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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-01-06 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING January 6, 2011 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, January 6, 2011 commencing at 10:00 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder R. Andrews A.M. Philipsen M. Nesbitt J. Bulger A. Eastman B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Development Control Officer T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman M. Gietz, Economic Development/Tourism Coordinator 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, Q -13 Fox Radio C. Mitchell, AMEC R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation 3 County Ratepayers in attendance I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING 0 All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council Minutes Page 2 January 6, 2011 II. MINUTES 1. Council (December 23, 2010) The following changes were made to the December 23, 2010 Council Meeting minutes: Page 8 — Item V.7: should read "...Alberta Library Conference in Jasper, AB on April 28 — May 1, 2011..." C -01/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the December 23, 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 -02/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED V. BYLAWS 1. Bylaw 1715 -11 — Road Closure & Lease (SW & SE 15- 20 -16 -W4 and NW & NE 16- 20- 16 -W4) The Development Control Officer presented background information on this item to Council. C -03/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Bylaw 1715 -11, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and leasing the portion of road allowance lying south of Section 15- 20- 16 -W4, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 2. Bylaw 1716 -11 — Road Closure & Sale (NW 28- 18- 14 -W4) (..PC\C The Development Control Officer presented background information on • this item to Council, noting that this item will also be reviewed by the Inter Municipal Development Plan Committee. Regular Council Minutes Page 3 c January 6, 2011 C -04/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Bylaw 1716 -11, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and selling the portion of road as indicated in Subdivision Plan 021 0901, Block 5, Lot 1 (NW 28- 18- 14 -W4), be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Brooks Airport Land Use & Development Plan The Development Control Officer presented background information on this item to Council, indicating that decisions made by the Airport Commission can be accommodated in the Municipal Development Plan. Councillor B. de Jong stated that, once adopted, the report would be used as a guide for future planning projects. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor R. Andrews arrived at 10:08 a.m. C -05/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that that the Brooks Airport Land Use & Development Plan be accepted as information. MOTION CARRIED IX. POST AGENDA ITEMS 2. Connection to City of Brooks Water Services The Development Control Officer presented background information on this item to Council. As the landowner has agreed to pay all associated fees for the service connection, the Planning and Development department and Fire & Emergency Services have no concerns with this application. The Superintendent of Public Works explained where the water line is currently located and indicated that Public Works has no concerns. C -06/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the Council of the County of Newell No. 4 has no objections to the application from Shiloh Lands Ltd. to connect to the City of Brooks Water Services. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING ® A. Wickert left the meeting at 10:15 a.m. Regular Council Minutes Page 4 January 6, 2011 VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 2. Offer to Purchase Received for Scandia Lot The Assistant Administrator resented Council with background P 9 information on this item. He indicated that more information had come forward following the December 23, 2010 Council meeting which confirmed that, in the absence of a formal policy, the applicant had followed the process outlined by staff. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Green arrived at 10:18 a.m. C -07/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Motion C- 478/10 be RESCINDED and that the offer to purchase Lot 6, Block 3, Plan 781 1389 in Scandia in the amount of $14,100.00 be accepted. Councillor M. Nesbitt requested a recorded vote. • Discussion followed regarding how sales of surplus property are handled. The Assistant Administrator indicated that the last sale occurred in 2005 and there has never been a formal process for disposing of surplus property. Ideally, there would be a complete inventory of all properties owned by the County and there would be a periodic, open process to sell surplus property to the public. The Assistant Administrator responded to further questions from Council. VOTE ON MOTION C -07/11 In Favour: Divisions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Opposed: Division 5 MOTION CARRIED VI. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS 1. Resolutions for the 2011 ASB Provincial Conference & 2010 Report Card The Agricultural Fieldman presented the resolutions being brought forward at the 2011 Provincial ASB Conference to Council. Council decided to vote on the resolutions in the following manner: Resolution 1 — yes Resolution 2 — yes Resolution 3 — no Regular Council Minutes Page 5 Q January 6, 2011 Resolution 4 — yes Resolution 5 — yes Resolution 6 — undecided Resolution 7 — undecided Resolution 8 — no Resolution 9 — yes Resolution 10 — yes The Agricultural Fieldman indicated that two Councillors would need to be selected to act as voting delegates for the County of Newell. C -08/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Councillor R. Andrews and Councillor A. Eastman be the voting representatives for the County of Newell ASB at the 2011 Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference. MOTION CARRIED 2. Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award The Agricultural Fieldman presented Council with background information on the Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards. Council discussed potential nominees. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Gietz and G. Tiffin arrived at 10:49 a.m. C -09/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER on behalf of the County of Newell Ag Service Board that the Stephen Skanderup family be nominated for the 2011 BMO Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award. Furthermore, that Councillor I. Schroeder attend the Awards banquet on behalf of the County of Newell ASB. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:50 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Havinga arrived at 10:50 a.m. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued ® 3. FCM Municipal Partners for Economic Development MP Program The Economic Development/Tourism Coordinator pres background information on this item and responded to questions from Regular Council Minutes Page 6 January 6, 2011 Council. Councillor 1. Schroeder asked how other jurisdictions were (1) handling the time commitment required of the staff members that will be participating. The Economic Development/Tourism Coordinator replied that some participants will volunteer their time if their Council does not approve. She indicated that, as she is only employed by the County part time, she would be volunteering a portion of her time. Councillor M. Nesbitt noted that the agreement states FCM will not cover travel and health insurance for personal travel. The Economic Development/Tourism Coordinator replied that separate insurance would be required for additional travel and personal time. C -10/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell supports the Economic Development/Tourism Committee by authorizing two representatives to participate in the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Municipal Partners for Economic Development (MPED) Program. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING C. Mitchell arrived at 10:58 a.m. LEFT THE MEETING M. Gietz left the meeting at 10:58 a.m. 4. Council Meeting (January 20, 2011) — Cancel or Reschedule The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. C -11/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the Municipal Planning Commission and Council meetings of January 20, 2011 be RESCHEDULED to January 27, 2011. MOTION CARRIED VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 3. Bridge File 75926 — Update The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that a meeting with the affected landowners was held on January 5, 2011 to determine if the newly proposed Option 6 was acceptable. A further option was suggested, but this was found to be undesirable to the landowner to the • north. He indicated that they have narrowed the choices down to either Option 1 or Option 5. Regular Council Minutes Page 7 January 6, 2011 C. Mitchell indicated that, for Option 5, Alberta Transportation will pay 100% of the road construction costs if the bridge is removed, with the County responsible for future road maintenance costs. He gave an overview of the potential road alignments that had been discussed. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated on the map some options for straightening the road and outlined the positives and negatives for both options. C. Mitchell and the Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. Councillor J. Bulger noted that Option 1 would provide an alternative for traffic flow when one of the railway crossings is blocked. C -12/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County remain committed to proceed with Option 5 as set out by AMEC. MOTION CARRIED Discussion followed regarding the road and the land acquisitions required, and C. Mitchell noted that the landowners had requested Texas gates. ARRIVED AT MEETING 3 County ratepayers arrived at 11:27 a.m. 4. Utilities — NRSC Report (December 2010) R. Havinga presented the Utilities — NRSC Report for December 2010 to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C -13/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the Utilities -NRSC Report for December 2010 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 6. DELEGATION — 10 Year Paving Plan — Range Road 15 -5 from Township Road 19-0 to Highway 1 and Highway 1 North to Highway 550 The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with background information on this item. A. Dyck indicated that a letter had been sent to Council outlining their concerns regarding the paving of Range Road 15 -5, which include changes in traffic flow, school bus routes, an. •otential effects on the homeowners. She questioned whether or not a t - - - t study had been done. � Regular Council Minutes Page 8 January 6, 2011 J. Baerg distributed information to Council regarding provincial recommendations for speed limits. She indicated that, if paved, Range Road 15 -5 could attract more traffic and, in turn, create a hazard for school buses and the children living in the area. She expressed concerns that a proper study had not been completed regarding shoulder and curve design for road safety. J. Baerg presented other information relating to potential impact on agricultural operations, drainage, and personal property. She noted that there has not been a lot of public information distributed regarding the project. J. Baerg also expressed concerns about the proposed connection to Highway 1 and increased traffic. J. Baerg provided recommendations to Council, which included conducting a land impact study before making a decision. If Range Road 15 -5 is paved, she requested that the two mile section between Highway 550 and Township Road 20 -4 be designated a no passing zone and with a local reduction of speed limit of 70km/h. She also asked if the County was currently meeting the provincial winter maintenance guidelines. Further requests include giving advance notice to landowners regarding the removal of trees and shrubs, consideration of drainage issues, and grandfathering in existing land access points above the two that are permitted. J. Baerg indicated that • they are aware that a petition in favour of paving Range Road 15 -5 has been submitted to the County and asked that Council also consider the number of people who did not sign the petition. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING 3 County ratepayers and R. Havinga left the meeting at 11:55 a.m. 1. Hamlet of Scandia Infrastructure Assessment The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with background information on this item. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen left the meeting at 11:56 a.m. He indicated that the additional information requested by Council at their December 9, 2010 meeting had been included. 111 -1 1 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the Hamlet of Scandia Infrastructure Assessment be accepted as information and that Regular Council Minutes Page 9 January 6, 2011 Administration be directed to proceed with involving the Hamlet Advisory Committee in a review and discussion of the recommendations as outlined in the report. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen returned at 11:59 a.m. 2. Scandia Lagoon & Lift Station Improvements — Scope Change & Funding Request The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that additional engineering costs have been incurred but, currently, the original budget of $2.5 million will not be impacted. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. 5. Superintendent of Public Works Report The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report to Council. He provided Council with statistics regarding the number of pipeline approvals, which has declined over the past three years. He also introduced Geoff Tiffin, who has taken over the position of Technical Manager in the Public Works Department. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions C -15/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the Superintendent of Public Works' report for December 2010 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht, C. Mitchell, and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 12:09 p.m. VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 5. Division 3 & 8 Fire Department Fire Truck Funding Request & 2011 Budget The Assistant Administrator presented Council with background information on this item. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that he would like to see one balanced mill rate for all County fire departments. C -16/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that C• my of ■ ewell No. 4 support this request from the Division 3 & 8 Fire Depart • - - - • = PP - OVE /a T. Regular Council Minutes Page 10 January 6, 2011 funding in the amount of $50,000.00 from the Fire Fund in 2011 as per the CP Fire Truck Donations policy. MOTION CARRIED 6. Assessment Review Board Training Council was presented with information regarding upcoming Assessment Review Board Training sessions. This item was accepted as information. 7. Elected Official Education Program — Emergency Preparedness Planning This item was accepted as information. 8. Councillor Payment Sheets (November 2010) Councillor A.M. Philipsen noted one change to Councillor B. de Jong's compensation. C -17/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the November 2010 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee and as follows: - Councillor B. de Jong — Canadian Badlands Meeting — should be 6.5 hours plus mileage. MOTION CARRIED 9. Cheques for Payment C -18/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that cheques 169140 to 169229 in the amount of $1,412,031.29 and Direct Debit Batch 17751 in the amount of $3,678.57 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED IX. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 1. Newell Regional Services Corporation — Asset Transfer — Vehicles JC\\:'D Council was presented with background information on this item. • L Regular Council Minutes Page 11 ON January 6, 2011 C -19/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Council APPROVES the Asset Sale Agreement for the two 2009 Ford Trucks purchased for the Newell Regional Services Corporation in the amount of $73,460.10. MOTION CARRIED 3. Sick Leave Policy The Chief Administrative Officer presented Council with proposed changes to Policy 2007 - PAD -044 (Sick Leave Incentive) which will create a non - monetary incentive. Under the proposed new policy, an employee who uses five or fewer sick days will have the option of transferring that time to their vacation bank. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C -20/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Policy 2007 - PAD -044 (Sick Leave Incentive) be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 4. Rural Water Distribution System Initiative Committee Councillor 1. Schroeder suggested forming a committee that would ® make recommendations to Council regarding the Rural Water Distribution System project. Discussion followed regarding the number of committee members. This item will be discussed further during the Rural Water Supply Initiative Workshop following the Council meeting. 5. Presentation Regarding Bills 36, 19, and 50 Reeve M. Douglass noted that information had been forwarded recently regarding a speaker that will be at the Heritage Inn in Brooks at 1:30 p.m. on January 11, 2011. The topics include Bills 36, 19, and 50, the Alberta Land Use Framework, and the issue of the loss of property rights. X. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor A. Eastman asked how the delegation's concerns would be dealt with regarding Range Road 15 -5. This item will be discussed further during a future Council meeting. Regular Council Minutes Page 12 January 6, 2011 XI. IN CAMERA I I, C -21/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 12:25 p.m. to discuss a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C -22/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that we move out of camera at 12:30 p.m. MOTION CARRIED XII. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m. Signed this 2- day of i r>u. , 2011 Po Reeve •ounty dministrator •