HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-01-12 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
January 12, 2023
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Neweli was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public via Lifesize on Thursday, January 12, 2023 commencing at 10:43 a.m.
Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting.
MEMBERS
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS:
STAFF:
A. Doerksen, Reeve
D. Short
A. Skanderup
L. Kopp
H.Johnson
G. Skriver
K. Christman
E. Unruh
A. Philpott
N.Johnson
M
T.
L.
M
G
Z.
M
A.
S.
Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer
Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator)
Johnson, Director of Corporate Services
Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development
Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering
Forest, Municipal Intern - Planning
Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
Nielsen, Executive Assistant
Page, Planning and Development Administrative Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation
1.
2.
3.
C-01 /23
CALL TO ORDER
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:43 a.m.
EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (December 22, 2022)
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the December 22, 2022 Council
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council
lanuary 12, 2023
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-02/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that the agenda be adopted as presented.
6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
MOTION CARRIED
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.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor D. Short arrived at 10:45 a.m.
10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
10.1 Utilities - NRSC Report
K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview
of the highlights. He indicated that a breakdown of the wastewater collection
action plan is expected to be available soon. Council was given the opportunity to
ask questions.
LEFT THE MEETING
K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:50 a.m.
7. BYLAWS
7.1 Bylaw 2025-22 - Road Closure & LEASE (W 8-23-18-W4)
The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council.
C-03/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON 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
SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-04/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2025-22 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
January 12, 2023
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
9.1 Subdivision Extension Request - 2021-0-006 (SW 5-18-14-W4)
North Headgates
The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council.
C-05/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the request for a time extension to
subdivision application 2021-0-006 be APPROVED for one (1) year to January 12, 2024.
MOTION CARRIED
8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
8.1 ASB Update
The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities
of the Agricultural Services Department. Highlights included an update on the
Coyote Control Incentive Program, the results of the coyote survey, and new fire
pits for Emerson Bridge Park. Ads for seasona/ staff will be published next
week. A shelterbelt workshop is being planned for the second week of
March. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding
the Provincial ASB Conference. January 17-20, 2023.
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 11:07 a.m.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
9.2 RMA Spring 2023 Convention (March 20-22, 2023) - Meetings with Ministers
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. The Executive Assistant was directed to
arrange meetings with the following:
• Minister of Transportation & Economic Corridors - Highway 36/Highway 1
overpass, Fisher Bridge, connecting Highway 56 and SH845 with the
bridge at Crowfoot, SH873 overlay, pathway (Kinbrook overlay)
• Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation - irrigation expansion, Crop
Diversification Centre South
• Minister of Forestry, Parks, & Tourism - pathways connecting Tillebrook
Campground to the Brooks Aqueduct and the Crop Diversification Centre
South, Steveville Bridge Access
• Minister of Jobs, Economy & Northern Development - Southern Alberta
Energy from Waste Association
• Minister of Environment & Protected Areas - Southern Alberta Energy from
Waste Association
• Municipal Affairs - update on files in progress (i. e. assessment model
review)
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Regular Council
January 12, 2023
• Commanding Officer of RCMP "K" Division - express appreciation for the
RCMP's good work in our region.
Discussion followed regarding a request from the Palliser Economic Partnership
for a letter in support of building an overpass at the intersection of Highway 1 and
Highway 36. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, indicating
that the Palliser Economic Partnership must submit a formal request if they are
seeking funding from the County of Newell for this initiative.
C-06/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that the County of Newell provides a letter
to the Palliser Economic Partnership in support of the development of an overpass at the
intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 36.
MOTION CARRIED
9.3 Letter from Rocky View County - Joint Advocacy for Improved Solar Farm
Governance
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item,
indicating that Rocky View County has invited severa/ municipalities to join
together to identify concerns with the current solar development process and
initiate change. Discussion followed. The County's experience with the Alberta
Utilities Commission (AUC) process has been positive and Planning &
Development staff join the conversation regarding solar developments
early. Council expressed concerns with financial liability for future reclamation
costs and suggested registering for intervenor status.
The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided an overview of the current
process, indicating that AUC provides the technical expertise and municipalities
can provide the local perspective. She indicated that she would investigate the
possibility of adding reclamation conditions to development permits for solar
development, noting AUC requires reclamation plans for approval. The Manager
of Planning, Development & Engineering provided additional information regarding
the AUC approval process and how municipalities can become involved.
The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information, indicating the
interests of the proposed coalition are focused on reclamation and requiring the
AUC to considermunicipal land use by/aws and municipal development plans. He
suggested it might be beneficial for the County of Newell to participate and share
positive experiences. Council suggested that a solar development company be
invited to a future Council meeting to explain the reclamation process.
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the scope of
work which would be carried out by a consultant. Discussion followed. Council
requested more information regarding the proposed coalition and the funding
requested.
C-07/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that further discussion on Rocky View
County's proposed joint advocacy campaign for improved renewable energy project
development governance be TABLED until more information is available.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
January 12, 2023
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:01 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:49 p.m.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
9.4 Electoral Division Boundary Review
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item
including an overview of the Electoral Division Boundary Commission review
process. While there is no legal requirement for proportional representation at the
municipal level, the results of an election can still be challenged on the basis of
uneven population distribution.
Discussion followed. The Director of Corporate Services indicated there is no
requirement for municipalities to periodically review electoral divisions. The
County was established with nine electoral divisions in 1953 and a tenth division
was created in 1987. If the number of electoral divisions is to change, it must be
a higher or lower odd number. The Director of Corporate Services provided an
overview of the previous Council's efforts to change the County's electoral
divisions.
Discussion followed. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions,
indicating that balancing the populations requires significant changes to the
divisional boundaries even if the number of divisions remains the same. The Chief
Administrative Officer provided additional information regarding the process and
suggested a survey of County ratepayers to determine whether the uneven
population distribution is a concern. Discussion followed.
C-08/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that no changes be made to the County's
Electoral Division Boundaries.
Councillor K. Christman requested a recorded vote.
In Favor — Division 4, 5, 7, 8, 9
Opposed — Division 1, 2, 3, 6, 10
MOTION DEFEATED
Further discussion occurred.
C-09/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Administration request public
feedback on whether a redistribution of the County's divisional population is a priority and
if this should include changing the number of electoral divisions in the County of Newell.
Discussion followed. Council asked that the public information highlight the
differences in populations across current divisions and noting that, while electoral
division boundary changes are a regular occurrence at the provincial and federal
government levels, this initiative is started by Council. The Chief Administrative
Officer indicated that the public information and survey would be presented to
Council for review before it is published.
Page 5 of 7
Regular Council
January 12, 2023
Reeve A. Doerksen called the question.
VOTE ON MOTION C-09/23 - MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
L. Johnson left the meeting at 1:24 p.m.
9.5 Requests for Functions of Council
9.5.1 Palliser Triangle Health Advisory Council Meeting (January 16, 2023)
C-10/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend
the Palliser Triangle Health Advisory Council Meeting online on January 16, 2023 as a
function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
9.5.2 Virtual Community Justice Centre Engagement Session (January 20, 2023)
C-11/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Councillor K. Christman be permitted
to attend the Virtual Community Justice Centre Engagement Session on January 20,
2023 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
9.5.3 Alberta CARE Spring Seminar (February 22-24, 2023)
C-12/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Councillor L. Kopp be permitted to
attend the Alberta CARE Spring Seminar in Strathmore, AB on February 22-24, 2023 as
a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued
10.2 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
service levels following weather events and suggested that coordinating a
response with neighbouring municipalities could be discussed as part of the
Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework agreement updates. Council expressed
thanks to Municipal Services staff for their work during recent weather events.
C-13/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the Director of Municipal Services
Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for December 2022 be APPROVED as presented
MOTION CARRIED
Page 6 of 7
Regular Council
January 12, 2023
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:46 p.m.
11. POST AGENDA ITEMS
There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting.
12. INFORMATION ITEMS
12.1 Payment Registers
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item
was accepted as information.
12.2 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
13. IN CAMERA
C-14/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move in camera at 1:49 p.m. to
discuss the following matters:
• Intergovernmental Relations — FOIPPAct Section 21;
• Labour — FOIPP Act Section 17.
MOTION CARRIED
C-15/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at
2:21 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
14. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:21 p.m.
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Signed this �' day of � "`� , 2023
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County Administrator
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