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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-27 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING January 27, 2011 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, January 27, 2011 commencing at 10:40 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung R. Andrews M. Nesbitt J. Bulger A. Eastman L. Juss ABSENT: I. Schroeder A.M. Philipsen B. de Jong STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Development Control Officer D. Horvath, County Planner — ORRSC T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works G. Tiffin, Technical Manager A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: C. Lindsay, Brooks & County Chronicle M. Fitzgerald, The One 16 County ratepayers in attendance I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C -23/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Councillor I. Schroeder, Councillor A.M. Philipsen, and Councillor B. de Jong be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED II. MINUTES 1. Council (January 6, 2011) C -24/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the January 6, 2011 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED }1\1Q9 Regular Council Minutes Page 2 January 27, 2011 III. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS • The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C -25/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED V. BYLAWS 1. Bylaw 1718 -11 —11 LUA 001 Lot 6, Block 3, Plan 781 1389 (NE 19- 15- 15 -W4) — Division 4 HC — Hamlet Commercial District to HR — Hamlet Residential District The County Planner presented background information on this item to Council, indicating that there is road access and the majority of adjacent lots are also zoned Hamlet Residential District. The County Planner responded to questions from Council. C -26/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that Bylaw 1718 -11, being a • bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 0.7 acres (0.28 hectares) in NE �/a 19- 15 -15 -W4 from HC — Hamlet Commercial District to HR — Hamlet Residential District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Land Use Bylaw Review — Proposed Time Frame & Budget The County Planner presented Council with a proposed timeline and budget for a review of the current Land Use Bylaw, indicating that feedback received during the review of the Municipal Development Plan can be incorporated into a new Land Use Bylaw that will be more streamlined and easier to use. A steering committee of at least five Councillors will be required to work through policy issues and questions. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that the Land Use Bylaw should align with the new South Saskatchewan Regional Plan. The County Planner indicated that she had learned those plans are on hold until a review of Bill 36 has been completed. The County Planner responded c.),\\. to questions from Council. • Regular Council Minutes Page 3 January 27, 2011 0 C -27/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we proceed with the proposed time frame and budget for the review and preparation of a new Land Use Bylaw. MOTION CARRIED VI. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS 1. Agricultural Fieldman's Report (January 2011) The Agricultural Fieldman presented his report for January 2011 and responded to questions from Council. He noted that the Stephen Skanderup family declined the 2011 BMO Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award and that he will be approaching some of the other potential nominees that Council had discussed. ARRIVED AT MEETING 15 County Ratepayers arrived at 11:00 a.m. Councillor L. Juss noted that a ratepayer had called to ask if a certain lot could be mowed to remove a potential fire hazard. The Agricultural Fieldman indicated that he would look into it. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:05 a.m. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 2. DELEGATION — Westside Water Users J. Hofer went over a list of questions that had been presented to Council regarding the decision to not allow pressurized connections to the Rural Water Distribution System for the Westside Water Users. He indicated that a previous proposal had been made to allow them to hook on with their existing system. Reeve M. Douglass replied that the request had seemed reasonable initially, but further information has been brought forward by the engineers. ARRIVED AT MEETING 1 County Ratepayer arrived at 11:10 a.m. Councillor L. Juss indicated that MPE Engineering had explained that the trickle system requires a certain amount of infrastructure fo supply all connections with Average Daily Demand. In order to provide the Regular Council Minutes Page 4 January 27, 2011 demand required for a pressurized connection for the Westside Water Users, the infrastructure must be upgraded and a much higher cost is • involved. J. Hofer presented statistics regarding the average yearly water usage of the Westside Water Users. He noted that, if they purchased the units necessary to match that usage, the cost to install the required storage facilities would be very high. The Technical Manager indicated that, in order to supply the same amount of water through a pressurized system, ten times the capacity from the water treatment plant is required. If this capacity is not replaced, other users on the system could be affected. The Chief Administrative Officer reiterated that the trickle system had been designed based on 300 gallons per day per unit and that the County has been sized for approximately 2300 units. He further outlined that the system has not been designed for fully pressurized connections, as the engineers would have had to increase the capacity tenfold to meet max day demands, and questioned how one could make a pressurized system available to some but not all. J. Hofer expressed concerns with having to install new infrastructure in order to connect to the trickle system. The Chief Administrative Officer replied that the existing infrastructure could be used as long as the pipe grade and class meets the requirements for potable water. A flow restrictor installed at the main assembly would ensure that the same water capacity is provided to all users. S. Carry from Flint Energy Services suggested that those companies currently receiving pressurized water services be grandfathered in and any new companies in the area would connect to the trickle system. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that this had been considered, but allowing some businesses a pressurized connection could impact rural water users. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that hamlets had paid for the installation of their pressurized water systems, which included water treatment facilities, distribution lines, pumps, and water storage. Discussion followed regarding the costs involved with installing cisterns for storage. J. Luyks from Springbrook Poultry presented Council with an overview of the water requirements of his business, indicating that he would need 50 -60 units and a massive cistern in order to operate connected to the trickle system. He also expressed concerns with the proposed billing system, noting that there are two weeks per cycle where they use no water at all. Councillor C. Amulung requested information regarding the water usage at Spring Brook Poultry. J. Luyks and J. Hofer responded to questions from Council regarding the history of the system and improvements that have been made to the line. J. Hofer explained the billing process, indicating that the Westside Water Users have an i\NS agreement with Lakeside indicating that Lakeside will supply water as long as it is available to them. The Technical Manager indicated that Regular Council Minutes Page 5 January 27, 2011 the engineers would be consulted for an explanation of the capacity Q issues. J. Hofer asked why users had to pay $7,000.00 per unit when only one line is being run. The Chief Administrative Officer explained that the $7,000.00 per unit connection fee was determined by dividing the total estimated project cost by the total of possible connections. J. Hofer expressed concerns regarding the number of units that would need to be purchased and the high monthly bills. Discussion followed regarding how allowing pressurized connections on a trickle system could negatively impact other users. J. Hofer inquired about the water system at Lake Newell Resort. The Chief Administrative Officer explained that the existing cistern had been installed by Lake Newell Resort. This cistern was not large enough to supply the Regional Water System, so an additional cistern was installed by the County with some provincial funding assistance. J. Hofer inquired about installing a cistern that would supply pressurized water to the Westside Water Users. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that they would need to know exactly how much water is needed and then consult MPE Engineering. He also noted that the infrastructure must be approved by Alberta Environment, as they would be connecting to a municipal system. Councillor A. Eastman noted that Springbrook Poultry presents a unique problem, as they require a great deal of water. J. Hofer responded to questions from Council regarding the currently installed cisterns, water lines, and the amount of water used by the Westside Water Users. Councillor C. Amulung requested information regarding what this group currently pays for water on a per gallon basis. J. Hofer replied that they currently pay Lakeside $4.00 per 1,000 gallons. J. Luyks indicated that Springbrook Poultry also has an agreement with Lakeside and they pay $2.00 per 1,000 gallons. The Chief Administrative Officer noted that Lakeside had been included in the meetings for the Regional Water System initially, but they indicated that their plant was sufficient and the costs to pay for the required infrastructure were not feasible at that time. Reeve M. Douglass thanked the delegation for their time and indicated that this item would be discussed further when more information has been received. C. Luyks inquired about the January 31 deadline for submitting the registration for the Rural Water Distribution System. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that registrations should be submitted before that date, but if the deadline is too tight then arrangements can be made. I V1\-/ 0 Regular Council Minutes Page 6 January 27, 2011 LEFT THE MEETING • 16 County Ratepayers, A. Wickert, D. Horvath, M. Harbicht, and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 12:18 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:18 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m. VI. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS — continued 1. Agricultural Fieldman's Report (January 2011) — continued C -28/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 2. DELEGATION — Westside Water Users — continued This item will be discussed further when information regarding water co usage for the Westside Water Users has been obtained and MPE Engineering is available. 3. RCMP Quarterly Reports The RCMP Quarterly Reports for Brooks and Bassano and the County Municipal Enforcement Services Report were accepted as information. 4. Veteran's Memorial Highway Association — Invitation to Strategic Planning Session Council was presented with information regarding an invitation to participate in the Veteran's Memorial Highway Association Strategic Planning Session. C -29/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor L. Juss be permitted to attend the Veterans Memorial Highway Association Strategic Planning Workshop on February 11, 2011 in Castor, AB as a function of Council, and that the Assistant Administrator be 0 1 " permitted to attend as an administrative representative. MOTION CARRIED 0 Regular Council Minutes Page 7 January 27, 2011 5. Public Reserve Funding Request — Newell Sailing Club r presented Council with background Assistant Administrato ese ed round P 9 information on this item. C -30/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the funding request from the Newell Sailing Club for improvements to the Kinbrook Island Community Hall and grounds be APPROVED in the amount of $15,510.15 with funding through the Municipal Public Reserve. MOTION CARRIED 6. Provincial Review of 2010 Assessment Notice Package Council was presented with information regarding the review of the 2010 Assessment Notice package. C -31/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the review of the 2010 Assessment Notice package received from the Province be accepted as information. MOTION CARRIED 7. County Newsletter Review (January /February 2011) Council reviewed the proposed County newsletter for January & February 2011. 8. Cheques for Payment C -32/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that cheques 169230 to 169331 in the amount of $1,619,223.44, Direct Debit Batch 17787 in the amount of $76,991.83, and Direct Debit Batch 17879 in the amount of $13,766.51 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Newell Regional Services Commission Councillor C. Amulung reported on a discussion regarding repayment of a loan to the County possibly affecting water rates. The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information regarding the loan, indicating that NRSC had identified the time frame for repayment. 2. Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor L. Juss indicated that he had attended a meeting in Medicine Hat which included speakers on attracting businesses to the area. Regular Council Minutes Page 8 January 27, 2011 AltaLink had also presented information regarding the proposed • transmission lines, which will be forwarded to the Alberta Utilities Commission for final approval. He also noted that the Palliser Economic Partnership Retreat will begin tomorrow in Elkwater, AB. 3. Red Deer River Watershed Alliance /Red Deer River Municipal Users Group Councillor A. Eastman explained the difference between the Watershed Alliance and the Municipal Users Group. He indicated that he had attended a workshop regarding the development of an integrated water management plan, which will include information from industry, agriculture, environment, and government policy. 4. Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass reported on recent functions and meetings that she had attended. A meeting regarding improvements to the Silver Sage area was held on January 10, 2011 with representatives from the City of Brooks, the County of Newell, and the Eastern Irrigation District. 5. Newell Foundation Reeve M. Douglass reported that discussions continue regarding 0 generators for both buildings and solutions to the leaks at Newbrook Lodge. She indicated that both buildings have vacancies and that a strategic planning session will be held in February. 6. Joint Services/IMDP Committee Reeve M. Douglass indicated that, at the January 11, 2011 meeting, the committee had discussed an Economic Development funding request from Canadian Badlands for a conference they are hosting in March. She indicated that she suggested that the other municipalities within the County also be included as municipal hosts. Reeve M. Douglass responded to questions from Council. She indicated that there was nothing new to report regarding the truck route feasibility study and that oll1/4-)) physician recruitment and retention had also been discussed. A discussion was held regarding advertising support for media/pub/le relations within the community. b1icc. s . 7. Meeting with The Hon. Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture & Community Spirit Councillor M. Nesbitt and Councillor L. Juss attended a meeting with The Hon. Lindsay Blackett on January 24, 2011. Councillor M. Nesbitt 0 indicated that the goal of these meetings is to build plans for the Department of Culture & Community Spirit and reduce duplication in the \ I \ A) Regular Council Minutes Page 9 January 27, 2011 grants system. A citizen's advisory group has been set up to review issues with funding and will focus on getting various groups to work together. C -33/10 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the attendance of Councillor M. Nesbitt and Councillor L. Juss at the meeting with The Hon. Lindsay Blackett, Minister of Culture & Community Spirit, on January 24, 2011 in Brooks, AB be approved as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED IX. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 1. Local Radio Stations — Sponsorship Opportunity The Chief Administrative Officer and Reeve M. Douglass presented information to Council regarding the rebranding, relaunching, and re- energizing of two FM radio stations in Brooks. He indicated that they have invited the County to be a founder. He presented Council with an overview of what the County would receive in return for a six -month investment of $9,990.00 + GST, which includes radio advertising, Ownership Days, and interactive web advertising. A six hundred dollar gift card could be applied that would reduce the costs to $9,390.00 + ® GST. Discussion followed regarding how much the County spends per year on radio advertising. Councillor R. Andrews noted that this would be good for Economic Development and suggested that the County sign up for the initial six months and Economic Development/Tourism Committee would discuss subsequent terms. Councillor C. Amulung suggested a partnership with the City of Brooks, and Reeve M. Douglass indicated that the City has already agreed to this, as they make extensive use of radio advertising. C -34/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the County of Newell accepts the proposal from The One 101.1 FM and Q -105.7 FM and agrees to provide a Founder contribution in the amount of $9,390.00 + GST with funding from the Advertising Budget. MOTION DEFEATED 2. Rural Water Distribution System Registrations — Update The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that, currently, registration forms have been received for about 23% of the original 2300 possible connections. The Assistant Administrator noted that several more CD registrations have been received since the count has been updated. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. UlAV Regular Council Minutes Page 10 January 27, 2011 X. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION question period eriod and notice of motion was held. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that Ashton's Place and the Seniors' Outreach are holding a Valentine's Day Ball on February 12, 2011 at the Heritage Inn. Councillor A. Eastman inquired about whether or not the County could assist the villages in obtaining insurance coverage for events. The Assistant Administrator indicated that he would obtain further information. XI. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. XII. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:08 p.m. Signed this /6 day of F-e 2011 0 Reeve • ir Administrator