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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-09-24 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL September 24, 2015 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, September 24, 2015 commencing at 10:28 a.m. MEMBERS B. de Jong, Deputy Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh L. Juss ABSENT: Molly Douglass, Reeve W. Hammergren 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 G. Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: R. Redelback, Landowner (North Headgates) J. McCrady, Landowner (North Headgates) L. Day, Stringam Denecky M. Lofgren, Stringam Denecky 1. CALL TO ORDER Deputy Reeve B. de Jong called the meeting to order at 10:28 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-329/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor W. Hammergren be excused from the meeting. CARRIED Regular Council September 24, 2015 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (2015-09-10) C-330/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the September 10, 2015 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Deputy Reeve B. de Jong called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-331/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 14. IN CAMERA C-332/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 10:29 a.m. to discuss a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C-333/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that we move out of camera at 11:16 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6. DELEGATIONS 6.1 Update - North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan (SW 5-18-14-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided an update on this item. She indicated that R. Redelback has provided a signed copy of a contract with Scheffer Andrew Ltd. but Planning & Development staff were not able to review it prior to this meeting. R. Redelback indicated that the timelines provided in the contract may be difficult to meet as work must be done in order to secure funding. Deputy Reeve B. de Jong asked about the timelines pertaining to the identified health and safety issues. R. Redelback replied that this information is included and that some of the issues have already been addressed. Councillor C. Amulung expressed concerns with the lack of communication between the landowner and the Planning & Development department since the September 10, 2015 Council meeting. R. Redelback requested that the details of the contract with Scheffer Andrew Ltd. not be shared publicly. R. Redelback responded to further questions from Council, indicating that he had been unable to provide the information to the Planning & Development Department prior to this meeting. Page 2 of 8 Regular Council September 24, 2015 Deputy Reeve B. de Jong asked the County Planner if the timelines presented were acceptable. The County Planner replied that, as there are serious health and safety issues involved, it would be prudent for Council to consider issuing a stop order under Section 545 of the Municipal Government Act requiring that those issues be remedied immediately. She also indicated that issuance of a stop order under Municipal Government Act Section 645 could be considered to address the land use planning and approvals issues related to the preparation of the Area Redevelopment Plan and would include the proposed deadlines set forth in the contract and provide recourse if the deadlines are not met. She also suggested that the County consider engaging their own engineering firm in order to confirm the deficiencies that need to be addressed immediately. C-334/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council direct administration to prepare and execute an order to remedy contraventions, under Section 545 of the Municipal Government Act, regarding life safety issues at the property known as North Headgates, located in the SW 5-18-14-W4, that were identified in correspondence written by Scheffer Andrew Ltd. dated September 8, 2015, including, but not limited to the following: 1. Septic or holding tank covers either missing or structurally deficient shall be replaced to meet current building code requirements; 2. Decks and steps must be repaired or replaced to current building code; 3. Any buildings with possible structural deficiencies shall be inspected and repaired by qualified persons or the buildings are to be vacated and fenced off. MOTION CARRIED C-335/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council direct administration to engage the services of a professional engineering firm to complete an inspection of the property known as North Headgates, located in the SW 5-18-14-W4, and provide a report to Council regarding land use development and life safety related deficiencies at that location. MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed regarding issuing a stop order under Section 645 of the Municipal Government Act. The County Planner provided an overview of the process, indicating that staff need time to review the Scheffer Andrew Ltd. contract to determine whether all the County's requirements will be met. If the stop order is issued and all the conditions are met, there will be no reason to execute the stop order. She recommended that Council proceed with issuing a stop order under Section 645 of the Municipal Government Act. C-336415 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Council direct administration to prepare and execute a Stop Order regarding unauthorized development under Section 645 of the Municipal Government Act, at the property known as North Headgates, located in the SW 5-18-14-W4. Steps taken towards enforcement of the Stop Order shall commence if timelines for stages leading to the submission of the Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) as outlined by Scheffer Andrew Ltd. are not met. Further, no additional develo e t or construction of any kind shall occur on the property. M O IED Page 3 of 8 Regular Council September 24, 2015 LEFT THE MEETING R. Redelback, J. McCrady, A. Wickert, D. Horvath, and S. Simpson left the meeting at 11:34 a.m. 7. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 7.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (September 2015) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for September 2015. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding grasshoppers, the increase in drill rentals, and mowing equipment and techniques. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:45 a.m. C-337/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for September 2015 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 8.1 Safe Communities The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item regarding a request for the County to continue providing funding for the Safe Communities program. He suggested that this item be referred to the 2016 Budget Meeting on November 2, 2015. Councillor K. Christman requested a list of the schools to which this program is presented. 8.2 AAMDC Fall 2015 Convention (November 17-19, 2015) Council was presented with information regarding the AAMDC Fall 2015 Convention. The Executive Assistant was directed to schedule meetings with the following: Minister of Transportation, Minister of Culture & Tourism (paving Highway 876 from Highway 1 to Dinosaur Park), and Minister of Agriculture & Forestry (Bassano Dam expansion, invasive species). Deputy Reeve B. de Jong requested that the County's municipal partners also be invited to attend any of these scheduled meetings. Councillor G. Simpson indicated that Reeve M. Douglass attended a meeting with the Minister of Health at the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association convention and suggested consulting her on whether to schedule a meeting during AAMDC. Council also directed the Executive Assistant to proceed with scheduling a meeting with MLA D. Fildebrandt. Page 4 of 8 Regular Council September 24, 2015 8.3 Councillor Payment Sheets (August 2015) t,-338/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the August 2015 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 8.4 Cheques for Payment C-339/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that cheque 182083 in the amount of $817,758.33, cheque 182084 in the amount of $1,325,508.13, and cheque 182085 in the amount of $1,407,425.16 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 8.5 Payment Register C-340/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:56 a.m. and RECONVENED at 1:02 p.m. 9. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Rolling Hills 1-12S Odor Solution The Manager of Engineering Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the odors produced are a result of gas collecting and being emitted from one location. Tests have been done and the emissions are not harmful, but the odor is strong. The 24 Tube Ozone Fogging System to be purchased has been in use for several months and is working very well. The Manager of Engineering Services provided an explanation of how the unit works, noting that it is a more cost-effective solution than changing the hamlet to a gravity -fed sanitary collection system. The Manager of Engineering Services responded to questions from Council. C-341/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Council APPROVES the purchase of the 24 Tube Ozone Fogging System currently in place at the Rolling Hills Lift Station from Norwood Water Works for the cost of $33,895.00 with funding from the Stabilization Fund, LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 1:14 p.m. Page 5 of 8 MOTION CARRIED Regular Council September 24, 2015 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Tax Forfeiture Property Cleanup The Director of Agricultural services provided background information on this item. He indicated that work to remove the main contamination from the Old Rosemary Service Station Site started this morning and is expected to be complete for next year. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council. C-342/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the County proceeds with the remaining reclamation work at NE 11-21-16-W4, with additional spending of $50,000 being approved for the reclamation which will be funded from the Stabilization Fund. MOTION CARRIED 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 8.6 Requests for Functions of Council 8.6.1 Elected Officials Education Program C-343/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the following be permitted to attend the Elected Officials Education Program courses during the Fall 2015 AAMDC convention as a function of Council: Councillor A.M. Philipsen, Councillor K. Christman, and Councillor B. de Jong ("Leading for the Long -Term: Effective Planning & Strategy") Councillor T. Fyfe and Councillor E. Unruh ("Community Development Through Citizen Engagement). MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS - CONTINUED 11.2 Funding Request - Community Enhancement Fund (Division 1) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor C. Amulung responded to questions from Council, indicating that some budget details were yet to be worked out. He indicated that the Hamlet Advisory Committee and the majority of residents support this project. C-344/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the funding request from the Rolling Hills Hamlet Advisory Committee for their local exercise club ("The Firm") be APPROVED in the amount of $5,955.50 with funding from the Regional Enhancement Reserve Fund for Division 1 (Rolling Hills). MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 8 Regular Council September 24, 2015 9. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.2 Request for Infrastructure Priority Projects (Palliser Economic Partnership) Deputy Reeve B. de Jong provided background information on this item, indicating that the Palliser Economic Partnership wants to identify the projects that are most important to our region and present these during meetings with MLAs. Discussion followed and Council suggested the following projects. paving Highway 873 from Kinbrook Island Park to Highway 36, paving Highway 876 from Tilley to the Patricia corner, paving Highway 535 from Tilley to Highway 873, the Eastern Irrigation District Drainage Partnership, cost-sharing agreements with Alberta Transportation, replacement of two bridges in the Bassano area, barrier -free roads, and the intersection of Highway 1 and Highway 36. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS 10.1 Palliser Economic Partnership Deputy Reeve B. de Jong provided minutes from three past meetings of the Palliser Economic Partnership. 10.2 Joint Services Committee Deputy Reeve B. de Jong provided minutes from the September 8, 2015 Joint Services Committee meeting. 10.3 Shortgrass Library System Councillor K. Christman reported that three book houses are being constructed at the Brooks Composite High School for the Rolling Hills Reservoir, Bow City, and Scandia. Processing books that are purchased or donated has become a discussion item. Professional development opportunities are available on October 5 and 19, 2015. She noted that member libraries are strongly encouraged to use their purchasing funds. 10.4 County of Newell Library Board Councillor K. Christman provided updates on the summer reading programs, the new manager of the Brooks Library, and new board members. She indicated that 75% of provincial funding for operating grants has been received and the remainder is expected to be released in October. Municipal Affairs has identified a need for municipal agreements regarding library operations and a draft agreement has been provided for review. 2016 budgets for various libraries have been received and no funding increases have been requested. Page 7 of 8 Regular Council September 24, 2015 10.5 Art & Visual Display Committee Councillor K. Christman reported that the committee has prepared the 2016 budget and will be requesting $4,500.00, part of which will be used for outdoor Christmas lights. She requested donations of any outdoor Christmas lights. She also provided an update on the County logo to be installed on the wall above the photocopier room next month. 10.6 Tilley Infrastructure Upgrades Councillor G. Simpson reported that the infrastructure upgrades are nearly complete and suggested that Council visit the new water storage facility. 10.7 Bow River Basin Council Deputy Reeve B. de Jong indicated that he attended the quarterly forum with Councillor W. Hammergren. Priorities identified include watershed management, completion of the state of the watershed hydrologically -sensitive areas study, and flood/drought mitigation. He also indicated that they discussed keeping recreational vehicle traffic away from the river banks as it destroys plants and compacts the soil, creating issues with runoff. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:47 p.m. Signed this day of Page 8 of 8 Reeve �L un Administrator