Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-09-24 Council (Regular) Minutesv Nesir t.. C- 314/09 MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF: COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING September 24, 2009 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, September, 2009 commencing at 10:03 a.m. M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels I. Schroeder A.M. Philipsen R. Andrews J. Harbinson S. Evans A. Eastman B. de Jong H. Wutzke K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator D. Crapo, Information Technologist A. Clapton, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Fitzgerald, Q -13 Fox Radio 1. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 2. MINUTES C- 313/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the September 10, 2009 Council minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 3. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. 4. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 2 September 24, 2009 C- 318/09 5. CHEQUES FOR PAYMENT The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C- 315/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that cheques 165775 to 165879 in the amount of $2,695,338.80 be approved. MOTION CARRIED 6. MUNICIPAL TREASURER'S REPORT August 2009 The Treasurer's Report for August 2009 was presented to Council. C- 316/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the Treasurer's Report for August 2009 be accepted. 7. BUSINESS FROM MINUTES There was no business from the minutes to discuss at this meeting. 8. OTHER BUSINESS a. Airport Agreements b. Hours of Operation December 24 31 MOTION CARRIED Council was presented with a revised agreement for the co- ownership and co- management of the Brooks Airport. The Chief Administrative Officer reported that the City of Brooks may require some changes to the draft agreement and suggested that the item be tabled until confirmation is received. C- 317/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the agreement for Co- Ownership Co- Management of the Brooks Airport be tabled until further information is received. MOTION CARRIED The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that Administration be directed to make suitable arrangements for early closure of all offices of the County of Newell No. 4 at 3:00 p.m. on December 24, 2009 (Christmas Eve) and December 31, 2009 (New Year's Eve). MOTION CARRIED 0 9. BYLAWS Regular Council Minutes Page 3 September 24, 2009 a. Bylaw 1678 -09 Economic Development/Tourism Committee (2 "d 3 Reading) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item. Council discussed the articles that involved the length of term for committee members and the required length of time between reappointment. Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that the article regarding extended absences may need to be enforced at some point. C- 319/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that Bylaw 1678 -09, being a bylaw to establish an Economic Development/Tourism Committee for the County of Newell No. 4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 320/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1678 -09 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED b. Bylaw 1679 -09 Amendment to Bylaw 1407 -02 (Meeting Procedures) (1 Reading) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item to Council. He indicated that, if the proposal goes forward, the Councillor's Compensation Expenses policy will also need to be reviewed. The proposed amendment to Bylaw 1679 -09 would remove the reference to the appointment of a chairman for the Agricultural Service Board and Municipal Committee at the Organizational Meeting. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. Council expressed concerns about the Reeve being required to attend all functions as the sole representative of Council. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the Reeve could select a delegate to attend certain functions. The Assistant Administrator noted that the Municipal Planning Commission should remain a separate meeting with business handled outside of the regular Council agenda. Councillor W. Daniels inquired about the requirements of the ASB Act. The Assistant Administrator replied that other municipalities have been using a combined meeting structure and this is acceptable under the ASB act. Council discussed the proposal, indicating that a more streamlined agenda would reduce the workload and allow Council to focus on policy. Councillor A. Eastman inquired about the most efficient way to Regular Council Minutes Page 4 September 24, 2009 ARRIVED Councillor KAA4 AT MEETING address ASB and Municipal Committee items. The Assistant Administrator replied that the agenda would be set up with specific blocks for ASB and Municipal items and staff would know what time they would be required to attend the meetings. This would allow ASB and Municipal items to be addressed in a more timely fashion, rather than waiting up to two months for a specific meeting. Council discussed the MPC meeting, which would likely begin at 10:00 a.m., with the regular Council meeting beginning after MPC adjourns. Councillor W. Daniels expressed concerns with an unspecified starting time for Council. The Assistant Administrator replied that any delegations would be scheduled in the afternoon and that Council meetings would be advertised as beginning following the conclusion of MPC, as the Workshop Session is advertised now. He indicated that the regular meeting schedule would be set during the Organizational Meeting and any changes to individual meeting dates could be made through a Council motion. C- 321/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Bylaw 1679 -09, being a bylaw to amend Bylaw 1407 -02 (Meeting Procedures) by removing article 7.3.8 "Election of Chairman for the Municipal Committee and Agricultural Service Board," be given FIRST reading. R. Andrews arrived at 10:41 a.m. MOTION CARRIED c. Bylaw 1680 -09 Municipal Planning Commission, Establishment of (1 Reading) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item to Council, indicating that the proposed amendment would remove the members -at -large and create a committee consisting exclusively of Council members. Council acknowledged the importance of having the public involved and suggested that members -at -large could still attend if MPC had a scheduled time. The Assistant Administrator indicated that the members -at -large would be required to attend two meetings per month, which could be inconvenient. C- 322/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1680 -09, being a bylaw to establish the Municipal Planning Commission, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 3 Regular Council Minutes Page 5 September 24, 2009 d. Bylaw 1681 -09 Subdivision Development Authority (1 Reading) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item to Council. C- 323/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1681 -09, being a bylaw to establish a Subdivision Development Authority, be given FIRST reading. e. Bylaw 1682 -09 Rescinding Bylaw 1205 -97 (Municipal Committee ASB, Powers of) (1 Reading) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item to Council. C- 324/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that Bylaw 1682 -09, being a bylaw to rescind Bylaw 1205 -97 (Municipal Committee ASB, Powers of), be given FIRST reading. 10. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Policy Review 1995-PPW-013 Fireworks Displays The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item, indicating that this policy should be rescinded as the Fireworks Bylaw has been rescinded and there is no way to enforce the policy. C- 325/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that Policy 1995 -PPW -013 be RESCINDED. b. Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD) MOTION CARRIED MOTION CARRIED Councillor R. Andrews indicated that he had received a letter from the Brooks Composite High School SADD group requesting a donation to be used towards various events they have planned. Councillor R. Andrews responded to questions from Council. MOTION CARRIED C- 326/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell agrees to fund the registration fees for two students to attend the SADD conference in Edmonton. %b' MOTION DEFEATED v Regular Council Minutes Page 6 September 24, 2009 c. Dust Control Councillor R. Andrews presented information to Council regarding dust control issues in Rainier as the result of an intensive livestock operation (ILO). A discussion followed on the status of the calcium and it was noted that excessive dust can be a hazard. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the municipalities are responsible for regulating municipal roads for speeds, weights, types of traffic, etc., but that it would be difficult to enforce dust control measures for activities that do not require an agreement or permit to complete. Councillor R. Andrews indicated that he would suggest that the ILO water the road as a dust control measure. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that this was acceptable, and suggested that if Public Works is also notified this information can also be passed on to the grader operator to ensure that any damage caused by the watering is repaired. d. Accident on Highway 873 Councillor R. Andrews presented Council with a letter written by a ratepayer to Volker Stevin regarding an accident that occurred on Highway 873. He indicated that he would support the ratepayer in his cause and requested that all Council members do the same. Council discussed the possibility of getting more signs installed along Highway 873 with contact information for Volker Stevin. 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Airport Commission Councillor B. de Jong reported that the Brooks Airport will be closed until October 10, 2009 while the runway is being repaved, and that paving will begin soon on the Bassano Airport runway. Councillor B. de Jong responded to questions from Council. b. Joint Services Committee Councillor H. Wutzke noted that, at the last meeting, they had discussed the airport agreement, IMDP items, and a meeting between the City and County councils. He indicated that the committee was working well. Reeve M. Douglass reported that the City of Brooks Centennial celebration will be held in 2010 and that the Southern Alberta Summer Games will be held in the County of Newell at this time. Other items discussed included the meeting between all County of Newell municipalities on September 29, 2009 in Duchess, a tour of the new multi -use arena, and the need for an ongoing plan for the attraction and retention of medical staff. Regular Council Minutes Page 7 September 24, 2009 Council discussed the 2010 Southern Alberta Summer Games and it was noted that a group from the City will be coming to Council to make a presentation regarding this in the near future. The next Joint Services Committee will be held on October 14, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. c. Disaster Services Committee Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the next meeting will be held on October 14, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Fire Hall. d. Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor J. Harbinson reported that the board would begin reviewing funding applications on September 29 -30, 2009 and that that they are investigating the possibility of housing Grasslands FCSS and some other groups in one location. He also reported on some issues that have arisen with the Meals on Wheels program. e. Mayors Reeves Association of Southeast Alberta Reeve M. Douglass indicated that there will be a joint meeting of the Southeast and Southwest Alberta Mayors Reeves on October Z 2009 in Taber. f. Newell Foundation g. Councillor H. Wutzke reported that they are currently advertising for a Chief Administrative Officer, and that a garage will be built at Playfair Lodge to house electric wheelchairs. Councillor S. Evans indicated that recognition awards had been given to staff during the September 1st barbecue and an H1N1 pandemic policy for staff was currently being discussed. Newell Recycling Association /Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Councillor B. de Jong indicated that two new recycling sheds were being built for Lake Newell Resort and Scandia, which will allow the two mobile trailers to remain in Gem and Patricia. He updated Council on construction at the landfill site and responded to questions. Regular Council Minutes Page 8 September 24, 2009 h. Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor I. Schroeder indicated that construction is progressing well. He also reported that the Village of Tilley was connected to the Brooks water system on Friday, but that the boil water advisory will remain in effect until further notice as the lines require cleaning and tests must be completed to ensure that the water is safe. Councillor 1. Schroeder reported that a review of the General Manager has been completed recently, and that workshops will be held to determine methods for water billing for January and to create a business plan. Councillor 1. Schroeder responded to questions from Council. i. Tourism Representative Councillor A.M. Philipsen updated Council on recent funding received by Canadian Badlands Ltd. which will be used for various projects that will benefit the tourism industry and smaller communities. j. Rural Crime Watch Councillor R. Andrews indicated that the Rural Crime Watch Annual General Meeting will be held at the Heritage Inn on November 4, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. Guest speakers have been booked and will address oilfteld security and livestock theft. He also reminded Council of the Rural Crime Watch registration packages that are available from the Administration Office. C- 327/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that two vests and two pen sets be donated to the Rural Crime Watch Annual General Meeting being held on November 4, 2009 to be used as door prizes. k. Crime Stoppers Board Councillor R. Andrews noted that tickets are available for the Crime Stoppers Board gala, which will be held on January 14, 2010 in Calgary. He also indicated that he had raffle tickets available, the proceeds of which go to Calgary Crime Stoppers. I. Assessment Review Board Councillor R. Andrews indicated that he would be unable to attend the Assessment Review Board meeting on October 21, 2009. This will be considered at the Organizational Meeting on October 13, 2009. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 9 September 24, 2009 LUNCH 12. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION 13. INFORMATION ITEMS LEFT THE MEETING S. Stanway and M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 11:55 a.m. Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:55 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:35 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING A question period and notice of motion was held. a. Oldman River Regional Services Commission Executive Committee Meeting Minutes (July 14, 2009) D. Crapo arrived at 12:35 p.m. This item was accepted as information. b. Oldman River Regional Services Commission Annual General Board of Directors' Meeting Minutes (June 14, 2009) This item was accepted as information. c. Travelling Art Show Thank You Card This item was accepted as information. d. Rural Alberta's Development Fund Certificate of Recognition This item was accepted as information. 10. POST AGENDA ITEMS continued e. New Server Update The Information Technologist presented Council with an overview of the new server and responded to questions. The Chief Administrative Regular Council Minutes Page 10 September 24, 2009 Officer indicated that Council should contact the Information Technologist if they have any computer problems. LEFT THE MEETING D. Crapo left the meeting at 12:59 p.m. 14. IN CAMERA C- 328/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 12:59 p.m. C- 329/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we move out of camera at 1:45 p.m. 15. ADJOURN Reeve ministrator MOTION CARRIED MOTION CARRIED C- 330/09 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the meeting adjourn at 1:45 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 3 p vassol