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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-08-06 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL August 6, 2015 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, August 6, 2015 commencing at 11:19 a. m. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: Molly Douglass, Reeve C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath - County Planner - ORRSC S. Simpson, Development Clerk T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Gietz, Manager of Economic Development M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: R. Redelback, Landowner (North Headgates) F. George, Adjacent Landowner (Bylaw 1845-15) 1. 2. 3. C-293/15 CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:19 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (July 23, 2015) MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the July 23, 2015 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council August 6, 2015 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-294115 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Update - North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan (SW 5-18-14-W4) (R. Redelback -11:00 a.m.) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. R. Redelback provided an update, indicating that he has received a proposal from Scheffer Andrew and that he would be obtaining a second opinion regarding the costs. He also indicated that he continues to work with the Eastern Irrigation District regarding the road and surface water agreement. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. Redelback responded to questions regarding potential delays involved with engaging a new planning firm. He reported that it has been difficult to proceed as many of the individuals involved have been on vacation. The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that the deadline to provide a signed agreement with the planning firm was July 31, 2015. She indicated that progress has been made and that it is reasonable for R. Redelback to request a second opinion on the quote. She suggested that extending the deadline to allow this would result in a useful end product. Councillor B. de Jong asked how much of a delay would occur by allowing more time and potentially engaging a new planning firm. R. Redelback replied that if the new planning firm offers a better price, he would likely engage them. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that he had met with two individuals from the development who were concerned with the geotechnical/hydrological analysis for the Area Redevelopment Plan and the cost associated with providing the analysis. He explained to them that soil and water quality is a serious concern with so many septic fields and cabins right next to the lake and that the request is standard for development with poor soils, high intensity developments, and a high water table. They raised concerns over the cost of the Area Redevelopment Plan and he responded that there are many examples on the internet that show exactly how things are today and where the development is planning to go in the future and suggested the landowners find a firm or two that would allow them to do the bulk of the leg work themselves. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that progress is evident and asked that the weekly updates continue. The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that the deadline for submission of the Area Redevelopment Plan was September 1, _ 2015. She asked if Council would revisit and adjust this deadline to allow Page 2 of 11 Regular Council August 6, 2015 R. Redelback more time. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. LEFT THE MEETING R. Redelback left the meeting at 11:36 a.m. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS C-295/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move into Public Hearings at 11:36 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6.1 Bylaw 1845-15 - Road Closure & LEASE (W 1& E 2-24-16-W4; W 12 & E 11-24-16-W4; W 27 & E 28-23-16-W4)) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:36 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The Manager of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1845-15. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE that portion of road allowance adjacent to the eastern boundary of 2-24-16-W4, adjacent to the eastern boundary of 11-24-16-W4, and adjacent to the eastern boundary of 28-23-16-W4. The Manager 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 a list of affected agencies. There were no persons in attendance speaking in opposition to the proposed bylaw. F. George, an adjacent landowner, was present to respond to questions. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor C. Amulung asked F. George how the road closure would affect his operations. F. George explained that he used the road allowance to move cattle and equipment, indicating that it is preferable to the south route which has power lines. He indicated that he utilizes the road allowance as well as a trail, and that the road allowance is used when no crops are present. F. George indicated that he currently has an agreement with Springview Colony to use the road allowance; if this were to change in the future, it would result in extra mileage when moving his cattle and equipment via another route. He noted that Springview Colony did not have a preference regarding whether the road is closed. The County Planner indicated that, when dealing with road closures involving two different landowners, the majority of municipalities provide for access to bot landowners in the lease agreement. This can be done by naming a specific la downer or byl , naming the owner of a specific parcel, in the event that the land is sold in the ` future. The County Planner responded to further questions from GQuncil. S_W Page 3 of 11 Regular Council August 6, 2015 indicated that the road allowance is currently being used for something other than public travel. If the road is to remain open to public travel, the other use must be removed. F. George displayed photographs of the land in question and responded to further questions from Council. He expressed interest in closing the road from his north property line south to the intersection with TR234. The County Planner indicated that it is possible for two landowners to lease the same road allowance to allow equal access. Discussion followed regarding splitting the road closure into two separate leases. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that a legal opinion could be obtained regarding how to satisfy both parties with lease agreements. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. The County Planner indicated that the bylaw can be amended at the second reading stage after it is approved by Alberta Transportation. C-296/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that we move out of Public Hearings at 12:04 p.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING F. George left the meeting at 12:04 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS - CONTINUED 8.2 Presentation of FCM Municipal Partners in Economic Development Plaque (M. Gietz, T. Green -11:45 a.m.) Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item, indicating that the Federation of Canadian Municipalities has presented the County of Newell with a plaque recognizing the work done in Cambodia under the Municipal Partners in Economic Development Program. Reeve M. Douglass expressed appreciation to Michelle Gietz, Todd Green, Councillor A.M. Philipsen, Councillor B. de Jong, and Dr. Manjula Bandara, all of who traveled to Cambodia to assist with the project. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:08 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 1845-15 - Road Closure & LEASE (W 1& E 2-24-16-W4; W 12 & E 11-24-16-W4; W 27 & E 28-23-16-W4)) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor B. de Jong asked if the two parcels could be separated. The Director of Corporate Services replied that two separate bylaws would be required and suggested that this be the '`. procedure followed for the future when a road closure involves two different Page 4 of 11 Regular Council August 6, 2015 landowners. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from Council, indicating that legal advice would be sought regarding the lease agreements. The County Planner and Manager of Planning & Development responded to further questions from Council regarding lease agreements that would accommodate the needs of both landowners. C-297/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1845-15, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road allowance adjacent to the eastern boundary of 2-24-16-W4, that portion of road allowance adjacent to the eastern boundary of 11-24-16-W4, and that portion of road allowance adjacent to the eastern boundary of 28-23-16-W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Bylaw 1842-15 -15 LUA 004 (SE 13-16-14-W4 - A to SLA) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-298/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1842-15, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 5.09 acres (2.06 hectares) in SE 13-16-14-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SLA - Single Lot Agricultural District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.3 Bylaw 1843-15 -15 LUA 005 (Lot 1, Block 16, Plan 9412002 — NE 24-17-13-W4 & NW 19-17-12-W4 - HTA to HR) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council C-299/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that Bylaw 1843-15, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 3.11 acres (1.269 hectares) in NE 24-17-13-W4 & NW 19-17-12-W4 from HTA - Hamlet Transitional Agricultural District to HR - Hamlet Residential District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 8. DELEGATIONS - CONTINUED 8.1 Update - North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan (SW 5-18-14-W4) - continued Discussion continued. Councillor B. de Jong asked about the time frame involved if the landowner chooses to engage another planning firm. The Manager of Planning & Development replied that it would depend on what information would be transferred to the new planner. The preliminary information has been collected and the work remaining involves drafting a plan including the requested items that were not included in the first draft. The County Planner suggested that the landowner be given until September 15, 2015 to engage a planning firm, whether it be the existing firm or a new one, indicating that a new firm would likely restart the process. The Chief Administrative Officer, indicate that the geotechnical and hydrological work requested makes up clo e to h of Page 5 of 11 Regular Council August 6, 2015 the current quote to prepare the Area Redevelopment Plan. The Manager of Planning & Development provided an overview, indicating that those items are related to current and future septic systems and how to accommodate future development. The County Planner indicated that the landowner has been asked to gather information regarding items required by the province and the Eastern Irrigation District. Discussion followed regarding extending the deadline for the landowner to sign a contract with a planning firm for the Area Redevelopment Plan. Councillor C. Amulung suggested that the deadline coincide with Council meetings. The Manager of Planning & Development will continue to provide Council with weekly updates via e-mail and action will be taken if the landowner has not engaged a planning firm by September 10, 2015. 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. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 9.2 Drought Conditions The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item, indicating that some other municipalities have declared a state of agricultural disaster due to current drought conditions. He indicated that he had spoken to the Eastern Irrigation District and local farmers who graze cattle and they are not reporting any major problems. Discussion followed regarding this. Dryland crops will be affected, but most of those areas are irrigated and there are crop insurance programs available. The Director of Agricultural Services indicated that Wheatland County was considering declaring states of agricultural disaster by township, as some areas are in better condition than others. Council accepted the recommendation of the Director of Agricultural Services and acknowledged that declaring a state of agricultural emergency is a possibility in some areas of the County if current conditions persist. 9.3 2015 ASB Resolutions The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the package was complete and well done. Council authorized the Director of Agricultural Services to complete and submit the response report card. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding agricultural plastics, indicating that there are not a lot of large grain bags and silage tubes used in the County. Councillor L. Juss reported that Newell Recycling accepts rolled agricultural plastics but is not accepting domestic plastics at this D time. Councillor L. Juss responded to further questions from Council regarding recycling. Page 6 of 11 Regular Council August 6, 2015 LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 1:54 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Planning & Development Report The Manager of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided information regarding the Village of Delia, where parcels of land were sold for $10.00 each with the condition that the purchaser builds something on it within a year. She asked if this was something to consider for the County. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that this is acceptable under the Municipal Government Act if the parcels were advertised to be sold for less than market value which would allow the public to voice any concerns, if they so desired. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding land transfer costs, indicating that landowners are directed to contact a surveyor to determine consolidation fees as there are different methods for consolidation. Councillor T. Fyfe asked for an update on the process for contacting landowners in cases of unauthorized development. The Manager of Planning & Development reported that two letters have been sent requesting a meeting to discuss their unauthorized developments. As no responses have been received, escalation must occur. C-300/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the Planning & Development report for July 2015 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.2 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. The County is proposing to build booster stations within two undeveloped road allowances and Alberta Transportation has indicated that permits are required. She recommended that the road allowances be closed and transferred to the County so that permits can be issued for the booster stations. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor A.M. Philipsen asked if the Municipal Services Department had submitted a Road Closure Application. The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information, indicating that the Planning & Development Department had received electrical permit applications. The Manager of Engineering Services indicated that the booster stations are required in order to deliver water to the area north of Bassano and to Gem under the Count4 of Newell Water Project. They had discussed purchasing land, but determin that installing the booster stations within the undeveloped road allowances Auld allow easier access to the main link. He indicated that closing the road would et -access --t oil and gas sites. The Manager of Engineering Services reported that he h�j Page 7 of 11 Regular Council August 6, 2015 spoken to Alberta Transportation and forwarded them diagrams of the booster stations and where they would be situated. The response from Alberta Transportation was that this could be classified as a utility installation, which is permitted within a road allowance, and that a road closure would not be necessary. The Manager of Engineering Services responded to questions from Council. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that Planning & Development and Municipal Services would review the file to determine if any development permits are required. LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin, A. Wickert, and D. Horvath left the meeting at 2:19 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 10.2 Organizational Meeting - Set Date Council was provided background information on this item. The Organizational Meeting will be held on Monday, November 2, 2015 beginning at 10:00 a.m. 10.3 Councillor Payment Sheets (June 2015) C-301/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the June 2015 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.4 Cheques for Payment C-302/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that cheque 181764 in the amount of $400,142.31 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-303/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.6 Requests for Functions of Council 10.6.1 Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Convention (September 23-25, 2015) C-304/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor W. Hammergren be permitted to attend the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association Convention in Calgary, AB on September 23-25, 2015 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED ;i Page 8 of 11 Regular Council August 6, 2015 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 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 the Bylaw Enforcement Officer position, which has allowed the Municipal Enforcement Officers to focus on larger issues. He also responded to questions regarding the railway crossing at SH875, indicating that the Manager of Engineering Services has been in contact with CP Rail and Volker Stevin and there is a plan to resolve the issues. 11.2 Utilities - NRSC Report The Utilities-NRSC Report was presented to Council. C-305/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for July 2015 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Solid Waste Pilot Project The Director of Municipal Services provided an update on the open house meeting and the follow up survey. Out of 35 surveys distributed, 8 responses were received. He provided an overview of the survey results. All of the respondents were in favor of the proposal, but the Director of Municipal Services asked if eight responses were enough to proceed with the six-month pilot project. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the details and cost of the pilot project. Councillor G. Simpson asked how to prevent non-residents of the subdivision from using the bins. Councillor L. Juss replied that it would be easy to identify non-residents who are using the bins in the proposed location. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that the pilot project would involve the placement of several communal bins within the road way in two key locations in the subdivision. If the project is successful, they would discuss installing some screening for the bins. Councillor L. Juss noted that Newell Recycling is working on a mobile recycling trailer that will be located in a business parking lot. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding how the subdivision was selected for the pilot project. Discussion followed. C-306/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Council APPROVES the six- month pilot for the Rural Solid Waste Collection Project in the amount of up to $3,500.00 with funding from the County's Stabilization Fund. MOTION CARRIED r Page 9 of 11 _� Regular Council August 6, 2015 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS - CONTINUED 12.1 Hamlet of Tilley - Boulevard Watering The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and asked for direction on how to address irrigation in hamlets. He outlined potential solutions, including the installation of an automated irrigation system on timers. As potable water is being used, a meter will have to be installed and the costs billed back to the hamlet residents. Another option would be to seek a group of volunteers to operate the irrigation system similar to the operation of the raw water irrigation system in Scandia. The Director of Municipal Services and Councillor G. Simpson responded to questions from Council and it was noted that this was not a formal request from the Hamlet Advisory Board of Tilley. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that hamlets should have a special tax that would allow them to collect funds to cover the costs of unique services that they want to provide residents. Discussion followed regarding irrigation and other ways to beautify the area that require less maintenance. Councillor G. Simpson indicated that the community must agree on services to be provided and then prioritize the list in order of importance. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. 12.3 Request for Letter of Support - Francophone Association of Brooks Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item. Council provided approval for Reeve M. Douglass to write a letter in support of the Francophone Association of Brooks and their application for federal grant funding for youth programs. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Airport Commission - Motion to Install Fuel Depot Councillor L. Juss provided details regarding the fuel depot that will be installed. This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report (July 2015) This item was accepted as information. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 15. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. Page 10 of 11 Regular Council August 6, 2015 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:25 p.m. Signed this L day of '2015 eeve� J Administrator Page 11 of 11