HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-09-05 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF Regular Council
September 5, 2013
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County
Office on September 5, 2013 commencing at 10:44 a.m.
MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung
I. Schroeder
A.M. Phillipsen
M. Nesbitt
J. Bulger
A. Eastman
L. Juss
ABSENT: R. Andrews
B. de Jong
STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer
L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator
A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development
G. Scott, County Planner- ORRSC
S. Yokoyama, Returning Officer
K. Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator
T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman
M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works
D. Hemakumara, Senior GIS Analyst
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN R. Brown, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: M. Dumont, Brooks & County Chronicle
D. Drader, Councillor (Village of Duchess)
R. Weir, Grasslands Soccer Association
G. Deblasio, Grasslands Soccer Association
M. Chomey, Ratepayer
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:44 a.m.
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Regular Council
September 5,2013
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
C-260/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Councillor B. de Jong be
excused from the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
a. Minutes -Council (August 8, 2013)
C-261/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the August 8, 2013 Council
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items.
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5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-262/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the agenda be adopted as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED
6. BYLAWS
a. Bylaw 1763-13 Road Closure & LEASE
(Between SE 31 & SW 32-14-12-W4 and Between NE 30 &
NW 29-14-12-W4)
The Manager of Planning & Development presented background information
on this item and responded to questions from Council.
C-263/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1763-13, being a bylaw for
the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road adjacent
to the eastern boundary of SE 31 & NE 30-14-12-W4, be given SECOND
reading.
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MOTION CARRIED
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0264/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1763-13 be given THIRD
and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
ARRIVED AT MEETING
D. Drader arrived at 10:50 a.m.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
e. Local Authorities Election -Advance Polls & Special Ballots
The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item,
indicating that the County of Newell has only provided advance polls in the
past. The Returning Officer responded to questions from Council
and proposed that advance polls be held from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on
October 12, 18, and 19, 2013.
C-265/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the County of Newell authorizes
an Advance Poll for the 2013 Municipal Election with the date, time, and location
to be determined by the Returning Officer.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Yokoyama left the meeting at 10:57 a.m.
6. BYLAWS -CONTINUED
b. Bylaw 1771-13 LUA 005
SE 23-18-15-W4 - Division 5
A -Agricultural District to RB - Rural Business District
The County Planner presented background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-266/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Bylaw 1771-13, being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 4.09 acres
(1.654 hectares) in SE 23-18-15-W4 from A - Agricultural District to RB - Rural
Business District, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
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7. DELEGATIONS
a. Grasslands Indoor Soccer AssociationNillage of Duchess (11:00 a.m.)
D. Drader distributed information to Council regarding the costs to rebuild the
indoor soccer facility in Duchess. The Village of Duchess and the Grasslands
Soccer Association are requesting a letter of support from Council and
$163,000.00 from the insurance claim to be used to proceed with the tender
process subject to the approval from the insurer. D. Drader responded to
questions from Council.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
R. Weir and G. Deblasio arrived at 11:09 a.m.
R. Weir responded to questions from Council, indicating that the Grasslands
Soccer Association is in favor of the project. G. Deblasio indicated that they
would like to increase the number of participants and indicated that the area
could support an additional facility if the City of Brooks proceeds with their
plans to build a facility in Brooks. D. Drader noted that the facility could be
used for other purposes as well. Reeve M. Douglass asked what the Village
of Duchess would be contributing. D. Drader replied that the Village of
Duchess would be responsible for running and maintaining the facility once 411
the project has been completed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated
that the site is currently owned by the County and would be transferred to the
Village of Duchess. He suggested sending the quotes to the insurer to see
what would be covered. Councillor A.M. Philipsen asked about the
involvement of the Duchess Agricultural Society, as the new soccer facility
would be connected to the curling rink. D. Drader replied that the Duchess
Agricultural Society has agreed to transfer ownership of the curling rink to the
village, noting that the buildings will not be attached to each other. Councillor
C. Amulung stressed the importance of ensuring that the insurance money
will cover the proposed facility and indicated that the land transfer should be
completed before the project begins. The delegation responded to further
questions from Council.
C-267/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the County of Newell transfer the
lands known as the former site of the Duchess Indoor Soccer Centre to the
Village of Duchess.
MOTION CARRIED
C-268/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the County of Newell
APPROVES the request from the Village of Duchess for $163,000.00 to be used
to proceed with tendering the Indoor Soccer Centre project provided that the total
insurance money is confirmed to be available for the proposed project.
JO) MOTION CARRIED
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September 5,2013
c-269/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that a letter be written to the Village
of Duchess in support of the construction of a new Indoor Soccer Centre.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
D. Drader, R. Weir, and G. Deblasio left the meeting at 11:38 a.m.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS -CONTINUED
a. Subdivision Extension Request -2012-0-060
NW 29-20-14-W4
The County Planner provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-270/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the request for a time
extension to subdivision application 2012-0-060 be APPROVED for six months
to February 5, 2014.
MOTION CARRIED
b. Subdivision Extension Request -2011-0-094
NE 19-17-13-W4
The County Planner provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from CounciL
C-271/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the request for a time extension
to subdivision application 2011-0-094 be APPROVED for one year to September
5, 2014.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor L. Juss and Councillor J. Bulger left the meeting at 11:45 a.m
d. Children's Fire Safety Activity Books
The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background
0 information on this item and responded to questions from Council.
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ARRIVED AT MEETING •
Councillor J. Bulger returned at 11:47 a.m.
Councillor M. Nesbitt expressed concerns with the actual production costs
and requested that quotes be obtained from local printing companies. The
Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to further questions from
Council.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor L. Juss returned at 11:51 a.m.
C-272/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Fire Services be authorized to
produce the Fire Safety Coloring & Activity Book in house in numbers for general
distribution and during Fire Prevention Week.
MOTION CARRIED
c. Recommendations to Set a Wage Scale for Fire Fighters for Call Outs •
The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background
information on this item. The County is only able to set the rates for the
Scandia and Bow City Fire Departments and the rest of the departments can
discuss it further and decide whether or not to make similar changes to their
own wage scales. Councillor J. Bulger expressed concerns and suggested
that more consultation with the members of the local fire associations is
required. Discussion followed and Council suggested that the information be
distributed to the local fire departments for their consideration.
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor M. Nesbitt left the meeting at 12:07 p.m.
The Fire &Emergency Services Coordinator requested approval from Council
so that the information could be incorporated into the budget for Scandia and
Bow City.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor M. Nesbitt returned at 12:09 p.m.
Councillor C. Amulung noted that graduated rates are not typical of volunteer 4110
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rate. The Assistant Administrator indicated that the information will
be distributed to the fire departments and brought back for further discussion
in November.
LEFT THE MEETING
K. Martin left the meeting at 12:13 p.m.
11. POST AGENDA ITEMS
a. Alberta Beef Celebration BBQ (September 7, 2013)
The Assistant Administrator provided details for the Alberta Beef Celebration
BBQ that is scheduled for Saturday, September 7, 2013 from 4:00 - 6:00 p.m.
at the Lakeside Leisure Centre.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:15 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Chorney arrived at 1:05 p.m.
7. DELEGATIONS - CONTINUED
b. M. Chorney -Status of Electrical Permit (1:00 p.m.)
M. Chomey provided background information on her situation and requested
a temporary electrical permit and permission from Council to install a cistern,
as she plans to make the building her primary residence. She asked Council
to consider allowing her and the other tenants in the area to continue with
their projects and determine what permits and inspections are required once
the Area Redevelopment Plan is complete. She also noted that the municipal
addressing signs have not been installed, indicating that this is a safety issue.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Reeve
M. Douglass reported that, recently, some progress has been made with the
landowner. The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that no
development permits can be issued until an Area Structure Plan (ASP) or
Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) has been approved. The County Planner
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September 5,2013
indicated that they have outlined the requirements to the planners hired by
the landowner to develo p the plan. They have indicated that they expect to
have the first draft complete in November. He also noted that the access
mad goes through Eastern Irrigation District land and an alternative access
should be constructed in the event that the EID closes that road. The County
Planner reported that the municipal addressing numbers have been assigned
to the lots and that Planning & Development would follow up with Public
Works regarding the installation of the signs. Discussion followed regarding
safety issues surrounding the state of the buildings. The County Planner
indicated that maintenance issues do not require development permits. For
instance, a deck that is unsafe could be repaired or removed without a permit,
but not replaced.
M. Chomey requested clarification on the type of plan required. The County
Planner replied that the County's Land Use Bylaw refers to an ASP but, as
there is an existing development, an ARP is being requested. The Manager
of Planning & Development explained that both ARP's and ARP's are used by
planners to show how development should occur on a particular site.
Councillor L. Juss asked about the access road and the County Planner
replied that there is an area on the east side of the property where a new
access road could be built and it would be capable of connecting to the
existing road layout. Reeve M. Douglass reiterated Council's previous
decision requiring a plan before any further development is permitted. •
M. Chomey expressed concerns with having to live without power and water.
The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that, if a building has
been moved in without the required permits, a municipality is able to have
the building removed and/or issue a stop order until the development permits
are acquired. M. Chomey indicated that a letter had been received by the
tenants and asked if it was the landowner's responsibility to communicate
with the tenants. The Manager of Planning & Development noted that the
letter had been delivered first to the landowners and that the notification to
the tenants was done as a courtesy, but is not required under the MGA. The
Manager of Planning & Development responded to further questions.
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Chorney, A. Wickert, and G. Scott left the meeting at 1:33 p.m.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS -CONTINUED
i. Proclamation of Ducks Unlimited Canada's 75th Anniversary and Year
of the Conservation Champion
4,\Ss) Council was presented with background information on this item.
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0273/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell
recognizes the 75th Anniversary of Ducks Unlimited Canada in 2013 and
declares 2013 the "Year of the Conservation Champion."
MOTION CARRIED
j. Proclamation of Diabetes Week
Council was presented with background information on this item.
C-274/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that the County of Newell hereby
proclaims September 30 - October 7, 2013 as "Diabetes Week."
MOTION CARRIED
ARRIVED AT MEETING
T. Green arrived at 1:37 p.m.
8. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS
a. ASB Update
The Agricultural Fieldman presented an update on the recent activities of the
9 P P
Agricultural Services Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask
questions.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
D. Hemakumara arrived at 1:41 p.m.
The Agricultural Fieldman provided an update on clubroot and bacterial
ringrot surveys and responded to questions from Council.
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 1:42 p.m.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS -CONTINUED
f. Alberta Municipal Data Sharing Partnership (AMDSP)
The Senior GIS Analyst presented background information on this item,
indicating that the AMDSP will be applying for funding under the Regional
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September 5,2013
Collaboration Grant program to create a system to house a province-wide
data set that will allow for the automated submission of emergency services
related data. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
C-275/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Council provides formal
approval for the County of Newell to participate in the Alberta Municipal Data
Sharing Partnership (AMDSP).
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
D. Hemakumara left the meeting at 1:46 p.m.
g. Regional Transportation Review & Regional Collaboration Grant
Application
Council was presented with background information on this item.
C-276113 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Council supports the submission of
an application under the Regional Collaboration Grant program for a review of
regional transportation services and that the City of Brooks be appointed the lead •
municipality for reporting purposes.
MOTION CARRIED
h. Industrial & Linear Taxation
Council was presented with information from the Alberta Association of
Municipal Districts & Counties regarding Industrial & Linear Taxation.
Discussion followed.
k. Payment Register(July 31 -August 15, 2013)
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council.
C-277/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the Payment Register be
accepted.
MOTION CARRIED
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10. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS
a. Superintendent of Public Works Report
The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report to Council, giving
an overview of the highlights. Reeve M. Douglass asked about the
installation of signs on Highway 876 at the junction of Township Road
21-2. The Superintendent of Public Works replied that they have been trying
to get the East Gem Road signs reinstalled on Highway 550 as well. He also
noted that the AMA signs have also yet to be reinstalled. Councillor
A.M. Philipsen noted the declining condition of some secondary highways
and suggested that Council should reiterate their offer to partner with the
province to fund these repairs. The Superintendent of Public Works
responded to further questions from Council.
b. AAMDC Survey - Maintenance &Service on Three-Digit (Secondary)
Highways
1
The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council. Council provided a
response to the survey.
12. INFORMATION ITEMS
a. Tilley Dissolution
The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the County had received
notice of the dissolution and a check list of items to be completed. A public
meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. on September 10, 2013 at the Tilley
Community Hall to provide information to the residents. The Chief
Administrative Officer gave an overview of the agenda for the meeting. The
Hamlet Advisory Committee will be selected at this meeting and will meet
immediately after the adjournment of the public meeting.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor
M. Nesbitt indicated that the Tilley Public Library has been closed and
requested that the assets and liabilities be transferred to the Municipal Library
Board. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that all village assets will
be received by the County and indicated that the County has not requested
that the library be closed. Councillor C. Amulung indicated that the Tilley &
District Public Library is a joint library between Grasslands Public
Schools and the Village of Tilley. Councillor I. Schroeder indicated that
Grasslands Public Schools has prepared a revised agreement.
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LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 3:08 p.m.
Councillor I. Schroeder indicated that the public meeting will help to alleviate
some resident concerns and provide information. The Chief Administrative
Officer reported that the Assistant Administrator has requested a meeting
with the Municipal Library Board. Discussion followed.
C-278/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that any Councillor be permitted to
attend the Public Meeting at the Tilley Community Hall on September 10, 2013
as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held.
14. IN CAMERA
C-279/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we move in camera at 3:15 p.m.
to discuss a legal issue.
MOTION CARRIED
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor L. Juss returned at 3:20 p.m.
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor A.M. Philipsen left the meeting at 3:45 p.m.
C-280/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that we move out of camera at
3:50 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
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15. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at
3:50 p.m.
Signed this / day of Ij;/,,i/_is 0% , 2013
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