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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-10-07 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING October 7, 2010 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, October 7, 2010 commencing at 10:31 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels I. Schroeder R. Andrews J. Harbinson S. Evans B. de Jong H. Wutzke ABSENT: A.M. Philipsen A. Eastman STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator D. Horvath, County Planner — ORRSC S. Shigehiro, Manager of Finance M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works D. Reid, Public Works Administrative Assistant A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Fitzgerald, Q -13 Fox Radio Herb Hemsing, Lake Newell Resort Condominium Association Cam Christianson, Lake Newell Resort Condominium Association I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C- 374/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that Councillor A.M. Philipsen and Councillor A. Eastman be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED II. MINUTES 1. Council (September 23, 2010) C- 375/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that the September 23, 2010 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED b Regular Council Minutes Page 2 October 7, 2010 III. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS ek The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 376/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED V. BYLAWS 1. Bylaw 1709 -10 — Loan Bylaw (Newell Regional Services Corporation) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 377/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1709 -10, being a bylaw to provide a loan to the Newell Regional Services Corporation, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 378/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Bylaw 1709 -10 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 2. Bylaw 1711 -10 —10 LUA 008 SW 1 /4 10 15 - 13 - W4 — Division 1 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District The County Planner presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C- 379/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that Bylaw 1711 -10, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 6.0 acres (2.4 hectares) in SW 1 /a 10- 15 -13 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED VI. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Rolling Hills Animal Complaint 01\\J\C) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and requested direction from Council regarding whether or not to Regular Council Minutes Page 3 October 7, 2010 prepare a bylaw that would regulate the keeping of animals within ,,... hamlets. Council discussed how similar issues had been handled in the past. The County Planner recommended that animal issues be dealt with through an animal control bylaw rather than the Land Use Bylaw. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. Councillor W. Daniels suggested that the size of the parcel where the animals reside should be taken into account. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor H. Wutzke left the meeting at 10:42 a.m. and returned at 10:44 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that Administration would investigate the bylaws of similar municipalities, and noted that restrictions can be based on the size and zoning of the property. Councillor W. Daniels requested that residential population density be considered as well. Council gave Administration direction to develop an animal control bylaw. LEFT THE MEETING D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:46 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Shigehiro arrived at 11:46 a.m. 2. Interim Funding Request — Scandia Wastewater Upgrade Project The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 380/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the costs associated with the Scandia Wastewater Upgrade Project be funded in the interim from the Municipal Surplus Reserve, with the intent that should grant funding be approved and local improvement levies collected that this Reserve be repaid. MOTION CARRIED 3. Interim Funding Request — Scandia Storm Water Project The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 381/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the costs associated with the Scandia Storm Water Project be funded in the interim from the Regional Enhancement Reserve, with the intent that should grant funding be approved that this Reserve be repaid. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 4 October 7, 2010 4. Reserve Account Consolidation The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 382/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that the County Reserve Accounts be consolidated as recommended by Administration. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Shigehiro left the meeting at 10:53 a.m. 5. 2011 -2012 Joint Emergency Preparedness Program The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 383/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Council APPROVES an application to the Alberta Government under the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program for Traffic Control & Disaster Services Equipment Upgrades in the amount of $15,200.00. MOTION CARRIED 7. Request from Joint CAO's Meeting — Regional Partnership The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. He indicated that the Regional Partnership Initiative Implementation grant agreement required a $50,000.00 commitment from the participating municipalities, which was paid by the County with the intent of recovering the cost from the other municipalities. An invoice in the amount of $10,000.00 was recently mailed to each of the five participating municipalities. A motion was made at the Joint CAO's meeting on September 29, 2010 to ask if the County of Newell would cover the invoiced amounts for the Newell Regional Partnership Implementation Grant, as this is a large expense for the smaller municipalities. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. Councillor I. Schroeder inquired why the $50,000.00 commitment was not divided based on population, and the Chief Administrative Officer replied that it could be done several ways. He further stated that there is no information on file that could be found with what the exact contribution of each participant was to be with the municipal share of this project. He also noted that, while the City of Brooks is named in the motion, they are not expecting the County to cover their portion and they will have their administration research the matter as well. Regular Council Minutes Page 5 October 7, 2010 ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and D. Reid arrived at 11:00 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. Council requested that Administration check the minutes of the meetings held at the committee level regarding this grant application to determine if the amount required from each municipality was discussed. This item will be brought back to a future meeting. VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 1. Introduction of Public Works Administrative Assistant The Superintendent of Public Works introduced Deborah Reid, Public Works Administrative Assistant, to Council. LEFT THE MEETING D. Reid left the meeting at 11:15 a.m. 2. 2011 Work Plan This item will be brought back to a future meeting. 3. Municipal Reports The following Municipal reports for September 2010 were presented to Council: - Utilities — NRSC - Superintendent of Public Works - Shop Foreman Council discussed the Utilities — NRSC report. Councillor J. Harbinson asked if businesses are still able to receive payment from the bankruptcy claim. Councillor 1. Schroeder indicated that most of the businesses involved had been compensated already. Councillor H. Wutzke suggested that the business owner should speak to R. Havinga as soon as possible. Councillor W. Daniels inquired about water service to Rolling Hills and plans for the dugouts. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that he would be reviewing this with R. Havinga in the near future. The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report and responded to questions from Council. Regular Council Minutes Page 6 October 7, 2010 ARRIVED AT MEETING H. Hemsing and C. Christianson arrived at 11:27 a.m. VI. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 6. Lake Newell Resort Condominium Association (LNRCA) The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this item. LNRCA had been proceeding with the initiative that would see the County taking control of the common property, but there will be significant costs involved with surveying and creating registered road plans. A decision is required to determine whether these costs are to be covered by County ratepayers as a whole or by those who will directly benefit from these improvements. C. Christianson gave an estimate of the costs involved, indicating that the cost for Block 1 may be different than the cost for Block 4, and noted that it would be a good idea to begin the work immediately when the weather is still warm. He indicated that he would be willing to assist with the survey work, but the project was too large for him alone. Councillor 1. Schroeder expressed concerns with dispersing the costs to among all County ratepayers, indicating that an independent developer would be responsible for all costs when beginning a development. C. Christianson replied that the LNRCA is unable to use reserve funds to cover the costs. As time is a factor, they would like the County to fund the work and recover the costs. Councillor H. Wutzke noted that a 75% commitment was required from the condominium owners. C. Christianson replied that the LNRCA intends to submit a letter to each condominium owner in order to fulfil this requirement, and anticipated that results would be available within two weeks. C. Christianson responded to further questions from Council. C- 384/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the County agrees to cover the costs for the surveying work for Blocks 1 and 4, with the expectation that 50% of the costs will be recovered from the condominium associations, on the condition that the Lake Newell Resort Condominium Associations receive approval for the project from 75% of the condominium owners in Blocks 1 and 4. MOTION DEFEATED Discussion followed regarding how costs would be recovered if the \ X") County were to pay for the project so that work could begin as soon as possible. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that they would require either a funding agreement or a special tax bylaw. Regular Council Minutes Page 7 October 7, 2010 C. Christianson indicated that a funding agreement would be more favourable. C- 385/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that if the Lake Newell Resort Condominium Associations obtain approval from at least 75% of the owners, and if the association advises the County that they will require interim financial assistance to fund surveying work for the registration of a public plan within Blocks 1 and 4; that the County cover those costs which is to be secured by a satisfactory repayment agreement. MOTION CARRIED Reeve M. Douglass requested that the LNRCA proceed with obtaining 75% approval from the condominium owners. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor I. Schroeder, H. Hemsing, and C. Christianson left the meeting at 11:56 a.m. VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 3. Municipal Reports — continued The Superintendent of Public Works provided Council with an update on the progress of various projects. Councillor B. de Jong inquired about the fencing near the Fleury Boswell intersection and the Superintendent of Public Works confirmed that they did plan to replace the fence and extend it south. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor I. Schroeder returned at 11:58 a.m. Councillor B. de Jong expressed concerns regarding municipal addressing signs that have gone missing. The Superintendent of Public Works replied that Bylaw 1665 -09 contains information on penalties for removal of the signs, and indicated that people should be aware that the signs are to aid emergency responders in locating residents in emergency situations. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. Council requested that information be distributed in the form of a newsletter article reiterating the purpose of the signs and outlining the consequences of removing the signs. LEFT THE MEETING M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 12:10 p.m. Regular Council Minutes Page 8 October 7, 2010 LUNCH 0. Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:10 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m. VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 3. Municipal Reports — continued The Superintendent of Public Works provided information regarding speed limit signs on Duck Lake Road, indicating that staff will carry out AMEC's recommendations as soon as they are able. C- 386/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the Municipal Reports for September 2010 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor J. Harbinson left the meeting at 1:09 p.m. Reeve M. Douglass inquired about the possibility of obtaining signs to iiik clarify where the turnoff to Bassano is on Duck Lake Road. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that he would look into this. As well, he will discuss with the GIS department the possibility of making the local paved roads more obvious on County road maps. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor J. Harbinson returned at 1:13 p.m. VI. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 8. Councillor Payment Sheets (August 2010) Reeve M. Douglass inquired if the corrections had been made to Councillor J. Harbinson's compensation as indicated in Motion C- 350/10. Councillor S. Evans indicated that she would check with the Human Resources & Payroll Clerk. C- 387/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that the August 2010 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Amik Councillor Compensation Review Committee. j \\\ MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 9 October 7, 2010 Councillor W. Daniels inquired about how amendments to October meetings would be made for those Councillors who will not be returning. Councillor S. Evans requested that those Councillors submit their payment sheets by October 15 9. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C- 388/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that cheques 168453 to 168461 in the amount of $636,183.49, cheques 168462 to 168575 in the amount of $1,617,286.91, Direct Debit Batch 17358 in the amount of $70,595.51, and Direct Debit Batch 17435 in the amount of $22,164.32 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED VIII. POST AGENDA ITEMS 1. EID /County Partnership on Drainage Projects The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that both the County and the Eastern Irrigation District would like to proceed with a three -year drainage project cost sharing agreement. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. C- 389/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the County of Newell enter into a three -year drainage cost sharing agreement with the Eastern Irrigation District, and further that a three -year priority list be prepared and approved by the County and the Eastern Irrigation District which is to be reviewed annually thereafter by each partner. MOTION CARRIED C- 390/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that the County of Newell include $1.2 million dollars in the 2011 budget for the Eastern Irrigation District/County Drainage Partnership. MOTION CARRIED 2. Invitation to Town of Bassano Administration Building Grand Opening Council was presented with a letter from the Mayor of Bassano inviting them to the grand opening of their new administration building on October 8, 2010. Council discussed purchasing a gift in honor of the occasion. Administration was directed to order a flower arrangement to bring to the event. ,, .... . Regular Council Minutes Page 10 October 7, 2010 C- 391/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the County of Newell purchase a gift for the Town of Bassano in honor of the grand opening of their administration building in the amount of up to $500.00. MOTION CARRIED 3. Rural Alberta Community Physician Recruitment & Retention Conference Reeve M. Douglass requested permission to attend the Rural Alberta Community Physician Recruitment & Retention Conference in lieu of the Growing in Rural Alberta Symposium. C- 392/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Reeve M. Douglass be permitted to attend the Rural Alberta Community Physician Recruitment & Retention Conference on November 7 -9, 2010 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED IX. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Oldman River Regional Services Commission (ORRSC) a. Minutes — Annual General Board of Directors' Meeting (June 3, 2010) 3 This item was accepted as information. b. Minutes — Executive Committee (July 8, 2010) This item was accepted as information. X. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor J. Harbinson thanked everyone for the past three years he spent on Council. Councillor B. de Jong asked whether an official ground breaking event was being planned for the new County facilities. Discussion followed regarding inviting the Councillors who will not be returning as well as the new Council, MLA A. Doerksen and MP L. Payne. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he would check with Barr Ryder and Ledcor to select an appropriate date in the near future and staff will make the necessary arrangements. Regular Council Minutes Page 11 October 7, 2010 LEFT THE MEETING S. Stanway left the meeting at 1:36 p.m. Councillor R. Andrews reminded everyone of the invitation to the Rosebud Theater fundraiser and noted that, after November 4, 2010 ticket sales will be open to anyone. XI. IN CAMERA C- 393/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that we move in camera at 1:43 p.m. to discuss a land issue. MOTION CARRIED C- 394/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that we move out of camera at 1:50 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C- 395/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the County of Newell proceed with the purchase of the land located at the SW 1/4 7- 15 -13 -W4 for the purpose of the Rolling Hills Sewage Lagoon Project with funding to come from the Regional Enhancement Reserve. MOTION CARRIED XII. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:51 p.m. Signed this O of f\\ VCvk ( fK , 2010 aiNnalit -.■-■11A1-■ Reeve C dministrator