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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-06-23 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING 'fir✓ June 23, 2011 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, June 23, 2011 commencing at 10:33 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder R. Andrews M. Nesbitt J. Bulger A. Eastman B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: A.M. Philipsen STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer D. Horvath, County Planner — ORRSC A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development K. Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin C. Glasser, Manager of Recreation Services (Brooks) D. Camplin, Alberta Transportation D. Davidson, Alberta Transportation T. Becker, Alberta Transportation L. Heron, Constituency Assistant to MLA A. Doerksen I. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:33 a.m. II. EXCUSED FROM MEETING u D C C- 214/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Councillor A.M. Philipsen be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 2 June 23, 2011 III. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 1. Council — June 9, 2011 C- 215/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the June 9, 2011 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED IV. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 216/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Martin arrived at 10:30 a.m. VI. BYLAWS 1. Bylaw 1717 -11 — Road Closure & Lease (Between Sect. 3 & 4- 14 -12 -W4 & Sect. 9 & 10- 14- 12 -W4) The Manager of Planning & Development presented background information and responded to questions from Council. C- 217/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1717 -11, being a bylaw to close and LEASE the road allowance adjoining the west boundary of Sect. 3- 14 -12 -W4 and the road allowance adjoining the west boundary of Sect. 10- 14- 12 -W4, be given SECOND reading. 0 6'9 MOTION CARRIED C- 218/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1717 -11 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 3 June 23, 2011 2. Bylaw 1729 -11 - Mutual Aid Agreement The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item. He gave an overview of the various emergency situations covered in the revised agreement, indicating that the existing agreement was limited and in need of an update. ARRIVED AT MEETING C. Glasser arrived at 10:38 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor C. Amulung requested clarification on the difference between a municipal and local emergency. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator replied that a local state of emergency must be declared by Council and registered with the province. These would typically be major events that would take more time to clean up. An example of a local emergency would be a fire or motor vehicle accident where a neighbouring municipality assists in. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to further questions from Council. C C- 219/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1729 -11, being a bylaw to provide for Mutual Aid in the event of a disaster or municipal emergency in any of the signatory Municipalities on the attached Schedule "A" of the Mutual Aid Agreement, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 220/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Bylaw 1729 -11 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 221/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that consent be given for Bylaw 1729 -11 to receive third reading this 23 day of June, 2011. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C- 222/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that Bylaw 1729 -11 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 10:51 a.m. �- `V Regular Council Minutes Page 4 June 23, 2011 VII. DELEGATIONS 1. Southern Alberta Summer Games C. Glasser indicated that the 2011 Southern Alberta Summer Games are being hosted by the City of Medicine Hat on July 6 -9, 2011. Currently, there are 98 participants registered for the games. He requested sponsorship from the County of Newell in the amount of $500.00 to be used towards t- shirts identifying participants from the City of Brooks and County of Newell area. C. Glasser responded to questions from Council. C- 223/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the County of Newell supports the 2011 Southern Alberta Summer Games by providing sponsorship in the amount of $500.00 from 1 -2- 503- 12 -00. MOTION CARRIED C. Glasser indicated that a report on the outcome of the 2011 Southern Alberta Summer Games would be presented to Council in July. LEFT THE MEETING C. Glasser left the meeting at 10:56 a.m. Councillor J. Bulger left the meeting at 10:57 a.m. VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Subdivision Extension Request — 2010 -0 -123 The County Planner presented Council with background information on this item. C- 224/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the request for a one year time extension to subdivision application 2010 -0 -123 to June 23, 2012 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:05 a.m. 2. Corporate Name Change The Chief Administrative Officer presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Regular Council Minutes Page 5 June 23, 2011 CC-225/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Council APPROVES the corporate name change from "County of Newell No. 4" to "County of Newell," and that Administration be directed to finalize and submit the required documents to complete the process. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor J. Bulger returned at 11:05 a.m. Council discussed commemorating the history of the "County of Newell No. 4" name with a historical plaque in the new facilities. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Camplin, D. Davidson, T. Becker, and L. Heron arrived at 11:06 a.m. LEFT THE MEETING A. Nielsen and S. Stanway left the meeting at 11:09 a.m. VII. DELEGATIONS — continued 2. Alberta Transportation RE: Highway 873 Paving C- 226/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that we move in camera at 11:09 a.m. to discuss a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C- 227/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that we move out of camera at 12:13 p.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Camplin, D. Davidson, T. Becker, and L. Heron left the meeting at 12:13 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:13 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:04 p.m. c ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Nielsen and S. Stanway returned at 1:04 p.m. �� Regular Council Minutes Page 6 June 23, 2011 VII. DELEGATIONS — continued 2. Alberta Transportation RE: Highway 873 Paving Discussion continued regarding the paving of Highway 873 and whether or not there were other roads in the County that the County should take over responsibility for maintenance. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that Volker Stevin had been contacted regarding collaboration on the line painting and crack sealing tenders, but this proved to be not cost effective. He noted some roads that he had investigated for snow removal and sanding and indicated that he would discuss possibilities with Volker Stevin. VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 3. Cheques for Payment The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C- 228/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that cheques 170311 to 170315 in the amount of $65,976.49, cheques 170316 to 170448 in the amount of 0 $2,673,795.33, cheques 170449 to 170450 in the amount of $1,900.00, and Direct Debit Batch 18498 in the amount of $133,085.12 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED IX. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 1. Intersection Signage (Twp. Rd. 19 -2 S /3 Street W & 15 Avenue The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information and responded to questions from Council. C- 229/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Council APPROVES Two Way Stop Control (TWSC) at the intersection of Township Road 19 -2 S /3 Street W and 15 Avenue and that staff proceed with obtaining approval through the Joint Services Committee. MOTION CARRIED 2. Range Road 15 -5 /Highway 1 Intersection Upgrades The Superintendent of Public Works presented updated information to Council regarding the proposed intersection upgrades. The design includes 900m of acceleration lane to be constructed plus an additional 240m to taper the lane for safe merging. He recommended that road Regular Council Minutes Page 7 June 23, 2011 construction proceed without the left hand merge lanes. Public Works can then monitor the situation to determine whether the merge lanes should be added later. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. 3. Tender Award — Scandia Wastewater The Superintendent of Public Works presented updated information to Council, indicating that changes in the project have resulted in increased costs. He indicated that a letter has been sent to Alberta Transportation requesting additional funding in the amount of $461,000.00 for the project. In addition, there is uncertainty regarding the local improvement costs to the Hamlet residents. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that, if the cost of the project is higher than anticipated, the local improvement share will be higher as well. He indicated that, if Alberta Transportation does not agree to this request, another funding source must be located. Councillor A. Eastman expressed concerns with awarding the tender without the consent of the Hamlet residents regarding the local improvement. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the upgrades are necessary for the proper operation of the system. As per section 408 of the Municipal Government Act, Council has the authority to pass the local improvement subject to the conditions of the MGA despite any petition from the Hamlet residents, if they wish to do so. The Hamlet property owners will be responsible for the costs not covered by the grant, currently estimated at 25% of the project costs. Discussion continued regarding waiting for a response from Alberta Transportation regarding the request for additional funding before advertising the local improvement. The Superintendent of Public Works noted that the advertising and notification letters have been drafted by the Technical Manager and Council indicated that these should not be sent until the costs have been clarified. The Chief Administrative Officer stressed the importance of having an accurate number in the local improvement plan before it is sent out to the Hamlet residents. Councillor R. Andrews inquired about costs for storm water system improvements and whether the projects could be completed together. The Superintendent of Public Works replied that he has advised AMEC that the cost estimate for the storm water system is required by July. Councillor R. Andrews inquired about future infrastructure transfers to Newell Regional Services Commission (NRSC). The Chief Administrative Officer replied that, when NRSC is interested in taking over responsibility, assets would be converted to share equity in NRSC. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that advertisement of the Regular Council Minutes Page 8 June 23, 2011 local improvement would be postponed until Alberta Transportation has responded to the funding request. 3 C- 230/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the County of Newell No. 4 awards the Scandia Wastewater Lagoon & Lift Station Upgrades project to Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate for the total tendered amount of $1,227,105.00, and further that the notice for the local improvement plan be advertised and sent out to the land owners in Scandia once Alberta Transportation has finalized their Alberta Municipal Water/Waste Water Program (AMWWP) funding commitment for the project. MOTION CARRIED XI. POST AGENDA ITEMS 4. Surface Drainage in Subdivisions Councillor B. de Jong asked if there was any recourse for a landowner whose neighbour is continually discharging surface drainage onto his land. The Superintendent of Public Works related a similar issue where a landowner is discharging water from a slough on their land into the ditch and thus flooding the road. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that if a landowner is doing something that affects County property, this can be regulated and enforced through a policy throughout the County. Issues where one private landowner's actions are affecting another are typically dealt with through the provincial court system. He suggested that the affected landowner speak to a lawyer. 5. Update from Public Works The Superintendent of Public Works provided Council with information regarding various projects. There will be a running event south and west of Rosemary on July 1, 2011. The Cassils drainage project with the Eastern Irrigation District will begin next week. The calcium program started in Division 9, as that was the driest area. The gravel crew is working in Divisions 9 and 3. Approximately 80% of the infrastructure has been re- established following the spring flooding. Hired contractors will be dealing with frost boils and soft spots and grader operators are working to get the roads back in shape. He commented on issues with the Antelope Creek Road pavement, indicating that AMEC is working with the contractor to repair the road, which is still under the warranty period. An application will be made to O\N-1-\\5 the Governor General's office to employ community peace officers. A list of priority roads will be prepared for Council's approval during the road tours. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. Regular Council Minutes Page 9 June 23, 2011 LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:12 p.m. X. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. FCM 2011 Conference Councillor B. de Jong submitted a written report to Council. Councillor R. Andrews gave an overview of the events he attended, including the water loss study tour of the water treatment plant, and a tour of Point Pleasant Park, which was been rebuilt by the public following Hurricane Juan. He also commented on Economic Development in the area, noting that they are very effective at promoting tourism. Bob Rae, interim leader of the Liberal Party, spoke on connecting with First Nations peoples. Discussion followed regarding giving colleges a higher priority within Economic Development. 2. Economic Development & Tourism Committee Councillor R. Andrews reported that the Economic Development & Tourism Committee had met on June 15, 2011. Upland Birds Alberta gave a presentation regarding a survey regarding the hunting of pheasants and other upland birds in this area. They are looking for support from the County in their efforts. A motion was passed regarding exploring the possibilities of a regional Economic Development Committee, which will begin with sharing information and engaging in joint projects. 3. Joint Services /Inter Municipal Development Plan Committee Councillor B. de Jong reported that, at the last meeting, they discussed goals for the next few years. A more detailed plan will be drafted by the administrators of the City and the County. Reeve M. Douglass reported that the City of Brooks has agreed with the concept of the goat dairy, so the application will proceed. 4. Newell Foundation Reeve M. Douglass indicated that they are in the process of reviewing all their policies. A meeting will be held this evening to discuss building in Bassano to replace Playfair Lodge and/or increase the type of seniors housing offered. Regular Council Minutes Page 10 June 23, 2011 5. Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority /Newell ( Recycling Councillor B. de Jong reported that NRSWMA has taken over landfill operations as of June 15 n . Most of e i ment had arrived by then, but Public Works has supplied a ruse until the new one arrives. They have also purchased tii.W trucks and hired staff. 6. Newell Regional Services Commission Councillor I. Schroeder indicated that a meeting had been held regarding Lakeside's water supply issues. An engineering study will be conducted at Lakeside's expense to determine whether or not the County of Newell can supply the pressurized water system required. At another meeting, the Council of the Village of Duchess has made a motion to join the Regional Water System. They will provide a letter and an up -to -date engineering study and investigate the possibility of including Duchess in with the Rosemary to Bassano pipeline with the approval of Alberta Transportation. A study will be conducted on the carbon output of the seven water treatment plants to be decommissioned, as there may be a carbon tax credit available. 0 7. County of Newell Water Project Councillor B. de Jong reported that the last easement signing open house was held on Tuesday and they now have 80% of the signed easements required for Division 8. MPE Engineering has begun working on the detailed pipeline design with plans to tender the project in August. An open house for contractors has been scheduled for July 13, 2011 at the Heritage Inn beginning at 7:00 p.m. Councillor B. de Jong responded to questions from Council. 8. Reeve's Report S yf ee "46 m �clr No nati �an* � f • �. Reeve M. Douglass reported thakthe Mayors & Reeves Association of Southeast Albert& had met to finalize the Southeast Alberta Foundation& 6 ©o r' attended recently include the Cenovus and Enerplus rodeo yst.A1 events, the Kinsmen Rodeo Parade, and the Brooks & County Immigration Services (BCIS) anniversary. Last Thursday, MLA A. Doerksen arranged a meeting with the Mayors and Reeves of the County of Newell, Wheatland County, Brooks, and Strathmore. Wheatland County and Strathmore are interested in the County's joint initiatives with the City. Regular Council Minutes Page 11 June 23, 2011 9. County of Newell Water Project (CNWP) /Joint Services Committee The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that a meeting had been held yesterday with a group of Westland Acres residents to discuss servicing requirements. The group is interested in a pressurized water and sanitary sewer system and the Chief Administrative Officer noted that the County has not provided funding for this type of project in the past. The City of Brooks is not interested in annexing Westland Acres at this time, but the services would need to be improved to City standards if this were to happen in the future. He also reminded Council that the joint meeting with the City of Brooks and Municipal Affairs to discuss revenue sharing will be held on June 29, 2011 at the Heritage Inn beginning at 5:00 p.m. XI. POST AGENDA ITEMS 1. Recognition of Bassano's 100 Anniversary Reeve M. Douglass suggested setting aside funds to purchase a gift for the Town of Bassano in recognition of their 100th anniversary. C C- 231/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that the County of Newell provides up to $2,000.00 to the Town of Bassano for the purchase of a gift in honor of their 100 anniversary. MOTION CARRIED 2. Request for Tax Penalties Waiver (Roll #244501) Council was presented with a request to waive the tax penalties on Roll #244501. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C- 232/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Council cancel the tax penalties in the amount of $57.29 applied to Roll #244501. MOTION CARRIED 3. Bassano Canada Day Parade Councillor J. Bulger indicated that a float will be placed in the Bassano Canada Day parade. Volunteers are needed to hand out candy during the parade. 7 1 4 \ ° Regular Council Minutes Page 12 June 23, 2011 XII. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Mini Bus Monthly Report (May 2011) This item was accepted as information. XIII. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that Progressive Conservative Party leadership candidate Gary Mar will be speaking at Grasslands Public Schools on July 14, 2011 beginning at 10 :30 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer reminded Council of the meeting at with Grasslands Public Schools on July 27, 2011 beginning at 5 :00 p.m. He also noted that the Alberta Transportation Southern Region Golf Tournament will be held on August 18, 2011. XIV. IN CAMERA There were no further in camera items to discuss at this meeting. XV. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:17 p.m. Signed this day of , 2011 _ L1 /S Reeve 1 y CI un y • ministrator