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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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County Administrator
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