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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2011-07-07 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF Regular Council July 7, 2011 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell No 4 was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, July 7, 2011 commencing at 11:03 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglas, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung 1. 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 D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works K. Martin, Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator R. Nesbitt, Corporate Safety Services Officer M. Gietz, Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator W. Slenders, Economic Development & Tourism Summer Student A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Fitzgerald, The One R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation I. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:03 a.m. II. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council July 7, 2011 M. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 1. Minutes - Council (June 23, 2011) The following changes were made to the June 23, 2011 Council Meeting minutes: Page 10, Item X.5 — should read "...Public Works has supplied a Caterpillar for use..." Page 10, Item X.8 — should read "...the Southeast Alberta Foundation Nominating Committee (on which she sits as Chair of the Mayors & Reeves Association of Southeast Alberta) had met to finalize the Southeast Alberta Foundation's new board members." C- 233/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the June 23, 2011 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED IV. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS The Reeve called for post agenda items. V. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C- 234/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED VII. BYLAWS 1. Bylaw 1715 -11 - Road Closure & Lease (SW & SE 15- 20 -16 -W4 and NW & NE 16- 20- 16 -W4) (2nd & 3rd Reading) The Manager of Planning & Development presented background information and responded to questions from Council. C- 235/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS 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 SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C- 236/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Bylaw 1715 -11 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council July 7, 2011 2. Bylaw 1730 -11 -11 LUA 005 Proposed Amendment to CFO Exclusionary Zone Boundary in County of Newell & City of Brooks IMDP (Bylaw 1656 -09) (1st Reading) The County Planner presented background information on this item, indicating that the City of Brooks and the County will be holding separate public hearings but advertising will be done together. She noted that the City has placed this item on the agenda of their first meeting in September. The County's public hearing will be held on September 8, 2011. The County Planner responded to questions from Council. C- 237/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1730 -11, being a bylaw to amend County of Newell & City of Brooks Inter Municipal Development Plan (County Bylaw 1656 -09 and City Bylaw 09/04) by removing from Map 3: CFO Exclusionary Area the lands legally described as E 10- 18- 14 -W4, Section 11- 18- 14 -W4, and W 12- 18 -14, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED VIII. ADMNINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 1. Parking Lot Research at Lake Newell Resort The Manager of Planning & Development presented Council with background information on this item. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen left the meeting at 11:12 a.m. and returned at 11:14 a.m. The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that the Lake Newell Resort Condominium Association (LNRCA) would be responsible for the design and construction costs for the parking area. She gave an explanation of suggested parking material, which creates a solid base for parking while allowing grass to grow through. Two options for marking the boundaries of the parking lot were discussed — the lot can be sunken, which would require drainage, or bollards, trees, and shrubs can be used to create a barrier. The Manager of Planning & Development recommended that this information be forwarded to the LNRCA so they can determine the solution that would work best for them. Discussion continued regarding the origin of the request and potential parking solutions. The information will be forwarded to the LNRCA. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 11:23 a.m. Regular Council July 7, 2011 3. Funding Request - Bassano Air Show Council was presented with a letter requesting funding for the 2011 Bassano Air Rodeo. Discussion followed regarding providing funding for events and whether or not Economic Development had received this request. It was noted that the County had provided support in the form of a temporary road closure and use of the emergency trailer for both the current and past events, but no funding. C- 238/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the County of Newell supports the 2011 Bassano Air Rodeo by providing sponsorship in the amount of $1,000.00. MOTION DEFEATED ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Nesbitt arrived at 11:35 a.m. VI. DELEGATIONS 1. New Facilities Update R. Nesbitt presented Council with an update on the construction of the New County Facilities, including a history of the project and an outline of the goals and budget. She displayed pictures showing the building's progress from the beginning to the present day. She indicated that the project is approximately eight weeks behind schedule due to inclement weather and that the estimated completion date is the end of February 2012. ARRIVED AT MEETING K. Martin arrived at 11:43 a.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor L. Juss inquired about cost overruns due to construction delays. The Chief Administrative Officer replied that the main construction contract is locked in and the County is not responsible for additional costs that result from weather - related delays. LEFT THE MEETING R. Nesbitt left the meeting at 11:45 a.m. 0 Regular Council July 7, 2011 2. Fire & Emergency Services Report The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator presented Council with a report on his recent activities. He reported that he has made progress in obtaining WCB coverage for firefighters and outlined which departments now have coverage. Once the WCB coverage has been obtained for all departments, he will work on ensuring that there is adequate life insurance coverage. He gave an overview of other items he is working on, including a Capital Item Replacement Plan for firefighting equipment, equalized funding rates for emergency services, invoicing to recover costs associated with responding to emergency situations, and Occupational Health & Safety requirements. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that Council has the opportunity to suggest changes to the service levels being provided by emergency services. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 12:03 p.m. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator continued with his report, indicating that he is working to resolve an issue with the way the province is dispatching EMS, developing a Commercial Vehicle Safety & Maintenance Program for the fire departments with the assistance of Corporate Safety Services, and items related to the future roles and responsibilities of Fire Associations. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to questions from Council. VIII. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 2. Traffic Control Equipment for Fire & Rescue Departments The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that the grant funding received from the Joint Emergency Preparedness Program (JEPP) had been less than requested. He requested a budget adjustment in order to proceed with the purchase of traffic control equipment which will be divided between the divisional fire departments. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 12:10 p.m. The Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator responded to questions from Council. C- 239111 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Council APPROVES budget Regular Council July 7, 2011 adjustment in the amount of $6,900.36 to the 2011 Disaster Services Operating 0 Budget (Other Goods & Supplies account) for the purchase of Traffic Control Equipment, with the purchase to be funded from the Disaster Services Capital Reserve account. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 12:14 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:14 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:01 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht, R. Havinga, M. Gietz, and W. Slenders arrived at 1:01 p.m. VI. DELEGATIONS - CONTINUED 3. Statistical Analysis for the County of Newell The Economic Development & Tourism Summer Student gave an overview 0 of the project, the goal of which was to use the 2006 Federal Census data and the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) to identify historical trends and patterns in industry in the County of Newell. He explained that the County has good returns on production while having some system inefficiency. He gave an overview of statistics on industry employment, wealth creation, and the returns to the County based on the type of industry. He also displayed the statistics for Wheatland County and the M.D. of Taber, indicating that these municipalities have a similar population to the County. Demographic data indicates that the County of Newell has a relatively young population and that the majority of the work force is employed by the manufacturing industry. A Pareto analysis indicates that seven industries produce the most significant revenue within the County. The Economic Development & Tourism Summer Student responded to questions from Council, indicating that the Economic Development & Tourism Committee would distribute the information to the other municipalities within the County of Newell. Councillor M. Nesbitt suggested that the information be presented to allow the opportunity for questions. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator replied that the information had been presented to the committee, which includes representation from all divisions, but suggested that members of other Councils could be invited to a meeting. Regular Council July 7, 2011 CLEFT THE MEETING M. Gietz and W. Slenders left the meeting at 1:28 p.m. VIII. ADMINSTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 4. Dinosaur Park Tour - Select Dates Council selected September 14, 2011 as the date for the tour of the Dinosaur Park facilities. The Executive Assistant was directed to obtain more information regarding the tour. LEFT THE MEETING M. Fitzgerald left the meeting at 1:37 p.m. 5. Councillor Payment Sheets (May 2011) C- 240/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the May 2011 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 6. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C- 241/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that cheques 170451 to 170528 in the amount of $982,287.35 and Direct Debit Batch 18639 in the amount of $66,211.59 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath arrived at 1:33 p.m. IX. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS 2. Utilities - NRSC Report (June 2011) R. Havinga presented the Utilities — NRSC report and gave an overview of the highlights. He also noted the status report sent to Alberta Health Services and gave an overview of the chloramine disinfection process that will be implemented. R. Havinga responded to questions from Council. i/ Regular Council July 7, 2011 LEFT THE MEETING 0 R. Havinga left the meeting at 1:41 p.m. Councillor R. Andrews left the meeting at 1:42 p.m. 1. Superintendent of Public Works Report The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He noted that they are still awaiting a response from Alberta Transportation regarding the request for a funding adjustment before proceeding with the local improvement for the Scandia Wastewater project. He also indicated that the Terms of Reference for the Access Management Study on Highway 873:04 to be conducted by Alberta Transportation are included in the agenda package as an information item. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor R. Andrews returned at 1:45 p.m. The Superintendent of Public Works gave an overview of what would be 0 involved with the Access Management Study, indicating that he, the County Planner, and the Manager of Planning & Development are interested in sitting on the technical review committee. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. Councillor L. Juss noted issues with water on Range Road 15 -5 and the Superintendent of Public Works provided information on road testing. Reeve M. Douglass inquired about the road ban that remains on Highway 862 and the Superintendent of Public Works indicated that he would look into it. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 1:55 p.m. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to further questions from Council. Councillor L. Juss commended the Division 10 grader operator for his efficient work. C- 242/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the Superintendent of Public Works report and the Utilities — NRSC report for June 2011 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED 01\\4C) Regular Council July 7, 2011 X. POST AGENDA ITEMS 1. Bassano Parade & 100th Anniversary Councillor J. Bulger provided a report to Council regarding the County of Newell float in the Bassano Canada Day Parade. He also indicated that the Bassano 100th Anniversary celebration was successful and well - attended. Reeve M. Douglass displayed two framed photographs that had been presented to the County in appreciation of the support shown to the Bassano Hospital. 2. Joint City /County Facilitated Sessions (July 13 & 14, 2011) The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the facilitator has requested an opening statement from both the City and the County regarding their goals and outcomes of the sessions. Discussion followed and Council indicated that having open discussion with the City would be preferable to setting a direction with an opening statement. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council and indicated that he would pass the information to the facilitator. c 3. Grasslands FCSS Thrive Program Councillor C. Amulung provided information regarding the Thrive Program, indicating that Grasslands Regional FCSS had negotiated funding in the amount of $10,000.00 each for the County, the City, and for the Villages of Duchess, Rosemary, and Tilley together. This item will be discussed further during the July 12, 2011 Joint Services Committee meeting. 4. Rural Beautification Awards Tour (July 22, 2011) Reeve M. Douglass reminded Council that the Rural Beautification Awards tour will be held on July 22, 2011. XI. INFORMATION ITEMS 1. Alberta Transportation Highway 873 Access Management Study r, This item was accepted as information. Regular Council July 7, 2011 XII. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor M. Nesbitt reminded Council that the Dragon Boat Festival will be held July 9 & 10, 2011 at Lake Newell Resort. XIII. IN CAMERA C- 243/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that we move in camera at 2:23 p.m. to discuss a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C- 244/11 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that we move out of camera at 3:06 p.m. MOTION CARRIED XIV. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:06 p.m. o Signed this 2/ day of , 2011 CAAA1)e-iilifi Reeve N rilAdministrator