HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017-08-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
August 10, 2017
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday,
August 10, 2017 commencing at 10:21 a.m.
MEMBERS Molly Douglass, Reeve
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung
G. Simpson
A.M. Philipsen
W. Hammergren
T. Fyfe
K. Christman
E. Unruh
B. de Jong
L. Juss
STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer
L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services
A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development
D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC
T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services
M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation
L. Traichel, County Ratepayer
S. Traichel, County Ratepayer
H. Tateson, County Ratepayer
M. Tateson, County Ratepayer
Dr. D. Lawton, Carbon Management Canada Containment & Monitoring
Institute
K. Osadetz, Carbon Management Canada Containment & Monitoring
I nstitute
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:21 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
Regular Council
August 10, 2017
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (July 20, 2017)
C-231/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the July 20, 2017 Council
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-232/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the agenda be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
6. BYLAWS
6.1 Bylaw 1887-17 Road Closure & LEASE (NE 22-17-17-W4 & NW 23-17-17-W4)
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-233/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Bylaw 1887-17 being a bylaw
for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road allowance
adjacent to the western boundary of NW 23-17-17-W4, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-234/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1887-17 be given THIRD
and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
6.2 Bylaw 1889-17 Road Closure & LEASE (W 3-15-15-W4 & E 4-15-15-W4)
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-235/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1889-17, being a bylaw for the
purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road allowance adjacent
to the western boundary of W 3-15-15-W4, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-236/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1889-17 be given
THIRD and FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
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August 10, 2017
6.3 Bylaw 1890-17 Road Closure & LEASE (Various Locations in 15-15-W4)
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-237/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1890-17, being a bylaw
for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING those portions of road allowance
adjacent to the west boundary of 13-15-15-W4, adjacent to the west boundary of
SW 24-15-15-W4, adjacent to the north boundary of NW 24-15-15-W4, adjacent to the
west boundary of NW 25-15-15-W4, and adjacent to the west boundary of 36-15-15-W4,
be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-238/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1890-17 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
6.4 Bylaw 1891-17 Road Closure & LEASE (S 6-17-15-W4 & NW 31-16-15-W4)
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-239/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1891-17, being a bylaw for the
purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of road allowance adjacent
to the south boundary of S 6-17-15-W4, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-240/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1891-17 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
6.5 Bylaw 1892-17 Land Use Bylaw
The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded
to questions from Council regarding Public Service land in Gem and the Direct
Control zoning applied to mobile home parks. Councillor K. Christman asked if the
land involved in the annexations to and from the Town of Bassano had been
included. The County Planner replied that they would be included after a Board
Order is received that transfers land from one municipality to another. The County
Planner responded to further questions regarding the buffers around sewage
treatment plants and landfills, indicating that the distances from the working areas
are established by the Subdivision & Development Regulation. Applications can
be made to have these buffers reduced.
C-241/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1892-17, being a bylaw
to adopt a Land Use Bylaw for the County of Newell, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
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Regular Council
August 10, 2017
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
9.2 Municipal Government Act Regulations Summary
The County Planner provided background information on this item. The
Subdivision & Development Appeal Board Regulation is new and will provide
direction on how municipalities deal with Subdivision & Development Appeal
Boards. Board members and clerks will be required to take training and renew it
every two years. The County Planner provided further information regarding the
board composition and suggested that the County's Subdivision & Development
Appeal Board bylaw would be updated.
The County Planner provided information regarding the Subdivision &
Development Regulation and Subdivision Development Form regulations, noting
that the proposed changes are not significant. This regulation is proposed to come
into force October 1, 2017.
The County Planner provided information regarding the Intermunicipal
Collaboration Framework Regulation. She noted that most of the rules for
preparing ICF documents are included in the Modernized Municipal Government
Act and the regulation focuses on arbitration and the consequences of being
unsuccessful in preparing the ICF documents.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
9.1 Planning & Development Report
The Manager of Planning & Development presented an update on the recent
activities of the Planning & Development Department. Council was given the
opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning & Development responded
to questions regarding the timelines for the North Headages Area Redevelopment
Plan.
LEFT THE MEETING
A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 10:50 a.m.
8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
8.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (July 2017)
The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report
to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of
Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding phragmites control and two
clubroot sites. The site in Division 9 has been confirmed and samples have been
sent for testing from a site in Division 8. The landowner, adjacent landowners,
renters, and Cenovus have been notified.
C-242/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report
for July 2017 be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
CP1
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8.2 2017 South Region ASB Conference
The Director of Agricultural Services indicated that the 2017 South Region
Agricultural Services Board Conference would be held on October 31, 2017 in Milk
River, AB. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
8.3 Funding Request - Alberta Invasive Species Council
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed.
C-243/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that the County of Newell sponsor
the Alberta Invasive Species Council in the amount of $2,000.00 in 2017 and consider
future funding during the 2018 budget process.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 11:06 a.m.
6. BYLAWS — continued
6.6 Bylaw 1895-17 Council Code of Conduct
The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
K. Steinley arrived at 11:08 a.m.
Councillor K. Christman indicated that ongoing education and training for
Councillors is important and suggested that be included in the bylaw. She noted
that public boards have a requirement for a certain amount of training time. The
Director of Corporate Services Responded to further questions from Council.
C-244/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1895-17, being a bylaw for
the purpose of establishing a Council code of conduct, be given FIRST reading with the
following amendment:
Article 3.3 (ii)To ensure they develop a clear understanding regarding their role as
a Councillor or a member of other Committees or Boards that they may be
appointed to, Councillors have an obligation to attend and actively participate, on
an ongoing basis, in orientation and training that is offered by the County of Newell
or may be offered by other agencies which they may be appointed to as a
representative of the County of Newell Council.
MOTION CARRIED
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August 10, 2017
10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
10.2 Utilities - NRSC Report
K Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, including an update
on the Tilley Pumphouse, rural water hookups, and discharge from the Rolling Hills
and Scandia sewage lagoons. Council was given the opportunity to ask
questions. K. Steinley responded to questions regarding water production,
indicating that they have set records in July due to the hot weather. He indicated
that raw water quality can be affected by heat, but no major changes have been
seen so far. Councillor W. Hammergren asked if water usage had changed for
Scandia and Rainier since the leak was repaired. K. Steinley indicated that this
was still under investigation and that he would provide an update in September.
K Steinley responded to further questions from Council.
LEFT THE MEETING
K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:29 a.m.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
9.3 Request for Municipal Resolution - Port of Wild Horse
Council was provided background information on this item. Councillor B. de Jong
provided further information, indicating that the Palliser Economic Partnership is
requesting support from its member municipalities in the form of a resolution.
C-245/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that whereas the "The Port of Wild Horse -
a Business Case for Service Improvements" report confirms that economic opportunities
will be realized when the hours of operation are extended and electronic equipment
installed at the Wild Horse Border crossing,
Whereas the County of Newell is in full support of this initiative as this action will enable
and increase the flow of commercial traffic, thus enhancing economic activity and growth
of Southeast Alberta,
Whereas combined incremental costs for staff and equipment at the Port of Wild Horse
would be approximately $500,000, it is estimated that the benefit -cost ratio to the
Government of Canada would be in excess of 2:0,
Whereas the Canada Border Services Agency, Public Safety and Emergency
Preparedness Canada has committed $2M to upgrade the border crossing,
Whereas the County of Newell is an active partner with the Wild Horse Border Crossing
Committee through its involvement with Palliser Economic Partnership, and likeminded
organizations in the State of Montana;
Therefore be it resolved that the Government of Alberta designate the Honourable Deron
Bilous, Minister of Economic Development and Trade as the key elected representative,
supported by the Honourable Oneil Carlier, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, and the
Honourable Brian Mason Minister of Transportation and Minister of Infrastructure, to
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Regular Council
August 10, 2017
advocate the following efforts to Canada Border Services Agency, Public Safety and
Emergency Preparedness Canada:
Extend the Port of Wild Horse Border hours of operation to a minimum of 13
hours per day, 365 days per year.
2. Install the Electronic Data Interchange Equipment and System to facilitate
processing of commercial traffic and process commercial traffic at the Port of
Wild Horse 365 days per year.
MOTION CARRIED
9.4 Request for Support - Uncollectable School Tax & Seniors Housing
Requisitions
Council was provided with background information on this item, which included a
summary of actual and potential School Tax and Seniors Housing Requisition
write-offs for the County of Newell. Discussion followed.
C-246/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that a letter be written to the Minister
of Municipal Affairs requesting amendments to the Municipal Government Act and other
provincial legislation that would improve the ability to recover unpaid Education & Seniors
Housing Requisitions levied against oil and gas operations and the associated machinery
and equipment and linear property.
MOTION CARRIED
9.5 Sponsorship Request - Alberta CARE Conference (March 2018)
Councillor L. Juss provided background information on this item and responded to
questions from Council. Discussion followed. Councillor B. de Jong responded to
further questions, indicating that the sponsorship funding is primarily used to keep
registration fees low. Alberta CARE is a non-profit organization. Councillor
K. Christman asked if the County would be highlighted in the brochure.
C-247/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Council APPROVES funding in
the amount of $2,000.00 from the Advertising & Public Relations Account to Alberta CARE
for sponsoring the Alberta Recycling Conference 2018.
MOTION CARRIED
9.6 Councillor Payment Sheets (June 2017)
C-248/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the June 2017 Councillor Payment
Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation
Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
9.7 Cheques for Payment
C-249/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that cheque 185806 in the amount
of $601,739.38 and cheque 185829 in the amount of $1,689,525.97 be APPROVED.
MOTION CARRIED
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August 10, 2017
9.8 Payment Register
C-250/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the Payment Register be accepted.
MOTION CARRIED
C-251/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that the Direct Debit Register for June 2017 be
accepted.
MOTION CARRIED
9.9 Requests for Functions of Council
9.9.1 Bow River Basin Council Retreat (September 5-7,2017)
Councillor B. de Jong provided background information on this item
C-252/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor B. de Jong be permitted
to attend the Bow River Basin Council Retreat at Ghost River Crossing on
September 5-7, 2017 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
12. INFORMATION ITEMS
12.1 Financial Information for the Period Ending June 30, 2017
This item was accepted as information.
12.2 Road Closure by Resolution (Road Plan 0714935)
This item was accepted as information.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht arrived at 11:54 a.m.
10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued
10.1 Director of Municipal Services Report
The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of
the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of
Municipal Services responded to questions regarding calcium application on shoulder pull
areas, noting that complaints have been received from residents living on these
roads. Calcium will be applied as per the usual procedure once gravel is
spread. Councillor E. Unruh requested signage in Division 7 identifying the East Gem
Road. The Director of Municipal Services replied that road signs should refer to the
Township and Range Roads rather than an alias road name and that road signs are
replaced when required (i.e. when they are damaged).
�'J�
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C-253/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the Director of Municipal
Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for July 2017 be APPROVED as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:01 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:03 p.m.
10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued
10.3 Alberta Transportation Partnership - Highway Upgrading
(SH535, SH873, SH876)
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this
item. He indicated that he and the Chief Administrative Officer had met with
D. Davidson from Alberta Transportation on July 31, 2017 to discuss the details of
the agreements. The Director of Municipal Services provided an overview of
suggested amendments to the draft agreements and articles of interest. He
responded to questions from Council regarding administration costs, insurance
requirements, and timelines for dispute resolution.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor K. Christman asked
about the possibility of getting some of the funding in advance to start the
project. The Director of Municipal Services replied that this was not discussed
during the meeting. He provided an explanation of "properly incurred" costs and
the road standards. Discussion followed regarding the requirement to notify
Alberta Transportation immediately if cost overruns are discovered during
construction. The Director of Municipal Services explained what would happen in
the event of a cost overrun. Further discussion occurred.
C-254/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that County Council accepts the
Agreements with suggested amendments for 50/50 cost share partnership with Alberta
Transportation to upgrade Provincial Highways 873 (from end of pavement to Hwy 36),
including that portion of Highway 535 (from end of pavement to Hwy 873), and Highway
876 (from Hwy 1 to Hwy 544).
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions regarding the
terms of the agreement. Further discussion occurred. The Director of Municipal
Services responded to questions regarding project timelines.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
S. Traichel and L. Traichel arrived at 1:49 p.m.
The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he would provide some
amendments, but that he has no great concerns regarding the agreement.
Reeve M. Douglass called the question.
VOTE ON MOTION C254/17 - MOTION CARRIED
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August 10, 2017
ARRIVED AT MEETING
A. Wickert and D. Horvath arrived at 1:53 p.m.
14. IN CAMERA
C-255/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at
1:53 p.m. to discuss a land and two legal issues.
MOTION CARRIED
C-256/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that we move out of camera at 2:25 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
C-257/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the purchase of the portion
of SW 27-18-14-W4 in the amount of $362,691.27 + GST for the purpose of the Truck
Route Project be APPROVED with funding from the Stabilization Fund.
MOTION CARRIED
C-258/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES the Municipal
Sustainability Initiative Amending Memorandum of Agreement as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
ARRIVED AT MEETING
H. Tateson and M. Tateson arrived at 2:29 p.m.
7. DELEGATIONS
7.1 Road Allowance Leases - H. Tateson
The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this
item, indicating on a map two closed road allowances that were leased to the
landowner as well as another road allowance requiring closure and lease if the
pivot is to remain.
H. Tateson provided further background information, indicating that he had been
made aware of the lease when he purchased the land from the previous owner. In
1996, he received a letter from the County of Newell requesting permission for
access to the two road allowances on behalf of two County ratepayers. As he did
not provide permission, H. Tateson assumed that the leases had been
cancelled. Regarding the other road allowance, he indicated a preference to close
and purchase it to accommodate his pivot.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning &
Development responded to questions regarding the road allowance closure
J process. She indicated that she found no evidence that the bylaws had been
rescinded or that the leases were cancelled. As the bylaws closing the roads are
still in effect, she indicated that new lease agreements can be prepared. The
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August 10, 2017
request to close the additional road allowance would require a new bylaw.
H. Tateson responded to questions, indicating that he would prefer to purchase
the road allowance for insurance purposes. The County Planner provided further
information, indicating that the County can choose to close a road allowance with
a bylaw and not lease it to anyone. There is no paperwork indicating that further
action would be taken and the lease is not in effect because payment has not been
received. H. Tateson reiterated that he did not provide permission for access and
he expected the County to follow through with cancelling the lease, so he did not
issue payment. He responded to questions regarding his use of the road
allowances. Discussion followed and the Manager of Planning & Development
and H. Tateson responded to further questions from Council.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Dr. D. Lawson and K. Osadetz arrived at 2:54 p.m.
Further discussion occurred.
C-259/17 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the outstanding lease fees for
Road Allowance Leases #20 and #31 be CANCELLED and that new 10 -year lease
agreements for the associated Bylaws 403-70 and 1089-93 be prepared with the term
commencing on August 1, 2017 and continuing until July 31, 2027.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
H. Tateson, M. Tateson, A. Wickert, and D. Horvath left the meeting at 3:07 p.m.
7.2 CMC Research Institute
Dr. D. Lawton and K. Osadetz provided an update to Council regarding the
Containment & Monitoring Institute Field Research Station located in the
County. Dr. D. Lawton explained the carbon capture and storage process and the
work being done at the field research station. Phase 1 of the project involves
injecting CO2 into the ground at a depth of 300m to determine testing thresholds
and to improve and develop monitoring technologies. He provided information
regarding the Field Research Station including the various components of the site
and the wells. Monitoring of seismic activity and groundwater is also being
done. Data collected is used to create geostatic models that are run through
computer simulations to determine possible outcomes of CO2 injection.
Dr. D. Lawton provided an overview of trench monitoring and the mobile
geochemistry laboratory. Several pictures of activity at the site were
displayed. Dr. D. Lawton outlined the economic impact the project has made in
the County of Newell and acknowledged various local organizations and
corporations for their involvement with the project.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Osadetz responded to
questions regarding what happens to CO2 after it is injected into the ground. The
carbon capture and storage method takes CO2 from the atmosphere and safely
injects it in rocks where it remains stable. Dr. D. Lawton responded to questions
regarding discoveries by larger organizations that are performing Carbon Capture
& Storage on a commercial level, indicating that they are involved with the
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August 10, 2017
international research community. He provided information regarding other sites
as well as statistics on the amount of CO2 that is produced in Alberta and
throughout Canada on an annual basis. Dr. D. Lawton and K. Osadetz responded
to further questions from Council.
LEFT THE MEETING
Dr. D. Lawson and K. Osadetz left the meeting at 4:06 p.m.
11. POST AGENDA ITEMS
There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting.
13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held.
15. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:06 p.m.
4Signed this -i— day of .L" �� r' , 2017
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