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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-06-05 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL June 5, 2014 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, June 5, 2014 commencing at 11:12 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: G. Simpson A.M. Phillipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: C. Amulung STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development G. Scott, Planner- ORRSC T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services M. Gietz, Manager of Planning & Development W. Slenders, Market Researcher A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Dumont, Brooks & County Chronicle C. Waddle, Ratepayer R. Juska, Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority 1 County Ratepayer in attendance 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:12 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-191/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Councillor C. Amulung be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 1/')(\:\O Regular Council June 5,2014 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes -Council (2014-05-22) The following changes were made to the May 22, 2014 Council Meeting minutes: Page 6 - Item 10.7 - should read "..they toured and discussed Blackfoot Crossing," C-192/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the May 22, 2014 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-193/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 6. BYLAWS 6.1 Bylaw 1799-14 - 14 LUA 001 (SE 18-19-15-W4 -A to SLA) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor T. Fyfe indicated that she had received concerns from adjacent landowners regarding the agricultural- residential balance, access, and the potential for further subdivision. C-194/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1799-14, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 3.04 acres (1.23 hectares) in SE 18-19-15-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SLA - Single Lot Agricultural District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 7. DELEGATIONS 7.1 Newell Regional Economic Development Initiative The Manager of Economic Development provided Council with an overview of the priorities of the Newell Regional Economic Development Initiative. The first priority is completing the update of opportunitynewell.com, a website for business attraction, retention, and expansion. The Market Researcher provided an overview of the sites in the Newell Network and their statistics. The three websites (opportunitynewell.corn, visitnewell.corn, and livenewell.com) are linked to simplysouthernalberta.com. The Manager of Economic Development indicated that funding from the Regional Collaboration Grant program had been used to develop these websites. Page 2 of 8 1 Regular Council June 5,2014 The Manager of Economic Development provided an update on the local business database. A report has been presented to the Village of Duchess Council regarding local businesses and Bassano will be next. The Manager of Economic Development provided an overview of the business statistics gathered, indicating that, ideally, businesses would be plotted on a map to show common areas. The Manager of Economic Development provided an update on several partnership programs that NREDI is involved in, including the loan program for local business improvements and the Shop Local program, both of which have been successful. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor E. Unruh indicated that the Mayor of Rosemary was interested in the local business reporting. The Manager of Economic Development indicated that a system must be developed to gather business information from Brooks, which is larger than the other communities, and for the County of Newell and Rosemary, which do not issue business licenses. The Manager of Economic Development provided information on the development of an online culture and indicated that the NREDI board had approved funding to hire a summer student to assist with website content. Councillor K. Christman asked about walk-in traffic and other non-online interactions. The Manager of Economic Development replied that most new outside businesses gather information online and base decisions on that. The Manager of Economic Development and the Market Researcher responded to questions from Council regarding the network of websites and the administrator contacts. LEFT THE MEETING M. Gietz and W. Slenders left the meeting at 11:48 a.m. 7.2 Request for Tax Deadline Extension C. Waddle thanked Council and staff who attended the Scandia Hamlet Advisory Committee Meeting on June 4, 2014. The community has identified the need for improved communication and regular meetings of the Hamlet Advisory Board. C. Waddle requested an extension of the tax deadline to September 15, 2014 for the residents of Scandia to allow them to pay for the local improvement. She provided background information, indicating that there are several large families and that literacy is an issue. On June 25, 2014 a meeting will be held to elect the Hamlet Advisory Committee and they will determine an amount to be added to the tax roll so that reserve funds can be established. Discussion followed regarding the .tax penalties that are applied after June 15. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council regarding the financial impact to the County. Discussion followed regarding deferring the penalty for the local improvement portion of taxes for Scandia residents. It was noted that, after the June 16 penalty of 3%, the next penalty of 8% is applied November 16 and that ratepayers can make their own decisions regarding whether to pay their taxes on time. Page 3 of 8 Regular Council June 5,2014 LEFT THE MEETING C. Waddle left the meeting at 12:00 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:59 p.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 1:12 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.2 Subdivision Extension Request -2013-0-049 (NW 32-17-14-W4) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. (1111) C-195/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the request for a time extension to subdivision application 2013-0-049 be APPROVED for one year to June 5, 2015. MOTION CARRIED 9.1 Installation of Telecom Towers -Current Process & Roles The Manager of Planning & Development presented background information on this item, indicating that a representative from Rogers Communications has offered to speak further with Council, if required. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong expressed concerns regarding the proposals not being submitted to the Municipal Planning Commission as stated in Section 6 of Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 and the advertising requirements. The Manager of Planning & Development replied that advertising requirements had been discussed and it was determined that information would be provided directly to adjacent landowners. Further discussion has occurred with the land agents and they are willing to advertise the proposals in local newspapers. Councillor B. de Jong suggested that an advertising requirement be added in a future Land Use Bylaw amendment. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Juska arrived at 1:19 p.m. Page 4 of 8 Regular Council June 5,2014 The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that a list of text amendments is being prepared. She responded to questions from Council regarding the requirement for tower proposals to make a submission to MPC, indicating that proposals had been submitted as information items. Previously, if the proposal met all requirements under Schedule 6 of Land Use Bylaw 1755-12, the Manager of Planning & Development has provided the letter of concurrence. Discussion followed and Council requested that all proposals for telecom towers be presented to MPC. The County Planner responded to questions regarding the process followed by other municipalities with regards to telecom towers. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and G. Scott left the meeting at 1:35 p.m. 7. DELEGATIONS -CONTINUED 7.3 Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority R. Juska provided statistics on solid waste generation in Canada, a history of the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority, and an overview of operating and capital projects that are planned for 2014. He displayed a map showing the transfer stations, which were sited based on population centres. He displayed a photo of the landfill. The industrial cell generates most of the revenue and they plan to build another industrial cell this year. Currently, a study FOP is underway to determine how much methane is being produced. R. Juska gave an overview of rural collection sites and recycling facilities. He provided an explanation of various types of plastic waste items and how plastic agricultural waste in particular is being dealt with. R. Juska noted that, when the NRSWMA was formed, each member was given veto ability. Since the NRSWMA bylaws and articles of association must be changed with the dissolution of the Village of Tilley, he asked the County of Newell to consider removing the veto ability for members. R. Juska responded to questions from Council regarding burning barrels, solid waste generation statistics of the County compared to other municipalities in Alberta, and the Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association. LEFT THE MEETING R. Juska left the meeting at 2:27 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS -CONTINUED 9.3 Newell Regional Services Commission/County Services Agreement The Director of Corporate Services presented background information on this item. Newell Regional Services Commission will continue to operate the water and sanitary sewer systems, recovering full costs for the services they provide. The Director of Corporate Services and Councillor B. de Jong responded to questions from Council. -if\p Page 5 of 8 Regular Council June 5,2014 C-196/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that the Newell Regional Services 0 Corporation Water & Waste Water Operations & Billing Agreement be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Meeting with Grasslands Public Schools (June 19, 2014) - Discussion of Agenda Items Council suggested several agenda items, including an overview of the process for church schools at the provincial level, an update on the regional transportation project, an update on the new school in the Uplands area, and school grounds as public parks and the costs for which municipalities were asked to provide assistance. 9.5 Proclamation - National Health & Fitness Day C-197/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the County of Newell hereby proclaims June 7, 2014 as National Health & Fitness Day in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 2:35 p.m. 9.6 Proclamation - National Aboriginal Day (June 21, 2014) C-198/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the County of Newell hereby proclaims June 21, 2014 as National Aboriginal Day in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 9.7 Cheques for Payment C-199/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that cheque 178388 in the amount of$679,632.66 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 9.8 Payment Register C-200/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 2:38 p.m. \ 3 Page 6 of 8 Regular Council June 5,2014 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council regarding the old public works building, west Antelope Creek Road, and complaints regarding the road construction from Duchess to Patricia. 10.2 Utilities - NRSC Report The Utilities-NRSC Report was presented to Council. C-201/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for May 2014 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Tender Award - Rosemary Treated Water Pipeline Reconstruction (NRSC) Councillor B. de Jong provided background information on this item, indicating that the tender results were presented to the Newell Regional Services Commission Board of Directors last night for approval. 02/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the Newell Regional Services Corporation Rosemary Treated Water Pipeline - Reconstruction (Phase 2 - Contract 2 - Completion 2) tender to Brooks Asphalt &Aggregate Ltd. for the tendered price of$2,338,394.00 plus GST. MOTION CARRIED 11.2 EID Historical Park - Request for Support for Permanent Liquor License Councillor W. Hammergren provided background information on this item. Councillor W. Hammergren and the Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-203/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that a letter be written in support of the EID Historical Park's application for a permanent liquor license for the Scandia/Jenner CPR Station Theatre. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Community of Leaders Collaboration Workshop Councillor G. Simpson requested clarification on the attendees for the Community of Leaders Collaboration Workshop scheduled for June 22-25, 2014 in Banff, AB. Reeve M. Douglass provided an update. A list of ten plus three alternate individuals who had attended the March 31, 2014 Community Collaboration forum was sent to the coordinators. Reeve M. Douglass, Councillor T. Fyfe, and Councillor E. Unruh were also on that list, but it was later determined that there was only budget for ten participants. Discussion followed Page 7 of 8 Regular Council June 5,2014 and it was noted that the two Councillors are welcome to attend, but the County 0 would be responsible for the cost of meals and accommodation. Discussion followed. C-204/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell agrees to pay only the cost of accommodation and meals at a rate of$262.00 per person per night for Councillor T. Fyfe and Councillor E. Unruh to attend the Community of Leaders Collaboration Workshop in Banff, AB June 22-25, 2014. MOTION CARRIED 12. INFORMATION ITEMS There were no information items to discuss. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 14. IN CAMERA C-205/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move in camera at 3:15 p.m. to discuss a legal issue and a labour issue. MOTION CARRIED C-206/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of camera at 3:43 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-207/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council accepts the recommendation of the Chief Administrative Officer and APPROVES a salary budget adjustment reducing Account 2-64-2290-000-000 by $16,000.00 and adding $16,000.00 to 2-64-2111-000-000 for the purposes of hiring a summer student in the Economic Development department. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:53 p.m. Signed this 1 G1 day of �—...�' CM,�•Q, , 2014 Reeve ••- t Administrator fi Page 8 of 8