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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016-11-24 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL November 24, 2016 fW The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, November 24, 2016 commencing at 10:02 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: C. Amulung STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC M. Fenske, Manager of Finance T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Engineering Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: T. Brummelhuis, Applicant (Bylaw 1878-16) L. Day, Stringam LLP 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:02 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-367/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Councillor C. Amulung be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (November 10, 2016) The following changes were made to the November 10, 2016 Council Meeting minutes. Regular Council November 24, 2016 Page 6 - Item 6.2 - should read "The applicants were present to respond to questions. " C-368/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the November 10, 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-369/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (November 2016) The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided information regarding a rancher in Jenner who spoke to the federal government regarding bovine tuberculosis. She asked if the County could send a letter to the provincial and federal governments asking that financial support be provided to these ranchers. The Director of Agricultural Services indicated that he would work with Councillor A.M. Philipsen to draft a letter. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to further questions regarding rental equipment and gopher control. C-370/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that a letter be sent to the Federal and Provincial Governments requesting support for ranchers affected by bovine tuberculosis. MOTION CARRIED C-371/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report for November 2016 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 2016 South Region ASB Resolution Responses The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor 8. de Jong asked how recommendations for spraying and mowing are received by either Alberta Transportation or the Eastern Irrigation District. The Director of Agricultural Services provided a history of the relationship with Alberta Transportation. Each year, the Director of Agricultural Services e-mails a plan with approximate costs for the upcoming year. If Alberta Transportation approves this plan, it is included in the County's budget. He indicated that there is good communication between the Eastern Irrigation District and the County and weeds are addressed when they are identified. Council accepted this item as information. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council November 24, 2016 00 8.3 Policy Review The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor B. de Jong noted that airports are not included in either Policy 2016 -PAG -020 (Weed Control - Roadside) or Policy 2016 -PAG -026 (Mowing). The Director of Agricultural Services indicated that he would make this amendment to the two policies. He responded to further questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and M. Fenske arrived at 10:29 a.m. C-372/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the following policies be adopted as presented: • 2016 -PAG -001 (Shelterbelt Program) • 2016 -PAG -004 (Operation of the ASB) • 2016 -PAG -010 (Private Weed Control) • 2016 -PAG -022 (Rental Equipment) • 2016 -PAG -023 (Bacterial Ringrot - Inspection & Control) • 2016 -PAG -024 (Coyote Control Incentive Program) • 2016 -PAG -025 (Grass Seeding) • 2016 -PAG -028 (Seed Cleaning Plant Inspections) • 2016 -PAG -029 (Rural Beautification Awards) • 2016 -PAG -030 (Roadside Brush Control) • 2016 -PAG -031 (Emerson Bridge Park) • 2016 -PAG -032 (Sale of Strychnine & Phostoxin) • 2016 -PAG -033 (100 Year Farm Awards) • 2016 -PAG -034 (Clubroot - Inspection & Control); further, that the following policies be adopted as amended: • 2016 -PAG -020 (Weed Control - Roadside) • 2016 -PAG -026 (Mowing). MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Approval of 2017 Interim Budget The Manager of Finance provided background information on this item, including an overview of the changes made. He provided an overview of tax rate scenarios that outline the increases, noting that numbers will be adjusted in 2017 when the assessment figures have been finalized. The Manager of Finance indicated that Council has taken steps towards having funding in place for assets that are due to be replaced in the future. Council was given an opportunity to ask questions. Councillor W. Hammergren expressed concerns with the 3-4% tax increase, indicating that this could be difficult to justify to ratepayers in the current economy. The Manager of Finance provided an explanation, noting that the proposed residential and non-residential tax rates are still significantly lower than those of neighbouring municipalities. The Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. The Manager of Finance responded to further Page 3 of 10 Regular Council November 24, 2016 questions from Council and indicated that Council could redirect calls from ratepayers regarding taxes to him. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding recreation funding, indicating that it is currently underfunded and an increase is a step in the right direction. He provided information regarding average tax rate increases, noting that the County's tax rate increases are lower. Discussion followed. Reeve M. Douglass asked about the possibility of paving the East Gem Road. The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on the funds currently available in the paving reserve. He requested direction from Council regarding proceeding with an engineering study for a firm cost estimate. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:10 a.m. The Director of Municipal Services provided an overview of what would be included in an engineering study. The Director of Municipal Services and the Manager of Finance responded to further questions from Council regarding funding sources and timelines. Councillor E. Unruh provided background information on the East Gem Road, noting that it is heavily used by the oil and gas industry. C-373/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Council APPROVES Additional funding in the amount of $80,000.00 for the East Gem Road preliminary work in 2016 to be funded from the Paving Reserve. MOTION CARRIED The Manager of Finance responded to further questions from Council. C-374/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the 2017 Interim Budget be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 11:20 a.m. 9.2 Possible Projects Under the 2016/2017 Alberta Community Partnership Program The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, indicating that he had also contacted the CAO's of Brooks, Bassano, Rosemary, and Duchess following the last meeting. This item was also discussed during the Joint CAO's meeting on November 23, 2016. The Director of Corporate Services reported that the only identified initiative that had been discussed was the creation of an Intermunicipal Development Plan with Rosemary. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the Village of Rosemary wanted to use internal resources to complete that project. Page 4 of 10 Regular Council November 24, 2016 ARRIVED AT MEETING izPl D. Horvath and A. Wickert arrived at 11:21 a.m. C-375/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the County of Newell provide a letter in support of the MD of Taber's application to the Alberta Community Partnership Program for grant funding to complete an Intermunicipal Development Plan between the MD of Taber and the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Brummelhuis arrived at 11:23 a.m. 9.3 Joint Meeting - County & EID (November 24, 2016) - Agenda Items Discussion followed regarding the agenda for the Joint Meeting between the County of Newell and the Eastern Irrigation District. Reeve M. Douglass added "Gem Land Request. " Councillor B. de Jong removed "Upstream Water Storage for Bow River Basin Council. " 9.4 Joint Municipal Meeting (December 20, 2016) - Agenda Items Discussion followed regarding agenda items for the Joint Municipal Meeting. Councillor B. de Jong suggested a discussion on the recreation review to obtain feedback from the other municipalities. Further discussion on agenda items for the Joint Municipal Meeting will occur during the December 8, 2016 Council Meeting. 9.5 Appointment to Subdivision & Development Appeal Board 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. C-376/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Nigel Seymour be appointed as a Member -at -Large to the Subdivision & Development Appeal Board. MOTION CARRIED 9.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (October 2016) C-377/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the October 2016 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.7 Cheques for Payment There were no Cheques for Payment to approve at this meeting. Page 5 of 10 Regular Council November 24, 2016 9.8 Payment Register The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C-378/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.9 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS 10.1 Newell Recycling Association Councillor L. Juss provided information regarding possible enhancements to the recycling program that have been initiated by the City of Brooks. Councillor L. Juss responded to questions from Council. C-379/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we move into Public Hearings at 11:33 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 Bylaw 1878-16 Road Closure & LEASE (NE & SE 8-17-16-W4 and NW & SW 9-17-16-W4) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:33 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The Manager of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1878-16. The intent of this bylaw is to close and LEASE that portion of road allowance between NE & SE 8-17-16-W4 and NW & SW 9-17-16-W4. The Manager of Planning & Development 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. There were no objections from any of the required referrals. There were no persons in attendance speaking in opposition to the proposed bylaw. The applicant was present to respond to questions from Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The applicant provided background information on the previous road closure and responded to questions regarding water rights on the parcel. Page 6 of 10 Regular Council November 24, 2016 f"'01 C-380/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:39 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 1878-16 Road Closure & LEASE (NE & SE 8-17-16-W4 and NW & SW 9-17-16-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided further background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-381/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1878-16, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road allowance between NE & SE 8-17-16-W4 and NW & SW 9-17-16-W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert, D. Horvath, and T. Brummelhuis left the meeting at 11:40 a.m. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS — continued 10.2 Bow River Basin Council Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report on the WPAC Summit 2016 that was held October 26-28, 2016. 10.3 AUMA EOEP Course - Community Development & Citizen Engagement (November 23, 2016) Councillor K. Christman reported that there were five members of Council in attendance at this course. The course provided a reference for situations that require engaging a community regarding a project. Councillor E. Unruh provided further information. 10.4 Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass reported that she met with a representative from the RCMP to provide feedback on the local RCMP leadership and work within our community. She and Councillor B. de Jong helped with arrangements for an agricultural program with the schools and Philpott Honey hosted two groups. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that the organizer of the program contact the municipalities as most have Agricultural Services Boards. Reeve M. Douglass and the Chief Administrative Officer attended a rural broadband workshop in Mountain View County. She also attended another rural broadband meeting with Councillor B. de Jong. More information regarding rural broadband will be discussed during the next meeting of the Mayors & Reeves Association of Southeast Alberta. Reeve M. Douglass provided information regarding the Page 7 of 10 Regular Council November 24, 2016 Mayors & Reeves Liaison Committee meeting during the AAMDC Fall 2016 Convention. She also attended the My Hero & Me event on November 19, 2016, which was well -attended. Reeve M. Douglass reported that she will be attending CUPE negotiations next week as well as a meeting with the Mayors of the municipalities within the County of Newell. 10.5 Joint CAO's Meeting The Chief Administrative Officer reported that he attended a meeting of the CAO's where Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework (ICF) document requirements were discussed. The group reviewed a list of functions that municipalities supply to ratepayers. Water, wastewater, solid waste management, and Community Peace Officer services work well and only the City is interested in shared Corporate Safety services. Further discussion is required regarding fire services. Regarding planning and development services, everyone currently uses ORRSC, but efficiencies could be gained if this was done locally as a shared service. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that the CAO's were not interested in applying for grant funding to complete ICF and /MDP documents. Rosemary has indicated that they will draft the /MDP, using the Brooks and Duchess IMDPs as examples. Brooks has expressed interest in providing building code and permitting services and also wants to discuss areas of overlap between the Parks & Recreation department and the County's Agricultural Services Department. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that more discussion is required regarding municipal services and, in particular, planning and capital projects. As well, further discussion is required regarding Economic Development, as Bassano, Duchess, and Rosemary would like more input. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that Brooks offered assistance with financial services such as payment processing and billing. Other topics of discussion included equipment pooling, assessment, regional policing, and recreation. It was suggested that regional policing and recreation could be a topic for discussion at the Mayors and Reeves level. Regarding recreation, emphasis was placed on the importance of the capital plan when considering funding requests. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor W. Hammergren left the meeting at 12:11 p.m. Discussion followed regarding the distribution of recreation funding. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. 10.6 City of Brooks Recreation, Parks, & Culture Board Councillor T. Fyfe provided an update on the Lakeside Leisure Centre, indicating that there will be a tour of the site in December and construction is expected to be complete in March. The logo for the floor has been finalized. Councillor T. Fyfe reported that they will begin looking for volunteers for the Southern Alberta Summer Games soon. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:18 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m. �p Page 8 of 10 Regular Council November 24, 2016 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Request for Letter of Support - Community Initiative Program (CIP) (Gem Sport Court) Reeve M. Douglass provided background information on this item. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor K. Christman arrived at 1:07 p.m. Reeve M. Douglass reported that additional land may be required depending on where the court is located. C-382/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that the County of Newell provide a letter in support of the application to the Community Initiatives Program (CIP) for the construction of an outdoor sport court in the Hamlet of Gem. MOTION CARRIED 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (October 2016) The Director of Corporate Services provided an update on the new mini bus. This item was accepted as information. 12.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 11.2 Course - Making a Civic Leadership Difference Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding the section of the Personnel Policy that deals with training and development, indicating that this course would fall within those parameters. C-383/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Councillor Kelly Christman be permitted to enroll in the online course entitled "Making a Civic Leadership Difference" through Dalhousie University. MOTION CARRIED 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. M Page 9 of 10 Regular Council November 24, 2016 ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Wickert, D. Horvath, S. Simpson, M. Harbicht, G. Tiffin, and L. Day arrived at 1:14 p.m. 14. IN CAMERA C-384/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 1:14 p.m. to discuss a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C-385/16 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move out of camera at 3:00 p.m. MOTION CARRIED ICY 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m. Signed this '�ay ofQ-`k PZK > , 2016 Page 10 of 10