HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-05-21 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
May 21, 2015
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on
Thursday, May 21, 2015 commencing at 10:32 a.m.
MEMBERS B. de Jong, Deputy Reeve
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung
G.
Simpson
A.M.
Philipsen
W.
Hammergren
T.
Fyfe
K.
Christman
L.
Juss
ABSENT: Molly Douglass, Reeve
E.
Unruh
STAFF: K.
Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer
L.
Johnson, Director of Corporate Services
A.
Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development
D.
Horvath - County Planner - ORRSC
T.
Green, Director of Agricultural Services
M.
Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
A.
Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: G. Farnden, STARS
M. Stromsmoe, Ducks Unlimited Canada
B. Van Dyk, Road Closure - Approval to Proceed
D. Endersby, Road Closure - Approval to Proceed
J. Kropf, Road Closure - Approval to Proceed
1. CALL TO ORDER
Deputy Reeve B. de Jong called the meeting to order at 10:32 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
C-205115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Reeve M. Douglass and
Councillor E. Unruh be excused from the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (May 7, 2015)
C-206/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the May 7, 2015 Council
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Deputy Reeve B. de Jong called for post agenda items.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-207/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the agenda be adopted as
amended.
MOTION CARRIED
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
9.2 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (SE 13-16-14-W4 & NE 12-16-14-W4)
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council. 1
ARRIVED AT MEETING
J
G. Farnden arrived at 10:40 a.m.
The applicant provided further background information and reasoning for the
closure. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
C-208/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we proceed with the
process for closing and LEASING the road right of way between SE 13-16-14-W4 and
NE 12-16-14-W4.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
J. Kropf left the meeting at 10:42 a.m.
9.4 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (SW 14-20-16-W4 & NW 11-20-16-W4;
SW 14-20-16-W4 & SE 15-20-16-W4)
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on
this item, indicating that it has been updated to include a portion of the
north/south road allowance. The applicant provided further background
information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
i'
Page 2 of 13
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
C_-209/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we proceed with the process for closing
and LEASING the road right of way between SW 14-20-16-W4 and NW 11-20-16-W4
and between SW 14-20-16-W4 and SE 15-20-16-W4.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
D. Endersby left the meeting at 10:47 a.m.
9.5 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (SE 26-17-13-W4 & SW 25-17-13-W4)
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on
this item, indicating that Municipal Services has indicated that a sale would be
acceptable as there would not likely be any need for this road allowance in the
future. The applicant provided further background information on this
item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
C-210/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we proceed with the
process for closing and LEASING the road right of way between SE 26-17-13-W4 and
SW 25-17-13-W4.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
B. Van Dyk left the meeting at 10:51 a.m.
9.3 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (Springview Colony)
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on
this item. She displayed a map showing where pivots are currently installed and
where pivots are planned, noting further road closures may be required in the
future. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
C-211/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we proceed with the process for
closing and LEASING the road right of way between the west half of 1-24-16-W4 and the
east half of 2-24-16-W4, between the west half of 12-24-16-W4 and the east half of
11-24-16-W4, and between the west half of 27-23-16-W4 and the east half of
28-23-16-W4.
MOTION CARRIED
8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
8.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (May 2015)
The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's
Report for May 2015. Councillor A.M. Philipsen thanked the Agricultural Services
crew for their work cleaning up the Dinosaur Country Store. The Director of
Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding no till drill rentals,
_i indicating that it is difficult to estimate how many extra acres would be accrued
Page 3 of 13
M,
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
on the equipment due to increased rental activity. He also responded to
questions regarding the Coyote Control Incentive Program, indicating that the
month of December would be included in the count for 2015, so the number of
coyotes harvested could be higher than the 1500 per year average.
C-212115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for
May 2015 be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 11:00 a.m.
7. DELEGATIONS
7.1 STARS Air Ambulance (G. Farnden)
G. Farnden provided background on the Shock Trauma Air Rescue Service
(STARS) Foundation, a non-profit charitable organization. STARS is recognized
as a world class leader in critical care and has flown more than 27,000 missions
since 1985. G. Farnden provided an overview of the STARS fleet, which
consists of a total of 11 helicopters that are sophisticated airborne intensive care
units. Crews are required to participate in mandatory monthly training sessions
and STARS also provides mobile education units to bring training to communities
with the goal of enhancing critical care throughout Alberta.
G. Farnden displayed charts showing STARS Alberta revenues and
expenditures, noting that 76% of revenue comes from fundraising. They are
working with municipalities to recognize STARS as a vital component of
protective services and some municipalities are implementing long-term annual
commitments to the STARS Foundation. G. Farnden displayed a chart showing
the number of missions flown in the County of Newell over the past five years
and an overview of the benefits and value of helicopter emergency medical
services. She indicated that 2015 marks the 30th anniversary of STARS in
Alberta and thanked the County of Newell for their continued support.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor L. Juss asked
about the STARS coverage area and how the HALO (Helicopter Air Lift
Operation) service out of Medicine Hat fits in. G. Farnden replied that STARS
covers 98% of Alberta and that they work with HALO when dispatching. HALO
will be dispatched in the Medicine Hat area unless specialized critical care is
required an route. Councillor C. Amulung asked how it is determined whether
STARS or HALO is dispatched, as response times are a factor. G. Farnden
replied that all components of protective services are linked on 9-1-1 calls and
several factors determine which units are dispatched. HALO may be contacted
to transfer patients and rendezvous with STARS at a certain point for
efficiency. Councillor C. Amulung requested statistics on the number of calls
involving a rendezvous between STARS and HALO. G. Farnden indicated that
she could get that information. She noted that the HALO dispatch center does
go through the STARS linked system and all protective services groups
J�
Page 4 of 13
1
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
coordinate efforts in the best interests of the patients. G. Farnden responded to
further questions from Council.
LEFT THE MEETING
G. Farnden left the meeting at 11:34 a.m.
C-213115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we move into Public Hearings
at 11:35 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
6. PUBLIC HEARINGS
6.1 Remove Municipal Reserve Designation from 5 Parcels in the County
Deputy Reeve B. de Jong called the Public Hearing to order at 11:35 a.m.
Deputy Reeve B. de Jong did not review the procedures that would be followed
for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance.
The Manager of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public
Hearing is to discuss the removal of Municipal Reserve designation from the
parcels described as follows:
• Rolling Hills 1 Plan 8210258, Block 1, Lot 16MR — 3.53 acres (1.43 he)
• Rolling Hills 2 Plan 8210258, Block 2, Lot 25MR — 0.09 ac (0.04 ha)
• Aimoto Subdivision Plan 8010762, Block 4MR — 1.58 ac (0.639 ha)
• Lake Newell Resort Plan 0514218, Block 3, Lot 17MR — 1.27 ac (0.5 ha)
• Tilley Plan 0311295, Block 15, Lot 28MR — 0.084 ac (0.034 ha)
Once the Municipal Reserve designation is removed, the parcels would be then
consolidated with adjacent parcels.
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on
each of the parcels and where the consolidations would occur.
There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor or in opposition to
this proposal.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor C. Amulung
asked if part of the Rolling Hills Cemetery was located on the Municipal Reserve
land. The Manager of Planning & Development suggested that if the cemetery
fence is located within the Municipal Reserve parcel, it may need to be relocated
to the property line. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions
regarding the owner of cemetery land, indicating that most of the land was owned
by a cemetery company when the cemeteries were established, but there are no
longer active cemetery directors for most of the cemeteries. He suggested that a
survey may be required to determine where the fence is in relation to the
property lines. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions
regarding cemetery records, indicating that the County is not involved in
Page 5 of 13
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
cemetery record keeping. The County Planner responded to questions regarding
why the sliver parcels of Municipal Reserve Land had been created, indicating
that planning trends in the 1980s included buffer strips between highways and
residences. This practice has fallen out of favor as maintaining strips of land is
difficult. She suggested that the parcels could have been created in order to
satisfy the requirement for a Municipal Reserve payment from the
developer. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that any proceeds from
sale of these lands should go into the County's Municipal Reserve. He also
suggested that survey work not be completed until the County is actually going to
do something with the land. The Manager of Planning & Development
responded to questions regarding survey costs.
C-214115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of Public
Hearings at 11:49 a.m.
MOTION CARRIED
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED
9.1 Remove Municipal Reserve Designation from 5 Parcels in the
County
The Manager of Planning & Development provided further background
information on this item, indicating that the parcel in Tilley would be
offered for sale to the adjacent landowner. The other parcels would be
consolidated with adjacent parcels owned by the County. Discussion \
followed regarding whether consolidation must occur immediately after
removal of the Municipal Reserve designation. The County Planner
provided background information on the parcel described as Lot 16MR,
Block 1, Plan 8210258 in Rolling Hills and suggested that it could be
transferred to Newell Regional Services Corporation. She recommended
the parcel in Tilley be consolidated by plan to the adjacent parcel so that
it could not be sold separately. The County Planner indicated that there
is no issue with removing the Municipal Reserve designation and delaying
consolidation. Councillor W. Hammergren suggested that the adjacent
landowner in Tilley be contacted prior to making any decision to see if he
is interested in purchasing the Municipal Reserve parcel. The Chief
Administrative Officer requested information regarding whether the
County must transfer the equivalent value of Municipal Reserve lands into
the Municipal Reserve. Further discussion on this item was postponed
until later during this meeting.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:06 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:04 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
S romsmoe arrived at 1:04 p.m.
'J� Page 6 of 13
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
7. DELEGATIONS - CONTINUED
7.2 Ducks Unlimited Wetlands Restoration (TWP 18 RGE 13)
M. Stromsmoe provided background information on Ducks Unlimited Canada and
some historical projects that have occurred in the area. He explained the
wetland restoration process and displayed an airphoto indicating drainage
ditches. M. Stromsmoe displayed a map of the proposed project area, indicating
existing wetlands and drained wetlands. He indicated that the purpose of this
presentation is to provide an update on the proposal that was brought to Council
in 2011 and to reaffirm Council's consent. He outlined the project, noting that
potentially 6.5 acres of undeveloped road allowance will be
flooded. Negotiations with the landowner are nearly complete and the as built
plan will be forwarded to Alberta Environment.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. M. Stromsmoe responded to
questions regarding the total area of land to be flooded and how long it would
take for the water to return the land to its original state. Councillor B. de Jong
asked if discussions had occurred between Ducks Unlimited and the County's
Municipal Services department to determine if any infrastructure would be
impacted. M. Stromsmoe replied that they avoid roads and highways.
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Stromsmoe left the meeting at 1:17 p.m.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
9.1 Remove Municipal Reserve Designation from 5 Parcels in the County -
continued
Discussion continued on this item. The County Planner reported that, under the
Municipal Government Act, proceeds from the sale or lease of Municipal Reserve
lands would have to be placed in the Municipal Reserve fund. If the County
holds land in title with no Municipal Reserve title, there would be no requirement
to add the equivalent into the Municipal Reserve fund. Discussion followed
regarding why the Municipal Reserve designation should be removed from these
parcels. The Director of Corporate Services provided background information,
indicating that these parcels were identified for consolidation as a result of a
lengthy review of all County -owned properties. Councillor L. Juss indicated that
the parcel in Tilley should be addressed as there is the potential for the adjacent
landowner to continue building structures on it. Discussion followed and the
Manager of Planning & Development was directed to contact the landowner
adjacent to the Tilley Municipal Reserve parcel to see if he is interested in
purchasing it.
9.6 Payment Register
C-215/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the Payment Register be
accepted.
MOTION CARRIED
Page 7 of 13
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
9.7 Requests for Functions of Council
9.7.1 Elected Officials Education Program - "Working Together, Growing
Together: Regional Partnerships & Collaboration"
C-216/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that any Councillor be permitted to
attend the "Working Together, Growing Together: Regional Partnerships &
Collaboration" seminar in Strathmore, AB on June 16, 2015 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
9.7.2 Joint City/County Council Meeting (May 25, 2015) & Governor
General's Canadian Leadership Conference Event (May 29, 2015)
C-217/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that any Councillor be permitted to
attend the following as a function of Council:
• Joint City/County Council Meeting (May 25, 2015)
• Governor General's Canadian Leadership Conference event in Brooks, AB on
May 29, 2015.
MOTION CARRIED
10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
10.1 Solid Waste Services - Rural Solid Waste Collection - Pilot Project Proposal
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information, indicating
that the Rural Solid Waste Collection Committee had met to discuss details
regarding the cost of providing a rural solid waste collection service with the goal
of ending the use of burning barrels. The committee has proposed a pilot project
in a residential subdivision that would begin with an open house meeting to
explain the plan and how residents are to use the services. Solid waste and
recyclables collected would be measured. The Director of Municipal Services
responded to questions from Council. Councillor L. Juss stressed the importance
of the recycling component, indicating that a lot of recyclable items end up in the
landfill. Councillor K. Christman suggested that household bins would be more
effective than a large community bin, as there is more responsibility placed on
the individual household. The Director of Municipal Services indicated that
household bins were discussed but the service provider does not offer those as
an option. The Director of Municipal Services and Councillor L. Juss responded
to further questions from Council.
C-218/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Council directs the Rural Solid Waste
Collection Committee to proceed with an open house meeting in a candidate subdivision
to determine if there is interest in the Rural Solid Waste Collection Pilot Project.
MOTION CARRIED
This item will be brought back to a future Council meeting for further discussion.
Page 8 of 13
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
10.2 Policy Review - 2013-PPW-056 (Roads - Construction on Road Allowances
at the Request of Individuals)
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this
item. He indicated that further amendments to the policy are required, such as
identifying a minimum road length and different amounts for paved and gravel
surfaces. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from
Council. This item will be brought back to a future Council meeting.
11. COMMITTEE REPORTS
11.1 Veteran's Memorial Highway Development Safety Association
Councillor W. Hammergren reported that the Annual General Meeting was held
May 8, 2015 where the directors were elected. A report on Highway 36 is being
prepared and will be submitted to the new Minister of
Transportation. Discussions were held at the meeting regarding educating the
new government on the importance of Highway 36 on the economy and
requesting more support for improvements. Standards for pilot car certification
were also discussed.
11.2 Airport Commission
eve j�. L
Goan L. J provided information regarding a proposal to install security
fencing to prevent people from driving on the airstrip. Tenders for the fuel depot
will be opened on May 25, 2015. Councillor L. Juss responded to questions from
Council.
11.3 Newell Regional Services Commission
Councillor C. Amulung reported that water delivery to Bassano is going
well. Overall, water usage is decreasing, though May is a higher water use
month.
11.4 Grassland Regional FCSS
Councillor C. Amulung reported that Grasslands Regional FCSS held their
Annual General Meeting last night. Ashton's Place presented a new financing
plan and Grasslands Regional FCSS has approved $43,000.00 in funding that
will allow them to continue operations until the end of August. The other part of
their financial plan involves contributions from municipalities totalling
$130,000.00. Councillor C. Amulung requested that funding for Ashton's Place
be discussed during the Joint City/County Council meeting on May 25, 2015.
Page 9 of 13
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
11.5 Shortgrass Library Board
Councillor K. Christman submitted a written report regarding her attendance at
the Alberta Library Conference.
11.6 Bassano Fire Committee
Councillor K Christman reported that Bassano has approved the regional hourly
rate for volunteer fire fighters.
11.7 Art & Visual Display Committee
Councillor K. Christman provided details regarding a project to put a County logo
on the wall above the copier room. The chuckwagon has been hired for the
upcoming parades in Brooks, Bassano, and Rosemary. Those Councillors
interested in being on the chuckwagon are to contact Councillor T. Fyfe. She
reminded Council that local artists are welcome to display their work in the main
reception area. Deputy Reeve B. de Jong indicated that he, Reeve M. Douglass,
and Councillor G. Simpson would be at the FCM Conference during the Brooks
parade. Councillor A.M. Philipsen nominated Councillor T. Fyfe to represent the
County of Newell in the Brooks Kinsmen Rodeo Parade on June 6, 2015.
11.8 Newell Foundation \
Councillor G. Simpson provided an update on funding for the Bassano project, /
indicating they are waiting the announcement of the new cabinet minister. The
Alberta Senior Citizens Housing Association (ASCHA) has been reconfigured
into three zones and Councillor G. Simpson indicated that he is in the running for
the position of director of the south zone.
11.9 National Public Works Week
Councillor G. Simpson indicated that the open house would be held on Friday,
May 22, 2015 from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
11.10 Canadian Water Resources Association Conference
Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report on behalf of herself and
Councillor W. Hammergren who attended the conference. Councillor
W. Hammergren responded to questions from Council.
11.11 Joint Services Committee
Councillor B. de Jong reported that there had been a presentation from the
Brooks Recreation Department on the Lakeside Leisure Centre
Page 10 of 13
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
Project. $22,500.00 in funding has been forwarded to the Newell Regional
Tourism Association for their projects. The City of Brooks has indicated that they
are rejoining the Palliser Economic Partnership.
11.12 Reeve's Report
Reeve M. Douglass had submitted a written report regarding a meeting with MLA
D. Fildebrandt, which indicated that the MLA would meet with Council once his
Brooks constituency office is set up.
Deputy Reeve B. de Jong indicated that he attended a meeting of the Mayors &
Reeves of Southwest Alberta. Topics for discussion included a fiber optic
initiative in Waterton, AB, a study by the University of Lethbridge on the health of
the Old Man River, and a study on the Highway 3 Corridor. He also attended a
meeting of the Mayors & Reeves Association of Southeast Alberta where
proposed new drinking water regulations were discussed.
11.13 Palliser Economic Partnership
Councillor L. Juss reported that he attended a meeting in Rosemary to discuss
the Eastern Alberta Trade Corridor. Representatives from the Palliser Economic
Partnership will have a booth at the annual Ports to Plains Conference.
l
11.14 Associate Dean's Advisory Committee
Reeve M. Douglass submitted a written report.
12. POST AGENDA ITEMS
12.1 Joint City/County Council Meeting (May 25, 2015) - Agenda Items
Council discussed items to be added to the agenda, which included long term
funding for Ashton's Place, Governor General's Canadian Leadership
Conference, and the MLA Meeting report.
12.2 Canada 150 Infrastructure Program
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item,
indicating that applications must be submitted by June 17, 2015. Grants are
available for 50/50% cost shared projects in amounts of up to $500,000.00 and
no other grant funding can be used to offset the municipality's
portion. Discussion followed regarding applying for funding for the Pathways to
the Future project. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from
Council, indicating that a letter would be required from the landowners for
acquiring the land for the pathway, either through sale or long term lease.
Page 11 of 13
�J/
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
C-219/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that an application be submitted
to the Canada 150 Infrastructure Program for funding for the Pathways to the Future
project.
MOTION CARRIED
7
13.
12.3 Scandia Paving
Councillor W. Hammergren reported that the Bow River Gas Co-op lines in
Scandia are located in the middle of the road allowance and are in need of
replacement. Bow River Gas Co-op is requesting the County to cover the costs
of this work to be paid back at a later date. The Director of Municipal Services
provided further background information, indicating that he has requested copies
of Bow River Gas Co-op as built drawings for all hamlets. Councillor
W. Hammergren responded to questions from Council, indicating that Bow River
Gas Co-op is requesting a loan of $30,000.00 from the County to be repaid over
a three year period. The Director of Corporate Services explained that the
Municipal Government Act requires loans to be advertised and approved by a
bylaw. Discussion followed and the Director of Municipal Services responded to
questions from Council regarding potential impacts to the paving project. The
Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from Council. This
item was accepted as information.
DELEGATIONS - CONTINUED
7.2 Ducks Unlimited Wetlands Restoration (TWP 18 RGE 13) - continued
Discussion continued on this item. The Director of Municipal Services indicated
that Ducks Unlimited Canada is asking to flood the road allowance in order to
divert water. There is no request to close the road. He indicated that Municipal
Services has no concern with this as all the adjacent land is owned by a single
landowner. Discussion followed and Council expressed concerns with potential
impacts to County road allowances if a wetland is established. Administration
was directed to have further discussion with Ducks Unlimited Canada and come
up with options that protect the County's interest in road allowances. This item
will be brought back to a future Council meeting for further discussion.
INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
13.2 2014 Annual Report (Long Version)
This item was accepted as information.
Page 12 of 13
-1
J
Regular Council
May 21, 2015
14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held.
15. IN CAMERA
There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting.
16. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m.
Signed this W day of 12015
Ci
Reeve
Page 13 of 13