Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-03-10 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING March 10, 2011 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, March 10, 2011 commencing at 10:19 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder A.M. Philipsen R. Andrews 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 D. Horvath, County Planner — ORRSC 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 C. Mitchell, AMEC J. Kiss, Farmers' Advocate Office I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. II. MINUTES 1. Council (February 24, 2011) The following changes were made to the February 24, 2011 Council Meeting minutes: Page 4, Item VII.2 — should read "...include that the reason for the sale is to retum the land to the province." C C -75/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the February 24, 2011 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED ,/ Regular Council Minutes Page 2 March 10, 2011 III. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C -76/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED VII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Subdivision Extension Request — 2010 -0 -016 (Sect. 30- 18- 14 -W4) The County Planner presented background information and responded to questions from Council. C -77/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the request for a one year time extension to subdivision application 2010 -0 -016 to March 10, 2012 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED • 2. AAMDC Resolutions Council was presented with the resolutions package for the AAMDC Spring 2011 Convention. Discussion followed on each of the resolutions and whether or not to support them during the convention. Regarding Resolution 3 -11S Development of Assessors in Rural Alberta, Council agreed that more support is required from the provincial government in order to attract and maintain assessors in rural municipalities. The County Assessor will be consulted to obtain his opinion on this issue. Discussion continued on the remaining resolutions. 3. Annual General Meeting Date The Annual General Meeting will be held at the Heritage Inn on Thursday, May 19, 2011. Council discussed the format for the Annual General Meeting and it was determined that short presentations and round table discussions followed by a question and answer period is the preferred format. Reeve M. Douglass suggested that the Councillors gather in a central area for the question and answer period. Discussion followed regarding preparing information for ratepayers on topics such as the County/EID drainage partnership and paving plans. Presentations will be given by the Chief Administrative Officer, the Regular Council Minutes Page 3 March 10, 2011 County Planner, Newell Regional Services Corporation, and Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority. Council discussed the format of the Annual Report document and requested that staff proceed with preparing a publication similar to the one produced last year. 4. Rural Water Distribution System — Technical Design Committee This item will be discussed during the In Camera portion of this meeting. 5. Alberta Recycling Spring Seminar 2011 (April 6 -8, 2011) Council was presented with information regarding the Alberta Recycling Spring Seminar. Discussion followed and it was noted that Apri l 7 is an MPC /Council meeting day. Councillor B. de Jong expressed interest in going, indicating that it is a local event supported by the County. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 11:15 a.m. Staff will investigate the possibility of Council attending a portion of the conference. C -78/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Alberta Recycling Spring Seminar in Brooks, AB on April 6 -8, 2011 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 6. Councillor Payment Sheets (January 2011) Council discussed further changes to the Councillor Payment Sheets for January 2011. Councillor A.M. Philipsen responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor I. Schroeder left the meeting at 11:22 a.m. and returned at 11:25 a.m. C -79/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the January 2011 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee and as follows: - Councillor C. Amulung — ASB Edmonton — should be 6 hours plus mileage ■ Regular Council Minutes Page 4 March 10, 2011 - Councillor I. Schroeder — ASB Edmonton — should be 6 hours (no 0 mileage) - Councillor A.M. Philipsen — ASB Edmonton — should be 5 hours plus mileage to Brooks (33km) - Reeve M. Douglass — Pre - Council & Council Meeting (Jan. 27, 2011) — should be 7.5 hours. MOTION CARRIED 7. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C -80/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that cheques 169562 to 169629 in the amount of $810,797.78 and Direct Debit Batch 17992 in the amount of $47,037.62 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 1. Cell Phone Free Driving The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with background information on this item. Provincial "Bill 16 - Distracted Driving" legislation will likely come into effect sometime this year. Under • this legislation handheld cell phone use is restricted, amongst many other distractions such as eating, reading, and text messaging, however provisions for Bluetooth hands -free devices have been made. This legislation differs from that of current policy and Council's consideration was requested. Discussion followed and the Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. C -81/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the "Guidelines" section of Policy 2008 - PAD -048 be replaced by the following amendment: "Persons employed by the County of Newell are not permitted to use a hand -held cell phone while operating a motor vehicle on company business and /or on company time. If the person employed uses a hand -held cell phone without proper hands -free equipment or Bluetooth, the following rules apply:" MOTION CARRIED C -82/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that we move into Public Hearings at 11:38 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 0 c-/-Q), Regular Council Minutes Page 5 March 10, 2011 V. PUBLIC HEARINGS 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 Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:38 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Assistant Administrator stated that the intent of Bylaw 1718 -11 is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 0.7 acres (0.28 hectares) in NE 19- 15 -15 -W4 from HC — Hamlet Commercial District to HR — Hamlet Residential District. The County Planner provided background information on this item, indicating that no response to the circulation was received from either adjacent landowners or agencies. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in support of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 2. Bylaw 1719 -11 —11 LUA 002 NE 1- 20 -14 -W4 — Division 8 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:39 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Assistant Administrator stated that the intent of Bylaw 1719 -11 is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 7.0 acres (2.8 hectares) in NE 1- 20 -14 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District. The County Planner provided background information on this item, indicating that no response to the circulation was received from either adjacent landowners or agencies. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in support of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Regular Council Minutes Page 6 March 10, 2011 Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C -83/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:40 a.m. MOTION CARRIED VI. 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 provided background information and responded to questions from Council. C -84/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER 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 1 /4 19- 15 -15 -W4 from HC — Hamlet Commercial District to HR — Hamlet Residential District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C -85/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1718 -11 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 2. Bylaw 1719 -11 —11 LUA 002 NE 1- 20 -14 -W4 — Division 8 A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District The County Planner provided background information and responded to questions from Council. C -86/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Bylaw 1719 -11, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 by rezoning approximately 7.0 acres (2.8 hectares) in NE % 1- 20 -14 -W4 from A — Agricultural District to CR — Country Residential District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C -87/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1719 -11 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert left the meeting at 11:41 a.m. • Regular Council Minutes Page 7 March 10, 2011 3. Bylaw 1721 -11 — Special Tax Bylaw The Assistant Administrator provided background information and responded to questions from Council. C -88/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Bylaw 1721 -11, being a bylaw to impose a special tax levy on Tots within subdivisions that are receiving waterworks from the Eastern Irrigation District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C -89/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Bylaw 1721 -11 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C -90/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that consent be given for Bylaw 1721 -11 to receive third reading this 10 day of March 2011. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C -91/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1721 -11 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:44 a.m. VIII. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS — continued 2. Superintendent of Public Works Report The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report to Council and gave an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor A. Eastman asked if potential areas where spring flooding could occur have been identified. The Superintendent of Public works indicated that they will be monitoring Rolling Hills, Scandia, and Cassils, adding that he would inform staff regarding potential issues in Rosemary. Council suggested other areas that may be affected by flooding. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to further questions from Council. 3. Utilities — NRSC Report Council was presented with the Utilities — NRSC report for February 2011. Regular Council Minutes Page 8 March 10, 2011 C -92/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the Superintendent of Public Works report and the Utilities — NRSC report for February 2011 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED IX. POST AGENDA ITEMS 1. Newell Regional Expo Funding Request Councillor C. Amulung requested an update from the Joint Services Committee regarding a request from the Newell Regional Expo regarding funding and a possible partnership opportunity between the County, the City of Brooks, and Grasslands Regional FCSS. Reeve M. Douglass provided background information and the letter of request was forwarded to Council. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later in this meeting. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:58 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:57 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING • G. Tiffin and C. Mitchell arrived at 12:57 p.m. IX. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 2. Bridge File 75926 — Update The Superintendent of Public Works provided Council with background information on this item and an updated cost estimate. A letter was distributed to Council regarding the funding available from Alberta Transportation. C. Mitchell indicated that the cost of the road work had been underestimated and the preferred alignment would cost $1,000,000.00 rather than $400,000.00. Alberta Transportation has agreed to provide funding in the amount of $600, 000.00 and the County would be required to cover the remaining $400,000.00. He noted that the County would also be responsible for yearly maintenance costs for the life of the road and the cost of upgrades, when required in the future. He presented Council with a net present value analysis on three of the proposed alignments. He also noted that, during a recent conference call, Alberta Transportation had commented on the County's apparent prioritizing of L ' , 21 1 0 the east/west route. C. Mitchell suggested that the County consider Regular Council Minutes Page 9 March 10, 2011 getting a commitment from Alberta Transportation stating that, if the alignment involving the east/west route is chosen, the decision will not affect the replacement of Fisher Bridge. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer inquired about the cost to replace the existing bridge and how much funding was included in the budget. C. Mitchell indicated that Alberta Transportation would not provide funding to replace the culvert in the exact same location. Councillor A.M. Philipsen expressed concerns with trying to select a new alignment and suggested that additional funding sources be investigated for the preferred alignment. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that $557,500.00 had been set aside for this project in 2010 and will be carried forward to 2011. C. Mitchell responded to further questions from Council. Councillor J. Bulger expressed concerns with the perception that the north /south route was less important jeopardizing the chances of replacing Fisher Bridge. Discussion followed regarding the funding contribution from Alberta Transportation and whether or not a different alignment should be investigated. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that no other grant funding options exist and some projects could be deferred in order to fund this project. He indicated that he would contact the regional manager to determine whether the funding from Alberta Transportation could be applied to one of the other alignments. C. Mitchell will meet with the landowners to discuss options. This item will be discussed further during the March 24, 2011 Council meeting. LEFT THE MEETING C. Mitchell left the meeting at 1:36 p.m. 1. Newell Regional Expo Funding Request — continued Discussion continued on this item and concerns were raised regarding the fact that a specific project for this funding had not been identified. LEFT THE MEETING C. Lindsay left the meeting at 1:37 p.m. Councillor M. Nesbitt expressed concerns that the original funding contribution was meant for a specific project. If the funds are sent back, the original funds from the matching grant could be jeopardized. Councillor C. Amulung indicated that this request had been discussed at the last Grasslands Regional FCSS meeting and suggested that the Regular Council Minutes Page 10 March 10, 2011 request be discussed between the City, County, and FCSS. This item 0 will be discussed further at the March 24, 2011 Council meeting. X. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Mini Bus Report (January 2011) This item was accepted as information. XI. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that City and County Councillors have been invited to meet Danielle Smith, leader of the Wildrose Alliance party, on March 25, 2011 at 3:45 p.m. More information will be forwarded when available. LEFT THE MEETING A. Nielsen and S. Stanway left the meeting at 1:45 p.m. • XII. IN CAMERA C -93/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that we move in camera at 1:45 p.m. to discuss a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C -94/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that we move out of camera at 3:36 p.m. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Kiss arrived at 3:36 p.m. IX. POST AGENDA ITEMS — continued 3. Farmers' Advocate Office J. Kiss presented Council with an update on the programs and services 0 ---"-)V) offered by the Farmers' Advocate Office. Regular Council Minutes Page 11 March 10, 2011 XIII. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 4:00 p.m. Signed this 2 7L day of 2011 /■ eeve n Administrator c c