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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-03-25 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL March 25, 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, March 25, 2021 commencing at 10:34 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: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator) G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering D. Leeks, Community Peace Officer S. Biette, Assessment & Taxation Clerk S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Burgert, Solar Krafte Utilities Inc. J. Thachuk, Solar Krafte Utilities Inc. T. Beasley, Delta CleanTech J. Allison, Delta CleanTech 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:34 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council March 25, 2021 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (March 11, 2021) C-106/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the March 11, 2021 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-107/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG 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. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Leeks arrived at 10:36 a.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2001-21 Boating Safety & Aquatic Invasive Species The Community Peace Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-108/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 2001-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of encouraging water safety and to maintain and protect municipal water and irrigation infrastructure, the environment, and other property by controlling and providing regulations and penalties pertaining to preventing certain aquatic invasive species from entering the municipal and Eastern Irrigation District infrastructure networks, including the orderly and safe launching and operation of watercrafts, be given FIRST reading. LEFT THE MEETING D. Leeks left the meeting at 10:38 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Biette arrived at 10:38 a.m. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 9 Regular Council March 25, 2021 7.2 Bylaw 2008-21 Tax Penalties & Incentives The Assessment & Taxation Clerk provided background information on this item, outlining the changes that have been made. She requested that Council provide first reading to the bylaw today, indicating that it would be advertised to the public for feedback prior to second and third reading. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, indicating that the public participation component was not required for this bylaw. Council indicated that they were in favor of requesting public feedback. C-109/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2008-21, being a bylaw to establish incentives for payment of taxes and penalties for non-payment of taxes, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Appointment to Regional Assessment Review Board Clerk Pool The Assessment & Taxation Clerk provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-110/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Shannon Biette (County of Newell), Cathy Slaney (City of Brooks) and Amy Rommens (City of Brooks) be appointed to the Regional Assessment Review Board Clerk Pool, each of whom is qualified to serve as Clerk of the Regional Assessment Review Board on an as needed basis. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette left the meeting at 10:46 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor W. Hammergren arrived at 10:47 a.m. 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (March 2021) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding phragmites, hawk nesting poles, and plans for covering an Agricultural Services Department employee's upcoming maternity leave. C-111/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for March 2021 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 3 of 9 Regular Council March 25, 2021 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.3 Invitation to Attend & Vote at AGM For Genesis Reciprocal Insurance Exchange Council was provided with background information on this item. C-112/21 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 April 8, 2021. MOTION CARRIED 10.4 RMA Spring Meetings with Commanding Officer of RCMP K Division (April 28-29, 2021) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that the request was received from Sgt. G. Yetman of the Brooks RCMP who has taken over from S. Sgt. B. McDonald. Reeve M. Douglass reported that Cpl. S. Andrews of the Bassano RCMP had made a similar request. Discussion followed and Council indicated that there are no issues to discuss but suggested writing a letter to the Commanding Officer providing positive feedback for the local RCMP detachments. C-113/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council sends a letter to the Commanding Officer of RCMP K Division expressing satisfaction with the Brooks and Bassano RCMP Detachments. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Burgert and J. Thachuk arrived at 11:00 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Solar Krafte Brooks Solar Farm M. Burgett provided background information on Solar Krafte Utilities Inc. and the Prairie Sunlight solar development projects. These are large scale projects that maximize cost effectiveness and generate clean, renewable power without subsidies. M. Burgett outlined the benefits to the community and gave an overview of the proposed Brooks Solar Farm project which will be built on land leased from the Eastern Irrigation District. He indicated that Solar Krafte Utilities Inc. is collaborating with the oil and gas companies that are currently operating within the project site. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. M. Burgett indicated that the projects are usually named for significant geographical features in the area, most often the name of the nearest substation, but that the name for the Brooks Solar Farm is not final. He responded to questions regarding government subsidies, indicating that none of the capital for Solar Krafte's projects was subsidized. The moderator read a question submitted by a member of the public viewing the live stream: "Are these solar farms not taking up space on productive land that, in one Page 4 of 9 Regular Council March 25,2021 way or another, grows food?" M. Burgert provided information on the criteria used when determining a site for a solar development, indicating that irrigated farmland is avoided whenever possible. The proposed Brooks Solar Farm site is heavily impacted by the oil and gas industry. M. Burgert responded to further questions regarding the proposed site, construction costs, and benefits to the community. Reeve M. Douglass thanked M. Burgert and J. Thachuk for their presentation. LEFT THE MEETING M. Burgert and J. Thachuk left the meeting at 11:38 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Beasley and J. Allison arrived at 11:39 a.m. 8.2 Brooks Region Clean Power Industrial Park T. Beasley provided background information on Delta Clean Tech and the Alberta Carbon Capture Technology Center of Excellence and indicated that there is an opportunity to establish a similar facility in the County of Newell. He provided an overview of recent changes in the carbon capture market and the work being done at the demonstration project at the Shepard power plant. T. Beasley explained the proposed project, which would take natural gas and convert it to electricity for the JBS Canada facility. Companies would be invited to set up in the industrial park to use the CO2 to create clean power for industrial applications. He outlined the benefits and discussions with potential players that have occurred so far. T. Beasley indicated on a map the potential site for the project, an 8.85-acre parcel owned by the County located at 13-24-W4. He requested a letter in support of the project for an application for funding from Emissions Reduction Alberta. J. Allison provided further information, indicating that all the components for the project are located in the County. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. J. Allison provided additional details regarding the CO2 Capture Commercial Demonstration Project at the Shepard power plant, indicating that the site was designed for the purpose of evaluation by the XPR/ZE evaluation committee. Delta Clean Tech has been involved in larger carbon capture projects around the world. J. Allison and T. Beasley responded to further questions from Council regarding converting emissions to useable energy and other benefits associated with this project. T. Beasley responded to questions regarding the request for consideration of the parcel of land as well as civil and logistical considerations, indicating that development permits would be required as well as water and sewer service to the site. T. Beasley responded to questions regarding the amount of energy to be generated and indicated that he anticipates that all the CO2 generated will be used on site. T. Beasley and J. Allison responded to questions regarding government subsidies and the distribution of the federal carbon tax. Discussion followed regarding the parcel of land for the proposed project. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided further information, indicating that Alberta Transportation may have requirements. T. Beasley provided further Page 5 of 9 Regular Council March 25, 2021 information. Reeve M. Douglass thanked T. Beasley and J. Allison for their presentation. LEFT THE MEETING T. Beasley and J. Allison left the meeting at 12:24 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:24 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:07 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies arrived at 1:07 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.2 Geotechnical Studies for the Proposed Patricia Fire Hall The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-114/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator be directed to engage BDT Engineering to perform the necessary geotechnical studies for the proposed Patricia Fire Hall site. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 1:15 p.m. 10.5 Council Boards & Committees Discussion Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item. Discussion followed. After the February 25, 2021 Council Meeting, some Councillors had requested feedback from the boards and committees where they represent the County. Questions asked included whether the mandate has been fulfilled and whether the representative had to be a County Councillor. Discussion followed and each Councillor provided information regarding their boards and committees. Reeve M. Douglass suggested gathering further information on how frequently each committee meets and the duration of the meetings and include it in the Organizational Meeting agenda package. Further discussion followed. The Executive Assistant indicated that she would send an email requesting further information from Council on each. of the committees to be added to the Boards & Committees List. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council March 25, 2021 10.6 Assessment Model Changes — Public Awareness There was no new information on this item to discuss. 10.7 Councillor Payment Sheets (February 2021) C-115/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the February 2021 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.8 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 10.9 Payment Register The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C-116/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.10 Requests for Functions of Council 10.10.1 Alberta Association of Police Governance Annual Conference Councillor H. Kallen provided background information on this item, indicating that he had received approval to attend the conference in Brooks on April 24-25, 2020 as a function of Council, but that it had been postponed due to COVID-19 restrictions. CouncillorH. Kallen responded to questions from Council. C-117121 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Councillor H. Kallen be permitted to attend the online Alberta Association of Police Governance Annual Conference on April 23, 2021 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS 11.1 Joint Services Committee The minutes of the Joint Services Committee are distributed to Council. 11.2 Safe Communities Committee Councillor H. Kallen submitted a written report. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council March 25, 2021 11.3 Newell Foundation Councillor A. M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 11.4 Red Deer River Municipal Users Group Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 11.5 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Bylaw Review Councillor A. M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 11.6 Newell Regional Tourism Association Councillor E. Unruh reported on new businesses that have opened in Brooks, disc golf in Rosemary, improvements in Duchess for the centennial, and supply chain issues caused by COVID-19. 11.7 Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor C. Amulung reported on sample hydrants that are being installed at Lake Newell Resort, spring maintenance work, and issues with awarding a truck tender due to components not being available. Councillor B. de Jong provided additional information on the hydrants. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Strategic Priorities Chart 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. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council March 25, 2021 14. IN CAMERA C-118/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 2:00 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations - FOIPP Act Section 21. • Land - FOIPP Act Section 23. MOTION CARRIED C-119/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 3:21 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:22 p.m. Signed this V—day of 4/\^ I 12021 Reeve County Administrator Page 9 of 9