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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-07-20 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL July 20, 2017 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, July 20, 2017 commencing at 11:22 a.m. MEMBERS Molly Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Philipsen T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh L. Juss ABSENT: W. Hammergren B. de Jong STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN B. Parker, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: Cpl. B. McDonald, RCMP - Bassano J. Fraser, Safe Communities Coordinator Sgt. C. Zanidean, RCMP - Brooks Cpl. G. Yetman, RCMP - Redcliff 1. PIA C-215/17 3. ?16/17 CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:22 a.m. EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Councillor W. Hammergren and Councillor B. de Jong be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (July 6, 2017) MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the July 6, 2017 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council July 20, 2017 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-217117 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7. DELEGATIONS 7.1 RCMP Quarterly Reports 7.1.1 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. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions regarding the fine for a dirty license plate and whether data collected by the speed spy devices will be shared with the RCMP. He also responded to questions regarding whether Alberta Transportation had made contact regarding sprinkling on secondary highways. 7.1.2 Bassano RCMP (Cpl. B. McDonald) Cpl. B. McDonald presented the Bassano RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events over the first two quarters of 2017. He indicated that the priorities identified in his Annual Performance Plan have been carried forward from last year. The priorities are visibility, traffic safety, and prolific offenders. There were no issues at either the Bassano Rodeo or Canada Day events this year. School visits will resume in September. Cpl. B. McDonald responded to questions regarding staffing levels at the Bassano detachment. 7.1.3 Safe Communities (J. Fraser) J. Fraser provided an update on the activities of the Safe Communities Committee. There has been a focus on increasing social media presence to generate awareness. J. Fraser has attended several meetings within the community. She provided an update on car seat clinics, indicating that she will be certified as a technician in the fall and this program will be extended to the County. Safe Kids Week events were held in Tilley, Bassano, and Brooks. and presentations were done at JBS for their safety days. Several successful bike rodeos have also been held. J. Fraser provided information regarding grant applications that would be submitted for a trailer to store bicycle safety program equipment and to expand the Page 2 of 9 Regular Council July 20, 2017 safety program for car seats and bicycle helmets. They are also trying to schedule a presentation and movie that features Sheldon Kennedy. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor K. Christman asked if the Safe Communities Committee mandate included the colonies. J. -Fraser indicated that she would look into this. Cpl. B. McDonald provided an update on the former Safe Communities Coordinator, C. Oliver. LEFT THE MEETING Cpl. B. McDonald, J. Nesbitt, and J. Fraser left the meeting at 11:39 a.m. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 8.1 CMC Research Institutes - Presentation & Site Tour (August 10, 2017) Discussion followed. Council directed the Executive Assistant to arrange for a presentation by CMC Research Institutes at 3:00 p.m. on August 10, 2017 followed by a tour of their facility. 8.3 Municipal Sustainability Initiative - Amending Agreement The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item, indicating that the Minister of Municipal Affairs did not provide a specific response to the questions posed in the County's letter. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions, indicating that the AAMDC had been copied on the correspondence and the response was that the County should contact Municipal Affairs. He suggested obtaining a legal opinion and expressed concerns with signing the amending agreement and the possibility of not receiving the MSI funds owed to the County. Councillor C. Amulung agreed with obtaining legal advice, but also noted the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the provincial government. Further discussion occurred regarding forwarding another request for clarity and the possibility of a meeting with the Minister or staff from Municipal Affairs. The Chief Administrative Officer reiterated concerns regarding the termination of the agreement, considering that the County has used public funds to complete projects in anticipation of receiving MSI funding. Council directed the Chief Administrative Officer to send a response reiterating the request for clarity and to obtain legal advice on how to handle the matter so that the original funding commitments are not lost by signing the amending agreement. 8.4 Grasslands Regional Schools Land Transfer Request (Block 4 Plan 152FK Rolling Hills) Council was presented with background information on this item. C-218/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Cou cil provides approval to proceed with the title transfer of the Rolling Hills Ball Dia nd Property (Block 4 Plan 152FK) from Grasslands Regional Schools to the County of ewell. �9 MOTION Page 3 of 9 Regular Council July 20, 2017 8.5 2017 Tax Sale by Public Auction Council was presented with background information on this item. C-219/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the 2017 Tax Sale by Public Auction be held on Thursday, November 2, 2017 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 2017 Tax Sale properties be set as recommended by Administration. MOTION CARRIED 8.6 Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Meeting (September 15, 2017) Council was presented with background information on this item. Councillor K. Christman suggested asking the other municipalities in attendance about the Municipal Sustainability Initiative amending agreement. This item will be submitted as an agenda item to the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association meeting. Discussion followed. 8.7 Cheques for Payment There were no cheques for payment to discuss at this meeting. 8.8 Payment Register The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C-220/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 8.9 Requests for Functions of Council There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:01 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:12 p.m. 6. BYLAWS 6.2 Bylaw 1894-17 Urban Chicken Pilot Project (Hamlet of Tilley) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor A.M. Philipsen suggested that the $30.00 license fee cover the duration of the pilot project. Discussion flowed and Council requested that hens of any age be permitted so that UNIrticipants can raise chicks. Discussion followed regarding the section on eeping Urban Chickens and the list of requirements and this was determined to be adequate. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions Page 4 of 9 Regular Council July 20, 2017 from Council. Council indicated that the pilot project should be in effect for eighteen months. X21/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1894-17, being a bylaw for the purpose of regulating the keeping of chickens within the Hamlet of Tilley, be given FIRST reading with the following amendments: - 2(a) "CAO" means the person appointed by the County of Newell Council as the Chief Administrative Officer or a designate; - 2(i) "Urban Chicken" means a Hen of any age;" - 7. The maximum number of Chicken Licenses that may be issued within the Hamlet of Tilley shall be limited to twenty-five (25); - 10. A Chicken License is valid only for the duration of the pilot project. MOTION CARRIED C-222/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1894-17 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-223/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that consent be given for Bylaw 1894-17 to receive third reading this 20th day of July, 2017. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-224/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1894-17 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 6.1 Bylaw 1893-17 AMENDMENT to Bylaw 1720-11 (Animal Control) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-225-17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1893-17, being a bylaw for the purpose of amending Bylaw 1720-11 (Animal Control) to provide for an urban chicken pilot project within the Hamlet of Tilley, be given FIRST reading with the following amendment: - Article 4.27 "Urban Chicken" means a Hen of any age. MOTION CARRIED C-226/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1893- 7` be given SECOND reading. -M"OTIOAI CARRIED Page 5 of 9 Regular Council July 20, 2017 C-227/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GORDON SIMPSON that consent be given for Bylaw 1893-17 to receive third reading this 20th day of July, 2017. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-228/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1893-17 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS 10.1 Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Conference 2017 Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor T. Fyfe presented a written report to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 9. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 9.1 Alberta Transportation - Cost -Sharing Proposal Paving SH873, SH875, SH536 Discussion followed regarding a letter received from Alberta Transportation proposing a 50/50 cost-sharing agreement for the paving of SH873, SH876, and SH 535. Direction was given for Administration to workout / negotiate details of a draft agreement with Alberta Transportation and report back to Council prior to an agreement being finalized. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Public Open House - Duchess Solar Facility (August 1, 2017) This item was accepted as information. 12.2 Mini Bus Monthly Report (June 2017) This item was accepted as information. 12.3 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council July 20, 2017 12.4 Certificate of Appreciation from MP Martin Shields This item was accepted as information. 12.5 Workshop - Building Cultural Capacity in Brooks & the County of Newell (August 29, 2017) Discussion followed and it was determined that interested Councillors may participate at their own expense. This item was accepted as information. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 1:39 p.m. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Council responded to questions from the media. LEFT THE MEETING B. Parker left the meeting at 1:40 p.m. 14. IN CAMERA C-229/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move in camera at 1:41 p.m. to discuss a land issue. MOTION CARRIED C-230/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move out of camera at 2:30 p.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:33 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Sgt. C. Zanidean and Cpl. G. Yetman arrived at 2:33 p.m. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council July 20, 2017 7. DELEGATIONS — continued 7.2 RCMP Quarterly Reports — continued 7.2.1 Brooks RCMP (Sgt. C Zanidean) Sgt. C. Zanidean presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, providing an overview of the statistics and significant events. He indicated that boat patrols are planned for the summer as well as bike patrols in the rural areas. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Sgt. C. Zanidean responded to questions regarding boats available to the RCMP, indicating that there is a boat available at the Brooks Fire Hall for emergencies. The Taber Detachment and Alberta Fish & Wildlife also have boats that the RCMP can access, but options are being investigated for a boat owned by the Brooks RCMP for regular patrols. Sgt. C. Zanidean provided an update on staffing levels at the Brooks Detachment. Sgt. C. Zanidean responded to further questions from Council. Cpl. G. Yetman provided Council with background information on himself and his role as Acting Operations NCO. He also provided details regarding an incident in July where the Emergency Response Team had to be deployed. Sgt. C. Zanidean and Cpl. G. Yetman responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING Sgt. C. Zanidean and Cpl. G. Yetman left the meeting at 3:03 p.m. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION — continued Reeve M. Douglass reported that she had been invited to a meeting with Mayor B. Morishita and two ratepayers to discuss repairs to the marina at Lake Newell Resort. Councillor T. Fyfe provided further information, indicating that she had suggested they submit a funding application to the Division 5 & 10 Recreation Board. She also suggested that they contact the Newell Regional Tourism Association. Nothing has been submitted. Discussion followed regarding the tourism aspects and possible safety concerns with the dock. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 8.2 Electoral Boundaries Reeve M. Douglass distributed information to Council for the presentation to the Electoral Boundaries Commission public hearing on July 21, 2017. Councillor G. Simpson provided an overview of the meeting with MLA D. Fildebrandt, who ould like to see Brooks -Strathmore remain the same. The County's position is hat they would like to be within a single electoral district. Reeve M. Douglass asked about expressing concerns regarding the reduction of MLA representation in Southern Alberta. She provided an overview of the information in the presentation. Councillor K. Christman expressed concern with not acknowledging MLA D. Fildebrandt's position, which also keeps the County together within Page 8 of 9 Regular Council July 20, 2017 one electoral division and, specifically, the Strathmore -Brooks constituency. Discussion followed. Reeve M. Douglass reported that the Eastern Irrigation District and Grasslands Regional Division would also be making presentations at the public hearing and asked Council to attend as well, if they are able. 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:30 p.m. Signed this 1� day of I u , 2017 Qoo"o Page 9 of 9 Administrator