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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-25 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL May 25, 2017 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, May 25, 2017 commencing at 10:13 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: Molly 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 T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: J. Fraser, Safe Communities Facilitator 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:13 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (May 11, 2017) C-152/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the minutes be adopted as presented. 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 1, 2017 Council Meeting MOTION CARRIED Regular Council May 25, 2017 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-153/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 6. BYLAWS 6.1 Bylaw 1888-17 - Schedule of Fees The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-154/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1888-17, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-155/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1888-17 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.3 Report from the 2017 Management Team Retreat The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, noting the priorities set by the County's Management Team focus on closing identified service gaps. These priorities will assist Management Team in preparing for the election and ensure that service delivery continues in the areas that Council has identified as priorities for the organization. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that the 3 -4 -year budget would be beneficial to new Council members. The Director of Corporate Services noted that updates to the Municipal Government Act will require municipalities to adopt multi-year budgets. The Chief Administrative Officer provided further information, indicating that the multi-year budget will begin the year following an election year. He noted that annual updates will be required, as it is difficult to forecast four years into the future. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding e-mail management and ongoing challenges with mobile technology. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that the Department of Information & Technology are aware of the challenges and are continually working to resolve them. 9.2 Selection of Inspection Agency for Alberta Safety Codes Permits The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. Two submissions were received in response to the Request for Proposals and both agencies were interviewed. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council. C-156/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Administration proceeds with the preparation of a three-year contract with Park Enterprises for the provision of Alberta Safety Codes inspection services to the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 8 Regular Council May 25, 2017 9.1 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (S 6-17-15-W4 & NW 31-16-15-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that the landowner had been contacted regarding the land swap that was suggested during the May 11, 2017 Council meeting. The landowner was not interested in a land swap and indicated a preference for purchasing the closed road allowance. A lease would also be acceptable. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 10:42 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed. C-157/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we proceed with the process for closing and LEASING the road right of way between S 6-17-15-W4 & NW 31-16-15-W4. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert left the meeting at 10:49 a.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (May 2017) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING Nesbitt arrived in at 10:51 a.m. Fraser arrived in at 10:53 a.m. He provided an update on Emerson Bridge Park, indicating that all sites were used over the Victoria Day weekend. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding phragmites control, indicating that a high rail track inspection was conducted yesterday from Brooks to Bassano with CP Rail and Alberta Agriculture. He reported that 98% of the phragmites that was cut out of the water is not coming back and pesticide will be applied to that site in early July. Another site located by the Brooks Golf Course was sprayed in September and there are nofurther signs of phragmites. The Director of Agricultural Services respond,d to further questions about phragmites and weed control for CP Rail. _ LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:05 a.m. Page 3 of 8 Regular Council May 25, 2017 C-158/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for May 2017 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7. DELEGATIONS 7.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports 7.1.1 LEFT THE MEETING Municipal Enforcement (J. Nesbitt) The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor presented the County of Newell Municipal Enforcement Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions regarding the location of the two traffic speed display signs and the three speed spies and the data that has been collected. He also responded to questions regarding warrants, which are usually issued for non-payment of fines, and bylaw offenses. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that the traffic speed display signs be tested to determine the point on the road where the reading is being taken. J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 11:20 a.m. 7.1.2 Bassano RCMP There was no report to present at this time. 7.1.3 Safe Communities Committee (J. Fraser) J. Fraser introduced herself as the Safe Communities Facilitator and provided information on her background. She has been visiting various organizations throughout the County and outlining her role with the Safe Communities Committee. She provided details on Safe Kids Week, which will be held June 5-11, 2017 with events in schools throughout the City and County. J. Fraser indicated that she will focus on continuing and expanding the projects established by the Safe Communities Committee. LEFT THE MEETING J. Fraser left the meeting at 11:25 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.4 Invitation to Tour the Brooks 11 District Food Bank �,_V Council was presented with a letter from the Brooks & District Food Bank inviting them to a tour of their facilities. Discussion followed and Council suggested July 6, 2017 at 8:30 a.m. as a possible tour date. Councillor W. Hammergren indicated that he would provide the information to the Brooks & District Food Bank. Page 4 of 8 Regular Council May 25, 2017 9.5 Meeting with Grasslands Schools (June 8, 2017) Council was provided with background information on this item. Councillor B. de Jong suggested a discussion on opportunities for collaboration in bulk purchases for energy services and other items. Councillor G. Simpson requested an update on the new school construction in Tilley. Councillor C. Amulung suggested school bus routes and communication with Municipal Services. 9.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (April 2017) C-159/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the April 2017 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.7 Cheques for Payment There were no Cheques for Payment to discuss at this meeting. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Schroeder arrived at 11:33 a.m. 9.8 Payment Register ;60/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.9 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 2017 Non -Residential Dust Abatement The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Operations responded to questions regarding intersections, indicating that dust abatement product is typically applied at paved intersections to prevent dust and washboard. Dust abatement product is also applied on gravel routes or routes involving County projects. If the activity is only occurring for 2-3 days, water will be used. For longer periods of activity, calcium is used. The Ma ager of Operations indicated that grading will be done if rough calcium is determi ed to be unsafe. Landowners can request that their roads be graded as well. He i dicated� that dust abatement is scheduled to start June 15, 2017 with one of the two cre starting in the Brooks area. The Manager of Operations responded to fu e�� questions from Council. v / Page 5 of 8 Regular Council May 25, 2017 C-161/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the plans for the 2017 Non -Residential Dust Abatement Program (County Aggregate Haul Routes, Intersection Treatments, and Additional Locations) be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Schroeder left the meeting at 11:50 a.m. 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS 11.1 Canadian Badlands Tourism Board Meeting & Strategic Planning Session Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report and responded to questions from Council. 11.2 CPAA Conference (May 2-4,2017) Councillor A.M. Philipsen and Councillor E Unruh submitted written reports. Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided information regarding the keynote speaker and another who spoke on the topic of regional collaboration. 11.3 Newell Foundation Councillor G. Simpson provided an update on the status of the Bassano Project and indicated that the Newell Foundation Board would decide how to proceed. Councillor G. Simpson and Reeve M. Douglass responded to questions from Council regarding the history of the project. Councillor G. Simpson indicated that MLA D. Fildebrandt had brought it up at the Legislature, but no official response has been received from the Government of Alberta. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:03 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:52 p.m. 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS — continued 11.4 Shortgrass Library System Councillor K. Christman distributed the Shortgrass Library System 2016 Annual Report and reminded everyone to renew their library memberships. 11.5 Tourism Representative Councillor E. Unruh reported that the Newell Regional Tourism Association's V Annual General Meeting will be held on May 25, 2017 at the Brooks & District Museum starting at 7:00 p.m. Tourism Development Fund applications are due Page 6 of 8 Regular Council May 25, 2017 May 31, 2017. The NRTA's bid to host the Alberta Visitor Information Providers Conference was successful. The NRTA has also received grant funding to conduct visitor surveys in campgrounds over the summer. Open Farm Days will be held August 19-20, 2017. Councillor E. Unruh responded to questions from Council. 11.6 Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass requested that the County's Annual General Meeting be included in future discussions regarding citizen engagement. She indicated that she attended a meeting on May 12, 2017 at Blackfoot Crossing with the Chief and members of the Siksika Nation and others. The Siksika nation has expressed interest in getting involved with tourism and has indicated that they would like to host a meeting with County Council. Discussion followed. Reeve M. Douglass will respond with June 9 or 26, 2017 as potential meeting dates. Other events Reeve M. Douglass attended include the JBS Canada Centre grand opening ceremony, a youth strategy meeting with Brooks Childrens' Services, and the County's Annual Safety Meeting. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Request for Proclamation - Seniors' Week (June 5-11, 2017) Council was presented with background information on this item. 162/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Council hereby proclaims June 5-11, 2017 as Seniors' Week in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 12.2 Letter from Municipal Affairs - MSI Funding The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that a letter has been received from Municipal Affairs along with an amending agreement for the Municipal Sustainability Initiative grant. Previous amending agreements have been received extending the program; however, this one specifically states that the program will be extended for the 2018/2019 fiscal year and then terminated. The Chief Administrative Officer expressed concerns with signing this amending agreement as a significant portion of the County's MSI allocation has not yet been received. He contacted the Alberta Municipal Administrators' Association and the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts & Counties but there is no information other than the amending agreement must be signed to receive further MSI payments. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. 11 C-163/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Reeve Douglass send a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs requesting clarification on the termination clause in e Municipal Sustainability Amending Memorandum Agreement which was recently received to obtain clarity on how the outstanding balance owing to the County of Newell will be paid after the termination of the agreement. i�, MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 8 Regular Council May 25, 2017 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Reeve M. Douglass provided information regarding a Sexual Assault Awareness month event on May 31, 2017. The information will be distributed to Council. 15. IN CAMERA C-164/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move in camera at 1:32 p.m. to discuss three land issues and one legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C-165/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 3:00 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Signed this bt'�day of—12017 -,21 -p , a c9 Reeve / "1 inistrator Page 8 of 8