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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-10-08 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL October 8, 2015 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, October 8, 2015 commencing at 11:06 a.m. MEMBERS Molly Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: C. Amulung 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 T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: D. Piper, SPEC Association F. Vaughan, SPEC Association 1 2. C-345/15 3. C-346/15 CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:06 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Councillor C. Amulung and Councillor W. Hammergren be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (September 24, 2015) MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the September 24, 2015 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED �I� Regular Council October 8, 2015 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-347/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.2 Utilities - NRSC Report R. Havinga presented the Utilities - NRSC report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. Havinga responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding a situation where a rural water user had completed their own hook up to the rural water distribution system without inspection by Newell Regional Services Corporation. He indicated that this practice needs to stop as it represents theft of water and exposes the County to a liability potential and suggested that, if it continues, penalty clauses will have to be incorporated. R. Havinga replied that NRSC does inform the plumbers that they are not to hook up without NRSC being present. If this becomes an issue, they will discuss how to proceed with the County of Newell. LEFT THE MEETING R. Havinga left the meeting at 11:17 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 SPEC Update D. Piper provided Council with the history of the SPEC Association for Children & Families, which has been serving children and families in the County of Newell area for 37 years. The organization focuses on positive development of children and providing support to families. She provided an overview of SPEC programs, which includes LINKS, the Parent LINK Centre, Connections, and Family Support. The LINK program provides support and resources to newcomers to the community. The Parent LINK Centre is one of 53 PLCs in the province and provides support, information, and education to parents and caregivers about early childhood development, positive parenting, and dealing with family issues. The Connections Leadership & Resiliency Program is designed for youth ages 11-18 to enhance strengths, leadership skills and resiliency, but is not currently operating due to lack of provincial funding. D. Piper indicated that they are currently working to identify gaps in the community and will seek sustainable funding for programs to close those gaps. The Family Support program provides planned interventions and services for the purpose of strengthening and supporting children and their families. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council October 8, 2015 D. Piper indicated that the SPEC Association served 5,694 individuals last year. She displayed a chart outlining funding sources for the previous year, indicating that diversification of funding is an ongoing challenge. The SPEC Association Board understands the importance of finding sustainable funding sources and will continue to promote awareness of their organization and investigate new services for the community. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong asked how the Connections program complemented Ashton's Place. D. Piper replied that some of the services provided by Ashton's Place are modified components of the Connections program. She noted that Ashton's Place provides services that are needed in the community. D. Piper responded to questions regarding funding, indicating that what they receive is based on program submissions and proposals. Councillor K. Christman indicated that the PLC program is very positive for rural sustainability and family support and she encouraged D. Piper to reach out to the Bassano FCSS for partnership opportunities. LEFT THE MEETING D. Piper and F. Vaughan left the meeting at 11:55 a.m. C-348/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move into Public Hearings at 11:56 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 Bylaw 1844-15 - Text Amendments to Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:56 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The County Planner stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1844-15. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by updating and clarifying the Administrative Section, replacing Schedule 6 with a new process to review telecommunication towers proposed within the municipality, and adding a new appendix detailing the requirements for technical studies that may be required by the County of Newell. The County Planner provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and affected agencies. No responses have been received. The Inter Municipal Development Plan Committee has indicated no concerns. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Page 3 of 9 Regular Council October 8, 2015 Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong asked why there were different notification procedures for towers less than 20m high and over 20m high. He also asked why no development permits were required. The County Planner replied that the notification procedures were based on previous applications for smaller, private towers. She explained the reason for not requiring a development permit, which eliminates extra steps required by Industry Canada. Councillor K. Christman asked if the other Inter Municipal Development Plan Committees had been involved. The County Planner replied that the other IMDP Committees meet on an as -needed basis. The information was circulated to all other IMDP Committees and they have the opportunity to call a meeting if further discussion is required. C-349/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of Public Hearings at 12:03 p.m. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:03 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:47 p.m. 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. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 12:53 p.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 1844-15 - Text Amendments to Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 The County Planner provided further background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-350/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1844-15, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by updating and clarifying the Administrative Section, to replace the existing Schedule 6 with a new process to review telecommunications towers proposed within the municipality, and add a new appendix detailing the requirements for technical studies that may be required by the County of Newell, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-351/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1844-15 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED U4 Page 4 of 9 Regular Council October 8, 2015 7.2 Bylaw 1847-15 -15 LUA 004 The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-352/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1847-15, being a bylaw for the purpose of correcting a clerical error in Bylaw 1842-15 by replacing Schedule A with an amended map as shown on the attached Schedule A of Bylaw 1847-15, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-353/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that Bylaw 1847-15 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-354/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that consent be given for Bylaw 1847-15 to receive third reading this 8th day of October, 2015. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-355/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1847-15 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.2 Duchess & Patricia Fire Department - 2016 Budget Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided background information on this item. She noted that the Patricia Fire Department was the only rural fire department not overseen by the Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator and asked if this should change in order to provide services consistent with the other rural fire departments. Discussion followed. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that the Patricia Fire Department operates as an extension of the Duchess Fire Department and has involvement at the Committee level. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 1:01 p.m. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that there is a move to a more regional approach to fire services in the hamlets, but the discussion has not taken place with the Patricia Fire Department. He suggested postponing approval of the 2016 budget until further discussion occurs. The Director of Corporate Services provided an update on the Fire Services agreements with Duchess, Rosemary, and Bassano, indicating that he is still awaiting a written statement from each of the communities. This item was accepted as information at this time. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council October 8, 2015 10.1 Planning & Development Report The Manager of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. She provided an update on the stop orders issued to the landowner of the North Headgates property at SW 5-18-14-W4. Notice has been sent to the landowner indicating that County staff will be entering the site with engineers from AMEC to do an inspection. She also indicated that a letter has been received from the landowner's lawyer outlining steps taken to resolve the life safety issues. She noted that the landowner can appeal the stop orders, but nothing has been received regarding this yet. Councillor B. de Jong asked about the process that would be followed if the measures taken to correct the life safety issues are found to be unsatisfactory. The Manager of Planning & Development replied that the County has the ability to correct the issues and recoup the cost from the landowner. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding the inspection, which will focus on the immediate life safety issues. The landowner's engineers will be conducting more in depth inspections as part of the geotechnical requirements and those are to be completed by the end of October. That report will be forwarded to AMEC for review to determine if further study is required. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding timelines and the stop order issued under Section 645 of the Municipal Government Act, which comes into effect September 30, 2015 and has an appeal period of 14 days. The County Planner responded to further questions regarding the timelines associated with the stop orders. C-356/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Planning & Development report for September 2015 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Remove PUL Designation at Lot 4 PUL, Block 4, Plan 0512650 (NW 19-18-14-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that the parcel is not used or owned by the County and removal of the PUL designation will not affect any current or future use. The Manager of Planning & Development and County Planner responded to questions from Council. Councillor B. de Jong expressed concerns with not compromising drainage from the partnering lots. The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that the Eastern Irrigation District has been consulted regarding drainage. C-357/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that a request be submitted to the Alberta Land Titles Office to remove the Public Utility Lot (PUL) designation from the Martin Industrial PUL having the legal description Lot 4PUL Block 4 Plan 0512650 (NW 19-18-14-W4). MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 9 Regular Council October 8, 2015 LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 1:22 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 10.3 Update - Rural Innovation Forum (2015-09-25) The Director of Corporate Services provided information regarding the Rural Innovation Forum he attended on September 25, 2015. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 10.4 Ashton's Place - Request to Host a Meeting with County & City Councils and Grasslands Regional FCSS The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that Grasslands Regional Schools has also requested a meeting with County Council. Council suggested November 5, 2015 for the meeting with Ashton's Place, Grasslands Regional FCSS, and the City of Brooks beginning at 4:00 p.m. and the meeting with Grasslands Regional Schools beginning at 5:30 p.m. Administration will check to see if these dates work for the other parties and get back to Council. 10.5 County/EID Joint Meeting (2015-10-14) -Discussion Topics The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council suggested discussion topics including walking paths, lakefront encroachment and boat docks, update on the Bassano dam bypass, update on County of Newell Water Project Incentive program criteria, and bridge funding. Councillor K. Christman suggested thanking the Eastern Irrigation District on behalf of County of Newell libraries for the Carl Anderson Scholarship. She indicated that she would obtain more information regarding the funding that goes into the library system. 10.6 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-358/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Requests for Functions of Council Councillor T. Fyfe provided information regarding the Alberta Recreation & Parks Association Conference, indicating that the Brooks & District Recreation, Parks, & Culture Board will cover the cost of registration and Page 7 of 9 L_ZT", Regular Council October 8, 2015 accommodation. Councillor T. Fyfe responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding what constitutes committee work. C-359/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor F. Fyfe be permitted to attend the 2015 Alberta Recreation & Parks Association Conference in Lake Louise, AB on October 22-24, 2015 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 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 whether contractors are required to reseed as part of ground disturbance and paving timelines. He also responded to questions regarding the PUL lot described as Lot 4 PUL, Block 4, Plan 0512650, indicating that drainage in that area will be monitored. He also responded to questions regarding culvert installations. C-360/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for September 2015 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:05 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 12.2 Joint Meeting - Grasslands Schools & County The Chief Administrative Officer will advise Grasslands Regional Schools that Council can meet on November 5, 2015 beginning at 5:30 p.m. if that works for their board. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS There were no information items to discuss at this meeting. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION KI A question period and notice of motion was held. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council October 8, 2015 15. IN CAMERA C-361/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 2:05 p.m. to discuss legal issues. MOTION CARRIED C-362/15 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 3:10 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:10 p.m. Signed this "ay of c7��� �~ 2015 Reeve C ty dministrator Page 9 of 9