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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-21 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL NO.4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING May 21, 2009 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, May 21, 2009 commencing at 10:02 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels I. Schroeder A.M. Philipsen J. Harbinson S. Evans A. Eastman B. de Jong H. Wutzke ABSENT: R. Andrews STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works M. Nesbitt, Grant Administrator A. Clapton, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Fitzgerald, Q-13 Fox Radio Monica Knight, Newell Regional Expo Future Visions Lynn Pye-Matheson, Grasslands Regional FCSS Mike Bahr (Disposal of Municipal Reserve) Richard Heringer (Disposal of Municipal Reserve) Lawrence Block, Brooks World Curling Tour Committee Rolf Bander, City of Brooks Norm Gerestein, City of Brooks Noel Moriyama, City of Brooks Bill Prentice, City of Brooks Kimberley Sharkey, City of Brooks Gord Shaw, City of Brooks Curt Buckler, AltaLink Glynn Davis, AltaLink Rod Davis, AltaLink Dan Kane, Alta Link `~ Murray Robertson f Regular Council Minutes May 21, 2009 1. C-172/09 Page 2 EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Councillor R. Andrews be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 2. C-173/09 MINUTES The following changes were made to the May 7, 2009 Council minutes: Page 4 -Item 7(a) -should read `:..following the December 11, 2008 Council meeting, and found out that it is his intention to expand the business in the future. " Page 14 -Council moved out of camera at 1:50 p. m. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the May 7, 2009 Council minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 3. 4. C-174/09 CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 5. CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT C-175/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that cheques 164904 to 164911 in the amount of $84,863.42 and Direct Debit Batch 14881 in the amount of $30,640.96 be approved. MOTION CARRIED 6. MUNICIPAL TREASURER'S REPORT -April 2009 The Treasurer's Report for April 2009 was presented to Council. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C-176/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the Treasurer's Report for April 2009 be accepted. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes May 21, 2009 9. OTHER BUSINESS Page 3 a. Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Request -Duchess This item was removed from the agenda. b. Policy 2009-PPW-050 -Use of County Trucks The Assistant Administrator presented Council with Policy 2009-PPW-050, outlining the amendments that had been made. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C-177/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that policy 2009-PPW-050 be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED c. Joint Services Committee Update The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with an update from the Joint Services Committee. At the last meeting, they discussed airport funding, Economic Development, a Regional Fire Coordinator position, and organizing a meeting in Edmonton with certain ministers and their assistants. They also discussed the possibility of the Municipal Intern working for the City in the departments that the County does not have. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Knight and L. Pye-Matheson arrived at 10:20 a.m. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Newell Regional Expo -Monica Knight `, - M. Knight presented Council with an overview of her role with the Newell Regional Expo and an update on her activities in the County. Her goal is to assist communities in creating inclusive and welcoming communities. She gave examples of events and projects that are in progress, including a main street rejuvenation in Tilley and the celebration of agricultural identity and heritage in Rosemary. M. Knight indicated that, since she has begun working in the communities, interest in the overall concept has increased. She indicated that every community will have some sort of event by the end of the summer. Following that, she will work on bringing all the communities together to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere throughout the County of Newell. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Regular Council Minutes May 21, 2009 LEFT THE MEETING M. Knight and L. Pye-Matheson left the meeting at 10:33 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 10:33 a.m. b. Road Construction Agreement (Sect. 1 & 2-17-16-W4 -Graham) Page 4 The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with an application to develop Range Road 16-1 between Section 1-17-16-W4 and Section 2-17-16-W4. He indicated that the applicant is aware of the road construction standards required by the County of Newell and has been provided copies of the appropriate policies. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. C-178/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that the request to develop Range Road 16-1 between Section 1-17-16-W4 and Section 2-17-16-W4 be APPROVED, and that the application proceed as per policies 2007-PPW- 056, 2001-PPW-046, and 1998-PPW-026. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 10:45 a.m. 9. ~N~ '. OTHER BUSINESS -continued d. Formation of New Facilities Planning Committee Council discussed the establishment of a committee that would be responsible for the planning and design of the new County facilities. Reeve M. Douglass declared that Councillors A.M. Philipsen, B. de Jong, and H. Wutzke will be the elected officials on this committee. Council indicated that staff should be represented by the Chief Administrative Officer plus one staff member from each department. The three staff members to be included on the committee will be determined by election, if necessary, and the results will be brought back to a future meeting. Regular Council Minutes May 21, 2009 e. Public Works Cost Accountant Position Update Page 5 The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the Public Works Cost Accountant position was currently being re-advertised as the candidate selected in the first competition has withdrawn. f. Summer Council Meeting Schedule C-179/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that the August 20, 2009 Council meeting be cancelled. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Bahr and R. Heringer arrived at 10:59 a.m. 7. BUSINESS FROM MINUTES a. Disposal of Municipal Reserve Mortenson Subdivision -Lot 5, Block 1, Plan 831 1138 (NW '/a 9-18-14-W4) Council was presented with a report from D. Horvath regarding the application for the removal of Municipal Reserve designation, including several suggestions. M. Bahr indicated that he had discussed the issue with some of the adjacent landowners and most of those opposed were in favour of leaving half of the parcel as Municipal Reserve. C-180/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the Disposal of Municipal Reserve for Lot 5, Block 1, Plan 831 1138 in NW '/a 9-18-14-W4 be lifted from the table. MOTION CARRIED C-181/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the application requesting the Disposal of Municipal Reserve for Lot 5, Block 1, Plan 831 1138 in NW '/a 9-18-14-W4 be DENIED. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Bahr and R. Heringer left the meeting at 11:06 a.m ~__.:/~~ Regular Council Minutes Page 6 May 21, 2009 10. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1665-09 -Municipal Addressing Bylaw (2"d & 3rd Reading) The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. Councillor W. Daniels inquired about the placement of the signs outlined in Schedule A. The Assistant Administrator replied that the signs would be placed 1 m from the property line either within the road allowance or on the property. He noted that the signs would be easier to maintain if they were installed within the road allowance. C-182/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Bylaw 1665-09, being a bylaw to implement a Municipal Rural Addressing System, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-183/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Bylaw 1665-09 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS -continued c. Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Applications -Div. 6 Town of Bassano &Bassano Curling Club Council was presented with two Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding applications from the Town of Bassano and the Bassano Curling Club. Councillor S. Evans responded to questions from Council. C-184/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that the Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Requests from the Town of Bas o~r~ipgrades to the Bassano Pioneer Damsiters Drop In Centre ( ,and from the Bassano Curling Club for upgrades to the Recreation Complex ($19,500.00) e APPROVED in the amount of $4489:88-~nrith funding through the Regional Enhancement Reserve allocati~n~o~~ivlslon 6. MOTION CARRIED e. Brooks & District Drug Task Force Signage Council was presented with a letter from the Brooks & District Drug Task Force requesting approval for signs displaying their logo to be installed at various locations within the community. A sample sign was available for viewing. Regular Council Minutes Page 7 May 21, 2009 C-185/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the Brooks & District Drug Task Force signs be APPROVED and that the County of Newell Department of Public Works be responsible for the installation of the signs in the rural areas. MOTION CARRIED f. Subdivision Extension Request 2007-0-039 -Lake Newell Resort Block 8 The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item, indicating that the County of Newell is requesting a one month extension. The developers have met all the conditions and the development agreement is currently being reviewed. C-186/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the request fora 1 month time extension to subdivision application 2007-0-039 to June 21, 2009 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED g. Brooks &Bassano Airports The Assistant Administrator reported thaf the Joint Services Committee had discussed the County of Newell being involved with the Brooks airport and that subsequent discussion has since taken place regarding possible County involvement in the Bassano airport. Direction from Council regarding how to proceed was requested. Council discussed the establishment of a regional committee that could oversee both airports and it was agreed that a formal request should come from the Bassano airport. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that it was important to have input from Bassano and that research needs to be done regarding how other regional airport authorities operate. He agreed to be the contact for the people who are interested in the creation of a regional airport authority. h. MPE Golf Tournament The Chief Administrative Officer, Reeve M. Douglass, and Councillors 1. Schroeder, J. Harbinson, S. Evans, and B. de Jong expressed interest in attending the MPE Golf Tournament which will be held on June 24, 2009 in Brooks, AB. i. Encana Barbecue Council was reminded to RSVP for the Encana Barbecue being held on June 5, 2009 as part of the 2009 Kinsmen Rodeo in Brooks. Regular Council Minutes May 21, 2009 j. Bar L Invitational Golf Classic Page 8 Council was presented wifh information regarding the Bar L Invitational Golf Classic to be held on June 17, 2009. This item was accepted as information. k. Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that the Loewen family of Division 7 has been selected as the recipient of the BMO Farm Family Award. Councillor A. Eastman will attend as the representative of the County of Newell. I. Palliser Economic Partnership Annual General Meeting Councillor W. Daniels reported that the Annual General Meeting of the Palliser Economic Partnership will be held on July 3, 2009 in Oyen, AB. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Block and M. Nesbitt arrived at 11:37 a.m. d. Funding Request -Cactus Pheasant Classic Council was presented with a letter from the Brooks World Curling Tour Committee requesting funding for the 2009 Cactus Pheasant Classic curling tournament. L. Block explained the circumstances behind the request, indicating that they want to ensure that the event continues in Brooks, as it is beneficial to the community. A similar funding request has been presented to the City of Brooks and M. Nesbitt is working on an application to the Community Initiatives Program which would match any funding received by the City and the County. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council asked several questions regarding funding. L. Block indicated that if they could not raise enough money, the event probably would not occur. They have set June i5rh as the deadline to have all funding sources in place and the committee will be meeting again with the City of Brooks. ~~~ Councillor A.M. Philipsen noted that they would be meeting with the City's Economic Development Committee and suggested they also meet with the County's Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee. ~~~- ' M. Nesbitt indicated that if the Cactus Pheasant Classic is not on the circuit of world curling tours this year, it is very difficult to get it back. Regular Council Minutes Page 9 May 21, 2009 L. Block noted that the event has received attention from international curling teams and would draw in many visitors to the area. L. Block responded to questions from Council regarding the 2008 Financial Statements. C-187/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that the Funding Request from the Brooks World Curling Tour Committee for the 2009 Cactus Pheasant Classic be referred to the Economic Development & Tourism Advisory Committee. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Block and M. Nesbitt left the meeting at 11:54 a.m. k. Municipal Meeting -June 8, 2009 Councillors 1. Schroeder, R. Andrews, S. Evans, and 8. de Jong will be attending the FCM 2009 Conference in Whistler, B. C. from June 5-8, 2009. Any other Councillor who is unable to attend the Municipal Committee Meeting on June 8, 2009 is asked to advise administration as soon as possible. I. Land Use Framework Open Houses Councillor 1. Schroeder suggested that a Council member should attend the open house in Medicine Hat on May 28, 2009. Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that she would be attending the open house in Hanna on May 26, 2009. C-188/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that any Council member be permitted to attend the Land Use Framework Open House session in Hanna on May 26th or in Medicine Hat on May 28th as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING K. Stephenson left the meeting at 12:01 p.m. ti LUNCH ~~ Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:01 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. Regular Council Minutes May 21, 2009 ARRIVED AT MEETING Page 10 R. Bander, N. Gerestein, N. Moriyama, B. Prentice, G. Shaw, C. Buckler, G. Davis, R. Davis, D. Kane, and M. Robertson arrived at 1:01 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS a. Alta Link M. Robertson presented Council with an overview and history of A/talink and displayed a map showing the planned upgrades to the transmission system. He explained the regulatory process, which includes the Alberta Utilities Commission as regulator, Alberta Electric System Operator is the planner, and A/talink is a transmission facility ~~~ ~ ~,~ owner. He displayed a map, which indicated the ' P° Q"4;~-- '^ ~~~ ~*"~~~ "'"~-` ;noting that the current transmission system does (~O"`'e"~,,~ ~ not have the capacity to connect all existing and future wind generation ~`"'" together. M. Robertson explained the proposed 240kV looped system and displayed images of the type of tower and substation that would be constructed. He indicated that, between now and the fall, community consu/fation agents will be meeting with the community to determine any issues and concerns with the proposed routes. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Sharkey arrived at 1:15 p.m. M. Robertson indicated that they wanted to provide Council with information that could be passed on to their ratepayers. He presented a timeline of the project, pointing out that they are currently in the process of completing the environmental field surveys and the goal is to have the final route selected in fall of 2009. He reported some factors that will be taken into consideration, including the Lake Newell Resort development, future growth of the area, and potential impacts to tourism and the environment. A question and answer period facilitated by D. Kane followed. R. Bander inquired about an underground system and M. Robertson replied That the cost of buried power lines can be up to 8-i0 times more expensive. R. Bander asked what the difference in cost would be to the ratepayer and M. Robertson replied that it would be a few dollars more for the transmission component. Councillor B. de Jong asked about ~,~ future capacity, and D. Kane replied that the proposed system would likely be adequate for 25-30 years. M. Robertson indicated that there `~ are plans to add more stages to increase the capacity and longevity of the transmission system and this would be dependent on the growth of ~`(~ the region. G. Shaw asked about the preferred route and M. Robertson ' ~V replied that an information package containing the proposed routes ~' would be made available next week. K. Sharkey indicated that she had Regular Council Minutes Page 11 May 21, 2009 been interviewed recently by a representative from A/taLink and asked how knowledge of the issues within the community was applied to the project. G. Davis replied that A/taLink is consulting with all communities that maybe affected and they want to build a relationship that lasts long after the transmission lines are completed. Councillor A. M. Philipsen asked if a combination of above and underground lines had been considered, particularly around communities. M. Robertson replied that this had been investigated, but the cost is considerably more for underground lines. He also noted that they were trying fo keep the power lines away from communities wherever possible. N. Gerestein inquired about health concerns and the effect the power lines may have on property values. G. Davis replied that this has been reviewed extensively by the World Health Organization as well as Health Canada and no significant health concerns have been identified. M. Robertson replied that there was no known corre/afion between lower property values and power lines. M. Robertson indicated that an open house would be held on June 8, 2009 in Brooks, AB at the Heritage Inn, with other dates and locations to be announced. LEFT THE MEETING R. Bander, N. Gerestein, N. Moriyama, B. Prentice, K. Sharkey, G. Shaw, C. Buckler, G. Davis, R. Davis, D. Kane, and M. Robertson left the meeting at 1:55 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Stephenson arrived at 1:58 p.m. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS -continued I. Palliser Airshed Society Annual General Meeting The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he would be unable to attend the Annual General Meeting of the Palliser Airshed Society on June 5, 2009 in Medicine Hat, AB from 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. 12. COMMITTEE REPORTS ;4 a. Disaster Services Committee °~~. Councillor A. Eastman reported on the recent Disaster Forum 20 that he attended in Banff, AB. Topics included risk communication, 9-11 and the Pentagon, the evacuation of residents in northern Saskatchewan, a sour gas well blow-out in China, a toNiado in Greensburg, Kansas, pandemic preparedness, and fear management. The conference also included an exercise with an Emergency Regular Council Minutes May 21, 2009 Operations Center with Kevin Swanson as the EOC Director. b. Municipal Library Board Page 12 Councillor W. Daniels reported that, at the May 19th meeting, the Secretary Treasurer of the Municipal Library Board had announced her retirement and per capita funding from the province has increased. He noted that Council approved $13.60 per capita for the Brooks Public Library at the April 23, 2009 meeting, and the Municipal Library Board will be sending a letter to Council indicating that all libraries should receive the same funding. He indicated that the Municipal Library Board should send a budget to Council for approval that includes distribution of funding to the individual libraries, and that the request from the Brooks Public Library should be forwarded to the Municipal Library Board. LEFT THE MEETING S. Stanway and M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 2:17 p.m. c. Newell Foundation Councillor H. Wutzke reported on the recent meeting of the Newell Foundation, indicating that there were three rooms available. He also noted that he would be attending the Southern Homes meeting next week. Councillor S. Evans reported that there were 18 on the waiting list and four empty rooms in Bassano. d. Meeting with MP LaVar Payne Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she had attended a meeting recently with Member of Parliament L. Payne regarding economic stimulus funding for communities. She had suggested reducing the amount of paperwork and simplifying the application forms. e. Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Councillor B, de Jong noted that he would like to invite R. Juska to a Council meeting to discuss the Southern Alberta Waste to Energy initiative, as he has been attending the meetings. He also updated Council on the tender to dig three new cells at the landfill. f. Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor J. Harbinson indicated that the Annual General Meeting would be held on May 27, 2009 at the Medicine Hat College -Brooks Campus starting at 5:30 p.m. Regular Council Minutes May 21, 2009 Page 13 g. Newell Regional Services Commission Councillor 1. Schroeder reported that the NRSC is looking to hire another water treatment plant operator. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the agreement between NRSC and the County of Newell for the operation of County Water and Wasfewater facilities has been drafted by Orval Shantz and is currently being reviewed. The Chief Administrative Officer questioned the need for such an agreement as the NRSC has been looking after the facilities since October 1, 2008 and the NRSC should be fully up and running within 12 months. The Chief Administrative Officer brought forward a letter from a representative of a group of Lake Newell Resort residents requesting that Canada Post mailboxes be located on the site of the water treatment plant, which is currently owned by the County of Newell but soon to be transferred over to the NRSC. Council discussed this request and has no issues with the proposed location of the boxes but requested that these matters come from their Hamlet Advisory Committee which would determine the best site for the mail boxes. Administration pointed out that while they have several committees out there for their Condo Associations, they may not have formed a functional Hamlet Advisory Committee. Council instructed Administration to send a letter along with a copy of policy 2007-PPW-057 which outlines that each Hamlet must have an advisory committee along with other requirements of being a Hamlet. C-189/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Administration write a letter to the representative from Lake Newell Resort and inform them that a Hamlet Advisory Committee needs to be formed as soon as possible for Lake Newell Resort and that all requests from the Hamlet of Lake Newell Resort be forwarded through this Hamlet Advisory Committee to the Divisional Councillor as per policy. MOTION CARRIED 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS ;. a. Mini Bus Monthly Reports -April 2009 -.~""~ Council was presented with the Mini Bus Monthly Reports for April 2009. This item was accepted as information. Regular Council Minutes Page 14 May 21, 2009 b. Shortgrass Library System - 2008 Annual Report & Financial Statement Council was presented with the 2008 Annual Report and Financial Statements of the Shortgrass Library System. This item was accepted as information. 15. IN CAMERA C-190/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we move in camera at 2:58 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-191/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move out of camera at 3:23 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN C-192/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the meeting adjourn at 3:24 p.m. MOTION CARRIED Z~ Reeve oC County Admi rator