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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-11-10 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL r MINUTES OF Regular Council November 10, 2011 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, November 10, 2011 commencing at 11:01 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder A.M. Phillipsen R. Andrews M. Nesbitt J. Bulger A. Eastman B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC K. Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator M. Gietz, Economic Development &Tourism Coordinator M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works G. Tiffin, Technical Manager A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: A. Kassem, Global Village R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation 5 County Ratepayers 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:01 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council November 10,2011 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes - Council (October 20, 2011) C-369/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the October 20, 2011 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED b. Minutes - Organizational (October 20, 2011) C-370/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the October 20, 2011 Organizational 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-371/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS b. Volunteer Fire Fighter Recognition & Benefits The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor J. Bulger left the meeting at 11:05 a.m. and returned at 11:06 a.m. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided Council with an explanation of Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) coverage, indicating that there are currently three volunteer fire departments in the County that are not covered by WCB. Input has been requested from these fire Page 2 of 14 Regular Council November 10,2011 associations. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen arrived at 11:09 a.m. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided Council with estimated costs for proposed benefits, including WCB and insurance for accidental death. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator indicated that the list of benefits provided were options and that the individual fire associations could choose which ones to offer. Discussion followed regarding offering WCB and accidental death insurance as a bare minimum and standardization of the volunteer fire departments. ARRIVED AT MEETING 2 County Ratepayers arrived at 11:27 a.m. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator indicated that the Fire Associations are in favor of standardization for the most part as it allows them to cooperate with each other in emergency situations. ARRIVED AT MEETING 3 County Ratepayers arrived at 11:28 a.m. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 11:30 a.m. C-372/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:30 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Proposed Lease of Municipal Reserve Land (Bow City) Lot 23 MR, Block 1, Plan 841 0810 (SE 13-17-17-W4) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:30 a.m. Page 3of14 Regular Council November 10,2011 Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The Assistant Administrator stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to discuss a request to lease the Municipal Reserve parcel described as Lot 23 MR, Block 1, Plan 841 0810 (SE 13-17-17-W4) for year round cattle grazing. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that he had visited the site with the Agricultural Fieldman to assess the state of the fencing. He displayed photographs of the fence, indicating that the eastern side has been overgrown with trees and brush and could be cleaned up by the Agricultural Service Board once the ground freezes. 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 B. de Jong expressed concerns with protecting the Environmental Reserve parcel to the south, and the Chief Administrative Officer indicated that cattle could go around the fencing through the river and enter the Environmental Reserve parcel. Councillor R. Andrews reported that the applicant has chosen not to pursue this lease due to the complications associated with it. They will continue to maintain the fencing to the best of their ability. b. Bylaw 1732-11 - Road Closure & Lease SE 13 & NE 12-19-13-W4 Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:38 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 Assistant Administrator stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1732-11. The intent of this bylaw is to close and lease the portion of road allowance described as the most easterly 740 metres throughout the original government road allowance adjacent to the southern boundary of SE 13-19-14-W4. The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that one of the required responses from the agencies included in the circulation has not been received. The Public Hearing for Bylaw 1732-11 was recessed until the November 25, 2011 Council meeting. Page 4 of 14 Regular Council November 10,2011 c. Bylaw 1734-11 - 11 MDP 001 Proposed Amendment to CFO Exclusionary Zone Boundary in the Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 1705-10) -Appendix C Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:40 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 Assistant Administrator stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1734-11. The intent of Bylaw 1734-11 is to amend Appendix C of the Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 1705-10) by adopting a new boundary for the Confined Feeding Operation (CFO) Exclusionary Zone Map to remove lands from within the boundary to facilitate the development of a new confined feeding operation. The County Planner provided background information on this item indicating that no response to the circulation was received from either adjacent landowners or agencies. The applicants were present to answer questions from Council and were given the opportunity to speak. K. Andrew, speaking in opposition to the proposed bylaw, questioned the decision to remove eight quarter sections from the CFO Exclusionary Zone when the applicant only required one quarter section. She also expressed concerns with the notification process and potential health and safety issues that could arise. The applicants were given the opportunity to make a closing statement. M. Hermus responded to the concerns raised regarding manure and road quality. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. d. Bylaw 1735-11 - Road Closure & Sale (Ptn. TR 23-4 between SW & SE 28-23-18-W4 and NW & NE 21-23-18-W4) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:50 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. Page 5 of 14 Regular Council November 10,2011 The Assistant Administrator stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1735-11. The intent of this bylaw is to close and sell the portion of road allowance adjacent to the southern boundary of SW& SE 28-23-18-W4. The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that one of the required responses from the agencies included in the circulation has not been received. There were no persons in attendance speaking in opposition to the proposed bylaw. The applicant provided background information on the construction of the road. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor R. Andrews inquired about the possibility of leasing the road allowance rather than selling it. The County Planner replied that the intent is to consolidate the parcels, therefore the land must be sold. The Public Hearing for Bylaw 1735-11 was recessed until the November 25, 2011 Council meeting. C-373/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:58 a.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING 3 County Ratepayers left the meeting at 11:58 a.m. 7. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1732-11 - Road Closure & Lease SE 13 & NE 12-19-13-W4 This item will be discussed during the November 25, 2011 Council meeting. b. Bylaw 1734-11 - 11 MDP 001 Proposed Amendment to CFO Exclusionary Zone Boundary in the Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 1705-10) -Appendix C The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-37 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1734-11, being a bylaw Page 6 of 14 Regular Council November 10,2011 „r to amend the County of Newell Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 1705-10) by removing from Appendix C: CFO Exclusionary Area the lands legally described as E 10-18-14-W4, Section 11-18-14-W4, and W 12-18-14-W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-375/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Bylaw 1734-11 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED c. Bylaw 1735-11 - Road Closure & Sale (Ptn. TR 23-4 between SW & SE 28-23-18-W4 and NW & NE 21-23-18-W4) This item will be discussed during the November 25, 2011 Council meeting. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED a. Millicent Road Closure Proposal The County Planner indicated that new information has been received since the report was prepared. Discussion on this item was postponed until a future meeting. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert, D. Horvath, and 2 County Ratepayers left the meeting at 12:03 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:03 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:48 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Kassem arrived at 12:48 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS a. Global Village Radio Show A. Kassem presented Council with background information on the Global Village Radio Show. w Page 7 of 14 van Regular Council November 10,2011 Nod ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss arrived at 12:53 p.m. A. Kassem indicated that the Global Village Radio Show is a weekly multicultural radio program that has been on the air for two years. Their main focus is to provide information about the community, local services, government, education, health, food, culture, and local business promotions. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Havinga arrived at 12:55 p.m. A. Kassem requested sponsorship for the County for one year in the amount of$2,000.00 which will include radio advertising for the County of Newell. He explained the value of the radio program in educating newcomers about Canadian culture and society. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING A. Kassem left the meeting at 1:11 p.m. Discussion continued regarding the request for sponsorship. C-376/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell purchase a sponsorship for the Global Village Radio Program in the amount of $2,000.00 with funding from the Public Relations account. MOTION CARRIED 11. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS b. Utilities - NRSC Report R. Havinga presented the Utilities-NRSC report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. R. Havinga responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING R. Havinga left the meeting at 1:19 p.m. \ Page 8 of 14 Regular Council November 10,2011 likree a. Superintendent of Public Works Report The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. c. One Tree Road Speed Curve The Technical Manager presented background information on this item, indicating that a letter has been received from a ratepayer expressing concerns with the number of vehicles entering the ditch on this corner and suggesting the installation of guard rails and restricting access to the Bantry Canal. He presented recommendations from AMEC that were received in 2007 and indicated that all the items listed are in place except the installation of center line rumble strips. He indicated that restricting access to the canal could cause more safety issues, as the Eastern Irrigation District would need to access the canal from Highway 1, and that an engineering consultation would be required before guard rails are installed. The Technical Manager requested direction from Council regarding how to proceed. Reeve M. Douglass provided the history on the reasons for following the recommendations from AMEC. Councillor L. Juss commented on the speed limit signs, indicating that an issue had been identified and addressed by Public Works. He expressed concerns with restricting access to the canal, as the access is also used as a runaway lane. Council confirmed their intent to carry on with the AMEC recommendations regarding the One Tree Road speed curve. d. Tender Award - Bridge File 72196 & Bridge File 72046 The Technical Manager presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-377/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Council accepts the tender as submitted and awards the Bridge File 72046 & Bridge File 72196 project to Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate Ltd. for the total tendered price for $546,629.40, furthermore that Council approves a budget adjustment in the amount of $90,130.00 to be financed from the Public Works reserve. MOTION CARRIED e. Tender Options - Bridge File 75926 The Technical Manager provided background information on this item, indicating that the bridge for Bridge File 75926 will be removed the first we Page 9 of 14 Regular Council November 10,2011 of December. He gave an overview of the updated costs provided for the two preferred alignments and indicated the portion for each that would be funded by Alberta Transportation. The Technical Manager responded to questions from Council, noting that the option selected by Council would go to tender in early January and the budget adjustment required would be included in the 2012 budget. C-378/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that staff proceed with tendering the Bridge File 75926 project with Option 2 (straight through). MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 1:41 p.m. 7. BYLAWS - CONTINUED d. Bylaw 1737-11 -Water& Sewer Services The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item. He gave an overview of the services covered in the proposed bylaw, indicating that the rates would be set in an upcoming fees bylaw. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. Councillor C. Amulung expressed concerns with the wording regarding responsibility for maintenance of the system. The Assistant Administrator indicated that the intent is that the person receiving water is responsible for preventing the equipment from freezing and will be responsible for the cost of any repairs, which will be performed by the County. He indicated that the clause can be revised to include specific situations. The Assistant Administrator responded to further questions from Council. C-379/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1737-11, being a bylaw for the regulation of the water works and sanitary sewer works systems throughout the County of Newell, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS a. Policy Review -2011-PAG-024 (Coyote Control Incentive Program) Council reviewed policy 2011-PAG-024 (Coyote Control Incentive Program). C-380/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Policy 2011-PAG-024 (Coyote Control Incentive Program) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED A Page 10 of 14 Regular Council November 10,2011 ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Gietz arrived at 1:55 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED a. Funding Request - Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor L. Juss presented background information on this item and the value to small businesses of the programs and services offered by the Palliser Economic Partnership. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator provided further information on the Palliser Economic Partnership and suggested that the County of Newell support them this year and see what the results are. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator responded to further questions from Council. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that this and other per capita funding requests be discussed during the review of the 2012 budget to determine the source of the funding. C-381/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we provide financial support to the Palliser Economic Partnership in the amount of$1.00 per capita for 2012. MOTION CARRIED b. Economic Development & Tourism Committee - Regional Economic Development The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator presented Council with a summary of the discussion held at the most recent meeting of the Economic Development & Tourism Committee. There is no opposition to the City of Brooks' request for representation on the Committee. Discussion also took place regarding changing the structure of the committee, allowing municipalities to select their representatives, and holding meetings every other month. She indicated that a letter would be sent to the City of Brooks inviting them to the next meeting of the Economic Development & Tourism Committee, and the bylaw establishing the committee will be amended to include them. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING M. Gietz left the meeting at 2:25 p.m. °441m✓ Page 11 of 14 Regular Council November 10,2011 c. Shortgrass Library System - Budget Request (2012-2014) The Assistant Administrator provided Council with background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-382/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the proposed budget increases for the Shortgrass Library System be approved for 2012, 2013, and 2014. MOTION CARRIED d. Policy Review -2011-PLG-014 (Councillor Compensation & Expenses) The Assistant Administrator presented background information and responded to questions from Council. Reeve M. Douglass requested that the Reeve's fees remain at $500.00 per month. Discussion followed regarding the hourly remuneration rate and the possibility of tying this to an inflation rate. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council regarding the mileage rate and remuneration rate as compared with other municipalities. C-383/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Policy 2011-PLG-014 (Councillor's Compensation & Expenses) be adopted as amended by increasing the hourly rate from $30 to $35 per hour. MOTION CARRIED Councillor A.M. Philipsen requested that the Councillors' Compensation Review Committee investigate the possibility of linking the hourly compensation rate with an inflation rate. e. Proposed County Logos Council was presented with a variety of County of Newell logos. Discussion followed and Council directed the Executive Assistant to conduct a poll of staff to determine their preference for the new logo and bring the results back to a future Council meeting. f. AAMDC Fall 2011 Convention - Resolutions Package Council was presented with the resolutions package for the AAMDC Fall 2011 Convention. Discussion followed on each of the resolutions and whether or not to support them during the convention. LEFT THE MEETING ouncillor J. Bulger left the meeting at 3:24 p.m. and returned at 3:26 p.m. Page 12 of 14 Regular Council November 10,2011 Regarding Resolution 15-11F, Councillor B. de Jong indicated that he would like more explanation on how non-residential assessment sub-classes and split tax would be accomplished. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor I. Schroeder left the meeting at 3:30 p.m. and returned at 3:33 p.m. Discussion continued on the remaining resolutions. g. Appointment to Municipal Library Board (Div. 5 & 10) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-384/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Nigel Seymour be appointed as the Member-at-Large for Divisions 5 & 10 to the Municipal Library Board. MOTION CARRIED h. Councillor Payment Sheets (September 2011) C-385/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the September 2011 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED i. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C-386/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that cheque 171377 in the amount of $986,720.20 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED j. Cheque Register The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C-387/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the Cheque Register be accepted. MOTION CA- - D sloe Page 13 of 14 Regular Council November 10,2011 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS ftmsot a. Funding Request - Regional Enhancement Reserve (Div. 5 & 10) Councillor M. Nesbitt indicated that the Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Committee for Divisions 5 & 10 has approved a request from the Cassils Hall Fundraising Committee. Reeve M. Douglass outlined the paperwork required for Council to be able to approve Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding requests. This item will be discussed further during the November 25, 2011 Council meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS There were no information items presented at this meeting. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor A. Eastman asked about Council's status as Fire Guardians and requested a new burn permit book. 15. IN CAMERA C-388/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 3:46 p.m to discuss a land issue. MOTION CARRIED C-389/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that we move out of camera at 4:58 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:59 p.m. _ Signed this 6 day of , 2011 Reeve •ount Administrator Page 14 of 14