HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-11-25 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4
MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING
November 25, 2010
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the
County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, November 25, 2010 commencing
at 11:10 a.m.
MEMBERS
PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve
COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung
R. Andrews
A.M. Philipsen
M. Nesbitt
J. Bulger
A. Eastman
B. de Jong
L. Juss
ABSENT: I. Schroeder
STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer
L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator
D. Horvath, County Planner — ORRSC (via telephone)
... A. Wickert, Development Control Officer
T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman
M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: C. Lindsay, Brooks & County Chronicle
M. Fitzgerald, Q -13 Fox Radio
EXCUSED FROM MEETING
C- 435/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Councillor I. Schroeder be
excused from the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
II. MINUTES
1. Council (November 10, 2010)
The following changes were made to the November 10, 2010 Council
Meeting minutes:
Page 5 — item VI -1: Should read "...expressed c ncerns ' the
approval of two subdivisions on one quarter."
Regular Council Minutes Page 2
November 25, 2010
C- 436/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the November 10, 2010
Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
III. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
The Reeve called for post agenda items.
IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C- 437/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as
amended.
MOTION CARRIED
V. BYLAWS
1. Bylaw 1714 -10 — Weed Bylaw
The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this
item, indicating that new regulations require the weed bylaws to be
updated. He outlined the changes made and noted that all the previous
weed bylaws have been combined into one. The Agricultural Fieldman
responded to questions from Council.
C- 438/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Bylaw 1714 -10, being a
bylaw for the purpose of regulating and designating certain plants as
"Prohibited noxious" or "Noxious," be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C- 439/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1714 -10 be given
SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
VI. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS
1. Agricultural Fieldman's Report (November 2010)
The Agricultural Fieldman presented his report for September 2010 and
responded to questions from Council.
C- 440/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the Agricultural Fieldman's
Report be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED Aik
401),
Regular Council Minutes Page 3
November 25, 2010
2. Coyote Control Incentive Program — Increased Payments
The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C- 441/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Policy 2008 -PAG -024 be
amended to reflect an increase in the Administration fee from $1.00 to $2.00
and an increase in the incentive from $10.00 to $15.00 per coyote.
MOTION CARRIED
3. Young Farmers of Alberta
The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council. He indicated that the
next conference will be held in February and, if approved by Council,
the information will be advertised in the newspaper.
C- 442/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the County of Newell No. 4
agrees to pay the registration fees for up to five young farmers to attend the
"Rock the Farm" conference hosted by the Future Agriculture Business
Builders with funding from account number 1 -2- 599 -62.
MOTION CARRIED
ARRIVED AT MEETING
A. Wickert arrived at 11:24 a.m.
4. Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference
The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council. He gave an overview of
the conference, which will be held in Edmonton from January 18 -21,
2011 with an extra day of training available for new Council members.
Council noted that there is a Council meeting scheduled for Januaty 20,
2011 and the meeting of the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association
is scheduled for January 14, 2011. Council will discuss either
rescheduling or cancelling the January 20 Council meeting at the
Januaty 6 Council meeting.
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 11:38 a.m.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
1. Proposed Animal Control Bylaw
The Assistant Administrator provided backgrou 'd infor ation on this
item, indicating that this draft bylaw had been pr: •are• -sp .e to
Regular Council Minutes Page 4
November 25, 2010
direction from Council and concerns raised regarding animals in
hamlets.
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor A.M. Philipsen left the meeting at 11:40 a.m.
The Development Control Officer gave an explanation of the bylaw,
indicating which land use districts it will and will not apply to.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor A.M. Philipsen returned at 11:42 a.m.
The Development Control Officer indicated that the draft bylaw had
been prepared using information gathered from several other counties
and Municipal Districts, and through discussions with various County of
Newell staff and other Development Control Officers. She indicated
that the bylaw will help the Community Peace Officers to enforce issues
that are brought to their attention and not to actively seek those who are
in violation of the bylaw.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor oft
B. de Jong requested clarification regarding the penalties. The
Development Control Officer replied that if prosecution is required as a
result of non - payment of fines or non - compliance with orders, the fines
will not exceed $2,500.00. Councillor A. Eastman inquired if the bylaw
would apply to single Country Residential parcels, and the Development
Control Officer replied that it would depend on the size of the parcel.
Discussion followed regarding how long impounded animals are to be
housed by the Brooks Animal Protection Society (BAPS). Councillor
A. Eastman questioned the definition of feral animal and clause 8.3,
which states that feral animals are to be destroyed. The Chief
Administrative Officer related some issues that have arisen in the past
with stray animals being brought to BAPS and the County being billed
for shelter, medical, and euthanization costs. The Development Control
Officer will clarify whether or not BAPS is a no -kill shelter and will
confirm the definition of feral. She gave an overview of the definitions
of exotic and domestic animals, indicating that the bylaw will not apply
to livestock in an agricultural setting. Councillor C. Amulung expressed
concerns with situations in which people are currently keeping animals
becoming illegal following the passing of this bylaw, such as small cattle
operations on Country Residential parcels. The Development Control
Officer indicated that enforcement would be complaint- driven and the
bylaw will provide the CPOs with a set of rules for ratepayers to follow ,
to minimize the impact on their neighbours. She also indicated that the ■,,
uov intent is to incorporate the current dog control bylaw within the animal
control bylaw. Council was invited to provide feedback.
Regular Council Minutes Page 5
November 25, 2010
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:05 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:02 p.m.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
2. Endorsement of the Bow Basin Watershed Management Plan
(BBWMP) — Phase Two Draft Terms of Reference
Council was presented with the Draft Terms of Reference for Phase
Two of the Bow Basin Watershed Management Plan. Councillor
R. Andrews indicated that these Terms of Reference form the basis for
the actual plan for phase 2, which will focus on land use, headwaters
protection, and riparian and wetland management. Councillor
R. Andrews responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed
regarding the importance of protecting agriculture. Councillor
R. Andrews indicated that phase 2 of the BBWMP should be
implemented next year.
C- 443/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the County of Newell No. 4
supports the Bow Basin Watershed Management Plan (BBWMP) — Phase
Two Draft Terms of Reference.
,;... MOTION CARRIED
3. Decommissioning of Scandia Raw Water Ponds
Councillor R. Andrews provided background information on this item,
indicating that the two ponds in the northwest corner of Scandia
currently used for raw water irrigation and fire protection tend to cause
problems with flooding. The ponds could be filled in now that the
regional water line is complete, but a larger cistern will be required in
order to provide adequate capacity for fire control. He noted that they
have discussed tying onto the existing pipeline for raw water irrigation
and the EID has indicated that there should not be any issues with this.
Councillor R. Andrews responded to questions from Council regarding
the lack of alternate water sources and the size of the cistern that would
be required. Councillor B. de Jong asked who would be responsible for
the cost of the upgrades. Discussion followed regarding how fire
suppression was handled in the other hamlets. The Chief
Administrative Officer indicated that most hamlets will continue to use
irrigation water for fire suppression, the exception being Lake Newell
Resort where a larger cistern was installed at the expense of the County
of Newell. He also noted that the size of the clearwell recommended by
MPE Engineering Ltd. is based on regulations. Council suggested
alternatives, including lining the pond and lowering the water levels.
Regular Council Minutes Page 6
November 25, 2010
Councillor R. Andrews indicated that the Heritage Conservation Advisor
had been involved in a discussion regarding having Bow Slope Shipping `""
added to the stormwater management plan. The County's in kind work
in preserving that site could be matched by provincial funding for
Scandia to use for a museum. The Chief Administrative Officer
indicated that these upgrades would qualify under the Municipal
Sustainability Initiative funding for the Regional Water System, but that
MPE Engineering would need to be consulted as this is an extension of
the existing contract.
C- 444/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that we proceed with adding to
the existing contract for the Regional Water System an expanded clearwell
for the purpose of fire suppression, and that this be funded through the
Municipal Sustainability Initiative.
Councillor R. Andrews responded to further questions from Council.
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 1:44 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht arrived at 1:44 p.m.
Vote on Motion C- 444/10 — MOTION DEFEATED
Council requested that several options be investigated with cost
summaries included. The Superintendent of Public Works provided
information regarding the Scandia ponds, indicating that the possibility
of lining the pond can be investigated.
C- 445/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Administration obtain the cost
of all options to alleviate the seepage issues in Scandia and to provide a
source for fire suppression.
MOTION CARRIED
Councillor L. Juss suggested that Administration contact the EID as
they may be able to provide some information regarding the cost and
feasibility of pond liners.
4. Review of County Recreation Board Matters
Amok
The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this
U\OC) item and requested feedback from Council regarding whether or not the
existing processes are a concern. Currently, there is no standard model
Regular Council Minutes Page 7
November 25, 2010
for recreation board operations. Council indicated that the recreation
boards are working well at the local level but suggested that letters be
sent out periodically reminding the boards to forward their meeting
minutes to the County. Councillor B. de Jong inquired about the
possibility of harmonizing mill rates. Reeve M. Douglass noted that the
amount of funding given for recreation is determined by the individual
recreation boards.
5. Red Deer River Watershed Alliance Funding Request — 2011
The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C- 446/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the County of Newell No. 4
agrees to provide financial support to the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance
in the amount of 50 cents per capita for 2011.
MOTION CARRIED
6. County Newsletter Review (November /December 2010)
Council reviewed the proposed County newsletter for November &
December 2010 and suggested changes.
7. Cheques for Payment
The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council.
C- 447/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that cheques 168797 to
168804 in the amount of $74,001.21, cheques 168805 to 168924 in the
amount of $3,397,740.18, and Direct Debit Batch 17631 in the amount of
$9,047.29 be APPROVED.
MOTION CARRIED
VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS
1. Municipal Reports — Discussion Regarding Format
The Superintendent of Public Works requested direction from Council
regarding the preparation of a single monthly Public Works report. He
indicated that the Public Works staff would report to him and he would
create a summary report for Council.
„,v C- 448/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the Municipal Reports be
consolidated into a single monthly report as re•.mmended by the
Superintendent of Public Works.
MOTI • • ' ' I 'D
,�,
Regular Council Minutes Page 8
November 25, 2010
2. Accounting Supervisor's Report (October 2010) "'
The Accounting Supervisor's Report for October 2010 was presented to
Council. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that this report is not
inclusive of the entire budget. The Superintendent of Public Works
indicated that there is a need to refine how individual project budgets
are put together in order to provide reports for Council. Discussion
followed as to whether or not it is necessary to prepare this report every
month. Councillor R. Andrews indicated that a spreadsheet indicating
the status of various projects would be preferable. The Superintendent
of Public Works noted that this report is more useful internally for
managing Public Works Staff. Council requested that the Accounting
Supervisor's Report be omitted from future Council meeting agendas.
C- 449/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the Accounting
Supervisor's Report for October 2010 be APPROVED as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:31 p.m.
IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. 9 -1 -1 Committee
Councillor R. Andrews reported that he had attended the first meeting
last night. As of December 1, 2010, all 9 -1 -1 calls will be dispatched out
of Red Deer. They will be testing the system on November 30, 2010.
There may also be an opportunity in the future for the group to purchase
and control two communications towers in Brooks and Bassano.
LEFT THE MEETING
C. Lindsay left the meeting at 2:35 p.m.
2. Tourism Representative
Councillor A.M. Philipsen submitted a written report to Council.
3. Newell Recycling Association /Newell Regional Solid Waste
Management Authority
Councillor B. de Jong presented this report to Council, indicating that
the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Board meeting
Regular Council Minutes Page 9
November 25, 2010
would be held tonight. He also noted that the new recycling facility is
open with the grand opening ceremony scheduled for December 18,
2010 from 12:00-2:00 p.m.
4. Crime Stoppers Board /Rural Crime Watch
Councillor R. Andrews indicated that they had a good turnout at the
Annual General Meeting on November 4 The fan -out system is
working well and they are considering expanding the service to
broadcast updates and events. Cpl. N. Weber and Cst. J. Argue are
representing the RCMP on the Rural Crime Watch Board.
5. Grasslands Regional FCSS
Councillor C. Amulung indicated that he had attended the first meeting
and that H. Wutzke has been appointed Chair of the Grasslands
Regional FCSS.
6. Joint Services /IMDP
Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the next meeting will be held on
December 14, 2010 beginning at 10 :00 a.m.
7. Salary Negotiating Committee
Reeve M. Douglass indicated that this Committee would be meeting
immediately following the Council meeting. She also noted that
Councillor R. Andrews will be attending contract negotiations on her
behalf as she will be absent during that time.
8. Associate Dean Advisory Council
Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she attended the meeting on
November 5 She indicated that the group is working to provide more
medical doctors for medical practices. There is interest currently in
generating interest in high school students and encouraging them to
enter the medical field.
9. Economic Development/Tourism Committee
Councillor R. Andrews reported that the next ad in est ,i gazine will
be called "Behind Closed Doors" and will focus o , r1 - : ► ivit ":..
Regular Council Minutes Page 10
November 25, 2010
Council may submit their ideas for this ad to M. Gietz, Economic
Development & Tourism Coordinator. Suggestions for the business of
the week featured on the web site are also welcome.
10. Newell Foundation
Reeve M. Douglass indicated that Councillor 1. Schroeder had attended
the last meeting of the Newell Foundation.
11. Palliser Economic Partnership
Councillor L. Juss reported that he had been unable to attend the last
meeting as it was held the same day as a Council orientation session.
X. POST AGENDA ITEMS
1. Brooks & District Handicraft Guild — Letter of Support
The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with a letter from the
Brooks & District Handicraft Guild requesting a letter of support for a
Community Initiatives Program Grant Application.
C- 450/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the County of Newell provide a
letter of support to the Brooks & District Handicraft Guild for their application
to the Community Initiatives Program.
MOTION CARRIED
2. Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association
The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the next meeting of the
Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association will be held on January 14,
2011. The deadline for submitting resolutions is December 31, 2010.
He also noted that they are requesting suggestions for guest speakers
to be submitted by December 15, 2010.
3. Municipal Reserve Discussion
The Assistant Administrator initiated the discussion on the issue that
was brought up previously during the Municipal Planning Commission
meeting. He asked if Council was prepared to provide direction for
Administration to prepare a policy based on the County Planner's A
recommendations and then bring back the tabled applications for
r 4 consideration. Discussion followed regarding whether or not the tabled
applications could be dealt with under the current system or adjusted
Regular Council Minutes Page 11
November 25, 2010
retroactively. The Assistant Administrator indicated that he would have
a draft policy prepared for the next Council meeting.
4. Fire Chief Retirement
Councillor B. de Jong indicated that a retirement party for S. Grove,
Duchess Fire Chief, will be held on Sunday, November 28, 2010 from
3:00 -6:00 p.m.
C- 451/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the County of Newell No. 4
provides a steak knife set to Steve Grove, Duchess Fire Chief, on the
occasion of his retirement.
MOTION CARRIED
XI. INFORMATION ITEMS
1. Mini Bus Report (October 2010)
This item was accepted as information.
2. ATCO Electric — Eastern Alberta DC Transmission Line —
Additional Route Options
This item was accepted as information.
3. AltaLink — Hanna Region Transmission Development: Cassils to
Ware Junction
This item was accepted as information.
XII. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held.
Councillor A. Eastman indicated that he had attended a meeting as the
Agricultural Service Board Chairman at the request of the Agricultural
Fieldman.
Councillor C. Amulung inquired about whether or not the number of Council
representatives on the Disaster Services Committee was being addressed.
He also asked when the last committee report was circulated. The Assistant
Administrator indicated that he would obtain the minut s of the regular
meetings held at the fire hall. Reeve M. Douglass a ked t e bylaw
Regular Council Minutes Page 12
November 25, 2010
concerns should be discussed at the next Disaster Services Committee on
meeting. The Assistant Administrator replied that the bylaw concerns the
County's committee, while the meetings have been for the regional
committee. He indicated that he was unsure if there have been meetings of
the County's Disaster Services Committee for some time. The Fire &
Emergency Services Coordinator is currently reviewing the County's Disaster
Services Committee Bylaw and revisions are expected early next year.
LEFT THE MEETING
A. Nielsen and S. Stanway left the meeting at 3:07 p.m.
XIII. IN CAMERA
C- 452/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we move in camera at
3:07 p.m. to discuss a labor issue.
MOTION CARRIED
C- 453/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that we move out of camera at
4:30 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
XIV. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned
at 4:30 p.m.
Signed this _ c?-f13- ‘ aay of _ ,,c_ _���� %� , 2010
Reeve d
Count Administrator