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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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