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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-05-11 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL May 11, 2017 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, May 11, 2017 commencing at 10:12 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: Molly Douglass, Reeve C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC S. Simpson, Development Clerk M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services M. Fenske, Manager of Finance A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: G. Millen, Elemental Energy D. Eaton, Elemental Energy N. Paggett, Park Enterprises D. Imesch, Park Enterprises H. Johnson, Road Closure -Approval to Proceed K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation S. Sgt. T. McNulty, RCMP - Brooks Sgt. C. Zanidean, RCMP - Brooks C. Scherger, Canadian Natural Resources Limited N. Gafuik, Canadian Natural Resources Limited J. Aleman, Canadian Natural Resources Limited S. Berry, SPEC Association for Children & Families 2 County Ratepayers 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:12 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. VC, Regular Council May 11, 2017 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (April 20, 2017) The following changes were made to the April 20, 2017 Council Meeting minutes: Page 11 - Item 10.6 - should read "Councillor E. Unruh reported that funds will be distributed to applicants from the Tourism Development Fund." C-137/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the April 20, 2017 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-138/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 6. BYLAWS 6.1 Bylaw 1888-17 - Schedule of Fees The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. In working with Elemental Energy on the required electrical permits for the solar power development, it became apparent that the permit fee calculation required clarification. All the components used for the project are required to be inspected as per Alberta Safety Codes, and thus should be included in the fee calculation. The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that she obtained electrical permit fees from other municipalities and determined that there is no consistency. She indicated that, for the fee, Park Enterprises would provide 2-3 inspections per week for the duration of the project. Proposed revisions to the Schedule of Fees bylaw for electrical permit fees are based on Alberta Safety Codes rates. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Imesch responded to questions regarding the components that would be inspected. N. Paggett indicated that Alberta Safety Codes and Municipal Affairs were consulted and the responses were consistent regarding the components to be inspected, how often inspections are to be done, and what components should be included in calculating the permit fee. Councillor B. de Jong asked if there was correlation between the amount of inspection time required and the megawatts generated. ARRIVED AT MEETING 40 hnson arrived at 10:36 a.m. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council May 11, 2017 N. Paggett replied that the project is an investment for the County as well as Elemental Energy and that Park Enterprises considers it a priority. Councillor C. Amulung expressed concerns with the fact that solar development is new to Alberta and asked about standards and codes of practice. N. Paggett replied that the inspectors have been certified for solar development inspections. Electrical authorities for the province have also been consulted. G. Millen indicated that he appreciated the collaborative discussion with Park Enterprises and the County. He expressed concerns with the proposed permit fee and suggested that 2-3 inspections per week was excessive. He provided information regarding a nearby solar project and indicated that permit fees in Ontario are calculated based on the per megawatt output. He asked Council to consider a fee that is in line with those charged in other jurisdictions. G. Millen responded to questions from Council. The Manager of Planning & Development provided an explanation as to why the permit fees for the solar development in Wheatland County were lower. G. Millen provided an explanation of CSA certified components, which were excluded from the value of the development when calculating the permit fee. N. Paggett outlined the components that must be included when calculating the permit fee and the components that were subtracted from the project value as they are not pertinent to the code. D. Imesch explained that CSA certified components must still be inspected for electrical permits to ensure that they have been installed correctly. Discussion followed. C-139/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1888-17, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given FIRST reading with the following amendment: - Remove Article B.16 - Economic Development/Statistical Analysis Reports & Information. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Millen, D. Eaton, N. Paggett, D. Imesch, and S. Simpson left the meeting at 11:29 a.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 8.1 ASB Update There was no ASB Update presented at this meeting. 8.2 Appointment of Weed & Pest Inspectors Council was presented with background information on this item. C-140/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that we appoint Nicole Skanderup, Cian3-� Slenders and Chelsea Krause as Inspectors for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act and pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural Pest Act until such a time that their employment with the County ceases. MOTION CARRIED Page 3 of 10 Regular Council May 11, 2017 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.7 Advance Poll for 2017 Municipal Election The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-141/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell Authorizes an Advance Poll for the 2017 Municipal Election to be held on October 7 & 14, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the County of Newell Office. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and K. Steinley arrived at 11:36 a.m. 9.3 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (Various Locations in 15-15-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item. She pointed out two parcels that are not owned by the applicant, indicating that the landowner would be notified about the proposed road closure and access to those parcels would be confirmed in the lease agreement. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. H. Johnson, the applicant, responded to questions from Council. C-142/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we proceed with the process for closing and LEASING the road right of way between the following: - W 36-15-15-W4 and E 35-15-15-W4 - NW 25-15-15-W4 and NE 26-15-15-W4 - NW 24-15-15-W4 and SW 25-15-15-W4 - SW 24-15-15-W4 and SE 23-15-15-W4 - W 13-15-15-W4 and E 14-15-15-W4. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING H. Johnson left the meeting at 11:43 a.m. 9.2 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (S 6-17-15-W4 & NW 31-17-15-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that the landowner would prefer to purchase the portion of road allowance and consolidate it with another parcel. Municipal Services has no issues with the closure, but would prefer that it be leased. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Sgt. T. McNulty and Sgt. C. Zanidean arrived at 11:45 a.m. Councillor C. Amulung asked if consideration had been given to a land swap. The d\o) Manager of Planning & Development indicated that option had not been Page 4 of 10 Regular Council May 11, 2017 discussed. Council directed the Manager of Planning & Development to provide the option of a land swap to the applicant. This item will be brought back to a future Council meeting for further discussion. LEFT THE MEETING D. Horvath and A. Wickert left the meeting at 11:49 a.m. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.2 Utilities - NRSC Report K Steinley presented the Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, with updates on connections to the County of Newell Water Project. He responded to questions regarding the flow emitters, indicating that NRSC employees have replacement parts on hand. K Steinley provided an update on water quality issues reported by the Eastern Irrigation District at two separate locations and wastewater collection. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 12:00 p.m. 7. DELEGATIONS 7.3 Brooks RCMP S. Sgt. T. McNulty thanked Council for their support over the years. He introduced Sgt. C. Zanidean as his temporary replacement. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Reeve M. Douglass thanked S. Sgt. T. McNulty for working to improve the community. LEFT THE MEETING S. Sgt. T. McNulty and Sgt. C. Zanidean left the meeting at 12:10 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:10 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING C. Scherger, N. Gafuik, J. Aleman, and M. Fenske arrived at 1:00 p.m. S. Berry arrived at 1:03 p.m. 7. DELEGATIONS — continued 7.1 Canadian Natural Resources Limited -0 N. Gafuik provided background information on Canadian Natural Resources Limited (CNRL) and their activity and assets in Alberta. C. Scherger gave an Page 5 of 10 Regular Council May 11, 2017 overview of local activity and outlined the areas of performance improvement and cost reduction. N. Gafuik provided information on the outlook for oil and gas companies in Alberta and statistics showing the average return on capital investment. He noted that a reduced cost structure was implemented and they are beginning to see improvements in 2017. N. Gafuik provided information on the impact of property taxes, which are a significant operating cost. ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Horvath arrived at 1:18 pm. N. Gafuik indicated that CNRL is interested in working with municipalities as much as possible. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C. Scherger responded to questions regarding natural gas generation, indicating that upper management was discussing this, and plans for wells that are not generating a profit. He also responded to questions regarding the number of CNRL employees in the County. Any issues with CNRL staff should be reported to J. Aleman. N. Gafuik responded to questions regarding property tax, indicating that in 2016, CNRL paid $260 million in property taxes in Alberta, which amounted to 10% of their operating costs. C. Scherger provided further information regarding overhead charges. N. Gafuik responded to questions regarding salary reductions that were applied to all staff. He expressed appreciation for the County for trying to be competitive and asked for ongoing collaboration to identify areas of improvement. Reeve M. Douglass thanked the delegation for their presentation and suggested that they should meet with Council annually, if possible. LEFT THE MEETING C. Scherger, N. Gafuik, J. Aleman, M. Fenske, and M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:37 p.m. 7.2 SPEC - S. Berry, Executive Director S. Berry provided background information on this item. Service gaps have been identified for youth aged 12-30 years and there is a need for programs that allow them to build social connections and express creativity. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Wickert arrived at 1:43 p.m. S. Berry provided a definition of makerspace, indicating that they are looking at creating an area that is focused on technology. He outlined the rationale, citing the Grasslands Regional FCSS report that indicated items that youth were interested in. He noted that the SPEC Association is now running the Newell Youth Action Network. S. Berry outlined issues, goals, and outcomes of the makerspace and provided a list of potential partners and corporate sponsors. The goal will be to make the makerspace as interesting to as many youth as possible by providing technology and equipment. The project will be driven by youth, providing them with ownership. S. Berry provided information on the Magic Bus, which will be used to bring the makerspace to youth residing in each of the communities within the County. He indicated that the SPEC Association would be Page 6 of 10 Regular Council May 11, 2017 responsible for the executive aspects and day-to-day management. S. Berry -- displayed a proposed schedule with an overview of costs for the first two years, indicating that he would be approaching various organizations for funding or in- kind donations. The benefits of creating a makerspace include youth retention, community engagement, investing in the future, marketing, and tourism. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. S. Berry responded to questions regarding how youth would be recruited. The Newell Youth Action Network's management group represents all schools in the County and they would recruit and promote the makerspace. S. Berry indicated that they would like to have the makerspace in place by the end of the summer. LEFT THE MEETING S. Berry left the meeting at 2:12 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.4 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (W 3-15-15-W4 & E 4-15-15-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-143/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that we proceed with the process for closing and LEASING the road right of way between W 3-15-15-W4 & E 4-15-15-W4. MOTION CARRIED 9.5 Intermunicipal Development Plan with the MD of Taber The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-144/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that a letter be sent to the MD of Taber indicating that the Manager of Planning & Development has been delegated by the County of Newell as its representative responsible for assisting with the drafting of the Intermunicipal Development Plan between the MD of Taber and the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 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. C-145/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that the Planning & Development Report for May 2017 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 2:20 p.m. Page 7 of 10 Regular Council May 11, 2017 9.6 Request to Use County Mini Bus - Scandia Centennial Celebration The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor W. Hammergren indicated that Class 2 drivers would be provided for Saturday and Sunday. Discussion followed. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that the requests can be dealt with by Council as required rather than developing a policy. Councillor W. Hammergren responded to questions regarding the drivers, indicating that they would be providing drivers' abstracts to the County before they are permitted to take the minibus. C-146/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Scandia Community Centennial Committee be approved to use the County of Newell Mini Bus on August 5-6, 2017 provided that their drivers meet licensing and insurance requirements; further, that the County of Newell agrees to cover the related fuel costs associated with the event. MOTION CARRIED 9.8 Sponsorship Request - Rural Alberta Innovation & Learning (RAIL) Commons Conference The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. This item was accepted as information. 9.9 Kinsmen Rodeo Pancake Breakfast (June 9, 2017) The Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding the Kinsmen Rodeo Pancake Breakfast hosted by the City and the County on June 9, 2017. All Council will attend. 9.10 Cheques for Payment There were no Cheques for Payment to discuss at this meeting. 9.11 Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C-147/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9.12 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council May 11, 2017 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 10.1 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed regarding the cost of new connections to the County of Newell Water Project. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the large tourism signs, gravel stockpile locations, Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program funding, crack sealing, and dust abatement. C-148/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for April 2017 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no Post Agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (April 2017) This item was accepted as information. 12.2 Quarterly Report - Safe Communities Committee This item was accepted as information. 12.3 Financial Information for the Period Ending March 31, 2017 This item was accepted as information. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the former Sickel Meats property in the Hamlet of Tilley. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that the Hamlet of Tilley's Annual General Meeting was very positive. igg'wou The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that a Regional CAOs meetibe held tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. Council was invited to submit agenda items. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council May 11, 2017 14. IN CAMERA C-149/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that we move in camera at 3:17 p.m. to discuss a land and a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C-150/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 3:59 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-151/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Council accepts the offer from the City of Brooks to lease the Old County Administration Building (707 2nd Avenue East, Brooks, AB) at a rate of $1.00 per year for a period of two years with an option to purchase the property at the end of the two-year period for the fair market value of the land; further, that the City of Brooks would assume all responsibility for maintenance, upkeep, utilities, and tenant management for the term of the lease. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:07 p.m. Signed thisZ-5day of , 2017 Reev u y Administrator Page 10 of 10