Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2013-05-09 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF Regular Council May 9, 2013 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, May 9, 2013 commencing at 10:26 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung I. Schroeder M. Nesbitt J. Bulger A. Eastman B. de Jong L. Juss ABSENT: A.M. Phillipsen R. Andrews STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development D. Horvath, County Planner- ORRSC T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works M. Gietz, Economic Development &Tourism Coordinator A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: A. Declercq, Brooks Bulletin R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation P. !son Reilander, STARS 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:26 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-150/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Councillor A.M. Philipsen and Councillor R. Andrews be excused from the meeting. MOTION , RRI ihy) w Regular Council May 9,2013 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes -Council (April 25, 2013) C-151/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that the April 25, 2013 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 10:28 a.m. 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve M. Douglass called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-152/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the agenda be adopted as amended. • MOTION CARRIED 9. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS a. ASB Update The Agricultural Fieldman presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 10:32 a.m. The Agricultural Fieldman responded to questions from Council regarding weed control and Emerson Bridge Park. b. Appointment of Weed/Pest Inspectors The Agricultural Fieldman presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 2 of 10 INMI Regular Council May 9,2013 C-153/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that we appoint Lisanne Groenenberg 9 as an Inspector for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 7 of the Weed Control Act. MOTION CARRIED C-154/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we appoint Lisanne Groenenberg as an Inspector for the County of Newell pursuant to Section 10 of the Agricultural Pest Act. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 10:39 a.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS a. Policy Review -2013-PPW-022 (Road Closure - Lease or Sale) The Assistant Administrator outlined the proposed amendments to the policy, which include increasing the term of the lease from three to ten years and including an additional fee at application that would cover the cost of rescinding the bylaw and reopening the road allowance in the event that the lease is no longer required. The Assistant Administrator and Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council regarding the collection of lease payments. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Harbicht arrived at 10:46 a.m. Councillor C. Amulung expressed concerns with the added fee to reopen the road and the requirement for the applicant to obtain a surveyor's sketch. The Manager of Planning & Development indicated that the surveyor's sketch is used to obtain the description from Land Titles, who require the exact dimensions of the road to be closed. Reeve M. Douglass asked about the amounts of the unpaid leases. The Assistant Administrator replied that the amounts are relatively minor. He noted that the additional fees would apply to all new road closure and lease applications. Any future increases to lease rates would be applied to existing leases. The Assistant Administrator responded to further questions from Council. Councillor C. Amulung asked how many leases were currently in arrears and the Manager of Planning &: Development replied that there were approximately 4-6. Discussion followed regarding the number of road allowances currently being used without leases in place. Page 3 of 10 . "�' Regular Council May 9,2013 0 ARRIVED AT MEETING R. Havinga arrived at 10:59 a.m. The County Planner commented on the importance of the surveyor's sketch in creating the road closure bylaw and provided justification for the fees. Councillor M. Nesbitt requested that the Manager of Planning & Development obtain information from Land Titles on what they require to prepare the description for the bylaw and what information is reflected on the title. The County Planner replied that both Alberta Transportation and Land Titles require a surveyor's sketch and noted that the leases are not submitted to land titles. Councillor C. Amulung requested information on the number of road leases within the County. C-155/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that this item be TABLED for further information. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 11:11 a.m. III 11. PUBLIC WORKS BUSINESS b. Utilities - NRSC Report R. Havinga presented the Utilities-NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. R. Havinga responded to questions from Council regarding the number of connections in Duchess and utility billing. a. Superintendent of Public Works Report The Superintendent of Public Works presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He noted that a new Community Peace Officer has been hired and will start on May 21, 2013. The Superintendent of Public Works responded to questions regarding the Range Road 15-5 paving project, the installation of water meters, and if poor road conditions are related to roads not being built to County standards. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 11:29 a.m. 0 Page 4 of 10 Regular Council May 9,2013 CLEFT THE MEETING R. Havinga left the meeting at 11:29 a.m. C-156/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the Superintendent of Public Works report and the Utilities-NRSC Report for April 2013 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED C-157/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:30 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS (COMMENCING AT 11:30 A.M.) a. Bylaw 1768-13 - 13 LUA 004 Ptn. of SE 3-20-14-W4 - Division 8 A -Agricultural District to SLA -Single Lot Agricultural District Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:30 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for 9 P the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The County Planner stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1768-13. The intent of this bylaw is to is to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by rezoning approximately 6.76 acres (2.735 hectares) in SE 3-20-14-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SLA - Single Lot Agricultural District. The County Planner provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and affected agencies. No responses have been received. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The County Planner responded to questions from Council. C-158/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:32 a.m. MOTION Page 5 of 10 Regular Council May 9,2013 7. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1768-13 - 13 LUA 004 Ptn. of SE 3-20-14-W4 - Division 8 A -Agricultural District to SLA-Single Lot Agricultural District C-159/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Bylaw 1768-13, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 6.76 acres (2.735 hectares) in SE 3-20-14-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SLA - Single Lot Agricultural District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-160/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1768-13 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS -CONTINUED b. 2012 Annual Report Review Council reviewed the 2012 Annual Report document and suggested • amendments. The Executive Assistant responded to questions from Council. c. Annual General Meeting (May 21, 2013) Discussion followed regarding plans for the upcoming Annual General Meeting on May 21, 2013. The agenda items will be Presentation of the 2012 Financial Statements, County of Newell Water Project Update, Growing Forward Water Program, and Stormwater&Drainage Projects. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Gietz arrived at 11:45 a.m. e. Regional Business License Discussions The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator presented information regarding options for regional business licenses discussed by the Newell Regional Economic Development Initiative (NREDI). She indicated that there are some concerns from the municipalities as not all municipalities charge fees for business licenses. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator responded to questions from Council. Page 6 of 10 Regular Council May 9,2013 f. Approval of Standard Business License Form The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator presented background information on this item, indicating that NREDI has proposed a standardized form for collecting business information. She explained that some of the information on the form would be customized based on the municipality and provided some options for distributing the form. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding the method of collecting information. Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting. LUNCH Council RECESSED at 12:13 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:05 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING P. Ison Reilander arrived at 1:05 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS a. STARS Presentation (1:00 p.m.) P. Ison Reilander provided Council with the history of the STARS organization, which began in 1985 and is based out of Calgary. She gave an overview of the Emergency Link Centre and care and transport of patients. She displayed a map showing the Alberta service map, noting that STARS is also active in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and presented statistics for the number of missions flown. P. Ison Reilander provided information on training and education that STARS provides to rural medical professionals. She indicated that 80% of the funds required to operate STARS and provided an overview of various fundraising and community awareness activities. She requested that the County of Newell consider providing an annual contribution to STARS in the amount of$2.00 per capita. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Councillor B. de Jong inquired about the portion of funding that comes from Alberta Health Services. P. Ison Reilander replied that they are in a 10 year agreement with Alberta Health Services regarding funding, which is based on the cost of transporting patients. P. Ison Reilander responded to questions regarding staffing and training, which is done according to guidelines, and how the bases are determined. Reeve M. Douglass thanked P. Ison Reilander f. presentation. Page 7of10 Regular Council May 9,2013 LEFT THE MEETING P. Ison Reilander left the meeting at 1:30 p.m. 10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS -CONTINUED f. Approval of Standard Business License Form -continued Discussion continued regarding the Standard Business License form. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator responded to questions from Council, indicating that the forms would be used to gather information regarding the types and number of businesses within the County of Newell. She provided background information regarding the business database and indicated that the information can be used to assist in future planning and development. The County Planner explained the difference between home occupation permits and business licenses. She indicated that they could incorporate some of the fields on the proposed form on the home occupation application form, but stated that permits should be kept separate from business licenses. The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator responded to further questions from Council regarding how the information would be collected and what it would be used for. Reeve M. Douglass • suggested that the form was not easy to understand in its present form. The Assistant Administrator indicated that this item would be brought back to Council for further discussion after responses have been received from the other NREDI members. LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and D. Horvath left the meeting at 2:07 p.m. g. Letter of Support for Western Canada Cup Bid The Economic Development & Tourism Coordinator presented background information on this item, indicating that NREDI is also submitting a letter of support and providing funding if the bid is successful. MOVED BY COUNCILLOR I. SCHROEDER that a letter be written in support of the Brooks Bandits' bid to host the Western Canada Cup Hockey Tournament in 2015. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Gietz left the meeting at 2:08 p.m. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council May 9,2013 d. Local Authorities Election The Assistant Administrator presented background information on this item, indicating that an amendment to the Local Authorities Election Act now requires voters to provide government issued identification that contains the individuals photo and address. He indicated that Council has the opportunity to pass a bylaw that allows for alternative information to be used. Discussion followed and Council determined that the identification requirements listed in the Local Authorities Election Act was sufficient. h. Cheques for Payment C-162/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR M. NESBITT that cheque 175190 in the amount of $408,750.00 and cheque 175202 in the amount of$410,753.30 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED i. Cheque Register The Assistant Administrator responded to questions from Council. C-163/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the Cheque Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Annual SPEC Community Appreciation BBQ (May 16, 2013) Invitation to Serve as Celebrity Cooks Reeve M. Douglass, Councillor M. Nesbitt, and Councillor B. de Jong volunteered to serve as celebrity cooks at the Annual SPEC Community Appreciation BBQ on May 16, 2013. 13. INFORMATION ITEMS There were no information items to discuss at this meeting. 14. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION c__Ari\ 0 A question period and notice of motion was held. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council May 9,2013 15. IN CAMERA C-164/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A. EASTMAN that we move in camera at 2:20 p.m. to discuss a land and a legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C-165/13 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR J. BULGER that we move out of camera at 3:23 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 3:36 p.m. Signed this2- 3 day of in/ , 2013 0- Reeve l o Administrator Page 10 of 10