HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-07-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL NO.4
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING
JULY 10, 2008
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the
County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, July 10, 2008 commencing at
9:58 a.m.
MEMBERS
PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve
COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels
I. Schroeder
A.M. Philipsen
R. Andrews
S. Evans
A. Eastman
B. de Jong
H. Wutzke
ABSENT: J. Harbinson
STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer
B. Keith, Assistant Administrator
A. Clapton, Executive Assistant
D. Horvath, Oldman River Regional Services Commission
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: R. Kiedrowski, Brooks & County Chronicle
Julie Jenkins (08 LUA 006)
Wilf Wolfman (08 LUA 006)
Arno Doerksen, MLA
Philip Luchka, Alberta Infrastructure
1. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
C-249/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that Councillor J. Harbinson be excused
from the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
2. MINUTES
C-250/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the June 19, 2008 Council
minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council Minutes
July 10, 2008
3.
4.
C-251 /08
5.
CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
The Reeve called for post agenda items.
ADOPTION OF AGENDA
Page 2
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the agenda be adopted as
presented.
CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT
MOTION CARRIED
The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council.
C-252/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that cheques 162614 to
162743 in the amount of $923,258.16, cheques 162744 to 162749 in the
amount of $111,465.99, cheques 162750 to 162820 in the amount of
$290,240.30, and Direct Debit Batch 13630 in the amount of $117,227.48 be
approved.
MOTION CARRIED
6. BUSINESS FROM MINUTES
a. Joint Barbecue with the City of Brooks -September 6, 2008
The Assistant Administrator indicated to Council that the City of
Brooks would like to reschedule the Joint Barbecue for September 6~h,
2008 to coincide with the official opening of the Brooks Fire hall.
C-253/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Motion C-236/08, which
reads as follows:
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell
join the City of Brooks in holding a joint barbecue on September 25, 2008
be rescinded.
MOTION CARRIED
C-254/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the County of Newell join
the City of Brooks in holding a joint barbecue on September 6, 2008 to
coincide with the official opening of the Brooks Fire Hall.
MOTION CARRIED
Administration was directed to investigate the possibility of the Agricultural
Service Board constructing some custom barbecues for community events
over the winter.
Regular Council Minutes
July 10, 2008
8.
OTHER BUSINESS
a. Inter Municipal Development Plan Meeting Dates
Page 3
The Chief Administrative Officer requested that Council select some
dates to discuss the Inter Municipal Development Plan. Council will
begin reviewing the Inter Municipal Development Plan following the
Municipal Planning Commission meeting of August 26th and continue
at 10:00 a.m. on August 27th, 2008.
b. Administration Vehicle Purchase
The Assistant Administrator presented Council with information
regarding the purchase of an additional administration unit No. 400 for
the Administration Department. The plan to convert unit No. 135 into
a CAMS supervisor unit for the CAO usage was addressed with the
CAO being responsible to record any taxable benefits for dedicated
usage as per Canada Regulations for unit No. 135.
C-255/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the County of Newell No. 4
purchase a 2008 Honda Ridgeline EX-L from Honda Magic in Brooks at a
cost of $34,929.02 and unit No. 135 be dedicated a CAMS supervisor vehicle
for the CAO as per Policy No. PPW-050.
MOTION CARRIED
c. Division 7 Fire Requisition - 2007 Shortfall
The Assistant Administrator presented to Council background
information regarding the Division 7 Fire Requisition 2008 shortfall.
Council discussed whether requisitions for all divisions should be
determined using a mill rate rather than a dollar amount. Councillor
A. M. Philipsen inquired about how the County would deal with
divisions that shared the requisition with a 75-25% split.
Administration was directed to gather more information.
C-256/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that the County of Newell No. 4
provide a $7,000.00 loan from operations to fund the 2008 funding shortfall
of the Division 7 Fire Service, and set this loan up as a receivable account
for the financial year 2009.
MOTION CARRIED
d. Municipal Sustainability Initiative -Long-Term Funding Formula
The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with a letter from
Alberta Municipal Affairs which indicates the 2008 MSI allocation for
Regular Council Minutes Page 4
July 10, 2008
capital projecf and conditional operating funding. This item was
accepted as information.
11. POST AGENDA ITEMS
a. NRSC Regional Water -CPR Crossing Agreement
The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with an agreement
from the Canadian Pacific Railway for the laying of pipelines- crossing
the CPR right of way at SE % 4-18-73-W4. Councillor 8. de Jong
inquired whether these agreements would be transferred to the Newell
Regional Services Corporation when it is established. The Chief
Administrative Officer replied that the pipeline easements would remain
in the name of the County of Newell because the County owns the land,
but the equipment within the easements will belong to the Newell
Regional Services Corporation. The Chief Administrative Officer
answered several questions regarding the share structure of the Newell
Regional Services Corporation.
C-257/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the County of Newell No. 4
enter into the agreement with the Canadian Pacific Railway for the
installation of raw and treated water pipelines crossing the CPR right of way
at SE'/4 4-18-13-W4.
MOTION CARRIED
b. FCM Municipal Marketplace - Canadian Red Cross Society
Auxiliary Role Project Resolution
Council was presented with a request fora resolution from the
Canadian Red Cross Society. This item as accepted as information.
c. Lake Newell Utility Inc. -Execution of Sale Documents
The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with documents
regarding the purchase of Lake Newell Utility Inc., which was approved
at the Council meeting of June 19, 2008. The Chief Administrative
Officer responded to several questions from Council.
C-258/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell No. 4
proceed with the purchase of the water treatment plant owned by the Lake
Newell Utility Inc. in the amount of $200,000.00 plus GST, and that the Asset
Purchase Agreement, Bill of Sale, and License of Occupation be APPROVED
for execution as presented by O. Shantz, QC.
MOTION CARRIED
12. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
Regular Council Minutes Page 5
July 10, 2008
A question period and notice of motion was held.
13. INFORMATION ITEMS
a. Inter Municipal Development Plan Background Report
Council was presented with the Inter Municipal Development Plan
Background Report from the Oldman River Regional Services
Commission. This item was accepted as information.
b. Brooks Public Library 2008 Mid-Year Review
Council was presented with the Brooks Public Library 2008 Mid-Year
Review. This item was accepted as information.
c. Invitation to the Medieval Faire 2008
Council was presented with an invitation to the Medieval Faire 2008,
which will be held on Saturday, July 26t", 2008 at the Brooks Public
Library and Evergreen Park. This item was accepted as information.
d. Shortgrass Library System Minutes -April 16, 2008
Council was presented with the minutes from the Shortgrass Library
System Board Meeting of April 16, 2008. This item was accepted as
information.
e. Red Deer River Watershed Alliance -Certificate of Appreciation
Council was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the Red
Deer River Watershed Alliance. This item was accepted as information.
f. Thank You Card from Duchess School
Council was presented with a card from the students of Duchess School
thanking them for the support they received from the County of Newell
in building a new playground. This item was accepted as information.
g. Community Spirit Program
Regular Council Minutes Page 6
July 10, 2008
Council was presented with a letter from the Minister of Culture &
Community Spirit which introduced the Community Spirit Program. This
item was accepted as information.
h. Canadian Red Cross, Brooks Branch -Invitation to 15t Year
Anniversary
Council was presented with an invitation from the Brooks Branch of the
Canadian Red Cross to their 1St Year Anniversary Open House on July
15th, 2008 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This item was accepted as
information.
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor S. Evans left the meeting at 10:39 a.m.
14. IN CAMERA
C-259/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at
10:39 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
C-260108 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we move out of camera at
10:59 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
ARRIVED AT MEETING
J. Jenkins arrived at 11:03 a.m.
~.t',~-~
Councillor A.M. Philipsen declared a mat conflict of interest and left the meeting at
11:03 a.m.
9. PUBLIC HEARINGS
a. Bylaw 1647-08 -Road Closure 8~ Lease (Bertha Farms)
Harry Philipsen (Owner/Applicant)
Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:06 a.m.
The County Administrator stated that the purpose of the Public Hearing
was to hear representations on Bylaw 1647-08. Bylaw 1647-08 is a
Regular Council Minutes Page 7
July 10, 2008
bylaw to close and lease a portion of the government road allowance
lying between N % 35-20-13-W4 and S % 2-21-13-W4.
D. Horvath provided background information on this application. She
indicated that there had been no objections received from adjacent
landowners or any of the agencies notified, and noted that Encana
wanted to ensure continued access to their existing wellsites.
Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be
followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance.
There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favour of or in
opposition to the proposed bylaw.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
Councillor A.M. Philipsen returned to the meeting at 11:10 a.m.
b. Bylaw 1648-08 - 08 LUA 006
Julie & Tyler Jenkins (Owner/Applicant)
A -Agricultural District to CR -Country Residential District
Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:10 a.m.
The County Administrator stated that the purpose of the Public Hearing
was to hear representations on Bylaw 1648-08. Bylaw 1648-08 is a
bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626-07 by rezoning approximately
9.93 acres (4.01 hectares) in Lot 1, Block 11, Plan 941 0922 (NW
31-17-13-W4) from A -Agricultural District to CR -Country Residential
District.
D. Horvath provided background information on this application, noting
that it was a reapplication of a previous Land Use Amendment,
08 LUA 004. She indicated that no comments had been received from
either the adjacent landowners or the agencies notified.
Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be
followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance.
There were no persons in attendance speaking in opposition to the
proposed bylaw. J. Jenkins was available to answer any questions
from Council.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor
A. Eastman noted that Council had asked for a signed statement from
` both the applicant and the owner of the adjacent feedlot indicating that
both parties were in favour of this rezoning. J. Jenkins replied that the
Regular Council Minutes Page 8
July 10, 2008
adjacent landowner had declined the invitation to attend this public
hearing, but they had spoken and there were no objections.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
W. Wolfman arrived at 11:16 a.m.
C-261/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the public hearings adjourn at
11:17 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
10. BYLAWS
a. Bylaw 1648-08 - 08 LUA 006
Julie & Tyler Jenkins (Owner/Applicant)
A -Agricultural District to CR -Country Residential District
(2nd & 3~d Reading)
D. Horvath provided background information on this item. There was
further discussion regarding the small feedlot on the adjacent property.
Councillor A. M. Philipsen inquired about the possibility of leaving the
parcel Agricultural and making an exception to allow for three
agricultural lots per parcel. D. Horvath replied that in doing this the
applicant would run the risk of the Municipal Planning Commission
denying the application for subdivision.
C-262108 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1648-08, being a
bylaw to redesignate approximately 9.93 acres (4.01 hectares) of land within
Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 941 0922 (NW '/4 31-17-13-W4) from the A -Agricultural
District to the CR -Country Residential District, receive second reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-263/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Bylaw 1648-08 receive third
and final reading.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
J. Jenkins and W. Wolfman left the meeting at 11:29 a.m.
C-264/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the meeting be recessed at
11:36 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council Minutes
July 10, 2008
LEFT THE MEETING
D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:36 a.m.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:36 am. and RECONVENED at 1:09 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
A. Doerksen & P. Luchka arrived at 1:03 p.m.
7. DELEGATIONS
a. A. Doerksen (MLA) & P. Luchka (Alberta Infrastructure)
Page 9
Council welcomed A. Doerksen and P. Luchka to the meeting and
discussed several items, including paving, funding, and the draft Alberta
Land Use Framework.
Regarding paving, Council presented the plan to have Pavement
Science International (PSI) conduct tests on some specific roads in the
County to determine what is needed for improvement. There followed a
discussion on the possibility of a cost sharing agreement with Alberta
Transportation that would complete the paving to `no ban' standards on
the roads that were discussed at the June 2, 2008 Municipal Committee
meeting. It was noted that PSI would be contracted to complete the
road base stabilization for all of these projects. In return for the 75-25%
cost-sharing, the County would agree to take over maintenance of the
roads once they were paved.
P. Luchka asked if any of the roads listed were of higher priority than
others, and noted that the Provincial mandate is currently focused on
rehabilitation rather than new paving projects. Councillor 1. Schroeder
replied that the paving of SH 525 is high on fhe County's priority list,
particularly the first four miles, which are heavily used.
The Chief Administrative Officer inquired about the list of road priorities
that the Province had established several months ago and the
possibility of obtaining new paving and overlays. P. Luchka replied that,
when determining the need for overlays, they examine technical data
regarding roughness and surface defects to determine an estimated
year that this will be required. The criteria for new paving is based on
traffic volume, but cost-sharing agreements can increase the priority of
the lower volume roads. A. Doerksen asked about the statistics on
traffic volume, and P. Luchka replied that Alberta Transportation obtains
Regular Council Minutes Page 10
July 10, 2008
this data. Council inquired about the Alberta Transporation map that
classified roads in order of national highways, major arterial roads,
collector roads, and local roads, and P. Luchka indicated that was used
to organize the roads into some sort of order.
A. Doerkson asked whether the section of SH 862 south of Gem and
north of SH 550 requires road base reconstruction. Reeve M. Douglass
replied that that was on the list for PSI to test. A. Doerkson noted that it
was important to make paving priorities and opportunities for cost
sharing known, and he would raise this with the Minister. P. Luchka
replied that he would examine the list of proposed paving projects and
present his thoughts to Council at a later date.
Councillor W. Daniels inquired about the Resource Road Program and
whether the City of Brooks was eligible for funding, and P. Luchka
replied that yes, the City was eligible. K. Stephenson indicated that
P. Luchka had agreed to provide completion guidance to assist in
preparing a reapplication for the paving of the Old No. 1 Highway.
Reeve M. Douglass inquired about the status of reconstructing the
cement approaches at the Finnegan Ferry to allow it to operate in low
water conditions, indicating that a letter had been written to Alberta
Transportation regarding this in the past. P. Luchka suggested that
another letter be written.
LEFT THE MEETING
P. Luchka left the meeting at 1:57 p.m.
Kevin Stephenson offered acon-ection to Mr. Luchka's comment that
the City was eligible for Resource Road Program Grant that Cities were
not listed on Alberta Transportation Website as being eligible.
A. Doerksen commended the County of Newell on its good cooperation
with the other municipalities in the area. He also presented a positive
report regarding a meeting he had had with the new hospital board.
Reeve M. Douglass inquired about the single health region, and
A. Doerksen replied that the health regions will stay as they are for a
year or so until the unified board can take over.
Council inquired about the Draft Alberta Land Use Framework, and
A. Doerksen replied that there has been discussion regarding
representation on subgroups, but he was unable to provide much detail.
There followed a discussion on the lack of input from municipalities in
the preparation of this draft document.
Regular Council Minutes Page 11
July 10, 2008
The clarification of Hamlet status was discussed, and the Chief
Administrative Officer indicated that, for the purpose of grant funding,
Alberta Transportation is not recognizing newly formed hamlets.
A. Doerksen asked if this issue had been raised at AAMDC and
suggested that a letter be written to AAMDC with copies sent to Alberta
Infrastructure, Transportation, and Municipal Affairs.
Councillor H. Wutzke inquired about the funding for seniors that did not
increase as expected this year. He indicated that he would present
A. Doerksen with a letter written by the Newell Foundation regarding
this issue.
Councillor W. Daniels inquired about funding for libraries and noted that
the Shortgrass LibraSe~~}~em was operating under a budget shortfall
due to not receiving `any expected funding increases for this year.
A. Doerksen replied that he had spoken to the Minister of Municipal
Affairs and that he would also bring this up with the committee in charge
of libraries. He also suggested that a letter be written to the Minister of
Municipal Affairs.
15. ADJOURN
C-265/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the meeting adjourn at
'~~ 2:40 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
r
3 t~_.
Reeve