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Home My WebLink About2021-11-04 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL November 4, 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, November 4, 2021 commencing at 11:09 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: D. Short A. Skanderup L. Kopp H. Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman E. Unruh A. Philpott N. Johnson STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator) J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning � Development A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: J. Hobson, CIBC Wood Gundy (via Lifesize) C. Chahal, CIBC Wood Gundy (via Lifesize) S. Sgt. G. Yetman, RCMP - Brooks Cpl. S. Andrews, RCMP - Bassano K. Sieben, Safe Communities Coordinator K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 11:09 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (October 7, 2021) C-316/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the October 7, 2021 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council November 4,2021 3.2 Minutes -Organizational Meeting (October 28, 2021) C-317/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that the October 28, 2021 Organizational Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-318/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER 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. Council and staff introduced themselves for those present in Council Chambers and members of the public watching the livestream. 7. DELEGATIONS 7.1 CIBC Q3 PortFolio Update J. Hobson provided background information on the Hobson Chahal Advisory Group, an overview of the investment objectives, and an update on the County's investment portfolio performance. He also provided an economic update, noting that economic recovery is taking longer in Canada for a variety of reasons. C. Chahal explained stagflation, which is high inflation rates combined with high unemployment and stagnant demand in a country's economy. Inflation is high, but concerns are not significant at this time. A slow rebound in oil drilling and diversification in the United States is starting to appear in the Alberta economy. C. Chahal displayed a graph suggesting a positive budget cycle for Alberta in the near future. C. Chahal provided an overview of market pricing and a forecast for the County's portfolio. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C. Chahal responded to questions regarding the stability of the County's portfolio, indicating that Section 250 of the Municipal Government Act dictates that the entire investment portfolio must be principle guaranteed. If there is a market correction, the rates are already in line with market expectations. LEFT THE MEETING J. Hobson and C. Chahal left the meeting at 11:36 a.m. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council November 4,2021 7.2 RCMP Quarterly Reports 7.2.1 Brooks RCMP (S. Sgt. G. Yetman) S. Sgt. G. Yetman presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. He a/so provided a staffing update and provided examples of the work accomplished by the Community Policing Unit. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. S. Sgt. G. Yetman responded to questions regarding wellness checks and provided examples. 7.2.2 Bassano RCMP (Cpl. S. Andrews) Cpl. S. Andrews presented the Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events and activities. He also explained Bassano's rural crime reduction strategy, which involves providing information and signage to rural residents and has led to a 32% decrease in rural crime. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING S. Sgt. G. Yetman and Cpl. S. Andrews left the meeting at 11:50 a.m. 7.2.3 Safe Communities Committee (K. Sieben) K. Sieben presented the Safe Communities Committee Report to Council, providing an overview of initiatives and events. She provided details on the traffic stop communication cards that will be used to facilitate communication with individuals with hearing difficulties or that do not speak English. The Community Policing Unit will be checking in with businesses in the City and County to provide consultations on property crime reduction. K. Sieben provided updates on the Safe Communities social media presence and programs for youth. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 7.2.4 Municipal Enforcement (J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor) The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor presented the County of Newell Enforcement Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions regarding the speed control signs, indicating that the data collected by the signs is used to help determine traffic patterns. LEFT THE MEETING K. Sieben and J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 12:01 p.m. Page 3 of 9 Regular Council November 4,2021 13. IN CAMERA C-319/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move in camera at 12:02 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Land —FOIPP Act Section 25; • Intergovernmental Relations—FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor N. Johnson left the meeting at 12:40 p.m. i C-320/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move out of camera at 12:47 p.m. � I MOTION CARRIED i C-321/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that County Council agrees to provide an Offerto Purchase in the amount of$359,000 plus GST from the Stabilization fund for lands legally known as Plan 3271 JK Block PCL C for +/- 25.32 acres of land, including residence, outbuildings, and other chattel property in effort to secure all lands necessary for both A-1 and A-2 alignment options for the Truck Route. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:47 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:33 p.m. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A. Philpott left the meeting at 1:20 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley and S. Luchies arrived at 1:33 p.m. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 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 a /eak in the rural water system, indicating that NRSC operators have been monitoring the hydrant since it was reported in mid- October and will repair if the water in the ditch is not resulting from normal valve operations. K. Steinley provided additional information regarding residential lead testing, indicating that Alberta Environment has provided information on how to deal with various situations. He responded to questions regarding estimating water used for hydrant flushing and outlined the process for flushing lagoons. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council November 4,2021 LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 1:51 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Patricia Fire Hall The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that, if Council approves the project based on the engineer's estimates provided today, the Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator will proceed with the tender process. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to questions regarding the number of active firefighters in Patricia and response times from the nearest fire departments. He responded to questions regarding the existing structure and the planned use of space in the proposed structure. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding cost per square foot for a new structure compared to building an addition to the existing structure. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator indicated that he would investigate the availability of provincial funding, as Dinosaur Provincial Park is included in the fire service area. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions, indicating that the project was approved in the 2021 budget and today's request is for approval of the additional costs to proceed with tendering the project. He provided additional information on the tender process. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to questions regarding equipment allocation. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information on the number of properties and residents served by the Patricia Fire Department and responded to further questions. C-322/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Colliers Project Leaders be appointed as Project Managers for the remainder of the Patricia Fire Hall project to construct a new pre-engineered building on the site, with the approval of the capital expenditure' , , coming from the Capital Building fund in the 2022 budget. �`^�-'��-�� MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 2:17 p.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. The final meeting of the Soil Erosion/Degradation Advisory Committee will be held next week, and the final draft of the Soil Conservation policy will be brought to Council in December. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services provided information regarding a new clubroot infestation, indicating that the landowner had discovered the issue and contacted the County for assistance. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council November 4,2021 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.2 Bassano Joint Recreation Funding Commitment for 2022 The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed and the Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the recreation agreement between the County and Bassano includes the base funding amount. C-323/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council affirms that the County's funding commitment in the amount of $25,000 for the Bassano/County Recreation Funding Committee will be advanced for the 2022 calendar year. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Appointment to County of Newell Library Board (Division 4) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-324/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Susanne Brummelhuis (Division 4) be appointed as a Member-at-Large to the County of Newell Library Board. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Report on Municipal, Referendum, &Senate Election The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. 9.5 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Fall 2021 Convention - Registration Confirmation and Meetings with Minister The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item. Discussion followed. The Director of Agricultural Services provided details regarding reduced funding for Agricultural Services Boards and background information on the Crop Diversification Centre South. Council indicated these are issues to be discussed with the Minister of Agriculture &Forestry. Councillor K. Christman provided background information regarding the suggested discussion topics for the Minister of Municipal Affairs. The Director of Corporate Services provided additional information, indicating that the issue of uneven population distribution was more about a request to address ambiguity that exists in the Municipal Government Act with regards to passing bylaws to change electoral division boundaries. The Executive Assistant responded to questions, indicating that a letter had been sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs expressing Council's concerns on the matter. The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on the Assessment Model Review, suggesting Council continue to remind Municipal Affairs that municipalities need certainty as to what the system changes will be. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council November 4,2021 C-325/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council continues to seek engagement with Government of Alberta Ministers as follows: • Municipal Affairs o Assessment Model Review, o timelines for grant funding applications, and o dealing with uneven population distribution across electoral divisions; • Transportation o update on plans for secondary highway improvement and partnership opportunities, and o bridges; • Agriculture & Forestry o Agricultural Service Board support, and o update on the Crop Diversification Centre South and plans/vision for the future of this facility. MOTION CARRIED 9.6 New Council Training Opportunities The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-326/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that all Councillors be permitted to attend up to two (2) elected officials training sessions as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 9.7 Requests for Functions of Council The Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Corporate Services provided information regarding the types of events or meetings considered regular duties of the divisional Councillor and those that require approval as a function of Council. Discussion followed. Discussion followed regarding a request to bring greetings on behalf of the County of Newell to the Harwood Ford Bonspiel. Discussion followed. C-327/21 MOVED BY REEVE ARNO DOERKSEN that Councillor A. Skanderup and Councillor G. Skriver be permitted to attend the 4th Annual Harwood Ford Cup bonspiel in Brooks, AB on November 19-20,2021 as a function of Council; further, that they will bring greetings on behalf of the County of Newell at the opening ceremony. MOTION CARRIED RECESS Council RECESSED at 2:56 p.m. and RECONVENED at 3:03 p.m. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council November 4,2021 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS —continued 10.2 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. C-328/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for October 2021 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 3:17 p.m. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Meeting with MLA M. Frey (November 19, 2021) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. Discussion followed and Council provided direction to the Executive Assistant to arrange for a mid to late morning meeting with MLA M. Frey on Friday, November 19, 2021. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Payment Registers The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on payment registers. This item was accepted as information. 12.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report(September 2021) This item was accepted as information. 13. IN CAMERA —continued C-329/21 . MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move in camera at 3:21 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental relations—FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-330/21 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move out of camera at 3:47 p.m. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 9 Regular Council November 4,2021 14. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:47 p.m. Signed this��day of N�Ve�^-��✓ , 2021 eeve �� County Administra� Page 9 of 9