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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-12-20 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF Regular Council December 20, 2012 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Thursday, December 20, 2012 commencing at 10:47 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder A.M. Phillipsen 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, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner - ORRSC M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works M. Fenske, Manager of Finance A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: J. Coombs, Councillor - Village of Tilley D. Ackerley, Councillor - Village of Tilley C. Ackerley, Ratepayer - Village of Tilley T. Thorlakson, Ratepayer - Village of Tilley C. Wolfer, Ratepayer - Village of Tilley 1. CALL TO ORDER, Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:47 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING, All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council December 20,2012 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes - Council (December 6, 2012) The following changes were made to the December 6, 2012 Council Meeting minutes: Page 8 - Item 9(b) - the text reading "Councillor J. Bulger left the meeting at 1:16 p.m." was transposed with the text reading "R. Havinga left the meeting at 1:05 p.m." C-375/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the December 6, 2012 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-376/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as amended. 0 MOTION CARRIED 7. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS a. Policy Review 2008-PAG-001 (Shelterbelt Program) 2008-PAG-004 (Mission Statement, Guiding Principles, & Goals) The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor M. Nesbitt asked about the PFRA Shelterbelt Program and Councillor R. Andrews replied that the Agricultural Fieldman had indicated that the program is still available under a different department and trees are available at a cost. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss arrived at 10:51 a.m. C-377/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Policy 2012-PAG-001 (Shelterbelt Program) and Policy 2012-PAG-004 (Agriculture Service Board Mandate) be 0 u),\\\\,c) adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 2 of 9 Regular Council December 20,2012 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS. a. 2013 Capital & Operating Budget The Manager of Finance presented Council with the 2013 budget, which has been prepared based on the assumption that current service levels will be maintained. The Agricultural Services Department has added a position for building maintenance and a position has been created to be shared between Corporate Safety Services and Fire & Emergency Services. The Manager of Finance indicated that the budget will be revisited in February 2013 when the assessed values are finalized. The Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council. C-378/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the 2013 Budget in the amount of$80,197,170.00 be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske left the meeting at 10:59 a.m. b. Highway 873 Access Management Study - Draft Report .r The County Planner presented background information on this item, indicating that the draft report has been reviewed by the Planning & Development and Public Works departments. She provided an overview of concerns with the study, which include the development of service roads adjacent to Highway 873 and the removal of all direct accesses to Highway 873 as development occurs. She also noted some issues with some references that do not line up or reflect the new County of Newell Land Use Bylaw. The County Planner indicated that it is the opinion of the Planning & Development department that the study provides little direction to the County regarding planning for future access management needs. In addition, there is no regard for existing agricultural and residential land uses along the highway. The County Planner responded to questions from Council and discussion followed. C-379/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Council does NOT approve the Draft Highway 873 Access Management Study and that staff forward a letter outlining the County of Newell's areas of concern. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert left the meeting at 11:11 a.m. Page 3 of 9 Regular Council December 20,2012 c. Meeting with the EID Councillor B. de Jong indicated that the ASB Summer Tour 2014 Planning ....r' Committee had met recently and discussed inviting the Eastern Irrigation District to be part of the process. He suggested that this could be included on the agenda for the annual Joint County/EID meeting. Discussion followed regarding dates and it was determined that the EID would be invited for lunch and a meeting following Council on either March 7 or 21, 2013. d. Councillor Payment Sheets (November 2012) Members of the Councillor Compensation Review Committee responded to questions from Council. C-380/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the November 2012 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED e. Cheques for Payment The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C-381/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that cheque 174278 in the amount of $1,014,390.41 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED f. Cheque Register The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C-382/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the Cheque Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS a. Tender Award - Fuel The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-383/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the tender for the supply and delivery of all fuel to the County of Newell be awarded to South Country Co-op Ltd. based on the tendered price in effect from December 5, 2012; further, that the tender be Page 4 of 9 Regular Council December 20,2012 awarded for a one (1) year period January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013. MOTION CARRIED b. Tender Award - Range Road 18-2 The Superintendent of Public Works presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. He displayed the proposed alignment on a map and explained road elevations involved. C-384/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the Range Road 18-2 Local Road Construction contract to Newcom Earthmovers for the tendered price of $113,551.52 plus contingencies and additional costs for Engineering, Land Acquisition, and Reclamation work on Highway 1. MOTION CARRIED c. Policy Review The Superintendent of Public Works presented several amended Public Works policies to Council, giving an overview of the amendments made. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding responsibility for maintaining Texas gates. The Superintendent of Public Works replied that the applicant's responsibilities are outlined in the Texas gate agreement. He provided an overview of a process that would be followed for mapping and determining the owners of existing Texas gates. C-385/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that Policy 1998-PPW-027 (Bridges & Culverts Over 1.5m (60")) be RESCINDED. MOTION CARRIED C-386/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Policy 2012-PPW-007 (Texas Gates) and Policy 2012-PPW-026 (Road Standards) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Bow River Basin Council Councillor A. Eastman reported on a meeting that he had attended recently and provided some information regarding the basin and conservation efforts. He presented some figures comparing the different irrigation districts, including the number of water licenses, irrigated acres, and storage. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council December 20,2012 b. Crime Stoppers Board/Rural Crime Watch/Safe Communities Committee Councillor R. Andrews reported on p a Safe Communities Committee meeting he attended. A high school student has been added to the committee, which will tie into a restorative justice program that focuses on bullying. He updated Council on the crime reduction strategy, indicating that the committee is being formed now and they will be seeking funding that will be applied towards a strategic planning session. Councillor R. Andrews responded to questions from Council. c. Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) Councillor C. Amulung reported that a meeting had been held with R. Havinga this morning and they hope to be able to flush the lines in the rural Duchess area in early January and start water service to the residents mid-month. Two new staff members have been hired at Newell Regional Services Corporation, and the County has also offered assistance. d. Red Deer River Watershed Alliance Councillor A. Eastman indicated that he had attended a recent meeting of the 0 Red Deer River Watershed Alliance where they discussed the preservation of wetlands and riparian areas along the Red Deer River and its tributaries. Councillor A. Eastman responded to questions from Council. e. Veteran's Memorial Highway Development Safety Association Reeve M. Douglass reported on a meeting she had attended recently. The association is working on getting more involvement from the Legion to improve the safety of the pull-outs along Highway 36. They will be contacting Alberta Transportation regarding what is required for approval of signage, then the Legion will provide input for signs featuring local veterans. She also noted that the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is now a member. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:05 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:01 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Coombs, D. Ackerley, C. Ackerley, T. Thorlakson, and C. Wolfer arrived at 1:01 p.m. 3 \i\\,\\,3 Page 6 of 9 Regular Council December 20,2012 6. DELEGATIONS a. Village of Tilley Dissolution C. Wolfer provided Council with background information on this item, indicating that a group of citizens that was concerned about the future viability of Tilley began pursuing dissolution. In August, information was distributed to all residents of Tilley regarding the dissolution process and a request was submitted to Municipal Affairs. In an effort to speed up the process, a petition was generated in December and a public meeting was held with representatives from the County of Newell present to answer questions about hamlet services. The Council of the Village of Tilley passed a motion on December 18, 2012 agreeing to the dissolution. C. Wolfer requested that the Council of the County of Newell also consider a motion agreeing to move forward with the dissolution process. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Reeve M. Douglass asked if bypassing the dissolution study was allowed. C. Wolfer replied that they thought the process could move forward if the petition was delivered by a group that included a Councillor from both the Village of Tilley and the County of Newell. She outlined reasons for wanting the process completed as soon as possible. D. Ackerley indicated that a report from Municipal Affairs says the dissolution study is required. Councillor B. de Jong noted that the study would contain information regarding the impact to the County of taking on Tilley as a hamlet. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor J. Bulger arrived at 1:11 p.m. Councillor R. Andrews suggested that Alberta Municipal Affairs should recognize two organizations wanting to work together and reduce the length of the process. Discussion followed regarding arranging a meeting with Municipal Affairs in January to discuss the process. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he had spoken to Municipal Affairs and the study must be completed in order to identify liabilities and assets. Reeve M. Douglass inquired about the petition and the group replied that the petition had been conducted according to specific instructions received from Municipal Affairs. T. Thorlakson indicated that they had obtained signatures from 80% of the residents of Tilley and that it remained open for others to sign. Reeve M. Douglass thanked the group for attending. LEFT THE MEETING '40410, J. Coombs, D. Ackerley, C. Ackerley, T. Thorlakson, and C. Wolfer left the meeting at 1:25 p.m. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council December 20,2012 Discussion followed regarding the dissolution process and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. Councillor B. de Jong expressed concerns with the reduction in taxes being replaced with responsibility for the costs of infrastructure upgrades through offsite levies. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that he had outlined the obligations of both the County and the residents as well as the role of the hamlet advisory committee during the public meeting. Municipal Affairs looks at all financial information including assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses, services delivered, and any associated impacts. The Hamlet Advisory determines required services and how local services specific to the hamlet will be paid by the hamlet. The general services, such as bylaw enforcement, roads, and drainage, are covered by the County as general expenses. The Chief Administrative Officer and Councillor I. Schroeder responded to further questions from Council. Councillor R. Andrews asked if the process had started. The Chief Administrative Officer replied that the application has been submitted to Municipal Affairs. The County Planner noted that there are three possible processes - dissolution, amalgamation, and annexation. The Minister of Municipal Affairs could make an order for amalgamation, which would bypass the dissolution study. She suggested that it might be worth investigating the other options during the meeting with Municipal Affairs. C-387/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the County of Newell is in support of working with the Village of Tilley to become a hamlet. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Child & Family Services Authorities Recruitment Reeve M. Douglass indicated that information had been forwarded to Council previously and asked that the information be forwarded to potential board members. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS a. Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. b. Eastern Alberta Transmission Line -AUC Grants Approal and Permit & License This item was accepted as information. .)\\*')\9 Page 8 of 9 Regular Council December 20,2012 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. C-388112 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR roo BULGER CouEtRy of Newell Councillor attend the MLA/M y 20, 2012 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED C-389112 MOVED BY COdU Councillor B. deASongAto the that appoint A.M. Philipsen an ASB Summer Tour 2014 Planning Committee. MOTION CARRIED 14. IN CAMERA C-390/12 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that we move in camera at 2:04 p.m. to discuss land issues. MOTION CARRIED -391112 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that we move out of camera at 2:45 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:45 p.m. Signed this / 0 day of , 2013 I Reeve Count Administrator Page 9 of 9