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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-02-06 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL February 6, 2020 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, February 6, 2020 commencing at 10:13 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 L. Kuiper, County Planner - ORRSC G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Fenske, Manager of Finance K. Halsted, County Assessor S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation N. Crosby, Brooks Bandits T. Yeaman, Brooks Bandits J. Mitchell, Brooks Bandits P. Seaton, Brooks Bandits M. Baxter, Canadian Natural Resources Limited D. Rosgen, Canadian Natural Resources Limited C. Scherger, Canadian Natural Resources Limited J. Aleman, Canadian Natural Resources Limited A. Davis, Interim CAO - Town of Bassano 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:13 a.m. i 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council February 6, 2020 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (January 9, 2020) C-15/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the January 9, 2020 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-16/20 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. 8. BYLAWS 8.3 Bylaw 1964-19 Intermunicipal Development Plan (Cypress County) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, including an overview of the amendments made to the Intermunicipal Development Plan document. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies arrived at 10:17 a.m. C-17/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1964-19, being a bylaw to adopt an Intermunicipal Development Plan between Cypress County and the County of Newell, be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 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. C 8/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Planning & Development Report for January 2020 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 11 Regular Council February 6, 2020 LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson, G. Tiffin, and L. Kuiper left the meeting at 10:20 a.m. 11.2 Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (Cypress County) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and provided an update on progress made with the ICF documents with Special Areas and Wheatland County. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-19/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Council APPROVES the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreement between the County of Newell and Cypress County as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Tender Award - Two (2) Light Duty Rescue Trucks The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-20/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the Two (2) Light Duty Rescue Trucks tender to Intercontinental Truck Body of Coaldale for the tendered price of $220,070.00 per truck. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 10:34 a.m. 11.7 Feedback Request from City of Brooks - Regional Recreation Board The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. A regional approach to recreation could help with long term capital items and establishing strategic plans, but the community organizations should be given the option of continuing to manage their own operations. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, indicating that the City had requested feedback during the Joint Municipal Meeting on December 18, 2019 but that he has not followed up with Bassano, Duchess, or Rosemary. He indicated that the CAO's had discussed the concept at their last meeting and the consensus was that the local groups should continue to be involved. Council indicated their interest in standardized rates and billing. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 10:46 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that drafting terms of reference for the Regional Recreation Board would be the first item for discussion if the municipalities agree to proceed. 0 Page 3 of 11 Regular Council February 6, 2020 C-21/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council confirms its interest in further exploring the creation of a Regional Recreation Board. MOTION CARRIED 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 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 recent issues and the number of endpoints on each line. ARRIVED AT MEETING N. Crosby, J. Mitchell, T. Yeaman, P. Seaton, and M. Jackson arrived at 10:57 a.m. K. Steinley responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:59 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Proposal - Highway Sign Recognizing the Brooks Bandits Councillor H. Kallen provided background information on this item. Council is proposing to erect signs along the highway entering Brooks recognizing the Brooks Bandits as national champions. P. Seaton provided a history of the Brooks Bandits, outlining their successes and offering thanks to the supportive community, volunteers, and staff. He also acknowledged the City and County for their recognition of the positive economic impact the Brooks Bandits have on the community and thanked Council for this initiative. Councillor H. Kallen provided further information, indicating that preliminary quotes and a sign proof have been obtained. Two landowners have agreed to the signs being placed on their land at no cost. Discussion followed and Council suggested that a total of four signs be installed - two on Highway 1 and two on Highway 36. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that the years shown on the sign include 2013 and 2019 and allow room for future years to be added, if the Bandits success continues, so the signs remain current for their full useful life. N. Crosby indicated that the Brooks Bandits are proud to represent the City and the County and thanked Council for recognizing the team. Tiffin and L. Kuiper arrived at 11:21 a.m. Page 4 of 11 Regular Council February 6, 2020 LEFT THE MEETING N. Crosby, J. Mitchell, T. Yeaman, and P. Seaton left the meeting at 11:22 a.m. Councillor H. Kallen responded to further questions regarding the sign quotes. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding sign material and suggested wood or aluminum panels for a sign of this size (4' x 8). The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding budget. Councillor H. Kallen and the Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering will gather further information regarding the preparation of four signs. C-22/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council APPROVES the purchase of four (4) signs in the amount of up to $10,000.00 to be placed at two locations along Highway 1 and two locations along Highway 36; subject to finding suitable land locations for the placement of the signs. MOTION CARRIED C-23/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move into Public Hearings at 11:32 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 1966-19 Road Closure & LEASE (Pt. SE 8-14-13-W4 & SW 9-14-13-W4; NE 5-14-13-W4 and NW 4-14-13-W4; SE 5-14-13-W4 and SW 4-14-13-W4) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:33 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 1966-19. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE the road allowance adjacent to E % 5-14-13-W4. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all 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. The Eastern Irrigation District has requested that the northernmost portion of the road be left open to provide access to NW 4-14-13-W4. The Supervisor of Planning & Development displayed a map showing this option, indicating that the landowner has agreed to the proposed option. Other referral agencies indicated no 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 Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, indicating that a leased road can be �a Page 5 of 11 Regular Council February 6, 2020 reopened at any time. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to further questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 11:38 a.m. 7.2 Bylaw 1967-19 Land Use Amendment 19 LUA 007 (Portions of 19-17-12-W4 - PS & A to RB) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:41 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 County Planner stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1967-19. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by rezoning approximately 32.18 acres (13.00 hectares) in portions of Section 19-17-12-W4 from PS - Public Service District and A — Agricultural District to RB - Rural Business District. The County Planner provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and to a list of affected agencies. No responses have been received from adjacent landowners. None of the affected agencies have indicated any objections. Alberta Transportation suggested that a permit would be required for access to the highway. 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. C-24/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:43 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS — continued 8.1 Bylaw 1966-19 Road Closure & LEASE (Pt. SE 8-14-13-W4 & SW 9-14-13-W4; NE 5-14-13-W4 and NW 4-14-13-W4; SE 5-14-13-W4 and SW 4-14-13-W4) C-25/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1966-19, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing and LEASING the road allowance adjacent to E'/2 5-14-13-W4 excluding the northernmost 30 meters, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 11 Regular Council February 6, 2020 8.2 Bylaw 1967-19 Land Use Amendment 19 LUA 007 (Portions of 19-17-12-W4 - PS & A to RB) C-26/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1967-19, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 32.18 acres (13.00 hectares) in portions of Section 19-17-12-W4 from PS - Public Service District and A — Agricultural District to RB - Rural Business District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-27/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1967-19 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (January 2020) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. He reported that strychnine is available until 2024. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Fenske arrived at 11:50 a.m. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council. Council suggested that the Agricultural Services video program be expanded to share positive stories about agriculture from around the County. C-28/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for January 2020 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:54 a.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.4 Assessment Model Review The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item including the timelines for stakeholder engagement and final decisions. He provided information regarding the stakeholder engagement committee, which includes representatives from Rural Municipalities of Alberta, Alberta Urban Municipalities Association, several oil and gas industry organizations, and the provincial government. The RMA is encouraging Municipal Affairs to directly engage each municipality before the final decisions are made. Discussion followed. The Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council regarding the financial impact to municipalities of the police costing model, indicating that the amount can be shown as a separate tax rate to indicate ho j much the initiative costs each ratepayer. He also responded to que ti I' Page 7 of 11 Regular Council February 6, 2020 regarding the County's reserves, indicating that they are not unreasonable based on what is needed for our long-term financial plan. The Chief Administrative Officer stated that the County is well down the list for Net Financial Assets to Net Municipal Tax Levy as compared to all other municipalities in Alberta. Discussion followed regarding the letters and the Manager of Finance indicated that the goal would be a meeting with Municipal Affairs and the RMA to get some detailed information and then ongoing communication. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the members on the stakeholder engagement committee. C-29/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council sends letters to the Assistant Deputy Minister of Municipal Assessment & Grants and the Rural Municipalities of Alberta requesting that the County of Newell be directly involved in stakeholder engagement regarding the Assessment Model Review. MOTION CARRIED 11.5 Restricted Surplus Review & Approval of Year End Transfers The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-30/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the year-end transfer of unrestricted net assets to the restricted surplus funds as proposed by Finance be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 12:21 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:21 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Rosgen, M. Baxter, J. Aleman, C. Scherger, M. Fenske, and K. Halsted arrived at 1:05 p.m. 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.2 Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. D. Rosgen indicated that the purpose of their presentation was to update Council on Canadian Natural Resources Ltd., raise awareness of industry challenges, ensure the sustainability ofjobs and small businesses, and find ways to collaborate and reduce costs. D. Rosgen requested that Council move in camera for the remainder of the presentation. Page 8 of 11 Regular Council February 6, 2020 C-31/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that we move in camera at 1:14 p.m. to discuss the following matters: Business Interests of a Third Party - FOIPP Act Section 16. MOTION CARRIED C-32/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 2:15 p.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Rosgen, M. Baxter, J. Aleman, C. Scherger, and K. Halsted left the meeting at 2:15 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Davis arrived at 2:15 p.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.6 ICF Recreation Capital Funding - Town of Bassano A. Davis provided background information on this item, indicating that the request is for maintenance items identified in the Town of Bassano's Infrastructure Master Plan for Recreation Facilities. Details and funding sources for each item were provided to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. A. Davis responded to questions regarding preventative maintenance practices. Councillor K. Christman responded to questions regarding the facilities, most of which are operated by volunteers. The Town operates the arena and community hall. A. Davis indicated that most of the recreation programming is done by volunteer organizations. She provided examples of the local organizations that contribute funding towards capital projects. A. Davis responded to further questions from Council. C-33/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the request from the Town of Bassano for Recreation Infrastructure Upgrades be APPROVED with funding in the amount of $45,237.00 from the Regional Enhancement Reserve and $58,263.00 from the Recreation Fund. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Davis and M. Fenske left the meeting at 2:37 p.m. 11.8 RMA Spring 2020 Convention , The Executive Assistant provided background information on t is ite responded to questions from Council. For the meeting with th Mi r of Agriculture & Forestry, the discussion topics will be the importance o rlculture, cutbacks affecting the agricultural industry, and research. Councillor K. Christman Page 9 of 11 Regular Council February 6, 2020 and Councillor L. Juss indicated that they would not be attending the RMA Spring 2020 Convention. 11.9 Invitation to Attend & Vote at AGM for Genesis Reciprocal Insurance Exchange Council was provided with background information on this item. C-34/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Chief Administrative Officer be appointed as the representative for the County of Newell at the Genesis Reciprocal Insurance Exchange Annual General Meeting to be held on March 16, 2020. MOTION CARRIED 11.10 Payment Register C-35/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 11.11 Requests for Functions of Council C-36/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Councillor K. Christman be permitted to attend "Economic Development for Elected Officials" in Bassano, AB on January 28, 2020 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS - continued 12.2 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services report was presented to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-37/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for January 2020 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. Councillor H. Kallen reported that the Rural Crime Watch Annual General Meeting is scheduled for Saturday, February 8, 2020 at 4:00 p.m. at the Heritage Inn in Brooks, AB. Page 10 of 11 Regular Council February 6, 2020 ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin and M. Jackson arrived at 2:48 p.m. 15. IN CAMERA C-38/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that we move in camera at 2:48 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Legal - FOIPP Act Section 24; • Legal - FO/PP Act Section 27. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor C. Amulung and Councillor B. de Jong left the meeting at 4:00 p.m. C-39/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that we move out of camera at 4:30 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:30 p.m. Signed thisday of �� , 2020 Reeve/ t Administrator Page 11 of 11