Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-04-21 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL April 21, 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 21, 2022 commencing at 10:41 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, via Lifesize 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) G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development P. Elliott, Administrative Assistant - Planning OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: A. Davis, CAO - Town of Bassano I. Morey, Mayor - Town of Bassano S. Zacharias, CAO - Village of Rosemary A. Eastman, County Ratepayer E. Cunnington, Colliers (via Lifesize) P. Swire, Colliers (via Lifesize) T. Aaserud, CAO - Cypress County D. Hamilton, Reeve - Cypress County S. Toews, Assessor - Cypress County 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to orderat 10:41 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING Councillor E. Unruh was excused from the meeting. Regular Council April 21, 2022 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (April 7, 2022) C-128/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the April 7, 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-129/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT 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. 8. BYLAWS 8.3 Bylaw 2027-22 Local Improvement (North Headgates) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-130/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2027-22, being a bylaw to authorize the Council of the County of Newell to impose a local improvement tax in respect of all lands that directly benefit from the "North Headgates" Local Improvement Project, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-131/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2027-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.4 Bylaw 2028-22 AMENDMENT to Bylaw 1881-17 - Local Improvement (Tilley Infrastructure Upgrades) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-132/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2028-22, being a bylaw to amend Bylaw 1881-17 (Local Improvement - Tilley Infrastructure Upgrades - Phase 1& 2), be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 12 Regular Council April 21, 2022 C-133/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2028-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.5 Bylaw 2029-22 Tax Rates (2022) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-134/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2029-22, being a bylaw to authorize the rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2022, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-135/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2029-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (NW 34-14-14-W4) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-136/22 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 NW 34-14-14-W4 to facilitate the installation of a corner arm to an existing pivot. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Davis and I. Morey arrived at 10:55 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Recreation Update - Town of Bassano Mayor l. Morey thanked Council for the opportunity to present the recreation update and how much they value their partnership with the County of Newell. Mayor l. Morey provided a brief outline on the implementation of the Recreation & Leisure Master Plan and the impact it will have on the Town of Bassano. A. Davis provided background information on the Collaboration Framework and responded to questions from Council. She indicated that there are five usergroups using the recreation facilities and that town facilities need to be viable for all users. A. Davis responded to a question from Council stating that Bassano would like to hire a full-time administrative assistant who would be responsible for recreation programming. Page 3 of 12 Regular Council April 21, 2022 The Chief Administrative Officer thanked the Mayor l. Morey and A. Davis for making the time to aftend Council. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that a motion is required for funding approval for lighting improvements and a dishwasher upgrade. A discussion followed and A. Davis responded to questions regarding funding raised for the dishwasher upgrade. Mayor l. Morey provided information on an upcoming BBQ competition to be held June 3-5, 2022. C-137/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council APPROVES the funding request from the Town of Bassano in the amount of $15,000 for energy efficient lighting upgrades at the Joint Use Facility and $7,500 for a facility door and dishwasher upgrades at the Community Hall from the Recreation Fund. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Davis and I. Morey left the meeting at 11:12 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Zacharias and A. Eastman arrived at 11:12 a.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.2 Update on Recreation Facilities Funding Reserve Account The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.2 Recreation Facility Improvement - Village of Rosemary S. Zacharias provided background information on the required improvements for recreation facilities in the Village of Rosemary. The tennis court which has been included as part of the recreation plan, requires major improvements. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. S. Zacharias responded to questions regarding opportunities to recoup costs for the use of recreation facilities and indicated this is difficult where the facilities are open to all residents. She noted that non-profit groups assist with fundraising. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding how recreation funds are allocated to neighbouring municipalities. A. Eastman responded to questions regarding pickleball. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Hamilton, T. Aaserud, and S. Toews arrived at 11:29 a.m. Page 4 of 12 Regular Council April 21, 2022 Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that recreation funds would be issued to the Village of Rosemary upon submission of invoices. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.3 Recreation Facility Funding Request - Village of Rosemary The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-138/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council APPROVES the funding request from the Village of Rosemary in the amount of $85,000 for upgrades to the Rosemary multi-sport court from the Recreation Fund. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Zacharias and A. Eastman left the meeting at 11:35 a.m. C-139/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move into Public Hearings at 11:35 a.m. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING E. Cunnington and P. Swire arrived at 11:35 a.m. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2030-22 22 LUA 001 (Block A Plan 7910693 in SE 34-18-14-W4 - Agricultural - General District to Business - Rural District) 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. The Supervisor of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2030-22. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating the parcel known as Block A Plan 7910693 in SE 34-18-14-W4 from Agriculture - General District to Business - Rural District. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document has 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. Page 5 of 12 Regular Council April 21, 2022 There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. The Applicant provided background information and responded to questions from Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Supervisor of Planning & Development indicated that any issues with water located on the property would be addressed in the event of future development. C-140/22 MOVED BY COUNCLLOR DAN SHORT that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:39 a. m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS — Continued 8.1 Bylaw 2030-22 22 LUA 001 (Block A Plan 7910693 in SE 34-18-14-W4 - Agricultural - General District to Business - Rural District) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided further background information on this item. C-141/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2030-22, being a bylaw to amend the Land Use Maps of Bylaw 2016-21, being the Land Use Bylaw, by redesignating lands within the municipality legally described as Plan 7910693 Block A in SE 34-18-14-W4 from Agriculture - General District to Business - Rural District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-142/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2030-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.3 Assessment Model Review - Cypress County S. Toews provided information on the similarities and differences between assessment and taxation and a decay of the assessment base that has been occurring since 2016. Assessment determines the fair distribution of services. Property held determines the ratepayer's ability to contribute to the tax burden and taxes collected allow municipalities to provide services. S. Toews gave an explanation of equity across the different assessment categories, both regulated and unregulated. S. Toews responded to questions regarding changes to the assessment of compressor stations and shallow gas wells and the assessment model review. He outlined a list of requirements outlined by the executive advisory board and the provincial government has acknowledged that there are opportunities to engage and consult. D. Hamilton and T. Aaserud provided additional information and indicated that elected officials need to approach the Government of Alberta as a group with a unified message regarding concerns with linear assessment. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information regarding the County of Newell and Cypress County's linear tax rates. Page 6 of 12 Regular Council April 21, 2022 LEFT THE MEETING D. Hamilton. T. Aaserud, and S. Toews left the meeting at 12:09 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:09 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht, T. Schroeder arrived at the meeting at 1:06 p.m. T. Green arrived at the meeting at 1:07 p.m. 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Soil Erosion The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on soil erosion concerns and the results of a recent survey and cost estimates to clean soil out of the ditches. ARRIVED AT MEETING H. Johnson arrived at 1:09 p.m. The Director of Agriculture Services responded to questions regarding how staff are determining which fields the soil in the ditches came from. Discussion followed regarding the areas most heavily affected by soil erosion and what ratepayers are permitted to do in a County road allowance. The Director of Agricultural Services reported that affected landowners have been notified of the soil erosion issue via three letters and several have attempted to prevent the loss of topsoil using various methods. Discussion followed regarding the County charging the cost of clean-up back to the landowner. The Chief Administrative Officer and Director of Agricultural Services responded to further questions from Council. Discussion followed. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the possibility of adding a dispute mechanism. C-143/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that County staff proceed with cleaning out the areas heavily impacted by soil erosion with the costs to be charged back to the adjacent landowner per Section 3 of Bylaw 2012-21 Unauthorized Road Use Development; further, that the less impacted areas will be cleaned up under regular construction schedules. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 1:31 p.m. Page 7 of 12 Regular Council April 21, 2022 11. ADMINISTRATION — Continued 11.4 2021 Annual Report The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, outlining the changes that have been made following feedback from the April 7, 2022 Council Meeting. Reeve A. Doerksen suggested a further edit to the last paragraph of the Reeve's Message. C-144/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the 2021 Annual Report as amended. MOTION CARRIED 11.6 Discussion followed regarding agenda items and Council suggested the following: � Agriculture education • Cultural awareness • Support for Grasslands work with advancing trades • Mennonite alternative education program • Projected enrollment numbers Councillor Payment Sheets (February & March 2022) Councillor D. Short responded to questions regarding accounting for no charge activities. C-145/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with th Councillor Compensation Review Committee. 11.5 Meeting with Grasslands Schools (May 19, 2022) - Call for Agenda Items that the February and March 2022 e amendments recommended by the MOTION CARRIED 11.7.1 Silver Sage Agricultural Society Councillor G. Skriver reported that the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS) has requested that one representative from both the City of Brooks and the County of Newell be appointed to the Silver Sage Agricultural Society Board. C-146/22 11.7 Requests for Functions of Council MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Councillor G. Skriver be permitted to attend meetings of the Silver Sage Agricultural Society as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11.7.2 Joint Services Weekly Breakfast Councillor N. Johnson provided information regarding a weekly breakfast hosted by the Joint Services Committee and suggested that Councillors be permitted to attend as a function of Council. Reeve A. Doerksen provided additional background information on this event. Discussion followed. Page 8 of 12 Regular Council April 21, 2022 Further discussion on this item was postponed until the May 19, 2022 Council meeting. Councillor G. Skriver indicated that he would contact M. /waasa for more information. 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 Request for Proclamation - National Public Works Week (May 15-21, 2022) The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-147/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that County Council proclaims May 15-21, 2022 as National Public Works Week. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht, T. Schroeder left the meeting at 1:45 pm. 13. COMMITTEE REPORTS 13.1 City of Brooks Recreation & Parks Board Councillor G. Skriver reported that the recreation centre is still experiencing staffing shortages, primarily lifeguards for the pool area. A bid will be submitted to host the 2023 Alberta Seniors Summer Games with events to be held in Brooks and the County. Councillor K. Christman provided additional information, indicating that there is a possible $75, 000 contribution from the County towards this event and suggested that Council submit an expression of interest. The Silver Sage Agricultural Society will hold a rodeo and parade in 2022. C-148/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council provides a letter in support of the bid for the 2023 Alberta Summer Seniors Games. MOTION CARRIED 13.2 Newell 9-1-1 Dispatch Association Councillor N. Johnson provided information on the provincial operating costs of 9-1-1 services, indicating that the Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator would provide a report to Council in the future. He suggested inviting the Director ofAlberta 9-1-1 to a future Council meeting. 13.3 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association Councillor N. Johnson provided an update on the energy from waste facility project. Grant funding has been approved and SAEWA is requesting support from elected officials to promote the project. Page 9 of 12 Regular Council April 21, 2022 14. POST AGENDA ITEMS 14.1 Bassano Health Centre Working Group Reeve A. Doerksen provided background information on this item and the suggestion to create a working group to move the Bassano Project forward. The group would include representation from the Town of Bassano Council as well as Newell Housing Foundation. Discussion followed. Reeve A. Doerksen responded to questions, C-149/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Reeve A. Doerksen, Councillor A. Skanderup, Councillor K. Christman, and Councillor A. Philpott represent the County of Newell on the Bassano Health Centre Working Group. MOTION CARRIED 14.2 Crop Diversification Centre South (CDC South) Reeve A. Doerksen and Councillor G. Skriver toured the CDC South facility and there is interest from former employees and researchers in reopening the facility. Reeve A. Doerksen provided additional background information on this item, indicating that there is an opportunity for a larger vision for the site. Discussion followed regarding inviting the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, & Rural Economic Development to visit the CDC South and other key features of the County. Reeve A. Doerksen and Councillor G. Skriver responded to questions from Council. C-150/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that a letter be sent to the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, & Rural Economic Development inviting him to tour the Crop Diversification Centre South and be involved with the initiative and provide leadership regarding the future of that facility. MOTION CARRIED 15. INFORMATION ITEMS 15.1 Payment Registers This item was accepfed as information. 15.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report (March 2022) This item was accepted as information. 15.3 AltaLink's Lathom Solar Project Connection The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. 15.5 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. Page 10 of 12 Regular Council April 21, 2022 16. IN CAMERA C-151/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 2:08 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intermunicipal Relations — FOIPP Act Section 21; • Land — FOIPP Act Section 25. MOTION CARRIED C-152/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that we move out of camera at 3:03 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS — Continued 8.2 Bylaw 2031-22 - 22 LUA 002 Text Amendments - A-Gen Agriculture, General District The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-153/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2031-22, being a bylaw to amend Section 5 A-GEN Agriculture, General District of Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 as indicated in Schedule A to prohibit specific uses within the plan area of the Intermunicipal Development Plan with the Village of Duchess, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 15. INFORMATION ITEMS — Continued 15.4 RMA Member Visit (May 5, 2022) - Request for Information for Delegates The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) requested a list of discussion items from Council as well as recommendations on how RMA can better serve Council from both business and advocacy perspectives. Reeve A. Doerksen suggested highlighting the importance of water to the region and asked whether a tour had been planned or just a meeting. Discussion followed and it was determined that three hours was not enough time for a tour. Items to be discussed include advocacy for the SAEWA Energy-from-Waste project and further reducing red tape pertaining to parks. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, indicating that the meeting is informal. Additional items suggested were providing further information on Phase 2 of the County of Newell Water Project, the soil erosion policy, and request to lobby for temporary foreign workers. RMA will be asked to outline avenues for advocacy and how to make Council's efforts more effective. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that backup information would be prepared for each of the discussion topics suggested. Discussion followed regarding arrangements for the meeting. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A. Skanderup left the meeting at 3:18 p.m. Page 11 of 12 Regular Council April 21, 2022 17. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:20 p.m. �� Signed this �� day of , 2022 L:��- L Reeve �" � _�w� �� County Administrator Page 12 of 12