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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-10 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING November 10, 2010 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Wednesday, November 10, 2010 commencing at 11:10 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder R. Andrews A.M. Philipsen M. Nesbitt J. Bulger A. Eastman B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator D. Horvath, County Planner — ORRSC 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: C. Lindsay, Brooks & County Chronicle M. Fitzgerald, Q -13 Fox Radio C. Mitchell, AMEC Joelle Powell, Ratepayer EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. II. MINUTES 1. Organizational Meeting (October 21, 2010) C- 412/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the October 21, 2010 Organizational Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 2. Council (October 21, 2010) C- 413/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the October 21, 010 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. Regular Council Minutes Page 2 November 10, 2010 III. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 414/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED VI. BYLAWS 2. Bylaw 1713 -10 — Rescinding Bylaw 1377 -02 (Family & Community Support Services) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 415/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1713 -10, being a bylaw to rescind Bylaw 1377 -02, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 416/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1713 -10 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 417/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that consent be given for Bylaw 1713 -10 to receive third reading this 10 day of November, 2010. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C- 418/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Bylaw 1713 -10 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED VII. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS 1. Approval of Coyote Control Incentive Program (CCIP) The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item, indicating that the policy is reviewed annually and no changes are recommended at this time. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to questions from Council. C- 419/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that we continue with the Coyote Control Incentive Program as in the previous year and that Policy J1 � 2008 -PAG -024 remain in effect without any changes. ti MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 3 November 10, 2010 2. Appointment of HoIIy White as Weed Inspector & Soil Conservation Officer The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 420/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we appoint HoIIy White as an Officer for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 5 of the Weed Control Act and Section 15 of the Soil Conservation Act. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:22 a.m. VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Appointment of Director of Disaster Services The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He indicated that some amendments to the Disaster Services Bylaw 1112 -94 may be required, particularly regarding the number of Council members appointed to the Disaster Services Committee. C- 421/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we appoint Keith Martin as Director of Disaster Services and Kevin Swanson as Deputy Director of Disaster Services. MOTION CARRIED 2. AltaLink — Revised Proposed Route — Cassils to Bowmanton The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that AltaLink is investigating an adjustment to the preferred route which will be located on the east side of Range Road 14 -5. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. 3. Land of Promise Scholarship \r\N{7 The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor L. Juss provided information regarding how other scholarships are handled, indicating that it would be better to raise the amount of the scholarship. Reeve M. Douglass noted that there may be certain conditions attached to how the scholarship must be distributed. The Assistant Administrator suggested that Grasslands Public Schools take over administering the Regular Council Minutes Page 4 November 10, 2010 scholarship. Councillor A. Eastman requested the history of the ,,.i scholarship before a decision is made. C- 422/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the minimum annual amount for the Land of Promise Scholarship be set at $500.00. MOTION CARRIED C- 423/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:37 a.m. MOTION CARRIED V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Bylaw 1711 -10 —10 LUA 008 SW '/a 10- 15 -13 -W4 — Division 1 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:37 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The Assistant Administrator stated that the intent of Bylaw 1711 -10 is to 0 amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 6.0 acres (2.4 hectares) in SW '/a 10- 15 -13 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District. The County Planner provided background information on this item, indicating that no response to the circulation had been received from either adjacent landowners or agencies. She noted that, while there is currently no other subdivision on this quarter, an application has been submitted to create two parcels. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in support of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor A.M. Philipsen questioned why rezoning was necessary, as this is the first parcel out. The County Planner replied that the application included two parcels, where ordinarily they would have had a separate application for each. The first parcel out meets the policies and will be approved, and this process is required for the second parcel. The County Planner noted that there is currently a developed farmstead in each of the two proposed parcels. Councillor C. Amulung provided NA) further background information on the property. Amok Regular Council Minutes Page 5 November 10, 2010 C- 424/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:44 a.m. MOTION CARRIED VI. BYLAWS — continued 1. Bylaw 1711 -10 —10 LUA 008 SW IA 10- 15 -13 -W4 — Division 1 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District Councillor A.M. Philip en r 9'ss se ed concerns with the approval of two subdivisions on one The County Planner provided some clarification regarding how the application will proceed and responded to further questions from Council. C- 425/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER 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 /4 10- 15 -13 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 426/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1711 -10 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor J. Bulger left the meeting at 11:54 a.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:54 a.m. and RECONVENED at 1:02 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and C. Mitchell arrived at 1:02 p.m. Councillor L. Juss arrived at 1:10 p.m. IX. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINES 1. Bridge File 76809 (Fisher Bridge) & Replacement The Superintendent of Public Works provided Council with a summary of all the information received to date regarding the replacement of Bridge File 76809. AMEC is currently working on a design and cost Regular Council Minutes Page 6 November 10, 2010 summary that will be forwarded to Alberta Transportation for approval m,, by January 2011. New C. Mitchell responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer inquired about the life span for Fisher Bridge, and C. Mitchell suggested that a level two inspection should be considered in order to get an accurate assessment. 2. Bridge File 75926 Update (Bridge South of Bassano Slated for Removal & Replacement with New Road) The Superintendent of Public Works provided background information on this item. Council reviewed several options for the replacement of this bridge and determined the option including the removal of the bridge and replacement with a road on the west side to be the most viable. In designing the road, they have met with the landowner and determined that an 80km /h design speed would impact too much of his land. The Superintendent of Public Works requested that Council review the options again in order to submit another proposal to Alberta Transportation. The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with an overview of the available options and responded to questions. C. Mitchell responded to further questions from Council and indicated that funding would likely not be available if the structure were simply replaced, as the road does not meet the current Alberta Transportation standards. He indicated that Option 1, which places the bridge east - west, is favoured. The Chief Administrative Officer requested that the landowner be consulted, as Bridge File 75926 will be discussed with Alberta Transportation during the Fall 2010 AAMDC Convention. C. Mitchell responded to further questions from Council. Reeve M. Douglass inquired about the possibility of a service road to Highway 1. The Superintendent of Public Works gave an overview of the road link to the existing South Bassano Access Road that has been discussed and suggested that this be discussed during the AAMDC Convention as well. 3. Scandia Lagoon & Lift Station Upgrades The Superintendent of Public Works provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. AMEC is currently working on the design and a local improvement proposal has been sent to the Scandia Hamlet Advisory Committee. An application has also been submitted for funding under the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership. He indicated that the Hamlet Advisory ' Board has accepted the local improvement option. C. Mitchell reported that AMEC anticipates the design package will be finalized by the end Regular Council Minutes Page 7 November 10, 2010 of the month. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council regarding funding options. The Assistant Administrator explained the process for the local improvement. C- 427/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that Council proceed with the process of preparing a Local Improvement Plan for the Scandia Lagoon & Lift Station project. MOTION CARRIED The Chief Administrative Officer requested an update on the drainage projects in Scandia and Rolling Hills. C. Mitchell replied that AMEC is currently working on the tender package for discharging the Rolling Hills Stormwater Pond. Regarding Scandia overland drainage, the design will be based on an open ditch concept similar to the drainage system in Patricia, with a storm pond in the southwest corner. C. Mitchell noted that the County would need to acquire some land for the Scandia project and indicated that they had met last week to look at the Bow Slope drainage area, which should not be an issue. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that he would be requesting an additional $300, 000.00 for this project during the 2011 Budget meetings. Councillor C. Amulung noted that an underground pipe exists south of a residence in Rolling Hills. The Superintendent of Public Works replied that he would investigate and discuss with the landowners. 6. Municipal Reports The following Municipal Reports for October 2010 were presented to Council: - Utilities — NRSC - Superintendent of Public Works - Assistant Superintendent of Public Works - Shop Foreman - Accounting Supervisor The Superintendent of Public Works gave Council an overview of completed and ongoing projects. ARRIVED AT MEETING N \c J. Powell arrived at 1:54 p.m. \IN 4. Truck Route Study — How to Proceed Introductions were made around the table. Councillor M. Nesbitt indicated that J. Powell's letter had been included in the agenda package. Regular Council Minutes Page 8 November 10, 2010 J. Powell spoke against the proposed truck route, indicating that the AI% provincial highway is located nearby. She also expressed concerns .fir regarding safety, as many people drive off the road into her yard, and increased difficulty in selling her property with a truck route on the way. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor M. Nesbitt inquired about traffic from the Jackson Industrial Subdivision, and J. Powell replied that there is not much traffic currently. Councillor B. de Jong inquired about the vehicles going into the ditch, and J. Powell replied that they are passenger vehicles and that she has discussed this with the province. The Superintendent of Public Works commented on the safety issue and indicated that the traffic concerns involve SH 542. Councillor M. Nesbitt distributed two other letters from ratepayers and indicated that she has spoken to many who are not in favour of the proposed route as there is an existing corridor to and from Highway 36. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that there would be another opportunity for public input. Councillor L. Juss indicated that several people had also approached him to express their opposition to the proposed truck route. LEFT THE MEETING J. Powell left the meeting at 2:18 p.m. Councillor M. Nesbitt asked if the affected landowners had been contacted individually prior to selecting the proposed route. The Superintendent of Public Works gave an overview of the process, indicating that the Joint Services Committee had initially selected some options and letters had been sent to each affected landowner. Public open houses were held and questionnaires were submitted. AMEC took all of the responses and rated each route according to several criteria. He indicated that the process had been advertised in the newspaper, on the radio, and via the mail. The Superintendent of Public Works provided the new Council members with background information on this item, indicating that Council had agreed that a new truck route should be chosen before the area develops too much. Councillor M. Nesbitt acknowledged that the current truck route is not in a good area, but questioned why the north - south route could not stay on Highway 36. The Assistant Administrator indicated that the intent was to connect the industrial areas around the City of Brooks. The Superintendent of Public Works displayed a map \ indicating the industrial areas and paved roads around the north -south '\ I route. He stressed the importance of defining a truck route as soon as possible because not having a truck route could result in trucks moving on all the roads in that area. He also indicated that another public open 4 house will be held to discuss the preferred alignment further. Regular Council Minutes Page 9 November 10, 2010 C. Mitchell noted that the study was completed to select a preferred route that will incorporate both short and long term improvements in order for the County to acquire the land now and prepare for future growth. Reeve M. Douglass noted that the request today is for funding to investigate the costs associated with land acquisition. The Superintendent of Public Works explained preliminary engineering work would be completed to determine how much land is required from each landowner and how far away residences will be from the road. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that he would consult with City staff regarding the date for the next open house. Discussion followed regarding the request for funding. Councillor 1. Schroeder requested a 7 -10 year plan showing all of the County's project commitments to date. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that it would be beneficial to know where the boundaries are set on the properties on Range Road 15 -0 north in order to know exactly how these properties will be impacted. C. Mitchell gave an overview of the process that would be used to determine the amount of land required and the costs. C- 428/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that a preliminary engineering of the design alignments be completed to determine the lands required from each impacted parcel in order to secure the alignments for the proposed North /South and East/West truck routes, with funding in the amount of $35,000.00 from the Paving Reserve. Councillor M. Nesbitt requested a recorded vote. In Favor: Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8, 9 Opposed: Divisions 5, 10 Absent: Division 6 MOTION CARRIED Councillor C. Amulung requested that a copy of the report used to determine the preferred route be forwarded to the new Councillors. 6. Municipal Reports — continued C- 429/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the Municipal Reports for October 2010 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED The Superintendent of Public Works requested feedback from Council regarding the format of the Municipal Reports. This will be discussed further at the next meeting. `e Regular Council Minutes Page 10 November 10, 2010 LEFT THE MEETING Councillor B. de Jong left the meeting at 3:00 p.m. and returned at 3:01 p.m. C. Mitchell and M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 3:01 p.m. C. Lindsay left the meeting at 3:05 p.m. 5. 2011 Work Plan & Approval The Superintendent of Public Works provided background information on this item, indicating that some of the issues discussed during road tours are included in the comments but do not appear on the map. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions and make amendments to the 2011 Work Plan. Councillor R. Andrews requested drainage work be added 800m south of Rainier on Range Road 16 -1. Councillor C. Amulung asked if the 2011 Work Plan should be approved with the 2011 budget. The Superintendent of Public Works replied that Policy 2007 -PPW -051 requires the plan for the upcoming year to be submitted to Council for approval by September 30th. The Assistant Administrator indicated that the Annual Work Plan is for determining how much work is required and the budget process determines how funding will be allocated to each division. Discussion followed regarding how to improve the process. C- 430/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the 2011 Road Tour Work Plan be APPROVED as amended. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 3:25 p.m. VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 4. Review of Council Remuneration Policy The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Reeve M. Douglass provided an overview of the current policy to the new Council members. It was noted during the review of Policy 2009 -PLG -014 that article 1(e) should be deleted as there are no longer any Members -at -Large on the Municipal Planning Commission. Councillor B. de Jong asked how the County's remuneration compares with other municipalities. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he would forward to Council a Aft R comparison of the compensation rates in several municipalities of a \, similar size to the County of Newell. Regular Council Minutes Page 11 November 10, 2010 5. Endorsement of Bow Basin Watershed Management Plan (BBWMP) — Phase Two Draft Terms of Reference Councillor R. Andrews requested that this item be deferred to the November 25, 2010 Council meeting. 6. AAMDC Fall 2010 — Resolutions Package Council was presented with the resolutions package for the AAMDC Fall 2010 Convention. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor R. Andrews left the meeting at 3:40 p.m. Reeve M. Douglass provided an explanation on the AAMDC Resolutions process. She indicated that some of the resolutions have already received endorsement during the meeting of the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association and asked if anyone was strongly opposed to any of the resolutions. LEFT THE MEETING S. Stanway left the meeting at 3:47 p.m. Discussion followed regarding the resolutions package. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor R. Andrews returned at 3:53 p.m. 7. Provincial Fund - Raising Functions & Provincial Political Contributions Council was presented with a letter from Elections Alberta regarding provincial fund - raising functions and provincial political contributions. This item was accepted as information. 8. Seniors' Falls Prevention Month Council was presented with a letter and information package from the Alberta Centre for Injury Control & Research requesting support from Council by recognizing November as Seniors' Falls Prevention Month. This item was accepted as information. \—j'AV\ Regular Council Minutes Page 12 November 10, 2010 Al ilk 9. FCM 2011 (June 3 -6, 2011 — Halifax, NS) — Selection of Attendees A random draw was held to determine which Councillors would attend each of the next three Federation of Canadian Municipalities conferences and the results were as follows: FCM 2011 (June 3 -6, 2011 — Halifax, NS): Councillor R. Andrews, Councillor J. Bulger, and Councillor B. de Jong; Councillor A. Eastman was selected as an alternate. FCM 2012 (June 1 -4, 2012 — Saskatoon, SK): Councillor C. Amulung, Councillor A.M. Philipsen, Councillor A. Eastman, and Councillor L. Juss. FCM 2013 (May 31 — June 3, 2013 — Vancouver, B. C.): Councillor 1. Schroeder, Councillor M. Nesbitt, Reeve M. Douglass. 11. Retention of Physicians Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she had discussed with Mayor M. Shields setting aside $1,000.00 in the budget to be used towards incentives for local physicians and their families. She suggested that this could be a function of the Economic Development/Tourism Committee and requested guidance from those Council members on that committee regarding what they would provide funding for. Councillor R. Andrews and Councillor A.M. Philipsen agreed that the items deferred from Council did make for some good discussion, and expressed concerns with some groups being passed from one committee to another before a decision is made. C- 431/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that funding in the amount of $1,000.00 be set aside from the Public Relations budget for the purpose of Physician Recruitment & Retention incentives. MOTION CARRIED 12. Economic Development & Council Referrals This item was discussed in conjunction with the previous item. 10. Schedule Strategic Planning Session The Assistant Administrator indicated that, in the past, new Councils have held a strategic planning session in April or May following the Al election to establish a set of goals that they would like to see accomplished over the next three years. Discussion followed and Regular Council Minutes Page 13 November 10, 2010 Council indicated that they would like a strategic planning session arranged for early April. The Chief Administrative Officer and Assistant Administrator indicated that they would arrange the strategic planning session. 13. Municipal Treasurer's Report - September 2010 The Treasurer's Report for September 2010 was presented to Council. C- 432/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the Treasurer's Report for September 2010 be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 14. Councillor Payment Sheets (September 2010) C- 433/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the September 2010 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 15. Cheques for Payment The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C- 434/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that cheques 168680 to 168687 in the amount of $67,560.83, cheques 168688 to 168796 in the amount of $1,357,363.36, Direct Debit Batch 17479 in the amount of $3,342.24, and Direct Debit Batch 17523 in the amount of $70,130.69 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS - continued 7. Rural Water Distribution System - Summary of Open Houses The Chief Administrative Officer distributed a summary of the attendance at the Rural Water Distribution System Open Houses and the number of registrations received. Councillor 1. Schroeder indicated that a meeting should be held between Administration Staff and representatives from MPE Engineering Ltd. to develop a list of frequently asked questions to distribute to ratepayers as soon as possible to keep interest up. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that a section will be set up on the County web site where information, forms, maps, timelines, and other information will be posted. He noted that there is a lot of interest in the project, but less than the 50-70% ideal. \-../ ���CCC Regular Council Minutes Page 14 November 10, 2010 Discussion followed regarding how to generate more interest in the project. An information package containing an update from the open houses and the registration form could be mailed to County residents along with a reminder of the January 31, 2011 registration deadline. The Assistant Administrator indicated that information packages would be prepared for Councillors to hand out as well. X. POST AGENDA ITEMS 1. Meeting with Alberta Minister of Health & Wellness Reeve M. Douglass indicated that Minister of Health & Wellness, G. Zwozdesky, will be in Brooks on Friday, November 12, 2010 to meet with City and County Councillors. Reeve M. Douglass, Councillor A.M. Philipsen, Councillor 1. Schroeder, and Councillor M. Nesbitt indicated that they would attend this meeting. XI. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Reeve M. Douglass noted that D. Moss, who is a member of the Division 6 Recreation Board, has recently passed away. Council will wait for direction from the Division 6 Recreation Board regarding how to fill the position. XII. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss. XIII. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:51 p.m. Signed this day of (IJ lJ , 2010 Reeve , I,, Co Administrator