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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-09 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL May 9, 2019 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, May 9, 2019 commencing at 10:44 a.m. MEMBERS Molly Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung H. Kallen A.M. Philipsen 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 A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC E. Graham, ORRSC S. Simpson, Development Officer G. Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services M. Fenske, Manager of Finance T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: C. Bews, Brooks Bulletin K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation B. Shantz, Medicine Hat Crown Prosecutor 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:44 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (April 25, 2019) The Executive Assistant responded to questions from Council. Regular Council May 9, 2019 C-165/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the April 25, 2019 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-166/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented the Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. K. Steinley responded to questions regarding pump house generators. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:52 a.m. 11.2 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 regarding water meters and the Water Act Approval for the North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan. He provided an update on Council's request to survey rural water users who are paying the idle service fee to determine why they have not hooked up yet, indicating that there would be a wide variety of responses. He asked if Council was more interested in locating areas for future expansion of the system. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding users who have hooked up without registering, indicating that having meters collecting usage data for each user will help with monitoring. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the number of dust abatement applications compared with last year, indicating that he would provide further information via e-mail. He also responded to questions regarding inspecting water lines on a regular basis for leaks. Reports showing maximum consumption versus average usage will help to identify where leaks could be occurring. Council suggested that physical inspection of lines be discussed in the Page 2 of 9 Regular Council May 9, 2019 future. The Director of Municipal Services responded to further questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING B. Shantz arrived at 11:17 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer provided further information regarding the Rural Water System. Meter numbers will be assigned to each rural water user. Service areas will be used to determine areas where there are no connections and to calculate the areas service capacity for future growth. Discussion followed regarding rural waterline inspections. The Director of Municipal Services indicated that the curbstops for users paying the idle service fee should be off. Curbstops are part of the County's infrastructure and can be accessed at any time by the County. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the power poles that must be moved as part of the SH876 paving project. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 11:25 a.m. C-167/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for April 2019 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Provincial Rural Crime Strategy B. Shantz provided background information on his role at the Medicine Hat Crown Prosecutor's Office. Resources have been allocated for rural crime prevention in Alberta and B. Shantz has been assigned to Bassano. He meets regularly with the Bassano RCMP Detachment to discuss their concerns and provide support. Two Crown Prosecutors have been assigned to the Brooks RCMP Detachment. B. Shantz provided information on the timelines that have been applied to crime proceedings, indicating that the Crown Prosecutors provide ongoing support to ensure that nothing is missed. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. B. Shantz responded to questions regarding average timelines for court cases and the appointment of provincial and Court of Queen's Bench judges. He responded to questions regarding education, indicating that he would follow up on Council's request for public education for rural property owners. B. Shantz responded to further questions from Council. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.2 Bow City Community Association Request - Cemetery Matter The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. The Bow City Cemetery is in the Commercial Cemetery Category and, as a Page 3 of 9 Regular Council May 9, 2019 result, must maintain a perpetual care fund for cemetery maintenance. They are also subject to regulatory reporting requirements. The Director of Corporate Services reported that the Bow City Community Association has confirmed that they will continue operating the Bow City Cemetery as they have in the past. The County of Newell would be the owner on the title, as is the case with the Patricia Cemetery. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the Bow City Cemetery is not very active, experiencing 2-3 burials per year. He indicated that he would determine the size of the parcel and whether there is room for expansion. Plot rates are set by the Bow City Community Association and the County of Newell would have no direct involvement with the cemetery. Maintenance and operation requirements will be written into the lease agreement for the Bow City Cemetery. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from Council. The proposed agreement for the Bow City Cemetery will be brought back to a future Council meeting for review. The Director of Corporate Services outlined the process, indicating that the Minister of Service Alberta must approve the transfer of ownership. Council asked that the Director of Corporate Services determine whether there are reporting requirements for municipally owned cemeteries. C-168/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Administration initiate the process for the transition of ownership of the Bow City Cemetery from the Bow City Community Association to the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING B. Shantz left the meeting at 12:06 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:06 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:50 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Wickert, D. Horvath, S. Simpson, and E. Graham arrived at 12:50 p.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 1952-19 - 19 LUA 004 (Lot 32, Block 2, Plan 1811029 & Block 2 Plan 17868A within SW 15-21-17-W4 - A to DC) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-169119 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Bylaw 1952-19, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 9.8 acres (3.96 hectares) in SW 15-21-17-W4 from A - Agricultural District to DC - Direct Control District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 9 Regular Council May 9, 2019 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.1 Planning & Development Report The Manager of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council. C-170/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Planning & Development Report for May 2019 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 14. IN CAMERA C-171/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 12:55 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Four (4) Land Matters - FOIPP Act Section 27. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 1:00 p.m. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert, D. Horvath, S. Simpson, E. Graham, and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 1:32 p.m. C-172/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of camera at 2:14 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.3 Former Village of Tilley Office The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. Councillor H. Kallen responded to questions from Council regarding the Tilley CATS. Discussion followed. C-173/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Administration proceed with working out the terms of an agreement with the Tilley CATS for the occupancy of the former Village of Tilley Office. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 Regionalization - Taxation Policy The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that the Regionalization Working Group will review the options at the next meeting on June 4, 2019. Council provided suggestions for taxation policy that included setting one rate for all commercial property and one rate for all Page 5 of 9 Regular Council May 9, 2019 residential property based on the level of services provided. They also suggested setting aside a percentage of commercial tax revenue for maintenance of roads used by the oil and gas industry. Another suggestion was to continue using the tax rates for different areas and work on reducing the highest rates as savings are realized. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, indicating that conditions can be included in the Ministerial Order to guarantee separation distance factors between the tax rates. The Manager of Finance provided further background information, indicating that the Municipal Government Act provides options for taxation. There is an opportunity to apply a lower commercial rate to small businesses and exempt machinery and equipment. He outlined some differences, comparing the County's flat rate for paving tax versus the City's method. The Manager of Finance provided information on the tax policies for other municipalities and outlined some scenarios for applying the same tax rates that would even out the higher tax rates over time when cost savings are realized. The Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council, indicating that the goal is a benefit for all partners. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested the following: • Keeping the existing tax rates for 3 years to allow for the transition period, with surplus monies saved to be set aside for future municipal initiatives or projects. After year 3, setting the initial taxation rates at 0 3.25 for rural residential and hamlets under a population of 1, 000 0 3.25 for farmland 0 6.5 for other residential and small commercial ratepayers (based on a set employee count), subject to a satisfactory business licensing program being implemented 0 8.125 for all other non-residential properties • As costs become known, moving future taxation policies based on a true costing model on where services are delivered. • Adopting a user fee philosophy to recoup 100% of certain municipal services costs such as water, sewer and waste management, where services are provided to a certain group of taxpayers within the municipality. • Adopting a recreation model where 25% of facility operations are funded through general taxation. • Utilizing a special taxation model for additional facility funding as may be required. • Setting a recreation "program" funding allocation for users to access through a budget/application process like the County has currently. • Funding recreation capital at 50% through general taxation, borrowing or reserves with the balance coming from grants, donations and other funding sources. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council May 9, 2019 He wrapped up by indicating this would provide tax savings for all ratepayers as compared to what they currently pay, while ensuring the region is very attractive from a taxation perspective moving forward." ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 2:52 p.m. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding recreation funding. LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 2:56 p.m. 10.4 Regionalization — Governance Council was presented with options for a regional governance model. Reeve M. Douglass provided further information, indicating that the Regionalization Working Group did not discuss specific boundaries and suggested that Bassano could have an elected official representing the Town and surrounding area. Discussion followed and Council indicated a preference for electing a Chief Elected Official from within the Council at the annual Organizational Meeting. They further suggested having five elected representatives from the City and five from the County, with one of the wards being Bassano and the surrounding area. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information on the government structure of Strathcona County. 10.6 Kinsmen Rodeo Pancake Breakfast (June 7, 2019) Council was provided with background information on this item. C-174/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we accept the invitation from the City of Brooks to participate in the Kinsmen Rodeo Pancake Breakfast being held on June 7, 2019 at 7:00 a.m.; further, that the County of Newell agrees to cover 50% of the costs. MOTION CARRIED 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. Emerson Bridge Park will be open next week. Weed inspector training will be held on June 5, 2019 in Rainier. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council May 9, 2019 9.2 Sale of House/Garage from Truck Route Property The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-175/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the 1994 mobile home and attached garage and deck be sold to Collin Christman for the agreed upon price of $15,200.00 as outlined in the offer to purchase and that all conditions in the offer to purchase be strictly followed. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Appointment of Maintenance Supervisor as a Weed & Pest Inspector The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-176/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we appoint Joseph Entz as an Inspector for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act and as an Inspector for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural Pests Act until such a time that his employment with the County of Newell ceases. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 11.3 Annual Road Tours The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and asked for feedback from Council on changing the format of the annual road tours. Discussion followed. Council suggested holding the road tours either before July or afterAugust and inviting Councillors from the other municipalities to participate. The tour would be held over the course of one day and include a list of stops identified by Council. The Director of Municipal Services and the Director of Agricultural Services will prepare an itinerary. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and T. Green left the meeting at 3:45 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.7 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 10.8 Payment Register C-177/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 9 Regular Council May 9, 2019 10.9 Requests for Functions of Council Reeve M. Douglass asked the members of the Emergency Management Committee to let the Manager of Fire & Emergency Services know whether they will be attending the Emergency Social Services workshop on May 24, 2019. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Update — Regionalization This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report (April 2019) This item was accepted as information. 13.3 Upcoming Community Events Councillor C. Amulung provided information regarding a HALO Rescue Fundraiser that will be held at the Rolling Hills School on May 15, 2019 starting at 11:00 a.m. 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Signed this 71ay of 2019 Reeve r te1 my Administrator Page 9 of 9