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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-12-19 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF Regular Council December 19, 2013 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, December 19, 2013 commencing at 11:20 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Phillipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services M. Fenske, Manager of Finance K. Martin, Manager of Fire & Emergency Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Dumont, Brooks & County Chronicle R. Busch, Alberta Energy Regulator 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:20 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. • Regular Council December 19,2013 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes - Council (December 5, 2013) C-403/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the December 5, 2013 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-404/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR T. FYFE that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 7. DELEGATIONS a. Alberta Energy Regulator - Rhonda Busch (11:00 a.m.) R. Busch provided background information on Alberta Energy Regulator and their mandate. She provided an overview of the phases of implementation with focus on notice of application, statements of concern, and publication of decisions. She also explained the private surface agreements registry, eligibility requirements, and compliance and enforcement. R. Busch explained Alberta Energy Regulator's responsibilities under the Public Lands Act and the Mines & Minerals Act. She also provided an overview of two bulletins related to abandoned wells and setbacks from sour facilities. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. Busch explained that Alberta Energy Regulator was previously known as the Energy Resources Conservation Board (ERCB). The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) is a separate entity that deals with agriculture. R. Bush responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING R. Busch left the meeting at 11:56 a.m. Page 2 of 13 Regular Council December 19,2013 6. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1780-13 - Inter Municipal Development Plan (Duchess) The Director of Corporate Services requested that this item be removed from the agenda. b. Bylaw 1783-13 -Tax Rate (Scandia Water&Waste Water Upgrades) The Manager of Finance presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-405/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Bylaw 1783-13, being a bylaw to authorize the County of Newell to impose a Local Improvement Tax in respect of all lands that directly benefit from the "Hamlet of Scandia Water & Waste Water Upgrades" Local improvement Project, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-406/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1783-13 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-407/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR K. CHRISTMAN that consent be given for Bylaw 1783-13 to receive third reading this 19th day of December, 2013. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-408/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR T. FYFE that Bylaw 1783-13 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED c. Bylaw 1785-13 Tax Rate (Scandia Waste Water Lagoon & Lift Station) The Manager of Finance requested that this item be removed from the agenda. d. Bylaw 1787-13 Tax Rate (Rolling Hills Lift Station Replacement) The Manager of Finance presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. -5 Page 3 of 13 ` Regular Council December 19,2013 C-409/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1787-13, being a bylaw to authorize the County of Newell to impose a local improvement tax in respect of all lands that directly benefit from the "Hamlet of Rolling Hills Lift Station Replacement" Local Improvement Project, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-410/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Bylaw 1787-13 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-411/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR E. UNRUH that consent be given for Bylaw 1787-13 to receive third reading this 19th day of December, 2013. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-412/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1787-13 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED e. Bylaw 1784-13 Borrowing (Scandia Water&Waste Water Upgrades) The Manager of Finance presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-413/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1784-13, being a bylaw to authorize the County of Newell to incur indebtedness by the issuance of debentures in the amount of $721,064.00 for the purpose of financing the "Hamlet of Scandia Water&Waste Water Upgrades" Local Improvement Project, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-414/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR E. UNRUH that Bylaw 1784-13 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-415/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. HAMMERGREN that consent be given for Bylaw 1784-13 to receive third reading this 19th day of December, 2013. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-416/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1784-13 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 13 Regular Council December 19,2013 f. Bylaw 1786-13 Borrowing (Scandia Waste Water Lagoon & Lift Station) The Manager of Finance requested that this item be removed from the agenda. g. Bylaw 1788-13 Borrowing (Rolling Hills Lift Station Replacement) The Manager of Finance presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-417/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1788-13, being a bylaw to authorize the County of Newell to incur indebtedness by the issuance of debentures in the amount of $183,076.00 for the purpose of financing the "Hamlet of Rolling Hills Lift Station Replacement" Local Improvement Project, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-418/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR T. FYFE that Bylaw 1788-13 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-419/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that consent be given for Bylaw 1788-13 to receive third reading this 19th day of December, 2013. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-420/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR K. CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1788-13 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:07 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS b. Policy Review -2013-FES-002 (Tilley Fire Hydrants) The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He provided an overview of the issues identified with the fire hydrant system in Tilley and his recommendations. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services responded to questions regarding the Rolling Hills Fire Hydrant policy. Councillor Page 5 of 13 Regular Council December 19,2013 G. Simpson indicated that he had met recently with the Tilley Fire Department and that they were aware of the limitations with the Tilley hydrants and backup pump system. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that MPE Engineering had provided recommendations for water and sewer infrastructure upgrades and that an application has been submitted for funding under the Alberta Municipal Water & Wastewater Partnership. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services responded to further questions from Council. C-421113 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR G. SIMPSON that Policy 2013-FES-002 (Tilley Fire Hydrants) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed regarding the backup power supply for the pump system and whether or not similar situations exist in the other hamlets. The Chief Administrative Officer and Manager of Fire & Emergency Services responded to questions from Council. C-422/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that staff be authorized to prepare a plan on the cost of providing a power backup supply to the pump house and bring this plan back to Council for approval and discussion. MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed regarding the current gasoline powered fire pump in Tilley. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services outlined his concerns with the pump. Council directed the Manager of Fire & Emergency Services to leave the pump as is until more information is gathered regarding other options. LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 1:57 p.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS a. Policy Review -Agricultural Services Policies The Director of Agricultural Services presented background information on this item, including an overview of changes made to the policies. Council suggested an amendment to policy 2013-PAG-004. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council. C-423/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Policy 2008-PAG-015 (Role of ASB Member) be RESCINDED; �� Page 6 of 13 Regular Council December 19,2013 further, that Policy 2013-PAG-004 (Operation of the Agricultural Service Board) be adopted as amended; further, that the following policies be ADOPTED as presented: • 2013-PAG-027 (Pest Control) • 2013-PAG-032 (Sale of Strychnine & Phostoxin Tablets) • 2013-PAG-011 (Rabies Support) • 2013-PAG-028 (Seed Cleaning Plant Inspections). MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING K. Christman left the meeting at 2:04 p.m. and returned at 2:05 p.m. T. Green left the meeting at 2:05 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED a. 2014 Interim Budget The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item, indicating that mill rates will be determined in March 2014. The Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council. C-424/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. HAMMERGREN that the 2014 Interim Budget be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske and Councillor A.M. Phillipsen left the meeting at 2:14 p.m. c. County of Newell/Bassano Fire Committee Agreement The Director of Corporate Services presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen returned at 2:16 p.m. C-425/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR K. CHRISTMAN that Kelly Christman (Councillor - Division 6) and Councillor A.M. Philipsen be appointed to the Bassano & Newell Fire & Emergency Services Committee. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 13 1 Regular Council December 19,2013 d. Newell 9-1-1 Dispatch Association Bylaws The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. This item was accepted as information. e. Grasslands Regional Family& Community Support Services (FCSS) - Amended Agreement The Director of Corporate Services presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-426/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the amended Grasslands Regional FCSS agreement be approved as circulated. MOTION CARRIED f. Subdivision & Development Appeal Board (SDAB) -Appointment of Alternate Members at Large The Director of Corporate Services presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed and Council provided direction to administration to approach former members of Aft Council and determine whether or not they would like to be considered for appointment as alternate members at large to the Subdivision & Development Appeal Board. g. Set Date -Joint County/Eastern Irrigation District Council indicated that the preferred date would be February 6, 2013 in the evening. Potential topics for discussion include continued support for the County/EID Drainage Partnership and paving Highway 873. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin arrived at 2:26 p.m. h. Councillor Payment Sheets (November 2013) Councillor C. Amulung responded to questions from Council. C-427/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR K. CHRISTMAN that the November 2013 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 13 Regular Council ,,December 19,2013 i. Cheques for Payment The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-428/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that cheque 177073 in the amount of $1,093,717.11 and cheque 177074 in the amount of $473,386.15 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED j. Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-429/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS a. Tender Award - Fuel The Director of Municipal Services presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of setting up a bulk fill station. C-430/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the tender for the supply and delivery of all fuel to the County of Newell for the calendar year of 2014 be awarded to South Country Co-op Ltd. MOTION CARRIED b. Discussion Topics for Meeting with D. Camplin (AB Transportation) on Jan. 9, 2014 The Director of Municipal Services presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council suggested several topics for discussion, including paving Highway 873 and 876, Fisher Bridge, resurfacing three-digit highways, drainage routes crossing two- and three- digit highways, the four-way stop at Rosemary, an update on the gravelock system applied to Highway 525, and recent communication improvements. LEFT THE MEETING L M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 2:58 p.m. Page 9 of 13 Regular Council December 19,2013 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Crime Stoppers Board/Rural Crime Watch/Safe Communities Committee Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report and indicated that there had been a discussion at the Safe Communities Committee meeting regarding an open house for the public to come forward with suggestions for crime reduction. Council indicated their support for this open house. b. Duchess & Patricia Fire Committee Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report. c. Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor C. Amulung indicated that he had attended the annual FCSS meeting in Edmonton and reported on the highlights. d. Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor C. Amulung and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. e. Joint Services/IMDP Committee Councillor B. de Jong reported on the highlights of the most recent Joint Services/IMDP meeting, which included the grant approved for the Southwest Sewer Study, recruitment and retention of physicians, and Brooks Public Library funding levels. Discussion followed regarding the City's proposed resolution regarding infrastructure deficit funding and whether to support this during the next meeting of the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that a per capita formula with a minimum value would be preferable as per capita only does not work for rural areas. Discussion followed regarding submitting a formal resolution or trying to generate discussion. Councillor B. de Jong suggested replacing 'per capita' with 'net infrastructure debt.' The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. C-431/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that, WHEREAS the infrastructure deficit and long term debt of Alberta municipalities continues to grow; S.) - AND WHEREAS municipalities have limited revenue sources to fund this Page 10 of 13 Regular Council December 19,2013 infrastructure deficit; AND WHEREAS the Alberta Association of Urban Municipalities recently passed a similar motion at their 2013 Annual Convention. AND WHEREAS the MSI capital program is a welcome program that helps address a small portion of municipal infrastructure deficits, but it is not sufficient to eliminate this deficit; AND WHEREAS a 1% increase in the provincial income tax rate generates approximately$1.5 billion; THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties urge the Provincial government to implement a 1% increase in the Provincial income tax rate and distribute this funding as an unconditional transfer payment to municipalities for infrastructure replacement AND FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties urge the Provincial government to maintain the existing MSI capital program utilizing its existing funding criteria; fund it annually as originally intended at $1.4 billion; and institute it as an ongoing program. MOTION CARRIED ' ° Councillor K. Christman requested that a copy of the resolution be distributed to Council. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor K. Christman left the meeting at 3:44 p.m. and returned at 3:45 p.m. f. Newell Foundation Councillor G. Simpson reported on the highlights of a recent meeting involving the proposed Bassano facility. g. Newell Recycling Association/Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority/SAEWA Councillor L. Juss reported on recent meetings he attended of the Newell Recycling Association and Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Alliance. h. Oldman River Regional Services Commission Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report. kfirof Page 11 of 13 /� Regular Council December 19,2013 i. Red Deer River Municipal Users Group Councillor W. Hammergren indicated that he had attended a meeting in Drumheller in November where they discussed a new oil sands monitoring program and a proposed irrigation system. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS a. Mini Bus Monthly Report (November 2013) This item was accepted as information. b. Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. c. Post-Election Report (Returning Officer) This item was accepted as information. d. Duchess Soccer Centre Councillor B. de Jong distributed updated drawings. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor B. de Jong asked whether horizontally-drilled wells are assessed based on the number of wells or the number of tubes involved. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he would obtain the answer from the County Assessor. Councillor W. Hammergren asked about the possibility of a tour where significant areas of the County are pointed out to Council. /� . (k) Page 12 of 13 Regular Council December 19,2013 iom- 15. IN CAMERA C-432/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR E. UNRUH that we move in camera at 3:58 p.m. to discuss a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C-433/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that we move out of camera at 4:22 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:22 p.m. Signed this' day of . AAi of i1R , 2014 Reeve ,o;1 • nt Administrator Page 13 of 13 J