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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2008-10-23 Council (Regular) Minutes~,, COUNTY OF NEWELL N0.4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING October 23, 2008 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, October 23, 2008 commencing at 10:02 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: I. Schroeder A.M. Philipsen R. Andrews J. Harbinson S. Evans A. Eastman B. de Jong H. Wutzke ABSENT: W. Daniels STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer B. Keith, Assistant Administrator D. Horvath, Oldman River Regional Services Commission A. Clapton, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: R. Kiedrowski, Brooks & County Chronicle M. Fitzgerald, Q-13 Fox Radio Merlin MacNaughton, FortisAlberta Inc. S.Sgt. J. Haley, Brooks RCMP Sgt. G. Ericson, Brooks RCMP Cpl. D. Nelson, Brooks RCMP Cpl. C. Wilson, Brooks RCMP Cpl. D. Fisher, Bassano RCMP K. Peters, Midwest Surveys C. Peterson, Midwest Surveys R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation 2. MINUTES a. Regular Meeting -October 9, 2008 C-362/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the October 9, 2008 Council minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED ~~ Regular Council Minutes October 23, 2008 C-363/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the October Organizational Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. Page 2 16, 2008 '' MOTION CARRIED C-364/08 b. Organizational Meeting -October 16, 2008 CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS 3. The Reeve called for post agenda items. ADOPTION OF AGENDA 4. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT 5. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C-365/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that cheques 163466 to 163469 in the amount of $27,654.20 and cheques 163470 to 163575 in the amount of 285,562.65 be approved. MOTION CARRIED 6. MUNICIPAL TREASURER'S REPORT -September 2008 The Treasurer's Report for September 2008 was presented to Council. C-366/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the Treasurer's Report for September 2008 be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 7. BUSINESS FROM MINUTES There was no business from the minutes to discuss at this meeting. 9. OTHER BUSINESS a. Subdivision Extension Request 2007-0-239 - Stroud/Dahl (Owner/Applicant) Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 061 1190 (SE ~/a 31-20-14-W4) D. Horvath provided background information on this item, indicating that all conditions have been addressed by the applicant. D. Horvath responded to several questions from Council. There followed a discussion regarding when a subdivision extension should commence, Regular Council Minutes October 23, 2008 Page 3 either from the last day of the original subdivision application or the day /`' the extension is approved by Council. C-367/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the request for a 6 month time extension to subdivision application 2007-0-239 to April 23, 2009 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. MacNaughton arrived at 10:18 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS a. Fortis Alberta Inc. -Installation of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI) M. MacNaughton gave a presentation to Council regarding the installation of Automated Metering Infrastructure (AMI). He gave Council an overview of the project, which will be implemented over three years and involves a new technology that allows meters to be read remotely from a central location. This automated system will provide accurate monthly readings in acost-effective manner, and will also allow Fortis Alberta to ,,-~ provide on-demand readings for customers who move or switch providers in the .middle of a month. He presented Council with a diagram of the components of the AMI system and noted that the goal was to have al! meters replaced by December 31, 2010. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong asked if irrigation deliveries would be included. M. MacNaughton replied that this would not be included in the first phase of the project. The Chief Administration Officer inquired about possible partnerships with water metering. M. MacNaughton replied that (here were currently no plans to include water metering, but it may be possible in the future and there is a lot of interest in this. He also indicated that the meters would have to be replaced again for this purpose, as different technology is required. LEFT THE. MEETING M. MacNaughton left the meeting at 10:33 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING .,..,, S. Sgt. J. Haley, Sgt. G. Ericson, Cpl. D. Nelson, Cpl. C. Wilson, and Cpl. D. Fisher arrived at 10:35 a.m. ~ /lnr~ Regular Council Minutes October 23, 2008 b. RCMP Quarterly Reports Page 4 S. Sgt. J. Haley introduced new members Cpl. Chris Wilson and Cpl. D. Nelson to Council. He presented the Brooks RCMP quarterly report to Council, indicating some significant events that had occurred since the last meeting. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor 1. Schroeder noted that the occurrence statistics had increased since last year and Sgt. G. Ericson replied that there were no common factors that could account for this increase. S. Sgt. J. Haley reported that joint meetings were being held to develop strategies for disaster response and coordination of resources. Councillor R. Andrews asked about the fees for obtaining criminal records checks for members of the Rural Crime Watch and Sgf. G. Ericson replied that there was no fee involved for volunteers. Cpl. D. Fisher presented Council with the Bassano RCMP quarterly report, indicating that the Bassano detachment had returned to standalone status. He thanked the neighbouring detachments for their assistance in the time leading up to this. He gave Council an overview of the occurrence statistics and some significant events. He noted that car prowling had become more prevalent due to people leaving their vehicles unlocked. Although this is not a crime with a large cost, it is easily prevented, and he recommended that everyone get in the habit of locking their vehicles. He also reported on some recent and upcoming staff additions. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong asked if the property crime statistics included those committed in rural areas. Cpl. D. Fisher replied that property crimes occurred mostly within the town, but there had also been rural thefts, particularly theft of gas. Sgt. G. Ericson indicated that fuel cards are items that are frequently being stolen. Councillor 1. Schroeder inquired about the computer systems in the RCMP vehicles. S.Sgt. J. Haley replied that the systems have been installed but that there is still work that must be completed in the office. LEFT THE MEETING S. Sgt. J. Haley, Sgt. G. Ericson, Cpl. D. Nelson, Cpl. C. Wilson, and Cpl. D. Fisher left the meeting at 11:10 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING ' K. Peters and C. Peterson arrived at 11:12 a.m. Regular Council Minutes October 23, 2008 9. OTHER BUSINESS -continued /^ b. Subdivision Extension Request 2007-0-431 - M. Ferris/Midwest Surveys (Owner/Applicant) Block 2, Plan 931 1397 (SE ~/a 15-18-14-W4) Page 5 D. Horvath provided background information on this item, noting that the surveyors had run into delays concerning the right-of--ways. K. Peters indicated that they were dealing with outside parties and this takes some time. Councillor A.M. Philipsen asked if one year was enough time to complete all the requirements. K. Peters replied that one year should be adequate for completing a single lot subdivision. C-368/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR 1. SCHROEDER that the request fora 1 year time extension to subdivision application 2007-0-431 to October 23, 2009 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED c. Subdivision Extension Request 2007-0-235 - M. & A. Van Dyck/Midwest Surveys (Owner/Applicant) SE ~/a 13-15-14-W4 D. Horvath provided background information on this item, indicating that ,.~-~ all conditions had been addressed by the applicant. C-369/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the request fora 6 month time extension to subdivision application 2007-0-235 to April 23, 2009 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING K. Peters and C. Peterson left the meeting at 11:18 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Havinga arrived at 11:18 a.m. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS c. Lake Newell Resort Update R. Havinga presented Council with an update on the status of the Lake Newell Resort Water Treatment Plant. He indicated that the filters are not performing to their full capacity due to being clogged with silt and chemicals, and that they have probably never been changed. He Regular Council Minutes Page 6 October 23, 2008 presented Council with a quote from AW/ for the exchange of the filter media, noting that they would replace one filter at a Time to avoid disruption of the water service. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor J. Harbinson asked who would be responsible for the cost of these repairs. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that, in the past when repairs to the hamlet water treatment plants were required, the residents were responsible for the costs. R. Havinga indicated that it is necessary to replace the filter media from time to time. C-370/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the County of Newell No. 4 APPROVES the quote from AWI and agrees to proceed with Filter Media Replacement on the Lake Newell Resort Water Treatment Plant in the amount of $17,770.00 plus applicable GST, and that a budget adjustment be authorized, as required, from Account 2-4-471-00-00 to 1-2-250-41-04 in order to fund the required repairs. MOTION CARRIED R. Havinga will work with the Superintendent of Public Works to notify the residents of Lake Newell Resort of the work that is being done. LEFT THE MEETING R. Havinga left the meeting at 11:31 a.m. 9. OTHER BUSINESS -continued d. Annexation Request from County Ratepayers The Assistant Administrator presented Council with an annexation request from County residents that had been forwarded by the City of Brooks. He noted that the County of Newell and the City of Brooks are currently in discussions regarding the Inter Municipal Development Plan and requested direction from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the municipality that wants the annexation usually makes the application. He also noted that there are non-contiguous parcels included and that the application would have to be made based on that. He also noted that, if Westland Acres is also interested in annexation by the City of Brooks, that request should be considered at the same time. --,, D. Horvath indicated that the application needs to be made by the City of Brooks and discussions are needed with the ratepayers to determine what services they expect and what can be provided. She also noted that , this request will be included in the IMDP discussions. Administration was Regular Council Minutes Page 7 October 23, 2008 ~" directed to write a letter to the City of Brooks outlining the steps that need to be taken in order for this application to proceed. e. Council Meeting -December 25, 2008 As the second Council meeting in December falls on Christmas Day, it was decided at the October 16, 2008 Organizational Meeting that, if a second Council meeting was required, this meeting would be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 following the Municipal Planning Commission meeting. 10. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1652-08 -Fire Bylaw (1St, 2nd, & 3rd Readings) The Assistant Administrator presented Council with an amended Fire Bylaw, indicating the changes that had been made regarding the removal of County-wide fire bans and supervised campfires. He also noted that staff was developing an online Fire Permit form. The Assistant Administrator responded to several questions from Council. r''~ C-371/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1652-08, being a bylaw for the prevention or extinguishing of fires, for the safety, health and welfare of people and the protection of people and property form injury or destruction by fire, be given first reading. MOTION CARRIED C-372/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1652-08 be given second reading. MOTION CARRIED C-373/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that consent be given for Bylaw 1650-08 to receive third reading this 23rd day of October, 2008. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-374/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Bylaw 1652-08 be given third and final reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:46 a.m. _ _ _ Regular Council Minutes Page 8 October 23, 2008 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS -continued a. Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Request -Div. 6 Councillor S. Evans presented Council with a Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding request from Division 6. She noted that there would be a plaque in the lobby area of the new Joint-Use Facility building indicating sponsorship by the County of Newell. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-375/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that the Regional Enhancement Reserve funding request from Division 6 for the Bassano Volunteer Fire Department Upgrade of Emergency Equipment ($23,571.70) and the Bassano Pool and Joint-Use Facility Building ($250,000.00) be APPROVED in the amount of $273,571.70 with funding through the Regional Enhancement Reserve allocation. MOTION CARRIED The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that there had been several inquiries regarding when funding would be released for approved projects. As there is nothing in the policy regarding this, he requested direction from Council. Council discussed whether funding should be released immediately upon approval of the request or held until actual tender results or invoices for work done are received. --~, LEFT THE MEETING R. Kiedrowski and M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 12:07 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:07 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:56 p.m. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS -continued a. Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Request -Div. 6 Council continued the discussion on Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding. The Assistant Administrator outlined the rules that were set out in the Regional Enhancement Reserve policy that applicants are to follow when submitting their project request. Council discussed what would happen if a project came in under budget and it was determined that the community should use any remaining funding on another capital project that would benefit the community. C-376/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Policy 2008-PLG-017 be amended under Policy Guidelines to state that "when applications for Regional Regular Council Minutes Page 9 October 23, 2008 Enhancement Reserve Funding are approved by a Council motion, the funding ~'"' included in the motion will be forwarded as soon as possible to the municipality or group who submitted the application." MOTION CARRIED b. Meetings with Ministers During AAMDC A meeting with the Minister of Transportation during the Fall 2008 AAMDC Convention has been scheduled for Wednesday, November 12, 2008. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that MLA A. Doerksen would also like to attend this meeting, and Councillor S. Evans suggested Fisher Bridge and Highway 873 as topics for discussion. Further agenda items will be discussed during the November 3, 2008 Municipal Committee meeting. The request for a meeting with the Minister of Seniors & Community Supports is still pending. Reeve M. Douglass noted that the convention does not begin until the late afternoon on November 11, 2008. The Executive Assistant was directed to amend the room bookings for arrival on November 1 irn 12. COMMITTEE REPORTS ~ a. College Advisory Committee Councillor S. Evans indicated that she had attended a meeting on October 20, 2008. The Medicine Hat College is focusing on recruiting new students and implementing a scholarship program for local students in an effort to boost enrolment. They are also continuing to investigate expansion. b. Mayors and Reeves Association Reeve M. Douglass reported that, at the last meeting, they had discussed concerns about the Medicine Hat Hospital building program being put on hold, but the Minister of Health has indicated that fhe project will proceed. c. Newell Foundation Councillor S. Evans told Council that there was a large waiting list for Newbrook Lodge and they are currently in the process of reviewing policies. She also noted that a recent survey of the residents in both lodges had yielded very positive results. Council discussed thQ lack of ,,.. long term care spaces, and Councillor 1. Schroeder indicated that this had been discussed at the meeting of the health board. The province is aware of the situation, and many other municipalities have the same issue. Councillor S. Evans indicated that there were provincial funding Regular Council Minutes Page 10 October 23, 2008 opportunities for lodge modernization and improvement and affordable supportive living, and that the Newell Foundation would be investigating these programs in the future. d. Newell Recycling Association Councillor B. de Jong submitted a written report to Council regarding the Painting the Town Green Conference he had recently attended. Councillor A.M. Philipsen inquired about electronics recycling and how the recycled materials are being disposed of. Councillor B, de Jong was unsure, but indicated that some areas treat recycling as a resource and sell recycled goods for a profit. He also noted that, overall, the County of Newell is doing well in the area of recycling, but there is room for improvement. e. Tourism Representative Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report to Council with a summary of the recent Newell Regional Tourism Association Board Meeting, Canadian Badlands, Economic Development, and the Disney "Keys to Excellence" Workshop she attended. Councillor A.M. Philipsen responded to questions from Council regarding the upcoming Economic --.~ Development Best Practice Mission to Indiana on November 16-20, 2008, `.~ indicating that the region they will be visiting is very similar to the County of Newell. f. Veteran's Memorial Highway Development Safety Association Councillor B. de Jong indicating that he had attended a meeting recently in Castor, AB. He noted that the Association was currently trying to arrange a meeting with the Minister of Transportation during the Fall 2008 AAMDC Convention in order to bring the issues of concern to the forefront. g. 9-1-1 Committee Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the next meeting would be held on Wednesday, November 5, 2008. ~~ r''' Regular Council Minutes October 23, 2008 Page 11 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period was held. Councillor A. Eastman presented information on the Water, Agriculture & fhe Environment Conference, which will be held November 27-28, 2008 in Lethbridge, AB. C-377/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Water, Agriculture & the Environment Conference at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel & Conference Center on November 27-28, 2008 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 1. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-378/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Councillor W. Daniels be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 14. INFORMATION ITEMS a. RCMP Newsletter -September 2008 Council was presented with the September 2008 issue of the RCMP "Between the Lines" newsletter. This item was accepted as information. b. Shortgrass Library System Newsletter -July-September 2008 Council was presented with the July-September 2008 issue of the Shortgrass Library System newsletter. This item was accepted as information. c. E.I.D. Sheepdog Competition 2008 -Letter of Thanks Council was presented with a letter from the E.I.D. Classic Sheepdog Competition 2008, thanking them for their support. This item was accepted as information. 15. IN CAMERA ,.-. C-379/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that we move in camera at 1:48 p.m. MOTION CARRIED _. Regular Council Minutes Page 12 October 23, 2008 C-380/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we move out of camera at 3:07 m. P• MOTION CARRI ~' ED C-381/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR 1. SCHROEDER that Motion C-42/08 be amended to read that the funding source for the $1,250.00 Bassano Airport Study come from the General Surplus Reserve. MOTION CARRIED C-382/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the County of Newell No. 4 provide two vests and two pen sets for the F.C.S.S. conference being held at the end of November. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN C-383/08 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the meeting adjourn at 3:10 p.m. MOTION CARRIED ~~ Ree e C ty Administrator