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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-02-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL February 10, 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, February 10, 2022 commencing at 10:30 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. There were no members of the public physically in attendance. MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve (via Lifesize) PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: D. Short A. Skanderup (via Lifesize) L. Kopp H. Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman A. Philpott N. Johnson ABSENT: E. Unruh STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator) M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development S. Luchies, Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator S. Biette, Assessment and Taxation Clerk J. Porfoun, Municipal Services Administrative Assistant A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation J. Pool, Ducks Unlimited Canada D. Hallgrimson, Ducks Unlimited R. Culligan, Landowner R. Juska, Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-41/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor E. Unruh be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council February 10, 2022 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (January 20, 2022) C-42/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the January 20, 2022 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-43/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN 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. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding procedures for reconsidering motions. C-44122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council reconsider Motion C-35/22, which reads as follows: MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that reimbursement not be offered to those who registered to connect to the County of Newell Water Project between the end of Phase 1 and the beginning of Phase 2. MOTION CARRIED C-45/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council reconsider Motion C-31/22, which reads as follows: MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the registration fee for the County of Newell Water Project - Phase 2 be increased from $1,500 to $3,000 for a new service. MOTION CARRIED 6.1 Reconsideration of Motion C-31/22 CNWP Registration Fee Discussion followed regarding the County of Newell Water Project (CNWP) Phase 2 Registration fee. Council acknowledged that significant feedback has been received. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering Services and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, indicating that previous Council had set the registration fee at $1,500 following a recommendation from Page 2 of 11 Regular Council February 10, 2022 Administration. Councillor D. Short read a statement outlining the value of the water service and the importance of encouraging registrations. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies arrived at 10:47 a.m. Discussion followed and Council acknowledged that encouraging registrations is key to the CNWP Phase 2 project going forward. C-46/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the registration fee for the County of Newell Water Project - Phase 2 be decreased from $3,000 to $1,500 for a new service. Councillor K. Christman requested a recorded vote. In Favor— Division 1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 9 Opposed — Division 4, 5, 10 Absent — Division 7 MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Reeve A. Doerksen declared a pecuniary interest and left the meeting. Deputy Reeve K. Christman assumed the Chair. 6.2 Reconsideration of Motion C-35/22 CNWP Refund Discussion followed regarding whether to offer a refund to landowners who paid a higher registration fee to connect to the rural water system. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering Services provided background information and responded to questions. He requested time to review project records and prepare options for a refund program to implement after the Phase 2 registration period has ended. Council acknowledged that feedback received indicates some landowners are concerned that they paid more than the $1,500 registration fee. Discussion followed regarding reimbursing those landowners the difference. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering indicated that registration and contract completion dates will have to be verified as the registration fee increased to $7, 000 between the registration deadline and the close of the tender and to $7, 700 after the tender was closed. C-47/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the original applicants that registered for the County of Newell Water Project between the end of Phase 1 and the beginning of Phase 2 can apply for a refund of up to $6,200 in registration fees; applications for the refund must include proof of payment (i.e. a receipt for the registration fee) and will be accepted between July 1 and September 30, 2022. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. Further discussion occurred regarding deadlines for the refund program. Page 3 of 11 Regular Council February 10, 2022 Deputy Reeve K. Christman called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-47/22 — MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin, M. Jackson, S. Biette, and J. Porfoun left the meeting at 11:24 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Reeve A. Doerksen returned at 11:23 a.m. and asked Deputy Reeve K. Christman to continue to Chair the meeting. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He also invited Council and staff to a tour of the water treatment plant. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley responded to questions regarding membranes used for water treatment, indicating that Newell Regional Services Corporation follows a revenue model that will provide funding for future replacement when required. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:33 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.3 Appointment of Fire Chief - Rosemary & Division 7 The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Deputy Reeve offered best wishes on behalf of Council and staff to the outgoing Fire Chief, W. Harder. C-48/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that the County of Newell appoints Anton van Bavel as the Fire Chief of the Rosemary Fire Department. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Appointment of Fire Guardians The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 4 of 11 Regular Council February 10, 2022 C-49/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the following individuals be appointed as Fire Guardians: • All Divisions — Stewart Luchies • Rolling Hills — Bill Dickinson • Tilley — Patrick Fabian • Patricia — Ray Torkelson • Duchess — Gregory Witt • Scandia — Ryan Slenders • Brooks Rural — Kevin Swanson • Bassano — Cory Cochrane • Rosemary — Anton van Bavel • Gem — Dwayne Klassen • Bow City — John Ketchmark and further that the Accounting Clerk, the Payroll & Finance Support Clerk, the Executive Assistant, the Planning & Development Administrative Assistant, the Fire & Safety Administrative Assistant, the Municipal Services Administrative Assistant, the Records Management Technician, the Information & Technology Administrative Assistant, the Development Officer, and the Assessment & Taxation Clerk be appointed as Fire Guardians for the issuance of Fire Permits only. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 11:43 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Pool, D. Hallgrimson, R. Culligan, and M. Jackson arrived at 11:45 a.m. 7. DELEGATIONS 7.1 Ducks Unlimited Canada - Notice of Proposed Conservation Easement (N 29-21-14-W4) J. Pool provided background information on this item and displayed a map showing the proposed conservation easement. He asked Council to acknowledge the notice and consider waiving the required 60-day waiting period prior to the easement being registered at Land Titles. J. Pool explained that a conservation easement will protect the land, native grass, and wetlands from future development. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. J. Pool and the Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions, indicating that the landowner has requested the conservation easement with the understanding that no development will be allowed on the land. J. Pool indicated that the 60-day waiting period allows third parties to consider future development. The landowner provided additional background information, indicating that this land is used to graze cattle. Page 5 of 11 Regular Council February 10, 2022 C-50/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ARNO DOERKSEN that Council acknowledges receipt of the Notice of Proposed Confirmation Easement dated February 4, 2022 from Ducks Unlimited Canada and AGREES to waive the 60-day waiting period for the Conservation Easement prior to registration at Land Titles. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING J. Pool, D. Hallgrimson, R. Culligan, and M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:58 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:58 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:43 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. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 8.2 Agricultural Services Equipment - Additional Spending Approval The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Juska arrived at 12:50 p.m. C-51/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council APPROVES additional spending in the amount of $22,899.00 from the Vehicles, Machinery and Equipment Fund for the purchase of the 2022 3/ ton truck and the 2022 flat deck trailer included in the 2022 interim budget. MOTION CARRIED 7. DELEGATIONS — continued 7.2 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association R. Juska provided background information on the Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association (SAEW4) and an update on the energy -from -waste facility project for which the County of Newell was selected as the site. Several factors contribute to the length of this project, including the large scale and the amount of funding required at each stage of the process. After the proposals have been assessed and the project awarded, municipalities will be approached for commitment in the form of funding and waste. R. Juska indicated that the facility would generate electricity and steam that can be used by nearby industry. He provided an overview of the site selection process, indicating that the only Page 6 of .11 Regular Council February 10, 2022 advantage missing from the County of Newell site was a rail line adjacent to the property. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. Juska responded to questions regarding grant funding, indicating that SAEWA is waiting on provincial grant funding to proceed with the project. He indicated that the County of Newell has been very helpful in providing letters of support. R. Juska responded to further questions regarding the energy -from -waste facility and the waste required to make it feasible. LEFT THE MEETING R. Juska left the meeting at 1:16 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Biette arrived at 1:16 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.5 Tax Write Offs/Provincial Education & Designated Industrial Requisition Credits The Assessment & Taxation Clerk provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. C-52/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council cancel the 2015 to 2021 property taxes in arrears in the amount of $398,830.10 from tax rolls 2310091613, 8000005643, 8000006416, 8000006477, 8000022895, 0005010000, 0005012000, 0005014000, 0005126000, 0005294000, 000530100, 0005320500, 0005377500, 0005596000, 0006101500, 0008004900, 8000005409, and 0008020100 and that an application be made for these properties to the PERC & DIRC programs. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette left the meeting at 1:22 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson arrived at 1:22 p.m. 9.1 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (W 8-23-18-W4) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Director of Corporate Page 7 of 11 Regular Council February 10, 2022 Services provided information regarding past efforts by the Planning & Development Department to identify road allowances that are being used for farming or other purposes and proceed with closure and lease or sale. The Supervisor of Planning & Development reported that the Eastern Irrigation District now directs individuals applying for pivots to meet with County staff. C-53/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Approval to Proceed be given to the road closure and LEASE of a portion of road allowance adjacent to the westerly boundary of the W 8-23-18-W4 to facilitate a free-range chicken roaming pen. MOTION CARRIED 9.2 Subdivision Extension Request 2019-0-065 (NE 20-19-13-W4) The Supervisor of Planning & Development reported that no new information has been received regarding this subdivision extension request. C-54/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Subdivision Extension Request 2019-0-065 (NE 20-19-13-W4) be lifted from the table. MOTION CARRIED C-55/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the request for a time extension to subdivision application 2019-0-065 be REFUSED. MOTION CARRIED The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council, indicating the applicant will be able to reapply for a subdivision and restart the process. LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 1:31 p.m. 9.6 Palliser Economic Partnership - Request from Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-56/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Councillor D. Short be appointed to the Palliser Economic Partnership as the Business Representative for the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 1:39 p.m. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 10.3 2022 Motor Grader Replacement The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item. Page 8 of 11 Regular Council February 10, 2022 ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 1:48 p.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Operations responded to questions regarding expected resale value. The Chief Administrative Officer asked Council to consider purchasing two additional units that are scheduled for replacement in 2023. The Manager of Operations and the Director of Municipal Services responded to further questions from Council. C-57/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Council APPROVES the purchase of four (4) motor graders for a value of $2,048,400 (each unit replacement $512,100) from Finning (Canada) with funding from the Vehicles, Machinery & Equipment Fund; further, that Council APPROVES additional spending in the amount of $1,024,200 (each unit replacement $512,100) from the Vehicles, Machinery & Equipment Fund for the purchase of two (2) motor graders that are due for replacement in 2023. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Schroeder left the meeting at 2:07 p.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 2:07 p.m. and RECONVENED at 2:13 p.m. 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. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the County Pathway and Kinbrook Connection Pathway Partnership projects. C-58/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for January 2022 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:24 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.7 Rural Municipalities of Alberta Spring 2022 Convention (March 14-16, 2022) — Meetings with Ministers The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding meeting with Page 9 of 11 Regular Council February 10, 2022 ministers during the Spring 2022 Rural Municipalities of Alberta convention. The Executive Assistant was directed to initiate contact with the following Ministers: • Health - Bassano Health Centre • Agriculture, Forestry, & Rural Economic Development - veterinarian shortage. 9.8 Requests for Functions of Council 9.8.1 RMA 101 Web!nar -Priority Issues (February 18, 2022) Councillor H. Johnson provided background information on this item. C-59/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Councillor H. Johnson be permitted to attend the RMA 101 Webinar 'Priority Issues" on February 18, 2022 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 2:35 p.m. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Policing The Chief Administrative Officer provided Council with information on how policing costs for rural municipalities have increased over the past few years, noting that the County of Newell had not paid for RCMP policing prior to 2020. Discussion followed and Council expressed concerns with the lack of public consultation. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Payment Registers The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. C-60/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 12.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report (January 2022) This item was accepted as information. 12.3 Bassano RCMP - Q3 Community Policing Report This item was accepted as information. Page 10 of 11 Regular Council February 10, 2022 12.4 Brooks RCMP - Q3 Community Policing Report This item was accepted as information. 12.5 Correspondence - County of Newell Water Project - Phase 2 This item was accepted as information. 13. IN CAMERA C-61/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move in camera at 2:46 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Legal — FOIPP Act Section 27. MOTION CARRIED C-62/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move out of camera at 3:15 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 14. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. Signed this Zq day of � �� , 2022 Cam- P Ree e County Administra or Page 11 of 11