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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-03-10 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL March 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, March 10, 2022 commencing at 10:00 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 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 T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services(Moderator) M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation G. Farnden, STARS J. Morris, STARS 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. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (February 24, 2022) C-76/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the February 24, 2022 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council March 10,2022 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-77/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the agenda be adopted as presented. 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. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Appointment of County Assessor The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-78/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that, in accordance with Section 284.2(1) of the MGA and County of Newell Bylaw 1770-13, Council appoints Kevin Halsted as the County's Assessor. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Spring 2022 Convention Resolutions Council was presented with the resolutions package for the RMA 2022 Spring Convention. Discussion followed on the resolutions and whether to support them. 1-22S A More Equitable Funding Model for Municipalities - The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council asked the Chief Administrative Otficer to prepare background information for this discussion during the resolutions session at the convention. 2-22S Negative Impact of Carbon Tax on Rural Albertans— Yes 3-22S Attraction and Retention of Veterinarians to Rural Veterinary Practice— Yes 4-22S Continued Support for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Alberta-More information required. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Steinley, M. Harbicht, and T. Schroeder arrived at 10:18 a.m. 5-22S Rural Crime Watch App Pilot Project- More information required. 6-22S Responsiveness of Service Delivery by Quasi-independent Agencies in Alberta— Yes 7-22S Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Report Funding Recommendations— Yes Page 2 of 8 Regular Council March 10,2022 8-22S Reversing Changes to Aerodrome Standards Implemented by Transport Canada - More information required. 9-22S COVID-19 Mandates and Vaccine Passports- More information reguired. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He provided additional details regarding recent/eaks in Rolling Hills and Cassils. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley responded to questions regarding the water infrastructure in Rolling Hills, indicating that it is nearing the end of its useful life. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding asset management and explained how infrastructure repairs and replacement are funded through local improvement over time. He suggested reviewing and updating hamlet infrastructure master plans. K. Steinley and M. Harbicht provided further information on the water and sewer systems in Rolling Hills and Scandia. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:51 a.m. 11.2 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-79/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for February 2022 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 2022 Proposed Dust Abatement(County Paid) Program The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council regarding the dust abatement program and how routes are determined. He responded to further questions regarding costs, noting that the dust abatement contract expires at the end of this year. The Manager of Operations provided information regarding the changes to the County Paid dust abatement program, indicating that they are minimal. C-80/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council APPROVES the County Paid Dust Abatement treatment plans as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and T. Schroeder left the meeting at 11:04 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Farnden and J. Morris arrived at 11:05 a.m. Page 3 of 8 Regular Council March 10,2022 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 STARS G. Farnden provided an overview of STARS operations, noting that they are still operating under strict COVID-19 protocols. She also provided an update on fundraising efforts which had to be changed to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions. J. Morris provided information on emergency resource coordination and the transport physicians pilot project. G. Farnden provided statistics for missions and critical transfers flown in the County of Newell and surrounding area over the past five years. She displayed a map showing municipal support for STARS and gave an update on the fleet campaign. J. Morris outlined some features of the new helicopters, which include on-board diagnostic equipment. G. Farnden thanked Council for their continued support and provided details regarding a documentary on the STARS Grande Prairie base produced by Telus. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. J. Morris responded to questions regarding the Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) review, indicating that the implementation of the recommendations is currently on hold. He responded to questions regarding how STARS works with HALO and other emergency medical services to respond to calls. G. Farnden responded to questions regarding administrative costs and fundraising events planned for this year. LEFT THE MEETING G. Farnden and J. Morris left the meeting at 11:33 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson arrived at 11:34 a.m. C-81/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move into Public Hearings at 11:34 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2025-22 - Road Closure & LEASE (W 8-23-18-W4) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:34 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 2025-22. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE the most southerly 1.16 km of government road allowance adjacent to the west boundary of W 8-23-18-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 Page 4 of 8 Regular Council March 10,2022 from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the required referrals and none have indicated any objections. Telus has provided an agreement that would allow them to construct and maintain the telecommunications lines. 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. C-82/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:37 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2025-22 - Road Closure & LEASE (W 8-23-18-W4) (1st Reading) C-83/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2025-22, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the most southerly 1.16 km of government road allowance adjacent to the west boundary of W 8-23-18-W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:37 a.m. �10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.3 Joint Meeting - Grasslands School Division (May 19, 2022) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding agenda items and Council suggested the following: • agricultural education • cultural awareness This item will be brought back to the April 21, 2022 Council meeting for further discussion. 10.4 Rural Municipalities of Alberta 2022 Member Visit Scheduling The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item, indicating that the RMA is no longer available on April 4, 2022. The RMA member visit will be held in the morning on May 5, 2022 and the MPC/Council meetings will begin in the afternoon with non-urgent items deferred to the following meeting. Details regarding the discussion items and potential tour stops will be discussed at a future Council meeting. Page 5 of 8 Regular Council March 10,2022 10.5 Requests for Functions of Council 10.5.1 Geek Week Sessions (February 28 - March 4, 2022) and Eastern Irrigation District Annual General Meeting (March 8, 2022) Councillor A. Philpott provided background information on this item. Discussion followed and it was noted that previous Councillors had attended these events on their own. Councillor E. Unruh provided additional details on the Geek Week sessions. C-84/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that any Councillor be permitted to attend the following events as a function of Council: � • County of Newell Geek Week Sessions (February 28 - March 4, 2022) • Eastern Irrigation District Annual General Meeting (March 8, 2022) MOTION DEFEATED 10.5.2 Palliser Economic Partnership - Regional Members Meeting (March 28, 2022) Councillor H. Johnson reported that another Palliser Economic Partnership (PEP) board member has reguested a meeting with the PEP board members in the County of Newell Region. Discussion followed and the Chief Administrative Officer suggested this be considered as a function of Council as it is not a regular PEP meeting. C-85/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor D. Short and Councillor H. Johnson be permitted to attend the meeting between the Palliser Economic Partnership members within the County of Newell in Duchess, AB on March 28, 2022 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10.5.3 2022 Recycling Council of Alberta Circular Economy Conference (October 19-21, 2022) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council requested a cost estimate for attendance at this conference. This item will be brought back to the March 24, 2022 Council meeting for further discussion. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS -continued 11.1 Request for Proposal Award - Kinbrook Island Pathway Partnership & County Pathway The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the top candidate was selected based on their experience (especially with environmentally sensitive areas), references, and specialization in pathways. The Director of Municipal Services provided additional information on the tender evaluation process and responded to questions from Council. Page 6 of 8 Regular Council March 10, 2022 C-86/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council awards the professional services to McElhanney Ltd for the design, environmental, historical resource, and wildlife review and approvals, tendering, project management, inspection and geotechnical testing associated with the construction of Kinbrook Connection Pathway Partnership and County Pathway projects, in conjunction with the fixed rate fee schedule attached to their proposal. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding funding, indicating that approximately $86,000 has been raised through public donations and several grant opportunities are being pursued. Funding committed by the City and the County will be used for the engineering and design. Councillor G. Skriver provided additional information regarding fundraising and grant applications reported to the Joint Services Committee. The Director of Municipal Services responded to further questions from Council. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-86/22 - MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 12:06 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:06 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:55 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Request for Letter of Support-Alberta Advantage Immigration Program The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-87/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council endorse a letter of support, signed by the Reeve, for an application by the Brooks Region to become a Designated Community under the Rural Renewal Stream of the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. MOTION CARRIED 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Payment Registers This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Tilley Solar Project -SE 5-18-12 W4M The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the number of so/ar developments in the County. Discussion followed regarding how long so/ar Page 7 of 8 Regular Council March 10,2022 developments remain viable and who is responsible forreclamation. This item was accepted as information. 13.3 Mini Bus Monthly Report(February 2022) This item was accepted as information. 13.4 UPDATE RMA Spring 2022 Convention - Meetings with Ministers Discussion followed regarding the meeting with the MinisterofAgriculture, Forestry & Rural Economic Development scheduled for March 16, 2022 after the RMA Spring 2022 convention. Potential discussion topics include: • unpaid oil and gas taxes impacting municipal revenue • linear assessment model review • veterinarian shortage • interprovincial trade barriers and their impacts on/oca/businesses • "in perpetuity"conservation easements • shortage of agricultural employees • resources or information on how to attract investors Reeve A. Doerksen, Councillor A. Skanderup, Councillor L. Kopp, and Councillor H. Johnson will attend this meeting. Discussion followed regarding the meeting with the Minister of Health scheduled for March 21, 2022. Councillor A. Philpott and Councillor A. Skanderup provided an update on the Bassano Project. Alberta Health Services is determining what to do with the hospital. A new feasibility study for the Bassano project is planned. 14. IN CAMERA C-88/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that we move in camera at 1:21 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations - FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-89/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move out of camera at 2:12 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:12 p.m. Signed this 2-W d y of ������ , 2022 eve County Adm nistrator Page 8 of 8