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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-01-06 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL January 6, 2022 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 6, 2022 commencing at 10:00 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) S. Christensen, Manager of Corporate Safety Services M. Ross, Projects Assistant M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning & Development A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Bruens, Outcome Employment Services R. Lysons, Outcome Employment Services K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation L. Jones, Bylaw 2019-21 G. Peetus, Bylaw 2019-21 J. Marsh, Tilley CATS S. Wester, Tilley CATS D. Ackerley, Tilley CATS 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council January 6,2022 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (December 23, 2021) C-01/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the December 23, 2021 Council 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-02/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A guestion 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 S. Christensen and L. Johnson arrived at 10:02 a.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 Corporate Health &Safety Committee -Council's Statement of Commitment The Manager of Corporate Safety Services provided an overview of the Worker's Compensation Board's Partnerships in Injury Reduction report for December 2021. The County of Newell has consistently been rated below the industry average for the frequency and severity of injuries. Total claim costs were 83.72% lower than the industry average for 2018-2020 and 95.62% lower for 2019- 2021. The Manager of Corporate Safety Services provided an overview of the County's WCB premium rates. She provided an explanation of Council's Statement of Commitment to the Occupational Health & Safety Management System. The proposed amendment places additional emphasis on mental health and social well-being, which has a/so been incorporated into provincial legislation. The Manager of Corporate Safety Services responded to questions from Council. C-03/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council confirms its commitment to the Health & Safety Management System by approving the modified Statement of Commitment as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Christensen left the meeting at 10:09 a.m. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council January 6, 2022 11.2 Policy Review- 2022-PAD-061 Corporate Identity & Branding The Projects Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-04/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Policy 2022-PAD-061 (Corporate Identity & Branding) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Future Focus of Public Communications The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and asked if Council wanted to continue with a similar public information campaign . over their term of office. He responded to questions regarding the costs associated with paid advertising and staff time spent preparing content. No direct feedback is available regarding the information published in the newspaper, which focused on services provided by the County. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that content prepared regarding County services can be updated and republished as necessary. As well, there are opportunities to be proactive with content on new initiatives, such as phase 2 of the County of Newell Water project, and for regular radio time slots, similar to the City's "Talk of the Town" feature. Council must decide what level of public engagement and communication is required. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions regarding the level of engagement, indicating that extensive analytical data is available for web and social media channels. The Projects Assistant noted that one of the metrics that shows the average reach has increased. Discussion followed and the Director of Corporate Services and Projects Assistant responded to further questions. C-05/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that the County's communication efforts be limited to the use of traditional printed and social media based on historical approaches applied for conveying "need to know" details to the public; further, that the public communications strategy be revisited after the 2022 Strategic Planning Session. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Ross left the meeting at 10:39 a.m. 11.4 Request for Letter of Support- Project Clear Horizon The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-06/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the County of Newell endorses the request from the Brooks Region to provide a letter in support of the City of Medicine Hat's application to the Natural Resources Canada - Energy Innovations Program for funding for Project Clear Horizon. MOTION CARRIED Page 3 of 9 Regular Council January 6,2022 8. BYLAWS 8.3 Bylaw 2021-21 Schedule of Fees The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-07/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Bylaw 2021-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-08/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2021-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 10:48 a.m. 15. IN CAMERA C-09/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 10:49 a.m. to discuss the following matters: • Confidential Evaluations - FOIPP Act Section 19. MOTION CARRIED C-10/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 11:15 a.m. MOTION CARRIED RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:15 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:22 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Lysons and K. Bruens arrived at 11:22 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Outcome Employment Services K. Bruens provided an overview of Outcome Employment Services, which offers employment services to job seekers as well as consultation and support to local employers through their Employment Partnership Program. The goal for this year is to meet with 80 different employers to help them become more inclusive in the workplace and to reach out specifically to rural communities. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council January 6, 2022 Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Bruens responded to questions regarding job placement services and explained that clients are placed strategically to match their skillset with the needs of the employer. Job coaches are available, if necessary, but the clients are prepared to be as independent as possible. Outcome Employment Services is funded by the provincial and federal governments and there are no fees to access their services. LEFT THE MEETING R. Lysons and K. Bruens left the meeting at 11:42 a.m. C-11/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move into Public Hearings at � 11:42 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2019-21 - 21 LUA 004 (Lot 7 Block 1 Plan 0915147 in NE 35-18-15-W4 -R-RUR to B-RUR) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:42 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The Supervisor of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2019-21. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by rezoning Lot 7, Block 1, Plan 0915147 in NE 35-18-15-W4 from Residential- Rural District(R-RUR) to Business-Rural District (8-RUR). 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. The Supervisor of Planning & Development indicated that meeting details were provided to an adjacent landowner who wanted to attend the public hearing, but they are not in attendance. There were no persons in attendance speaking in opposition to the proposed bylaw. The Applicant was present to respond to questions from Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Supervisor of Planning& Development indicated that the adjacent landowner who had contacted her did not state any specific issue with the land use amendment and noted that conditions can be applied to the Development Permit to alleviate any issues that may arise. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding other business activities on the adjacent parcels. The applicant responded to questions regarding the business and non-permanent structures currently located on the subject parcel. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council January 6,2022 7.2 Bylaw 2020-21 Road Closure & LEASE (SW 13-20-14-W4) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:49 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen 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 2020-21. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE that portion of road described as the southwest corner of SW 13-20-14-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. Ton�en Energy has a surface /ease on the adjacent lands and their access to that site will be maintained through the /ease agreement. 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 responded to questions regarding the portion of road allowance to remain open. A /ease is required if the road allowance is irrigated or actively farmed. C-12/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:53 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS —continued 8.1 Bylaw 2019-21 -21 LUA 004 (Lot 7 Block 1 Plan 0915147 in NE 35-18-15-W4 - R-RUR to B-RUR) C-13/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2019-21, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating Lot 7, Block 1, Plan 0915147 in NE 35-18-15- W4 from Residential - Rural District (R-RUR) to Business - Rural District (B-RUR), be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-14/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2019-21 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Bylaw 2020-21 Road Closure & LEASE (SW 13-20-14-W4) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council January 6,2022 C-15/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2020-21, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the most southeriy 237 meters of government road allowance adjacent to SW 13-20-14-W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson, L. Jones, and G. Peetus left the meeting at 11:54 a.m. 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 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. ° LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 12:04 p.m. 12.2 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-16/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for December 2021 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED For lunch at 12:05 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:47 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Marsh, S. Wester, D. Ackerley, and L. Johnson arrived at 12:47 p.m. 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 ASB Update There was no ASB Update provided at this meeting. 10.2 Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards Councillor K. Christman provided background information on the Gary & Sheila Evans family from Division 6. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council January 6,2022 C-17/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that on behalf of the County of Newell Ag Service Board we nominate the Gary and Sheila Evans family for the 2022 BMO Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award. MOTION CARRIED C-18/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor K. Christman attend the 2022 BMO Bank of Montreai Farm Family Awards banquet on behalf of the County of Newell Agricultural Services Board. MOTION CARRIED 9. DELEGATIONS —continued 9.2 Lease Arrangement for the Former Village of Tilley Office Building The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and an overview of the /ease agreement between the County of Newell and the Tilley Community Action Team Society(CATS), which included a nominal annual rent charge and subsidized utility rates. D. Ackerley acknowledged that the lease would be terminated if the building is sold. She provided information regarding the Spike and Spur Mercantile that the Tilley CATS are operating out of the leased space. J. Marsh responded to questions regarding operating costs, indicating that the Tilley CA TS pay the portion of utilities that are over and above what the County pays to maintain a vacant building. Annual recreation funding allocated to the Tilley CATS group is used for other community projects and income from the business is used to fund the Spike and Spur. D. Ackerley and J. Marsh responded to further questions regarding funding sources. Council requested a copy of the Tilley CA TS annual financial statements. S. Wester and J. Marsh responded to questions regarding how the store operates with volunteers selling goods from vendors who rent shop space. The Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Corporate Services provided information regarding the difference in utilities for a vacant versus an occupied building, noting that the cost is not significant for something that is beneficial to the community. C-19/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Council APPROVES an extension of the lease agreement with the Tilley CATS for the occupancy of the former Village of Tilley Office based on the terms of the original lease agreement. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING J. Marsh, S. Wester, D. Ackerley, and L. Johnson left the meeting at 1:18 p.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS —continued 11.5 Councillor Payment Sheets (December 2021) C-20/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the December 2021 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 9 Regular Council January 6, 2022 11.6 Requests for Functions of Council 11.6.1 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Virtual Townhall - Alberta Provincial Police Services Transition Study (January 6, 2022) C-21/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that any Councillor be permitted to attend the RMA Virtual Townhall on the Alberta Provincial Police Services Transition Study on January 6, 2022 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11.6.2 Emerging Trends in Municipal Law(February 10, 2022) Councillor A. Philpott provided background information on this item. Discussion followed regarding whether this session would be considered one of the two elected officials training sessions approved as functions of Council as per Motion C-326/21. This item will be brought to a ° future meeting for further discussion on what would be considered an elected officials training session. 11.6.3 Energy Road Show(Spring 2022) Councillor G. Skriver reported that he had volunteered to be interviewed for the Energy Road Show in the spring. Discussion followed and development of a policy was suggested to ensure that Council interviewees are speaking for the County as a whole. 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS � There were no Post Agenda ltems to discuss at this meeting. ' 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Report- Brooks Region Economic Development(December 15, 2021) This item was accepted as information. 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:32 p.m. Signed this,�day of , 2022 i�ka�`'"�i/�-�-�—_ Reeve ���—�,,f,� County Ad inistrator Page 9 of 9