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Home My WebLink About2011-10-20 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF Regular Council October 20, 2011 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, October 20, 2011 commencing at 10:06 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder A.M. Phillipsen J. Bulger B. de Jong ABSENT: R. Andrews M. Nesbitt A. Eastman L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development T. Green, Agricultural Heldman M. Gietz, Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public works J. Nesbitt, Community Peace Officer Supervisor A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: Sgt. R. Loo, Brooks RCMP 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:06 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C - 354111 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Councillor R. Andrews, Councillor M. Nesbitt, Councillor A. Eastman, and Councillor L. Juss be excused from the meeting. TION CARRIED err Regular Council October 20, 2011 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes - Council (October 6, 2011) C- 355/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the October 6, 2011 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- 356/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen left the meeting at 10:10 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen and T. Green arrived at 10:12 a.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS a. Alberta Invasive Plants Council - 2012 Sponsorship & Membership The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor B. de Jong inquired about adding foxtail and kochia to the list of weeds. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor C. Amulung left the meeting at 10:16 a.m. The Agricultural Fieldman explained how noxious and prohibited noxious weeds were determined and indicated that he would look into the possibility of adding foxtail. Page 2 of 11 Regular Council October 20, 2011 ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor C. Amulung returned at 10:17 a.m. The Agricultural Fieldman provided Council with a list of the various groups that ASB belongs to. C- 357111 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the County of Newell Agricultural Services Board sponsors the Alberta Invasive Plants Council in the amount of $500.00 and purchases one membership to the Alberta Invasive Plants Council in the amount of $100.00. MOTION CARRIED b. Policy Review The Agricultural Fieldman presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that policies 2008 -PAG -006, 2008 -PAG -009, 2008 -PAG -019, and 2008 - PAG -021 are to be rescinded as the information is included in other policies. He also gave an overview of the changes made to policies 2011 -PAG -010, 2011 -PAG -022, 2011 -PAG -025 and the three agreements presented. Councillor A.M. Philipsen suggested that the rate for spraying private agricultural properties be changed to be charged out on a cost recovery basis. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to further questions from Council. C- 358/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Policies 2008 -PAG -006 (Sick Leave - Seasonal Staff), 2008 -PAG -009 (Private Spot Spraying), 2008 -PAG -019 (Role of Weed Inspector), and 2008 -PAG -021 (Mowing of Private Properties) be RESCINDED. MOTION CARRIED C- 359/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Policy 2011 -PAG -010 (Private Weed Control) and the Agreement for Use in Connection with Spraying Weeds be ADOPTED as amended. MOTION CARRIED C- 360/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Policy 2011 -PAG -022 (Rental Equipment), the Agreement for Restricting Herbicide Use, the Tree Planter Use Agreement, and Policy 2011 -PAG -025 (Grass Seeding) be ADOPTED as presented. MOTION CARRIED L. _, 7 \ 1\ 1 ) Page 3 of 11 Regular Council October 20, 2011 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Resolutions for South Region ASB Conference The Agricultural Fieldman presented Council with the resolutions that will be brought forward during the upcoming South Region ASB Conference and expressed concerns with the lack of backup information. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor I. Schroeder left the meeting at 10:34 a.m. and returned at 10:35 a.m. Council discussed each resolution and decided the following: Resolution 1: Funding for ARECA Member Groups - Council will listen to the resolution discussions during the conference and make a decision at that time. Resolution 2: Requiring Seed Cleaning Plants to Test for Fusarium - Council will not support this resolution. Resolution 3: Promoting Alberta's Rat Free Status - Council will support this resolution. Resolution 4: Land Use Framework - The Agricultural Fieldman suggested CI) that this was a topic for discussion rather than a resolution. Resolution 5: Recycling Program for Agricultural Plastics - The Agricultural Fieldman indicated that this resolution had been discussed and work in this area is already happening. Resolution 6: Short Term Solid Manure Storage - Council will listen to the resolution discussions during the conference and make a decision at that time. At this time, Council does not support this resolution. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor C. Amulung left the meeting at 10:45 a.m. and returned at 10:47 a.m. Resolution 7: Special Areas Water Supply Project - The Agricultural Fieldman suggested that this was a topic for discussion rather than a resolution. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:53 a.m. Page 4 of 11 Regular Council October 20, 2011 ,,,,, 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS a. DP #3553 - Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 021 2290 (SW 25- 28- 15 -W4) DC - Direct Control District (Division 5) Addition to existing commercial building; variance to building size requirement The Manager of Planning & Development presented background information on this item, indicating that no concerns have been raised in response to the circulation. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council. C- 361111 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Council APPROVES Development Permit #3553 and grants approval for the construction of an addition to the existing building, with a variance to the overall building size requirement, subject to the following conditions: This permit is being granted only for the construction of a 4000 ft (372 m addition to an existing commercial building, with a variance to the overall building size requirement, on lands legally described as Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 021 2290, SW 25 -18 -15 W4M. Any additional development shall require prior approval of a separate permit application. The proposed development complying with: a) The provisions pertaining to the Direct Control District and all relevant schedules, as outlined in the County of Newell Land Use Bylaw #1626 -07. b) All Federal, Provincial and Municipal statutes, regulations, codes and standards. c) All Alberta Building Codes and Safety Codes, where applicable. d) It is responsibility of the developer to obtain all permits from an accredited inspection agency. The Municipal Planning Commission has approved DP #3553 for the following reasons: 1. The proposed development complies with both the Municipal Development Plan and the Intermunicipal Development Plan. 2. The Development Authority is satisfied that the proposed development is suitable for the purpose for which it is intended under the Direct Control District (Schedule 2), and Standards of Development (Schedule 4), as specified in the County of Newell Land Use Bylaw #1626 -07. 3. No objections have been received from adjacent landowners or referral agencies with respect to the proposed development. Conditions of Development a) That this development is located as shown on the site plan approved in this application and submitted September 14, 2011. Any changes to that Page 5 of 11 Regular Council October 20, 2011 plan shall require the written approval of the Development Officer. b) That access can be provided for Emergency Services vehicles to all sides of the building. c) That the proposed building is not used for living purposes. d) The developer must start construction before October 25, 2012 and be completed by October 25, 2013. In the event that either of these dates are not met, the developer may be required to apply for a new permit. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert left the meeting at 10:57 a.m. b. Request for Representation on County of Newell Economic Development & Tourism Committee (City of Brooks) The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this item, indicating that a bylaw amendment would be required if this request was approved. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator indicated that the committee had discussed this request and the possibility of reducing the size of the committee and including representation from all the municipalities as well as the Eastern Irrigation District. Discussion followed and the Chief Administrative Officer asked Council whom they wanted to make the recommendation on a new committee structure. The consensus was to have the Economic Development & Tourism Committee to make the recommendation to Council. C- 362/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Council supports the request from the City of Brooks and refers it to the Economic Development & Tourism Committee with an invitation that the Economic Development & Tourism Committee provide recommendations to Council for restructuring the Committee to form a regional economic development initiative. MOTION CARRIED The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator indicated that the committee will be holding a strategic planning session to establish priorities and provide direction. LEFT THE MEETING M. Gietz left the meeting at 11:10 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and J. Nesbitt arrived at 11:10 a.m. c_.#9 Page 6 of 11 Regular Council October 20, 2011 ,, c. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C- 363111 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that cheque 171197 in the amount of $1,620,651.46 and cheque 171304 in the amount of $959,774.15 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED d. Cheque Register The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C- 364/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the Cheque Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 6. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1736 -11 - Bylaw Enforcement & Community Peace Officers (1st Reading) The Superintendent of Public Works introduced J. Nesbitt, Community Peace Officer Supervisor, to Council. The CPO Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor 1. Schroeder noted that a reference to 'Municipal Committee' should be changed to 'Council.' C- 365/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1736 -11, being a bylaw to establish the position of the Bylaw Enforcement Officer and to assign powers and duties to the Bylaw Enforcement Officer, be given FIRST reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED C- 366/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR 1. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1736 -11 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 367/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that consent be given for Bylaw 1736 -11 to receive third reading this 20th day of October, 2011. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 11 Regular Council October 20, 2011 C- 368111 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1736 -11 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS a. Policy Review — CPO Policies This item was withdrawn from the agenda. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS - CONTINUED b. Volunteer Fire Fighter Recognition & Benefits The Chief Administrative Officer presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor 1. Schroeder inquired if the program was to be funded through the individual fire departments and applied to the entire County. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that this would need to be determined depending on whether it is an overall benefit to the County or specific to a particular department and associate funding accordingly. ARRIVED AT MEETING Sgt. R. Loo arrived at 11:26 a.m. Councillor C. Amulung noted that the establishment of permanent fire departments rather than volunteer fire departments may need to be explored if full employee benefits are to be provided. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the intent of the program was to improve recruitment and retention and these items are only suggestions. This item was accepted as information and will be discussed further during the November 10, 2011 Council meeting with the Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator present. 7. DELEGATIONS a. RCMP Quarterly Reports (11:30 a.m.) Sgt. R. Loo presented Council with the Quarterly Reports for the Brooks RCMP, including an overview of significant events and staffing levels. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor C. Amulung asked if the RCMP had encountered any issues with 9 -1 -1 dispatch. Sgt. R. Loo replied that RCMP officers are dispatched immediately and have no issues if accurate location information is given. He acknowledged that callers that hang up do take more time to locate. Councillor B. de Jong Page 8 of 11 Regular Council October 20, 2011 inquired about the apparent increase in motor vehicle thefts and Sgt. R. Loo replied that this is a widespread, ongoing problem and listed a number of crimes that are categorized as theft of a motor vehicle. Sgt. R. Loo responded to further questions from Council. He indicated that he would be encouraging more patrols of the County and requested that Council contact him with any issues that arise. LEFT THE MEETING Sgt. R. Loo, M. Harbicht, and J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 11:56 a.m. 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Tourism Representative Councillor A.M. Philipsen presented a written report to Council. b. Economic Development & Tourism Committee Councillor A.M. Philipsen presented a written report to Council. c. Municipal Library Board Councillor A.M. Philipsen presented a written report to Council. d. Shortgrass Library System Councillor A.M. Philipsen presented a written report to Council. e. County of Newell Water Project Councillor B. de Jong thanked the Technical Manager and Executive Assistant for their assistance in organizing the ground breaking ceremony held on October 14, 2011 in Duchess, which had approximately 100 ratepayers in attendance. He indicated that he had received good feedback regarding the event and the information provided and recommended holding another one in the southern portion of the County. Councillor 1. Schroeder suggested distributing more information via the newsletter regarding alternatives to installing a concrete cistern. f. Newell Foundation Councillor 1. Schroeder reported that a Request for Proposals for a new facility in Bassano was being developed. '``.r Page 9 of 11 ii\NN9 Regular Council October 20, 2011 e. Veteran's Memorial Highway Association Reeve M. Douglass reported that, at the last meeting, they discussed increasing the profile of the Veteran's Memorial Highway and will be discussing methods of recognizing veterans with signage in the highway pull - off areas with Alberta Transportation. f. Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass reported on several meetings that she had attended recently, including the Palliser Triangle Health Advisory, the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society, and Cenovus. She indicated that a meeting of the Mayors & Reeves Association of Southeast Alberta will be held on October 21, 2011 in Tilley and the screening of the documentary "City of 100 Hellos" will be happening tomorrow and Saturday. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:09 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:45 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS c. Funding Request - Palliser Economic Partnership (I3 Discussion on this item was postponed until the November 10, 2011 Council meeting when Councillor L. Juss and the Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator are present. d. Pathways to Lake Newell The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that the request is to conduct a study regarding the costs involved for the construction of a pathway to both the east and west sides of Lake Newell. Councillor 1. Schroeder suggested that funding for pathways could come from the Regional Enhancement Reserve allocation for Divisions 5 & 10. The Chief Administrative Officer provided an overview of the two proposed alignments. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. Council referred this request to the Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Committee for Divisions 5 & 10. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS a. Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Update - City of Brooks This item was accepted as information. Page 10of11 Regular Council October 20, 2011 b. Mini Bus Monthly Report (September 2011) This item was accepted as information. c. ATCO Project Update (October 2011) - Eastern AB DC Transmission Line (Center Table) This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 15. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:03 p.m. Signed this I c day of N0 j/12irn , 2011 ♦ Reeve 10 10 Cou - ty Administrator Page 11 of 11