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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-01-21 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF Regular Council January 21, 2013 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office at Brooks, AB on Monday, January 21, 2013 commencing at 11:10 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 T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works G. Tiffin, Technical Manager A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN M. Dumont, Brooks & County Chronicle ATTENDANCE: F. Weinheimer, TELUS E. Gordey, TELUS F. MacDonald, TELUS Cst. Z. Aziz, Brooks RCMP S. Heryford, Gem School 11 Students, Gem School 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 11:10 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 1 Regular Council January 21,2013 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes - Council (January 10, 2013) C-19/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the January 10, 2013 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss arrived at 11:11 a.m. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-20/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 7. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS a. Agricultural Fieldman's Report (January 2013) The Agricultural Fieldman presented his report for January 2013, giving an overview of the highlights. He also indicated that he had spoken to R. Juska of the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority regarding the pesticide container program and they are satisfied with how that program operates. He requested that Council select two members to vote on behalf of the County of Newell ASB at the Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference. C-21/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Councillor R. Andrews and Councillor L. Juss vote as representatives for the County of Newell ASB at the Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference in January 2013. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 11:24 a.m. Page 2 of 12 Regular Council January 21,2013 The Agricultural Fieldman indicated that the County had been invited to participate in the rabies monitoring program and provided an overview of the details. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to questions from Council. C-22/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR R. ANDREWS that the County of Newell agrees to participate in the rabies monitoring program for one week at a cost of$2,000.00. MOTION CARRIED b. Drill Charge Out Rates The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-23/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the per acre charge out rates be set at $5.00/acre for the Brillion grass seeders and $9.00/acre for the two NoTill drills and the Conventional drill. MOTION CARRIED c. Provincial ASB Conference - Selection of Voting Members This item was dealt with during the Agricultural Fieldman's Report. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS a. Fire Protection Agreement (Division 6) The Chief Administrative Officer presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-24/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that Council APPROVES the Fire Protection Agreement with the Town of Bassano and the Bassano Rural Fire Protection Association retroactive to January 1, 2013. MOTION CARRIED b. Appointment of Fire Guardians Council was presented with background information on this item. C-25/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the following individuals be appointed as Fire Guardians: All Divisions — Keith Martin Rolling Hills — Bill Dickinson Page 3of12 Regular Council January 21,2013 Tilley— Patrick Fabian Patricia — Mark Martin Duchess— Gregory Witt Scandia —Trevor Sandau Brooks Rural — Kevin Swanson Bassano—Travis Peters Rosemary—Wilf Harder Gem — Les Douglass Bow City— Jim Ketchmark and further that the Accounting Clerk, the Payroll & Finance Support Clerk, the Executive Assistant, the Administrative Assistant, the Fire & Safety Services Administrative Assistant, the Public Works Administrative Assistant, and the Records Management Clerk be appointed as Fire Guardians for the issuance of Fire Permits only. MOTION CARRIED c. Alberta Recycling Spring Seminar(February 27 - March 1, 2013) Council was presented with background information on this item. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that he would attend if no other members of the Newell Recycling Association were attending. Councillor M. Nesbitt suggested that the conference could be of interest to a member of the Environmental Protection Committee. Discussion followed. C-26/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that one member of Council and one member of the County of Newell Environmental Protection Committee be permitted to attend the Alberta Recycling Spring Seminar in Drumheller, AB on February 27 - March 1, 2013 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor I. Schroeder left the meeting at 11:30 a.m. and returned at 11:32 a.m. Councillor A. Eastman left the meeting at 11:32 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING F. Weinheimer, E. Gordey, and F. MacDonald arrived at 11:32 a.m. Councillor A. Eastman returned at 11:34 a.m. Page 4 of 12 j) 1\k\i9 Regular Council January 21,2013 6. DELEGATIONS a. TELUS F. MacDonald presented Council with an overview of the amount of cable buried and the amount of temporary cable placed in 2012, indicating that there was less of both than in previous years. He estimated that there is approximately 60-70 thousand meters of surface cable in the County that is in use. He indicated that, in working with the EID drainage improvements, they had tried a different approach that involved avoiding additional temporary cable on the ground. He used Rolling Hills as an example of a situation that had worked well and provided a 'before and after'scenario. F. MacDonald presented the 2013 surface cable plan, including an overview of the TELUS priority matrix. In addition to these priorities, he noted that Council could suggest a few areas to be addressed as soon as possible. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. F. MacDonald and F. Weinheimer responded to questions regarding how repair issues are addressed. F. MacDonald noted that the EID drainage project has provided TELUS with the opportunity to upgrade the network in those areas. The Chief Administrative Officer requested a digital map showing temporary cable locations and the length of time that they have been there. F. MacDonald replied that they had a database of this information that references legal land points. F. MacDonald displayed the TELUS Smart Hub and gave an explanation of its features as a wireless device that provides phone service and wireless internet to customers without a landline. If the customers agree, this device can be used to reduce the amount of temporary surface cable. F. MacDonald responded to questions from Council. He also provided an overview of the improvements that have been made to the broadband and wireless internet service in the Brooks area. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. LEFT THE MEETING F. Weinheimer, E. Gordey, and F. MacDonald left the meeting at 12:07 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:07 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin arrived at 1:05 p.m. Page 5 of 12 Regular Council January 21,2013 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED d. County Newsletter Review (January/February 2013) Council reviewed the proposed County newsletter for January/February 2013 and suggested amendments. e. Councillor Payment Sheets (December 2012) Discussion followed regarding meeting compensation rates paid by certain committees, including the Shortgrass Library System and the Oldman River Regional Services Commission. Councillor A.M. Philipsen reported that ORRSC has changed their practice for 2013 and now compensation for meetings is the responsibility of each municipality. Councillor C. Amulung asked for feedback regarding this, as the meetings are attended by Councillors acting as employees of the County. The Chief Administrative Officer replied that the County should pay for meeting compensation and the time spent at meetings accounted for on the annual T4 slips. If the committee pays directly for compensation, the cheque should be made out to the County and the funds distributed via the monthly compensation payments. C-27/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the December 2012 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee and as follows: Councillor A.M. Philipsen - deduct $520.00 for ORRSC meetings in 2012 that were paid by ORRSC; Councillor L. Juss - 2nd Council Meeting - should be 5.5 hours. MOTION CARRIED f. Cheques for Payment C-28/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that cheque 174468 in the amount of $494,608.72 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED g. Cheque Register The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. C-29/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that the Cheque Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED Page 6 of 12 Regular Council January 21,2013 9. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS a. Tender Award - County of Newell Water Project (CNWP) Contract 2 (Division 7) The Technical Manager presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-30/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that Council accepts the low tender as submitted and awards the County of Newell Water Project Contract 2 tender to Tollifson Cable Services for the tendered price of $2,773,942.50 plus additional engineering, land, and environmental costs of$567,633.68. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING G. Tiffin left the meeting at 1:20 p.m. 10. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Airport Commission Councillor L. Juss reported on GPS landing strip equipment to be installed at the Brooks Airport. b. Newell Regional Services Corporation Councillor C. Amulung provided an update on issues related to the public perception of chloramines, indicating that they are being used according to the Alberta Environment regulations. He noted that 160 different municipalities within Alberta are using chloramines in their water systems. c. Crime Stoppers Board Councillor R. Andrews reported that there has been good support from the RCMP. d. Safe Communities Committee Councillor R. Andrews reported on several items that had been discussed, Page 7 of 12 O\C\V Regular Council January 21,2013 including graffiti cleanup and prohibiting smoking in vehicles with children in them. He also provided information regarding a 'Citizens on Patrol'program, indicating that the RCMP supports the initiative but noted that it should be community driven. Councillor R. Andrews also provided information regarding the crime reduction strategy, a subcommittee that is currently looking for members. e. 9-1-1 Committee Councillor R. Andrews indicated that three radios have been purchased for the fire halls to ensure that the group is ready for the Alberta First Responder Radio Communications System. f. Joint Services/IMDP Committee Councillor B. de Jong reported that the City of Brooks will be preparing a bid for the 2015 Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Arts Awards and, if they are successful, will be requesting support from the County in hosting the event. Askok g. Newell Foundation Reeve M. Douglass and Councillor I. Schroeder reported on a meeting with representatives from Alberta Health Services regarding phase 2 of the Newell Foundation upgrade project. Alberta Health Services must provide direction regarding what is needed for building a hospital. h. Newell Recycling Association Councillor B. de Jong reported that they have been dealing with high energy costs since opening the facilities and are looking at ways to reduce the costs. i. Recreation Board - Division 5 & 10 Councillor M. Nesbitt indicated that they had received a presentation from a group who would like squash courts constructed in Centennial Arena. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor R. Andrews left the meeting at 1:39 p.m. _A\\\\s ) Page 8 of 12 Regular Council January 21,2013 Councillor M. Nesbitt provided an update on the regional ball diamond, indicating that the tender will go out soon. There is also a cross country ski group looking to arrange an event at the fishing derby and an art association group. j. Red Deer River Municipal Users Group Councillor A. Eastman reported that he had attended a meeting where the presenter from Sundre Forest Products had given a presentation regarding methods of dealing with riparian areas and forests close to rivers. k. Tourism Representative Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that information has been forwarded regarding the recent activities of Canadian Badlands. They are working to stay involved with the film industry and are working on the Tour of Alberta cycling event. The Newell Regional Tourism Association has access to funding to work with. She provided an overview of other activities, including trying to get the Amazing Race to come to the region, advertising, and the Dinosaur Pump it Up Run. I. Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she attended a meeting with Councillor B. de Jong and Councillor L. Juss regarding the Silver Sage grounds. By fall, the initial design will be complete. They are working on arranging chuckwagon races and the seniors rodeo was a successful event. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor R. Andrews returned at 1:52 p.m. Reeve M. Douglass also reported that Brooks & County Immigration Services hosted some representatives form Alberta Employment & Immigration Services and discussed the system for temporary foreign workers. m. Emergency Management Committee Councillor J. Bulger reported that the Bassano & Rural Fire Area Committee Page 9 of 12 Regular Council January 21,2013 will be seeking a nomination for the County representative and noted that a clearly defined set of roles and responsibilities will be the first item of business. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Traffic Councillor I. Schroeder expressed concerns with the Tilley Transload Facility, indicating that it has been difficult to get definite answers on what it is being used for. He suggested that a meeting be arranged with Cenovus, CRL, and, if possible, CP Rail to determine what their plans are, as the truck hauling traffic has increased significantly. The Superintendent of Public Works replied that they have been monitoring road conditions near the transload facility, and that he was not sure what avenue to try next, as no progress has been made with CP Rail. Discussion followed regarding setting up traffic counters to validate traffic concerns. LEFT THE MEETING Reeve M. Douglass left the meeting at 2:09 p.m. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING Reeve M. Douglass returned at 2:10 p.m. Cst. Z. Aziz arrived at 2:10 p.m The Superintendent of Public Works indicated that he would arrange traffic counts and arrange for representatives of industry working in that area to provide information to Council. b. RCMP Delegation Cst. Z. Aziz introduced himself to Council and requested individual meetings to discuss any matters of concern that they may have. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and Cst. Z. Aziz left the meeting at 2:18 p.m. j\\\\ Page 10 of 12 Regular Council January 21,2013 c. County of Newell Water Project Construction Meetings Councillor I. Schroeder indicated that MPE Engineering holds a construction meeting every two weeks with the contractors for each area of the project. As these meetings include discussion on issues regarding specific areas, he suggested that the divisional Councillor should attend. Councillor I. Schroeder responded to questions from Council. C-31/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that any Councillor be permitted to attend the County of Newell Water Project Construction Meetings as a function of Council when the contract involves that Councillor's division. MOTION CARRIED 12. INFORMATION ITEMS a. Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. b. AltaLink - East HVDC Convertor Stations Interface Project This item was accepted as information. c. AltaLink -Tilley Substation Upgrade Update Councillor B. de Jong suggested that the Municipal Planning Commission should investigate the possibility of putting lighting and signage on towers, noting that towers under 200' tall do not need to be marked. He noted that the Manager of Planning & Development and the County Planner were aware of the issue and are gathering information to be brought back to a future Municipal Planning Commission meeting. This item was accepted as information. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Page 11 of 12 Regular Council January 21,2013 14. IN CAMERA C-32/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we move in camera at 2:28 p.m. to discuss a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C-33/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that we move out of camera at 3:10 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-34/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the Chief Administrative Officer be authorized to vote on behalf of the County of Newell, as a first water rights holder, for the plebiscite regarding the Water License Transfer from the Eastern Irrigation District to the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:14 p.m. Signed this 1 day of (--e e-c_c _ , 2013 C7/ 0L__,31- Reeve 1 Cn ' Administrator Page 12 of 12