MOTION CARRIED - C-178/05 MOVED by Councillor Eckert that we support Resolution No. 7-05S. MOTION CARRIED C-179/05 MOVED by Councillor Nesbitt that we support Resolution No. 8-055. MOTION CARRIED C-180/05 MOVED by Councillor Daniels that we support Resolution No. 9-05S. MOTION CARRIED C-181/05 MOVED by Councillor Eckert that we support Resolution No. 10-05S but that it be amended to urge both the provincial and federal government to support this resolution. MOTION CARRIED March 24, 2005 Council `~ 1 r "~ Page 6 ,.-~C-182/05 MOVED by Councillor Philipsen that we listen to Resolution No. 11-055. MOTION CARRIED 9. DELEGATION - KIMBERLY SHARKEY, )UDY BALDERSON & )OHN SILVA, BROOKS & DISTRICT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE -PARTNERS IN TOURISM FUNDING REQUEST A funding application was submitted to Council, from the Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce, along with a copy of the Partners in Tourism 2005 budget. Kimberley Sharkey, Judy Balderson and John Silva arrived at 1:45 p.m. An amended 2005 budget for Partners in Tourism was distributed to Council. Copies were also presented to Council of the Town of Brooks/County of Newell & Area Tourism Strategy, "Things I Can Do to Ensure My Community is Going to Fail", and the 2003-2004 Annual Report. Judy Balderson mentioned that the demands being placed on them has been increasing at a rapid pace and it is imperative that the County, the Chamber, and the Town of Brooks work together in the development of tourism packages. Councillor Daniels mentioned that it is important for the entire County to be included and not just certain aspects of the County. Judy Balderson responded that the Chamber is working hard to promote the entire area within the County of Newell; therefore, Council's support is crucial. Judy Balderson will forward a list to each Councillor of the tourist attractions within the County. Council was asked to review this list to ensure that every tourist attraction in their division is included. The visitor's centre near Tillebrook was discussed regarding general operations/funding details. A copy of the details for the "Prairie Finds: Alberta Shows Off" trade show was distributed to Council. )udy Balderson mentioned that that the entire County of Newell will be promoted with the Town of Brooks at this trade show. The booth is $13 per square foot, and the Chamber will present Council with additional budget details once the final costs are determined. Kimberley Sharkey, Judy Balderson and John Silva left the meeting at 2:16 p.m. March 24, 2005 Council Page 7 8. POST AGENDA ITEMS - CONT'D a) AAMD&C -Convention Resolutions - Cont'd C-183/05 MOVED by Councillor Eastman that we listen to Resolution No. 12-05S. MOTION CARRIED C-184/05 MOVED by Councillor Philipsen that we support Resolution No. 13-055. MOTION CARRIED C-185/05 MOVED by Councillor Daniels that we support Resolution No. 14-05S. MOTION CARRIED C-186/05 MOVED by Councillor Nesbitt that we support Resolution No. 15-05S. Councillor Daniels agreed to speak to this motion. MOTION CARRIED C-187/05 MOVED by Councillor Vermeeren that we support Resolution No.16-OSS. MOTION CARRIED C-188/05 MOVED by Councillor Nesbitt that we support Resolution No. 17-055. MOTION CARRIED C-189/05 MOVED by Councillor Nesbitt that we not support Resolution No. 18-05S. MOTION CARRIED b) 413 Radio Ag Show -Request for Councillors to Serve Beef on a Bun on April 6, 2005 C-190/05 MOVED by Councillor Eckert that Administration ask the Agricultural Fieldman to submit a display item for the Q13 Radio Ag show. MOTION CARRIED - March 24, 2005 Council Page 8 Administration was directed to inform Q13 that Council will be at the ,- AAMD&C Spring Convention; therefore, they will be unable to assist with serving beef on a bun. Councillor Daniels mentioned that the Palliser Economic Partnership Annual Meeting will be held in Bassano on April 22, 2005. c) April 15t Meeting -Dave Andrews Reeve Douglass informed Council about the meeting that is to be held by Alberta Land Use Services (A. L.U.S.) on April 1, 2005. C-191/05 MOVED by Councillor Vermeeren that the MPC members, Reeve, and Deputy Reeve be permitted to attend the Land Use/Conservation meeting to be held on April 1, 2005, as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED d) Town of Brooks Meeting -March 28, 2005 Council received a request to cancel the March 28, 2005 meeting. Council agreed to this request and directed Administration to transfer the agenda items for the joint Town of Brooks/County of Newell meeting to the Joint Municipal Meeting agenda. e) Meetings with Ministers at the AAMD&C Spring Convention Council reviewed the agenda items for meeting with Ministers at the AAMD&C Spring Convention, and appointed the members that will speak to each issue as follows: i) Lyle Oberg -Minister of Alberta Infrastructure & Transportation 1. Highways 876, 561 & 525 2. County Road Grid COUNCILLOR NESBITT 3. Triaxle Permitting Concerns COUNCILLOR VERMEEREN 4. Lack of Notification on Highway Bridge File Work REMOVE FROM AGENDA 5. Splitting the Highway Priority List, COUNCILLOR VERMEEREN 6. Maintenance of Three Digit Highways within the County of Newell REMOVE FROM AGENDA March 24, 2005 Council Page 9 7. Discussion on Fall Convention Meeting with Regional Office Staff REMOVE FROM AGENDA 8. Highway 36/TransCanada Highway Overpass COUNCILLOR DANIELS 9. Funding of Tourism Roads COUNCILLOR DANIELS 10. Resource Road Funding COUNCILLOR DANIELS 11. AI&T Non-recognition of New Hamlets for Grant Program Purposes REEVE DOUGLASS 12. Provincial Funding for Transportation. COUNCILLOR DANIELS ii) AB Sustainable Resource Development 1. Tracking the Number of Fish in Lake Newell MARA NESBITT 2. Moving the Southeast Region Headquarters Into the Region at Hanna COUNCILLOR DANIELS 3. Issues & Concerns with Oceans & Fisheries COUNCILLOR ECKERT 4. Windfarm Issue REMOVE FROM AGENDA iii) Rob Renner, Minister Alberta Municipal Affairs Reeve Douglass will discuss the Province's plan fora rural addressing system. iv) AB Health & Wellness Minister Administration was directed to cancel this meeting f) Tilley Annual Fire Meetin Councillor Schroeder reported that there was a positive response to the first responder's model that Tilley has set up. If the model goes well it will be utilized throughout the Palliser Health Region and perhaps even provincially. Councillor Schroeder mentioned that discussions at the annual meeting consisted of positive interactions, so he was disappointed at how the news article in the Brooks Bulletin gave a negative impression. /~/~/~,~ March 24, 2005 ~ Council ~~--~ / ~ Page 10 .~--- g) Land Use Conference in Balzac x~L' e:i=nr.~ Lj-J''j. Councillor `"_'~t-~-- informed Council about the issues that were discussed, such as the increase in growth of large urban centres, and a session on Grassroots Organizing 101 -What You Do When You Want To Get Anything Done. h) 2005 Alberta's Environment Conference Councillor Eastman informed Council about the 2005 Alberta's Environment Conference taking place in Edmonton on April 20-22, 2005. i) Conflict Resolution Councillor Wutzke informed Council about the Conflict Resolution Conference and noted that it was well done but probably not beneficial to a Councillor. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS Municipal No report. Arrived at Meeting Agricultural Fieldman, Steve Wylie, arrived at 3:46 p.m. A.S.B. a) 2005 Provincial A.S.B. Tour A letter was presented to Council, from Lakeland County, regarding the 2005 Provincial A.S.B. Tour to be held on July 11-15, 2005. This item was referred to the Council meeting to be held on May 5, 2005. b) Coyote Program C-192/05 MOVED by Councillor Daniels that we re-instate the Coyote Program with a 5% reduction from last year's budget. March 24, 2005 Council ~~-~~~ Page 11 C-193/05 MOVED by Councillor Vermeeren that we amend the motion by changing "5% reduction from last year's budget" to state "2005 budget amount of $17,000.00". MOTION CARRIED Vote on motion as amended. MOTION CARRIED c) Meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development C-194/05 MOVED by Councillor Eckert that we request a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Development at the AAMD&C Convention. MOTION CARRIED Council appointed members to speak on the following issues: 1. Beef Industry Support COUNCILLOR DANIELS 2. Continued Alberta Agriculture Downsizing COUNCILLOR ECKERT 3. Ground Squirrel Control (Strychnine) COUNCILLOR EVANS 4. High Utility Prices (Gas, Power, Fuel) COUNCILLOR DANIELS 5. Water Quantity/Quality COUNCILLOR VERMEEREN 6. Low Commodity Prices (Subsidies) COUNCILLOR ECKERT d) Vehicle Use by ASB Employees C-195/05 MOVED by Councillor Wutzke that the ASB Fieldman, if and when he deems appropriate, may allow the Assistant ASB Fieldman and/or the Weed Inspector to use a County vehicle to travel to and from work provided that these employees reside within the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED Agricultural Fieldman, Steve Wylie, left the meeting at 4:00 p.m. Aariculture Pest Act/Weed Control Act Appeal Committee No report. March 24, 2005 Council Page 12 ,--~ Newell Foundation ^ Anew manager is being hired to replace Karen Barry, and ^ The Board is continuing to work on increasing their contingency fund. Salary Negotiating Committee No report. Assessment Review Board No report. Airport Commission No report. Disaster Services -- Emergency Preparedness Week 2005 was mentioned as information. Municipal Library Board No report. Shortgrass Library Board • A letter will be submitted to Council shortly, requesting a per capita requisition increase for 2006. Foothills Little Bow Association No report. Municipal Budget Committee No report. March 24, 2005 Council Page 13 Arrived at Meeting County Planner, Tammy Henry, arrived at 4:10 p.m. Municipal Planning Commission 1. Old Items a) Bylaw #1486-04 -File #04 LUA 23 A -Agricultural District to HWY C -Highway Commercial District C-196/05 MOVED by Councillor Vermeeren that the following motion be lifted from the table: "Moved by Councillor Vermeeren that Bylaw #1486-04, being a bylaw to re- designate Pt. N%2 & SE 34-18-14-W4 from A -Agricultural District to HWY C - Highway Commercial District, receive second reading." Vote on motion -MOTION CARRIED MOTION CARRIED Councillors Daniels, Eckert and Wutzke refrained from voting on this motion as they were absent from the public hearing. C-197/05 MOVED by Councillor Schroeder that Bylaw #1486, receive third and final reading. MOTION CARRIED Councillors Daniels, Eckert and Wutzke refrained from voting on this motion as they were absent from the public hearing. County Planner, Tammy Henry, left the meeting at 4:15 p.m. 2. New Items There were no new items. Subdivision and Development Appeal Board No report. ~/1'"'~~ March 24, 2005 Council Page 14 ,,-~ Workshop Session No report. Brooks & District Ambulance Association No report. Newell Regional Solid Waste Manaaement Authority ^ The next meeting is tonight. Urban Fringe Committee No report. Road Ban Committee - No report. Grievance Committee No report. 9-1-1 No report. - College Advisorv Committee No report. Red Deer River Basin Watershed Alliance Committee ^ Councillor Vermeeren informed Council about the public meeting he attended that was hosted by the Watershed Advisory Committee. March 24, 2005 Council Page 15 Bow River Basin Council ^ Councillor Vermeeren informed Council about the Forum held on March 9, 2005. Grasslands Re4ional F.C.S.S. ^ April 8 & 9, 2005 there is a meeting being held on long term goals, ^ Volunteer organizations are currently being assessed within the community, ^ Services are being expanded to Rainier, Bow City, and Scandia, • Meals & Wheels is a pilot project that is currently taking place and ^ The F.C.S.S. office is now moved to their new location. Palliser Economic Partnership ^ Meyers Norris Penny has been hired to identify eight business cases, and the desired performance has not been in accordance to expected standards. Councillor Daniels read a letter about the disappointment on the outcome of the report. Route 36 Development Safetx Association No report. Environmental Protection Committee No report. EID/Legion Scholarship Committee No report. Tourism Committee ~' ~, . IJ . RCMP Committee No report. March 24, 2005 Council ~ Page 16 ,~-- Regional Services No report. Luscar Ad Hoc Committee ^ Discussion is taking place on how irrigation will be dealt with, where a cooling plant might be placed, and the proposed site location for the facility. ^ There is research being conducted on reclamation issues and what measures will be taken to ensure the land will be returned to a state suitable for irrigation again. Council discussed that the Energy & Utilities Board is responsible for ensuring that the appropriate environmental regulations are followed. 2005 Awards Night Ad Hoc Committee ^ Past Councillors have been contacted regarding their awards. Members-at-Large Ad Hoc Committee .-- ^ This item will be discussed further at the next Workshop Session to be held on April 18, 2005. Economic Development Committee No report. Crime Stoppers Board No report. 11. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period was held. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS a) Safety Committee Minutes .-- March 24, 2005 Council Page 17 13. IN CAMERA C-198/05 MOVED by Councillor Daniels that we move in camera at 4:34 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-199/05 MOVED by Councillor Daniels that we move out of camera at 4:49 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 14 C-200/05 ADJOURN MOVED by Councillor Vermeeren that the meeting adjourn at 4:50 p.m. MOTION CARRIED RE ~~~. COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR March 24, 2005 __ Council Page 18