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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-10-19 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL October 19, 2023 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, October 19, 2023 commencing at 10:44 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: A. Doerksen, Reeve D, A. L. H, G K. E. A. N. Short Skanderup Kopp Johnson Skriver Christman Unruh Philpott Johnson STAFF: M. Fenske, ChiefAdministrative Officer M. Jackson, Supervisor of Planning and Development G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: L. Pratt, Brooks Rotary Club C. Sturgeon, Brooks Rotary Club Sgt. D. Searle, Brooks RCMP Cpl. J. Schmidt, Brooks RCMP 1 County Ratepayer 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:44 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council October 19, 2023 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (October 5, 2023) C-325/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the October 5, 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-326/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT 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. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Brooks Rotary Club - Los Amigos Project L. Pratt and C. Sturgeon provided background information on the Los Amigos Project, an initiative by the Rotary Clubs to deliver emergency and community service vehicles that have been removed from service in Canada to Mexico. L. Pratt presented a slideshow from the most recent trip that included delivery of a fire engine previously used in Duchess. ARRIVED AT MEETING Sgt. D. Searle and Cpl. J. Schmidt arrived at 10:55 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. L. Pratt and C. Sturgeon responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING L. Pratt and C. Sturgeon left the meeting at 11:12 a.m. 8.2 RCMP Quarterly Report (Brooks) Sgt. D. Sear/e presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, including an overview of statistics and significant events. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Sgt. D. Sear/e responded to questions regarding theft of fuel and vehicles. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council October 19, 2023 LEFT THE MEETING Sgt. D. Searle and Cpl. J. Schmidt left the meeting at 11:19 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:19 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:28 a.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2061-23 Council Code of Conduct The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-327/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2061-23, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a Council Code of Conduct, be given SECOND reading MOTION CARRIED C-328/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2061-23 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Bylaw 2062-23 23 LUA 006 (NE 7-21-15-W4 -A-GEN to R-RUR) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-329/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2062-23, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating portions of the NE 7-21-15-W4 shown in the attached maps, from Agriculture - General District to Residential - Rural District, as shown in ScheduleA, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Road Closure & Land Swap Resolution (S 6-21-18-W4) The Supervisor of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-330/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council APPROVES the road closure and sale, contingent on a new road plan being registered and transferred to the County along the north portion of S 6-21-18-W4. MOTION CARRIED Page 3 of 9 Regular Council October 19, 2023 9.2 Advanced Tendering of Pumper/Tender Fire Engine for the Tilley Fire Department The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He provided the history of the tender truck to be replaced, indicating that it will be evaluated and either sent to auction or donated. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information regarding equipment replacement costs, which have increased significantly. Council will be presented with the results of the tender to approve in the future. The Newell Regional Fire Chief responded to further questions from Council. C-331/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council authorizes Fire and Emergency Services to proceed with advance tendering of a new Rural Pumper/Tender Fire Engine for the Tilley Fire Department with an approved budget of $685,000 funded from the Fire Apparatus Fund. Discussion followed. The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided information on the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards for emergency vehicle replacement. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-331/23 - MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies left the meeting at 11:56 a.m. 9.3 Shortgrass Library System - 2024 Municipal Levy Reduction The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-332/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Council APPROVE the 2024 budget submitted by the Shortgrass Regional Library System. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:58 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:40 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 12:40 p.m. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council October 19, 2023 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 9.4 Sale of Surplus County Land (Patricia) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-333/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council approve entering into an Agreement for Sale resulting in the sale of three County owned properties, together with a portion of a public utility lot and a cul-de-sac road which wiil each be concurrently consolidated with the adjacent private school property within the Hamlet of Patricia. MOTION CARRIED 9.5 Sale of Surplus Public Utility Lot in Johnson Estates The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-334/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council authorize the sale of the public utility lot in Johnson Estates, legally described as Lot 14 PUL, Block 3, Plan 9611766, subject to consolidation with the adjacent property. MOTION CARRIED 9.6 Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Inquiry on Renewable Energy Development The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item, indicating that the deadline for completing the Comment Matrix is November 22, 2023. He outlined other ways to get involved with the AUC inquiry, including registering as an intervenor or an observer, and provided a timeline for the proceeding. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor K. Christman indicated that a report from the RMA Quasi- Judicial Agency Review will be presented during the RMA Fall 2023 Convention. Discussion followed regarding waiting for that report before responding to the Comment Matrix. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested forming a committee of three Councillors to work with Planning & Development to draft a response to be reviewed during the Committee of the Whole/Budget Review Meeting on November 15, 2023. The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering responded to further questions from Council. C-335/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the County of Newell register to participate in the Alberta Utilities Commission proceeding as an Observer; further, that a committee consisting of three (3) Councillors be formed to work with Planning & Development staff to complete the AUC Comment Matrix. MOTION CARRIED C-336/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor H. Johnson, Councillor G. Skriver, and Councillor N. Johnson be appointed to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Inquiry Response Committee. MOTION CARRIED Page 5 of 9 Regular Council October 19, 2023 9.7 Director of Corporate Services Report The Director of Corporate Services presented the Q3 2023 report to Council. He responded to questions regarding the Lake Newell Resort Pathway project and the local improvement funding process. This item was accepted as information. LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson and M. Jackson left the meeting at 1:06 p.m. 9.8 Request for Proclamation - National Day of the Child (November 20, 2023) Council was provided with background information on this item. C-337/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council hereby proclaims November 20, 2023 as "National Day of the Child" in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 9.9 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Fall 2023 Convention - Meetings with Ministers The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Further updates regarding meetings with Ministers during the RMA Fall 2023 Convention will be provided via e-mail. Discussion followed and Council suggested the following topics for the meeting with Premier/MLA D. Smith: • Crop Diversification Centre South • Bassano Housing Project/Health Facility • importance of maintaining infrastructure • concerns regarding cost increases for fire services equipment and insurance • significance of water • partnerships between the provincial government and municipalities lead to successful major projects Discussion followed regarding the meeting with the Minister of Forestry & Parks. Reeve A. Doerksen, Councillor A. Skanderup, and Councillor G. Skriver indicated that they would attend this meeting. An additional topic will be forwarded for this meeting: • river access at the Steveville Bridge Campground. 9.10 RMA Fall 2023 Convention — Resolutions The resolutions for the RMA Fall 2023 Convention will be forwarded via e-mail when they become available. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council October 19, 2023 9.11 Joint Municipal Meeting (December 14, 2023) - Call for Agenda Items The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Council provided the following topics for discussion: • Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority • Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association • Crop Diversification Centre South update • connected pathway systems This item will be placed on the November 23, 2023 Council agenda for further discussion. 9.12 Requests for Functions of Council 9.12.1 2023 COR Re-Certification Interviews - Two (2) Councillors (October 25 and/or 26, 2023) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor A. Skanderup and Councillor G. Skriver volunteered. C-338/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Councillor participation in the 2023 COR Re-Certification Interviews be considered a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 9.12.2 Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Inquiry Response Committee C-339/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that meetings of the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) Inquiry Response Committee be considered a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Tender Award - County of Newell Water Project (CNWP) Phase 2 Contract 3 The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-340/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council award the tender for the construction of the County of Newell Water Project Phase 2— Contract 3 to Excalibur Mechanical Ltd. in the amount of $4,712,299.74. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 1:28 p.m. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council October 19, 2023 11. 12 COMMITTEE REPORTS 11.1 Joint Services Committee 11.2 11.3 11.4 11.5 Councillor G. Skriver reported the Joint Services Committee had been given presentations by the Brooks & District Health Foundation and Eastern Irrigation District projects. Councillor N. Johnson reported that the Joint Services Committee is interested in hosting more events like the lnternational Federation of Ag Journalists tour. Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Councillor N. Johnson responded to questions regarding construction at the landfill that is expected to be completed in the next few months. Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor H. Johnson reported that the strategic planning session was completed. 8. Kulyk, Executive Director, attended an agricultural trade show in Japan. City of Brooks Recreation & Parks Board Councillor G. Skriver reported that a recommendation for a pathway system within the City of Brooks will be presented to Council. He also provided an update on the football field development at the old rodeo grounds. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the old rodeo grounds development park and skateboard park upgrades would be discussed during the budget review meeting and requested additional background information. Discussion followed regarding arranging a presentation on the old rodeo grounds development. Brooks Region Tourism Councillor A. Skanderup provided an update on the Event Development Fund. White Barn Fun Farm will be decreasing the number of animals they have for the winter to reduce expenses. The disc golf courses in Bassano and Rosemary were busy during the summer. She a/so provided an update on the Annual General Meeting and the "Not in Drumheller" campaign. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council October 19, 2023 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (September 2023) This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 13.3 Letter - Alberta Police Funding Model Resource Allocation This item was accepted as information. 14. IN CAMERA C-341/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move in camera at 1:45 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Personnel - FOIPPAct Section 17; • Intergovernmental Relations - FOIPPAct Section 21. MOTION CARRIED C-342/23 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 2:27 p. m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:27 p.m. r� �pYes^-.��-c,✓ Signed this �i3 day of , 2023 eeve � County Administrator Page 9 of 9