HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-02-19 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL NO.4
~'' MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING
February 19, 2009
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at
Brooks, AB on Thursday, February 19, 2009 commencing at 10:00 a.m.
MEMBERS
PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve
COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels
I. Schroeder
R. Andrews
J. Harbinson
S. Evans
A. Eastman
B. de Jong
ABSENT: A.M. Philipsen
H. Wutzke
STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer
M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works
G. Tiffin, Interim Manager of Information Technology
R. Miller, GIS Analyst
A. Clapton, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: R. Kiedrowski, Brooks & County Chronicle
M. Fitzgerald, Q-13 Fox Radio
Cyril Mitchell, AMEC
Ralph Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation
EXCUSED FROM MEETING
C-41/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Councillor A.M. Philipsen and
Councillor H. Wutzke be excused from the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
8. OTHER- BUSINESS
b. Interim Manager of Information Technology (Geoff Tiffin) -
Introduction
~„^ The Chief Administrative Officer introduced G. Tiffin to Council, indica '
that he would be taking over for J. Hofer during her leave.
Regular Council Minutes
February 19, 2009
c. GIS Analyst (Robert Miller) -Introduction
Page 2
G. Tiffin introduced R. Miller to Council, indicating that he had been hired
as the new GIS Analyst. Council welcomed G. Tiffin and R. Miller to the
County of Newell, and were given the opportunity to ask questions.
LEFT THE MEETING
G. Tiffin and R. Miller left the meeting at 10:05 a.m.
2. MINUTES
a. Regular Meeting -February 5, 2009
The following changes were made to the February 5, 2009 Council
minutes:
Page 4 -Item 8(b) -Councillor W. Daniels noted that Bylaw 1323-00
should be rescinded, rather than combined with Bylaw 1454-04.
C-42/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that the February 5, 2009 Council
minutes be adopted as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
3. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
The Reeve called for post agenda items.
C-43/09
4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the agenda be adopted as
amended.
5. CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT
MOTION CARRIED
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council.
C-44/09
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MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that cheques 164234 to 164313 in
the amount of $315,114.83, cheques 164314 to 164315 in the amount of
$139,320.30, and Direct Debit Batch 14512 in the amount of $51,040.66 be
approved.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council Minutes Page 3
February 19, 2009
,..,. 6. BUSINESS FROM MINUTES
a. Municipal/Workshop Meeting Date Change
Council discussed changing the Municipal Committee meeting and
Workshop session to Tuesday of the first week of every month. Councillor
R. Andrews suggested that Workshop be held following the Municipal
Planning Commission meeting.
C-45/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that, beginning in August 2009, the
Municipal Committee Meeting be held on Tuesday of the first full week of each
month commencing at 10:00 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
C-46/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that, beginning in April 2009, the
Workshop session be held on Tuesday of the second full week of each month
following the Municipal Planning Commission meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
ARRIVED AT MEETING
C. Mitchell, Project Manager (AMEC), and M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works,
arrived at 10:24 a.m.
7. DELEGATIONS
a. Approval of Old Highway 1 Paving Tender
The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that the tender for the Old
Highway 1/Township Road 19-1 paving project would be awarded but the
work would not be started until the grant is received. The Superintendent
of Public Works and C. Mitchell responded to questions from Council.
C. Mitchell presented the tender results to Council, indicating that the
project includes three separate schedules for the Old Highway 1 from
Highway 873 to 875, Township Road 19-1, and Silver Sage Road. He
noted that seven tenders had been received and all were well under
budget. C. Mitchell responded to questions from Council.
C-47/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the tender received from Brooks
Asphalt & Aggregate Ltd. in the amount of $5,177,885.00 for paving Old
Highway 1 from Station 1+400 to Highway 875 (Schedule A) and $575,611.43
for paving Township Road 19-1 from Range Road 14-2 to Range Road 14-1
''"~ (Schedule B)be APPROVED.
MOTION CAR I D
Regular Council Minutes
February 19, 2009
LEFT THE MEETING
C. Mitchell and M. Harbicht left the meeting at 10:43 a.m.
8. OTHER BUSINESS -continued
a. Municipal Intern -Timeline & Work Plan
Page 4
The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with an overview of the
Municipal Internship Program, indicating that the Management Team was
in the process of selecting candidates to interview. The work plan will be
developed at the provincial level to include experience in specific areas
required by the program, but will be modified to suit the needs of the
County. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that the City has
participated in this year-long program in the past with good results.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
d. AAMDC Spring 2009 Convention -Meetings with Ministers
The Chief Administrative Officer asked Council whether or not they would
like to arrange meetings with Ministers during the AAMDC Spring 2009
Convention. Councillor W. Daniels suggested meeting with Mel Knight, , ~'
Minister of Energy, regarding electricity connection charges for ice rinks ~--~'~
during the seasons when they are not in use. Council discussed whether
Agricultural Societies and MLA A. Doerksen should also be involved.
Council will determine the rate structure for the Agricultural Societies in
their Division, and this item will be discussed further at the next Municipal
Meeting.
Council discussed arranging a meeting with Luke Ouellette, Minister of
Transportation, to discuss Highway 873 and taking responsibility for
maintaining the secondary highways. The Chief Administrative Officer
reported that the Superintendent of Public Works would be presenting an
update at the next Municipal Committee meeting regarding maintenance.
The Executive Assistant was directed to arrange these meetings, and also
inform MLA A. Doerksen so that he may attend.
e. Census
The Chief Administrative Officer asked Council how to proceed with
conducting a census in 2009, as this needs to be completed from April
through June. Council indicated that this work should be completed by at
least one person per division, possibly under a coordinator. The Chief, -'
Administrative Officer was directed to place an advertisement for census ~'
Regular Council Minutes Page 5
February 19, 2009
data collectors in the newspaper, and then to approach local groups if
more assistance is required.
9. BYLAWS
a. Bylaw 1657-09 -Rescinding Bylaws 1406-02 and 1634-08
(2"d and 3~d Reading)
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this
item to Council.
C-48/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1657-09, being a
bylaw to rescind Bylaws 1406-02 and 1634-08, be given second reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-49/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Bylaw 1657-09, being a bylaw
to rescind Bylaws 1406-02 and 1634-08, be given third and final reading.
MOTION CARRIED
10. POST AGENDA ITEMS
.--- a. Speed Limit from Highway 873 to the Duchess Intersection
Councillor B. de Jong reported that he had discussed fhe speed limit with
the residents living north of Duchess who feel that the 70 km/h speed limit
at that intersection is creating a safety issue. He also indicated that the
Village of Duchess would like the speed limit reduced to 50 km/h, and
suggested that a turning lane be installed when the next overlay is done
on Highway 873. This item will be discussed further during the next
Municipal Committee meeting.
C-50/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that a request be made to Alberta
Transportation for the installation of a turning lane at the intersection of
Highway 873 and Highway 550 to be completed at the same time as the
scheduled overlay for Highway 873.
C-51/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that this item be referred to the next
Municipal Committee meeting for further discussion.
MOTION CARRIED
b. Calgary Crime Stoppers Golf Tournament
Councillor R. Andrews presented information to Council regarding an
~,,,, upcoming golf tournament with proceeds going to Calgary Crime
Stoppers. He indicated that the Brooks Crime Stoppers is funded through
the Calgary chapter, and asked if anyone was interested in participatin .
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions, and Re v
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Regular Council Minutes Page 6
February 19, 2009
M. Douglass suggested that funding for Crime Stoppers be included in the
budget for another year.
c. Action for Agriculture - Annual General Meeting & Land Use
Workshop
Councillor R. Andrews presented information to Council regarding the
Action for Agriculture Annual General Meeting and Land Use Workshop,
indicating that Ted Morton, Minister of Sustainable Resource
Development, would be the keynote speaker.
C-52/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Councillor R. Andrews be
permitted to attend the Action for Agriculture Annual General Meeting and Land
Use Workshop on February 27, 2009 in Airdrie, AB as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
d. Meeting with the Eastern Irrigation District
The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the Eastern Irrigation
District would like to meet with Council. Possible topics for discussion
include water licensing, dust control, gravel hauling, surface irrigation,
hamlets not using treated water, enhanced Internet, and updates on the
Crawling Valley Campground and Silver Sage projects. This meeting will , -''
be held following fhe Municipal Planning Commission meeting on `"~
March 10, 2009 at 2:30 p.m.
e. FCSS Citizen of the Year Awards
Reeve M. Douglass presented Council with information regarding the
Grasslands Regional FCSS Citizen/Junior Citizen of the Year Awards
Gala to be held on March 6, 2009. She indicated that she would be
attending on behalf of the County and Councillor J. Harbinson added that
he would be attending for the Grasslands Regional FCSS. This item was
accepted as information.
11.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
a. Grasslands Regional FCSS
Councillor J. Harbinson presented information on upcoming events,
including the Citizen/Junior Citizen of the Year Awards on March srh and a
retreat scheduled for the evening of March 11th. Reeve M. Douglass
indicated that she would obtain the list of nominees and notify the
divisional Councillor if there was anyone from their division on this list. ~
Regular Council Minutes
February 19, 2009
Page 7
b. Newell Recycling Association
Councillor B. de Jong indicated that the Newell Recycling Association has
been nominated for an award of distinction for employers of persons with
disabilities, which will be presented on February 27, 2009. He noted that
this program has been very successful and that the employees do an
excellent job. He also reported that it has become more difficult to profit
from recycling and that they were still frying to obtain a new building.
c. Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority
Councillor B. de Jong reported that the NRSWMA had recently accepted
the recycling budget and noted that the rates had increased for recycling
to $6.49 per capita and for solid waste to $27.00 per capita. He inquired
about the County's census numbers, and the Chief Administrative Officer
replied that 6,862 was the most recent population figure.
d. Newell Regional Services Corporation
Councillor 1. Schroeder presented this report to Council, indicating that
they had held a workshop and meeting on February 18th. The NRSC has
'^ accepted a local accountant for day-to-day items and will try to use KPMG
for the audit. They are currently investigating the purchase of some
software and standardized water meters for all areas. Councillor
1. Schroeder noted that, of the workshop, they decided on the rate to be
charged out to all municipalities. It was agreed that more information on
the regional water system needs to be distributed to the public, so
R. Havinga will compose information documents and these will be
distributed to the public Through various methods, including the Internet,
newsletters, and town offices. He also reported that the second contract
for the pipeline to Rolling Hills would hopefully be put to tender in about
two weeks.
e. 9-1-1 Committee
Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the last meeting was held during the
recent Agricultural Service Board Conference. The main topic of
discussion was what was happening with the 9-1-1 dispatch. She
indicated that the Alberta Health Services Board had set April i, 2009 as
the date when they would inform all 9-1-1 groups where they would
dispatched from. She also updated Council on the Foothills Regional
Emergency Medical Services.
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Regular Council Minutes
February 19, 2009
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Stanway, R. Kiedrowski, and M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 12:06 p.m.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:06 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht and R. Havinga arrived at 1:05 p.m.
12. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period was held.
13. INFORMATION ITEMS
There were no information items to discuss at Phis meeting.
Page 8
14. IN CAMERA
C-53/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we move in camera at
1:05 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht and R. Havinga left the meeting at 1:44 p.m.
A. Clapton left the meeting at 2:16 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
A. Clapton arrived at 4:08 p.m.
C-54/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that we move out of camera at --
4:08 p.m. MOTION CARRIED .r./'
Regular Council Minutes
February 19, 2009
Page 9
C-55/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that a Special Meeting of Council
be held at 7:00 pm. on March 9, 2009 at the Heritage Inn for the purpose of a
public hearing.
MOTION CARRIED
C-56/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that the Joint Public Hearing for Bylaw
1656-09, being the Inter Municipal Development Plan, be scheduled for
7:00 p.m. on March 9, 2009 at the Heritage Inn.
MOTION CARRIED
15. ADJOURN
Reeve
inistrator
C-57/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the meeting adjourn at
4:10 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
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