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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-07 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL April 7, 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, April 7, 2022 commencing at 10:18 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. There was one member of the public physically in attendance for a portion 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. Hanson, Controller G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation D. Adamson, Avail LLP 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. 3. C-114122 Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:18 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (March 24, 2022) MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the March 24, 2022 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council April 7, 2022 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-115/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT 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 10.2 Approval of 2022 Final Budget The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and summarized the budget process. He indicated that the assessment values at the end of February showed some growth that can be used to offset what would be required for tax rate increases. He provided an overview of the budget highlights and major projects for 2022. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, indicating that there is room in the budget if Council wanted to consider maintaining the previous year's tax rates for farmland, non-residential, and small business classifications. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information on efforts throughout the years to increase farmland tax revenue to fund Agricultural Services provided to these ratepayers. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 10:36 a.m. K. Steinley arrived at 10:38 a.m. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions, indicating that the revenues would not change significantly if the tax rate stayed the same as the previous year. C-116/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the 2022 Final Budget be approved as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 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. Page 2 of 8 Regular Council April 7, 2022 LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:45 a.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2029-22 Tax Rates (2022) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, including an overview of what the County is trying to achieve in revenue and information how the County's tax rates compare with those of other municipalities in Alberta. Discussion followed regarding maintaining the 2021 tax rates for the farmland, non-residential, and small business classifications. C-117/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2029-22, being a bylaw to authorize the rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2022, be given FIRST reading with the tax rates amended as follows: • Farmland - 6.9261 • Non -Residential - 8.3994 • Small Business - 6.2996. Further discussion followed. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Adamson and S. Hanson arrived at 10:58 a.m. VOTE ON MOTION C-117/21 - MOTION CARRIED RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:00 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:05 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Presentation of Audited Financial Statements - Avail LLP D. Adamson presented Council with the 2021 Year End Financial Statements, including an explanation and an overview of the highlights. ARRIVED AT MEETING One County ratepayer arrived at 11:12 a.m. D. Adamson indicated that revenues are comparable to those of the previous year and provided an overview of significant differences. He responded to questions regarding revenue resulting from the Patricia grass fire. D. Adamson provided an overview of expenses, accumulated surplus, assets, and the County's debt limits. The Controller and D. Adamson responded to questions from Council regarding the audited financial statements. Page 3 of 8 Regular Council April 7, 2022 D. Adamson provided an overview of the Indicators of Financial Position and how the County compares to other municipalities of a similar size. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the surplus, indicating that the long-term plan outlines where the surplus funds will be used. D. Adamson reviewed the Management Letter and the Post Audit Letter with Council, indicating that there are no recommendations from the auditor. D. Adamson responded to further questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer thanked the Controller, D. Adamson, and Avail LLP for their work on the audit. C-118122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the 2021 Year End Financial Statements for the period ending December 31, 2021 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Adamson and S. Hanson left the meeting at 11:48 a.m. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS -- continued 11.2 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He indicated that Municipal Enforcement statistics would be included in this monthly report rather than presented with the RCMP Quarterly Reports. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the County of Newell Water Project Phase 2, overweight/over dimensional load permits, and the rural water base charge. The Chief Administrative Officer provided historical information on rates for the rural water service. C-119122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for March 2022 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 12:04 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:04 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:04 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green, M. Jackson, S. Hanson, and M. Harbicht arrived at 1:04 p.m. Page 4 of 8 Regular Council April 7, 2022 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. Emerson Bridge Park will be open for the season on May 19, 2022. The Director of Agricultural Services provided updates on gopher control in hamlets, tree planting projects, and soil erosion. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 9.2 Legislative Appointments - Weed Inspectors, Pest inspectors, & Soil Conservation Officer the Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-120122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the County of Newell appoints Josh Fitzgerald, Callum Patton, Jenna Presley, and Erin Olivier as Inspectors pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act until such a time that their employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED C-121122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the County of Newell appoint Josh Fitzgerald, Callum Patton, Jenna Presley, and Erin Olivier as Inspectors pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural Pests Act until such a time their employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED C-122122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the County of Newell appoint Tina Taylor as a Soil Conservation Officer pursuant to Section 15 of the Soil Conservation Act until such a time her employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 1:11 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.1 Planning & Development Report (January - March 2022) The Supervisor of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding changes to provincial permitting requirements for agricultural buildings and provided an update on the North Headgates subdivision and the Municipal intern that will start on May 9, 2022. Page 5 of 8 Regular Council April 7, 2022 C-123122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that the Planning & Development Report for January - March 2022 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 1:19 p.m. 10.3 2021 Annual Report The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item, noting that the chart of Development Permits issued in the Planning & Development report would be replaced. Council reviewed the 2021 Annual Report document and provided feedback. Suggested changes included mention of the Coffee Barrel that opened in Scandia and a note in the front cover indicating that photos used throughout the report were submitted to the annual #myCountyofNewell photo contest. Council also suggested more information on population and tax breakdowns for hamlets be included and an acknowledgement of the County's partners and the work they do to keep the County vibrant and sustainable. A revised Annual Report will be brought back to the April 21, 2022 Council meeting. LEFT THE MEETING S. Hanson and M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:32 p.m. Councillor D. Short left the meeting at 1:32 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson arrived at 1:32 p.m. 10.4 Appointment to the City of Brooks Recreation & Parks Board The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-124122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Cathy Safronovich be appointed as a member -at -large to the City of Brooks Parks & Recreation Board. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 1.34 p.m. 10.5 National Police Federation -Proposal to Join Call to Action Council reviewed a proposal from the National Police Federation to join a Call to Action to the Alberta government opposing the proposed provincial police service. Discussion followed. Page 6 of 8 Regular Council April 7, 2022 ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor D. Short returned at 1:35 p.m. it was noted that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta is formally opposing the creation of a provincial police service. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information and further discussion occurred. This item was accepted as information. 10.6 Request for Letter of Support - Red Bull Outliers FIM Hard Enduro World Championship The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-125122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council provides a letter in support of the Red Bull Outliers' application to the Community Initiatives Program for the 2022 FIM Hard Enduro Championship Series. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Councillor Payment Sheets (February 2022) Councillor D. Short reported that the changes have been submitted, but the Councillor Payment Sheets included in the agenda package do not reflect these changes. This item will be brought back to the next meeting for further discussion. 10.8 Requests for Functions of Council Discussion followed regarding obtaining approval to attend events that come up between Council meetings. Discussion followed. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 1:48 p.m. Councillor D. Short indicated that, if an event is outside of normal divisional Councillor duties and it is not possible to request approval at a Council meeting before the event occurs, the event should be recorded on the time sheet and a request for approval made at the next available Council meeting. He also suggested further discussion during the strategic planning session to determine whether to amend the Councillor Compensation & Expenses policy. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. Page 7 of 8 Regular Council April 7, 2022 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Payment Registers The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. 14. IN CAMERA C-126122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 1:56 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Legal — FOlPP Act Section 24; • Intergovernmental Relations — FOIPP Act Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-127/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move out of camera at 3:23 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:23 p.m. Signed this Q9L day of , 2022 -Reeve County Administra or Page 8 of 8