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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-04-22 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING April 22, 2010 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, April 22, 2010 commencing at 10:23 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels I. Schroeder R. Andrews J. Harbinson S. Evans A. Eastman B. de Jong H. Wutzke ABSENT: A.M. Philipsen STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Development Control Officer D. Horvath, County Planner S. Shigehiro, Manager of Finance K. Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Co- Ordinator M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works A. Clapton, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin P. Grigaitis, Brooks & County Chronicle M. Fitzgerald, Q -13 Fox Radio Corp. D. Nelson, Brooks RCMP Corp. D. Fisher, Bassano RCMP M. DeBlois, KPMG LLP R. Kiedrowski, Southern Alberta Summer Games R. Tanner, Southern Alberta Summer Games A. Purvis, Southern Alberta Summer Games I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C- 164/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that Councillor A.M. Philipsen be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 1 Regular Council Minutes Page 2 April 22, 2010 II. MINUTES 1. Council (April 8, 2010) C- 165/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the April 8, 2010 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED III. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 166/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED V. BYLAWS 1. Bylaw 1689 -09 — Road Closure & Sale (Road Plan 3360 BZ) The Development Control Officer presented Council with background information on this item. C- 167/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1689 -09, being a bylaw to close and sell road plan 3360BZ lying within portions of Section 25 and the W 1 /2 36- 20 -11 -W4 and W 1/2 1- 21- 11 -W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 168/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Bylaw 1689 -09 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 3. Bylaw 1699 -10 — 10 LUA 003 NW 1 /a 34- 19 -14 -W4 (Division 10) A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District The County Planner presented Council with background information on this item. C- 169/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1699 -10, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 5.0 acres (2.02 hectares) in NW 1/4 34- 19 -14 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 3 April 22, 2010 LEFT THE MEETING D. Horvath and A. Wickert left the meeting at 10:28 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Corp. D. Nelson and Corp. D. Fisher arrived at 10:29 a.m. VI. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 3. RCMP /Protective Services Quarterly Reports The following quarterly reports were presented to Council: - Brooks RCMP - Bassano RCMP - Protective Services Corp. D. Nelson presented the Brooks RCMP and Protective Services Quarterly Reports to Council. He requested direction from Council regarding the operations of the Community Peace Officers under the supervision of the RCMP. He gave an overview of some key events noted in the reports. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Reeve M. Douglass inquired about possible solutions to the traffic issues on Highway 1 from the Lakeside facilities. Corp. D. Nelson acknowledged the issue and solutions were discussed, which included the addition of signs marking the high collision area or flashing lights to the stop signs. Corp. D. Nelson responded to further questions from Council. Corp. D. Fisher presented the Bassano RCMP Quarterly report to Council, indicating some key events and statistics. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor S. Evans left the meeting at 10:39 a.m. and returned at 10:40 a.m. Corp. D. Fisher indicated that the investigation of 9 -1 -1 calls takes a significant amount of time. Many of these calls come from cell phones and it is difficult to identify and locate the caller to confirm whether or not the emergency is real. He also gave an overview of the annual performance plan, which will focus on impaired driving, drugs, community presence, and officer visibility. Corp. D. Fisher also indicated that he was being transferred in the near future and thanked Council for making attendance at the meetings an enjoyable and welcoming experience. Corp. D. Fisher responded to questions f Council. jOi Regular Council Minutes Page 4 April 22, 2010 LEFT THE MEETING Corp. D. Nelson and Corp. D. Fisher left the meeting at 11:00 a.m. V. BYLAWS - continued 2. Bylaw 1697 -10 - Tax Rate Bylaw (2010) The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. C- 170/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the assessed valuations for school requisition purposes in the proposed Bylaw 1697 -10 be amended to reflect the new 2010 assessed valuations for school requisition purposes. MOTION CARRIED C- 171/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that the municipal mill rates in the proposed Bylaw 1697 -10 be amended as follows: - Residential: 2.83 - Farmland: 2.83 - Non - Residential: 6.1984 Councillor W. Daniels indicated that he had researched the mill rates and assessments of neighbouring municipalities and indicated the reasons for requesting this amendment to the mill rates. VOTE ON MOTION C- 171/10: MOTION DEFEATED C- 172/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that Bylaw 1697 - 10, being a bylaw to authorize the rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2010, be given THIRD and FINAL reading. Councillor W. Daniels requested a recorded vote. In Favor: Divisions 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Opposed: Division 1 MOTION CARRIED VI. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - continued 2. Appointment of Returning Officer The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that one application was received in response to the advertisement. LP4 Regular Council Minutes Page 5 April 22, 2010 C- 173/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Susan Yokoyama be appointed as the Returning Officer for the County of Newell No. 4 for the 2010 Local Authorities Election. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Shigehiro arrived at 11:10 a.m. 5. 2010 Budget Adjustments The Manager of Finance presented Council with background information on this item, explaining the budget adjustments that are being made. The Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council. C- 174/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the amendments to the 2010 Budget be adopted as presented in the amount of $928,892.00. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Shigehiro left the meeting at 11:16 a.m. 7. Abandoned CPR Line a. Purchase of Abandoned CPR Line The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item to Council. C- 175/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that, in accordance with Section 72 of the Municipal Government Act, the County of Newell No. 4 authorizes Wheatland County to acquire that portion of the abandoned CP Rail right of way from Bassano to Hussar that is located within the County of Newell with the understanding that the titles for the subject portion of the rail right of way will be subsequently transferred to the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED b. Acquisition of Abandoned CPR Rail Line The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 176/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that Council agrees to forgo indemnification payments from the Canadian Pacific Railway Company (CPR) according to Section 146.1 of the Canadian Transportation Act in lie Regular Council Minutes Page 6 April 22, 2010 of their transferring those portions of the abandoned rail line located within its boundaries to the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 8. Summer Council Meetings The Chief Administrative Officer presented background information on this item to Council. C- 177/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the August 19, 2010 Municipal Planning Commission and Council meetings be cancelled. MOTION CARRIED 9. Annual General Meeting The Chief Administrative Officer gave Council an update on the preparations for the Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held on May 13 starting at 7:00 p.m. at the Heritage Inn. There will be presentations and representatives on hand to discuss the regional water system, the new County of Newell facilities, and planning and development. Council indicated that they would like to hold round table discussions with ratepayers and question and answer periods following each presentation. A general question and answer period will also be held. 10. Cheques for Payment C- 178/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that cheque 167114 in the amount of $500.00, cheques167115 to 167117 in the amount of $76,362.94, and cheques 167118 to 167221 in the amount of $326,201.67 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Martin arrived at 11:28 a.m. V. BYLAWS — continued 4. Bylaw 1700 -10 — Fire Bylaw The Fire & Emergency Services Co- ordinator presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that the proposed (\ changes will streamline the fire ban process for the County. I Regular Council Minutes Page 7 April 22, 2010 ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 11:34 a.m. The Fire & Emergency Services Co- ordinator responded to questions from Council. Council suggested the following amendments to the bylaw: - Section 25: "In the absence of the Fire & Emergency Services Co- ordinator, the Reeve, acting on the recommendation of the County of Newel Fire Chiefs, or Council (collectively) may also declare a Fire Ban within the County of Newell." - Section 25.1(b): remove the word `municipal' to read "...designated fire sites within campgrounds." C- 179/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1700 -10, 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 from injury or destruction by fire, be given FIRST reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED C- 180/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Bylaw 1700 -10 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 181/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that unanimous consent be given for bylaw 1700 -10 to receive third reading this 22 day of April, 2010. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C- 182/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1700 -10 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED VI. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Appointment of Fire Guardian The Fire & Emergency Services Co- ordinator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 183/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that, in addition to the local guardians already appointed, that Keith R. Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Co- ordinator, be named as a Fire Guardian for all divisions within the County of Newell No. 4 MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed regarding the possibility of issuing fines for (v individuals who are found to be burning without a permit. Council .U.\(\lk Regular Council Minutes Page 8 April 22, 2010 suggested that information regarding burning permits be included in the next County newsletter. LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 12:08 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:08 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Shigehiro and M. DeBlois arrived at 1:00 p.m. VI. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 4. KPMG — Presentation of 2009 Year End Financial Statements M. DeBlois presented Council with the 2009 Year End Financial Statements. He explained the audit standards that were used in preparing the financial statements and some changes in the format that are due to the new reporting model. M. DeBlois summarized the key points and notes in the financial statements. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. M. DeBlois and the Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council. Reeve M. Douglass asked about how other municipalities had managed with compliance under the Public Sector Accounting Board (PSAB) initiative. M. DeBlois replied that Municipal Affairs had granted an extension to June 25, 2010 for financial reporting, and that those municipalities who began planning early for the tangible capital asset accounting requirements were in good shape. He also gave a brief explanation of some other upcoming changes to municipal accounting. M. DeBlois thanked the Manager of Finance and the rest of the Management Team and Finance Department for their help in making the audit process efficient. LEFT THE MEETING S. Shigehiro and M. DeBlois left the meeting at 1:26 p.m. C- 184/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that the 2009 Year End Audited Financial Statement for the period ending December 31, 2009 be accepted as presented. ( �� MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 9 April 22, 2010 VII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 1. Telus Surface Cables The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that Telus is very relaxed in their attention to burying the temporary cables following the completion of a construction project. He noted that the temporary lines often impact the daily operations of the Public Works and ASB departments and, when they become damaged, they also affect ratepayers. There is a Master Agreement with Telus regarding the construction and relocation of transmission lines, but it does not apply to temporary relocation of the lines. The Superintendent of Public Works outlined some options for a solution with Telus and requested direction from Council as to how to proceed. Council discussed the issue and possible solutions and it was noted that several municipalities have experienced the same issue. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that representatives from Telus be invited to a future Council meeting to discuss the issue. Councillor W. Daniels suggested that Administration contact the AAMDC to determine the outcome of a CRTC Decision regarding transmission lines in road allowances. The Assistant Administrator noted that the Master Agreement outlines the responsibilities of both Telus and the municipality when relocating transmission lines and who covers the cost to do so. He indicated that the CRTC had ruled that Telus has the right to bury their lines within the right of way and that the debate was related to who is responsible for paying for it. Discussion continued regarding the action to be taken. C- 185/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Administration write a letter to Telus inviting them to meet with Council to discuss the burying of temporary transmission lines. MOTION CARRIED VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Crime Stoppers Board /Rural Crime Watch Councillor R. Andrews indicated that the Brooks & District Crime Stoppers will have a booth at the Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show. He also noted that the Chairman of Rural Crime Watch, who is an employee of Cenovus Energy, received a $1,000.00 grant for the group under the company's program that recognizes volunteer work. Regular Council Minutes Page 10 April 22, 2010 2. Red Deer River Watershed Alliance Councillor A. Eastman reported that this group is continuing with studies to improve the efficiency of their government lobbying. Attendance at the meetings has increased significantly, indicating a growing interest in waterways. 3. Tourism Representative Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided a written report to Council. IX. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no Post Agenda Items to discuss at this meeting. X. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. AECOM Services This item was accepted as information. 2. 2009 Pesticide Tenders This item was accepted as information. 3. Vitalize 2010 Provincial Voluntary Sector Conference This item was accepted as information. 4. Retooling for Revitalization Symposium This item was accepted as information. 5. Shortgrass Clippings Newsletter (January — March 2010 Issue) This item was accepted as information. Regular Council Minutes Page 11 April 22, 2010 XI. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor A. Eastman enquired about the process for "Calling the Question." It was noted that, in the future, if a member of Council wishes to close debate a formal motion to call the question should be made. Councillor W. Daniels asked Administration to look into the number recorded for the length of all open maintained roads in the County of Newell on the Alberta Municipal Affairs website. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Kiedrowski, R. Tanner, and A. Purvis arrived at 2:02 p.m. VI. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 6. Southern Alberta Summer Games R. Kiedrowski presented Council with an update on the preparations for the Southern Alberta Summer Games. There are currently twenty -six events scheduled, eight of which will take place in the County of Newell. He gave an overview of the members of the Committee, which is chaired by Tom Krahn. The opening ceremonies will be held in the parking lot of the Lakeside Leisure Center and will begin on July 7, 2010 at 4:00 p.m. with a community barbecue served by City and County Councillors. The official opening ceremonies will begin at 6:00 p.m. and the evening will continue with entertainment at 7:00 p.m. Events will also be held in the other municipalities. R. Kiedrowski indicated that a detailed budget would be made available as soon as possible and that fundraising efforts were progressing well. He also noted that they were in the process of developing campaigns to generate public awareness. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor H. Wutzke left the meeting at 2:11 p.m. R. Kiedrowski indicated that information will be available at the Brooks & District Chamber of Commerce Trade Show. R. Tanner reported that he would be meeting with the regional directors on May 4 th and requested assistance with promoting campsites and other upcoming events in the area. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Regular Council Minutes Page 12 April 22, 2010 ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor H. Wutzke returned at 2:16 p.m. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor R. Andrews left the meeting at 2:17 p.m. R. Tanner explained that the parking lot would be transformed into an events pavilion and indicated that they were looking to create an event for the entire community. Councillor W. Daniels asked if the County of Newell Recreation Boards had been contacted, and R. Tanner requested contact information. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor R. Andrews returned at 2:20 p.m. R. Tanner indicated that they see the Southern Alberta Summer Games as an excellent opportunity to get the entire community involved together. LEFT THE MEETING R. Kiedrowski, R. Tanner, and A. Purvis left the meeting at 2:22 p.m. LEFT THE MEETING A. Clapton, S. Stanway, P. Grigaitis, and M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 2:24 p.m. XII. IN CAMERA C- 186/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that we move in camera at 2:24 p.m. to discuss a land issue. MOTION CARRIED C- 187/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that we move out of camera at 3:03 p.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A ouncillor H. Wutzke left the meeting at 3:10 p.m. Regular Council Minutes Page 13 April 22, 2010 C- 188/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the County of Newell proceed with the purchase of land located at NW 1 4 20- 15 -15 -W4 for the purpose of the Scandia Sanitary Sewage Lagoon project with funding from the Regional Enhancement Reserve. MOTION CARRIED XIII. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:18 p.m. e , - , , , 4 4 P ( /2 day Signed this of -1 E t , 2010 ILL Aalt—c . -. Reeve 'WI IP oun dm 0\7"\(\----9