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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-01-07 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL January 7, 2021 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public via Lifesize on Thursday, January 7, 2021 commencing at 10:26 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. No 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. Fenske, Manager of Finance S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation G. Farnden, STARS 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:26 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council January 7, 2021 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (December 10, 2020) C-01/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the December 10, 2020 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 3.2 Minutes - Special Council (December 29, 2020) C-02/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the December 29, 2020 Special 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-03/21 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. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 1999-20 Schedule of Fees The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions regarding construction permit fees, indicating that a review of the Safety Codes permitting fee structure is planned for 2021. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the fee structure for no till drill rentals. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding fees charged for burning without a Fire Permit. C-04/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1999-20, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-05/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1999-20 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 10 Regular Council January 7, 2021 7.2 Bylaw 2000-21 - 21 LUA 001 (LSD 2 & 7 in SW 28-17-13-W4 - A to SLA) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council regarding the use of the dugout north of the subdivision. There is a rural water connection on the parcel for household use and the dugout will be used for irrigation and watering cattle. Councillor H. Kallen provided further information. C-06121 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that Bylaw 2000-21, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 4.45 acres (1.80 hectares) legally described as Legal Subdivisions 2 & 7 in SE 28-17-13-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SLA - Single Lot Agriculture District, be given FIRST reading. 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. He reported that 687 coyotes were received and that both positive and negative feedback has been received on the discontinuation of the Coyote Control Incentive Program. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley arrived at 10:47 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 the leaks in Rolling Hills, indicating that most are due to the age of the infrastructure. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering and the Director of Municipal Services provided further information. Cost .estimates for upgrading the sanitary system were obtained in 2012 but there was not a lot of interest from the residents at that time. Discussion followed. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:00 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Farnden arrived at 11:00 a.m. Page 3 of 10 Regular Council January 7, 2021 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 STARS Update G. Farnden thanked Council for their continued support and provided an update on STARS operations under COVID-19 restrictions. She provided an overview of revenues and expenditures for 2020, noting that fundraising is down significantly for a variety of reasons. G. Farnden provided statistics for missions flown in the County of Newell and surrounding area over the past five years. G. Farnden provided an update on the fleet replacement and details on the H145 helicopters. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. G. Farnden responded to questions from Council regarding the H145 helicopters, indicating that they do have slightly more range than the existing fleet. The results of the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Review should help determine the locations for bases that will allow for service delivery to more communities. G. Farnden indicated that she would forward reserve balances to the County of Newell. She responded to questions regarding municipal contributions, indicating that about 90% of rural municipalities in Alberta are providing an annual financial contribution. G. Farnden responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING G. Farnden left the meeting at 11:26 a.m. 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 9.2 2021 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference Resolutions The Director of Agricultural Services provided an overview of the agenda for the 2021 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference. He indicated that a group registration would be submitted. Discussion followed and Council indicated that the two designated voters would participate with the Director of Agricultural Services. Council indicated that it would not be necessary to cancel or reschedule the January 21, 2021 Municipal Planning Commission or Council meetings. C-07/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Councillor T. Fyfe and Councillor L. Juss be the designated voters during the Resolution session at the 2021 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference. MOTION CARRIED The Director of Agricultural Services presented the resolutions being brought forward at the 2021 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference. Council decided to vote on the resolutions in the following manner., Resolution 1 - Weed Issues on Oil & Gas Sites in Rural Alberta - No. Resolution 2 - Pesticide Container Collection Program - No. Resolution 3 - An Effective Solution for Control of Richardson Ground Squirrels in Alberta - Yes. Resolution 4 - Registration of 2 % Liquid Strychnine - Yes. Resolution 5 - Fusarium Testing after Cleaning - No. Page 4 of 10 Regular Council January 7, 2021 Resolution 6 - Agricultural Research Association Check Off Option - No. Resolution 7 - Delegation of ASB's & AAAF to Agricultural Associations & Commodity Groups - More information required. Resolution 8 - Reinstating Provincial Agricultural Department Staff - No. Resolution 9 - Protect Farmers Rights to Use Farm Saved Seed - More information required. Resolution 10 -Federal Fuel Charge - Yes. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:11 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:01 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies arrived at 1:01 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.4 Tender Award - Rural Fire Engine (Scandia Fire Department) The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to questions regarding costs associated with installing docking stations and applying decals to the vehicles. Administration will investigate a more efficient process for decaling Fire & Emergency Services equipment as requested by Council. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to further questions from Council. C-08/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the purchase of one (1) rural fire engine vehicle supplied by Acres Industries Inc. of Wawanesa, MB for $422,387.14, plus miscellaneous costs of $14,823.00, for a total cost of $437,210.14 with $430,000.00 coming out of the Capital Equipment budget and the remaining $7,210.14 from the Scandia and Bow City Fire Department Operational budgets. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 1:21 p.m. 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 9.3 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Committee - Funding for an Executive Assistant The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. Page 5 of 10 Regular Council January 7, 2021 C-09/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that the County of Newell supports a separate line item for the Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference registration that would be specifically collected to pay for the costs to operate the Provincial ASB Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Rescinding Policy 2019-PAG-024 (Coyote Control Incentive Program) The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-10/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Policy 2019-PAG-024 (Coyote Control Incentive Program) be RESCINDED. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 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-11/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Planning & Development Report for 2020 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 2021 Land Use Bylaw Update The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item. He gave an overview of the process outlined in the proposed work plan provided by ISL Engineering and suggested that two or three Councillors be part of the working committee that will meet and provide feedback on the Land Use Bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council suggested that the working committee seek feedback from individuals that have experienced the current Land Use Bylaw as part of the development process. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering agreed and indicated that another goal of the Planning & Development Department is to educate the public on development processes and legislation. Discussion followed and the Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering and the Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to further questions. C-12/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Councillor C. Amulung, Councillor A.M. Philipsen, and Councillor T. Fyfe be appointed to the 2021 Land Use Bylaw Update working committee; further, that Administration be directed to proceed with the Land Use Bylaw Work Plan as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 10 Regular Council January 7, 2021 10.3 Draft Municipal Development Plan (Duchess) - Request for Comments The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item and indicated that a response will be submitted by February 1, 2021. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin and M. Jackson left the meeting at 2:02 p.m. 10.5 Rosemary Recreation Agreement Discussions The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-13/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Reeve M. Douglass, Councillor W. Hammergren, and Councillor K. Christman be appointed to a working committee that engages with representatives from the Village of Rosemary to develop a new recreation agreement. MOTION CARRIED The Manager of Finance indicated that he would schedule the first meeting. 10.6 Amendments to Brooks Fire & Recreation Agreements The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item. The ICF Committee has reviewed the amendments and is recommending approval. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-14/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the amendments to the Rural Fire Protection Services and Recreation, Parks & Culture Services agreements between the County of Newell and the City of Brooks as submitted. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Tax Write Offs/Provincial Education & Designated Industrial Requisition Credits The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He indicated that a collections policy was being drafted and will be presented to Council for review at a future meeting. C-15/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Council cancel the 2015 to 2020 property taxes in arrears in the amount of $911,390.86 from tax rolls 0005926000, 0008020400, 0005622000, 0014140300, 0014140900, 8000005140, 0006106000, 0006108000, 0006109000, 0006110000, 0006115000, 0006338210, 8000022147, 0005126000 and 0008013800, and that an application be made for these properties to the PERC & DIRC programs. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 10 Regular Council January 7, 2021 LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 2:23 p.m. 10.8 Rural Municipalities of Alberta Board Governance Review Member Survey Council reviewed the Rural Municipalities of Alberta Board Governance Review survey and provided a response to each question. Administration will submit a response to the survey on behalf of Council. 10.9 Request for Letter of Support - Xplornet Communications Inc Council reviewed the request from Xplornet Communications Inc for a letter in support of their application for funding under the Universal Broadband Funding Program. Discussion followed and Council expressed concerns with supporting a project that would create competition for the Eastern Irrigation District. C-16/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council provides a letter of support to Xplornet Communications Inc. for their application for funding under the Universal Broadband Funding Program. MOTION DEFEATED 10.10 RMA Spring 2021 Convention (Online March 16-17, 2021) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council stressed the importance of maintaining communications on the subject of the assessment model review and creating a viable scenario for both the oil and gas industry and municipalities, and discussions should involve Municipal Affairs, Energy, Finance, and possibly others at the provincial level. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the new Minister of Municipal Affairs must be educated on the County's specific issues and concerns with the Assessment Model Review. The key topics would be the assessment of producing versus non -producing properties, development of a policy that regulates mill rates, and a more effective mechanism for municipalities to collect property taxes. Discussion followed whether to schedule a meeting with a Minister to express support for the Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association project. Councillor L. Juss indicated that SAEWA has met with provincial government representatives regarding the project on several occasions, but additional support could help. Meetings with Ministers will be discussed further during the January 21, 2021 Council Meeting as some issues may come up at the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Meeting. 10.11 Cancel/Reschedule MPC & Council Meetings (January 21, 2021) Council indicated that the January 21, 2021 Municipal Planning Commission and Council meetings would proceed as scheduled. This item was accepted as information. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council January 7, 2021 10.12 Assessment Model Changes —Public Awareness There was no new information on this item to discuss. 10.13 Councillor Payment Sheets (December 2020) C-17/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the December 2020 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.14 Cheques for Payment C-18/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that cheque 188192 in the amount of $2,020,771.95 and cheque 188200 in the amount of $875,745.36 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 10.15 Payment Register C-19/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.16 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. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding Range Road 145, tickets issued for winter driving, and public education on safe driving in foggy conditions. C-20/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for December 2020 be APPROVED as presented 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS MOTION CARRIED There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council January 7, 2021 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (December 2020) 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 3:38 p.m. Signed this u S day of '1 2021 Reeve �) Cou y-Aministrator Page 10 of 10