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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-11-09 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL November 9, 2017 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, November 9, 2017 commencing at 10:22 a.m. MEMBERS Molly Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: H. Kallen A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: C. Amulung K. Christman STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC M. Fenske, Manager of Finance S. Biette, Assessment & Taxation Clerk K. Halsted, County Assessor M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation Dr. K. Franz, Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce 1. 2. C-334/17 3. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:22 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Councillor C. Amulung and Councillor K. Christman be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Organizational Meeting (October 26, 2017) The following changes were made to the October 26, 2017 Organizational Meeting minutes: Regular Council November 9, 2017 Page 13 - Item 9 - regular Municipal Planning Commission and Council meetings schedule should read "..Thursday of the first full week of each month and the second Thursday after that... " C-335/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the October 26, 2017 Organizational Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 3.2 Minutes - Council (October 26, 2017) C-336/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the October 26, 2017 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-337/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS 7.2 Bylaw 1898-1717 LUA 002 (SW 20-18-14-W4 - PS to RI) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-338/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1898-17, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 87.9 acres (35.57 hectares) in SW 20-18-14-W4 from PS - Public Service District to RI - Rural Industrial District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.3 Bylaw 1899-17 Intermunicipal Development Plan (MD of Taber) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council regarding the public hearing process. C-339/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1899-17, being a bylaw to adopt a statutory land use plan that provides a framework and guidelines for dealing with future subdivision and development of lands within the designated inter municipal plan boundary and promotes the ongoing cooperation, consultation, and coordination between the County of Newell and the MD of Taber, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 10 Regular Council November 9, 2017 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Planning & Development Report The Manager of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning & Development provided an update on the North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan, indicating that County staff would be meeting with the landowners on November 20, 2017 to review the draft plan prepared by ORRSC along with the costs associated with the installation of required services. A meeting with Alberta Environment is also planned to discuss stormwater drainage and the wetland area. Following those meetings, a local improvement plan will be prepared, and residents will be invited to attend an open house where specific questions can be addressed. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to further questions. She also provided an update on road closures, indicating that closed roads are being mapped in the County's GIS system and signs provided to the landowners. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 10:41 a.m. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 10:42 a.m. C-340/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Planning & Development Report for October 2017 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.2 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. The hydrants in Tilley and at Lake Newell Resort have been flushed and winterized. K Steinley provided an update on the Tilley Pumphouse generator. A technician from General Electric has indicated that there was a mechanical failure with the switch. A new one has been ordered and, once installed, General Electric will conduct testing and monitoring. Rural water system connections have been slow but are expected to increase to normal levels in spring. Fall lagoon discharge has occurred as required. Fall maintenance and cleaning of lift stations is complete. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley responded to questions regarding fire hydrant flushing and the issues with the Tilley Pumphouse generator. The Chief Administrative Officer requested the hydrant information so that it can be included in the GIS system to identify which hydrants are self -draining. K. Steinley replied that the hydrants would be marked with unique identifiers from the County's GIS system for identification purposes. /r . �a Page 3 of 10 Regular Council November 9, 2017 LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:51 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.3 AAMDC Fall 2017 Convention Resolutions Council was presented with the resolutions package for the AAMDC Fall 2017 Convention. Discussion followed on the resolutions and whether to support them. 16-17F Review of the Code of Practice for Asphalt Paving Plants - Councillor B. de Jong enquired about including pollution control measures as a condition of the development permit. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that the resolution may be looking for provincial control. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Fenske, S. Biette, and K. Halsted arrived at 10:54 a.m. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that a municipality can set controls as long as they don't supercede standards set by Alberta Environment. He responded to further questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding whether to speak against some of the resolutions. 5-17F Alberta Energy Regulator- Amendment to Transfer Approval Process - The County Assessor and the Chief Administrative Officer indicated that they would obtain more information on this item. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. 9.2 Request for Tax Refund - JBS 11:00 a.m. The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item, indicating that the property was assessed including assets related to the Blue Earth Project that were not constructed. A timeline was provided to Council showing that a development permit was issued in 2014 with an estimated completion date in 2015. The Manager of Finance reviewed the key points outlined in a letter from the landowner requesting a refund, noting that the County was not notified that the assets did not exist until 2017. A refund of the 2017 tax levy for these assets has been issued. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The County Assessor responded to questions from Council regarding the assessment process, indicating that he is notified of building permits so that he can monitor construction and assess the land accordingly. He provided further background information on this situation. The contractor submitted the required information for the project and an expected completion date in spring of 2015. Subsequent requests for information were met with no response. Tax notices sent out with the assets included were not appealed, so it was assumed that the project was complete and Page 4 of 10 Regular Council November 9, 2017 operational. The County Assessor noted that there is a self -reporting requirement for this landowner and they did not appeal what was listed on the assessment until 2017. Discussion followed. C-341/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Council APPROVES the request to refund a portion of the 2016 property taxes levied on Tax Roll 0000468300 related to the Blue Earth Project assets which were never constructed less the School Tax, Newell Foundation Requisition, Paving Tax, Recreation Tax, and Fire Tax with funding from the Stabilization Fund. MOTION DEFEATED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske and S. Biette left the meeting at 11:21 a.m. 9.3 AAMDC Fall 2017 Convention Resolutions — continued Discussion continued. The Chief Administrative Officer provided a definition of Licensee Liability Rating (LLR). The County Assessor provided further information, indicating that this used to be called the Orphan Well Fund. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Horvath arrived at 11:23 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the County of Newell has not had issues with not being able to collect linear tax revenue from companies going bankrupt. Reeve M. Douglass noted other similar resolutions included in the package. The County Assessor explained the Orphan Well Fund, which is used to cover reclamation costs and taxes. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Wickert arrived at 11:27 a.m. 1-17F Centralization of Industrial Properties Assessment - Councillor B. de Jong asked if progress had been made in identifying the issues outlined in the resolution. The County Assessor provided an update, indicating that provincial assessors would be meeting on December 4, 2017 to identify outstanding items to be addressed. The assessment program provider has received information and they will be prepared for the January 1, 2017 deadline. ARRIVED AT MEETING Dr. K. Franz arrived at 11:34 a.m. The County Assessor responded to further questions from Council. Page 5 of 10 Regular Council November 9, 2017 LEFT THE MEETING K. Halsted left the meeting at 11:35 a.m. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. C-342/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:35 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 Bylaw 1897-17 17 LUA 001 (NW 12-20-15-W4 - A to SH) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:35 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The County Planner stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1897-17. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by rezoning approximately 11.64 acres (4.7 hectares) in NW 12-20-15-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SH - Small Holdings District. The County Planner provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and to a list of affected agencies. No responses have been received. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-343/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:37 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS — continued 7.1 Bylaw 1897-17 17 LUA 001 (NW 12-20-15-W4 - A to SH) C-344/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1897-17, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 11.64 acres (4.7 hectares) in NW 12-20-15-W4 from A - Agricultural to SH - Small Holdings, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-345/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1897-17 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 10 Regular Council November 9, 2017 LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:38 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce (K. Franz) Request for Proclamation of Financial Literacy Week Dr. K. Franz provided background information on this item. The Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce is partnering with the Royal Bank of Canada and Meyers Norris Penny to offer a series of free financial literacy workshops during the third week in January 2018. There are plans to offer the courses in Bassano, Duchess, Rosemary, and Rolling Hills via video conferencing. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor W. Hammergren suggested that these courses be offered in the high schools as well. Dr. K. Franz responded to questions from Council. C-346/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Council hereby proclaims the third week in January 2018 as "Financial Literacy Week" in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Dr. K. Franz left the meeting at 11:44 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.3 AAMDC Fall 2017 Convention Resolutions — continued Discussion continued. 12-17F Specialized Clinical Counselling and Therapy for Distressed Emergency First Responders - Discussion followed and it was determined that more information is required as to whether this is seeking a provincial initiative. 10-17F Provincial Industry -led Methane Flaring Strategy - Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item, indicating that the industry is in favor of reducing emissions, but they want to lead the initiative so that it can be done efficiently. 9-17F AAMDC Refusal to Engage in Exploratory Discussion to Merge with AUMA - Discussion followed on this item. The County of Newell will be prepared to speak against this resolution during the AAMDC Fall 2017 Convention. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:58 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:45 p.m. 8 Page 7 of 10 Regular Council November 9, 2017 ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 12:45 p.m. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He acknowledged H. Zuniga, Seasonal Labourer, would not be returning for a sixth season and, instead, pursuing expansion of his tourism business in Costa Rica. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the location of the Bridge Files mentioned in the report and provided an update on issues regarding a cattle liner parked on Main Street in Tilley. He indicated that heavy truck parking locations within hamlets is being investigated as part of the budget process. Councillor H. Kallen provided further information regarding this matter. The Director of Municipal Services indicated that he would follow up on this issue. C-347/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for October 2017 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 12:55 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.4 Appointment to Recreation Board (Division 5 & 10) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item. Discussion followed. A vote by secret ballot was held. Bruce Niznik and William Endersby were declared elected as members -at -large representing Division 5 to the Division 5 & 10 Recreation Board. 9.5 Appointment to Recreation Board (Division 6) A vote by secret ballot was held. Scot Bell, Lana Hale, Tracy Hall, and Kim Douglass were declared elected as members -at -large to the Division 6 Recreation Board. C-348/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that all ballots be destroyed. Page 8 of 10 MOTION CARRIED Regular Council November 9, 2017 C-349/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that we appoint Councillor T. Fyfe and Councillor L. Juss as Council representatives, and that Cathy Safronovich (Division 10), William Endersby (Division 5), and Bruce Niznik (Division 5) be appointed as Members -at -Large to the Division 5 & 10 Recreation Board for the FIRST year of a four- year term. MOTION CARRIED C-350/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Councillor K. Christman be appointed as the Council representative, and that Scot Bell, Tracy Hall, Lana Hale, and Kim Douglass be appointed as Members -at -Large to the Division 6 Recreation Board for the FIRST year of a four-year term. MOTION CARRIED 9.6 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to approve at this meeting. 9.7 Payment Register C-351/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.8 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Meetings with Ministers During AAMDC Fall 2017 Convention Discussion followed regarding an a -mail from MP M. Shields encouraging municipal Councils to meet with RCMP 'K' Division during the AAMDC Fall 2017 Convention to discuss rural crime issues. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the County of Newell did not receive a meeting invitation from RCMP 'K' Division. Further, during the RCMP Quarterly Reports presentation during the October 26, 2017 Council meeting, the Brooks & Bassano RCMP did not express concerns with rural crime in our area. Councillor B. de Jong suggested that we could sit in on a meeting between RCMP 'K' Division and one of our neighbouring municipalities. A meeting with the Minister of Infrastructure has been scheduled for Thursday, November 16, 2017 at 3:30 p. m. Council suggested topics for discussion including the Bassano Project and the importance of the Municipal Sustainability Initiative funding used to complete infrastructure projects. Reeve M. Douglass reported that City Councillor D. Klein would be attending. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council November 9, 2017 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (October 2017) This item was accepted as information. 12.2 Safe Communities Committee Quarterly Report (July - September 2017) This item was accepted as information. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 14. IN CAMERA (CONFIDENTIAL) C-352/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 1:17 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Third Party Business Interest - FOIPP Act Section 16. MOTION CARRIED C-353/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move out of camera at 1:45 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:45 p.m. Signed this day of A]0yc�rvr - 12017 Reeve Page 10 of 10