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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-04-21 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF COUNCIL MEETING April 21, 2011 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, April 21, 2011 commencing at 10:51 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 ABSENT: STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer �-- L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works G. Tiffin, Technical Manager A. Wickert, Manager of Planning and Development D. Lester, Development Clerk M. Gietz, Economic Development Coordinator OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE: S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin C. Lindsay, Brooks & County Chronicle C. Mitchell, AMEC S. SGT. J. Haley SGT. B. Smuk I. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. II. MINUTES 1. Council — April 7, 2011 C C- 139/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the April 7, 2011 ' • ncil minutes be adopted as presented. M 0 ARRIED Regular Council Minutes Page 2 April 21, 2011 111. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. IV. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 140/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED V. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Oldman River Regional Assessment Review Board The Assistant Administrator provided background information regarding the proposal submitted by the Oldman River Regional Services Commission to provide Assessment Review Board Services for member municipalities. Councillor Philipsen and Councillor Eastman are both trained to sit on Assessment Review Boards and feel that we should try our new system, but should keep this as an option for the future. K. Stephenson was directed to discuss this at the upcoming CAO meeting on May 12. 2. Cheques for Payment C- 141/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that cheques 169855 to 169856 in the amount of $66,035.15 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 3. Annual Safety Meeting Breakfast The Assistant Administrator presented background information regarding the upcoming Annual Safety Meeting and asked council if they are interested in providing breakfast as they have done in the past. He indicated that this would be a bit of a celebration with the County recently achieving our Certificate of Recognition. Council indicated that they would be willing to provide breakfast as they have in the past. ARRIVED,AT MEETING C. Mitchell, G. Tiffin and A. Wickert arrived at 11:05 a.m. J\/\\\ Regular Council Minutes Page 3 April 21, 2011 l LEFT THE MEETING D. Lester, S. Stanway and C. Lindsay left the meeting at 11:06 a.m. XI. IN CAMERA C- 142/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we move in camera at 11:07 a.m. MOTION CARRIED C- 143/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that we move out of camera at 11:31 a.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING C. Mitchell, G. Tiffin, A. Wickert left at 11:31 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. SGT J. Haley, SGT. B. Smuk, D. Lester, S. Stanway and C. Lindsay arrived at 11:32 a.m. 4. RCMP Quarterly Reports S. Sgt. J. Haley presented Council with the Quarterly Reports for the Brooks RCMP and Protective Services, including an overview of statistics and significant events. S. Sgt. J. Haley provided Council with an overview of current staffing levels and changes, and also responded to questions from Council. He also indicated that Council was looking at a new report format, and asked for feedback. Council suggested that they like the new format. LEFT THE MEETING S. SGT J. Haley and SGT. B. Smuk left at 11:52 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Wickert arrived at 11:53 a.m. c Regular Council Minutes Page 4 April 21, 2011 5. Ducks Unlimited Canada 0 The Assistant Administrator provided information regarding the wetlands restoration project Ducks Unlimited Canada has proposed, and also presented reasons as to why these roads should potentially be closed. Council directed the Manager of Planning and Development to Indicate to Ducks Unlimited that the County of Newell has no objections or issues with the wetland restoration project. 6. Telecommunications Tower The Manager of Planning and Development provided an overview regarding telecommunication towers. The construction of these towers currently requires federal approval, but that Land Use Bylaw 1626 -07 currently requires a permit for towers taller than 50 ft. Even if someone applied to the County for a tower and was refused a permit, our decision could be overturned. A. Wickert asked for Council's direction regarding this matter. Council indicated that they would like applications to follow the protocol established by Industry Canada, and would like to be given the chance to comment on future tower development. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert, S. Stanway and C. Lindsay left at 12:03 p.m. C LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:04 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:45 p.m. LEFT THE MEETING D. Lester left at 12:45 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING C. Mitchell, G. Tiffin, A. Wickert arrived at 12:45 p.m. XI. IN CAMERA C- 144/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILLIPSEN that we move in camera at 12:46 p.m. MOTION CARRIED L J MEETING A. Wickert, G. Tiffin and C. Mitchell left at 1:37 p.m. Cli) Regular Council Minutes Page 5 April 21, 2011 C C- 145/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that we move out of camera at 1:52 p.m. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING D. Lester, S. Stanway and C. Lindsay arrived at 1:53 p.m. C- 146/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that administration proceed with the land acquisition required for the construction of the North -South portion of the Proposed Truck Route on Range Road 15 -0 with funding from the Paving Reserve. Councillor M. Nesbitt requested a recorded vote. FOR: 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 AGAINST: 5 MOTION CARRIED C- 147/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that administration proceed with the land acquisition required for the construction of the East -West portion of the Proposed Truck Route for the level crossing for the 18-4 (A -2) option, with funding from the Paving Reserve. MOTION CARRIED C- 148/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that given the difficulties with acquiring land for Bridge File 75926 — option #5 — that the County proceed with the project based on option #1 which provides for through traffic on TWP Rd 21 -2 and T intersections on Rge Rd 18 -4. MOTION CARRIED C- 149/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that administration send notice to the City of Brooks indicating that the County of Newell will be discontinuing the partnership agreement for the Community Peace Officers. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Gietz arrived at 1:55 p.m. Regular Council Minutes Page 6 April 21, 2011 9. Offer to Pave SH 873 The County Administrator presented a letter from the Province about an offer to share the cost to pave Provincial Highway 873. The Province has offered to pay for 50% of the project, leaving the County to fund the remaining 50 %. At the present time, Council feels that the Province's contribution should be higher, and decided that the Alberta Transportation proposal should be further discussed when Council meets with Darrell Camplin regarding Highway 535. 7. Cambodian Mission Progress Report M. Gietz presented a power point presentation that gave an photographic overview of the Cambodian Mission. She gave an update of the status of the project, indicating that the County of Newell has been paired up with a Cambodian municipality that she will work with throughout the project. M. Gietz went on to explain that this will be a very beneficial economic development project because Cambodia is dealing with many of the same problems, although they are on a different scale, which we deal with in the County of Newell. She further expressed that this is not a financial transfer project, but a knowledge transfer project, and that we might be able to learn something from the Cambodians as well. 8. Future Direction for County of Newell Economic Development Initiative The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this agenda item. Discussion regarding the future direction of the economic development initiative was initiated at the Corporate Retreat. Communication is needed between the County and the other municipalities within our boundaries. In expanding our economic development initiative to a regional approach, we will need to be sure to involve all municipalities in the Newell Region, no matter how big or small they are. M. Gietz indicated that she has always thought of her position as needing to include the smaller municipalities. Councillor Philipsen and Councillor Andrews will inform the Economic Development Committee and the Tourism Board of Council's opinion and desires with regards to the regional direction of the Economic Development function. LEFT THE MEETING M. Gietz left at 2:37 p. 1 Regular Council Minutes Page 7 April 21, 2011 VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1. Disaster Services Councillor Philipsen submitted a written report. 2. Economic Development/Tourism Councillor Philipsen submitted a written report. 3. Grasslands FCSS Councillor Amulung indicated that the Annual Meeting is scheduled for May 7 at 5:30 at the Medicine Hat College, Brooks Campus. He also stated that an Energize, Educate and Empower seminar is being held May 13 Medicine Hat College, Brooks Campus. Grasslands FCSS would like to make a presentation to Council in June to provide an update on the many projects they are working on. He reminded Council about the upcoming Tradeshow taking place April 29 -May 1. 4. Joint Services /IMDP Committee An update from Joint Services /IMDP Committee was given earlier in the meeting. 5. Mayors and Reeves Association Councillor Douglass indicated that at the Association's last meeting, there was discussion regarding Service Alberta charges, Palliser Economic Partnership changes, doctor shortages, and the Wild Horse Border Crossing. 6. Newell Foundation / o Councillor Douglass indicated that Ptayf It Lodge has4 new generator to provide a backup power supply for the facility. The window issues are currently being dealt with. On May 6, there is a tour scheduled to view the Life Lease Condos in Oyen. This will allow Newell Foundation members to see another option for retirement living arrangements. 7. Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor Juss indicated that PEP is currently struggling to be recognized for their accomplishments, and are starting to wonder if they are a viable group. There are many communities breaking away from the regionalization concept. Despite the fact that many smaller communities are still part of PEP, many of them are not fully participating at meetings. On May 3, a meeting will be held at the Regular Council Minutes Page 8 April 21, 2011 Medicine Hat College, Brooks Campus regarding the Palliser Community Futures project. C- 150/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the May 3, 2011 Palliser Community Futures Project be a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 8. Newell Recycling Association /Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority Councillor B. de Jong submitted a written report. 9. Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor Schroeder indicated that NRSC is trying to work with NRSWMA to share accounting, payroll and administrative functions. They are also working to set the rates for the truck fills in the hamlets which will be discussed later during the meeting. A tour of the new NRSC facility has been scheduled to take place after today's Council meeting. 10. Road Ban Committee Councillor Douglass indicated that a 50% road ban was placed on all gravel roads after the last snowfall, and that it had since been lifted. 11. Shortgrass Library Board Councillor Philipsen announced that the Village of Duchess has joined the Shortgrass Library Board, and also provided a written report. 12. Tourism Representative Councillor Philipsen provided a written report. ARRIVED AT MEETING G. Tiffin arrived at 2:45 p.m. 13. Rural Water G. Tiffin indicated that the last steering committee meeting took place this past Tuesday, April 19. He explained that MPE Engineering would )\° like to set up an office in Brooks for the next few years. He also discussed land acquisition and signing party flow charts. Easement Signing Parties will be held in the Duchess area throughout May, with the specific dates still to be confirmed. He also showed the project schedule which stretches over a 3 -4 year period. He reiterated the fact Regular Council Minutes Page 9 April 21, 2011 that April 29 is the deadline to purchase water at the $1000 price. There will be a Rural Water booth at the upcoming tradeshow to assist in providing information to the public about the project. The display will include sample yard site setups. MPE Engineering will be completing all of the required easement paperwork at their office. VII. POST AGENDA ITEMS 1. Wet Seeding Conditions Councillor Andrews asked the table for their opinions on possibly getting the County of Newell declared as a disaster area due to the extremely wet seeding conditions this year, indicating that farmers might be better compensated by the province and through crop insurance if our area is designated as a disaster area. He asked about speaking to the neighbouring municipalities to see if they would be interested. In addition to the acres unable to be seeded due to the wet conditions, the County might be able to get assistance for replacing gravel and other resources that were lost/used this spring. K. Stephenson indicated that we have been in contact with the Province throughout the wet conditions, so they are aware of our situation. Council would like the Agricultural Fieldman to speak to the neighbouring municipalities to see if they would be interested in pursuing a disaster area classification. 2. Post Office information Councillor Andrews indicated that information regarding the Canada Post Offices is available on the table. 3. Water Conference — Alberta Rural Development in Lethbridge Councillor Eastman presented topics to be discussed at this conference and indicated that he would like to attend. C- 151/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. de JONG that Councillor Eastman and Councillor Andrews be permitted to attend this conference as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED VIII. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Mini Bus Monthly Report (March 2011) This item was accepted as information. , 1) 1 4 2. AUMA President's Summit on Energy Regular Council Minutes Page 10 April 21, 2011 Councillor Nesbitt, Councillor Philipsen, Councillor Eastman and Councillor Douglass all expressed interest in attending the conference in Ft. McMurray. LEFT THE MEETING C. Lindsay left at 3:28 p.m. C- 152/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that 4 Councillors be permitted to attend the AUMA President's Summit on Energy Conference as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 3. Letter from Palliser Economic Partnership re: Palliser Futures Project This item was accepted as information. 4. Shortgrass Clippings — January, February, March 2011 This item was accepted as information. 5. RV West Reader's Choice Awards This item was accepted as information. IX. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 2. Request for Decision — 2011 Calcium Tender G. Tiffin provided the results of the 2011 Calcium Tender. C- 153/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Council approves option # 2 and awards the contract for supply and application of calcium chloride to Kor -Tech for the three year period at the submitted rate. These services will be funded through the approved 2011 operating budget and subsequent operating budgets for 2012 and 2013. MOTION CARRIED 1. Setting Truck Fill Water Rates for Hamlets The County Administrator indicated that he met with R. Havinga regarding setting the Truck Fill Water Rates for Hamlets. His Regular Council Minutes Page 11 April 21, 2011 recommendation is that we set the same rates as the City of Brooks which is $1.97 /cube for both residential and commercial water use. Council discussed whether or not residential and commercial rates should be the same. C- 154/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. de JONG that the Hamlet truck fill station rates be aligned with the City of Brooks residential and commercial truck fill rates. MOTION CARRIED X. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Clarification was given regarding the voluntary Scandia Supper attended by several Councillors. Councillor Andrews asked about the Public Works Office. The Scandia Historical Society is looking for old buildings, and are interested in the building, being that it was an old school house, when we move to our new facility. Clarification was also given regarding the upcoming staff breakfast that will be hosted by Council. Mileage will be paid for the event, but Councillors will not be paid for the time they spend at the breakfast. XV. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:46 p.m. Signed this day of , 2011 Reeve 1 1,41112G C• u r' Ad , inistrator