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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-10-23 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL I MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL October 23, 2014 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, October 23, 2014 commencing at 10:35 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: A.M. Philipsen STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services \ M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor A. Nielsen. Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Dumont, Brooks & County Chronicle L. Pye-Matheson, Grasslands Regional FCSS S. Sgt. T. McNulty, RCMP - Brooks Corp. W. Goliath, RCMP - Brooks 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:35 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-335/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor A.M. Philipsen be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Organizational Meeting (2014-10-09) C-336/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the October 9, 2014 Organizational Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. ' MOTION CARRIED Regular Council October 23, 2014 3.2 Minutes - Council (2014-10-09) C-337/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the October 9, 2014 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-338/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 7. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 7.1 Approval of CCIP Program The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the Coyote Control Incentive Program and its budget. C-339/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Policy 2014 -PAG -024 (Coyote Control Incentive Program) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Resolution at South Region ASB Conference The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Pye-Matheson arrived at 10:44 a.m. The Director of Agricultural Services provided details on pesticide container collection programs. Within the County, the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority manages the collection sites, but some municipalities have unmanned locations. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to further questions from Council regarding pesticide container collection sites and the resolution regarding controlling the elk population around CFB Suffield. C-340/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor T. Fyfe be designated voters for the County of Newell at the South Region ASB Conference in Readymade, AB on October 29, 2014. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 10 Regular Council October 23, 2014 C_341/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the County of Newell vote in favour of the following resolutions at the South Regional ASB Conference on October 29, 2014: • Cardston County - Additional Funding for Municipalities Dealing with Prohibited Noxious Weeds that Come from Outside the Province of Alberta (Spotted Knapweed) • Special Areas #2 - Elk (Cerus elaphus) Population Control at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Suffield • Vulcan County - Pesticide Container Collection Program in Alberta. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:53 a.m. 6. DELEGATIONS 6.1 Grasslands Regional FCSS - Community Report Card/Quality of Life Survey Results L. Pye-Matheson provided background information and thanked various individuals and groups that assisted with the project. Two documents were presented to Council - the County of Newell Snapshot and the County of Newell Quality of Life Report. L. Pye-Matheson provided an overview of the research, l the purpose of which was to obtain a holistic picture of the Newell Region. The factors used to determine quality of life were health, education, personal well- being, social programs and social conditions, sense of community, economy and employment, physical environment, government, and political rights and general values. A survey was used to rank the factors in order of importance and to identify gaps between the importance of the factor and satisfaction in that area. L. Pye-Matheson provided an overview of the survey process. 9,000 surveys were distributed throughout the County of Newell and the municipalities within it. 1,180 surveys were returned, which accounts for 5% of the population. Community profiles have been completed for all municipalities (including Tilley, which was a Village at the time of the survey), and a profile for the entire region is being drafted. All of the reports will be available online through the Grasslands Regional FCSS website. L. Pye-Matheson gave an overview of the key findings from the survey. There are good levels of satisfaction throughout the region with municipal services and common pressure points include retail and shopping, maintained streets, and public transportation. Overall, respondents were satisfied with their communities. L. Pye-Matheson outlined some potential uses of the information, such as for planning, identifying areas for further exploration, and providing rationale for obtaining government funding. In the future, an additional survey could be conducted along with a census and then satisfaction levels compared. "Ail Page 3 of 10 Regular Council October 23, 2014 ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Nesbitt arrived at 11:20 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. to questions regarding the demographic data speaking members of the community. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Sgt. T. McNulty and Corp. W. Goliath arrived at 11:24 a.m. L. Pye-Matheson responded and accessing non -English - L. Pye-Matheson responded to further questions regarding the connection between the importance placed on health and satisfaction with personal well- being. L. Pye-Matheson responded to further questions from Council. Councillor C. Amulung offered thanks to everyone involved in the project, as there was a lot of work involved. 7.2 RCMP Quarterly Reports 7.2.1 Brooks RCMP S. Sgt. T. McNulty presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council. He commented on recent national events and indicated that the threat assessment for Alberta remains low. He provided an overview of significant recent events in the County of Newell and apologized to Councillor C. Amulung for the RCMP not being able to attend the Rolling Hills 75th Anniversary parade. S. Sgt. T. McNulty and Corp. W. Goliath responded to questions from Council regarding the Domestic Violence Intervention Team, the difference between provincial and federal investigations, oversize loads enforcement, and clarification of the categories in the statistical report. Councillor K. Christman asked if the RCMP made recommendations regarding speed limits. S. Sgt. T. McNulty indicated that, if an issue is identified, it would be discussed with the Safe Communities Committee and the area peace officers before a recommendation would be made to Council. 7.2.2 Bassano RCMP The Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report was presented to Council. S. Sgt. T McNulty provided an update on staffing at the Bassano RCMP detachment. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING L. Pye-Matheson, S. Sgt. T. McNulty, and Corp. W. Goliath left the meeting at 11:58 a.m. LUNCH (-Council RECESSED for lunch at J0 11:58 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:50 p.m. Page 4 of 10 i Regular Council October 23, 2014 ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin arrived at 12:50 p.m. 7.2 RCMP Quarterly Reports — continued 7.2.3 Municipal Enforcement The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor presented the County of Newell Municipal Enforcement report to Council, giving an overview of significant events. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions from Council regarding the format of the report. The Director of Municipal Services explained the time tracking system used in the reporting software. He also provided an update on the status of the official appointment of the Municipal Enforcement Officer. LEFT THE MEETING J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 1:05 p.m. 9. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Municipal Services Policy Updates ! ) The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item, giving an overview of the amendments made to each policy. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-342/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the following policies be adopted as presented: • 2014-PPW-018 (Snow Plowing & Sanding) • 2014-PPW-025 (Aggregate Management) • 2014-PPW-054 (Road Maintenance). MOTION CARRIED 9.2 Re -Evaluation of the 10 Year Paving Plan The Manager of Engineering Services provided Council with the history and current status of the County's paving program. He also presented a spreadsheet containing all roads from the original paving plan and the opening balances required to complete paving projects each year. The Manager of Engineering Services responded to questions from Council. Councillor B. de Jong inquired as to the funding source for the proposed truck route and asked if paving and maintenance of roads within industrial subdivisions was included in any of the road studies. The Director of Municipal Services replied that the goal is to work towards completing a cost analysis for providing those services, possibly using a map to show which roads are graded most � frequently. Page 5 of 10 Regular Council October 23, 2014 Councillor C. Amulung requested a map showing all paved roads in the County and whether they belong to the County or the province. Councillor T. Fyfe asked about the paving of the south portion of Range Road 15-5. The Director of Municipal Services provided the history of that road. Councillor G. Simpson inquired about the Scandia paving project and if a similar project would be completed in Tilley in the future. The Director of Municipal Services replied that, as underground infrastructure upgrades are completed, paving would be recommended. The Director of Municipal Services and the Manager of Engineering Services responded to further questions from Council regarding the paving of railway crossings. LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 1:53 p.m. Discussion followed regarding the budget and whether funding can be carried forward to the following year. The Chief Administrative Officer stated the importance of identifying all the roads that require paving and creating a complete plan, omitting roads that will never be paved. Councillor W. Hammergren asked about the possibility of paving Highway 873. The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item, suggesting that a discussion on cost-sharing with the province could be revisited. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:10 p.m. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 8.1 Div 8 Recreation Funding Request This item was removed from the agenda and will be discussed further during the November 6, 2014 Council Meeting. 8.2 Proclamation for Seniors' Falls Prevention Month Council was presented with background information on this item. C-343/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the County of Newell hereby proclaims November 2014 to be "Seniors' Falls Prevention Month." MOTION CARRIED 8.3 Invasive Species Workshop Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item, indicating that two spaces have been reserved and that the attendees will be determined when Page 6 of 10 Regular Council October 23, 2014 8.4 the agenda becomes available. This item will be discussed further during the November 6, 2014 Council Meeting. Councillor Payment Sheets (September 2014) Councillor C. Amulung reported that the Councillor Compensation Review Committee would be sending out a survey in the near future. Clarification is required within the policy regarding what is considered a function of Council and what should be included in the monthly compensation rate. The Councillor Compensation & Expenses Policy will be amended using feedback received from the Council survey and brought back to a future meeting for approval. Councillor C. Amulung, Councillor G. Simpson, and Councillor T. Fyfe responded to questions from Council. C-344/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the September 2014 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 8.5 Cheques for Payment C-345114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that cheque 179542 in the amount of $413,488.24 and cheque 179598 in the amount of $514,696.82 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 8.6 Payment Register C-346/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS 10.1 County of Newell Water Project Councillor W. Hammergren provided an update on the County of Newell Water Project in Scandia, indicating that there have been some delays. 10.2 Joint Services/IMDP Committee Councillor B. de Jong reported on a Safe Communities Committee grant application for funding related to family and community safety, an aerial mapping project that the City is investigating, and the success of the physician recruitment program in Bassano. He indicated that Mayor M. Shields and Councillor B. Morishita will be attending the AAMDC Fall Convention and would like to attend any meetings between the County and provincial Ministers. Reeve M. Douglass provided further details regarding the Safe Communities grant application. Page 7 of 10 Regular Council October 23, 2014 10.3 Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Councillor L. Juss provided an update on the landfill renovation project and outlined some environmental protection features. Councillor L. Juss responded to questions from Council. 10.4 Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor C. Amulung indicated that the contract for booster pumps in Rosemary has been awarded and construction will begin soon. Councillor C. Amulung responded to questions from Council. 10.5 Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor B. de Jong provided information regarding a report that included a scorecard for the province. Transportation and infrastructure were rated high compared to ratings of three years ago, but Alberta is one of the worst areas for venture capital investment. 10.6 9-1-1 Committee Councillor B. de Jong provided an update on the Alberta First Responders' Radio Communication System. Radios were purchased years ago as the County was to be included in the pilot project, but now the project is starting in western Alberta. Discussion followed regarding how to proceed and it was suggested that Council try to meet with the Solicitor General during the AAMDC Fall Convention. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor K. Christman left the meeting at 2:38 p.m. 10.7 Art & Visual Display Committee Councillor T. Fyfe gave an overview of several projects the Art & Visual Display Committee has been involved with, including the easel for the chuckwagon picture, display cases, seasonal decorating, and parade. There is also an ongoing invitation for local artists to display their work in the foyer and departmental photography displays are planned for the future. Councillor T. Fyfe responded to questions from Council. 10.8 National Public Works Week Committee Councillor G. Simpson provided background information on this committee, which is planning for National Public Works Week in May 2015. He outlined their Page 8 of 10 Regular Council October 23, 2014 proposal to take equipment and give presentations at some schools throughout the County and then end the week with an event at the County facilities. 10.9 Tilley Hamlet Advisory Committee Councillor G. Simpson provided an update on the installation of water and sewer lines and lift station in the Hamlet of Tilley. 10.10 Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Convention Councillor B. de Jong provided an overview of sessions he attended during the ALMA Convention, which included small communities sharing services and administration. He also provided information on the ATCO Combined Heat & Power (CHP) program that would allow for savings in energy costs. Meetings with Ministers focused on options for the Bassano sewage lagoon and the Bassano Project and Councillor B. de Jong encouraged a meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs to follow up. The resolution submitted by the City of Brooks was split into two separate motions and both were passed. Councillor B. de Jong responded to questions from Council. 10.11 Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass reported on several events she attended, including the 58th Convention of Oil Wives of Alberta, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia, a meeting of the Southwest Alberta Mayors' & Reeves' Association, and the Rural Business Awards. She provided an update on JBS and their issues with changes to the Temporary Foreign Workers program and suggested a meeting with the Minister in charge during the Fall AAMDC Convention. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she would be attending an Alberta Health Services Community Engagement Meeting and would ask about the diagnostic lab situation in Brooks. She also indicated that she would be attending a "Celebration of Life" service for Cindy Amos, Former Tourism Executive Director for Canadian Badlands, on October 30, 2014. 10.12 Newell Foundation Reeve M. Douglass reported that Newell Foundation is working on their budget and a three-year business plan using a new template provided by the province. Because the Alberta Health Services land for the Bassano Project will be leased, details need to be worked out for construction/ownership of the life leases. 10.13 Newell Regional Economic Development Initiative Councillor W. Hammergren reported that Ahmed Kassem has Peen appointed the Newell Regional Economic Development Initiative as a Merhber-at-t* J: Page 9 of 10 Regular Council October 23, 2014 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS There were no information items to discuss at this meeting. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that MPE Engineering has invited Council to dinner during the AAMDC Fall Convention. Council selected Wednesday, November19, 2014. Discussion followed regarding arranging meetings with Ministers during the AAMDC Fall Convention. The Executive Assistant was directed to determine availability of the following: Minister of Justice & Solicitor General, Minister of Health, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Minister of Seniors, Minister of Jobs, Skills, Training & Labour, Minister of Transportation, and Minister of Environment & Sustainable Resource Development. This item will be discussed further during the November 6, 2014 Council Meeting. 14. IN CAMERA C-347/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 3:16 p.m. to discuss land and legal issues. MOTION CARRIED C-348/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of camera at 3:49 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:50 p.m. Signed this qday of 10 V -PA. A n 2014 Page 10 of 10