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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-10-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL October 10, 2019 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, October 10, 2019 commencing at 10:31 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: M. Douglass, Reeve 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 M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development M. Fenske, Manager of Finance M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation C. Chahal, CIBC J. Hobson, CIBC 1. 2. 3. C-322/19 4. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:31 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (September 19, 2019) MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the September 19, 2019 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. U'W Regular Council October 10, 2019 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-323/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE 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. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Planning & Development Report The Supervisor of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding solar power developments in the County. C-324/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Planning & Development Report for October 2019 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Road Closure & LEASE - Approval to Proceed (SE 8-14-13-W4 & E 5-14-13-W4) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-325/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that approval be given to proceed with a road closure and LEASE of lands adjacent to SE 8 and E 5-14-13-W4 to facilitate the current irrigation farming operation. MOTION CARRIED 10.3 Draft Intermunicipal Development Plan (Village of Rosemary) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. An open house meeting was held on September 19, 2019 and the majority of those in attendance preferred the 0.5-mile Intermunicipal Development Plan boundary. The Supervisor of Planning & Development gave an overview of the referral process for development within that area. The IDP Committee will consist of two members from the County and two members from the Village of Rosemary and meetings will be held as required. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed regarding the requirements for quorum. The Supervisor of Planning & Development indicated that the IDP Committee would make recommendations and both Councils make the final decisions on development. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council October 10, 2019 ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Fenske, C. Chahal, and J. Hobson arrived at 10:51 a.m. Council requested the following amendments: • Article 2.4.4 "...All development fronting onto Highway 550 and the IDP area shall be designed to create a positive impression of the Village and the County of Newell... " • Articles 6.1.11 and 6.1.15 are duplicates. • Article 6.1.13 "The IDP Committee... shall be a working committee consisting of two (2) members from each Council. " • Article 6.3.1 (iv) - change "City" to "Village. " The Supervisor of Planning & Development and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. C-326/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council supports the Draft Intermunicipal Development Plan (Rosemary) document with the amendments discussed and provides direction to proceed to the first reading of the bylaw. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 10:59 a.m. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley responded to questions regarding flow emitters, indicating that the parts are available from local hardware stores. The Chief Administrative Officer stressed the importance of ensuring the systems are inspected if the potable water -users are going to be permitted to change out their own water control and regulating equipment. K Steinley replied that NRSC staff will check the systems when they get the request to turn the water back on. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:07 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Economic Update/Portfolio Review - CIBC Wood Gundy Investm nt Advisors The Manager of Finance introduced C. Chahal and J. Hobson, CIBC ood Gundy Investment Advisors and Portfolio Managers for the County of Newell. Page 3 of 9 Regular Council October 10, 2019 J. Hobson provided an overview of Canada's growth outlook. While there is the possibility of a recession, the forecast is that growth will continue at a slower rate. He gave information regarding the provincial outlook including statistics on the labour market, housing, and business investment. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson arrived at 11:21 a.m. J. Hobson explained the Canadian Yield Curve chart, which shows the interest rates on three different types of investments over different terms and provided a comparison of household savings to debt ratios over the years, suggesting that lower interest rates encourage people to incur more debt and save less. C. Chahal provided an overview of the growth outlook for the United States and some contributing factors. He provided information on the trade war with China and how this affects the markets. J. Hobson provided an update on the County's investments, indicating that they have been performing well. He suggested some changes to the County's Investment Policy to reduce constraints and allow more flexibility. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. J. Hobson responded to questions regarding returns from bank bonds versus provincial bonds. The Manager of Finance responded to further questions regarding the proposed Investment Policy Changes. LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske, C. Chahal, and J. Hobson left the meeting at 11:42 a.m. C-327/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:43 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 1960-19 Road Closure & SALE (Various Locations) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:43 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Supervisor of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1960-19. The intent of this bylaw is to close and SELL those portions of government road allowance between the NE 1-14-14W4M and the NW 6-14-13W4M, the SE 1-14-14W4M and the SW 6-14-13W4M, the NE 36-13-14W4M and the NW 31-13-13-W4. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background �jo information on this item. A copy of the document had been circulated to all Page 4 of 9 Regular Council October 10, 2019 adjacent landowners as well as to a list of affected agencies. No responses were received from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the required referrals and none have indicated any objections. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Supervisor of Planning & Development indicated on the map that the red line is road allowance that is already closed. The yellow line indicates the portions of road allowance that will be closed by Bylaw 1960-19 and then consolidated with the adjacent parcels to facilitate the current farming operation. C-328/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:50 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 1960-19 Road Closure & SALE (Various Locations) C-329/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1960-19, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and transferring portions of a public roadway described as all those portions of government road allowance between the NE 1-14-14W4M and the NW 6-14-13-W4M, the SE 1-14-14W4M and the SW 6-14-13W4M, the NE 36-13-14W4M and the NW 31-13-13-W4 forming part of Lot 2, Block 1, Plan containing 2.41 hectares (5.96 acres) more or less, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:51 a.m. 8.2 Bylaw 1961-19 Municipal Emergency Management The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, including an overview of the significant changes. After Bylaw 1961-19 has been given first reading, it will be forwarded to the divisional Fire Chiefs for review. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that members of the Emergency Advisory Committee will have to receive training and are required to participate in annual emergency management exercises. A training session has been scheduled for October 23, 2019 at the Brooks Fire Hall. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the members of the Emergency Advisory Committee and the Municipal Emergency Management Agency. Elected officials are not members of the Municipal Emergency Management Agency, separating planning activities from management of actual emergencies. The Director of Corpo to Services responded to further questions from Council. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council October 10, 2019 C-330/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1961-19, being a bylaw for the purpose of appointing an Emergency Advisory Committee and establishing and maintaining a Municipal Emergency Management Agency, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:46 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 12:46 p.m. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 11.1 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. C-331/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for September 2019 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Rural Municipalities of Alberta Fall 2019 Convention - Meetings with Ministers The Executive Assistant provided Council with an update on attempts to schedule meetings with Ministers during the RMA Fall 2019 Convention. No response has been received from the Minister of Community & Social Services. Municipal Affairs will respond the week of October 28, 2019 regarding meeting schedules. Environment & Parks has requested additional information. Reeve M. Douglass requested that Provincial Parks budgets and funding for programs be added to the list of discussion topics for the Minister of Environment & Parks, indicating that the issue had been discussed during the October 8, 2019 Joint Services Committee meeting. Councillor T. Fyfe provided background information on this item. Councillor B. de Jong will provide the Executive Assistant with background information on Watershed Planning & Advisory Councils and work with the Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering to draft background information on wetlands and storm drains. The Executive Assistant was directed to invite MLA M. G/asgo to any meetings with Ministers during the RMA Fag 2019 Convention. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council October 10, 2019 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.6 Cheques for Payment C-332/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that electronic payment EFT0005053 in the amount of $451,733.69 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Payment Register C-333/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.2 Perini Subdivision - Speed Limit Reduction Request Councillor T. Fyfe provided background information on this item, indicating that residents of the Perini Subdivision are requesting that the speed limit be reduced from 50km/h to 30km/h to improve safety as there are children in the area. The Director of Municipal Services provided further information, indicating that Bylaw 1776-13 sets the speed limit at 50km/h for all Hamlets, subdivisions, and service roads unless otherwise posted. He noted that the speed limit in Westland Acres is 30km/h and it is 40km/h in some Hamlets. The Director of Municipal Services reported that speed monitoring devices were installed in the Perini Subdivision, but the data gathered was incorrect. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services indicated that the Mortensen Subdivision has a 30km/h speed limit. Councillor T. Fyfe responded to questions from Council, indicating that the ratepayer who was going to attend this meeting was going to bring a letter from the residents as a formal request. This item will be brought back to a future Council meeting for further discussion when traffic data and a written request from the subdivision residents is available. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:19 p.m. 8. BYLAWS — continued 8.3 Bylaw 1962-19 Dividing the Non -Residential Assessment Class into Sub -Classes The Manager of Finance Provided background information on this item, indicating that dividing the non-residential assessment classes into subclasses allows for a dynamic strategy to respond to the anticipated changes in assessment. He explained that business information is not currently being collected. When a Home Occupation Permit is issued, the County Assessor will look at the property and determine which portion should be assessed commercial. Discussion followed. The Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council, indicating that the tax rate applied can be the same for the different non -reside ial classes. He indicated that it is beneficial to identify small bus* esses. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council October 10, 2019 Manager of Finance explained the timelines associated with passing these bylaws and gathering information. Council suggested that 'employee' be defined in the form that is mailed out requesting business information. C-334/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1962-19, being a bylaw for the purpose of authorizing Council to divide assessment class 2 — non-residential into sub -classes, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.4 Bylaw 1963-19 Small Business Properties C-335/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1963-19, being a bylaw for the purpose of authorizing Council to classify small business properties accordingly into non- residential sub -classes, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.4 Policy Review - 2019-PAD-032 Investment The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-336/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Policy 2019-PAD-032 (Investment) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 1:45 p.m. 10.6 Letter from Ratepayer -Discontinued Amalgamation Talks between the County of Newell and the City of Brooks Discussion followed with no Council member expressing any concerns that Reeve M. Douglass did not follow the desires of Council. A concern was expressed acknowledging that the discussion was not recorded in the minutes and that the author of the letter was not aware of what transpired. It was noted that Council's decision was to proceed with investigating the possibilities of regional government and that this message had been communicated throughout the process. Administration pointed out that most letters that are sent from the Reeve or Administration are not formally approved or referenced in meeting minutes. Administration indicated that could be something done for future letters, if so desired by Council. Council indicated that outgoing correspondence on the regionalization/amalgamation exploration project will no longer be provided as the investigation phase of the project has been cancelled. The focus will shift to finalizing the IDP's and ICF's with Rosemary, Duchess, and Brooks. C-337/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that this letter be accepted as inf a(r_n1Ntion. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 9 Regular Council October 10, 2019 10.8 Requests for Functions of Council 10.8.1 Alberta Energy Regulator Workshop (October 3, 2019) Councillor B. de Jong reported that he attended this workshop in place of Councillor B. Brewin as the representative from the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association. C-338/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Councillor B. de Jong be permitted to attend the Alberta Energy Regulator workshop on October 3, 2019 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.8.2 Emergency Management Training for Elected Officials (October 23, 2019) C-339/19 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Emergency Management Training for Municipal Elected Officials course in Brooks, AB on October 23, 2019 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 2020 Fortis Alberta Proposed Rate Changes This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 14. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:00 p.m. Signed this Jday of C)C�� '2019 Reeve Count;''dministrator Page 9 of 9