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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-06-06 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF Regular Council June 6, 2013 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, June 6, 2013 commencing at 10:34 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder A.M. Phillipsen M. Nesbitt J. Bulger A. Eastman B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: R. Andrews STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works M. Gietz, Economic Development Coordinator A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: A. Gee, Canadian Pheasant Company B. Barss, President - AAMDC B. Jones, Director: District 1 (Foothills Little Bow) - AAMDC G. Rhodes, Executive Director - AAMDC 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:34 a.m. Regular Council June 6, 2013 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C- 182/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Councillor R. Andrews be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes - Council (May 23, 2013) The following changes were made to the May 23, 2013 Council Meeting minutes: Page 1 and page 3 - Delegation incorrectly identified as "R. Van Metre" should be "R. Breaker C- 183/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the May 23, 2013 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 184/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 6. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1759 -12 - Road Closure & SALE (Plan 7125 AM - SE 23- 22- 19 -W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 185/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that Bylaw 1759 -12, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and SELLING the portion of road described Page 2 of 11 Regular Council June 6, 2013 as Plan 7125AM within SE 23- 22- 19 -W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 186/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1759 -12 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED rb- 187/13 8. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS a. ASB Update The Agricultural Fieldman presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. He indicated that the ASB Summer Tour 2014 Planning Committee met recently and would like to request a budget adjustment in the amount of $10,000.00 to cover immediate costs. He noted that financial consideration for the tour would be included in the 2014 budget and that some of the costs would be recouped in registration fees. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to questions from Council. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Council APPROVES a budget adjustment in the amount of $10,000.00 for the ASB Summer Tour 2014 with the understanding that the funding will be recouped in event registration fees. MOTION CARRIED b. Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 188/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Reeve M. Douglass attend the Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards banquet on behalf of the County of Newell ASB in place of Councillor A. Eastman. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:52 a.m. Page 3 of 11 MOTION CARRIED Regular Council June 6, 2013 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS b. Fire Bans The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item, indicating that some issues had arisen during the last fire ban. He gave an explanation of how fire bans were set prior to 2010. Bylaw 1700 -10, the Fire Bylaw, incorporates three levels of fire ban - complete, partial, and fire watch. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator explained the differences between the levels, the process for placing fire bans, and the reasons why fire bans would be set. He provided a list of the fire bans that had been placed since Bylaw 1700 -10 came into effect and compared the County's fire ban practices with those of neighbouring municipalities. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator requested direction from Council regarding whether or not changes to the fire ban process were required. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to questions from Council. Councillor M. Nesbitt suggested the bylaw be amended to permit recreational fires in recognized fire pits within hamlets. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator noted that design guidelines for recognized fire pits could be included in the bylaw. Discussion followed regarding the importance of fire bans, which are used to create awareness of dry conditions and prevent widespread fires. T e Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to further questions Council. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that the City of Brooks issues permits for fire pits and inspects them regularly. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator indicated that the County's practices are similar to those of neighbouring municipalities and Alberta Sustainable Resource Development. Council affirmed their interest in leaving Bylaw 1700 -10 (Fire Bylaw) in its current form. LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 11:25 a.m. a. Subdivision Extension Request (2010 -0 -208) SW 10- 19 -14 -W4 The County Planner provided background information, indicating that several of the outstanding conditions have been completed over the past week. The County Planner responded to questions from Council. Page 4 of 11 I i Regular Council June 6, 2013 )- 189/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the request for a one year time extension to subdivision application 2010 -0 -028 to June 6, 2014 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED c. Proposal to Participate in a Pheasant Release Program The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item. Additional information not included in the package has been received, stating that the birds would be provided for $5.00 /hen plus $10.00 /hen credit towards the tax arrears for the Canadian Pheasant Company. The Assistant Administrator stated that he would not suggest this as a course of action. Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that this was an issue that the Economic Development Committee should deal with. Discussion followed and this item was referred to the Economic Development Committee for further discussion. The Economic Development Coordinator provided further information and agreed that it should be discussed by the Economic Development Committee. A. Gee, speaking as a concerned citizen for the Canadian Pheasant Company, expressed concerns with releasing breeding stock and losing the pedigree. A. Gee responded to questions from Council. d. Invitation to Join Wellness Alberta Council was presented with information regarding the Wellness Alberta initiative. This item was accepted as information. e. Request for Proclamation - Alberta Culture Days (September 28 -30, 2013) Council was presented with information regarding Alberta Culture Days. C- 190/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the County of Newell hereby proclaims September 28 -30, 2013 as 'Alberta Culture Days.' MOTION CARRIED f. Regional Assessment Review Board - Agreement Renewal The Assistant Administrator provided background information and responded to questions from Council. 191/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Council APPROVES the renewal of the Page 5of11 Regular Council June 6,2013 Regional Assessment Review Board agreement for an additional three year term. MOTION CARRIED g. Regional Assessment Review Board - Appointment of Members The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 192/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Noel Moriyama, Anne Marie Philipsen, Bevin Keith, and Duane Perkins be appointed as members to the Local Assessment Review Board. MOTION CARRIED h. Cheque Register C- 193/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the Cheque Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS b. Utilities - NRSC Report The Utilities -NRSC Report was presented to Council. Councillor C. Amulung provided a report to Council regarding the County of Newell Water Project meeting held yesterday. a. Superintendent of Public Works Report The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He noted the effects of recent heavy rains and activity on roads and indicated that discussions will be held with RoaData regarding implementing haul permits for industry. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council regarding road construction. C- 194/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the Superintendent of Public Works report and the Utilities -NRSC Report for May 2013 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 11 Regular Council June 6, 2013 ) c. Southwest Brooks Sewer Study The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item, indicating that the study investigated various options to service the lands. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. C- 195/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the City of Brooks & County of Newell Southwest Brooks Sanitary Servicing Study be accepted as information. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Meeting with Grasslands Regional Division (June 20, 2013 at 5:00 p.m.) Council discussed potential agenda items for the meeting with Grasslands Regional Division, including plans for bussing and school bus routes. 10. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS - CONTINUED e. Road Conditions (Road Paralleling the Railway in Twp. 16 -11, 17 -11, & 17 -12) The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and requested direction from Council regarding how to proceed. The road in question is not currently maintained. Councillor L Schroeder indicated that he had spoken with the Division 2 Fire Chief who indicated that they would use .the aymost often in emergency situations. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that the road is approximately 10km in length and there are signs posted at either end indicating that the road is unmaintained. Councillor 1. Schroeder suggested that the Superintendent of Public Works respond to the letter indicating that the County is investigating the situation from a fire and safety point of view. Page 7 of 11 Regular Council June 6, 2013 d. AAMDC Gravel Survey The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed and Council indicated that Public Works staff should respond to the survey. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS - CONTINUED b. Councillor Compensation Review Committee Councillor C. Amulung provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING B. Barss, B. Jones, and G. Rhodes arrived at 1:18 p.m. C- 196/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that meetings of the Agricultural Services Board 2014 Summer Tour Planning Committee be considered a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED c. Grand Opening Update Reeve M. Douglass indicated that coolers are needed for storing beef for the Grand Opening on June 21, 2013 and asked Council for assistance in gathering coolers. 7. DELEGATIONS a. AAMDC Member Visit B. Barss indicated that the purpose of the visit is to obtain an update from the County on their activities and to answer questions that Council may have for the AAMDC. Reeve M. Douglass and the Chief Administrative Officer commented on some recent surveys. The Chief Administrative Officer provided further background information and commented on the often restricted templates that are used. He requested that surveys be created with the end user in mind with more open templates that do not require excessive data translation. Speaking of a recent specific survey, G. Rhodes indicated that the report will provide clear information on certain situations which will counter what the linear assessment group is providing. He Page 8 of 11 Regular Council June 6, 2013 J indicated that the Gravel Survey came about as a result of a resolution. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the County has the data but would prefer a survey that would allow for data to be imported directly rather than reentered into an online form. Councillor B. de Jong requested an update on the County's resolution regarding municipal financial software systems. G. Rhodes replied that the resolution had been postponed until the next budget cycle when funds are available. He indicated that the first step in the process would be to conduct a needs assessment. B. Barss explained that the AAMDC directors assign priority to resolutions as they come in. The Chief Administrative Officer provided an overview of the Newell Systems Integration Project. Councillor B. de Jong brought up the issue of resolutions being discussed at the AAMDC level that should be addressed within a particular municipality. As well, there has been some duplication of resolutions. B. Jones indicated that the resolution committee reviews all submitted resolutions and tries to amalgamate them. G. Rhodes suggested that zone meetings be made more efficient by dealing with resolutions earlier in the agenda. The AAMDC should be used to solve larger issues that affect the entire province. Councillor M. Nesbitt asked if information on regional concerns could be distributed to municipalities prior to the resolution development stage. G. Rhodes indicated that the results of every zone meeting are distributed to all members and that the AAMDC is working on alternate communication strategies. The Chief Administrative Officer asked about the status of the bridge program survey. B. Barss provided background information, indicating that Alberta Transportation is working with the AAMDC to come up with alternate structure designs. Councillor 1. Schroeder thanked the AAMDC for their support during the Village of Tilley dissolution process, indicating that the residents will vote on the dissolution tonight. He noted that there had been a lot of discussion regarding taxation methods during the FCM Conference and asked the AAMDC their thoughts on this. 8. Barss indicated that no work has been done as of yet. B. Barss responded to further questions regarding the effectiveness of surveys. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 2:07 p.m. G. Rhodes and 8. Barss responded to questions regarding changes to the Municipal Sustainability Initiative and the Regional Collaboration Grant programs and the future of regional government. Page 9 of 11 Regular Council June 6, 2013 ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 2:13 p.m. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that infrastructure issues in smaller municipalities must be examined. Discussion followed regarding training for elected officials in small towns and villages and developing a strategy for determining when Municipal Affairs should step in to assist. 8. Barss, B. Jones, and G. Rhodes responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING B. Barss, B. Jones, and G. Rhodes left the meeting at 2:30 p.m. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS There were no information items to discuss at this meeting. 13. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 14. IN CAMERA C- 197/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 2:37 p.m. to discuss legal issues. MOTION CARRIED C- 198/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we move out of camera at 3:58 p.m. C- 199/13 MOTION CARRIED MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that +/- 800 meters of Township Road 14 -0 be relocated from NW 33- 13 -12 -W4 to the road allowance as per option three. MOTION CARRIED Page 10 of 11 Regular Council June 6, 2013 )- 200/13 i MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the County of Newell purchase the materials and supplies for one half mile of fence for C. Lester as per the Motion from the October 3, 1994 Municipal Committee minutes, which reads as follows: MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DANIELS that the County provide material to replace 1/2 mile of fence with 6' posts 3" - 4" wide for interior posts, 7' posts 4" - 5" wide for end posts, plus the required barbed wire, with Mr. Lester being responsible for the installation. CARRIED MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4 :02 p.m. J Signed this 2--( day of , 2013 Page 11 of 11 ty Administrator