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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022-06-09 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL June 9, 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, June 9, 2022 commencing at 10:20 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public 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) 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: Q. Randall, Palliser Economic Partnership (via Lifesize) J. Lloyd, Newbit Technology Inc. (22 LUA 004) (via Lifesize) J. Gerald, Tech Operations Ltd. (22 LUA 004) (via Lifesize) T. Milot, Applicant (22 LUA 003) 14 County of Newell Ratepayers in attendance L. Tiffin, City of Brooks R. McPhillips, City of Brooks 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council June 9, 2022 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (May 19, 2022) C-183/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the May 19, 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-184/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP 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. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Recreation Capital Items for Consideration - Recreation, Parks & Culture Board (Duchess & Area) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council regarding the budget process and how recreation funding is allocated to the municipalities within the County. Councillor K. Christman acknowledged the Duchess Agricultural Society volunteers for their efforts in obtaining grant funding. C-185122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES funding 1/3 of the total capital expenditures recommended by Motion 009-21 of the Recreation, Parks & Culture Board (Duchess & Area) with funding from the Recreation fund up to a maximum of $59,000. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Local Government Fiscal Framework Engagement Survey The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-186/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the draft Local Government Fiscal Framework Engagement Survey responses be submitted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of .12 Regular Council June 9, 2022 10.3 Appointment of Financial Reviewer - County of Newell Library Board The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-187/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council APPROVES the appointment of Krista Payne for the purpose of reviewing the accounts of the County of Newell Municipal Library Board. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 10:36 a.m. 10.4 Appointments to County of Newell Library Board - Division 9 (New Representative) & Division 6 (Term Extension) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-188/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Jan Lepp be appointed as a Member - at -Large to the County of Newell Library Board representing Division 9 (Gem) for a three- year term expiring June 9, 2025. MOTION CARRIED C-189/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Sherry Steinbach be re -appointed as a Member -at -Large to the County of Newell Library Board representing Division 6 (Bassano) for a one-year term expiring June 9, 2023. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 Request for Appointment of County Representative - Brooks & District Health Foundation The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor E. Unruh provided additional information, indicating that she had been a volunteer member of the Brooks & District Health Foundation for five years. Discussion followed. Councillor K Christman and Councillor E. Unruh responded to questions regarding the application process and duties associated with the role. Councillor N. Johnson nominated Councillor K. Christman. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 10:43 a.m. Councillor K. Christman declined the nomination, noting that the boards of both the Brooks and Bassano Health Foundations consist of volunteers. She indicated that the Town of Bassano is not represented on the Bassano Health Foundation board. Discussion followed and Council requested additional information. C-190/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that the request to appoint a Council member to the Brooks & District Health Foundation board be TABLED until more information is available. MOTION CARRIED Page 3 of .12 Regular Council June 9, 2022 10.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (April 2022) C-191/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the April 2022 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Requests for Functions of Council 10.7.1 Meeting with Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Rural Economic Development (June 7, 2022) Reeve A. Doerksen provided background information on a recent meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Rural Economic Development to discuss the future of the Crop Diversification Centre South. C-192/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Rural Economic Development in Edmonton, AB on June 7, 2022 attended by Reeve A. Doerksen be permitted as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report The Utilities - NRSC Report for May 2022 was presented to Council. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided additional information and responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 10:53 a.m. 11.3 County of Newell Water Project Phase 2 Registration Extension The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item. Preliminary alignments have been discussed and it would be advantageous to reopen the registration process and allow as many people as possible to be connected. He recommended that requests for additional water units be considered after the full alignment is determined. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that there must be a hard cut-off at some point for engineering purposes. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering indicated that the process for ongoing hookups would be considered during budget discussions to ensure that there are policies in place. He indicated that the extended registration period would be limited to those locations identified in the feasibility study. He also provided an overview of the construction contracts planned, indicating that the timeline remains the same for those who have already registered. Discussion followed and the Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to further questions. C-193/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the registration be re -opened for applicants that were eligible under the previous program policies at a rate of $1,500 per Page 4 of 12 Regular Council June 9, 2022 service. Furthermore, that registration close at 4:30 pm on September 30, 2022, to allow the County to work towards identifying additional capacity in the system. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 11:06 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Q. Randall arrived at 11:00 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Palliser Economic Partnership Q. Randall provided background information on the Palliser Economic Partnership (PEP), which has a mandate to assist with rural economic development. There are currently twenty members in southern Alberta that provide annual per capita funding that is used to develop projects of importance to the region. He gave an overview of PEP's services, which include promoting the region as an investment destination, supporting development by its members, and providing advocacy for economic development projects. He indicated that PEP has identified significant projects, but they are also open to discussion on projects identified by members. Q. Randall provided information on recent projects supported by PEP. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson and S. Simpson arrived at 11:15 a.m. Q. Randall provided information on the Southeast Alberta Hydrogen Task Force whose goals include positioning the region as a hydrogen hub. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Q. Randall responded to questions regarding the Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association project, indicating that PEP can determine where to assist if the next step has been identified. He provided information regarding protein processing facilities, indicating that PEP is identifying where value can be added to existing commodities. LEFT THE MEETING Q. Randall left the meeting at 11:25 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:25 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:30 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Fifteen (15) members of the public were physically in attendance and two (2) members of the public were in attendance via Lifesize for the Public Hearings. Page 5 of 12 Regular Council June 9, 2022 C-194/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that we move into Public Hearings at 11:30 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2033-22 - 22 LUA 004 (NE 28-17-12-W4 - A-GEN to I-GEN) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:30 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen reviewed 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 2033-22. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating a portion of NE 28-17-12-W4 from Agriculture, General District to Industrial, General District to allow for a power generation and data centre operation. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had 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. The Supervisor of Planning & Development indicated that the land is owned by the Eastern Irrigation District, and they have requested that third reading of Bylaw 2033-22 be postponed until the lease agreement has been finalized. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. The applicants were present via Lifesize to respond to questions. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Supervisor of Planning & Development indicated that the Land Use Amendment was for a portion of the parcel and there are no residences within 1.6 km of the development site. 7.2 Bylaw 2034-22 - 22 LUA 005 Text Amendment (B-HAM Business, Hamlet District) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:39 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 2034-22. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by updating Section 5, B-HAM Business, Hamlet District to include self -storage as a discretionary use. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and to a list of affected agencies. None of the affected agencies have indicated any objections. Two letters have been received from Lake Newell Resort Page 6 of 12 Regular Council June 9, 2022 residents in opposition to this bylaw as it relates to Lake Newell Resort. No concerns have been raised by residents of the other hamlets in the County. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council regarding the difference between permitted and discretionary uses. 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. 7.3 Bylaw 2035-22 - 22 LUA 003 (Plan 0514207, Block 5, Lot 26 at Lake Newell Resort - SPPS to B-HAM) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:47 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 2035-22. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by rezoning Plan 0514207, Block 5, Lot 26 at Lake Newell Resort from Special, Parks Public Service District to Business, Hamlet District to allow for the development of a self -storage business. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and to a list of affected agencies. None of the affected agencies have indicated any objections. One response in favor of the proposed bylaw has been received from a resident of Lake Newell Resort. Approximately 90 responses in opposition have been received from residents of Lake Newell Resort. The subject parcel is part of the Sandpiper Estates Homeowners Association and is required to abide by the bylaws of the association. The subject parcel was also designated an RV storage lot in the Lake Newell Reservoir Resort Area Structure Plan (ASP) (Bylaw 1428-03) and the proposed amendment will allow for this development to proceed. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided additional historical information and outlined how the ASP relates to the Land Use Bylaw and development process. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding the land use designation for the subject parcel, indicating that it was stated in the auction listing that the designation was Special, Parks & Public Service District and the intended use was storage. She displayed Figure 7 from the Lake Newell Reservoir Resort ASP indicating the area specified as RV storage. If the subject parcel is rezoned to Business, Hamlet District (B-HAM), self storage is a discretionary use and the development permit process would include circulation to adjacent landowners and the Municipal Planning Commission can apply conditions for development. The Supervisor of Planning & Development listed the permitted and discretionary uses under the B-HAM District. The applicant, T. Milot, provided information regarding the subject parcel which was purchased for development of an indoor storage facility not currently available Page 7 of 12 Regular Council June 9, 2022 at Lake Newell Resort. He indicated that traffic already exists at Lake Newell Resort and many of the alternate uses proposed in the letters of opposition would result in increased traffic. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. T. Milot responded to questions regarding the subject parcel. C. Archer spoke in opposition, expressing concerns that development of a storage facility would have a negative impact on the market for residential development. He also expressed concerns with a commercial facility that close to the road. C. Archer responded to questions from Council indicating that his preference would be for the subject parcel to not be developed. T. Grobbelaar and K. McClelland spoke in opposition, expressing concerns with safety, increased traffic, loss of recreation space, and lower property values. They indicated that there are already sufficient covered and uncovered storage options in the region. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Supervisor of Planning & Development outlined the uses available if the subject parcel were to remain S-PPS District. K. McClelland responded to questions from Council, indicating that certain developments do not fit within a hamlet community. T. Grobbelaar expressed concerns that residents do not understand the bylaws. B. Urzada spoke in opposition and asked for an opportunity to redo the letters in opposition due to confusion between the two bylaws. The applicant was given the opportunity to make closing remarks. T. Milot indicated that the subject parcel has been designated for a storage lot since the ASP was adopted in 2003. A storage lot would provide a secure alternative to storing recreational vehicles on vacant lots or on the roads. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-195/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of Public Hearings at 12:42 p.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Fifteen (15) members of the public physically in attendance and two (2) members of the public in attendance via Lifesize for the Public Hearings left the meeting at 12:42 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:43 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:15 p.m. LEFT THE MEETING Reeve A. Doerksen left the meeting at 12:43 p.m. Deputy Reeve K. Christman assumed the Chair. Page 8 of 12 Regular Council June 9, 2022 ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Tiffin and R. McPhillips arrived at 1:15 p.m. 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.2 Funding Request - Alberta 55+ Summer Games 2023 Bid L. Tiffin provided background information on this item, indicating that the Joint Services Committee is seeking formal support from the County in the form of a letter in support of a bid to host the 2023 Alberta 55+ Summer Games and a funding commitment in the amount of up to $35, 000. The letter of support was approved during the April 21, 2022 Council meeting. R. McPhillips provided additional information regarding the event, which will feature events held at facilities throughout the region. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. McPhillips and L. Tiffin responded to questions regarding the registration fee for participants and what this includes. The County and City have hosted the Southern Alberta Summer Games twice in the past. L. Tiffin outlined options to be considered in the event there is a profit, which include reducing the municipal funding portion, creating a legacy project, or donating the profits to a local charity. The Director of Corporate Services and L. Tiffin responded to further questions from Council regarding the funding requested from each municipality. Discussion followed. C-196/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council APPROVES a contribution of up to $35,000 towards the cost of hosting the 2023 Alberta 55+ Summer Games subject to the region's bid to host being approved. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING R. McPhillips and L. Johnson left the meeting at 1:29 p.m. 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2033-22 - 22 LUA 004 (NE 28-17-12-W4 - A-GEN to I-GEN) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided additional background information on this item, reiterating that the Eastern Irrigation District has requested that third reading be postponed until the lease agreement has been finalized. C-197/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2033-22, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating a portion of the NE 28-17-12-W4 from Agriculture, General District to Industrial, General District as shown in schedule A, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Bylaw 2034-22 - 22 LUA 005 Text Amendment (B-HAM Business, Hamlet District) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided additional background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 9 of 12 Regular Council June 9, 2022 LEFT THE MEETING L. Tiffin left the meeting at 1:37 p.m. Discussion followed regarding discretionary and permitted uses. Including these in the Land Use Bylaw provides certainty for developers as to what is an appropriate use for the land. C-198/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2034-22, being a bylaw to amend Section 5, B-HAM Business, Hamlet District of Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 as indicated in Schedule A to include self storage as a discretionary use, be given SECOND reading. Further discussion followed. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions, indicating that permitted use decisions are administrative but must follow the policy in the Land Use Bylaw, which is reviewed on a regular basis. Deputy Reeve K. Christman called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-198/22 - MOTION CARRIED C-199/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2034-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.3 Bylaw 2035-22 - 22 LUA 003 (Plan 0514207, Block 5, Lot 26 at Lake Newell Resort - SPPS to B-HAM) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided additional background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. She listed the permitted and discretionary uses under the current zoning S-PPS and the proposed zoning B-HAM. Discussion followed. C-200122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2035-22, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating Plan 0514207, Block 5, Lot 26 from S-PPS Special, Parks and Public Service District to B-HAM Business, Hamlet District, be given SECOND reading. Further discussion followed. Deputy Reeve K. Christman called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-200/22 - MOTION CARRIED C-201/22 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2035-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson and S. Stanway left the meeting at 2:03 p.m. Page 10 of 12 Regular Council June 9, 2022 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Payment Registers The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 2:03 p.m. 13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 13.3 RCMP Quarterly Reports 13.3.1 Brooks RCMP This item was accepted as information. 13.3.2 Bassano RCMP This item was accepted as information. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Weather Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item and asked whether the County was doing anything to encourage residents to prepare for extreme weather events and what plans are in place. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that it would be beneficial to inform residents about our emergency response plans and emergency preparedness. The Rural Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator would be able to provide that information to Council. Discussion followed. 12.2 Update - Crop Diversification Centre South The Chief Administrative Officer provided information resulting from a meeting with the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry & Rural Economic Development regarding any plans the provincial government has for the Crop Diversification Centre South. There has been interest in the site by different organizations and some test plots are in use by researchers. The Government of Alberta will be looking into applied research associations and investigating potential partnerships as well as creating an inventory of the assets on the site. A follow up meeting will be held in the future. Discussion followed. Page 11 of 12 Regular Council June 9, 2022 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. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding pivots watering on roads, the dust abatement product application process, and grading. He indicated that the County maintains the roads for public safety. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the Kinbrook Connection Pathway project, indicating that the tender process is still under consideration, but the project may not be tendered all at the same time. He provided further information regarding submitting service requests via Newell Connect, indicating that the location of the issue must be provided so that staff can investigate. C-202122 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for May 2022 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:35 p.m. 14. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:35 p.m. Signed this��day of �0� 12022 `- eeve County Administrator Page 12 of 12