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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-02-24 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING February 24, 2011 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, February 24, 2011 commencing at 10:23 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: I. Schroeder A.M. Philipsen M. Nesbitt (arrived at 2:34 p.m.) J. Bulger A. Eastman B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: C. Amulung 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, Technical Manager R. Fernell, Database Administrator A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: Student, Brooks Bulletin C. Lindsay, Brooks & County Chronicle P. Hofer, Dinosaur Provincial Park A. Hyland, Palliser Economic Partnership K. Smilar, Palliser Economic Partnership E. Wilson, Eastern Irrigation District J. Meador, Eastern Irrigation District P. Brouwer, MPE Engineering Ltd. M. Coles, MPE Engineering Ltd. I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING CC -53/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Councillor R. Andrews and Councillor C. Amulung be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 2 February 24, 2011 II. MINUTES 1. Council (February 10, 2011) C -54/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the February 10, 2011 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11I. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C -55/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED V. BYLAWS 1. Bylaw 1714 -10 — Weed Bylaw C -56/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1714 -10, being g a bylaw for the purpose of regulating and designating certain plants as "Prohibited noxious" or "Noxious," be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 2. Bylaw 1720 -11 — Animal Control Bylaw The Development Control Officer presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that it had been circulated for review to Public Works, Protective Services, ORRSC, the Brooks Animal Protection Society, and the Hamlet Advisory Boards. She circulated two written responses received to this circulation. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 10:26 a.m. The Development Control Officer recommended that the bylaw be made available for public review before proceeding to second and third reading. The Development Control Officer responded to questions from Council. Council expressed concerns with clause 5.1 prohibiting the killing of any animal, stating that, in certain circumstances such as when dk a livestock animal is in distress, it is inhumane and expensive to wait for a veterinarian to come and euthanize the animal. The Development Regular Council Minutes Page 3 February 24, 2011 Control Officer indicated that many of the provisions have been taken from the existing dog control bylaw. Councillor 1. Schroeder pointed out contradictions between the clause that restricts the keeping of certain animals within hamlets and then allows them on parcels larger than one acre. The Development Control Officers replied that there are very few lots within hamlets that are larger than one acre, but if issues arise, the clause prohibiting those animals in hamlets would take precedence. D. Horvath suggested that, once comments have been received from the public, amendments can be made prior to second and third reading. Discussion continued regarding how to provide allowances for rural landowners to euthanize their own animals. C -57/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1720 -11, being a bylaw to provide for the regulation and control of animals within the County, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED VI. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS 1. Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information and responded to questions from Council. C O-58/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Motion C -09/11 be RESCINDED. MOTION CARRIED C -59/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that on behalf of the County of Newell Agricultural Services Board we nominate the Niznik family for the 2011 BMO Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award. Furthermore, that Councillor M. Nesbitt attend the Awards Banquet on behalf of the County of Newell Agricultural Services Board. MOTION CARRIED 2. Policy 2011 -PAG -033 —100 Year Farm Awards The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item. He explained the provincial awards program, which has specific eligibility criteria, and noted the differences in this proposed policy. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING C P. Hofer arrived at 10:55 a.m. Regular Council Minutes Page 4 February 24, 2011 The Agricultural Fieldman responded to further questions from Council and displayed a clock that could potentially be presented as an award. 0 C -60/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Policy 2011 -PAG -033 be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:56 a.m. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 2. Sale of Road Plan 3360BZ (Road Closure & Sale Bylaw 1689 -09) The Development Control Officer presented Council with background information on this item. P. Hofer requested that the land be sold back to the province at a nominal sum, as the intent of the road closure is to consolidate the road plan into Dinosaur Provincial Park. He indicated that the concerns of the Eastern Irrigation District have been met and there are no planning issues. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that, under Section 70 of the Municipal Government Act, a municipality must advertise their intent to sell land for less than market value. P. Hofer requested that the advertisement include that the reason for C 4 the sale,whieir is to return the land to the province. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C -61/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the County of Newell advertise the sale of Road Plan 3360BZ to Dinosaur Provincial Park for $1.00 in order to return ownership to the province in accordance with Section 70 of the Municipal Government Act. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING P. Hofer left the meeting at 11:05 a.m. 3. Land Use Bylaw Steering Committee The County Planner presented Council with background information on this item. She suggested that 4 -5 Councillors be appointed to the Land Use Bylaw Steering Committee, which would meet once per month starting in March to review and update the Land Use Bylaw. Regular Council Minutes Page 5 February 24, 2011 C P-62/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Councillors A.M. Philipsen, R. Andrews, B. de Jong, and L. Juss be appointed to the Land Use Bylaw Steering Committee. MOTION CARRIED The County Planner indicated that she would work with the Committee to determine a date for the first meeting. 4. Connection to City of Brooks Services (Shiloh Lands) — Update The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 11:11 a.m. The Assistant Administrator indicated that discussion has taken place during meetings of the Inter Municipal Development Plan Committee regarding an agreement between the City of Brooks and the County of Newell for tax and /or revenue sharing for this property and future requests of this nature. He indicated that a draft agreement will be presented to Council for discussion at a future meeting. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A. M. Philipsen left the meeting at 11:17 a.m. 5. Division 6 Recreation Board — Appointment of New Member at Large The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. C -63/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that Lana Hale be appointed as a member -at -large to the Division 6 Recreation Board for the FIRST year of a three year term. MOTION CARRIED 6. Division 2 Recreation Board — Amended Agreement The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. Regular Council Minutes Page 6 February 24, 2011 ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen returned at 11:21 a.m. Councillor 1. Schroeder gave an overview of the amendments made to the agreement, noting that all changes are operational and will have no impact to funding arrangements. Councillor 1. Schroeder responded to questions from Council. C -64/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the Division 2 Recreation Board agreement be APPROVED as amended. MOTION CARRIED 7. Lake Newell Resort — Transfer of Road Plan (Blocks 1 & 4) The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. Confirmation has been received regarding the process followed and the majority of the landowners in Blocks 1 and 4 support the initiative. The next step in the process will include registering the road plan in the name of the County of Newell No. 4. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Hyland and K. Smilar arrived at 11:25 a.m. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council, indicating that the County will take responsibility for the infrastructure as in other hamlets. He gave an overview of the cost recovery process for water and sewer billing in hamlets. C -65/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Council APPROVES proceeding with the registration of the road plan and accepts responsibility for the maintenance of the subject roads and water and sewer services in Blocks 1 and 4 of Lake Newell Resort. MOTION CARRIED 1. DELEGATION — Palliser Economic Partnership K. Smilar distributed an information package to Council, which contained information regarding the Palliser Economic Partnership's annual report, vision, mission, and mandate. She gave an overview of the three core strategies that PEP operates under, which are Marketing & Communications, Community Readiness & Regional Cooperation, and Encourage Investment & Business Growth. K. Smilar gave examples of programs, projects, and initiatives under each of these 0 three core strategies and outlined the sponsorships that PEP is committed to. Regular Council Minutes Page 7 February 24, 2011 Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong inquired about the timeline for engaging young entrepreneurs. K. Smilar replied that the youth component is a large part of the action plan, which will be rolled out over approximately 20 months beginning in May 2011. She stressed the importance of Council encouraging youth to engage in politics. Councillor L. Juss noted that the Veteran's Memorial Highway Association was not included in the Ports to Plains initiative. Discussion followed and it was noted that this group had been involved in the beginning and activity had waned. A. Hyland presented Council with an overview of recent meetings and events regarding funding for Regional Economic Development Alliances (REDAs). LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A. Eastman left the meeting at 11:57 a.m. Councillor I. Schroeder left the meeting at 11:59 a.m. A. Hyland indicated that the PEP will continue with the programs and projects that are currently going, despite the reduction in funding. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A. Eastman and Councillor I. Schroeder returned at 12:02 p.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING A. Hyland and K. Smilar left the meeting at 12:03 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:03 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin, P. Brouwer, M. Coles, E. Wilson, and J. Meador arrived at 1:00 p.m. Regular Council Minutes Page 8 February 24, 2011 VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 0 1. DELEGATION — E.I.D. Drainage Partnership E. Wilson provided background information on the drainage partnership which would see the County and the E.I.D. working together to effectively maintain all the drains in the County. Each party would contribute an equal amount of funding per year and a 3-year plan will be developed to determine priority areas. He indicated that they have compiled a list of priority projects, six of which can be addressed in the first year. The list presented includes the southern half of the district. The north half of the district will be evaluated when weather conditions allow. E. Wilson displayed a map showing each of the areas identified as high priority, which include Cassils, Scandia, Patricia, Rainier, Bantry/Tilley, and Rolling Hills. For each area identified, he indicated the locations of E.I.D. drains and County ditches and an assessment of the maintenance required. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Fernell arrived at 1:22 p.m. E. Wilson continued with the project overview. He suggested that the first six areas identified can be addressed this year and then other projects will be evaluated and approved by both boards for the following year. E. Wilson responded to questions from Council. C -66/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Council APPROVES the 2011 Eastern Irrigation District drainage projects as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING E. Wilson and J. Meador left the meeting at 1:37 p.m. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 8. Rural Water Distribution System — Cost Analysis for Divs. 7 & 8 This item will be discussed during the In Camera portion of this meeting. Regular Council Minutes Page 9 February 24, 2011 9. Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority — 2011 Waste Management & Recycling Requisitions The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that the amounts requested have been included in the 2011 budget. This item was accepted as information. 10. Request for Funding — Tilley School Empowerment Program The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. This item was accepted as information. 11. AAMDC Spring 2011 Convention — Meetings with Ministers & Accommodations Council discussed whether or not to arrange meetings with Ministers during the AAMDC Spring 2011 Convention. Administration will proceed with scheduling a meeting with the Minister of Environment to discuss the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership funding program. 12. Grasslands Regional FCSS — Invitation to 2011 Citizen of the Year & Junior Citizen of the Year Event and Proclamation of Volunteer Week Council was presented with an invitation to the 2011 Citizen of the Year & Junior Citizen of the Year awards and a request for the proclamation of Volunteer Week. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A. Eastman left the meeting at 1:46 p.m. C -67/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell No. 4 hereby proclaims April 10 -16, 2011 as "Volunteer Week." MOTION CARRIED 13. Canadian Badlands Tourism Conference Councillor A.M. Philipsen presented Council with background information on this item. Regular Council Minutes Page 10 February 24, 2011 C -68/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that any Councillor be permitted to 0 attend the Canadian Badlands Tourism Development Conference & Annual General Meeting in Brooks, AB on March 30 -31, 2011 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 14. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C -69/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that cheques 169426 to 169561 in the amount of $1,646,411.23 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A. Eastman returned at 1:50 p.m. VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS — continued 2. Fleet Costing The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with background information on this item. A database has been created that draws data from various systems and can generate reports showing the costs involved with operating each piece of County equipment. He gave an overview of the information that can be generated and demonstrated the database to Council. He indicated that, over time, trends in ownership costs will develop and staff will be able to determine the point at which operating a unit is no longer economically viable. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. 3. Project Costing The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with background information on this item. A database has been created that draws data from various systems to produce information on program costs for calcium, gravel, gravel road construction, and paved road construction. He displayed a report on the calcium program, which showed the average cost of calcium per lineal foot applied to haul roads, which in turn sets the rate for residential calcium. He noted that the cost of calcium for landowners should be reviewed in order for co service levels to be maintained. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Regular Council Minutes Page 11 February 24, 2011 He presented background information on the gravel program and displayed statistics from the 2009 and 2010 gravel program. R. Fernell indicated that the yardage of gravel determines the cost. The cost is not consistent, as the price of gravel varies between different gravel pits. The Superintendent of Public Works commented that where gravel is spread is based on traffic, weather, and how much gravel must be replaced. He indicated that operating procedures are being revised in order to preserve the limited gravel resources. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 2:23 p.m. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that they would like to move forward in a different manner with gravel road construction. He presented Council with an overview of gravel road construction costs over the past few years. He presented an overview of the costs associated with paved road construction and explained various factors involved in calculating these costs. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that annual reports can be prepared for Council. LEFT THE MEETING R. Fernell left the meeting at 2:36 p.m. 4. Engineering Services Contracts a. Hamlets and Underground Infrastructure The Technical Manager presented Council with background information on this item. He gave an overview of the rating system used to select the recommended engineering firms and provided reasons for entering into three -year agreements. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that the Rural Water Distribution System should probably be included in the engineering services for water, sewer, storm water, and transportation infrastructure agreement. The Technical Manager and Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. Regular Council Minutes Page 12 February 24, 2011 ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor M. Nesbitt arrived at 2:43 p.m. C -70/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the engineering services of hamlet water, sewer, storm water, transportation infrastructure, and the rural water distribution system agreement be awarded to MPE Engineering for the calendar years of 2011 -2013 inclusive in conjunction with the fixed rate fee schedule attached to their proposal. MOTION CARRIED b. Paved Roads & Bridges C -71/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the engineering services of paved rural roads and bridges agreement be awarded to AMEC for the calendar years of 2011 -2013 inclusive in conjunction with the fixed rate fee schedule attached to their proposal. MOTION CARRIED c. Gravel Roads C -72/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the engineering services of gravel road construction agreement be awarded to Genivar for the calendar years of 2011 -2013 inclusive in conjunction with the fixed rate fee schedule attached to their proposal. MOTION CARRIED IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Economic Development/Tourism Committee Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 2. Division 9 Recreation Board Reeve M. Douglass indicated that funding decisions have been made and the meeting minutes will be distributed in the near future. 3. Newell Foundation Councillor 1. Schroeder indicated that the strategic planning session resulted in a lot of good changes planned for the future. There are currently 8 vacancies in Newbrook Lodge and approximately the same in Playfair Lodge, but management has begun to accept that having vacancies allows for the accommodation of emergency housing 0 situations. Regular Council Minutes Page 13 February 24, 2011 C LEFT THE MEETING Councillor J. Bulger left the meeting at 2:49 p.m. 4. Joint Services/IMDP Committee Reeve M. Douglass commented on items discussed recently during the Joint Services /IMDP meeting. A meeting to discuss physician recruitment and retention will be held on Monday. 5. Shortgrass Library System Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor J. Bulger returned at 2:58 p.m. 6. Economic Development/Tourism Committee - continued Councillor A.M. Philipsen distributed posters for the Dinosaur Pump It Up Run and requested that Councillors post these within their communities. She also provided information on the Dragon's Den Junior component and an upcoming tourism conference in Canmore. Interested parties should contact Councillor A.M. Philipsen for more information. 7. Veteran's Memorial Highway Association Councillor L. Juss reported on the strategic planning session he attended with Reeve M. Douglass and the Assistant Administrator. 8. Cabinet Tour Reeve M. Douglass reported on the discussions held at the Cabinet Tour with various Ministers from Alberta Government Departments. The topics discussed included regionalization, funding for REDAs, a new addictions treatment center in Medicine Hat, and immigration. X. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no Post Agenda Items to discuss at this meeting. /11/\" Regular Council Minutes Page 14 February 24, 2011 XI. INFORMATION ITEMS 0 1. ATCO Electric — Eastern Alberta DC Transmission Line — Preferred Route Details This item was accepted as information. XII. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. LEFT THE MEETING A. Nielsen, C. Lindsay, and S. Stanway left the meeting at 3:04 p.m. XIII. IN CAMERA C -73/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 3:04 p.m. to discuss land and legal issues. MOTION CARRIED C -74/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we move out of camera at 5:16 p.m. MOTION CARRIED XIV. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 5:17 p.m. Signed this /0 day of `f'Y( OCR , 2011 Reeve Coun y Administrator 0