HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-09-21 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
September 21, 2017
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday,
September 21, 2017 commencing at 1:01 p.m.
MEMBERS Molly Douglass, Reeve
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung
A.M. Philipsen
W. Hammergren
T. Fyfe
K. Christman
E. Unruh
B. de Jong
L. Juss
ABSENT: G. Simpson
STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer
D. Horvath, County Planner- ORRSC
T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services
M. Fenske, Manager of Finance
K. Halsted, County Assessor(Benchmark Assessment)
S. Biette, Assessment&Taxation Clerk
E. Hansen, Tax & Utilities Advisor
M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: S. Zacharias, CAO -Village of Rosemary
Y. Cosh, CAO -Village of Duchess
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 1:01 p.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
C-280/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Councillor G. Simpson be
excused from the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes -Council (September 7, 2017)
^ 281/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRIST�AN that the Seq m 7 2 1 Co ncil
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. �
'� - MO ION CARRIED
Regular Council
September 21,2017
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-282/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the agenda be adopted as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
7. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
7.4 Funding Request- Regional Enhancement(Rosemary)
S. Zacharias provided Council with background information on this item, a joint
project between the Village of Rosemary and the Rosemary Agricultural Society to
upgrade the recreation facility and p/ayground. S. Zacharias responded to
questions from Council regarding the distribution of funding. The Chief
Administrative Officer indicated that Council determined the Regional
Enhancement Reserve funding would be allocated to capita/projects of regional
benefit with the costs shared 50/50 between the County and the municipality. He
noted that the project meets the criteria and asked about the contribution from the
Village of Rosemary. S. Zacharias replied that the Village of Rosemary had not
been informed of that requirement until after the budget had been passed.
S. Zacharias responded to further questions from Council, indicating that the
invoices for the project have been paid by the Rosemary Agricultural
Society. Discussion fol/owed regarding how the funding al/ocation would be
� delivered and it was determined that invoices should be submitted to the County
for payment. S. Zacharias responded to questions regarding the funding sources.
The Chief Administrative Officer reported that the CAO's of Bassano, Duchess,
and Rosemary had been advised of the Regional Enhancement funding criteria for
2017 after the County's 2016 budget was adopted. He offered to forward the
e-mail message to the CAO's again.
C-283/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the request from the Village of
Rosemary for upgrades to the Rosemary Rec-Plex be APPROVED in the amount of
$56,967.00 with funding from the Regional Enhancement Reserve Fund for Division 7
(Rosemary) released upon submission of invoices for the project.
MOTION CARRIED
7.5 Funding Request - Regional Enhancement(Duchess)
Y. Cosh provided Council with background information on the project by the Village
of Duchess to upgrade Margaret Avenue. Council was given the opportunity to
ask questions. Y. Cosh responded to questions regarding the funding sources
listed, indicating that the Village of Duchess will be providing additiona/ funding
from reserves to cover the costs associated with a budget overrun for the project.
Councillor 8. de Jong indicated that he had directed the Duchess Agricultural
Society to the Village of Duchess to discuss plans for a new ice plant and new
features in the hall. Y. Cosh replied that the Duchess Agricultural Society had not
� submitted a funding application or proposal.
Page 2 of 11
Regular Council
September 21,2017
C-284/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the request from the Village of Duchess ����I'����j�,ck.�
for the Margaret Avenue Upgrade Project be APPROVED in the amount of-$�����:�00
with funding from the Regional Enhancement Reserve Fund for Division 8 (Duchess). �--
�l�
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Zacharias and Y. Cosh left the meeting at 1:30 p.m.
RECESS
Council RECESSED at 1:30 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:58 p.m.
7. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS —continued
7.1 Road Closure by Resolution - Road Plans 3211 BZ & 3130EZ
in NE 32, NE 33, & NW 33-21-12-W4)
The County P/anner provided background information on this item and responded
to questions from Council.
C-285/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Motion C-211/16, which reads
as follows:
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that WHEREAS, the lands
hereafter described are no longer required for public travel,
NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of the County of Newell does
hereby close the following described road, subject to rights of access granted by
other legislation.
PARCEL 1
ALL THAT PORTION OF ORIGINAL GOVERNMENT ROAD PLAN 3211 BZ
CONTAINED IN THE NORTH WEST QUARTER OF SECTION 33 IN TOWNSHIP
21 RANGE 12 WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN, AND ALL THAT PORTION
OF GOVERNMENT ROAD PLAN 3211 BZ THAT LIES WEST OF THE RED DEER
RIVER IN THE NE QUARTER OF SECTION 33 IN TOWNSHIP 21 RANGE 12
WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN CONTAINING 0.64 HA(1.57 AC) MORE OR
LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS
PARCEL 2
ALL THAT PORTION OF ORIGINAL GOVERNMENT ROAD PLAN 3130EZ
CONTAINED IN THE NORTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION 32 IN TOWNSHIP
21 RANGE 12 WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN,AND IN THE NORTH WEST
QUARTER OF SECTION 33 IN TOWNSHIP 21 RANGE 12 WEST OF THE
FOURTH MERIDIAN AND IN THE NORTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION 33 IN
TOWNSHIP 21 RANGE 12 WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN
CONTAINING 3.18 HA(7.85 AC) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING TH�REOUT ALL
MINES AND MINERALS.
�' _..�
be RESCINDED.
MOTION CAR IE
Page 3 of 11
Regular Council
September 21,2017
C-286/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that WHEREAS, the lands
hereafter described are no longer required for public travel and Council is prepared to
proceed with the closure and SALE,
NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of the County of Newell does hereby
close the following described road, subject to rights of access granted by other legislation.
PARCEL 1
ALL THAT PORTION OF ROAD PLAN 3130EZ, CONTAINED IN THE NORTH EAST
QUARTER OF SECTION 32, IN TOWNSHIP 21, RANGE 12, WEST OF THE FOURTH
MERIDIAN CONTAINING 0.728 HECTARES (1.8 ACRES) MORE OR LESS
EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS
PARCEL 2
ALL THAT PORTION OF ROAD PLAN 3130EZ, CONTAINED IN THE NORTH WEST
QUARTER OF SECTION 33, IN TOWNSHIP 21, RANGE 12, WEST OF THE FOURTH
MERIDIAN CONTAINING 1.829 HECTARES (4.52 ACRES) MORE OR LESS
EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS
PARCEL 3
ALL THAT PORTION OF ROAD PLAN 3130EZ, CONTAINED IN THE NORTH EAST
QUARTER OF SECTION 33, IN TOWNSHIP 21, RANGE 12, WEST OF THE FOURTH
MERIDIAN CONTAINING 0.55 ACRES MORE OR LESS FOR ROADWAY AND
CONTAINING 0.98 ACRES MORE OR LESS FOR FERRY SITE EXCEPTING
THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS
PARCEL 4
ALL THAT PORTION OF ROAD PLAN 3211 BZ, CONTAINED IN THE NORTH WEST
QUARTER OF SECTION 33, IN TOWNSHIP 21, RANGE 12, WEST OF THE FOURTH
MERIDIAN CONTAINING 0.129 HECTARES (0.32 ACRES) MORE OR LESS
EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS
PARCEL 5
ALL THAT PORTION OF ROAD PLAN 3211BZ, CONTAINED IN THE NORTH EAST
QUARTER OF SECTION 33, IN TOWNSHIP 21, RANGE 12, WEST OF THE FOURTH
MERIDIAN WHICH LIES WEST OF THE RED DEER RIVER AS SHOWN ON A PLAN
DATED 26 MARCH 1888 CONTAINING 1.25 ACRES MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING
THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
D. Horvath left the meeting at 1:59 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
K. Halsted, S. Biette, and E. Hansen arrived at 1:59 p.m.
C ntralized Industrial Assessment & Related Draft Regulation
Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item which had been
t _ discussed at a recent meeting of the Foothills Little Bow Municipal
Page 4 of 11
Regular Council
September 21,2017
Association. The County Assessor provided further information, indicating that the
County would continue to provide the information to the government over a three-
year period to phase in the changes. At this point, it is unknown what impact the
changes will have on municipalities.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
T. Green arrived at 2:04 p.m.
The County Assessor explained the types of properties that will be incorporated
under the new Designated Industrial Properties category, noting that the definition
of 'major plant' is unclear. The County Assessor responded to questions from
Council. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that a resolution was passed at the
Foothills Litt/e Bow Municipal Association meeting and will proceed to the
AAMDC. The County Assessor responded to further questions, indicating that the
assessors wou/d still be comp/eting the assessments but the province will be
responsible for them. Discussion followed. The County Assessor responded to
further questions from Council.
C-287/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the County of Newell write a
letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs requesting that they delay the implementation of
the centralization of industrial properties until such time as Ministry personnel can procure
the appropriate resources to develop valuation standards, regulated assessment rates,
undertake and complete impact studies, and communicate and collaborate with
municipalities so the identified risks to their primary revenue structure can be mitigated
throughout the transition and beyond.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
K Halsted, S. Biette, and E. Hansen left the meeting at 2:17 p.m.
6. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
6.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report(September 2017)
The Director of Agricultura/Services presented the Agricultura/Fieldman's Report
to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Agricultural
Fieldman responded to questions from Council regarding flowering rush, fusarium
graminearum, and weed control for CP Rail.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Fenske arrived at 2:28 p.m.
The Director of Agricultural Services a/so provided an update on the construction
of the cold storage facility.
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 2:31 p.m.
Page 5 of 11
Regular Council
September 21,2017
7. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS —continued
7.3 Tender Award - Investment Management Services
The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-288/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council awards the Investment
Management Services tender to CIBC Wood Gundy.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Fenske left the meeting at 2:48 p.m.
7.6 Funding Request -Safe Communities Committee
Council was provided with background information on this item. The Chief
Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, indicating that the City
of Brooks Council had approved funding to cover 50% of the sho►tfall. Future
funding for the Safe Communities Coordinator wil/be discussed during the 2018
budget meetings.
C-289/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the request from the Safe
Communities Committee for 2017 be APPROVED in the amount of$3,080.10 with funding
from the Stabilization Fund.
MOTION CARRIED
7.7 County of Newell Library Board - Request to Approve Financial Reviewer
Council was provided with background information on this item.
C-290/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council APPROVES the
request from the County of Newell Library Board to appoint Kimberley Fletcher as the
Financial Reviewer of the County of Newell Library Board accounts.
MOTION CARRIED
7.8 Council Committees
Council reviewed the list of Council Committees and suggested
changes. Councillor K. Christman suggested reducing the number of Councillors
who attend the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association meetings. Reeve
M. Douglass suggested that all Council attended that meeting for voting
purposes. Discussion followed.
Councillor A.M. Philipsen suggested that only one member be appointed to
nadian Badlands. Further, she suggested that a Councillor was not required on
the Road Ban Committee and that the Solid Waste & Recycling Collection
Co mittee be removed as it was temporary.
ouncillor L. Juss suggested that the County of Newell Water Project committee
� was no longer required as construction is complete.
Page 6 of 11
Regular Council
September 21,2017
Councillor K. Christman suggested that the divisional Councillor and one additional
Councillor be appointed to the divisional fire committees for consistency. This will
be addressed in the Fire &Emergency Services agreements.
Discussion followed regarding the Newell Regional Tourism Association and
Brooks&District Chamber of Commerce and appointing business owners to those
positions rather than Councillors. It was noted that the Division 5 and 10
Councillors have been appointed to the Joint Services Committee which now
oversees Economic Development for the County. Discussion followed regarding
changing the representation.
The Executive Assistant responded to questions regarding applications from
potential members-at-large.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht arrived at 3:07 p.m.
Discussion followed regarding whether Council representation was necessary on
the Palliser Economic Partnership, Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce, and
the Newell Regional Tourism Association.
The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services will be consulted regarding the
number of Councillors to be appointed to the Emergency Management Committee.
Council suggested other amendments to the Boards, Committees, and
Commissions handbook.
7.9 Councillor Payment Sheets (August 2017)
C-291/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the August 2017 Councillor
Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor
Compensation Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
7.10 Cheques for Payment
C-292/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that cheque 185933 in the amount of
$2,854,628.36 and cheque 185934 in the amount of$727,425.30 be APPROVED.
MOTION CARRIED
7.11 Payment Register
C-293/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Payment Register be accepted.
MOTION CARRIED
Page 7 of 11
Regular Council
September 21,2017
7.12 Requests for Functions of Council
7.12.1 Power Up Brooks (October 20, 2017)
Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this
item. Councillor L. Juss indicated that he would be attending.
C-294/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Reeve M. Douglass,
Councillor T. Fyfe, and Councillor L. Juss be permitted to attend Power Up Brooks in
Brooks, AB on October 20, 2017 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
7.12.2 Shortgrass Library System Professional Development Day
(October 16, 2017)
Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item.
C-295/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Councillor K. Christman be
permitted to attend the Shortgrass Library System Professional Development Day in
Medicine Hat, AB on October 16, 2017 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
8. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
8.1 Water System Bypass
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item,
indicating that a residence was found to be connected directly to the rural water
distribution system with no flow emitter assembly in place. The connection
occurred after the shop housing the water tank was destroyed in a fire and the
property changed hands. The issue was discovered when the new owner called
to have the water shut off before constructing a new shop. The Director of
Municipa/ Services provided information regarding other instances where water
meters have been bypassed within ham/ets. Bylaw 1756-12 (Water & Sewer)
contains information on the consequences oftampering with watermeters and flow
emitters. The Director of Municipal Services requested direction from Council on
addressing these situations in the future.
Discussion followed. The ChiefAdministrative Officerprovided furtherbackground
information and suggested regular checks of the system occur. Councillor 8.
de Jong suggested that the cost of reinstalling the water meter or f/ow emitter
should be the responsibility of the landowner. In addition, those charged with a
first offense should pay a fine in the amount of the cost of water for one year. He
acknowledged the need to take emergency situations into account. The Director
of Municipal Services indicated that he hoped to raise awareness of the fact that
the County will not tolerate individuals tampering with water meters or flow
emitters.
C-296/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Municipal Services staff be directed to
pre re a Request for Decision for each situation of tampering with water meters and flow
e 'tt rs or theft and misuse of water to be reviewed by Council for a decision on a case-
y- e basis.
MOTION CARRIED
�.__-
Page 8 of 11
Regular Council
September 21,2017
8.2 Requests for County to Receive Farm Field Water Discharge to County
Roadside Ditches
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council. A draft policy has been prepared based
on the practices used by the M.D. of Taber. Councillor C. Amulung asked how
one would determine whether water in the roadside ditches got there via natural
drains or drainage tile. The Director of Municipal Services replied that a permitting
process wou/d at least make staff aware of situations where drainage tile has been
installed. Discussion followed regarding whether the work shou/d be completed
by County staff or the landowners. It was a/so suggested that a list of prequalified
contractors could be provided to the landowner when the permit is issued. The
Director of Municipa/Services responded to further questions from Council.
C-297/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Policy 2017-PPW-063 (Farm Field
Drainage) be adopted with the following amendment:
Policy Guidelines - Insert after item 5:
"The landowner provides to the County the name and contact information of the
intended contractor for review and approval prior to any work commencing."
Remove the last paragraph that begins "Failure by the landowner..."
MOTION CARRIED
8.3 Concerns �xpressed for Pedestrians/Cyclists Utilizing Paved Rural
Roadways
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item,
indicating that there are safety concerns associated with pedestrians and cyclists
using paved rural roadways. Discussion followed. This item was accepted as
information.
6. AGRICULTURAL SERIVICES BUSINESS —continued
6.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report—continued
C-298/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for
September 2017 be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht left the meeting at 4:15 p.m.
9. COMMITTEE REPORTS
9.1 Bow River Basin Council (Councillor B. de Jong)
Councillor B. de Jong submitted a written report. He responded to�u s i om
Council regarding rain gauges, indicating that those interested can cont 'ct hi .
Page 9 of 11
Regular Council
September 21,2017
9.2 Canadian Badlands Tourism (Councillor A.M. Philipsen)
Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report.
9.3 Tourism Representative
Councillor E. Unruh reported that the Newell Regional Tourism Association passed
a resolution at their recent Annual Genera/ Meeting giving voting power to the
appointed directors.
9.4 Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce
Councillor C. Amu/ung reported that he attended the Annual General Meeting. The
Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce will be hiring a new communications
person as well as an administrative assistant. The 2017 Business of the Year
Awards will be held on October 20, 2017.
9.5 County of Newell Library Board
Councillor K. Christman reported that the community libraries had a busy summer
with many successful programs. The County of Newell Library Board a/so toured
the new Brooks Public Library.
i
� 9.6 Reeve's Report
Reeve M. Douglass provided an update on the Medicine Hat College - Brooks
Campus'work with the Brooks Composite High School to develop a joint campus,
indicating that a group toured a similar facility at Olds College.
9.7 Newell Foundation
Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she attended a recent meeting of the Newell
Foundation. The group has not given up on the Bassano Project. The life /ease
homes in Bassano are now occupied. Newell Foundation is working on their
annual budget. Councillor G. Simpson is currently attending an A/berta Seniors
Communities &Housing Association (ASCHA) regional meeting.
�
10. POST AGENDA ITEMS
10.1 Request for Proclamation - Help Find a Cure for Diabetes
(October 2-18, 2017)
C-299/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Council hereby proclaims
Octob 2-18, 2017 as the Brooks & District Diabetes Association's Door to Door
Cam aig "Help Find a Cure for Diabetes" in the County of Newell.
MOTION CARRIED
: ,1!
� ;
Page 10 of 11
Regular Council
September 21,2017
11. INFORMATION ITEMS
11.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report(August 2017)
This item was accepted as information.
11.2 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
12. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held.
Reeve M. Douglass asked about the potential impact to farms caused by proposed tax
increases. She provided Council with details sent by MP M. Shields about a rally on this
subject in Strathmore, AB on September 23, 2017. Councillor L. Juss indicated that there
are concerns. Councillor 8. de Jong indicated that he had discussed this matter with an
accountant, who provided a form /etter that can be sent to Members of Parliament
expressing concerns regarding the proposed changes to small business tax. Reeve
M. Douglass provided further information on this item.
13. IN CAMERA
There were no In Camera items to discuss at this meeting.
______
14. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:35 p.m.
�� , 2017
Signed this��iay of ������'"
Reeve
Co A ministrator
Page 11 of 11