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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-06-25 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL NO.4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING June 25, 2009 C-204/09 1. The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, June 25, 2009 commencing at 10:00 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels I. Schroeder A.M. Philipsen R. Andrews J. Harbinson S. Evans A. Eastman B. de Jong ABSENT: H. Wutzke STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Development Control Officer K. Halsted, Assessor A. Clapton, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN B. Parker, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: R. Kiedrowski, Brooks & County Chronicle M. Fitzgerald, Q-13 Fox Radio Sabine Nasse, CAO (Town of Bassano) Peggy Desgagne, Brooks Food Bank Foundation Chris Van Ryckeghem, Brooks Food Bank Foundation Katharina Wolf, Brooks Food Bank Foundation EXCUSED FROM MEETING MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that Councillor H. Wutzke be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED C-205/09 2. MINUTES MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the June 11, 2009 Council minutes be adopted as presented. ~~ OTION CARRIED c Regular Council Minutes Page 2 June 25, 2009 3. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. 4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-206/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor R. Andrews arrived at 10:05 a.m. 5. CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C-207/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that cheques 165120 to 165272 in the amount of $951,906.58 and cheques 165273 to 165274 in the amount of $102,871.00 be approved. MOTION CARRIED 6. MUNICIPAL TREASURER'S REPORT - May 2009 The Treasurer's Report for May 2009 was presented to Council. C-208/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the Treasurer's Report for May 2009 be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 7. BUSINESS FROM MINUTES There was no business from the minutes to discuss at this meeting. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Nasse arrived at 10:09 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS a. Bassano Air Show (July 23, 2009) S. Nasse thanked Council for the support shown to the Town of v~ %" ~ Bassano through the Regional Enhancement Reserve and presented /~l updates on the progress of several projects that have been funded ,, (,~ Regular Council Minutes Page 3 June 25, 2009 through this program. She also acknowledged receipt of the letter requesting suggestions for possible areas in which the County could assist and suggested several ideas, such as grant writing, information technology, grading, and economic development. These items will be discussed further during the joint meeting in the fall between the County and the surrounding municipalities. Council was presented with information regarding the upcoming Bassano Air Rodeo, scheduled for July 23, 2009. Bassano has been selected as one of the 100 towns and cities that the Snow Birds will be flying over as part of the 100th Anniversary of the Canadian Air Force. Other local pilots have agreed to participate in the show and volunteers have been working to organize the event. In order to meet the safety requirements of Transport Canada, Township Road 21-4 from Highway #1 to the railroad tracks will need to be closed that day. In addition, Range Road 18-5 from Highway #1 to the Bassano Municipal Airport will need to be closed from 4:45 p.m. to 7.•00 p.m. to contain spectators in the designated area. S. Nasse indicated that Volker Stevin has volunteered to provide barricades and personnel to ensure that no one travels down the road. Traffic control assistance will also be provided by the Gleichen RCMP. Transport Canada also requires that an approach be installed from Range Road 18-5 for traffic flow and emergency vehicles. This approach would be temporary for the event, but could become permanent. S. Nasse also requested the use of the Emergency Trailer for the Day, which could be used for the pilots' briefing and in the event of an accident. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Reeve M. Douglass inquired about Emergency Medical personnel, and S. Nasse replied that there would be ambulance and fire department staff on site for the day and they would determine what equipment was needed for the trailer. S. Nasse responded to questions from Council. C-209/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County APPROVES the temporary closure of Twp. Rd. 21-4 from Highway #1 to the railroad tracks and Range Road 18-5 from Highway #1 to the Bassano Municipal Airport on July 23, 2009 for the purpose of the Bassano Air Rodeo, and that the Public Works Department will install a temporary approach from the Bassano Airport property to Range Road 18-5, and that the Town of Bassano be permitted to use the Emergency Trailer for the event. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING P. Desgagne, C. Van Ryckeghem, K. Wolf arrived at 10:30 a.m. ~t~ ~j Regular Council Minutes Page 4 June 25, 2009 LEFT THE MEETING S. Nasse left the meeting at 10:34 a.m. b. Brooks Food Bank Foundation P. Desgagne distributed the budget and financial statements of the Brooks Food Bank Foundation to Council. She reported that the food bank is having difficulty operating due to the loss of the Wild Rose Foundation funding and the increase in the number of clients due to the poor economic situation. Reeve M. Douglass noted that she had received information regarding changes to the Community Initiatives Program which is meant to take over for the Wild Rose Foundation. She indicated that she would forward this information to P. Desgagne. P. Desgagne responded to questions from Council and provided clarification regarding the amount of funding previously received through the Wild Rose Foundation. She indicated that they have also sent a funding proposal to the City of Brooks. Council discussed the possibility of Grasslands FCSS providing funding for the food bank and it was noted that the FCSS funding rules state that it cannot be used for food, clothing, or shelter. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that the Brooks Food Bank Foundation contact the MLA's office and ask them about alternative funding sources. P. Desgagne indicated that they had not requested a specific dollar amount because they would be grateful for any amount. She listed some other funding sources that have recently been decreased and noted that a fundraiser is planned for the near future. Councillor B. de Jong suggested a loan that could be repaid when grant funding is received. Council discussed whether or not the County had ever provided funding for the food bank and Councillor J. Harbinson indicated that they had received funding through the Grasslands Regional FCSS when they were starting up. Council acknowledged the importance of the service provided by the Brooks Food Bank Foundation. LEFT THE MEETING P. Desgagne, C. Van Ryckeghem, K. Wolf left the meeting at 10:55 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Wickert arrived at 10:57 a.m. ~~ ~~ Regular Council Minutes June 25, 2009 9. OTHER BUSINESS Page 5 a. Development Agreement -Lake Newell Resort (Block 8) Council was presented with a Development Agreement for Lake Newell Resort - Block 8. The Development Control Officer presented background information on this item and requested approval of the agreement so that it can be signed. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Reeve M. Douglass expressed concerns with the comments from D. Shantz, QC. The Development Control Officer outlined the difference between a letter of credit and a performance bond and gave the reasons for agreeing to accept a performance bond. She noted that there would be concessions placed on the performance bond -namely that the amount would not be reduced as requested by the developer and the inspections will be completed by the County's inspectors at the expense of the developer. The Development Control Officer also indicated that a performance bond had also been accepted for Block 5 and had recently been renewed. The Development Control Officer responded to questions from Council. Council expressed concerns with accepting a performance bond. The Assistant Administrator indicated that the original letter of credit proposal required 125 % of the total cost of the project and suggested that Council could request a reduced amount in the form of a letter of credit with the balance covered by a performance bond. This would require a discussion with the Developer as well as an extension to the subdivision deadline. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. The Development Control Officer suggested that the developer may be in favour of a performance bond in the amount listed in the agreement with a reduction to $274, 000. DO in the form of a letter of credit when the certificate of completion has been issued. The Assistant Administrator indicated that he would arrange a meeting with the developer to try and come up with an alternative solution and requested an extension to the subdivision. C-210/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the request fora 2 month time extension to subdivision application 2007-0-039 to August 25, 2009 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert left the meeting at 11:32 a.m. ~ ~~;~ Regular Council Minutes Page 6 June 25, 2009 b. Consent for the City of Brooks to Acquire Land in the County The Assistant Administrator presented Council with information regarding the request from the City of Brooks to acquire land within the County for the new arena facility. He indicated that the Municipal Government Act requires writfen consent from the County in the form of a resolution. C-211/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that consent be given for the City of Brooks to acquire the land at Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 081 0926 (NW 20-18-14 W4M) for the purpose of constructing a new arena facility. MOTION CARRIED 10. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1666-09 - 09 LUA 004 (Block 1, Plan 8810977 - NE 6-19-14-W4) C. Leavitt (Owner/Applicant) OF -Urban Fringe District to CR -Country Residential (1St Reading) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item. C-212/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1666-09, being a bylaw to amend Bylaw 1626-07 by rezoning approximately 8.06 hectares (19.92 acres) of land in NE 6-19-14-W4 from OF -Urban Fringe District to CR -Country Residential District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED b. Bylaw 1669-09 - Rescinding Bylaws 1120-95 (Fireworks) & 1323-00 (Dog Control) (1St 2"d & 3`d Readings) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item. C-213109 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Bylaw 1669-09, being a bylaw to rescind the obsolete Bylaws 1120-95 (Fireworks) and 1323-00 (Dog Control), be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-214/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that Bylaw 1669-09 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED ~.. ~~,. Regular Council Minutes Page 7 June 25, 2009 C-215/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that consent be given for Bylaw 1669-09 to receive third reading this 25th day of June, 2009. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-216/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Bylaw 1669-09 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED c. Bylaw 1670-09 - 09 LUA 006 (SW 7-19-14-W4) Global IT Corporation (Owner) P. Chouhan, Braveheart Holdings (Applicant) BUF -Brooks Urban Fringe District to I -Industrial District (1St Reading) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item. Councillor W. Daniels requested that Administration ensure that the road width is consistent with that of the northern quarter during the subdivision process. C-217/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1670-09, being a bylaw to amend Bylaw 1626-07 by rezoning approximately 64.80 hectares (160 acres) of land in SW 7-19-14-W4 from BUF -Brooks Urban Fringe District to I -Industrial District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Request for Waiver of Tax Penalties The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with information regarding a request to waive the tax penalties for Roll Nos. 544700 and 548700. The ratepayer had reportedly mailed his payment on June 13, 2009, but the envelope is postmarked June 16, 2009. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C-218/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the request to refund the penalties applied to Tax Roll Nos. 544700 and 548700 as a result of late payment of taxes be REFUSED. MOTION CARRIED b. Regional Partnerships Initiatives Exploration Grant Application - Veterans' Memorial Highway Association The Assistant Administrator presented Council with a letter from the Veterans' Memorial Highway Association requesting a resolution in support of an application to the Regional Partnerships lnitif~es Program for an exploratory Grant. Councillor B. de Jong i~dlcate th t Regular Gouncil Minutes Page 8 June 25, 2009 the Association is trying to draw more attention from the provincial government and show the benefits of promoting the Veterans' memorial Highway. Councillor B. de Jong responded to questions from Council. C-219/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the Council of the County of Newell supports an application to the Alberta Municipal Affairs Regional Partnerships Initiative by the Veterans' Memorial Highway Association for a Regional Partnerships Initiative Exploration Grant. MOTION CARRIED c. Rodeo & Fairgrounds Grant Application The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the Grant Administrator had requested a resolution from Council in support of an application to the Community Adjustment Fund. The funds would be used for fence and corral relocation to the new rodeo and fairgrounds site. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. Reeve M. Douglass noted that the request for the relocation of the fences and corrals should come through the Joint Services C~~~-~r~ittee -~ith the involvement of the Brooks Kinsmen, the Silver Sage Ar~r-a~~~ie Eastern Irrigation District, and .tlae- The Chief Administrative Officer will advise the Grant Administrator of this requirement. C-220/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the Council of the County of Newell supports a regional initiative for an application to the Community Adjustment Fund for the purpose of relocating fences and corrals to the new rodeo and fairgrounds site. MOTION CARRIED d. Brooks Hospital Reeve M. Douglass reported that she had been asked if the County had an official stance on the lack of pre and perinatal care services in Brooks. Not all residents are able to take the time and cover the expense involved with travelling to Medicine Hat for appointments and delivery. Council agreed that this is an important issue and requested that a letter be written to Premier E. Stelmach and copied to the Minister of Health & Wellness, Alberta Health Services, and MLA A. Doerksen expressing these concerns. Administration was directed to invite the Brooks Hospital Chief of Staff to provide more information on this issue at a future meeting. C-221/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that a letter be written to Premier E. Stelmach and copied to the Minister of Health & Wellness, Alberta Health Services, and MLA A. Doerksen expressing concerns over the lack of pre perinatal care in Brooks. ~~ ~.o,~ ~IdN--^~^-~s~`~h `~"'- ~~"' ~~ I, ~kS1-1b~e~~ ~ ~t~=.G~- ~° MOTION CARRIED ~~ fem. tu-~ ~.-.rzs~tl `~ . Regular Council Minutes Page 9 June 25, 2009 LEFT THE MEETING R. Kiedrowski and M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 12:08 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:08 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS -continued e. Tax Assessment Councillor J. Harbinson presented Council with an update on an assessment issue that was discussed during the June 16, 2009 Workshop Session. When the new owner purchased the property, the assessment was changed to part residential and part commercial. Councillor J. Harbinson asked if notification letters were sent in addition to the tax notices when an assessment is changed. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that the Assessor be invited to the meeting to provide an explanation. This item was postponed until later in this meeting. 12. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Newell Foundation Councillor S. Evans presented this report to Council. They are currently investigating a garage to be used as storage for scooters. There are currently 6 vacancies at Newbrook Lodge and 5 vacancies at Playfair Lodge. She indicated that the staff are currently visiting people in the surrounding municipalities and letting them know the services that are available. b. Shortgrass Library Board Councillor W. Daniels indicated that he had recently attended the Shortgrass Library System Annual General Meeting. c. Economic Development/Tourism Advisory Committee Councillor A. M. Philipsen submitted a written report. Sher ded Council of the joint meeting with the Economic Development & o rism Advisory Committee beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Heritag Regular Council Minutes June 25, 2009 d. 9-1-1 Committee Page 10 Reeve M. Douglass reported that the last meeting had been held at the end of May. The requisition will increase from $4.27 to $4.80 per capita and there is still uncertainty as to whether or not the Foothills Regional Emergency Medical Services (FREMS) will be involved with the 9-1-1 dispatch in the future, due to the restructuring of Alberta Health Services. e. Scholarship Committee Reeve M. Douglass indicated that, while visiting the Clearview Colony School, many of the students and staff had expressed interest in municipal government. She suggested that someone from the County could be involved with gathering items that would be of interest to local schools, such as a County map and the Annual Report Document. This could generate interest in students towards a future career in municipal government. f. Eastern Irrigation District Meeting Reeve M. Douglass reported on the recent meeting she attended with the Assistant Administrator. It was decided that the EID and the County would each write a letter to the Ministers of Tourism and Transportation expressing disappointment that Highway 873 will not be paved this year and indicating that they will continue to pursue this initiative. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Halsted arrived at 1:25 p.m. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS -continued e. `'~ ~~~,~ Tax Assessment -continued The Assessor reported that he had spoken with the ratepayer regarding the change in their assessment. He explained the reasoning for the commercial assessment, indicating that there was equipment around the shop that indicated it was being used for something other than agricultural purposes. He noted that the assessment had been changed in 2007 and the ratepayer had not mentioned it at that time. The ratepayer had raised the issue five days after the appeal period had expired, so the Assessor was unable to change anything for this year. Regular Council Minutes Page 11 June 25, 2009 The Assessor responded to questions from Council. Councillor J. Harbinson inquired about how ratepayers were notified about assessment changes, and the Assessor replied that tax notices were mailed out, but no additional letter was included. Discussion followed and it was concluded that it was the responsibility of the ratepayer to read their assessment every year. Council suggested placing an article in the newsletter reminding people to read their tax notices with the notification of mailing. LEFT THE MEETING K. Halsted left the meeting at 1:36 p.m. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS a. Mini Bus Monthly Reports -May 2009 Council was presented with the Mini Bus Monthly Reports for May 2009. This item was accepted as information. b. Oldman River Regional Services Commission Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes (March 5, 2009) Council was presented with the minutes of the ORRSC Board of Directors' Meeting of March 5, 2009. This item was accepted as information. LEFT THE MEETING B. Parker left the meeting at 1:39 p.m. c. County Landowner Information The Chief Administrative Officer reported to Council that he was currently testing a device that has landowner information for L e Newell Resort linked to the GPS map data. Having lando n information linked to the GPS data will be invaluable for ce i ~~ U Regular Council Minutes Page 12 June 25, 2009 applications, particularly emergency response. He acknowledged G. Tiffin for his work in accomplishing this in acost-effective manner. 15. IN CAMERA C-222/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we move in camera at 1:41 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-223/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that we move out of camera at 1:56 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN C-224/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the meeting adjourn at 1:56 p.m. MOTION CARRIED -, ~_` ~. Reeve Coun y A ini at r