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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-04-23 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL April 23, 2015 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, April 23, 2015 commencing at 10:18 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: B. de Jong, Deputy Reeve COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services S. Simpson, Development Clerk K. Martin, Manager of Fire & Emergency Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services i \ J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor J A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: S. Sgt. T. McNulty, RCMP - Brooks 1. CALL TO ORDER Deputy Reeve B. de Jong called the meeting to order at 10:18 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (April 9, 2015) C-162/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the April 9, 2015 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council April 23, 2015 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS ! �� Deputy Reeve B. de Jong called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-163/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 6. BYLAWS 6.1 Bylaw 1827-15 Tax Rates (2015) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-164/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1827-15, being a bylaw to authorize the various rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2015, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-165/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw1827-15 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 6.2 Bylaw 1832-15 Rescinding Bylaw 1204-96 (Concerts, Licensing & Regulation of) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-166/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1832-15, being a bylaw to rescind Bylaw 1204-96 (Concerts, Licensing & Regulation of), be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-167/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1832-15 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-168/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that consent be given for Bylaw 1832-15 to receive third reading this 23rd day of April, 2015. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-169/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1832-15 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. ?I MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 11 Regular Council April 23, 2015 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 8.1 Update on Fire & Emergency Services Discussions with Urban Partners The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that there are some issues that have come up in discussion that each Council has been asked to provide feedback on before the next meeting in late June. Discussion followed on each of the issues. The Director of Corporate Services reported that a suggestion had been made that the cost for upgrades to fire halls be shared. Councillor K. Christman suggested that a 50/50 cost sharing agreement be established between the County and each municipality. The Director of Corporate Services outlined the current situations in each of the municipalities, indicating that if rent is not included in the cost sharing agreement a decision should be made whether to include utility payments and improvements as cost shared expenses. He outlined the current cost sharing percentages between the County and the municipalities involved. Councillor C. Amulung asked about the voting structure and the Director of Corporate Services replied that the committees overseeing the agreements will recommend the budget items to be referred to municipal Councils for approval. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council regarding the allocation of fire department response revenue, indicating that a standard hourly rate will be applied and invoices will be sent for all incidents on any of the roads. The amount that will be generated cannot be projected as it is based on the number of incidents. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Martin arrived at 10:42 a.m. Discussion followed regarding where the revenue from emergency response invoices should go. Councillor W. Hammergren suggested that, if the County pays 90% of operating costs, the County should receive 90% of the emergency response revenue and apply it to operating costs to build up a surplus to be returned to the fire department. Councillor A.M. Philipsen suggested that the County should receive 100% of the emergency response revenue as the County provides funding for 100% of capital equipment. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council regarding how fire departments generate revenue. The Chief Administrative Officer asked how the linear assessment is to be prorated as it relates to each department where capital is to be funded through assessment. The Director of Corporate Services replied that, initially, the linear assessment would be prorated to each of the ten electoral divisions based on actual identifiable assessment throughout the County. Deputy Reeve B. de Jong suggested that more information be gathered regarding the linear assessment. Councillor A.M. Philipsen suggested funding improvements to fire halls be cost shared 50/50, the operating budget be shared 75/25, and the County will be responsible for invoicing for fire responses and collecting the revenue. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services responded Page 3 of 11 C/4 Regular Council April 23, 2015 to questions regarding the increase in work load, noting that the advantage would be consistency in invoicing. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding potential adjustments to the assessment required to meet funding guidelines. He indicated that the preference is for the cost sharing agreement to be based on the total value of assessed properties being served. The Chief Administrative Officer outlined the percentage of the linear assessment that is given to municipalities in current cost sharing agreements. He requested a funding scenario for each fire department and the impact on each municipality involved, including the County. Discussion followed regarding the level of funds that should be retained as an operating reserve. Deputy Reeve B. de Jong suggested that, with the County funding 100% of capital equipment costs, perhaps an operating reserve is no longer required. Discussion followed regarding whether repairs and upgrades to equipment would be considered capital equipment or operating costs. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services responded to questions from Council. Councillor W. Hammergren suggested that one reserve fund be maintained for all departments to access. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that he would prepare more information regarding the linear assessment. This item will be discussed further during a future Council meeting. 8.2 Sale of Fire Engines to the County The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services provided background information on this item. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Nesbitt arrived at 11:20 a.m. He indicated that the Duchess & Patricia Fire Department would be receiving a new engine and selling their existing engine to Bassano. The Bassano Fire Department would then sell their existing unit to Bow City after some upgrades, funding for which could come from reserves. ARRIVED AT MEETINIG M. Harbicht arrived at 11:23 a.m. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services indicated that owner of the land where the Bow City Fire Hall is situated has requested first right of refusal on the old Bow City fire truck when it is going to be sold. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Sgt. T. McNulty arrived at 11:25 a.m. Page 4 of 11 Regular Council April 23, 2015 \ Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-170/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council authorize the purchase from the Village of Duchess Fire Department for a 2011 International Fire Apparatus to be stationed in the Bassano Fire Hall for the amount of $113,000.00 to be registered under the County of Newell; i further, that Council authorize the purchase from the Town of Bassano for a 2000 GMC C7500 Fire Apparatus to be stationed in the Bow City Fire Hall for the amount of $27,500.00 to be registered under the County of Newell; further, that Council authorize the purchase of loose equipment and tires for the Bow City Fire Engine in the amount of $27,000.00; further, that Council authorize the advertising of the 1985 Ford F800 for sale at an amount of $10,000.00 and grant Mr. G. Ketchmark first right of refusal to purchase said apparatus for the sale price; further, that funds paid out and received through this transfer of apparatus flow through the appropriate Apparatus Reserves. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 11:28 a.m. DELEGATIONS 7.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports (11:30 a.m.) 7.1.1 Brooks RCMP (S. Sgt. T. McNulty) S. Sgt. T. McNulty presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant incidents. He also provided an update on staffing levels. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. S. Sgt. T. McNulty responded to questions regarding the connection between crime and unemployment rates, indicating that there has not been a major increase noted. He explained the categories in the statistical report, indicating that spikes could indicate a monthly program target. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he attended a meeting at Lake Newell resort where residents raised concerns regarding vehicles speeding in the area where the speed limit changes to 50km1h. They requested that the County look into speed radar signs and increasing policing to help with speed compliance. S. Sgt. T. McNulty responded to further questions from Council. Page 5 of 11 Regular Council April 23, 2015 7.1.2 Bassano RCMP There was no Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report to present at this time. 7.1.3 Municipal Enforcement (J. Nesbitt) The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor presented the County of Newell Municipal Enforcement report to Council, giving an overview of significant events. He indicated that Municipal Enforcement is choosing a different topic each month to focus on educating the public. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor K. Christman requested that text descriptions be used in the report instead of codes. Councillor G. Simpson requested an update on recent acts of vandalism in Tilley and asked if surveillance cameras would be helpful. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor indicated that vandalism is a criminal code matter and the role of Municipal Enforcement would be to assist the RCMP. S. Sgt. T. McNulty replied that video surveillance provides good evidence and can be useful in areas prone to vandalism, but privacy must be considered. Regarding large gatherings of individuals, he strongly advised complainants to call the police and not to confront the group themselves. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor and S. Sgt. T McNulty responded to further questions from Council regarding pivots sprinkling on roads and the use of dashboard and body mounted cameras. LEFT THE MEETING S. Sgt. T. McNulty and J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 12:02 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:02 p.m. and RECONVENED AT 12:59 p.m. DELEGATIONS — CONTINUED 7.2 Global Village (A. Kassem) 1:00 p.m. This delegation was rescheduled for the May 7, 2015 Council Meeting. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 8.3 Annual General Meeting Format Discussion followed regarding the format of the Annual General Meeting. Planning & Development will be removed from the agenda as staff are unable to attend. Councillor L. Juss suggested adding a presentation regarding the landfill and recycling depot. The room will be set up the same as in previous years with Council and staff distributed among several tables. Setup will begin at J10 6:30 p.m. Page 6 of 11 Regular Council April 23, 2015 8.4 8.5 2014 Annual Report (Newspaper Version) Council reviewed the 2014 Annual Report Document, which will be printed for the Annual General Meeting, and suggested amendments. Representation on the Local Chambers of Commerce The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-171/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Councillor L. Juss be appointed as the representative for the County of Newell to the Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce board. MOTION CARRIED 8.6 Interim Funding for Ashton's Place The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor L. Juss provided further background information, indicating that the request had been discussed during the April 14, 2015 Joint Services Committee meeting. The City has agreed to match a $25,000.00 contribution from the County and the Kiwanis Club has provided a $5, 000.00 donation as well. Deputy Reeve B. de Jong indicated that the contributions from the City and the County would allow Ashton's Place to operate until the fall when long-term funding arrangements can be considered during budget discussions. Discussion followed regarding funding sources and the need to find a long-term funding solution. Councillor C. Amulung responded to questions regarding funding for Ashton's Place from Grasslands Regional FCSS which amounts to $50,000.00 per year. He noted that a much larger discussion may be needed regarding municipal funding for social programs. Councillor L. Juss stressed the importance of community support groups. Councillor G. Simpson expressed concerns regarding providing funding outside of the existing funding tool, which is Grasslands Regional FCSS. Discussion followed and several Councillors indicated that the request should come from Grasslands Regional FCSS. Councillor W. Hammergren asked if a budget had been in place for the year. Councillor C. Amulung replied that the provincial funding that they had been receiving is no longer available. Discussion followed and Councillor L. Juss responded to questions from Council. The Director of Corporate Services was directed to invite a representative from Grasslands Regional FCSS to the next Council meeting to make a funding request and provide further financial information. U-ZJ 8.7 Update on Regional Transportation Project The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. The committee has met and is requesting clear direction regarding the next steps. He asked if Council felt there was a social responsibility to provide a Page 7 of 11 Regular Council April 23, 2015 community-based transportation system and, if so, what is the target client base, how will user fees be subsidized, and what are the preferred options for governance and administration of the service. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. This item will be discussed further during the in camera portion of this meeting. 8.8 City/County Joint Council Meeting - Set Date Council discussed potential dates for a Joint City/County Council meeting to discuss regional collaboration and other outstanding issues. The meeting will be held on Monday, May 25, 2015 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at the Brooks Fire Hall. 8.9 Councillor Payment Sheets (March 2015) This item will be dealt with during the May 7, 2015 Council Meeting. 8.10 Cheques for Payment C-172/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that cheque 180734 in the amount of $371,139.11 and cheque 180735 in the amount of $842,651.41 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 8.11 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-173/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 8.12 Requests for Functions of Council There were no requests for functions of Council at this meeting. 9. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Solid Waste Services - Rural Solid Waste Collection The Director of Municipal Services and Councillor L. Juss provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor K. Christman suggested that ratepayers be surveyed to determine who would be in favor of a rural solid waste collection service. Councillor L. Juss indicated that the landfill is trying to discourage the use of burning barrels and a solid waste collection service would contribute to this. Discussion followed regarding services available through private enterprises and educating the public on how to treat burned materials that are no longer received at the landfill. Councillor L. Juss indicated that Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority has `- Page 8 of 11 �J Regular Council April 23, 2015 not conducted a study, but it is estimated that it would cost about $20.00 per month for a landowner to have solid waste collected from his yard. Councillor L. Juss responded to further questions from Council. C-174/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor L. Juss, the Director of Municipal Services, and R. Juska (Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority) be appointed to the Rural Solid Waste Collection Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS 10.1 Bow River Basin Council Councillor W. Hammergren reported that he and Councillor A.M. Philipsen attended the Canadian Water Resources Association conference. Councillor A. M. Philipsen reported that a formal report would be provided at a future Council meeting. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:19 p.m. 10.2 Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor C. Amulung reported that the Annual General Meeting will be held on May 20, 2015. He provided an update on the Community Response meeting, indicating that the people affected are knowledgeable about the support services available. 10.3 Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor C. Amulung provided an update on the regional water service to Bassano, indicating that they are trying a different strategy to clear the lines. 10.4 Newell Foundation Councillor G. Simpson provided an update on the Bassano project, indicating that there would be a meeting with the architects to discuss the next steps. Councillor G. Simpson also indicated that he attended Alberta Senior Citizens Housing Association conference. 10.5 Newell Recycling Association/Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Councillor L. Juss reported that the pancake breakfast held on Saturday was very successful. Councillor K. Christman asked if NRSWMA would consider extended hours at the regional landfill for spring cleanup. Councillor L. Juss replied that some trials had been done regarding this and there was little response. Councillor L. Juss responded to further questions from Council. Page 9 of 11 Regular Council April 23, 2015 10.6 Recreation Board -Division 5& 10 i Councillor L. Juss reported that there was a display of the proposed City of Brooks field house at the Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show. 10.7 Joint Meeting with Siksika Nation Councillor K. Christman reported that a letter has been sent requesting a meeting and that she is awaiting a response. 10.8 Shortgrass Library System Councillor K. Christman indicated that the audited financial statements will be distributed and reported on additional funding granted through the recent budget. 10.9 Community Planning Association of Alberta (Councillor A.M. Philipsen) Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report. 10.10 Red Deer River Watershed Alliance (Councillor A.M. Philipsen) Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report and responded to questions from Council. 10.11 Newell 9-1-1 Committee Deputy Reeve B. de Jong provided an overview of a meeting between the Newell 9-1-1 Committee, Calgary EMS, Red Deer 9-1-1, Alberta Health Services, and the Prairie Pioneers group regarding a recent incident. He indicated that they are currently working on releasing the minutes. 10.12 Joint Services Committee Deputy Reeve B. de Jong reported that the City is working on a mobile application that will complement the tourism kiosks as another method for distributing information. He also reported that the Governor General's Canadian Leadership group will be stopping in Brooks in May. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor E. Unruh left the meeting at 2:42 p.m 10.13 Alberta Health Services Deputy Reeve B. de Jong reported that he attended a meeting regarding decentralizing some of the planning regarding Alberta Health Services. Two regional meetings would be held and the Mayors & Reeves Associations would jt\ each bring four people. Councillor B. de Jong responded to questions from Council. Page 10 of 11 Regular Council April 23, 2015 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (March 2015) This item was accepted as information. 12.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 14. IN CAMERA C-175115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 2:48 p.m. to discuss a land and a labour issue. MOTION CARRIED C-176115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move out of camera at 3:30 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. Signed this! day of 2015 Page 11 of 11