HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-08 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
July 8, 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, July 8, 2021 commencing at 10:12 a.m.
MEMBERS
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS:
M. Douglass, Reeve
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
S. Yokoyama, IT Administrative Assistant (Moderator)
M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development
M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation
1. CALL TO ORDER
2.
3
C-218/21
4.
Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:12 a.m.
EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (June 24, 2021)
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that the June 24, 2021 Council Meeting
minutes be adopted as presented.
CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council
July 8, 2021
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-219/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH 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 physically
in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
10.1 Planning & Development Report (April - June 2021)
Council reviewed the Planning & Development Report.
C-220/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the Planning & Development
Report for April - June 2021 be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
10.2 Appointment to Regional Assessment Review Board Clerk Pool
C-221121 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bailee Boulet (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
10.3 Administration Facility Solar PV Project - Construction & Operating Services
Agreement with SWITCH Power
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item,
indicating that, once feedback is received from the County's legal counsel, the
agreement can be executed, and construction can proceed. The Chief
Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council.
C-222/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council APPROVES the
Construction & Operating Services agreement between SWITCH Power Corporation and
the County of Newell including any revisions recommended by Stringam LLP.
MOTION CARRIED
10.4 Policy Review- 2021-PAD-075 Recreation Facility Improvement Funding
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item,
indicating that the policy has been reviewed by representatives of the groups that
participated in the Community Engagement Initiative. Discussion followed
regarding how to categorize the projects. The Chief Administrative Officer
responded to questions, indicating that the policy provides a framework that
Council can use to make decisions on capital project funding for recreation. In
some cases, external assistance may be required. Discussion followed regarding
setting a dollar amount for minor and major projects.
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Regular Council
July 8, 2021
ARRIVED AT MEETING
K. Steinley arrived at 10:29 a.m.
C-223/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Policy 2021-PAD-075 (Recreation
Facility Improvement Funding) be adopted with the following amendments:
• Category Three project costs are not to exceed $50,000.
• Category Two project costs are $50,000 and up.
• Periodic Policy Review - This policy may be subject to review by Council as
required.
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council and
discussion followed.
VOTE ON MOTION C-223/21 - MOTION CARRIED
11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report
K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview
of the highlights. He indicated that Newell Regional Services Corporation
produced 21,613 cubic meters of water in June, which is a new record. Council
was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley responded to questions
from Council regarding public education regarding water quality. He indicated that
NRSC is happy to answer any questions about water quality, noting that all test
results and parameters are published on the website (www.nrsc.ca). K. Steinley
responded to further questions regarding maintaining water quality during summer.
LEFT THE MEETING
K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:47 a.m.
14. IN CAMERA
C-224/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 10:47 a.m. to
discuss the following matters:
• Labour - FOIPP Act Section 17;
• Labour - FOIPP Act Section 17;
• Legal - FOIPP Act Section 27.
MOTION CARRIED
C-225/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of camera at
11:35 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
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July 8, 2021
C-226/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move into Public Hearings at
11:37 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
7. PUBLIC HEARINGS
7.1 Bylaw 2014-21 - 21 LUA 003 (North Headgates)
Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:37 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 2014-21. The intent of this bylaw is to
amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignation a portion of SW 5-18-14-W4
from DC - Direct Control District and A - Agricultural District to DC - Direct Control
District to accommodate a proposed subdivision and ensure consistency with the
North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan. She provided details on Schedule
B, which includes the permitted and discretionary uses for the future subdivision
with setbacks based on those used in the HR - Hamlet Residential 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.
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. Council asked whether every
lot could be required to connect to the County's rural water system. The
Supervisor of Planning & Development indicated that she would have to
investigate whether it was possible to stipulate water service.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht arrived at 11:44 a.m.
C�
The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information, suggesting there
may be some merit in revisiting the Water & Sewer bylaw and requiring future
developments to connect to the Rural Water System. The Supervisor of Planning
& Development indicated that this suggestion could be reviewed during the
subdivision process and a clause included in the development agreement that
requires a connection to the rural water system at the time of development.
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Regular Council
July 8, 2021
7.2 Bylaw 2015-21 Road Closure & LEASE - Ptn. of NW 28-20-17-W4 and
NE 29-20-17-W4, SW 28-20-17-W4 and SE 29-20-17-W4
Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:47 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 2015-21, The intent of this bylaw is
to close and LEASE those portions of road allowance lying adjacent to the west
boundary of NW 28-20-17-W4 & SW 28-20-17-W4, and those portions of road
allowance lying adjacent to the east boundary of SE 29-20-17-W4 &
NE 29-20-17-W4.
The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on
this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all adjacent
landowners as well as to a list of affected agencies. No responses were received
from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the required
referrals and none have indicated any objections. Approval from Alberta
Transportation is required before Council can proceed with second and third
reading of the bylaw.
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 indicated that the lease agreement will be in place for a ten (10) year
period with the possibility of an extension.
C-227/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of Public Hearings at
11:49 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
8. BYLAWS
8.1 Bylaw 2014-21 - 21 LUA 003 (North Headgates)
C-228/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 2014-21, being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 1892-17 by redesignating approximately 29.5 acres
(12.0 hectares) in SW 5-18-14-W4 from DC - Direct Control/A - Agricultural District to
DC - Direct Control District, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-229/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 2014-21 be given
THIRD and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Jackson and M. Harbicht left the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
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Regular Council
July 8, 2021
12. POST AGENDA ITEMS
12.1 Acceptance of Rapid Response Vehicle - Rolling Hills Fire Department
The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background
information on this item and responded to questions from Council regarding the
tender review process and cost increases.
C-230/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the purchase
of one (1) Rapid Response Vehicle for the Rolling Hills Fire Department from TCB Welding
& Construction Ltd. of Brooks, AB for the tendered price of $114,980 plus additional costs
of $10,020 for a total cost of $125,000 to be funded from the capital project Apparatus
Replacement Fund in 2021.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Luchies left the meeting at 11:59 a.m.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:00 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:48 p.m.
9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
9.1 ASB Update
This item was discussed prior to the start of the Council meeting during the ASB
Field Visit.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
10.5 Council Boards & Committees Discussion
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. Council reviewed the list of boards and
committees identified in the RFD.
Bow River Basin Council (BRBC) - Councillor B. de Jong provided additional
information, indicating that it is a valuable source of information. Discussion
followed. Going forward, the Executive Assistant will forward e-mails from the
BRBC to all of Council. Any Councillor can attend BRBC events.
Canadian Badlands, Newell Regional Tourism Association, Safe Communities
Committee, Rural Crime Watch, Crime Stoppers Board - Discussion followed
regarding possible duplication in having representatives on these boards as
economic development, tourism, and Safe Communities Committee reports are
provided to the Joint Services Committee. Councillor E. Unruh provided additional
information on the NRTA and expressed concerns with a loss of influence without
a County of Newell member on the board. Further, one Councillor from the County
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Regular Council
July 8, 2021
and City sit on a subcommittee that decides funding allocations. The NRTA
receives funding through the Joint Services Committee and determines how
funding is allocated. Reeve M. Douglass noted that the County's withdrawal from
boards and committees may affect the City's participation on these same
boards. She indicated that she would add discussion on overlapping boards and
committees to the next Joint Services Committee meeting agenda.
Joint Services Committee - Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor T. Fyfe provided
information regarding the matters dealt with by the Joint Services
Committee. These include economic development, physician recruitment and
retention, business development and retention.
Palliser Economic Partnership - Councillor W. Hammergren provided additional
information and suggested that the County continue its involvement.
CAO Performance Evaluation Committee - Discussion followed and Council
indicated that the Council participants will be determined when it is time to
complete the CAO's performance evaluation.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht arrived at 1:19 p.m.
Grievance Committee - The Director of Municipal Services provided an overview
of the grievance process. The Grievance Committee is no longer included in the
current COPE contract.
Newell 911 Dispatch Association - Councillor B. de Jong provided additional
information. This committee will be added to the list to be discussed at the Joint
Services Committee meeting.
Newell Recycling Association - Councillor L. Juss provided additional information,
indicating that there are two elected officials on the board and the rest are
volunteers. He indicated that he would initiate discussion regarding the Newell
Recycling Association Board at the next meeting. Council suggested that the
Newell Recycling and Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association boards be
subcommittees of the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority.
Red Deer River Municipal Users Group (RDRMUG) and Red Deer River
Watershed Alliance (RDRWA) - Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided additional
information and suggested that the County does not need to participate. The
Executive Assistant suggested that information from RDRMUG and RDRWA could
be forwarded to all of Council.
Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association - Councillor L. Juss provided
additional information, indicating that the County is represented through the Newell
Regional Solid Waste Management Authority, who is a voting member.
Veteran's Memorial Highway Development Safety Association - Councillor
W. Hammergren provided additional information, indicating that the focus has
moved away from safety and suggested that the County could withdraw.
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Regular Council
July 8, 2021
The Chief Administrative Officer and Executive Assistant responded to questions
regarding online meetings, suggesting that not all organizations have the
technology to accommodate this. Discussion followed.
The Chief Administrative Officer and Councillor T. Fyfe responded to questions
regarding the City of Brooks Recreation & Parks Board. County Council
representation is required under the recreation component of the Intermunicipal
Collaboration Framework agreement.
The Executive Assistant provided a summary of the decisions:
• Bow River Basin Council, Red Deer River Municipal Users Group, and Red
Deer River Watershed Alliance - information will be forwarded to all
Councillors who will determine whether they want to attend events.
• Canadian Badlands, Newell Regional Tourism Association, Safe
Communities Committee, Rural Crime Watch, Crime Stoppers Board,
Newell 911 Dispatch Association - discuss with the Joint Services
Committee to determine whether elected official involvement is required.
• Grievance Committee - no longer required.
• Veteran's Memorial Highway Development Safety Association - no longer
required, unless there are changes following the 2021 Municipal Election.
• CAO Performance Evaluation Committee - Councillors will be selected
when a performance evaluation is required.
10.6 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Meeting (September 17, 2021)
Reeve M. Douglass noted that the deadline for submitting resolutions is
August 27, 2021.
10.7 Assessment Model Changes — Public Awareness
Reeve M. Douglass and the Chief Administrative Officer provided information to
Council regarding the Alberta Liabilities Disclosure Project. This group has
compiled costs associated with oil and gas industry reclamation and their report,
entitled "The Big Cleanup, " lists the municipalities in Alberta with the highest level
of oil and gas well cleanup liabilities that would therefore benefit most from a
cleanup funded by industry rather than the public taxpayers. The report and
additional information are available on the Alberta Liabilities Disclosure Project
website: www.aldpcoalition.com
10.8 Cheques for Payment
C-231/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HUBY KALLEN that cheque 188471 in the amount of
$648,639.80 and cheque 188461 in the amount of $356,178.95 be APPROVED.
MOTION CARRIED
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July 8, 2021
10.9 Payment Register
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council.
C-232/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Payment Register be
accepted.
MOTION CARRIED
10.10 Requests for Functions of Council
10.10.1 Canada Day Parades
Discussion followed.
C-233/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that any Councillor be permitted to
attend a Canada Day Parade in a division other than their own division as a function of
Council.
MOTION CARRIED
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
the Municipal Enforcement agreements with other municipalities and outlined how
assignments are provided by the CAO prior to the start of the patrol in that
municipality. At the end of the shift, the Municipal Enforcement Officer reports
back to the CAO on what has been accomplished.
C-234/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Director of Municipal Services Report
and the Utilities - NRSC Report for June 2021 be APPROVED as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
12. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued
12.1 Rural Water Project - Phase 2 Funding
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. He
indicated that as much certainty as possible should be provided for individuals
considering registration, including costs, project start dates, and payment
plans. Discussion followed regarding rural water connections in subdivisions. The
Director of Municipal Services indicated that lines may be available in some
subdivisions, but the lines were installed where residents wanted the service. The
Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions about the current connection
fees. The Director of Municipal Services provided information from phase 1,
indicating that construction started in the area that reached 60% of registrations
first to minimize equipment mobilization costs. Construction for Phase 2 will
require additional mobilization to fill in areas that were not serviced in Phase 1,
0
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Regular Council
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Discussion followed regarding requiring subdivision residents to connect to the
rural water system. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that there is value
in the service and residents may register on their own. The Director of Municipal
Services responded to questions, indicating the first unit in Phase 1 was provided
for $1,000 and if additional units were required, they could be purchased for
$7, 700. This was done to reduce speculation as the land may never have been
developed. Discussion followed and Council indicated that the registration fee for
the first unit be $1,500 to encourage landowners to sign up voluntarily. Additional
units can be purchased for $7, 700.
The Chief Administrative Officer requested a motion to proceed with an application
for funding under the Municipal Sustainability Initiative program. Once grant
funding has been confirmed, the registration program will be prepared. Discussion
followed regarding whether offering a $1, 500 registration fee is fair to users who
connected after the $1,000 incentive period expired. The Director of Municipal
Services indicated that 144 estimates have been prepared since 2013 and only 24
of them have been connected. The costs of these estimates vary widely. He noted
that high costs can make connection not worth pursuing.
C-235/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the connection fee charged to
each property owner for the Rural Water Project — Phase 2 will be $1,500.00 based on a
300 gallon/day trickle system unit, and that Administration submit an application to the
MSI capital grant program to fund the $15,150,000 estimated cost of the project.
Councillor E. Unruh requested a recorded vote.
In Favor —Division 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10
Opposed — Division 7
MOTION CARRIED
13. INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1 Decision - Challenge to Bylaw 1998-20 (Electoral Divisions)
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. Discussion
followed and Council indicated that the County's legal costs associated with the
challenge to Bylaw 1998-20 should be made available to the public.
C-236/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council agrees to pay the
Schedule C, Column 3 of the Alberta Rules of Court AR 124/2010 costs in the amount of
$9,300.38 requested by Alberta Counsel for the legal challenge of Bylaw 1998-20.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:44 p.m.
13.2 Upcoming Community Events
Council was provided a form to submit information for upcoming events in their
(�hm community.
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Regular Council
July 8, 2021
14. IN CAMERA — continued
C-237121 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Council approves the addition
of a Senior Assessor position to the County's organizational chart to provide
Administration with the option of bringing assessment services in-house.
MOTION CARRIED
15. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:48 p.m.
22,Jr
Signed this day of v 2021
Reeve
County Ad finis ra or
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