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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-02-09 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL '" MINUTES OF Regular Council February 9, 2012 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, February 9, 2012 commencing at 10:24 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder A.M. Phillipsen R. Andrews M. Nesbitt J. Bulger B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: A. Eastman STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner- ORRSC M. Fenske, Manager of Finance M. Gietz, Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: W. Downey, Brooks & District Museum G. Bander, Brooks & District Museum 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:24 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-22/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Councillor A. Eastman be excused from the meeting. ttieme MOTION CARRIED Regular Council February 9,2012 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes - Council (January 19, 2012) C-23/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the January 19, 2012 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-24/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS a. North Bassano CPR Consolidation Project Update The Manager of Planning & Development provided Council with background information on this item, indicating that the land would be sold back to the adjacent landowners for consolidation with existing parcels and that blanket easements would be applied to ensure that the County would have access, if required, for construction or utilities. She also noted that the Department of Public Works had suggested that the land could be used by the County for other purposes and requested direction from Council on how to proceed. Discussion followed and Council indicated that the original intent should be carried out, which was to sell the land back to the adjacent landowners. Councillor J. Bulger noted that there is a landowner who is not opposed to the County of Newell taking some of the gravel, but he expressed concerns with using the land for fill. The Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions form Council regarding the blanket easements. The County Planner explained that discussions would be held with the landowners regarding the sale of the land, and suggested that if the landowners do not wish to purchase that the land remain County property. The County Planner responded to further questions from Council. .„ Page 2 of 11 Regular Council February 9,2012 ,ow*- b. Grazing Lease (S 29-16-16-W4) The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-25/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that Council APPROVES the high tender as submitted and awards a three year grazing lease on the lands described as S 29-16-16-W4 to Russel Coyne based on an annual payment of $2,000.00 per year. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING W. Downey and G. Bander arrived at 10:53 a.m. c. Debenture Draws -Water Project The Manager of Finance presented Council with background information on this item, recommending drawing from debentures to fund the County of Newell Water Project rather than from reserves. He provided information on interest rates, reserve forecasts, and other financing alternatives. Discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. 8. DELEGATIONS a. Brooks & District Museum (11:00 a.m.) W. Downey and G. Bander thanked Council for their past support for the Brooks & District Museum, Visitor Information Center, and Kiwanis Campground and provided an update on their activities and plans for the future. The Brooks & District Museum is an Alberta Museums Association Recognized Museum, which allows them to access grant funding through that organization. G. Bander displayed photos of buildings on the museum grounds, recent improvements, and planned future additions. She also presented statistics on attendance at the museum, school tours, and Canada Day celebrations. The Visitor Information Center also meets several criteria to be an accredited community visitor information center. Statistics on attendance and summer student hours were provided. The Kiwanis Campground is an approved Alberta Campground, which gives them a free listing in Alberta's Campground Guide. G. Bander provided an overview of recent improvements to the campground and some improvements planned for the future. G. Bander and W. Downey responded to questions from Council. ,pr\..7) Page 3 of 11 Regular Council February 9,2012 LEFT THE MEETING G. Bander and W. Downey left the meeting at 11:35 a.m. C-26/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that we move into Public Hearings at 11:35 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS a. Bylaw 1739-11 - 11 LUA 005 Ptn. Lot 1, Blk 11, Plan 101 3498 (NE 32-19-14-W4) - Div. 10 A -Agricultural District to CR - Country Residential District Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:35 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 Bylaw 1739-11 is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626-07 by rezoning approximately 1.3 acres (0.52 hectares) in a Portion of Lot 1, Block 11, Plan 101 3498 (NE 32-19-14-W4) from A -Agricultural District to CR - Country Residential District. The County Planner provided background information on this item, indicating that no responses to the circulation had been received from adjacent landowners. 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. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 11:35 a.m. C-27/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:38 a.m. MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 11 Regular Council February 9,2012 Norio, 7. BYLAWS c. Bylaw 1739-11 - 11 LUA 005 Ptn. Lot 1, Blk 11, Plan 101 3498 (NE 32-19-14-W4) - Div. 10 A - Agricultural District to CR - Country Residential District C-28/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Bylaw 1739-11, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1626-07 by rezoning approximately 1.3 acres (0.52 hectares) in NE 32-19-14-W4 from A - Agricultural District to CR - Country Residential District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-29/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Bylaw 1739-11 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED a. Bylaw 1732-11 - Road Closure & Lease (SE 13 & NE 12-19-13-W4) The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-30/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1732-11, being a Bylaw to close and LEASE the portion of road allowance described as the most easterly 740 metres throughout the original government road allowance adjacent to the southern boundary of SE 13-19-14-W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-31/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1732-11 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED b. Bylaw 1738-11 -Schedule of Fees The Assistant Administrator provided background information, indicating that the attached report provides clarification on three issues identified at the previous meeting. Newell Regional Services Corporation has indicated that there is a meter installed at Alcoma School, and that a metered rate could be implemented immediately in that case. For the school in Rolling Hills, the practice has been to charge them twice the residential rate, and the Assistant Administrator proposed that a flat rate be applied for 2012 to continue this `�✓ practice until a meter is installed. Page 5 of 11 '1 r r, Regular Council February 9,2012 ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L .Juss returned at 11:44 a.m. Discussion followed regarding whether or not to implement a different water rate for private industry and it was determined that the metered rate would allow for cost recovery based on actual water consumption. The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council and Council suggested further amendments. C-32/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1738-11, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given SECOND reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:55 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:59 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED e. Regional Economic Development & Tourism Committee The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator presented background information on this item, indicating that the Economic Development & Tourism Committee has reviewed the agreement. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator responded to questions from Council. C-33112 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Council APPROVES the proposed agreement for the establishment of a Regional Economic Development & Tourism Committee and forwards it to the other partner organizations for review and approval. MOTION CARRIED f. Funding Process for Community Based Museum Facilities The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator provided Council with background information on this item and requested a discussion on establishing a process for funding museums, either via line items in the County of Newell budget or via requests to the Economic Development & Tourism Committee. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding funding Page 6 of 11 Regular Council February 9,2012 for museums within the County and the Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator indicated that the committee had determined some criteria to be followed for museum funding. LEFT THE MEETING M. Gietz left the meeting at 1:23 p.m. c. Debenture Draws -Water Project - continued Discussion continued and Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor M. Nesbitt suggested that the Manager of Finance investigate the debenture program through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM), indicating that there is a grant component. Discussion followed regarding the length of the debenture term. The Chief Administrative Officer requested that the 2012-2016 reserve forecast be revised and corrected to include the $30 million unfunded funding commitments shown on pages 44 and 45 of the agenda package. He further indicated that the reserve balance of $52 million on page 49 needs to accurately reflect the financial position of the County as the remaining debt limit for the County is 1/3 or approximately $17 million which leaves about $13 million unaccounted for if the County was to decide to fund the projects using 100% of their debt limits. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that the debt limit be left as shown at 63% and reserve balances be used to fund the unaccounted commitments shown on pages 44 and 45 of the agenda package where "uncommitted"reserve balances exist. He closed his comments by indicating that the balances shown in reserves (i.e public works and paving) need to be corrected as he does not follow how they are increasing any more than the $2 million paving tax annual allocation. The Manager of Finance indicated that he would meet with the Chief Administrative Officer to go over how the forecasts have been prepared, but noted that they include annual depreciation recapture as well as asset sales, etc. The Manager of Finance will provide an updated 5 year reserve forecast for Council. C-34/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Council APPROVES debenture draws from the Alberta Capital Finance Authority (ACFA) based on a 10 year term. MOTION CARRIED d. Assessment Contract Renewal/Tender Page 7of11 r1 r. \Jlr Regular Council February 9,2012 The Manager of Finance presented Council with background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He indicated the changes made to the new contract and indicated that Benchmark Assessment is requesting a ten year term. C-35/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Council APPROVES the renewal of the Professional Services Agreement with Benchmark Assessment Consultants Inc. for an additional ten (10) year term. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 1:43 p.m. g. Funding Request - Regional Enhancement Reserve (Division 6) Councillor J. Bulger provided background information on this item, indicating that the sign project has been completed. This item was accepted as information. h. Appointment to Municipal Library Board The Assistant Administrator provided Council with background information on this item. C-36/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Marilyn Waide be appointed as the Member-at-Large for Division 9 to the Municipal Library Board. MOTION CARRIED i. Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority - Waste Management & Recycling Requisitions (2012) The Assistant Administrator provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. This item was accepted as information. j. AAMDC Spring 2012 Convention Council discussed details related to the upcoming AAMDC Spring 2012 Convention. Page 8 of 11 Regular Council February 9,2012 k. Invitation to Red Deer River Watershed Alliance Presentation (Mountain View County) Reeve M. Douglass requested that Mountain View County be advised that we will not be attending. This item was accepted as information. I. Councillor Payment Sheets (December 2011) Reeve M. Douglass noted a change required to her compensation. C-37/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the December 2011 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee and as follows: Reeve M. Douglass - 2nd Council/CivicWeb In Service - should be 6.5 hours (placed in 'No Charge' column in error). MOTION CARRIED m. Cheque Register The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen left the meeting at 1:56 p.m. C-38/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the Cheque Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 10. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS a. Superintendent of Public Works Report The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen returned at 1:59 p.m. Page 9 of 11 Regular Council February 9,2012 The Superintendent of Public Works also presented Council with an overview of several items discussed recently with Alberta Transportation, including the intersection between Range Road 18-2 and Highway 1, improved signage on Duck Lake road, Highway 525 maintenance, and a timeline for Fisher Bridge replacement. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. b. Utilities - NRSC Report The Utilities - NRSC Report was presented to Council. C-39/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that the Superintendent of Public Works report and the Utilities-NRSC report for January 2012 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED c. Tender Award - Municipal Enforcement Vehicle The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-40/12 MOVED BY COUNCLLOR C. AMULUNG that Council APPROVES the tender from Harwood Ford in the amount of $29,723.00 for the purchase of a 2013 Ford Police Interceptor Utility to be used as a Municipal Enforcement Patrol Vehicle. MOTION CARRIED d. EID/County Drainage Partnership Rehabilitation Plan The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor R. Andrews inquired about progress made with land acquisitions and the Superintendent of Public Works provided an update. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the EID will be reviewing their land compensation policy and have suggested that the County's land compensation policy could be similarly amended. Discussion followed regarding land compensation. e. Bridge File 75926 The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The adjacent landowners and Alberta Transportation have been consulted and all parties agree to the \c) proposed alignment in principle, but funding is still subject to approval of the final design. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. Page 10 of 11 Regular Council February 9,2012 "ice,, C-41/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that Council APPROVES proceeding to tender the Bridge File 75926 Replacement Project with the modified straight through alignment as presented. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Disaster Forum 2012 Councillor J. Bulger presented Council with background information on this item, indicating that it is an excellent conference and that someone from Council should attend. Discussion followed and it was noted that the Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator regularly attends this conference. This item will be discussed further during the next meeting. 12. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. 13. IN CAMERA C-42/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that we move in camera at 2:41 p.m. to discuss a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C-43/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that we move out of camera at 3:05 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 14. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:08 p.m. Signed this day of La.1 , 2012 A Ai.- . L. a/MEL r - - Reeve C. n"Ad inistrator Page 11 of 11