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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-03-28 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL March 28, 2024 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, March 28, 2024 commencing at 10:34 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 H. Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman E. Unruh A. Philpott N. Johnson STAFF: M. Fenske, ChiefAdministrative Officer S. Biette, Corporate Services Supervisor G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: D. Andrews, Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta F. Barnes, Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta I. Morey, Mayor - Town of Bassano A. Davis, Chief Administrative Officer - Town of Bassano S. Smith, Recreation and Community Services Liaison - Town of Bassano J. Annicchiarico, Lake Newell Resort MarinaAssociation B. Annicchiarico, Lake Newell Resort Marina Association S. Yeaman, Lake Newell Resort Marina Association R. Noack, Lake Newell Resort Marina Association S. Thomas, City of Brooks D. Saari, City of Brooks CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:34 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-72/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor N. Johnson be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council March 28, 2024 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (March 14, 2024) C-73/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the March 14, 2024 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-74/24 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. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2069-24 Special Tax — EID The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-75/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2069-24 being a bylaw for the purpose of imposing a special tax on lots within subdivisions that are receiving waterworks from the Eastern Irrigation District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-76/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2069-24 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-77/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that consent be given for Bylaw 2069-24 to receive third reading this 28th day of March, 2024. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-78/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2069-24 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.2 Bylaw 2070-24 Special Tax — Rolling Hills Irrigation The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 2 of 12 Regular Council March 28, 2024 C-79/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2070-24, being a bylaw for the purpose of imposing a special tax on lots within the Hamlet of Rolling Hills that are serviced by the Rolling Hills Communal Raw Water Irrigation System, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-80/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2070-24 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-81/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that consent be given for Bylaw 2070-24 to receive third reading this 28th day of March, 2024. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-82/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2070-24 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 7.3 Bylaw 2071-24 Special Tax — Scandia lrrigation The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-83/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2071-24, being a bylaw for the purpose of imposing a special tax on lots within the Hamlet of Scandia that are serviced by the Scandia Communal Raw Water Irrigation System, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-84/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Bylaw 2071-24 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-85/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that consent be given for Bylaw 2071-24 to receive third reading this 28th day of March, 2024. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-86/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2071-24 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette left the meeting at 10:41 a.m. 7.4 Bylaw 2073-24 Electoral Division Boundaries The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 3 of 12 Regular Council March 28, 2024 C-87/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2073-24, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing electoral division boundaries and the number of Councillors to serve on County of Newell Council, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (March 2024) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Andrews and F. Barnes arrived at 10:52 a.m. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding seasona/ sites at Emerson Bridge Park Campground, this year's Ag Day event, and gopher control for Rolling Hills. C-88/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for March 2024 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9.2 Policy Review The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on the policies to be reviewed, indicating that the Rabies Support policy is no longer required. He responded to questions from Council regarding the requirement to inspect all seed lots for bacterial ringrot. C-89/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the following policies be adopted as presented: • POL-037-24 (Roadside Weed Control) • POL-038-24 (Bacterial Ringrot — Inspection & Control) • POL-039-24 (Rental Equipment) • POL-040-24 (Grass Seeding); further, that Policy 2013-PAG-011 (Rabies Support) be RESCINDED. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:59 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Brooks & District Community Foundation - Top 7 over 70 Program D. Andrews and F. Barnes provided background information on the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (CFSEA) "Top 7 Over 70" Program which recognizes achievements of individuals over the age of 70 in various fields. Page 4 of 12 Regular Council March 28, 2024 ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 11:08 a.m. F. Barnes provided an overview of the previous year's recipients. She asked Council to become ambassadors to the program and think about potential nominees from the County. The Top 7 Over 70 Awards Gala will be held in Medicine Hat, AB every other year, the next being on October 10, 2024. Information regarding sponsorship opportunities and nomination forms are available online: https.//cfsea.ca/top-7-70% Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Andrews indicated that they CFSEA would like to have two nominations from the County of Newell. He responded to questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, indicating that the goal is for the event to break even. If surplus funds are raised, it would be used towards funding a project that would put seniors in a mentorship role for younger community members. D. Andrews gave an overview of the sponsorship levels. LEFT THE MEETING D. Andrews and F. Barnes left the meeting at 11:21 a.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:21 a.m. and reconvened at 11:26 a.m. 11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 11.1 Tender Award - County of Newell Water Project (CNWP) Phase 2 Contract 4 The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He a/so provided an update on construction. C-90/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the County of Newell Water Project (CNWP) Phase 2 Contract 4 tender to Syn Core Directional Ltd. for the tendered price of $3,598,875. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 11:33 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 10.1 Appointment of Fire Guardians The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 5 of 12 Regular Council March 28, 2024 C-91/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the following individuals be appointed as Fire Guardians: • All Divisions — Stewart Luchies • Rolling Hills — Bill Dickinson • Tilley — Robin Daniels • Patricia — Ray Torkelson • Duchess — Gregory Witt • Scandia — Ryan Slenders • Brooks Rural — Kevin Swanson • Bassano — Cory Cochrane • Rosemary —Anton van Bavel • Gem — Dwayne Klassen • Bow City — John Ketchmark and further that the Finance Clerk, the Payroll & Utility Clerk, the Executive Assistant, the Planning & Development Administrative Assistant, the Fire & Disaster Services Administrative Assistant, the Municipal Services Administrative Assistant, the Records Management Technician, the Information & Technology Administrative Assistant, Projects Assistant, Projects Assistant — Corporate Services and the Corporate Services Supervisor be appointed as Fire Guardians for the issuance of Fire Permits only. MOTION CARRIED 10.2 Proposed Changes to Grasslands Regional FCSS Agreement The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding the definition of inember-at-large. ARRIVED AT MEETING I. Morey, A. Davis, and S. Smith arrived at 11:41 a.m. Discussion continued. C-92/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVE the proposed changes to the Grasslands Regional FCSS Agreement recommended by Joint Services Committee as presented, and further, that the second option for the definition of Member-at-Large (a person that is either an elected Municipal Councillor or a resident of the participating Municipality appointing the Member-at-large) be approved for inclusion in the agreement. MOTION CARRIED 8. DELEGATIONS — continued 8.2 Update - Bassano Recreation S. Smith outlined the recreation priorities established in the Recreation & Leisure Master Plan and provided a summary of accomplishments and recreation events held in 2023. She indicated that Bassano will take advantage of the recCONNECT program and will be encouraging loca/ recreation boards to do the Page 6 of 12 Regular Council March 28, 2024 same. S. Smith gave an overview of capital and operating expenses and funding requests for 2024. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. A. Davis responded to questions regarding the increased cost of the boiler upgrades, indicating that the projection was based on an estimate. S. Smith responded to questions regarding the lighting upgrades at the recreation complex, indicating that the Bassano Arts Council has provided funding for the stage lighting portion of the project. A. Davis provided background information on the Bassano Airport and outlined the plan to subdivide the land and create 12 partially serviced lots for sale. Costs of the project will be offset by the proceeds from lot sales. She responded to questions from Council, indicating that the airport land is currently owned by the Town of Bassano but when sold will be within the County's tax base. Lots would be sold with an agreement to develop within one year. A. Davis indicated that more comprehensive land use requirements for the airport are being developed. She responded to further questions from Council regarding development costs. S. Smith responded to questions regarding the Bassano Pool and the special rates for schools for pool rental and swimming lessons. l. Morey reiterated the importance of collaboration and thanked Council for this partnership. Council expressed appreciation to the work done by the volunteers providing recreation services. LEFT THE MEETING I. Morey, A. Davis, and S. Smith left the meeting at 12:17 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor N. Johnson arrived at 12:17 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:17 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:04 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Annichiarico, B. Annichiarico, S. Yeaman, and R. Noack arrived at 1:04 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS — continued 8.3 Lake Newell Marina Association J. Annichiarico provided background information on the Lake Newell Marina Board and the importance of the Lake Newell Marina for the region. S. Yeaman gave an overview of the current state of the marina, indicating that the docks and Page 7 of 12 Regular Council March 28, 2024 boat launch are deteriorating. J. Annichiarico indicated that there are serious safety concerns with the marina in its current state. The Lake Newell Marina provides boaters with access to fuel and functions as a site for invasive species monitoring and search and rescue operations in addition to being an attraction for residents and visitors. He outlined the projected costs for the dock upgrade and summarized the actions taken by the board to date, indicating that discussions with the developer have not been productive. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Saari and S. Thomas arrived at 1:17 p.m. J. Annichiarico indicated that the Lake Newell Marina Annual General Meeting on March 21, 2024 was well-attended. Motions were passed increasing the annual dues and authorizing $90,000 towards the purchase of a new dock and slips provided that at least 20 members commit to a one-time fee of $5,000 for the continued use of a slip. As of today, 45 people have paid the one-time fee so the new dock will be ordered. R. Noack gave an overview of plans for the boat launch and shoreline upgrades. The quote received for the coffer dam was more than anticipated, so other construction companies are being contacted. He requested more time to use the Municipal Reserve funding approved by Council in 2023 as they seek better prices. J. Annichiarico summarized the challenges so far and requested continued support from the County. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor G. Skriver indicated that he was impressed at how the community has come together over the marina, recognizing its importance to the region. J. Annichiarico and S. Yeaman responded to questions regarding relocating the marina, indicating that the current location is ideal as the most protected spot. LEFT THE MEETING J. Annichiarico, B. Annichiarico, S. Yeaman, and R. Noack left the meeting at 1:48 p.m. 8.4 Update - Skateboard Park & Old Rodeo Grounds Redevelopment Projects S. Thomas provided background information on this item, indicating that the City of Brooks 10 Year Capital Plan included redevelopment of the old rodeo grounds and upgrades to the skateboard park as multi-year recreation projects. She gave an overview of the projected budgets for the projects, which are to be included in the amended Schedule A of the Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) agreement between the City and the County. D. Saari provided details regarding the proposed projects. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Saari indicated that the two basic design concepts for the old rodeo grounds were developed with feedback from the public engagement process, but the final design is not yet complete. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding Schedule A of the Recreation, Parks & Culture Services agreement, indicating that Council agreed Page 8 of 12 Regular Council March 28, 2024 to review and consider funding for projects included in the City's updated 10-Year Capital Plan. D. Saari responded to questions regarding the skateboard park. He indicated geotechnical studies show the land is suitable and outlined plans to improve the base. D. Saari responded to further questions, indicating that the budget currently includes the skateboard park and pump track. More public engagement activities are planned. LEFT THE MEETING S. Thomas and D. Saari left the meeting at 2:04 p.m. RECESS Council RECESSED at 2:05 p.m. and RECONVENED 2:09 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 10.3 Survey - Municipal Affairs Engagement on Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks (ICF) The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that Administration will prepare proposed responses to the survey questions. This item will be brought back to the April 11, 2024 Council meeting for further discussion. 10.4 Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Ministry Dinner - Determine Attendees Council was provided background information on this item. Discussion followed. C-93/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Reeve A. Doerksen and Councillor G. Skriver attend the Economic Developers Alberta (EDA) Ministry Dinner on October 24, 2024 in Edmonton, AB. MOTION CARRIED 10.5 Request for Proclamation - National Volunteer Week (April 14 - 20, 2024) Council was presented with a letter from Grasslands Regional FCSS requesting the proclamation of National Volunteer Week and inviting Council to the Citizen of the Year event on May 3, 2024. Discussion followed. C-94/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council hereby proclaims April 14 - 20, 2024 as "National Volunteer Week" in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED C-95/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Grasslands Regional FCSS Citizen & Junior Citizen of the Year event in Brooks, AB on May 3, 2024 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Page 9 of 12 Regular Council March 28, 2024 10.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (February 2024) C-96/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the February 2024 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10.7 Requests for Functions of Council 10.7.1 Rural Health Professions Action Plan (RhPAP) Events Discussion followed regarding two upcoming RhPAP events: • April 11, 2024 Overview of RhPAP 2024-2027 Strategic Plan (via Zoom) • April 24, 2024 RhPAP Meeting It was noted that both of these events were discussed with the Joint Services Committee. 12. COMMITTEE REPORTS 12.1 Joint Services Committee Councillor K. Christman provided an overview of the March 12, 2024 Joint Services Committee meeting, which included an update from the Eastern Irrigation District and a presentation on the Hydrogen Hub proposal. 12.2 Newell Recycling Association Councillor L. Kopp reported that the Newell Recycling Association's Annual General Meeting was held March 27, 2024. Newell Recycling Association has registered for the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program. 12.3 County of Newell Library Board Councillor L. Kopp reported that the County of Newell Library Board is still seeking a representative from Division 5 or 10. The policy manual is being reviewed. 12.4 Shortgrass Library System Councillor L. Kopp reported that a professional development day for libraries will be held in Medicine Hat, AB on April 15, 2024. Page 10 of 12 Regular Council March 28, 2024 12.5 Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor H. Johnson indicated that the latest Palliser Economic Partnership newsletter was distributed to Council. 12.6 Recreation Board - Division 5& 10 Councillor G. Skriver reported that the Division 5& 10 Recreation Board met to review applications and allocate funding for 2024. 12.7 Recreation Board - Division 4 Councillor H. Johnson reported that the Division 4 Recreation Board allocated funding to the community halls in Scandia, Rainier, and Bow City for regular maintenance and small projects. As well funding was allocated to the EID Historical Park for painting the grain elevator. 12.8 Cassils Hall Annual General Meeting Councillor G. Skriver reported that he spoke at the Cassils Hall Annual General Meeting. The Cassi/s Hall is booked most of the summer for weddings and reunions and are not currently interested in joining recCONNECT. 12.9 Lake Newell Resort Marina Association Councillor G. Skriver reported that the Lake Newell Resort Marina Association is working with the County and EID to develop a plan to address kochia in the canal, beach, and marina area. 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Payment Registers This item was accepted as information. 14.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. Page 11 of 12 Regular Council March 28, 2024 14.3 2024-03-18 Minister of Municipal Affairs - Assessment Model Review Announcement This item was accepted as information. 14.4 2023 Q4 Financial Information Package This item was accepted as information. 15. IN CAMERA C-97/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move in camera at 2:32 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations — FOIPPAct Section 21. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor N. Johnson left the meeting at 3:08 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-98/24 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move out of camera at 3:09 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:09 p.m. Signed this � I�ay of �'!�� I , 2024 eve � � �� � County Administrator Page 12 of 12