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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-07-21 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL July 21, 2016 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, July 21, 2016 commencing at 10:58 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: K. Christman STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: S. Sgt. T. McNulty, RCMP - Brooks Cst. A. Bosir, RCMP - Brooks Cst. M. Walz, RCMP - Brooks Cst. N. Kim, RCMP - Brooks Cst. W. Page, RCMP - Brooks Cst. B. Little, RCMP - Brooks C. Oliver, Safe Communities Committee N. Fontaine, Eastern Irrigation District R. Owen, Ratepayer J. Neely, Ratepayer 1. 2. C-244/16 CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:58 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Councillor K. Christman be exc d from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council July 21, 2016 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (July 7, 2016) C-245/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that the July 7, 2016 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-246/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (July 2016) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions about weeds that have been designated in other provinces but not Alberta. Each province has the power to designate certain weeds as noxious. He indicated that there is no requirement for these weeds to be controlled, but assistance will be provided upon request. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 11:05 a.m. The Director of Agricultural Services noted that absinthe wormwood is on the provincial government's radar, but it is very prevalent and they are unsure of how it would be controlled. Councillor W. Hammergren thanked the Director of Agricultural Services, the Director of Municipal Services, and the County staff and others who assisted with cleaning up after the wind storm in Scandia on the weekend. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding adding additional powered sites at Emerson Bridge Park, indicating that discussions with Fortis have occurred. Councillor A.M. Philipsen suggested that comfort camping units like the ones at Dinosaur Provincial Park be considered for Emerson Bridge Park. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Juss returned at 11:10 a.m. T. Green left the meeting at 11:10 a.m. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council July 21, 2016 7. DELEGATIONS 7.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports (11:00 a.m.) 7.1.1 RCMP - Brooks (S. Sgt. T. McNulty) S. Sgt. T. McNulty introduced new members of the Brooks RCMP to Council. He presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. He noted that, while the number of false alarm calls has dropped slightly within Brooks, they continue to investigate the causes of the false alarms. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. S. Sgt. T. McNulty responded to questions regarding responding to false alarms, indicating that it varies depending on which alarm company is involved. Most try and set up a property representative who would respond first and the RCMP encourage that representative to investigate the cause of the alarm before the police are called. He explained the RCMP's protocol for responding to alarms with a single breach. S. Sgt. T. McNulty responded to questions regarding the crime rate in Alberta, noting that while a recent study has reported an increase, the crime rate is still significantly lower than it was five years ago. 7.1.2 RCMP - Bassano (Cpl. B. McDonald) There was no quarterly report presented by the Bassano RCMP. 7.1.3 Safe Communities Committee (C. Oliver) C. Oliver reported that the Safe Communities Committee has received $25, 000.00 in grant funding for programs related to preventing domestic violence, bullying, and sexual assault. This funding will be used to hold an event that will engage men and boys in a celebration of fatherhood and creating positive relationships. C. Oliver reported that a group of men have formed the advisory committee that will plan the event. The event will take place sometime in the fall and participants will visit several different venues and participate in different activities throughout the day. The event will end with a dinner and a guest speaker. 7.1.4 Municipal Enforcement (J. Nesbitt) The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor presented the County of Newell Municipal Enforcement Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. He indicated that Municipal Enforcement Officers have recently assisted in four joint operations in the County, including a bike rodeo in Rolling Hills and campground patrols. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions from Council regarding pivots watering on roads, acknowledging that there have been fewer incidents lately. He noted that earlier in the year, media releases were adverb regarding this issue in an effort to educate the ratepayers. T �cip' 1 Enforcement Supervisor and S. Sgt. T. McNulty responded to furl r questions from Council regarding speeding tickets. Page 3of10 Regular Council July 21, 2016 LEFT THE MEETING S. Sgt. T. McNulty, Cst. A. Bosir, Cst. A. Walz, Cst. N. Kim, Cst. W. Page, Cst. B. Little, C. Oliver, and J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 11:35 a.m. 6. BYLAWS 6.2 Bylaw 1861-16 - Road Closure & SALE (NW 33-19-11-W4 SW 4-20-11-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-247/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1861-16, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and SELLING that portion of road described in Plan 2229BZ lying partly in NW 33-19-11-W4 and partly in SW 4-20-11-W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-248/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1861-16 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 6.3 Bylaw 1865-16 - Road Closure LEASE (Plan IRR399, Plan 0012401, Plan 9311658) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. A representative from the Eastern Irrigation District was present to respond to questions from Council. C-249/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1865-16, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING the portions of road allowance contained within Plan IRR399, Plan 0012401, and Plan 9311658, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-250/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1865-16 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING N. Fontaine left the meeting at 11:41 a.m. Page 4 of 10 Regular Council July 21, 2016 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Road Closure by Resolution (Road Plan 3130EZ in SW 32-21-12-W4 NW 29-21-12-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and explained the process for road closure by resolution. The land will be reverted back to the parcel from which it was excepted. Written consent to proceed has been obtained from the adjacent landowners and responses have been received from the required referral agencies. The applicants were present to respond to questions from Council. C-251/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that WHEREAS, the lands hereafter described are no longer required for public travel, NOW THEREFORE be it resolved that the Council of the County of Newell does hereby close the following described road, subject to rights of access granted by other legislation. PARCEL 1 ALL THAT PORTION OF ORIGINAL GOVERNMENT ROAD PLAN 3130EZ CONTAINED IN THE SOUTH WEST QUARTER OF SECTION 32 IN TOWNSHIP 21 RANGE 12 WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN CONTAINING 1.1 HA (2.8 AC) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS PARCEL 2 ALL THAT PORTION OF ORIGINAL GOVERNMENT ROAD PLAN 3130EZ CONTAINED IN THE NORTH WEST QUARTER OF SECTION 29 IN TOWNSHIP 21 RANGE 12 WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN CONTAINING 0.6 HA (1.5 AC) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING R. Owen and J. Neely left the meeting at 11:46 a.m. 6. BYLAWS — continued 6.1 Bylaw 1858-16 - Fire Areas The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the bylaw has been circulated to the municipalities involved and they have indicated no concerns. C-252/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1858-16, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing Fire Protection Areas within the County of Newell, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-253/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1858-16 be iven THIRD and FINAL reading. Page 5 of 10 M TION CA Regular Council July 21, 2016 6.4 Bylaw 1871-16 Intermunicipal Subdivision & Development Appeal Board The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the bylaw and agreement had been circulated to the municipalities within the County. As some of the municipalities have indicated they would like to pursue other options, he recommended that first reading be postponed until a formal response has been received. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. This item will be brought back to a future Council meeting for further discussion. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:51 a.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - continued 9.2 2016 Tax Sale by Public Auction The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-254/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the 2016 Tax Sale by Public Auction be held on Wednesday, November 2, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. in the County of Newell Building with cash or certified cheque only terms, and that the reserve bids for the 2016 Tax Sale properties be set as recommended by Administration. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Resolution of Support for TransCanada Energy East Pipeline The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-255/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the County of Newell send a letter to TransCanada Pipelines in support of the Energy East Pipeline Project. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 9.4 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Fall 2016 Meeting (2016-09-16) The deadline for submitting resolutions to the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association meeting is Friday, September 2, 2016. This item was accepted as information. 9.5 Request for Proclamation - International Youth Day (August 12, 2016) Council was presented with background information on this item. C-256/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell hereby proclaims August 12, 2016 as International Youth Day in the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 10 Regular Council July 21, 2016 9.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (June 2016) ,-257/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the June 2016 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.7 Cheques for Payment C-258/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that cheque 184388 in the amount of $542,168.55 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 9.8 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-259/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.9 Requests for Functions of Council There were no Requests for Functions of Council to be discussed at this meeting. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS 10.1 Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor B. de Jong submitted the minutes of the Palliser Economic Partnership Board Meeting and Annual General Meeting which were both held on June 29, 2016. 10.2 Newell Foundation Councillor G. Simpson reported that the hospital in Strathmore had recently received $2-3 million to upgrade their emergency room. He also reported that new flooring is being installed at Newbrook Lodge. 10.3 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association Councillor L. Juss reported that a financial assessment on the project had recently been completed. The assessment determined that more materials are needed in order to make the facility economically feasible. SAEWA has requested a second assessment. R. Juska is attending the meeting today in Strathmore, AB and will report back. Page 7 of 10 Regular Council July 21, 2016 10.4 Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor C. Amulung reported that a board meeting was held last night and the budget is still on track. A meeting regarding communications was also held yesterday. 10.5 Tourism Representative Councillor E. Unruh reported that she attended the Newell Regional Tourism Association's Annual General Meeting on June 29, 2016. She provided an overview of newelltourism. com, an industry website that provides information on funding opportunities and marketing training for businesses. Travel Alberta attended the annual general meeting as well and they have a campaign that includes Dinosaur Provincial Park. Councillor E. Unruh provided information on local facilities and events, including a fitness centre in Duchess, Earl Taylor Days in Scandia, and the outdoor public pool in Bassano. Councillor E. Unruh responded to questions from Council. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:05 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:45 p.m. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS - continued 10.6 Newell 9-1-1 Dispatch Association Councillor B. de Jong reported that the Alberta First Responders Radio Communications System went live in our area on July 1, 2016. K. Martin and K. Swanson have been doing some testing to make sure our radios work. Councillor B. de Jong noted that AFRRCS was used during the fires in Fort McMurray and was effective in that situation. 10.7 Regional Transportation Committee Councillor C. Amulung reported that the Regional Transportation Committee met on Monday. None of the members are interested in subsidizing transportation any more than it already is and only Bassano is interested in proceeding with a regional board. He suggested that the concept may be too broad and suggested that the service focus on out of town medical appointments. Grasslands Regional FCSS will be looking at a study done by the University of Alberta on rural GIS and routing. The City is looking at expanding their mini bus service. 10.8 Dinosaur Provincial Park Familiarization Tour (July 18, 2016) Councillor W. Hammergren reported that he and Councillor A.M. Philipsen attended the tour of Dinosaur Park. The tour was excellent and he suggested the comfort camping tents should be considered for Emerson Bridge Park. They jr4 also viewed the sewage treatment system, which processes sewage by passing - it over a wheel with live bacteria. The Director of Municipal Services will be going Page 8 of 10 Regular Council July 21, 2016 to view this system in the near future, as it may be a viable solution for the Hamlet of Patricia. Councillor A. M. Philipsen noted that the tour was intended to promote Dinosaur Provincial Park and City Councillors and Eastern Irrigation District Board Members also attended. 10.9 MGA Review Session (July 13, 2016) Councillor C. Amulung reported that the Minister and Deputy Minister and senior staff from Municipal Affairs were in attendance and the proposed changes were explained well. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that a lot of items still require clarification. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that he asked whether Intermunicipal Development Plan and Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework documents would be required with Special Areas and how municipalities would be affected by surface water regulations. His questions were recorded and answers will be provided at a later date. Councillor G. Simpson reported that the regulations are not expected to be complete until 2017, which may make it difficult for a lot of the required work to proceed. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that some of the preliminary work can begin, but the final format will have to wait until the templates are released. 10.10 Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass reported that she attended Canada Day celebrations in Brooks and Rosemary. She also attended the Communities in Bloom judges' banquet, noting that the City should be proud of the beautification work they have done. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Cypress County - Proposed Off -Site Levy Bylaws This item was accepted as information. 12.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 12.3 Mini Bus Monthly Report (June 2016) This item was accepted as information. The Director of Corporate Services reported that a new mini bus has been ordered and should arrive by the nd of October. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council July 21, 2016 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 14. IN CAMERA C-260/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we move in camera at 1:05 p.m. to discuss a labour issue. MOTION CARRIED C-261/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of camera at 1:25 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m. Signed this t i day of 2016 Administrator Page 10 of 10