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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-06-24 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING June 24, 2010 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, June 24, 2010 commencing at 10:50 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels I. Schroeder A.M. Philipsen R. Andrews J. Harbinson S. Evans B. de Jong H. Wutzke ABSENT: A. Eastman STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Development Control Officer T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: P. Grigaitis, Brooks & County Chronicle M. Fitzgerald, Q -13 Fox Radio Errol Gordey, Director — Engineering Operations (Telus) Fred Weinheimer, General Manager — Customer Solutions Delivery (Telus) I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C- 248/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Councillor A. Eastman be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED II. MINUTES 1. Council (June 10, 2010) C- 249/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the June 10, 2010 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 2 June 24, 2010 III. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS CD The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 250/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht, E. Gordey and F. Weinheimer arrived at 10:54 a.m. VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 1. DELEGATION — Telus Surface Cables & Wireless Service E. Gordey and F. Weinheimer gave a presentation to Council regarding issues related to above ground cable and to rural wireless service. E. Gordey indicated that they do try to rebury the cables soon after road • construction is complete, but they are not always able to keep up with the requests. He outlined the costs involved to Telus and explained that certain lines are given priority based on the type of line and how many customers are affected. Currently, there are approximately 50km of lines above ground in the County of Newell and 15 -20km of that cable will be buried within the construction year as per the budget. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that approximately 30 miles of new pavement and 10 -20 miles of gravel road construction is planned for this year. F. Weinheimer reported that they have been replacing cable on a regular basis. E. Gordey reported on a series of complaints from a specific customer and updated Council on the status of that complaint where a wireless solution was provided. Councillor J. Harbinson provided background information on this issue. E. Gordey indicated that the complaint has been escalated in order to provide telephone service in that part of Division 5. E. Gordey and F. Weinheimer responded to questions from Council. Councillor W. Daniels asked if there was a maximum time limit within which low priority line would be reburied. F. Weinheimer replied that there was no documented policy, but that this would be discussed with their teams. Councillor B. de Jong expressed concerns with potential Regular Council Minutes Page 3 June 24, 2010 danger to County staff mowing ditches where above ground lines are present. F. Weinheimer indicated that those pieces of cable are identified as a priority and buried as soon as possible. Councillor J. Harbinson requested that a letter of apology be sent to the family in Division 5 that were unable to receive adequate telephone service. E. Gordey replied that this would be taken care of. F. Weinheimer provided clarification on the solution that was offered to that family. E. Gordey provided an overview of the options available to resolve the issues, indicating that improving communications between Telus and the proper County contacts would be the first step and input from the County would be considered when setting priorities. He also noted that they are investigating the possibility of having the road construction companies trenching the lines during the onsite construction process. The Chief Administrative Officer requested a digital map showing where the above ground lines are and how long they have been there. E. Gordey and F. Weinheimer responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING E. Gordey and F. Weinheimer left the meeting at 11:34 a.m. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 5. NRSC — Amended Unanimous Shareholders Agreement The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with background information on this item. He indicated support for the need to update the agreement once the system is fully constructed and operational, and suggested that any asset transfers be held off until that time. He also acknowledged the efforts of the Board of Directors and staff in pulling an amended agreement together. He outlined several areas that may need clarification prior to adoption, as future changes may be very difficult under a unanimous consent structure. He suggested that, prior to finalizing the agreement, it should be discussed at the next regional municipal meeting. Areas that could be discussed further would include: • Brooks Bulletin article from June eh, 2010. • The Lake Newell Facility not being named in NRSC assets under this agreement. • Assuming the Lake Newell Facility is to be included, then Lake Newell and the City of Brooks will get water pressured to the tap for 40 cents and all others need to re- pressure the water and pay that cost plus 5 %. The Chief Administrative Officer stated that he Regular Council Minutes Page 4 June 24, 2010 fully supports the cost plus financial planning, but it should be across the board for all functions with no subsidy for any partner. • • The new updated USA should include, in the definitions or by schedule, how the actual costs will be determined so the parties have a clear understanding of what they will be required to pay. Specific wording stating who is responsible for the cost of capital upgrades in the future should also be included. He questioned how the assets (infrastructure) of NRSC would be paid for when there is a need to upgrade, expand, or replace them, as this is not clear in the agreement. The USA covers areas that assets /infrastructure can be paid from, but does not indicate how this is to be calculated or how the assets already purchased and transferred over to NRSC will be accounted for. • How will truck fills be handled for revenue, expenditures, and water allocations /licensing? This remains unclear in the new USA and there is some question as to whether or not that revenue will be provided back to each municipality from NRSC, as each municipality will be paying to supply that water unless it is directly off a pipeline. He closed his remarks by suggesting that the agreement could be passed without further discussion if Council wishes, or it could be sent to the next regional municipal meeting to see if others have any further • questions or concerns. Councillor 1. Schroeder provided further background information, indicating that all the issues noted have been discussed in detail by the Board of Directors. Asset transfers were originally required to create shares, but the Board feels they are unnecessary at this time. Newell Regional Services Corporation will operate and maintain the facilities, and then the County will retain the assets and make decisions regarding repairs. Costing has also been discussed and the Board has indicated that an accounting system has been set up. Most of the others have already approved and signed the updated agreement. Councillor I. Schroeder responded to questions from Council. Council indicated that further discussion is necessary and requested that Administration arrange a separate meeting which will include R. Havinga and O. Shantz, QC. LEFT THE MEETING K. Stephenson and M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 12:01 p.m. LUNCH Cou r , RECESSED for lunch at 12:01 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. iy Regular Council Minutes Page 5 June 24, 2010 X. POST AGENDA ITEMS 3. Drainage Councillor R. Andrews inquired about the possibility of partnering with the Eastern Irrigation District to address issues with drainage. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that, in informal discussions with the EID, they are in favour of such a partnership. Councillor W. Daniels expressed concerns with a drainage ditch in Rolling Hills and its compliance with County road standards. LEFT THE MEETING S. Stanway and P. Grigaitis left the meeting at 1:07 p.m. XIII. IN CAMERA C- 251/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 1:07 p.m. to discuss a labour issue. MOTION CARRIED C- 252/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that we move out of camera at 1:24 p.m. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Stanway and P. Grigaitis returned at 1:24 p.m. Councillor J. Harbinson identified a drainage problem on the road south of the Jo Ann Trucking Road. Councillor H. Wutzke asked about the possibility of restricting commercial trucks from using the road from One Tree Road south to Highway 1 to reduce the hazards created when these trucks try to cross Highway 1. The Superintendent of Public Works will obtain more information on this issue. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:27 p.m. Regular Council Minutes Page 6 June 24, 2010 V. BYLAWS CO 1. Bylaw 1704 -10 —10 LUA 006 Ptn. of Parcel A, Plan 771 1364 & Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 961 2198 (Div. 2) (in Ptn. of NW 1 /4 18- 18 -13 -W4 & Ptns. of E'h 13- 18- 14 -W4) A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District The Development Control Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 253/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Bylaw 1704 -10, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 150.0 acres (60.7 hectares) in a Ptn. of NW 1 /4 18- 18 -13 -W4 and Ptns. of E 1 /2 13- 18 -14 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 2. Bylaw 1705 -10 — Municipal Development Plan The Development Control Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. She noted that the Public Hearing will be scheduled for the first meeting in September to allow sufficient time for all municipalities to respond. • C- 254/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN Bylaw 1705 -10, being a bylaw to adopt a Municipal Development Plan for the County of Newell No. 4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert left the meeting at 1:30 p.m. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 1. Appointment of Fire Guardian — Division 6 The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. It was noted that Ryan Barlow has resigned as Fire Chief of the Bassano Fire Department. C- 255/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that Ryan Barlow be removed as Fire Guardian for Division 6 (Bassano Fire) and that Chief Travis Peters be appointed as Fire Guardian for Division 6 (Bassano Fire) within the County of Newell No. 4. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 7 June 24, 2010 2. Compensation Rates for 2010 Local Authorities Election Workers The Assistant Administrator presented background information and responded to questions from Council. C- 256/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that Council APPROVES a $6,000.00 base compensation amount for the returning officer position ($4,000.00 if no election is required), a daily base rate of $180.00 for deputy returning officer positions, and a daily base rate of $160.00 for the polling clerk positions. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 1:32 p.m. VI. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS 1. Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development Program Audit The Agricultural Fieldman presented Council with background information on this item, noting that the time frame suggested has been changed to August 3 -13 C- 257/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Council invite Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development to conduct their ASB program audit on August 6, 2010 and that this meeting be considered a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 2. Purchase of a New Back Blade The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 258/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that a 2010 budget adjustment of (up to) $3,800.00 be APPROVED to the ASB Small Tools account (1 -2- 522 -62), to purchase a back blade replacement and that it be funded from the ASB Reserve for Future M & E. MOTION CARRIED X. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 1. Canadian Badlands Aqueduct Project Councillor A.M. Philipsen presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. She indicated that if the Regular Council Minutes Page 8 June 24, 2010 County agrees to provide liability insurance, the Eastern Irrigation District will approve the Land Use License for the proposed interpretive trail and Canadian Badlands Ltd. will be able to proceed with the project. C- 259/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the County of Newell agrees to provide liability insurance for the Canadian Badlands Ltd. interpretive trail. MOTION CARRIED 2. Pathway from Arena to New County Building with Funding through Canadian Badlands Ltd. Councillor A.M. Philipsen presented Council with background information on this item. She indicated that the original idea for a path from the arena to the future new County facilities would require an environmental assessment, and suggested that the federal funding could be used for upgrades to Emerson Bridge Park. Councillor A.M. Philipsen responded to questions from Council. C- 260/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell submit an application to Western Economic Diversification Canada for funding for upgrades to Emerson Bridge Park. MOTION CARRIED • 4. Canada Alberta Pasture Recovery Initiative Councillor B. de Jong indicated that the County of Newell is not eligible for assistance under CAPRI, but Wheatland County is eligible. Discussion followed regarding how the drought areas were determined. The Agricultural Fieldman reported that no official correspondence has been received and questioned if the area encompassed within the County would qualify, given the current conditions. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 2:07 p.m. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 3. Brooks & District Museum Canada Day Celebration Council was presented with a letter from the Brooks & District Museum inviting Council to participate in their Annual Canada Celebration and pancake breakfast on July 1, 2009. Reeve M. Douglass, 0 Councillor J. Harbinson, and Councillor H. Wutzke indicated that they would participate. • Regular Council Minutes Page 9 June 24, 2010 4. 2010 Hamlet Utility Rate Schedule The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that once the structure for utility rates has been decided, the bylaw will be prepared. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor H. Wutzke left the meeting at 2:11 p.m. The County will be processing the invoices and charges until the Newell Regional Services Corporation is in a position to do this. The Assistant Administrator provided a breakdown for the 2008 -2009 operating costs and the estimated rates for 2010. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor H. Wutzke returned at 2:13 p.m. The Assistant Administrator identified the need to move towards a uniform rate structure for all areas in the County. Councillor W. Daniels replied the systems are not equal in every area, and presented a list of additional costs that a Rolling Hills resident has had to incur since 2005 due to the type of system installed in that area. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding the differences in the systems. C- 261/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Administration prepare a bylaw establishing a uniform rate structure for water and sewer charges for all hamlets within the County of Newell with the exception of Lake Newell Resort. MOTION DEFEATED C- 262/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Administration prepare a bylaw establishing a rate schedule based on individual system costs for water and sewer charges for all hamlets within the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 6. Landowner Compensation for Easement & Land Purchases (Policy 2010 -PPW -059 Construction Projects & Resulting Landowner Compensation) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Regular Council Minutes Page 10 June 24, 2010 C- 263/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Policy 2010 -PPW -059 be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7. Municipal Treasurer's Report — May 2010 The Treasurer's Report for May 2010 was presented to Council. C- 264/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the Treasurer's Report for May 2010 be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 8. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C- 265/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that cheques 167606 to 167784 in the amount of $4,242,122.83 be approved. MOTION CARRIED IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Economic Development/Tourism Committee 1111 Councillor R. Andrews reported on the recent meeting, which included a presentation by Brian Gale, Business Development Officer for the City of Brooks. 2. Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor J. Harbinson indicated that the Seniors' Outreach will be holding a seniors' networking seminar on June 30, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. He also reported on a recent tour of Ashton's Place Youth Center, noting that the facility is well run with a good board and group of volunteers and is becoming a positive force in the community. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she had been asked to prepare a letter of support on behalf of Ashton's Place Youth Center Society for a Community Initiatives Program grant application. 3. Newell Foundation Councillor S. Evans reported that she had attended a meeting at Playfair Lodge which showcased their recent improvements. On June 4 she attended a tour of Cypress View Foundation in Medicine Hat to get more information regarding designated enhanced living before discussing options with Alberta Health Services. There are Regular Council Minutes Page 11 June 24, 2010 currently 11 vacancies at Newbrook Lodge and 9 vacancies at Playfair Lodge. 4. Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor W. Daniels indicated that the Palliser Economic Partnership Annual General Meeting is scheduled for June 25, 2010 from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m. 5. Tourism Representative Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided Council with a written report. 6. Mayors' & Reeves' Association of Southeast Alberta Reeve M. Douglass reported on two grand opening events she had attended — the Bassano Pool and Brooks & County Immigration Services. She also reported on a visit to the Francophone Association of Brooks, indicating that the group is requesting assistance from Council to determine how they can get involved as volunteers in the various communities. 7. 9 -1 -1 Committee Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she had attended a meeting of the 9 -1 -1 Committee last night. As of December 1, 2010 the fire dispatch will be issued out of Red Deer. 8. Federation of Canadian Municipalities Convention 2010 Reeve M. Douglass provided Council with a written report. X. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 5. Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Alliance (SAEWA) Councillor B. de Jong provided background information to Council. The Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Association joined SAEWA last year and there was no financial commitment at that time. SAEWA has now requested 52 cents per capita from each member to fund another feasibility study. Councillor B. de Jong expressed concerns about conducting another study for a system that may not be viable for the area, and requested feedback from Council. LEFT THE MEETING P. Grigaitis left the meeting at 3:04 p.m. Regular Council Minutes Page 12 June 24, 2010 Councillor B. de Jong responded to questions from Council. Discussion CO followed regarding the need for the City of Calgary to be involved to make the proposal a viable option and the importance of finding new solutions for future waste management. XI. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Mini Bus Monthly Reports (May 2010) This item was accepted as information. XII. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor 1. Schroeder requested clarification on the process for providing letters of support. Reeve M. Douglass provided reasons for requesting Council's permission before sending the letter of support for Ashton's Place Youth Center. - Reeve M. Douglass noted that safety issues on the roads to XL Foods had • been discussed with the Francophone Association of Brooks. Employees of XL Foods have been made aware of the County's concerns, but the road that goes north from XL Foods to the Airport Road is preferred over the Gun Club Road. XIII. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:13 p.m. Signed this 08 day of , 2010 1 Reeve I l / • Administrator CO