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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-05-25 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL May 25, 2023 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public via Lifesize on Thursday, May 25, 2023 commencing at 10:16 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 G. Skriver K. Christman A. Philpott N. Johnson ABSENT: H. Johnson E. Unruh STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services (Moderator) M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor D. Leeks, Community Peace Officer - Level 1 G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning, Development and Engineering Z. Forest, Municipal Intern - Planning B. Conger, ISL Engineering S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief A. Ferguson, Fire and Safety Administrative Assistant A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: N. Crosby, Brooks Bandits P. Seaton, Brooks Bandits Approximately 30 Members of the Brooks Bandits Team and Board of Directors B. Romanesky, CityTrend (23 LUA 001) S. Clark, Ion Charge (23 LUA 001) 4 County Ratepayers 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:16 a.m. Regular Council May 25, 2023 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-180/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Councillor H. Johnson and Councillor E. Unruh be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (May 11, 2023) C-181/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that the May 11, 2023 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-182/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the agenda be adopted as presented. 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. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (May 2023) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council and responded to questions. C-183/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for May 2023 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 8. BYLAWS 8.2 Bylaw 2044-23 Animal Control The Community Peace Officer provided background information on this item, including an overview of the public engagement campaign and the survey responses received. He outlined the amendments made to the bylaw as a result of feedback received. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council expressed concerns with increasing the number of dogs allowed from three to four. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding parcel sizes versus roaming pen sizes and the process for enforcement by Page 2 of 12 Regular Council May 25, 2023 complaint. The Community Peace Officer responded to questions, indicating that subsections can be created if individual hamlets want to prohibit livestock. Discussion followed regarding reducing the number of dogs and increasing the number of chickens permitted. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions submitted previously by Councillor H. Johnson regarding elk, bison, bees, and roaming chickens, noting applicable provincial legislation that is in place. Discussion followed regarding chickens. C-184/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2044-23 be amended to allow a maximum of six (6) hens in Hamlets and Multi -lot Residential Subdivisions. MOTION CARRIED C-185/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2044-23 be amended to allow a maximum of three (3) dogs. MOTION CARRIED C-186/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2044-23, being a bylaw for the purpose of providing for the regulation and control of animals within the County, be given SECOND reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED C-187/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2044-23 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Leeks, J. Nesbitt, and J. Porfoun left the meeting at 11:05 a.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (Between RR185 & RR190 - Division 6) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. The applicant has constructed a shop that encroaches on the road allowance, which was closed and leased in 2018. To correct the encroachment, the applicant has proposed a land swap. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council. Councillor K. Christman indicated that she had met with the applicant and the proposed land to be swapped would improve the terrain. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to further questions from Council. C-188/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we proceed with the process for closing and SELLING the township road right of way between Range Road 185 and Range Road 190 within Section 6-21-18. MOTION CARRIED Page 3 of 12 Regular Council May 25, 2023 11.2 Road Closure -Approval to Proceed (Portions of TR183 - Division 6) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Supervisor of Planning & Development indicated that the developed portion of road allowance would be removed from the County's road maintenance schedule if it was closed and leased. The Supervisor of Planning & Development responded to further questions from Council. C-189123 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we proceed with the process for closing and LEASING portions of Township Road 183 adjacent to E 28-21-18-W4 and E 33-21-18-W4. MOTION CARRIED 11.3 2023 Capital Items for Consideration - Duchess Recreation Area The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor A. Philpott responded to questions, indicating that the Recreation, Parks & Culture Board for Duchess and area recognizes the County's contribution to recreation and that she would look into the possibility of adding the County logo to documentation and signage. C-190/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES funding 1/3 of the total 2023 capital expenditures recommended by motion 008-23 of the Recreation, Parks & Culture Board of the Duchess Recreation Area, with funding from the Recreation Fund up to a maximum of $64,667. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 Meeting with Grasslands Schools (June 8, 2023) -Call for Agenda Items The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. Discussion followed regarding agenda items and Council suggested the following: • Request feedback on the partnership between Agricultural Services, Grasslands Schools, Bassano, Duchess, and Rosemary RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:27 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:30 a.m. C-191/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:33 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2057-23 Municipal Development Plan Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:33 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. Page 4 of 12 Regular Council May 25, 2023 The Municipal Intern - Planning stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2057-23. The intent of this bylaw is to adopt a municipal development plan. B. Conger, ISL Engineering, provided an overview of the process and reviewed the significant changes incorporated into the new MDP. He explained the circulation process and explained how feedback received was incorporated into the amendments. The Municipal Intern - Planning gave an overview of the amendments recommended as a result of feedback received by the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB). He indicated that feedback received from Ducks Unlimited regarding preservation and restoration of wetlands would be considered for future MDP updates. There were no persons in attendance speaking in favor of the proposed bylaw. T. Dahl expressed concerns with government overreach, both provincially and federally, and connections to the United Nations Agenda 2030, the World Economic Forum, and 15-Minute Cities. Reeve A. Doerksen requested specific recommendations for changes to the MDP. T. Dahl asked Council to not adopt the proposed MDP. H. Stedel expressed concerns regarding outside influence on municipal decisions. Reeve A. Doerksen requested specific recommendations for changes to the MDP. H. Stedel did not have specific recommendations for changes to the MDP. Reeve A. Doerksen RECESSED the Public Hearing at 11:58 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Approximately 30 members of the Brooks Bandits hockey team and Board of Directors arrived at 11:59 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Brooks Bandits Reeve A. Doerksen and Council congratulated the Brooks Bandits for winning the 2023 Centennial Cup, which is their third consecutive National Junior A Hockey title. He also thanked the Board of Directors for their efforts in building the team and the community. The Captain of the Brooks Bandits thanked the County for their ongoing support. LEFT THE MEETING The Brooks Bandits delegation and four County Ratepayers left the meeting at 12:02 p.m. Page 5 of 12 Regular Council May 25, 2023 LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:02 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:02 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING N. Crosby, R Seaton, B. Romanesky and S. Clark arrived at 12:02 p.m. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS - continued 7.1 Bylaw 2057-23 - Municipal Development Plan - continued Reeve A. Doerksen RECONVENED the public hearing at 1:02 p.m. There were no additional persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. B. Conger responded to questions from Council. 7.2 Bylaw 2056-23 - 23 LUA 001 (NW 34-18-14-W4 - A-GEN to B-RUR) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 1:04 p.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 2056-23. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by rezoning a portion of NW 34-18-14-W4 from A-GEN Agricultural, General District to B-RUR Business, Rural District. 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. The City of Brooks has no concerns, and an Intermunicipal Development Plan meeting is not required. The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided a summary of the response from Alberta Transportation & Economic Corridors. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. The Applicants were present to respond to questions from Council. B. Romanesky provided background information on the proposed project and noted several existing similar projects that have been successful. The public engagement process required by the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) has started. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. B. Romanesky responded to questions regarding plans to develop the site and electric vehicle charging times. Page 6 of 12 Regular Council May 25, 2023 C-192/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move out of Public Hearings at 1:16 p.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING B. Romanesky and S. Clark left the meeting at 1:16 p.m. 14. POST AGENDA ITEMS 14.1 Brooks Bandits - Bid to Host World Junior Challenge N. Crosby provided background information on this item, indicating that the Brooks Bandits had been awarded the opportunity to host the World Junior A Challenge tournament, but the event was cancelled due to COVID-19. Council had previously supported this bid with a funding commitment in the amount of $25, 000. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies and A. Ferguson arrived at 1:18 p.m. N. Crosby asked Council to reaffirm their support for this event and provided details on the tournament which is scheduled for December 10-17, 2023. The City of Brooks has agreed to provide the facility and staffing for the event. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that Council had recently approved funding to support the Brooks Bandits bid to host the 2024 Centennial Cup, which was unsuccessful. He provided details on the conditional grant agreement and funding source. C-193/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell support the Brooks Bandits bid to host the 2023 World JuniorA Challenge and offer a conditional grant agreement to provide funding in the amount of $25,000 from the Future Projects Fund, if they are successful in being awarded the event, on the condition that funding in the amount of up to $25,000 be returned to the County of Newell from the profits, if any, of the tournament. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING N. Crosby and P. Seaton left the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.2 Update -Alberta Wildfires The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided information on the County's involvement in the wildfires in the Edson/Yellowhead area, offering thanks to the employers that allowed the volunteer firefighters to respond. He reported that the teams and Page 7 of 12 Regular Council May 25, 2023 equipment are returning to the County today and thanked the 32 volunteer firefighters who responded. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies and A. Ferguson left the meeting at 1:45 p.m. 8. BYLAWS — continued 8.1 Bylaw 2032-22 Road Closure & LEASE (NW 34-14-14-W4) The Municipal Intern - Planning provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-194/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2032-22, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the most westerly 804.67 meters of government road allowance adjacent to NW 34-14-14-W4 as shown on a township plan dated July 8, 1885 containing 64.248 hectares (158.86 acres) more or less excepting thereout the road widening on Plan 7510890 containing 1.00 acre more or less, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to further questions from Council. C-195/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2032-22 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.3 Bylaw 2056-23 - 23 LUA 001 (NW 34-18-14-W4 - A-GEN to B-RUR) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-196/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2056-23, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating the portion of the northwest quarter which lies north of the Highway 1 and west of the canal right of way in NW 34-18-14-W4 from Agriculture, General District to Business, Rural District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-197/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2056-23 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 8 of 12 Regular Council May 25, 2023 8.4 Bylaw 2057-23 Municipal Development Plan Reeve A. Doerksen and the Chief Administrative Officer thanked ISL Engineering and the Planning & Development department for their work updating the MDP. C-198/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2057-23, being a bylaw to adopt a Municipal Development Plan for the County of Newell, be given SECOND reading with the recommended amendments. MOTION CARRIED C-199/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2057-23 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING B. Conger, G. Tiffin, M. Jackson, and Z. Forest left the meeting at 1:53 p.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.5 Appointment of Council Representatives - Bow River Basin Council, Red Deer River Municipal Users Group, Red Deer River Watershed Alliance The Executive Assistant and Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-200/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Reeve A. Doerksen be appointed to the Bow River Basin Council. MOTION CARRIED 11.6 Requests for Functions of Council 11.6.1 Recycling Council of Alberta Conference (October 18-20, 2023) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding whether the Newell Recycling Association has sent members to this conference previously. This item will be brought back to a future Council meeting. 11.6.2 South East Alberta Watershed Alliance (SEAWA) Annual General Meeting (June 22, 2023) Council was provided information on the South East Alberta Watershed Alliance's Annual General Meeting on June 22, 2023. Discussion followed. This item was accepted as information. Page 9 of 12 Regular Council May 25, 2023 11.6.3 Grasslands Regional FCSS Meeting (May 31, 2023) The Chief Administrative Officer reported that Councillor H. Johnson is unable to attend the Grasslands Regional FCSS meeting on May 31, 2023 and has requested that another member of Council attend in her place. C-201/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor A. Philpott attend the Grasslands Regional FCSS meeting on May 31, 2023 in place of Councillor H. Johnson. MOTION CARRIED 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 Tender Award - Kinbrook Connection Pathway Stage 2 (R182 to Kinbrook Island Provincial Park) The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor G. Skriver responded to questions regarding ongoing fundraising efforts. Discussion followed. C-202123 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council award the Kinbrook Connection Pathway Partnership - Stage 2 (R182 to Kinbrook Island Provincial Park) construction to Brooks Asphalt &Aggregate in the amount of $2,916,400 plus GST, with additional funding of $640,000 funded from the Stabilization Fund. Councillor G. Skriver indicated that the Joint Services Committee will continue their fundraising efforts as they would like to see the project complete. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding inflation and ongoing difficulty in obtaining materials and services. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding the Stabilization Fund and other funding sources. Further discussion followed. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-202/23 - MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:30 p.m. 13. COMMITTEE REPORTS 13.1 Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Councillor N. Johnson reported that the Chief Administrative Officer would be presenting an accounting package to NRSWMA. Page 10 of 12 Regular Council May 25, 2023 13.2 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association Councillor N. Johnson reported that SAEWA continues to seek funding for the energy -from -waste facility project. 13.3 Joint Services Committee Councillor G. Skriver reported that the Joint Services Committee received a presentation by Dr. Curran who indicated that physicians in Brooks are doing well compared to other municipalities. J. McIntosh provided an update from Brooks Region Tourism and the name of that group was discussed. A medical skills day for high school students was held on May 18, 2023. 13.4 Recreation Board - Division 6 & Bassano Councillor K. Christman reported that the annual meeting was held and $31, 400 in recreation funding was allocated to applicants from the Bassano Area. She provided information on the Small Town Smoke Down BBQ Competition that will be held June 2-4, 2023. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor N. Johnson left the meeting at 2:36 p.m. 13.5 Newell Regional Tourism Association Councillor A. Skanderup provided information regarding a marketing campaign for Dinosaur Provincial Park and an upcoming promotional video project. She gave an overview of the "Best in Brooks Region" survey results. An agritourism event is in development with Rural Routes. Councillor A. Skanderup provided an update on the Economic Development Opportunity Fund. 13.6 Newell Housing Foundation Councillor A. Philpott submitted a written report. 13.7 Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor H. Johnson submitted a written report. 13.8 Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor H. Johnson submitted a written report. Page 11 of 12 Regular Council May 25, 2023 15. INFORMATION ITEMS 15.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (April 2023) This item was accepted as information. 15.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 15.3 Letter of Appreciation - Blackspur Oil Corp This item was accepted as information. 16. IN CAMERA C-203/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move in camera at 2:40 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Advice from Officials — FOIPPAct Section 24; • Intergovernmental Relations — FOIPPAct Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-204/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that we move out of camera at 3:21 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 17. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:21 p.m. Signed this ghay of 12023 14 /6 Reeve County Administrator Page 12 of 12