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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-10-06 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL October 6, 2016 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, October 6, 2016 commencing at 10:27 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: G. Simpson T. Fyfe 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 M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services M. Fenske, Manager of Finance A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation T. Brummelhuis, Road Closure - Approval to Proceed E. Chandler, Road Closure - Approval to Proceed R. Chandler, Road Closure - Approval to Proceed S. Sewall, Road Closure - Approval to Proceed G. Farnden, STARS Air Ambulance J. Morris, STARS Air Ambulance 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:27 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-312/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Councillor G. Simpson and Councillor T. Fyfe be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council October 6, 2016 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (September 22, 2016) 0 The following changes were made to the September 22, 2016 Council Meeting minutes. Page 10 - Item 9.10 - should read 'Reeve M. Douglass reported that a number of residents in Gem have been investigating... " C-313/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the September 22, 2016 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-314/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.2 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (NE & SE 8-17-16-W4 and NW & SW 9-17-16-W4) O The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, noting that a portion of the road was closed and leased under Bylaw 1066-92. An additional portion of road must be closed to accommodate the pivot, and a new bylaw is required to accomplish this. The Manager of Planning & Development indicated on the map where access could be provided from the south, noting that construction of a road in that area is unlikely due to the terrain. Municipal Services has no concerns with the closure but would prefer a lease in order to maintain physical access. The applicant was present to respond to questions from Council. T. Brummelhuis, the applicant, responded to questions from Council, indicating that he would prefer to close and purchase the road allowance as it will not be reopened again due to the setup on the land. He is in the process of repairing the access to the southeast quarter. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to further questions from Council. C-315/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we proceed with the process for closing and LEASING the road right of way between NE & SE 8-17-16-W4 and NW & SW 9-17-16-W4. MOTION CARRIED 9.3 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (Ptn. of 1st St - Scandia) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. The applicant has been using the road allowance as part of their business operations and has requested to purchase the road allowance. Municipal Services supports the sale as there is an alternate access Page 2 of 10 Regular Council October 6, 2016 in place. R. Chandler, the applicant, responded to questions from Council. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding underground infrastructure, indicating that an easement would be registered for current and future utilities. Discussion followed regarding the situations that would warrant the sale rather than the lease of a road allowance. Councillor C. Amulung noted that, in this case, the usage of the road allowance must be considered and a sale is appropriate in order to give the owner the ability to make improvements. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council. C-316/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we proceed with the process for closing and SELLING a portion of 1st Street in Scandia, AB. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (SW 23-20-13-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. The road allowance to be closed lies adjacent to the rail line across the quarter. Municipal Services has no issue with the closure and suggested that the landowner to the east be engaged so that the road allowance can be closed along the entire length of the rail line. S. Sewall, the applicant, responded to questions from Council, indicating that he has spoken with the landowners south of the rail line and they have no issues with the road closure. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Havinga arrived at 10:58 a.m. 0 S. Sewall provided further background information on the costs associated with this road closure and suggested that he would trade the half acre parcel that he owns to the east to the County in return for the closed road allowance. The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on the applicant's land to the east, indicating that it was omitted when the rail line transfer occurred. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council, indicating that the road allowance does not extend to the quarters to the east or the west. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Farnden and J. Morris arrived at 11:02 a.m. The Manager of Planning & Development and S. Sewall responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding closing the entire road allowance so that the other portion would be available to the other landowner. The County Planner noted that a subdivision would be required if this was done. Councillor W. Hammergren also noted that closing the entire road allowance would leave the half acre parcel to the east without access. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. C-317/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we proceed with the process for closing and SELLING the road right of way in SW 23-20-13-W4. MOTIO CARRIED Page 3 of 10 Regular Council October 6, 2016 LEFT THE MEETING T. Brummelhuis, E. Chandler, R. Chandler, S. Sewall, A. Wickert, and D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:12 a.m. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.2. Utilities - NRSC Report R. Havinga presented the Utilities-NRSC report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. R. Havinga responded to questions regarding discharging lagoons, indicating that this is coordinated with the Eastern Irrigation District and the City of Brooks. Lagoon discharge is done a few days after the canals are closed and the water leaving the canal area assists with the flushing and draining. R. Havinga responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING R. Havinga left the meeting at 11:17 a.m. 10.1 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He noted that paving in Tilley will be complete o tomorrow and a celebration is planned. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the County of Newell Water Project idle service charge. Councillor E. Unruh asked about the possibility of reminding ratepayers about the Eastern Irrigation District's incentive for the County of Newell Water Project. The Director of Municipal Services replied that it is difficult as County staff do not know which ratepayers have water rights. He suggested that those who qualify are already aware of the program. The Director of Municipal Services responded to further questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer provided further details regarding the project completion celebration in Tilley on October 27, 2016. C-318/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for September 2016 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 11:29 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Farnden and J. Morris arrived at 11:30 a.m. Qx� Page 4 of 10 Regular Council October 6, 2016 7. DELEGATIONS 0 7.1 STARS Air Ambulance (G. Farnden & J. Morris) G. Farnden provided background information on STARS Air Ambulance, indicating that over 75% of municipalities in Alberta are supporters. There are currently six bases across three provinces averaging 9 missions per day. J. Morris provided an overview of the Red Patient Referral System. G. Farnden explained the Registered Site Program, indicating that there are nominal fees for industrial and municipal sites but farmers and ranchers can register their sites for free. This program provides additional access to rural areas and she asked that the County assist in distributing this information. J. Morris gave an overview of the medical equipment available on the helicopters, noting that STARS Air Ambulance is the first in Canada to carry universal blood on board all helicopters. G. Farnden noted that STARS is an internationally acclaimed leader in critical care and that training is provided to local emergency personnel at no cost to the municipality. G. Farnden provided a six-year mission breakdown for the County of Newell as well as for the neighbouring municipalities. She displayed charts showing STARS expenditures and funding, noting that administration costs have been reduced to 9% from 14%. STARS must fundraise 79% of their operating costs. G. Farnden outlined the fundraising efforts, which include annual calendar sales, the STARS Lottery, and the Registered Site Program. She noted that there has been a significant decrease in donations due to the current economic situation. She thanked the County for their continued support. She provided information regarding contributions from other municipalities in Alberta, noting that most are contributing a minimum of $2.00 per capita and many are including STARS in their Emergency Protective Services budgets. She requested that the County consider an annual funding contribution to STARS in the amount of $2.00 per capita. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong asked about a shift in services with the newer AW -139 helicopter being moved to Edmonton and whether the operations costs saved by STARS will need to be picked up by another group. J. Morris responded, indicating that it was an operational decision that will save about $500,000.00 but the call volume and level of care will remain the same. He noted that HALO is dispatching through STARS. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that the Registered Site Program is an excellent idea. He requested a budget balance sheet with a breakdown showing corporate and individual donations by region. G. Farnden noted that the breakdown by region for corporations may be difficult as the donation may come from a corporate head office and allocated to another area. Councillor E. Unruh asked how transferring the AW -139 to Edmonton results in cost savings and how services are not going to be impacted. J. Morris responded that both the AW -139 and the BK -117 have the same equipment on board and there will be no change to the critical care provided. He noted that, while the A W-139 is faster in the air, the BK -117 takes off faster. The biggest cost savings is from not having to train pilots on both types of aircraft. J. Morris indicated that five of the six bases operate on a single platform. Previously, three of the bases were flying both the AW -139 and BK -117 helicopters. G. Farnden and J. Morris res onded to further questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer thanked STARS for the service they provide, indicating that it is not just a rura s Page 5 of 10 Regular Council, October 6, 2016 and should ideally be obtaining consistent funding from all municipalities within the province of Alberta. G. Farnden and J. Morris responded to further questions regarding the Emergency Link Centre and funding sources. LEFT THE MEETING G. Farnden and J. Morris left the meeting at 12:23 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:23 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:04 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 1:04 p.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor L. Juss thanked the Director of Agricultural Services for installing the automatic door openers for the public washrooms. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding pesticide license renewal. The Chief Administrative Officer asked for an update on the weeds on the CPR Rail Car Storage Line between RR184 and Highway 1. The Director of Agricultural Services reported that samples of weeds were reviewed by a specialist at the Crop Diversification Centre and none were determined to be noxious. He provided further details regarding recent discussions with CP Rail. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath returned at 1:08 p.m. 8.2 Resolutions for South Region ASB Conference The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed and Council indicated that they would support the resolution regarding incorporating agriculture into the Alberta Education curriculum. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 1:16 p.m. Page 6 of 10 Regular Council October 6, 2016 6. BYLAWS 6.1 Bylaw 1873-1616 LUA 004 (SE 31-20-14-W4 - FR to RB) The County Planner provided background information on this item, indicating that the information would be circulated to the Village of Duchess as the land to be rezoned falls within that Intermunicipal Development Plan area. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-319/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1873-16, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 3.7 acres (1.49 hectares) in SE 31-20-14-W4 from FR - Fringe District to RB - Rural Business District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 6.2 Bylaw 1874-16 Regional Subdivision & Development Appeal Board The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. C-320/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1874-16, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a Regional Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Fenske arrived at 1:20 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Planning & Development Report The Manager of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning & Development provided an update on the North Headgates Area Redevelopment Plan, indicating that the final draft should be submitted tomorrow and will be reviewed by staff and a report will be prepared for the October 20, 2016 Council meeting. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions regarding the Countess store, indicating that the landowner is having issues consolidating the land. The goal is to have a concept plan in place similar to the one created for the EID Historical Park. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to further questions from Council. C-321/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Planning & Development report for October 2016 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING UA. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 1:26 p.m. Page 7 of 10 Regular Council October 6, 2016 9.5 Policy Review - 2016 -PAD -059 (Personnel) The Manager of Finance outlined the amendments that have been made to the Personnel policy, which include a code of ethics for employees. He provided details regarding the proposed changes to sick time, indicating that paid time off will be granted based on hours worked. There is no automatic sick time allocation and the sick time incentive has been removed. The Manager of Finance explained that the flex time arrangement currently in place for administrative staff can continue as these employees work an extra half hour per day that will be banked. Any additional time up to 80 hours can also be banked and used for paid sick days, flex days, appointments, or any other time off. The sick time bank accrued by current employees will be paid out upon the end of employment or can be used as banked time. The Manager of Finance reported that the Alberta Municipal Services Corporation Claims Director had given positive feedback on the proposed changes. The Manager of Finance provided information regarding the cost of paying out the sick banks for all current employees and outlined the annual savings that will be recognized. He suggested a restricted surplus be established to cover 50% of the total required for payout. The proposal was presented to staff who were given the opportunity to vote - 74% of employees indicated that they were in favor of these changes. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer thanked the Manager of Finance for the work done on this policy. He noted that the proposed changes will be presented to union staff in the near future. C-322/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Policy 2016 -PAD -059 (Personnel) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 1:36 p.m. 9.6 Community & Regional Economic Support (CARES) Program Councillor B. de Jong provided background information, suggesting rural broadband as a potential project. He noted that this information had been provided by the Palliser Economic Partnership, though they did not discuss submitting an application. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council, suggesting that smaller groups may be able to each obtain funding and assist in advancing several projects within the area. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that this be discussed further during the next Joint Services meeting prior to the next Palliser Economic Partnership meeting. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested the funding could also be used for anything from website redevelopment to tourism and marketing. This item will be discussed further next meeting. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council October 6, 2016 C-323/16 C-324/16 C� 11. 12. 13. 9.7 9.8 Invitation - Mountain View County Rural Broadband Workshop (November 7, 2016) Council was presented with background information on this item. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that he would attend but expressed concerns that the information presented would be the same as that given at the Digital Futures Symposium. He suggested that it would also be beneficial for an Eastern Irrigation Representative to attend, as they are the County's major internet service provider. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he would obtain more information. He also suggested that this would be a topic for discussion during the upcoming Joint County/EID meeting. Cheques for Payment The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that cheque 184806 in the amount of $1,453,775.45 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 9.9 Payment Register MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.10 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Budget Meeting - Set Date The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that the 2017 budget should be available for review in late October or early November. The budget meeting will be held on Thursday, November 3, 2016 beginning at 9:00 a.m. INFORMATION ITEMS There were no information items to discuss at this meeting. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor E. Unruh asked for an update on the mobile tourism kiosks. The Di ct r Corporate Services provided background information, indicating that the kiosks we Page 9 of 10 Regular Council October 6, 2016 purchased with grant funding obtained by the Town of Bassano. Discussions are underway regarding the Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce taking responsibility for maintenance. 0 S. Stanway requested an update on the paved path being constructed between the County of Newell facilities and the Centennial Regional Arena. The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information, indicating that, weather permitting, the path should be complete this fall. 14. IN CAMERA C-325/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 2:00 p.m. to discuss a land issue. MOTION CARRIED C-326/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 3:00 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Signed this '2-O day of nc , 2016 '� ar Reeve 01 ount Administrator Page 10 of 10