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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-05-06 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING May 6, 2010 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, May 6, 2010 commencing at 10:23 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 H. Wutzke STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Development Control Officer M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works K. Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: P. Grigaitis, Brooks & County Chronicle M. Fitzgerald, Q -13 Fox Radio J. Shergill, Lake Newell Resort Developers S. Shergill, Lake Newell Resort Developers S. Law, Lake Newell Resort Developers J. Moody, Lake Newell Resort Developers D. Johnson, President — AAMDC B. Jones, Director (District 1) — AAMDC K. Heyman, Director of Advocacy & Communications — AAMDC I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. II. MINUTES 1. Council (April 22, 2010) C- 189/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the April 22, 2010 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 2 May 6, 2010 III. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 190/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED V. BYLAWS 1. Bylaw 1698 -10 — Loan Bylaw (Tilley & District Fire Association) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 191/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1698 -10, being a bylaw to provide a loan to the Tilley & District Fire Association, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 192/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1698 -10 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Wickert arrived at 10:24 a.m. 2. Bylaw 1701 -10 — Road Closure & Sale Sections 3, 10, 15 & 22- 16 -15 -W4 The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that the existing road allowance would be closed and a new access road would be constructed during the subdivision stage. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C- 193/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Bylaw 1701 -10, being a bylaw to close and SELL the portions of government road allowance lying south of the southern boundary of Plan 9011012 adjoining the west boundaries of Sections 15 & 22- 16 -15 -W4 and adjoining the west boundaries of Sections 3 & 10- 16- 15 -W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 3 May 6, 2010 ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor J. Harbinson and M. Fitzgerald arrived at 10:28 a.m. VI. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS 1. Designating New Hires as Weed Inspectors & Pest Inspectors The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. C- 194/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that we appoint Harold Forrest and Kendal Schroeder as Inspectors for the County of Newell No. 4 pursuant to Section 5 of the Weed Control Act. MOTION CARRIED C- 195/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we appoint Harold Forrest and Kendal Schroeder as Inspectors for the County of Newell No. 4 pursuant to Section 5 of the Agricultural Pest Act. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Shergill, S. Shergill, and S. Law arrived at 10:31 a.m. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Lake Newell Resort Development Agreement The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 10:35 a.m. J. Shergill presented Council with an overview of the development progress to date and indicated that, due to the current economic situation, it has become more difficult to borrow from financial institutions. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Moody arrived at 10:40 a.m. ti)/Yij Regular Council Minutes Page 4 May 6, 2010 J. Shergill outlined the costs associated with developing the Lake Newell Resort area and requested that the amount of the letter of credit be reduced in order to facilitate further development. He also requested an extension to the Development Agreement, which expired on May 1, 2010. He suggested that Council consider accepting a performance bond, rather than a letter of credit. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor 1. Schroeder inquired about the company that would be doing the work at Lake Newell Resort, and J. Shergill replied that each stage of the development would be completed by a separate named company, and all of these companies were controlled by a single entity. J. Moody gave an explanation of the marketing of Lake Newell Resort to families looking for an affordable resort lifestyle and how this could translate into improved revenues for Lake Newell and the City of Brooks. The Assistant Administrator explained the difference between a letter of credit and a performance bond, indicating that the letter of credit will always be the most desirable as it is more easily converted to cash in the event it is needed. J. Shergill noted that the cost to the developer was the same, but that the letter of credit requires the funds to be present in the bank. Councillor 1. Schroeder gave an account of the recent experiences of the Newell Regional Services Corporation. He indicated that a performance bond could create complications that may affect the landowners in the event of a bankruptcy. J. Moody replied that the same situation at Lake Newell Resort would be less complex as it is a single corporation working on a single project. J. Moody and J. Shergill responded to further questions from Council. Council agreed that the need to protect the ratepayers must be balanced with the desire to assist the developer. Discussion followed regarding the request to reduce the amount of the letter of credit. This item will be discussed further during the In Camera portion of the meeting. LEFT THE MEETING J. Shergill, S. Shergill, S. Law, J. Moody, and Councillor S. Evans left the meeting at 11:18 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor S. Evans returned at 11:20 a.m. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and M rbicht left the meeting at 11:20 a.m. \. 1 \ i " \ . , Regular Council Minutes Page 5 May 6, 2010 4. Funding Request — EID Historical Park/Scandia Playground Councillor R. Andrews presented Council with background information on this item, including an overview of the projects that would be funded. He indicated that the community has displayed a great deal of spirit and forward momentum in carrying out these projects. The communities of Scandia, Rainier, and Bow City are currently working on combining their committees for greater cooperation in the future. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed regarding the possibility of Recreation Board Funding, and Councillor R. Andrews indicated that the requisition had been raised recently. In the future, Recreation Board funding will be used to cover similar funding requests. The Assistant Administrator gave an explanation regarding how Municipal Reserve funds are collected and disbursed. C- 196/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that funding request from the EID Historical Park/Scandia Playground for improvements to the EID Grain Elevator, ball diamond, and playground be APPROVED in the amount of $26,888.32 with funding through the Municipal Public Reserve. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Johnson, and B. Jones, K. Heyman arrived at 11:38 a.m. 2. AAMDC Member Visits D. Johnson indicated that the purpose of their visit was to discuss the key areas of concern of the municipality and to gather feedback for the Premier. Reeve M. Douglass provided an account of the recent public meeting with the Electoral Boundaries Commission in Brooks. Several groups expressed concerns at this meeting regarding the proposed changes to the electoral boundaries. Councillor B. de Jong inquired about possible changes for rural municipalities with an upcoming economic partnership between the western provinces. D. Johnson indicated that the New West Partnership Agreement will be important in promoting trade between Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. The Trade, Investment, & Labour Mobility Agreement (TILMA) has been used as a basis for the new agreement, particularly for threshold limits, and municipalities should not experience significant change as a result. l/ 1�� Regular Council Minutes Page 6 May 6, 2010 The Chief Administrative Officer requested an update on the provincial 9 -1 -1 dispatch system, indicating that, if implemented, the system needs to work flawlessly. D. Johnson replied that the underlying philosophy is good and that the RCMP, fire rescue, and ambulance services should all be able to communicate with each other, but that the public has the right to expect that the communication will be clear and that emergency services will be provided in a timely manner. The Chief Administrative Officer requested an update on rural health care and long term care. D. Johnson indicated that the Minister's Committee on Health had prepared a report and was beginning to engage the public. The patient will be central to the health system and more focus will be placed on family practices and rural Alberta. He noted that there is no specific resolution regarding rural health care. Discussion followed regarding the AAMDC Fall 2010 Convention, which has changed to a more compressed format and will be held at a different venue. Councillor B. de Jong expressed concerns regarding Telus lines not being reburied following construction and also the length of the waiting time for the installation of new land telephone lines. B. Jones agreed that there could be safety issues involved and that Telus should be liable for burying the lines. The Chief Administrative Officer inquired about funding for policing in the future. D. Johnson replied that this had been discussed by the committee last week and that they have not yet settled on a formula. He suggested that it could be a graduated system based on the level of service. LEFT THE MEETING M Fitzgerald, D. Johnson, B. Jones, and K. Heyman left the meeting at 12:34 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:34 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:14 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Martin and M. Harbicht arrived 1: p.m. f\ Regular Council Minutes Page 7 May 6, 2010 VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 3. Division 5 & 10 Brooks Fire Protection Enhancement Opportunity The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor H. Wutzke provided further information, indicating that a portion of the remaining Brooks Rural Fire Protection Association funding could be used to cover up to 65% of the cost of the Rapid Intervention Ultra High Pressure System Unit. Councillor H. Wutzke and the Assistant Administrator responded to further questions from Council. C- 197/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that of the funds that remain from the former Brooks Rural Fire Protection Association be allocated towards- 65--Jef-the purchase of a Rapid Intervention UHPS Unit for the Brooks Fire Department. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 1:35 p.m. VI. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 2. Municipal Reports The following Municipal Reports for April 2010 were presented to Council: - Utilities — NRSC - Superintendent of Public Works - Operations Manager - Technical Manager - Project Update Maps - Shop Foreman - Accounting Supervisor The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions regarding the Utilities — NRSC report. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions regarding his report, including road bans, speed limit adjustment signs on the old Highway la, and the Truck Route Open House. Councillor W. Daniels expressed concerns with the water level in the Rolling Hills catch pond. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that he was waiting for a response from Alberta Environment regarding their draft operating procedure and a long term solution. The Chief Administrative Officer Regular Council Minutes Page 8 May 6, 2010 outlined the procedure for draining the pond, which has included testing (not required by Alberta Environment) the water and obtaining approval from the Eastern Irrigation District prior to the draining. He further outlined that the 7 or so tests completed over the past 2 Y2 years identifies the water to meet irrigation standards and AMEC is currently working with Alberta Environment on updating the system to empty at a high level point. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions regarding the Operations Manager's report, including an explanation of the calcium application process. Discussion followed regarding the maintenance of existing calcium on road surfaces. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions about the Project Update maps. C- 198/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the April 2010 Municipal Reports be accepted as information. MOTION CARRIED 1. Tender Results — Antelope Creek Road The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 199/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the County of Newell awards the Antelope Creek Road (from Range Road 16 -4 to Highway 36) Base & Paving project to South Rock Ltd. in the amount of $4,041,065.00 plus GST to be funded from the Paving Reserve. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:16 p.m. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 5. Division 8 Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Reallocation The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 200/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that this item be referred to the Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Committee for Division 8. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 9 May 6, 2010 6. Request for Silent Auction Item Donation /Funding (Prairie Go -Pher Run) The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that several members of the County's Public Works Department are taking part in this fundraiser. C- 201/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell supports the Prairie Go -Pher Run through the donation of a Silent Auction item. MOTION CARRIED 7. Kinsmen Rodeo Pancake Breakfast (June 11, 2010) Council was presented with background information on this item. The Kinsmen Rodeo Pancake Breakfast is scheduled for June 11, 2010 at the old fire hall with setup beginning at 6:00 a.m. and serving from 7:00 — 9:00 a.m. The Executive Assistant indicated that she would make all the arrangements and requested volunteers to help with setup the day before and during the breakfast. Councillors B. de Jong, S. Evans, A. Eastman, and 1. Schroeder indicated that they would be available on those days. 8. Seniors' Week (June 7 -13, 2010) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item to Council. C- 202/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that the County of Newell No. 4 hereby proclaims June 7 -13, 2010 as "Seniors' Week 2010." MOTION CARRIED 9. Councillor Payment Sheets (March 2010) C- 203/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the March 2010 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 10. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C- 204/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that cheques 167222 to 167227 in the amount of $90,188.23, cheques167228 to 167326 in the "F�� Regular Council Minutes Page 10 May 6, 2010 amount of $1,138,021.09, and Direct Debit Batch 16561 in the amount of $40,523.40 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED IX. POST AGENDA ITEMS 1. Welcome Barbecue for Local Physicians & Families Councillor 1. Schroeder indicated that, at the recent City /County Joint Meeting, the County of Newell agreed to arrange a barbecue for physicians and their families from the Brooks and Bassano Area. The barbecue will be held on June 16, 2010 at the Newell Sailing Club beginning with cocktails at 5:30 p.m. and the barbecue at 6:00 p.m. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor H. Wutzke left the meeting at 2:33 p.m. and returned at 2:34 p.m. Council discussed the details of the event, which included arranging a caterer and bartender and possible activities for the kids. This item will be discussed further during the May 20, 2010 Council meeting. 2. Recreation Volunteer Recognition Awards (2010 Energize Workshop) This item was accepted as information. 3. Shortgrass Library System — 2009 Annual Report & Minutes This item was accepted as information. 4. "Journey Through a Land Where Water Works Wonders" — E.I.D. 75 Anniversary Photo Book This item was accepted as information. 5. County of Newell Generator Councillor H. Wutzke inquired about the possibility of donating or selling the County's present generator to Newbrook Lodge in the event that it is not large enough for the new facilities. Council considered this suggestion, and it was noted that the generator may be sold with the building as it may not be cost effective to remove it. Regular Council Minutes Page 11 May 6, 2010 6. Alberta Land Stewardship Act Seminar (May 20, 2010) Councillor 1. Schroeder presented information to Council regarding a seminar on the Alberta Land Stewardship Act, indicating it was being held on a Council day. C- 205/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Councillor I. Schroeder be permitted to attend The Alberta Land Stewardship Act: A Practical & Critical Colloquium in Calgary, AB on May 20, 2010 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 7. Materials Permitted in Municipal Landfill Councillor I. Schroeder asked for clarification on what materials are accepted at the municipal landfills and what is not. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that he would find out from the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority and report back to Council. X. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Information Session on Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) (May 25, 2010 — Red Deer) Council was presented with an invitation to an information session on AMI. LEFT THE MEETING P. Grigaitis left the meeting at 2:55 p.m. Council discussed the issue of AMI metering and the Assistant Administrator responded to questions. C- 206/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that Administration write a letter to the Government of Alberta Department of Energy requesting an update on the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) policy paper. MOTION CARRIED XI. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she had information available from the Calgary Catholic Immigration Society and the Electoral Boundaries Commission public meeting. Regular Council Minutes Page 12 May 6, 2010 LEFT THE MEETING A. Nielsen and S. Stanway left the meeting at 3:05 p.m. XII. IN CAMERA C- 207/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 3:05 p.m. to discuss a land issue. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor J. Harbinson left the meeting at 3:47 p.m. C- 208/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we move out of camera at 3:52 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C- 209/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Council agrees to extend the date for LNR Meadowlark Ltd. to post the security requirements outlined in the August 13, 2009 Development Agreement for Block 8, with security to be posted before any on site work commences for this phase of the development, and further, that Council is prepared to grant extensions as required for registration of the plan of subdivision based on written requests received for the same. MOTION CARRIED XIII. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:57 p.m. Signed this 2L; day of 1 t,� , 2010 Reeve \J oun Administrator