Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2020-09-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL September 10, 2020 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, September 10, 2020 commencing at 10:29 a.m. The Chief Administrative Officer, being the Designated Officer for the County of Newell, attended at the County Council Chambers to allow members of the public to watch the livestream meeting proceedings. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. Two members of the public were physically in attendance. MEMBERS M. 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 T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Meeting Moderator) M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation 2 County Ratepayers Physically in Attendance (Bylaw 1997-20) 2 County Ratpeayers Participating via Telephone (Bylaw 1997-20) 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:29 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council September 10, 2020 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (August 6, 2020) C-290/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the August 6, 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-291/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. 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. Highlights included an update on Emerson Bridge Park, milkweed and thistle control, strychnine orders, and rental equipment. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions on strychnine, weed control, and hawks. 9.2 ASB Resolution Responses The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item, reviewing each resolution and the proposed grade. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed regarding the membership of the Provincial ASB Committee and concerns were raised regarding a lack of diversity potentially losing the perspective of irrigation. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions, indicating that there are valuable opportunities to learn about issues from different areas and advocate change. C-292/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council accepts the grades proposed by the Provincial Agricultural Services Board Committee and directs Administration to respond as such. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 12 Regular Council September 10, 2020 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. C-293/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Planning & Development Report for August 2020 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Funding for Minibus - Regional Transportation Pilot Project The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. The Regional Transportation pilot project was made possible through grant funding which is running out. He noted that the service has required a subsidy to operate and asked Council if there was interest in including an amount in the budget to continue the service. The funding request has also been forwarded to the other urban municipalities, but no responses have been received yet. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the service was used primarily by residents from Brooks. He responded to questions, indicating that it costs approximately $400.00 per trip for the service. Riders indicated via survey responses that they were in favor of increasing the rate. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding whether private shuttle services in the area have been discontinued and whether this would affect ridership. As the service was intended to transport riders to out of town medical appointments, Alberta Health Services and other medical service agencies were contacted for funding assistance but they cannot accommodate funding for this service in their budgets. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 11:00 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 and the Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council regarding costs associated with line repairs. The Director of Municipal Services provided an update on the Rural Water System, indicating that there are 1563 registered accounts, 1198 of which are active. K. Steinley responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:14 a.m. Page 3 of 12 Regular Council September 10, 2020 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.2 Funding for Minibus - Regional Transportation Pilot Project — continued Discussion continued. A suggestion was made to develop a program that would allow individuals in need of transportation to use local taxi services rather than the minibus. Further discussion occurred and Council indicated that the cost to continue the services is too high compared to the number of riders. C-294/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council DECLINES the request for further funding to continue the Regional Transportation Pilot Project. MOTION CARRIED 10.3 Municipal Stimulus Program The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the deadline to submit an application is October 1, 2020. He gave an overview of the program guidelines, indicating that the projects should create jobs, enhance competitiveness and productivity, and encourage economic growth. Discussion followed on the list of suggested potential projects and which would be most beneficial to the community. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the virtual power plant renewable energy generation system. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. C-295/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we move into Public Hearings at 11:31 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 1996-20 - 20 LUA 005 (Lot 1, Block 2, Plan 1712141 in NW 19-15-15-W4 - RB/A to RI) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:32 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The Supervisor of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1996-20. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by rezoning Lot 1, Block 2, Plan 1712141 in NW 19-15-15-W4 from RB - Rural Business District/A - Agriculture District to RI - Rural Industrial District. The Supervisor of Planning & Development 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. Page 4 of 12 Regular Council September 10, 2020 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 responded to questions regarding setbacks. Once the split zoning is removed and the parcel is all under the Rural Industrial District, there will be no issues with the distance between the residence and the warehouse. In the future, the residence is to be used as an office for the business. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to further questions regarding the subdivision process if the residence were to be sold separately in the future. 7.2 Bylaw 1997-20 - 20 LUA 006 (Block PCL C, Plan 1380EU in NW 13-23-13-W4 - HR to DC) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:42 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 1997-20. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by rezoning Block PCL C, Plan 1380EU in NW 13-23-13-W4 from HR - Hamlet Residential District to DC - Direct Control District. The Supervisor of Planning & Development 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. The Supervisor of Planning & Development .gave an overview of the contents of Schedule B, which includes permitted uses, setbacks, and standards of development. The applicant, R. Torkelson, and another County ratepayer were physically present in Council Chambers. Two County ratepayers participated via telephone. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. Torkelson responded to questions regarding the access road to be used. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided further information. If a school is established, access to the school must come off a paved road or hard surface. R. Torkelson responded to questions regarding fencing. S. Packham, via telephone, expressed the concerns of an adjacent landowner who was unable to attend the public hearing. The adjacent landowner is concerned about the proposed access going past the back of his house and the traffic associated with a school. Further, the adjacent landowner is concerned that the establishment of a school and worship centre will limit what he is able to develop on his own property. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided information on the number of vehicles accessing the parcel, indicating that traffic should be minimal and limited to specific times each morning and afternoon, Monday through Friday. The Page 5 of 12 Regular Council September 10, 2020 Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided further details on the proposed access road. He also indicated that future development by the adjacent landowner should not be affected. R. Torkelson confirmed that the Supervisor of Planning & Development had provided an accurate estimate of the traffic. Further, he indicated that they are open to resolving any concerns or issues raised by adjacent landowners. S. Packham reiterated the concern of the adjacent landowner that the proposed access will go past his back door and asked about the possibility of paving the gravel road currently used to access the parcel. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering replied that Planning & Development staff have been attempting to contact the adjacent landowner regarding permits that are required for the house in question. The proposed access has always been there, but the previous owners of the adjacent landowner's property used the other access. This public hearing is to discuss the change in land use for the parcel and that details regarding the access and fencing will be discussed at the development permit stage, which includes another opportunity for public feedback. C. Morris, an adjacent landowner, expressed concerns with the requirement for the school and worship centre to connect to the Hamlet of Patricia water and sewer system and asked whether current users would be affected. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering indicated that the required upgrades identified in the Infrastructure Master Plan for Patricia are for effective and efficient operation and there are no issues with capacity. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding taxes, indicating that churches and schools are exempt from paying general municipal taxes, but they are still required to pay local improvement taxes. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding the possibility of leaving it as a home school, indicating that a permit would still be required, and there is no district within the current land use bylaw that would accommodate both a school and a religious assembly, which is why the Land Use Amendment is necessary. C. Morris asked whether the County would consider selling a different property to be used for this purpose. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that this public hearing is to consider a specific application for land use redesignation. C. Morris asked further questions regarding dust control and whether a change in speed limit would be required. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering indicated that these details would be determined at the development permit stage. He explained the next steps in the process, indicating that the adjacent landowners would be notified and given the opportunity to provide feedback when the development permit is reviewed by Council. C-296/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of Public Hearings at 12:26 p.m. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 12 Regular Council September 10, 2020 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 1996-20 - 20 LUA 005 (Lot 1, Block 2, Plan 1712141 in NW 19-15-15-W4 - RB/A to RI) C-297/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1996-20, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating Lot 1, Block 2, Plan 1712141 in the NW 19-15-15-W4 from RB - Rural Business/A - Agricultural District to RI - Rural Industrial District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-298/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1996-20 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Bylaw 1997-20 - 20 LUA 006 (Block PCL C, Plan 1380EU in NW 13-20-13-W4 - HR to DC) C-299/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1997-20, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating Block PCL C, Plan 1380EU (Patricia) in NW 13-20-13-W4 from HR - Hamlet Residential District to DC - Direct Control District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-300/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1997-20 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED For lunch at 12:28 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:30 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - continued 10.3 Municipal Stimulus Program — continued Discussion continued. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions, indicating that the funding program guidelines state that expenditures need to be made and accounted for by the end of 2021. He indicated that he was unsure whether construction on phase two of the County of Newell Water Project could begin within that timeline, but that it could be added to the list of potential projects. Further discussion followed. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding funding for projects. Generally, costs for improvements that are over and above the grant funding allocation are collected via a local improvement tax. Discussion followed regarding the Hamlet of Patricia and Council agreed that the water and sewer system upgrades should be completed at the same time so as not to dig up the roads twice. Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided background information, indicating that this had been suggested a few years ago and the residents were not in favor of the local improvement. Page 7 of 12 Regular Council September 10, 2020 The Director of Corporate Services provided information on the objectives and acceptable project criteria of the Municipal Stimulus Program. Further discussion followed. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions about road rehabilitation projects, noting that reserves have been set aside for this already. Discussion followed regarding paving industrial subdivisions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding paving costs, indicating that the amount of grant funding available would not cover the full costs. Discussion followed regarding other potential projects. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting after Council has considered updates on proposed changes in non-residential assessments and the potential impact on the County. 10.4 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Agenda (September 18, 2020) Council was presented with the agenda package for the September 18, 2020 meeting of the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association. Councillor B. de Jong provided further information on the meeting. Council suggested some potential topics for presentations to fill the remaining delegation time on the agenda. 10.5 Appointments to Regional Assessment Review Board The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-301/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Daphne Anstey-Martin and Calvin Sturgeon be appointed as members of the Regional Assessment Review Board to take the place of Fred Rattai and Duane Perkins. MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed regarding active Assessment Review Board. Councillor next training sessions will be held. recruitment of new members for the A.M. Philipsen will determine when the 10.6 Appointment to County of Newell Library Board (Division 2) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-302/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Eileen Dunne (Division 2) be appointed as a Member -at -Large to the County of Newell Library Board. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Councillor Payment Sheets (July 2020) C-303/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the July 2020 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 12 Regular Council September 10, 2020 10.8 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 10.9 Payment Register C-304/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.10 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 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. C-305/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for August 2020 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Tender Award - North Headgates Area Redevelopment The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-306/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Council awards the North Headgates Area Redevelopment tender to Brooks Asphalt & Aggregate Ltd. for the tendered price of $903,331.55 excluding GST. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor E. Unruh left the meeting at 2:30 p.m. 11.4 Tender Award - Bassano Gravel Crush The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He also provided an overview of gravel pit remediation techniques. C-307/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the Bassano Gravel Crush tender to Hadean Aggregate Solutions Inc. for the tendered price of $537,750.00 excluding GST. MOTION CARRIED Page 9 of 12 Regular Council September 10, 2020 11.5 Tender Award -Ballast Gravel Crush The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-308/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the Ballast Gravel Crush tender to Westridge Rock Ventures Ltd. for the tendered price of $886,600.00 excluding GST. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor E. Unruh returned at 2:45 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Recreation Community Engagement Process Councillor B. de Jong indicated that the Duchess Agricultural Society had asked why they had not been invited to participate in the Recreation Community Engagement Process. The Duchess Agricultural Society runs the Duchess Golf Course, which is on land that they lease from the County. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the groups that were invited to participate run recreation facilities that are entirely within the County and not included under funding arrangements with any of the urban municipalities. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council and provided an update on the community engagement process. An information package has been sent to all the recreation groups who will be appointing representatives to participate in the process. The first meeting will be held in early October. 12.2 Assessment Model Review Reeve M. Douglass circulated some full -page advertisements that some municipalities have placed in newspapers in an effort to inform their ratepayers of potential impacts of the assessment changes proposed by the Government of Alberta. Discussion followed regarding a recent meeting with the new Minister of Municipal Affairs. Those who attended agreed that this change in Ministers did not create a sense of optimism. The Chief Administrative Officer provided further information, indicating that work continues to ensure accurate information is being distributed and to get the point across that rural municipalities are different than urban municipalities. Further discussion followed and Council suggested that more information be prepared and distributed via print and social media to show potential impacts to services and encourage ratepayers to contact their MLAs. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, suggesting that efforts be made to determine the long-term impact of the proposed changes. Council suggested relating the changes to how service delivery will be affected. Discussion followed regarding recent contact with ratepayers on this issue. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that municipalities may have to wait for the provincial government's decision and then spend time determining which services will be reduced. Council suggested that may be too late and suggested creating a budget based on proposed Scenario A. Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor K. Christman indicated that they would work on preparing the Page 10 of 12 Regular Council September 10, 2020 information for the newspapers and social media. The message will state that no decision has been made, but this is a potential outcome. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.3 Municipal Stimulus Program — continued Discussion continued. Council expressed concerns with selecting projects that require additional funding or will have high future maintenance costs. The suggestion was made to write a letter to the Government of Alberta stating that the County of Newell would prefer that they leave us with our assessment instead of providing this grant program. Discussion followed regarding the concept of finding projects just because grant funding is available. This item will be brought back to the September 24, 2020 Council meeting for further discussion. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (July 2020) This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Newell Further Education Council - Thank You This item was accepted as information. 13.3 Upcoming Community Events Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their community. 14. IN CAMERA C-309/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move in camera at 3:44 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Land - FOIPP Act Section 27; • Labour - FOIPP Act Section 17. MOTION CARRIED C-310/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move out of camera at 4:46 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-311/20 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the 2021-2024 Collective Bargaining Agreement be ratified as presented by the Negotiating Committee, thus concluding negotiations. MOTION CARRIED Page 11 of 12 Regular Council September 10, 2020 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:48 p.m. Signed this Z�ay of S 2020 Reeve Cou ministrator Page 12 of 12