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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-06 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF Regular Council December 6, 2012 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, December 6, 2012 commencing at 10:29 a.m. MEMBERS B. de Jong, Deputy Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder A.M. Phillipsen R. Andrews M. Nesbitt J. Bulger L. Juss ABSENT: M. Douglass, Reeve A. Eastman STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation 1. CALL TO ORDER Deputy Reeve B. de Jong called the meeting to order at 10:29 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-360/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor A. Eastman be excused from the meeting. MOTIO ' CARRIED 4101 C Regular Council December 6,2012 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes -Council (November 22, 2012) C-361/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the November 22, 2012 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Deputy Reeve B. de Jong called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-362/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 7. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS a. ASB Update The Agricultural Fieldman presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department and responded to questions from Council. Councillor R. Andrews asked if Vulcan County had a coyote control program. The Agricultural Fieldman indicated that they had discussed the coyote control program with both Vulcan County and Wheatland County, but that neither had implemented anything. Discussion followed regarding whether or not a letter should be sent to Vulcan County with information regarding the County's coyote control incentive program and asking that they consider it. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to further questions from Council. Councillor R. Andrews asked if coyotes from outside of the County would be accepted. The Agricultural Fieldman suggested that Hays would be a more convenient place for hunters from Vulcan County to turn in coyotes and that he would obtain further information. 3 Page 2 of 10 Regular Council December 6,2012 0 6. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1760-12 - 12 LUA 002 Ptn. of SW 17-19-14-W4 - Division 10 A-Agricultural District to RB - Rural Business District The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-363/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1760-12, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 3.8 acres (1.53 hectares) in SW 17-19-14-W4 from A - Agricultural District to RB - Rural Business District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert left the meeting at 10:43 a.m. 7. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS - CONTINUED b. Policy Review The Agricultural Fieldman presented several amended ASB policies to Council, giving an overview of the amendments made. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to questions from Council. Councillor A.M. Philipsen inquired about the name listed on the form. The Agricultural Fieldman replied that the form provided was an example and that the name could be removed. Regarding Policy 2012-PAG-010, Deputy Reeve B. de Jong requested clarification on the equipment and labour provided to landowners in the event of a weed infestation. The Agricultural Fieldman outlined the criteria for eligibility under this policy and responded to further questions. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor M. Nesbitt arrived at 10:51 a.m. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen left the meeting at 10:51 a.m. The Agricultural Fieldman continued to outline the amendments made to each policy. Page 3of10 5 Regular Council December 6,2012 C-364/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the following amended policies be 0 adopted as presented: 2012-PAG-010 (Private Weed Control) 2012-PAG-011 (Rabies) 2012-PAG-012 (Rental Agreement - Responsibility for Damages) 2012-PAG-020 (Weed Control - Roadside) 2012-PAG-023 (Bacterial Ringrot - Inspection & Control) 2012-PAG-025 (Grass Seeding) 2012-PAG-026 (Mowing) 2012-PAG-030 (Roadside Brush Control) 2012-PAG-032 (Sale of Strychnine) { and that the following policies be adopted as amended: 2012-PAG-024 (Coyote Control Incentive Program) 2012-PAG-027 (Pest Control). MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen returned at 10:55 a.m. Policies 2012-PAG-001 and 2012-PAG-004 will be brought forward for review during the December 20, 2012 Council Meeting. 3 c. Rabies Monitoring Program The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item, indicating the neighbouring municipalities have rabies monitoring programs that the County of Newell should consider supporting if assistance is requested in the future. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. d. Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding past recipients and nominations for 2013. The Agricultural Fieldman outlined the eligibility criteria for the award. Deputy Reeve B. de Jong requested an updated list of past recipients and their divisions. This item will be brought back to a future Council meeting for discussion. e. 2012 ASB Conference Resolution Responses The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information.i', Page 4 of 10 Regular Council December 6,2012 f. 2013 ASB Conference The Agricultural Fieldman presented Council with information related to the 2013 Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference. It was noted that this conference conflicts with the regular County Council Meeting and the Regional Council meeting, which are both scheduled for January 24, 2013. Councillors who wish to attend the 2013 Provincial ASB Conference are to advise the Agricultural Fieldman. g. 2013 ASB Summer Tour The Agricultural Fieldman presented Council with information related to the 2013 ASB Summer Tour, suggesting that the members of the 2014 ASB Tour Committee should attend to get an idea of what is involved. Councillors who wish to attend the 2013 ASB Summer Tour are to advise the Agricultural Fieldman. h. Strategic Plan (2013-2015) The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item, indicating that the strategic plan is required for the grant cycle and is used in conjunction with the annual work plan to determine what is required to deliver Nov ASB programs. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to questions from Council. Councillor M. Nesbitt inquired about the shelterbelt program. The Agricultural Fieldman replied that other options are being investigated to maintain the program. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:29 a.m. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS a. Reschedule Council Meeting (January 24, 2013) The Assistant Administrator indicated that the January 24, 2013 Municipal Planning Commission and Council meetings conflict with the 2013 Provincial ASB Conference. C-365/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the January 24, 2013 Municipal Planning Commission and Council meetings be RESCHEDULED for Monday, January 21, 2013. MOTION CARRIED Page 5of10 Regular Council December 6,2012 b. Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Meeting (2013-01-18) 0 Council was presented with information regarding the upcoming meeting of the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association on January 18, 2013. The deadline for resolutions is January 7, 2013. c. Policy Review - Mini Bus Services The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item. Regarding the cancellation of service in the event of a funeral, he indicated that the service has never been cancelled completely, but there have been situations where both minibus drivers would have liked to attend the funeral of a regular rider. Discussion followed and it was noted that the mini bus drivers have been handling these situations between themselves. The Operating Policy will be amended by removing the item reading "Bus service will be cancelled in the event of a death of one of our regular riders so that the drivers may attend the funeral." The Assistant Administrator responded to further questions from Council. C-366/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that policy 2012-BUS-001 (Mini Bus Service - Operating) be adopted as amended and that policy 2012-BUS-002 (Mini Bus Service - Extra Curricular Use) be adopted as presented. 0 MOTION CARRIED d. Request to Waive Tax Penalties The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-367/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Council cancel the tax penalties in the amount of $531.98 applied to Roll Numbers 644300, 644400, 644500, 644600, 644601, 644602, 644700, 644900, and 654300. MOTION DEFEATED e. Division 6 Recreation Requisition The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and gave an overview of the public notification process that would follow if Council approved the request. Information regarding the proposed recreation requisition increase would be mailed out to Division 6 residents early in 2013 and feedback received would be presented to Council in February. The Assistant Administrator and Councillor J. Bulger responded to questions from 0 LIA, Page 6 of 10 Regular Council December 6,2012 C) Council. C-368/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we proceed with the public notice process inviting feedback from Division 6 residents regarding the proposal to increase recreation funding in Division 6. MOTION CARRIED f. Government of Alberta Request for Comment - Foreign Ownership of Land The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-369/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that a letter be sent confirming Council's support for the purchase of the XL Foods Inc. and Lakeside Feedyards Inc. properties to JBS Food Canada Inc. MOTION CARRIED g. Paul Yuzyk Award for Multiculturalism Deputy Reeve B. de Jong suggested a potential candidate and discussion followed regarding how to submit a nomination. Councillor C. Amulung suggested that this item be brought to the next Joint Services Committee for discussion. h. Military Service Recognition Book - Veterans & Troops Remembrance/Support Ad The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. This item was accepted as information. i. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C-370/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that cheque 174231 in the amount of $1,736,320.39, cheque 174232 in the amount of $521,143.88, and cheque 174237 in the amount of$856,613.45 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED j. Cheque Register The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C Page 7 of 10 Regular Council December 6,2012 C-371/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the Cheque Register be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:52 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Havinga and M. Harbicht arrived at 12:52 p.m. 9. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS b. Utilities - NRSC Report (R. Havinga - 1:00 p.m.) R. Havinga presented the Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. At a recent NRSC board meeting, Councillor C. Amulung was elected Chairman and City Councillor B. Prentice was elected Vice Chairman. R. Havinga responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor J. Bulger left the meeting at 1:16 p.m. Discussion followed regarding the new County of Newell shop and yard. LEFT THE MEETING R. Havinga left the meeting at 1:05 p.m. a. Superintendent of Public Works Report The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor R. Andrews asked about wheel lines left in the ditch on Highway 873. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that the landowner is responsible for storing his equipment on his own property. If the equipment creates a hazard, the bylaw enforcement officers will get involved. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to further questions from Council. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council • December 6,2012 CC-372/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the Superintendent of Public Works report and the Utilities - NRSC report for November 2012 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Year-to-Date Financial Report The Assistant Administrator distributed the Year-to-Date Financial Report to Council, indicating that any questions can be discussed during the December 13, 2012 budget meeting. This item was accepted as information. 11. INFORMATION ITEMS There were no information items to discuss at this meeting. 12. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor I. Schroeder provided an update on the Village of Tilley dissolution study. The group of residents is proceeding with the petition and would like County representatives to attend an information session to respond to questions. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor J. Bulger returned at 1:22 p.m. Councillor 1. Schroeder indicated that he would be present at the meeting and suggested that the Chief Administrative Officer and the Assistant Administrator also attend to respond to questions regarding hamlet services. Discussion followed regarding the dissolution process and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. 13. IN CAMERA C-373/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 1:26 p.m. to discuss land issues. MOTION CARRIED Page 9 of 10 k, 1�, Regular Council December 6,2012 0 C-374/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that we move out of camera at 3:35 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 14. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:35 p.m. Signed this o20 day of C ei , 2012 de Reeve Or-Ay dministrator 0 Page 10 of 10