Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-01-19 Council (Regular) Minutes C COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF Regular Council January 19, 2012 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, January 19, 2012 commencing at 10:30 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C.Amulung A.M. Phillipsen R.Andrews M. Nesbitt J. Bulger A. Eastman B.de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: I. Schroeder STAFF: K. Stephenson,Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson,Assistant Administrator T. Green,Agricultural Fieldman C M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S.Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:30 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-11/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Councillor I. Schroeder be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes -Council (January 5, 2012) C-12/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the January 5, 2012 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. Nolov MOTION CARRIED \ A Regular Council January 19,2012 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-13/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 6. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1738-11 -Schedule of Fees The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item, indicating that he had met with the Lake Newell Resort Condominium Association to discuss the potential implications of the proposed rates. A letter from a resident of Lake Newell Resort was circulated to Council for information. The Assistant Administrator explained the basis for the recommendation, indicating that the installation of meters will provide accurate consumption information for future billing. He proposed that the Schedule of Fees bylaw would be reviewed annually, providing the opportunity to revisit the rates schedule. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor R. Andrews pointed out a discrepancy between the report and the bylaw, and the Assistant Administrator stated that the consumption charge for unmetered connections would be $20.00/month. Council expressed concerns regarding $20.00/month not being enough to cover actual water consumption and whether or not the hamlet water systems can be compared to the County of Newell Water Project system. The Assistant Administrator provided an overview of the changes to the actual bills for hamlet users and what costs would be covered by the charges. He also indicated that a meeting would be held with staff to determine the details for the implementation of a new billing schedule for 2012. The Chief Administrative Officer asked how billing for schools and businesses would be handled. The Assistant Administrator indicated that hamlet connections will eventually all be metered and charges would be applied based on actual consumption. He suggested that a commercial rate could be investigated, but in the past the schools and businesses have paid a flat rate for water. The Assistant Administrator responded to further questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding charges to hamlet residents and costs to operate the water and sewer system. Councillor C. Amulung noted that the hamlets each have a different level of sewer service and asked if the Newell Regional Services Corporation bills differentiate between water and sewer charges. The Assistant :NO Administrator indicated that he would look into it. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council January 19,2012 Councillor A.M. Philipsen requested clarification on the road allowance lease amounts. C-14/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Bylaw 1738-11, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 7. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS a. Agricultural Fieldman's Report (January 2012) The Agricultural Fieldman presented his report for January 2012 and responded to questions from Council. He also noted that Gordon Frank, the County's key contact for Alberta Agriculture & Rural Development, has retired. The new contact will be Nicole Homett and she will meet with the Agricultural Fieldman in February. C-15/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED b. Resolutions for 2012 ASB Provincial Conference The Agricultural Fieldman presented the resolutions being brought forward at the 2012 Provincial ASB Conference to Council. Council decided to vote on the resolutions in the following manner: Resolution 1 -yes Resolution 2 -yes Resolution 3 -yes Resolution 4 -yes Resolution 5-undecided Resolution 6 -undecided Resolution 7-suggest amendment making herbicide available only to certified applicators Resolution 8 -yes Resolution 9 -yes Resolution 10-yes Resolution 11 -no Resolution 12-no Resolution 13 -no Resolution 14 -no Resolution 15-no Resolution 16-no Resolution 17-no Resolution 18-no \ Page 3 of 9 Regular Council January 19,2012 Emergent Resolution 1 -yes Emergent Resolution 2 -yes The Agricultural Fieldman indicated that two Councillors must be selected to act as voting delegates for the County of Newell. C-16/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Councillor R. Andrews and Councillor L. Juss be the voting representatives for the County of Newell ASB at the 2012 Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference. MOTION CARRIED c. Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award The Agricultural Fieldman presented Council with background information on the Calgary Stampede Farm Family Awards. C-17/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that, on behalf of the County of Newell Agricultural Service Board, we nominate the Irwin family for the 2012 BMO Bank of Montreal Farm Family Award; furthermore, that Councillor A.M. Philipsen attend the Awards Banquet on behalf of the County of Newell ASB. MOTION CARRIED d. ASB Act Review The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item, indicating that this item would be discussed further during the 2012 Provincial ASB Conference. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to questions from Council. e. Hudson Bay Route Association The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 12:10 p.m. LUNCH 1 .Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:10 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:04 p.m. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council January 19,2012 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS a. County Newsletter Review (January/February 2012) Council reviewed the proposed County newsletter for January/February 2012 and suggested several changes. b. FCM Municipal Partners in Economic Development - Update The Assistant Administrator provided Council with an update on the FCM Municipal Partners in Economic Development program, indicating that there is the opportunity for an additional participant for the next mission, which will be scheduled for late February or early March. Discussion followed regarding inviting someone from industry or involved with cooperatives. Council will suggest potential candidates to the Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator. c. Regional Economic Development Initiative - Update The Assistant Administrator presented Council with a progress report on the discussions held regarding a regional Economic Development & Tourism Committee. If the concept is approved by Council, an agreement will be drafted for review first by the Economic Development & Tourism Committee, then Council. The intent is to establish a regional structure with formal representation from all communities. Councillor R. Andrews responded to questions from Council. C-18/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Council APPROVES the proposed structure for the new Regional Economic Development & Tourism Committee as recommended by the Economic Development & Tourism Committee, and that administration proceed with preparing a new bylaw and agreement. MOTION CARRIED d. Redistribution of Population by Electoral Division The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item, indicating that maps showing proposed boundaries for 9 divisions and 7 divisions had been included from a previous Council agenda package. Discussion followed and Council expressed concerns with reducing the number of divisions to 7 due to the amount of committee work that is distributed between Councillors. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. The Assistant Administrator was asked to prepare a map keeping the number of divisions at 10 while adjusting the boundaries fo a more even population distribution. This item will be discussed fume during the Land Use Bylaw Review meeting. � l Page 5 of 9 \ Regular Council January 19,2012 e. Leadership at the Apex Program The Chief Administrative Officer presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-19/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the Chief Administrative Officer and Reeve M. Douglass be permitted to attend the Leadership at the Apex program in Jasper, AB on April 24 - 26, 2012 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED f. Cheque Register The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C-20/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the Cheque Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS a. Update -CPR Tilley Transload Station CP The Superintendent of Public Works presented Council with an update on the CPR Tilley Transload Station, indicating that he had met with CP Rail representatives on January 10, 2012. He indicated that Public Works staff will be reviewing our road network to determine if upgrades are required to accommodate this use. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. The Superintendent of Public Works also provided Council with an update on Bridge File 75926, indicating that the Eastern Irrigation District will be providing a detailed cost estimate, but the preliminary estimate was not cost effective. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. This item will be discussed further during a meeting with the EID on January 25, 2012. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Range Road 15-5 Update ■ Councillor A. Eastman provided Council with an update on the land acquisition process, indicating that a landowner had submitted a survey of a number of homes in the area indicating that they are in favor of a reduction in Page 6 of 9 Regular Council January 19,2012 the speed limit from 100km/h to 80km/h in order for the paving project to proceed. The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that he had met with one family who is opposed to the paving project and had presented a list of issues that they would like to be addressed before they would sign a land acquisition agreement. A speed limit reduction would not guarantee that the outstanding land acquisitions would be obtained, as there are some other outstanding issues. The Chief Administrative Officer asked what would happen with the project if the speed limit was reduced and the landowners do not sign the land acquisitions. He provided an explanation of the expropriation process, which could take from six months to two years to complete. Discussion followed and the Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. C-21/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Council accepts a speed limit reduction from 100km/h to 80km/h on the first two miles of Range Road 15-5 from SH 550 south in order for the paving project to proceed. MOTION DEFEATED LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht left the meeting at 2:16 p.m. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. County of Newell Water Project Councillor B. de Jong reported that the project started on January 9, 2012 and construction is progressing well. Open house meetings have been scheduled in Rosemary on February 1 and 2, 2012 for easement signing in those areas. Councillor B. de Jong responded to questions from Council. b. Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor C. Amulung reported on some staff changes at the Volunteer Resource Center, Ashton's Place, and Seniors' Outreach. He also noted that a potential facility has been located for a youth homeless shelter, but rezoning is required. The Valentine's Ball fundraiser for Seniors' Outreach and Ashton's Place will be held on February 11, 2012. The Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year Awards have been scheduled for April 13, 2012. Councillor C. Amulung thanked Council for its proactive approach to FCSS funding, as requests for increased funding are currently going through the budget process in several municipalities. �.. c. Joint Services Committee Nifty Councillor B. de Jong reported that at the last meeting t o re rre \E) 9 P 9 � p Page 7 of 9 ^+,.a Regular Council January 19,2012 from Brooks Health Services were present to discuss physician recruitment, Nisid including housing and promoting the communities. Mayor M. Shields suggested health as a topic for discussion during the upcoming Cabinet tour, which will be held on January 23 & 24, 2012. The Corporate Safety Services Supervisor and Assistant Administrator were also present at this meeting to discuss the request for an additional Corporate Safety Services staff member and the possibility of contracting out some of the services to reduce their workload. d. Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she attended a meeting regarding mutual aid in Gem with the fire chiefs. The guest speaker is involved with the Red Deer 9-1-1 Dispatch and they discussed having more than one fire department respond to calls in areas such as Emerson Bridge Park and Dinosaur Provincial park due to the amount of people who are in these areas. She confirmed that the Cabinet tour will be in Brooks the evening of January 23 and on January 24. Details will be forwarded when they become available. Reeve M. Douglass also reported that she had attended a meeting regarding employment in our area. e. Newell Foundation Reeve M. Douglass reported that a design committee has been established for the new Playfair Lodge facility and S2 Architecture has been selected as the architects. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS - CONTINUED b. Land Use Bylaw Review Meeting The Assistant Administrator reported that the Land Use Bylaw review meeting scheduled for February 8, 2012 must be rescheduled. Council selected March 13, 2012 and the meeting will begin at 1:00 p.m. 12. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Reeve M. Douglass requested clarification from the Chief Administrative Officer regarding the blanket easements which are being used for the County of Newell Water Project. The CAO indicated the process the committee went through to determine which types of easements to use, blanket, descriptive or right of way Page 8 of 9 Regular Council January 19,2012 survey. The blanket easements were chosen because they are the fastest, most affordable, and most flexible method for obtaining easements for both the County of Newell and landowners. He commented on a public meeting organized by a private individual regarding the blanket easements, and indicated that all property owners should be able to work with MPE Engineering Ltd. to determine the best location for the curb stop on their property. He indicated it was unfortunate that the organizer did not want to have MPE Engineering Ltd. there to answer and clarify the questions and misconceptions. The CAO said that the curb stop is usually placed 1 meter off the distribution line and the distribution line is typically 5 meters from the property line where possible and practical. Properties at the end of a line will require a structure to be installed for testing & flushing purposes and those need to be located at the front or abutting an access road of the subject property where it is fully accessible. The actual location of the pipelines will depend on various factors and MPE Engineering will consult with the landowner to ensure they know where the approximate location of the lines will be. He noted that he and Reeve M. Douglass had met with the meeting's organizer on Monday to discuss the issue. He closed by saying that all land owners should know approximately where the lines will be running for the current division 8 - contract 1. Curb stops have not been staked but the landowners will be consulted to determine the best location of the curb stop at the time of staking them. Any questions should be directed to Derek Scott at MPE Engineering Ltd. 403-362-8764. 13. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. 14. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:53 p.m. 1 h Signed this C. day of ti 'L& , 2012 Reeve 1 C. n'A• inistrator Page 9 of 9