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Home My WebLink About2024-01-11 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL January 11, 2024 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, January 11, 2024 commencing at 10:00 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: A. Doerksen, Reeve D. Short A. Skanderup L. Kopp H.Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman E. Unruh A. Philpott N.Johnson STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services S. Biette, Corporate Services Supervisor M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief A. Ferguson, Fire & Safety Administrative Assistant R. Fernell, Director of Information & Technology Services C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: 10 Recipients of Firefighters' Long Service Awards and Family Members 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:00 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (December 21, 2023) C-01/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the December 21, 2023 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council January 11, 2024 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-02/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the agenda be adopted as amended. 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. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Provincial Education & Designated Industrial Requisition Credits (PERC & DIRC) The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-03/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council cancel the 2023 property taxes in arrears in the amount of $22,880.42 from tax rolls 0005010000, 0005012000, 0005014000, 0005126000, 000529400, 0005320100, 0005320500, 0005596000, 0005926000, 0006101500, 0006108000, 0006110000, 0006115000, 0006338210, 2310091613, 8000005643, 8000006477, 8000022895 and that an application be made for these properties to the PERC and DIRC programs. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette left the meeting at 10:03 a.m. 10.2 Policy Review— Councillor's Compensation & Expenses —Adjustments in Meal Allowance The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-04/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the rate for the daily meal allowance in the Councillor's Compensation & Expenses Policy be based upon the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) simple method allowance as periodically updated and that article 18 in POL-011-23 be amended to state "A subsistence meal allowance, based on the most recently approved CRA simple method, will be paid while a Councillor is away from the Councillor's Office, unless meals are provided, then the allowance shall not be claimed whether a Councillor takes advantage of the meal or not. Administration will distribute information regarding the prevailing CRA rate as updates occur." MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 9 Regular Council January 11, 2024 10.3 Appointment of Member -at -Large to Recreation Board (Division 5 & 10) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-05/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Julian Annicchiarico (Division 5) be appointed as a Member -at -Large to the Division 5 & 10 Recreation Board. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 Electoral Boundary Review- Updated Concept Maps The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that changes requested by Council have been incorporated into maps 1A through 4A in the agenda package. During the public consultation, ratepayers will be invited to provide further feedback on the maps to determine the electoral boundaries for the County. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions and provide additional feedback on the revised maps. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding open houses. Discussion followed regarding the maps and whether they were suitable options to present for public review. C-06/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the electoral boundary concept map 1A, 2A, 3A and 4A be approved as presented. Further discussion occurred regarding changes that would achieve a more equitable population distribution without dividing established communities. The ChiefAdministrative Officer outlined the process, indicating that the public will have an additional opportunity to provide feedback on the final concept map during the bylaw process. The public engagement plan will be presented to Council for review during the February 1, 2024 meeting. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-06124 — MOTION CARRIED 10.4 Director of Corporate Services Report The Director of Corporate Services presented the Q4 2023 report to Council. He responded to questions regarding the recCONNECT initiative, which is one of several items to be discussed with recreation service providers within the County on January 30, 2024. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and T. Schroeder arrived at 10:40 a.m. Discussion followed. This item was accepted as information. LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 10:41 a.m. Page 3 of 9 Regular Council January 11, 2024 10.6 Rural Municipalities of Alberta 2024 Spring Convention The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Executive Assistant was directed to arrange meetings with the following: • Minister of Transportation & Economic Corridors — transportation plans for southern Alberta and the Taber/Highway 36 corridor, funding for crack sealing on highways, SH873 resurfacing (City of Brooks to Kinbrook Island access) • Minister of Environment & Protected Areas — potential re -opening of the Water Act, waterlicenses • MLA/Premier D. Smith — potential re -opening of the Water Act, water licenses; what can be done locally about federal initiatives that threaten rural communities • Minister of Agriculture & Irrigation — potential re -opening of the Water Act, water licenses; what can be done locally about federal initiatives that threaten rural communities • Minister of Public Safety & Emergency Services — lifecycle standards for fire apparatus • Minister of Justice — delays associated with Peace Officer appointments • Minister of Municipal Affairs — Oil & Gas property tax incentives Councillor K. Christman provided information regarding a lack of communication regarding renovations to the Bassano Hospital, indicating that she would follow up with the Palliser Triangle Health Advisory Council. This item will be brought to a future Council meeting for further discussion. 10.7 Councillor Payment Sheets (December 2023) C-07/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the December 2023 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.8 Requests for Functions of Council There were no requests for functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 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. C-08/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Director of Municipal Services Report for December 2023 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 9 M Regular Council January 11, 2024 RECESS Council RECESSED at 10:53 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:00 a.m. 11.2 2024 Motor Grader Replacement The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-09/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council APPROVES the purchase of two (2) motor graders for a value of $1,250,386 (each unit replacement $625,193) from Finning (Canada). MOTION CARRIED 11.3 Purchase Plow/Gravel Truck The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-10/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council awards the purchase of a Plow/Gravel Truck to Viking Cives Ltd. for $493,904 for delivery in 2024. MOTION CARRIED 11.4 Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Railway Crossing Improvements (Tracks & Structures) — Cassils The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item, indicating that there are Board Orders in place establishing cost sharing between CPKC and the County for the crossing MP74.03 (RR155) but not the crossing at MP72.87 (RR954). Upgrades to concrete panel from timber are proposed for both crossings. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. C-11/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVE funding of $223,690 for railway crossing improvements to MP74.03 (RR155), as subject to Board Orders No. 30828 & R16025; further, that Council APPROVE one-time funding of $113,956 (50% of the estimated $227,912) for railway crossing improvements to MP72.87 (RR154), funded from the Infrastructure Fund. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and T. Schroeder left the meeting at 11:17 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson arrived at 11:17 a.m. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council January 11, 2024 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS 12.1 Municipal Police Transition Grant Application The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that the Joint Services Committee is in favor of submitting an application as a region to access grant funding to complete a feasibility study for a regional police model. He provided information regarding the current cost of RCMP services for the City of Brooks and the County. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed. C-12/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the County of Newell act as managing partner for the Brooks Newell Region and apply to the Alberta Indigenous & Municipal Police Transition Grant Program in support of a policing and community safety model feasibility study. MOTION CARRIED C-13/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move into Public Hearings at 11:30 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2065-24 Proposed Road Closure (E 8 & W 9-18-13-W4) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:30 a.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 Planning & Development Supervisor stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2065-24. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE that portion of road allowance between E 8 and W 9-18-13-W4. The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all adjacent landowners as well as to a list of affected agencies. No responses were received from adjacent landowners. All responses have been received from the required referrals and none have indicated any objections. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-14/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:31 a.m. MOTION CARRIED �z Page 6 of 9 Regular Council January 11, 2024 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2065-24 Proposed Road Closure (E 8 & W 9-18-13-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions from Council. C-15/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2065-24, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the following described roadway, be given FIRST reading: 1. All those portions of government road allowance adjacent to SW 9-18-13-W4 (COT 181 075 455) 2. All those portions of government road allowance adjacent to NW 9-18-13-W4 (COT 181 075 441) 3. All those portions of government road allowance adjacent to SE 8-18-13-W4 quarter which lies to the north and east of the north eastern limit of the roadway shown on plan 593EZ (COT 091 360 455 +1) 4. All those portions of government road allowance adjacent to 8-18-13-W4 all that portion of the north east quarter which lies to the north and east of the north eastern limit of the roadway shown on plan 593EZ (COT 091 360 455 +1). MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:34 a.m. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS 13.1 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 13.2 Payment Register This item was accepted as information. 13.3 Mini Bus Monthly Report (December 2023) This item was accepted as information. 13.4 Letter from Municipal Affairs - Oil & Gas Property Tax Incentives The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council January 11, 2024 ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Fernell arrived at 11:40 a.m. 12.5 Council Conference System Council expressed concerns with the livestream video not showing the entire table during voting. The Chief Administrative Officer, the Communications Officer, and the Director of Information & Technology Services responded to questions regarding the Council Chambers conference system. Additional functionality will be investigated. LEFT THE MEETING R. Fernell left the meeting at 11:46 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies, A. Ferguson, and 10 recipients of Firefighters' Long Service Awards and their family members arrived at 11:46 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Presentation of Firefighters' Long Service Awards The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided background information on this item, indicating that the County's Fire Departments are strictly volunteer fire departments, and the Province of Alberta and Government of Canada recognizes the commitment of these individuals through long service awards. Awards were presented to the following: • Ray Torkelson - Patricia Fire Department - 12 years • Tjark Stikker - Rolling Hills Fire Department - 12 years • Matt Vossepoel - Tilley Fire Department - 12 years • Collin Reid - Gem Fire Department - 12 years • Michael Wiebe - Gem Fire Department - 12 years • Duce Currie - Scandia Fire Department -12 years • Curtis Calvert - Bow City Fire Department - 12 years • Patrick Fabian - Tilley Fire Department - 22 years • Stewart Luchies - County of Newell - 22 years • Bill Dickinson - Rolling Hills Fire Department - 32 years The Newell Regional Fire Chief and Council thanked the long service award recipients for their many years of selfless dedication and commitment. LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies, A. Ferguson, and 10 recipients of Firefighters' Long Service Awards and their family members left the meeting at 11:59 a.m. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council January 11, 2024 LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:59 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:45 p.m. 14. IN CAMERA C-16/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 12:46 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Land — FOIPP Act Section 25; • Intergovernmental Relations — FOIPPAct Section 21, MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor D. Short left the meeting at 1:44 p.m. C-17/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 2:08 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:08 p.m. Signed this 1S+day of t-100 `�'� 12024 r Ewa County Administrator Page 9 of 9