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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-20 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING May 20, 2010 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, May 20, 2010 commencing at 10:56 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels A.M. Philipsen J. Harbinson S. Evans A. Eastman B. de Jong H. Wutzke ABSENT: I. Schroeder R. Andrews STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Development Control Officer D. Horvath, County Planner — ORRSC T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works G. Tiffin, Manager of IT & Network Systems A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: P. Grigaitis, Brooks & County Chronicle M. Fitzgerald, Q -13 Fox Radio Chris Contenti, Safety Services — Alberta Municipal Affairs Fred Barg, 10 LUA 003 John Hartley, 10 LUA 003 I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C- 210/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Councillor I. Schroeder and Councillor R. Andrews be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED II. MINUTES 1. Council (May 6, 2010) The following changes were made to the May 6, 2010 Council Meeting minutes: Regular Council Minutes Page 2 May 20, 2010 Page 7 — Motion C- 197/10 should read "..that $65,000.00 of the funds that remain from the former Brooks Rural Fire Protection Association be allocated towards the purchase of a Rapid Fire Intervention UHPS Unit for the Brooks Fire Department." C- 211/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the May 6, 2010 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED III. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 212/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. DELEGATION — Plumbing, Electrical, & Gas Permits C. Contenti presented Council with an overview of the benefits of the County becoming accredited to provide building, electrical, plumbing, and gas permits. Municipal accreditation would allow for consistent service to be provided at the local level and would provide more information for development, planning, fire departments, and assessment. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong expressed concerns regarding liability for flaws. C. Contenti indicated that the municipality would not be taking responsibility for the work that is being done. The Safety Codes Act states that the owner is responsible. Councillor W. Daniels inquired about costs and C. Contenti replied that they plan to move to a model in the future where fees are collected after the service is provided. He indicated that the minimum level of accreditation would involve the County selling the permit and receiving the information when the inspection has been completed. An inspection agency could be contracted to conduct the inspections. The Chief Administrative Officer inquired about specific benefits to the County. C. Contenti replied that the main benefit would be filling in information gaps and knowing more about what is happening in the municipality. The inspectors work closely with the development officers Regular Council Minutes Page 3 May 20, 2010 and each group is able to provide the other with information. C. Contenti responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING C. Contenti left the meeting at 11:20 a.m. The County Planner indicated that the ability to provide permits has been beneficial to several municipalities, and acknowledged there are costs involved. Discussion followed regarding the advantages and disadvantages, and whether or not the current process should be changed. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that, if the County decides to pursue accreditation, a business case should be developed in order to determine the specific needs of the County. Municipal accreditation will be discussed further during the next joint meeting of all the municipalities. ARRIVED AT MEETING F. Barg and J. Hartley arrived at 11:33 a.m. V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Bylaw 1699 -10 —10 LUA 003 NW 1 /4 34- 19 -14 -W4 — Division 10 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:35 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The Assistant Administrator stated that the purpose of the Public Hearing was to hear representations on Bylaw 1699 -10. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 5.0 acres (2.02 hectares) in NW 34- 19 -14 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District. The County Planner provided background information on this item. Letters from adjacent landowners in opposition to the proposed subdivision were distributed to Council and the County Planner summarized their concerns. The main issues raised included the number of parcels already subdivided out of that parcel, the practice of subdividing out pivot corners, and the need to preserve agricultural land. Responses received from Alberta Transportation, Fortis, and the Regular Council Minutes Page 4 May 20, 2010 County's Public Works Department indicated no objections to the proposed land use change. There were no persons in attendance speaking in opposition to the proposed bylaw. F. Barg, speaking on behalf of the applicant, indicated that the lack of water is reducing the productivity of the land and that subdividing this pivot corner parcel out would fit in with the other subdivisions in the area. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. F. Barg and J. Hartley responded to questions from Council. Reeve M. Douglass adjourned the public hearing at 11:46 a.m. VI. BYLAWS 1. Bylaw 1699 -10 —10 LUA 003 NW 1 /4 34- 19 -14 -W4 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District C- 213/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Bylaw 1699 -10, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 5.0 acres (2.02 hectares) in NW 1 /4 34- 19 -14 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 214/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Bylaw 1699 -10 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING F. Barg, J. Hartley, A. Wickert, and D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:49 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 11:49 a.m. VII. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS 1. Agricultural Fieldman's Report — May 2010 The Agricultural Fieldman presented his report for May 2010 and responded to questions from Council. Regular Council Minutes Page 5 May 20, 2010 2. Alberta Conservation Association's "Use Respect" Program The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 215/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the County of Newell agrees to be a distribution point for the Alberta Conservation Association's "Use Respect" fence signs and that stickers be placed on ASB vehicles in order to increase awareness of the program. MOTION CARRIED 3. Rural Beautification Awards — Council Judge for 2010 The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 216/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Councillor J. Harbinson be a judge for the 2010 Rural Beautification Awards and that it be considered a function of Council and that Councillor A.M. Philipsen be the alternate in case of a conflict with the judging date. MOTION CARRIED C- 217/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:59 a.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:02 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:55 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 12:55 p.m. IX. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 1. Tender Results a. Bridge File 75472 & 71402 The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. E Regular Council Minutes Page 6 May 20, 2010 C- 218/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the County of Newell awards the Bridge Files 75472 & 71402 projects to Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate Ltd. in the amount of $482,322.00 plus GST to be funded from the Bridge File program; furthermore, that Council approves a budget adjustment in the amount of $189,748.00 for Bridge File 75472 to be funded from the Operating Budget; and that Council approves a budget adjustment in the amount of $5,192.80 for Bridge File 71402 to be funded from the Operating Budget. MOTION CARRIED b. Fleury Boswell Paving The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 219/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the County of Newell awards the Highway 873 and Twp. Rd. 19 -1, Fleury Boswell Internal and West Service Road, and Twp. Rd. 19 -4 and Range Rd. 14 -5 Base & Pave paving projects to Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate Ltd. for the total tendered amount of $2,051,267.65 plus GST to be funded from the Paving Reserve. MOTION CARRIED 2. Highway 862 Paving Proposal (Alberta Transportation) The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor J. Harbinson expressed concerns with the possibility of other projects being put on hold in order to complete this project. Council discussed the possibility of tendering this project in conjunction with the South Finnegan Access Road. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that a budget adjustment would be required when the cost of the project is known. C- 220/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Council APPROVES the proposal for a 70% province /30% County cost sharing agreement for paving the 4.5 km of Highway 862 with funding through the Paving Reserve. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:09 p.m. VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 3. County Newsletter Review — May /June 2010 Council reviewed the proposed County newsletter for May & June 2010 and suggested changes. Regular Council Minutes Page 7 May 20, 2010 4. Appreciation Barbecue for Local Physicians & Families (June 16, 2010) Reeve M. Douglass indicated that invitations have been mailed to the physicians, Councillors, and Chief Administrative Officers of Brooks and Bassano, as well as to MLA A. Doerksen and the Chairs of the Brooks & Bassano District Health Foundations. 5. Funding for Medieval Faire (Joint Services Committee) It was noted that this item has been discussed both at Joint Services and the Economic Development/Tourism Committee. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 1:17 p.m. Councillor H. Wutzke provided background information and responded to questions from Council. Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that the Economic Development/Tourism Committee had discussed this item and the request had not been approved. They have written letters in support of the Medieval Faire to include with grant funding applications. Discussion followed regarding the process that should be followed in the event that a funding request is received by both the County and the City of Brooks. 2. Foothills Little Bow Municipal 2008 Ortho Project (MSP 2008 -09) The Manager of IT & Network Systems presented Council with background information on this item. The County opted to have higher resolution photographs taken of the hamlets rather than reflying the entire County, and the information received has already been very beneficial. The Manager of IT & Network Systems responded to questions from Council. C- 221/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that a 2010 Budget Adjustment be approved in the amount of $18,296.88 for the completion of the Foothills Little Bow 2008 Ortho Project and that it be financed from the reserve funds dedicated to future digital air photos. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 1:26 p.m. Regular Council Minutes Page 8 May 20, 2010 6. Cheques for Payment C- 222/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that cheques 167327 to 167334 in the amount of $657,776.64 and cheques 167424 to 167530 in the amount of $498,882.55 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED X. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Airport Commission Councillor B. de Jong reported that the ramp tender resurfacing project has gone to tender. The Agricultural Services Department is currently working on spraying and mowing. 2. Economic Development Committee Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report to Council. 3. Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor J. Harbinson indicated that the Annual General Meeting of the Grasslands Regional FCSS was held May 19 He expressed concerns with some proposed changes to provincial departments that would see Children's Services combined with the Ministry of Culture & Community Spirit. Grasslands Regional FCSS is also hosting a Senior's Quality of Life Forum on May 27, 2010 at the Heritage Inn. Discussion followed regarding the importance of keeping Children's Services separate and Council agreed that this issue should be brought up during the upcoming MLA's Roundtable discussions. Councillor J. Harbinson said that L. Pye- Matheson, Executive Director of Grasslands Regional FCSS, would have more information. 4. Newell Foundation Councillor S. Evans reported that Playfair Lodge had received grant funding that was used to purchase new patio furniture. She outlined other improvements that are happening at Playfair Lodge and Newbrook Lodge. Newbrook Lodge will be celebrating its 50 anniversary on June 9 and Playfair Lodge will be celebrating its 30th anniversary on June 18th. 5. Newell Recycling Association /Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Councillor B. de Jong submitted a written report to Council regarding his attendance at the Solid Waste Association of North America's 5th \\,— \ Canadian Waste Symposium on April 18 -21, 2010. He displayed Regular Council Minutes Page 9 May 20, 2010 photos of the recycling and composting facilities toured and responded to questions from Council. 6. Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor H. Wutzke presented this report to Council, indicating that they had toured the new water plant. The south water line to Rainier and Scandia should be completed in the near future and the north line will be proceeding. He gave an overview of the problems that arose with the filters and indicated that the manufacturers were able to fix the problem over the computer. Councillor H. Wutzke responded to questions from Council. 7. Tourism Representative Councillor A.M. Philipsen presented a written report to Council. 8. Associate Dean Advisory Council /Mayors' & Reeves' Association of Southeast Alberta Reeve M. Douglass presented these reports to Council, indicating that Dr. D. Myhre, Associate Dean of Distributed Learning and Rural Initiatives (University of Calgary), had made a presentation to the Mayors' & Reeves' Association at their May 6, 2010 meeting. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor H. Wutzke left the meeting at 1:53 p.m. Dr. D. Myhre had expressed concerns regarding the possible reduction of student seats in medical programs. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor H. Wutzke returned at 1:54 p.m. Reeve M. Douglass gave an overview of the presentation, which focused on a program that brings medical program students to rural areas. The Associate Dean Advisory Council works in conjunction with the Rural Physicians Action Plan (RPAP) with the focus on attraction and retention of rural doctors. Other issues discussed at the Mayors' & Reeves' Association meeting included the decline in food quality at local hospitals and the search for board members from the County area to sit on the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat and Southeast Alberta. Reeve M. Douglass responded to questions from Council. Regular Council Minutes Page 10 May 20, 2010 XI. POST AGENDA ITEMS 1. Red Cross Funding Agreement The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 223/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Council APPROVES the Red Cross Funding Agreement as presented. MOTION CARRIED 2. Funding Request — Regional Enhancement Reserve (Div. 9) Reeve M. Douglass presented Council with background information on this item. C- 224/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding request from the Gem Community Association for maintenance to the Community Hall be APPROVED in the amount of $48,800.00 with funding through the Regional Enhancement Reserve allocation for Division 9. MOTION CARRIED 3. Meetings Regarding Alberta Health Act (MLA Fred Horne) Reeve M. Douglass indicated that a meeting with MLA F. Horne regarding the Alberta Health Act will be held on June 9, 2010 at the Medicine Hat College — Brooks Campus beginning at 6:30 p.m. 4. Regional Health Advisory Committee Community Consultation Meetings Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the Regional Health Advisory Committee's Community Consultation meetings will be held on May 25, 2010 at the Bassano Community Hall and on May 26, 2010 at the Brooks City Hall. 5. Provincial Cabinet Tour — Potential Items Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the Provincial Cabinet Tour is being rescheduled, tentatively for June 30, 2010. She indicated that she is unsure which Ministers will be visiting, but requested suggestions for the tour. Mayor M. Shields and Reeve M. Douglass have met with MLA A. Doerksen and suggested that any joint Municipal /EID projects would be an acceptable focus. Regular Council Minutes Page 11 May 20, 2010 XII. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor W. Daniels asked for clarification on who chooses the Assessment Review Board Clerk and whether or not the meeting for the procedures could be established and discussed prior to an actual appeal hearing. LEFT THE MEETING P. Grigaitis and M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 2:20 p.m. The Chief Administrative Officer replied that both he and the Land Assessment/Taxation Clerk are trained to be the Assessment Review Board Clerk. Administration will provide members with the information regarding the specific procedures to be followed during an Assessment Review Board hearing. LEFT THE MEETING A. Nielsen and S. Stanway left the meeting at 2:27 p.m. XIII. IN CAMERA C- 225/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that we move in camera at 2:27 p.m. to discuss a legal and a labor issue. MOTION CARRIED C- 226/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move out of camera at 3:15 p.m. MOTION CARRIED XIV. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. Signed this /6 day of , 2010 /I i JaNil e C. gdministrator