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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-02-05 Council (Special) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF SPECIAL COUNCIL MEETING February 5 2010 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Friday, February 5 2010 commencing at 10:05 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels I. Schroeder A.M. Philipsen R. Andrews J. Harbinson S. Evans A. Eastman B. de Jong H. Wutzke STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator D. Lester, Development Control Clerk A. Clapton, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin J. Whittingham, Brooks County Chronicle I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. II. REVIEW OF DIVISIONAL ELECTORAL BOUNDARIES Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the primary purpose for the meeting, which was to discuss the possibility of revising the County's divisional electoral boundaries. The Assistant Administrator reviewed the details of a report previously presented to Council during the January 21, 2010 meeting. It was noted that after the 2009 census was conducted, it became apparent that the County's population was unevenly distributed between the divisions. It was also noted that the Municipal Government Act states that the number of members on Council should be an odd number unless otherwise provided for through the approval of a specific enactment. Special Council Minutes Page 2 February 5 2010 Various alternatives for the election of Council as provided for within the Municipal Government Act were reviewed. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor J. Harbinson arrived at 10:23 a.m. Council engaged in a discussion regarding the merits of alternative methods of providing for elected representation throughout the County, whether a reduction in the number of Councilors would increase the work load for the remainder, and whether there was a pressing need to initiate changes at this time. It was noted the time lines for implementation of any changes for the 2010 election are very tight and there is a need to engage the public on this issue. It was further noted that the County has already commenced a formal public process for the purpose of reviewing the County's Municipal Development Plan and it is important that the no other process distract from receiving feedback from the public during this Municipal Development Plan review process. C -38110 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Council defer further discussion and review of the County's electoral divisional boundaries until after the local authorities election in October, 2010. MOTION CARRIED III. ESTABLISHMENT OF A REGIONAL ASSESSMENT REVIEW BOARD It was noted that during the Feb. 11, 2010 Council meeting, a report, bylaw and agreement which provides for the establishment of a Regional Assessment Review Board will be presented for Council review and approval. As there is a need for at least two additional representatives on the Assessment Review Board, and there are limited spaces available in the upcoming training sessions, Council members were asked to indicate who would have an interest in serving as a member of the Regional ARB, subject to formal confirmation of this appointment during the Feb. 11, 2010 Council meeting. Councilors W. Daniels, A. Eastman, and A.M. Philipsen indicated they were willing to serve as members of the Regional ARB. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Lester and A. Clapton arrived at 11:45 a.m. IV. PRESENTATION REGARDING COUNCIL MEETINGS AND AGENDAS D. Lester and A. Clapton presented Council with a brief summary of 1� information that pertains to meeting processes and preparation of the Council Special Council Minutes Page 3 February 5 2010 meeting agenda package. The information submitted was the result of attendance at a Municipal Affairs workshop which focused on streamlining meeting processes. It was noted that some of the proposed changes in process will require amendments to the Council procedural bylaw which will be prepared in the near future and brought back for further consideration by Council. V. JOINT COUNTY /EID MEETING DISCUSSION OF AGENDA ITEMS K. Stephenson reviewed a list of items that have been included on a draft agenda for the February 10th joint meeting between the County Council and the Board for the Eastern Irrigation District. VI. ADJOURN Reeve M. Douglass adjourned the meeting at 12:45 p.m. Signed this '2_ day of 2010 tfAA.d Reeve County A mi istrator