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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-07-08 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING July 8, 2010 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, July 8, 2010 commencing at 10:28 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: W. Daniels I. Schroeder A.M. Philipsen R. Andrews J. Harbinson S. Evans B. de Jong H. Wutzke ABSENT: A. Eastman STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Development Control Officer D. Horvath, County Planner — ORRSC M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: P. Grigaitis, Brooks & County Chronicle Kevin Strangway, AltaLink Colin Harvey, AltaLink R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C- 266/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Councillor A. Eastman be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 11. MINUTES 1. Council (June 24, 2010) C- 267/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the June 24, 2010 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 2 July 8, 2010 III. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS • The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 268/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 2. Amendment to NRSC Operating Loan Agreement The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C- 269/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR H. WUTZKE that the Newell Regional Services Loan Agreement be amended by deleting `WHEREAS' item 2, which reads as follows: 2) The Corporation will assume full financial, operating and maintenance responsibilities for these systems including invoicing • and collection of user fees, commencing January 1, 2010; and that the remaining items in that section be renumbered accordingly. MOTION CARRIED 3. Appointment of Development Control Clerk The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. C- 270/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that we appoint Shanna Lee Simpson as a Development Control Clerk for the County of Newell No. 4 pursuant to Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07. MOTION CARRIED 4. Councillor Payment Sheets (May 2010) Councillor W. Daniels noted corrections to his payment sheet and asked if the information was re- entered. He also expressed concerns with the Assessment Review Board mileage rate being different from the County's mileage rate. C -271 i MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the May 2010 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Regular Council Minutes Page 3 July 8, 2010 Councillor Compensation Review Committee and the corrections noted by Councillor W. Daniels. MOTION CARRIED 5. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C- 272/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR S. EVANS that cheques 167785 to 167789 in the amount of $127,337.35, 167790 to 167873 in the amount of $611,758.30, cheques 167874 to 167875 in the amount of $598,670.47, and Direct Debit Batch 16969 in the amount of $83,980.00 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED IX. POST AGENDA ITEMS 2. Disaster Relief Funding The Assistant Administrator indicated that Disaster Relief Funding had been approved and registration centers would be open on July 10 at the Village of Duchess office and on July 11 at the County Administration Building. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. 3. Ratepayer Feedback Surveys The Assistant Administrator reported that approximately fifty ratepayer feedback surveys had been returned to the County office and requested Council's input regarding the level of service provided by each department. An open discussion took place regarding services provided by various departments within the County. Comments and suggestions were provided regarding measures that could be taken to enhance outcomes and improve general service delivery. C- 273/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we move into Public Hearings at 11:31 a.m. MOTION CARRIED V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 1. Bylaw 1702 -10 —10 LUA 004 Ptn. Of Block 1, Plan 961 2160 (SE 1 /4 1- 20- 15 -W4) — Division 8 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District .+' Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:31 a.fn1 Regular Council Minutes Page 4 July 8, 2010 Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. 411 The Assistant Administrator stated that the intent of Bylaw 1702 -10 is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 8.0 acres (3.2 hectares) in SE '/a 1- 20 -15 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District. The County Planner provided background information on this item. She displayed an aerial photograph showing a lagoon site and indicated that the development would be outside of the required 300m setback. There has been no response to the circulation from adjacent landowners and the Energy Resources Conservation Board has no concerns, but indicated there is existing well activity in that area. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favour of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor A.M. Philipsen questioned the size and shape of the remaining parcel, and the County Planner indicated that she had no reservations regarding this. 2. Bylaw 1703 -10 —10 LUA 005 • Ptn. SW IA 18- 19 -15 -W4 — Division 5 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District The Assistant Administrator stated that the intent of Bylaw 1703 -10 is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 10.0 acres (4.04 hectares) in SW '/a 18- 19 -15 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District. The County Planner provided background information on this item. There has been no response to the circulation from adjacent landowners and the Energy Resources Conservation Board has no concerns, but indicated there is existing well activity in that area. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favour of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C- 274/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we move out of Public Hearing at 11:36 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 0 Regular Council Minutes Page 5 July 8, 2010 C LEFT THE MEETING Councillor W. Daniels left the meeting at 11:37 a.m. VI. BYLAWS 1. Bylaw 1702 -10 —10 LUA 004 Ptn. Of Block 1, Plan 961 2160 (SE 1 /4 1- 20- 15 -W4) — Division 8 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District C- 275/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1702 -10, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 8.0 acres (3.2 hectares) in SE 1 /4 1- 20 -15 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 276/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Bylaw 1702 -10 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 2. Bylaw 1703 -10 —10 LUA 005 Ptn. SW 1 /4 18- 19 -15 -W4 — Division 5 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District C- 277/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. HARBINSON that Bylaw 1703 -10, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 10.0 acres (4.04 hectares) in SW 1 /4 18- 19 -15 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 278/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1703 -10 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor W. Daniels returned at 11:39 a.m. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:40 a.m. 3. Bylaw 1706 -10 — 2010 Utility Rate Bylaw The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. He expressed concerns with future fluctuations Regular Council Minutes Page 6 July 8, 2010 in the rates and stressed the importance of creating a uniform rate • structure. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. Councillor 1. Schroeder inquired about factoring in the operators' salaries and the Assistant Administrator replied that the current rates are based on operating costs excluding the labour component, which would raise the rates. Councillor W. Daniels suggested that, instead of lowering the rates, the funding in excess of the operating costs be placed in a reserve for each hamlet in order to cover future costs. Discussion followed regarding setting a minimum charge for water and sewer rates and creating reserves to be used for future expenses. C- 279/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that the 2009 water and sewer rates bylaw remain in effect for 2010, and that the surplus funds above operating costs be placed into a reserve for each hamlet. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:01 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:45 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Havinga arrived at 12:45 p.m. • VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 1. Municipal Reports The following Municipal Reports for May 2010 were presented to Council: - Utilities — NRSC - Superintendent of Public Works - Operations Manager - Technical Manager - Project Update Maps - Shop Foreman - Accounting Supervisor R. Havinga presented the Utilities — NRSC Report and responded to questions from Council. Councillor W. Daniels inquired about the fencing around the Rolling Hills pipeline. R. Havinga replied that the standards for the fence were set out in the contract and indicated the reasons for it being there could be to keep the contractor from moving onto private land. Regular Council Minutes Page 7 July 8, 2010 LEFT THE MEETING R. Havinga left the meeting at 12:59 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING C. Harvey and K. Strangway arrived at 1:00 p.m. IX. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 1. DELEGATION — AltaLink Re: Ware Junction to Cassils Transmission Line C. Harvey presented Council with information regarding the proposed Ware Junction to Cassils Transmission Line, which is part of the Hanna Regional Transmission Project. He gave an explanation of the need overview and displayed a map of the proposed development area. The project will consist of 40 -55 km of 240kV Double Circuit line strung on one side running from the proposed Cassils Substation, which is included in the Southern Alberta Transmission Reinforcement (SATR) project, to the existing Ware Junction substation north of Duchess. � He explained factors that would be taken into consideration when deciding the proposed routes, which will include residences, environmentally sensitive areas, and oil and gas activity. The goal is to choose a route that will have the least possible impact. He indicated on a map where the routes will likely be, noting that they are still in the preliminary stages of deciding these. C. Harvey also presented an overview of the 933L In /Out project at Ware Junction. He displayed an aerial photo of the Ware Junction substation and indicated where towers could be built for this project. C. Harvey presented the project timeline, indicating that the transmission line and 933L In /Out project would be completed at the same time. Notification and consultation with stakeholders will occur during July and August of 2010. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong asked why they couldn't upgrade the line that currently parallels Highway 36. C. Harvey indicated that the existing line is already running a double circuit and Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) is anticipating a future need for a fourth circuit. The double structures will initially be strung with a single line and the second line will be strung at a later date. Councillor J. Harbinson asked about the public consultation process. C. Harvey replied that an information Regular Council Minutes Page 8 July 8, 2010 package would be mailed out to stakeholders in the near future. The • first round of consultations will include three or four proposed routes. With feedback received, these routes will be reduced to one preferred route and one alternate route. He indicated that everyone affected by the proposed routes will be consulted. Reeve M. Douglass inquired about the status of the SATR project. K. Strangway replied that they expect to make an announcement regarding the route in the near future. K. Strangway responded to further questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING C. Harvey and K. Strangway left the meeting at 1:30 p.m. VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS - continued 1. Municipal Reports - continued The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report and responded to questions from Council. Councillor J. Harbinson expressed concerns with the quality of some recently completed construction projects and suggested that funds be held back until the • work is completed to the requirements outlined in the contract documents. The Superintendent of Public Works acknowledged Councillor J. Harbinson's concerns, indicating that he would be working with the contractor in order to ensure the roads are constructed according to standard. Councillor R. Andrews noted that fences should be removed during construction and adequate work area be acquired rather than having the crews try to work around them. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that deficient program areas be turned over to AMEC to obtain a professional opinion on the reported deficiencies. Councillor H. Wutzke requested an update on the status of the Fleury Boswell intersection. The Superintendent of Public Works replied that the preconstruction meeting was held on Tuesday and the deadlines have been communicated to the contractors. Councillor B. de Jong inquired about the possibility of calcium for Antelope Creek road if paving would not be starting until September. The Superintendent of Public Works replied that they are awaiting confirmation of a start date, which has been postponed due to the weather. If calcium is required, it will be applied after the regular calcium program has been completed next week. The Superintendent CPC of Public Works responded to further questions from Council. Regular Council Minutes Page 9 July 8, 2010 LEFT THE MEETING Councillor J. Harbinson left the meeting at 1:49 p.m. The Superintendent of Public Works presented the Operations Manager's report to Council. Councillor W. Daniels noted that the landowner whose road was removed from the regular calcium program year should be notified in the future so that he can have the opportunity to apply for calcium. LEFT THE MEETING S. Stanway left the meeting at 1:49 p.m. C- 280/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the Municipal Reports for June 2010 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING P. Grigaitis left the meeting at 1:51 p.m. X. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Council discussed purchasing some sort of monument or gift for the City of Brooks in honor of the centennial and requested that Administration investigate the options. C- 281/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell purchase a gift for the City of Brooks in honor of the City's centennial in the amount of up to $5,000.00. MOTION CARRIED VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 1. Hamlet Infrastructure The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with background information on this item. He indicated that the County is in the process of purchasing lands for long term capital expansions and effluent irrigation purposes. He proposed that the County prepare plans for completing hamlet infrastructure projects with funding to come partly fr)/U19 . Regular Council Minutes Page 10 July 8, 2010 (75 %) from the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership • (AMWWP) funding and partly (25 %) through a water and sewer rate or local improvement bylaw. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. Councillor A.M. Philipsen and Councillor R. Andrews indicated that community meetings had been held in their area regarding these proposed improvements. Councillor W. Daniels expressed concerns with the parts of the MPE study pertaining to the current system in Rolling Hills. The Chief Administrative Officer responded by acknowledging that the study only deals with associated costs for the lift stations onward. The cost for paving and the replacement of or upgrades to the distribution system were not included in the estimate. Councillor 1. Schroeder acknowledged that each of the hamlets will require different work to be done and the communities will have to decide. A decision regarding where the funding is to come from creates a starting point. Councillor W. Daniels expressed concerns with some of the wording in the study, particularly the line referring to Alberta Environment standards not being met. C- 282/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the County of Newell proceeds with a public consultation process involving the hamlets of Scandia, Rainier, Patricia, and Rolling Hills regarding the proposed hamlet • sewer system upgrades based on obtaining 75% funding under the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership and 25% funding collected through a local improvement tax Discussion followed regarding the consequences if 75% funding was not approved. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that a letter received from the AMWWP indicates that the projects have been placed on a list of potential projects to be considered for funding based on budget availability. He noted that water and sewer upgrades should be a high priority for the County. VOTE ON MOTION C- 282/10 — MOTION CARRIED Councillor W. Daniels asked when the public consultation meetings would be scheduled. The Chief Administrative Officer replied that he would be attending a meeting with the Rolling Hills Hamlet Advisory Committee on July 19, 2010 and would find out when these meetings could be scheduled. LEFT THE MEETING A. Nielsen, A. Wickert, and D. Horvath left the meeting at 2:36 p.m. +� 5 Regular Council Minutes Page 11 July 8, 2010 XI. IN CAMERA C- 283/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. DANIELS that we move in camera at 2:36 p.m. to discuss a labour issue. MOTION CARRIED C- 284/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move out of camera at 3:15 p.m. MOTION CARRIED XII. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:15 p.m. Signed this 2- ( day of , 2010 411 40= Reeve C •.Y "nt Administrator c