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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-01-23 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF Regular Council January 23, 2014 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, January 23, 2014 commencing at 10:17 a.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve COUNCILLORS: C. Amulung G. Simpson A.M. Phillipsen W. Hammergren T. Fyfe K. Christman E. Unruh B. de Jong L. Juss STAFF: K. Stephenson, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services A. Wickert, Manager of Planning & Development T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Fenske, Manager of Finance K. Martin, Manager of Fire & Emergency Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services G. Tiffin, Manager of Technical Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Dumont, Brooks & County Chronicle S. Sgt. T. McNulty, RCMP - Brooks Sgt. R. Loo, RCMP - Brooks Cst. K. Brown, RCMP - Bassano C. Oliver, Safe Communities Coordinator 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:17 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council January 23, 2014 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes - Council (January 9, 2014) The following changes were made to the January 9, 2014 Council Meeting minutes: Page 4 - Item 8(a) - should read "...but the absence of chip seal causes the road to become extremely slippery at times. He requested that the chip seal be extended over the last three kilometers..." C -18/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR E. UNRUH that the January 9, 2014 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 -19/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Fenske arrived at 10:20 a.m. 8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS a. Agricultural Fieldman's Report (January 2014) The Director of Agricultural Services presented his report for November 2013, giving an overview of the highlights. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the Provincial ASB Conference resolution regarding Elk population control and equipment storage. He provided details on hotel reservations for the upcoming Provincial ASB conference and indicated that some Alberta Government Ministers are expected to be in attendance. Page 2 of 13 Regular Council January 23, 2014 j LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss and T. Green left the meeting at 10:32 a.m. 6. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1785 -13 Tax Rate (Scandia Waste Water Lagoon & Lift Station) The Manager of Finance presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor G. Simpson noted that, during the 2014 budget meetings, the Manager of Finance had indicated that an increase in debt was not expected for 2014. The Manager of Finance replied that the Manager of Technical Services had indicated borrowing would be necessary when the initial project plans were approved several years ago. Councillor G. Simpson requested information showing how the County's debt load is affected with project approval, as future projects may have to be prioritized in the future if government funding decreases. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 10:38 a.m. K. Martin arrived at 10:39 a.m. Discussion followed regarding borrowing and depreciation of assets. The Manager of Finance replied that the useful life of the local improvement is noted on the debenture application and that the goal is to pay off the debenture before this time. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that, ideally, when the time comes to replace the local improvement, 100% of the cost will have been set aside, but usually the cost to replace a local improvement at the end of its useful life will exceed the original cost. The Manager of Finance responded to further questions from Council. C -20/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1785 -13, being a bylaw to authorize the County of Newell to impose a Local Improvement Tax in respect of all lands that directly benefit from the "Hamlet of Scandia Wastewater Lagoon & Lift Station" Local improvement Project, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C -21/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1785 -13 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C -22/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR E. UNRUH that consent be given for Bylaw 1785 -13 to receive third reading this 23rd day of January, 2014. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Page 3 of 13 Regular Council January 23, 2014 C -23/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1785 -13 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED b. Bylaw 1786 -13 Borrowing (Scandia Waste Water Lagoon & Lift Station) The Manager of Finance presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C -24/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1786 -13, being a bylaw to authorize the County of Newell to incur indebtedness by the issuance of debentures in the amount of $449,776.00 for the purpose of financing the "Hamlet of Scandia Wastewater Lagoon & Lift Station" Local Improvement Project, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C -25/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR K. CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 1786 -13 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C -26/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that consent be given for Bylaw 1786 -13 to receive third reading this 23rd day of January, 2014. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C -27/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1786 -13 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED Ug) c. Bylaw 1789 -14 - Schedule of Fees The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor T. Fyfe indicated that she had received comments expressing concerns about the proposed increase to utility rates. Lake Newell Resort does not have a deficit and there is the perception that residents are being penalized because smaller hamlets are not able to cover their costs. There was also the suggestion that the costs to maintain utility systems should be applied to all County taxes as non- residents also use hamlet facilities. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions about the proposed unmetered rate, indicating that it has been increased to provide an incentive for residents to install water meters. He indicated that he has received phone calls from individuals who Page 4 of 13 Regular Council January 23, 2014 have made an effort to have water meters installed but have discovered that additional work is required. In these situations, he suggested that a manual estimate of anticipated consumption would be used. The unmetered rate would be applied in situations where there has been no effort or contact made in regards to the installation of a water meter. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from Council, indicating that the goal is to move closer to recovering the costs to operate and maintain the systems. Discussion followed regarding the proposed water rates as compared to other municipalities. C -28/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1789 -14, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS a. Transition Process for 2014 Funding of Fire & Emergency Services The Director of Corporate Services presented background information on this item, indicating that the proposed changes would not impact the amount of funding received by the fire departments. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Nesbitt arrived at 11:18 a.m. The Manager of Finance provided an overview of the rates for fire department funding. ARRIVED AT MEETING C. Oliver arrived at 11:24 a.m. The Manager of Finance responded to questions from Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Sgt. T. McNulty, Sgt. R. Loo, and Cst. K. Brown arrived at 11:28 a.m. Discussion followed and Reeve M. Douglass indicated that communication with the fire departments is critical. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services responded to questions, indicating that the fire departments will be asked to submit annual financial statements by September 30th and that Page 5 of 13 Regular Council January 23, 2014 requisitions be accompanied by a proposed budget. C -29/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Administration proceed with the implementation process of this revised funding approach by communicating details to all of the County's partners involved in the provision of fire and emergency services. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Fenske and K. Martin left the meeting at 11:35 a.m. 7. DELEGATIONS a. RCMP Quarterly Reports C. Oliver provided an overview of the Safe Communities program, which focuses on crime prevention and reduction in the City of Brooks and County of Newell. Her role as coordinator is to bring various groups and individuals together to come up with creative crime reduction solutions. She provided details on the Fourth R program, which is a school curriculum that teaches respect, indicating that they hope to have a pilot program running in some Grasslands schools in September 2014. C. Oliver responded to questions from Council S. Sgt. T. McNulty presented the Brooks RCMP Quarterly Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. He indicated that a Community Consultation session will be held at the Heritage Inn on February 27, 2014. These sessions provide an opportunity for residents and Councillors to outline their policing priorities and provide guidance for policing strategies for the following year. Cst. K. Brown presented the Bassano RCMP Quarterly report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Cst. K. Brown and S. Sgt T. McNulty responded to questions from Council regarding the school liaison program. LEFT THE MEETING S. Sgt. T. McNulty, Sgt. R. Loo, Cst. K. Brown, and C. Oliver left the meeting at 12:03 p.m. LUNCH cil RECESSED for lunch at 12:03 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:56 p.m. Page 6 of 13 Regular Council January 23, 2014 a. RCMP Quarterly Reports — continued The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor presented the Municipal Enforcement Quarterly Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor responded to questions from Council regarding snow removal and animal complaints. LEFT THE MEETING J. Nesbitt left the meeting at 1:00 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED b. Appointment of Fire Guardians Council was presented with background information on this item. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council, indicating that he would ask the Fire & Emergency Services Coordinator to prepare information for Council regarding their responsibilities as Fire Guardians. C -30/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR E. UNRUH that the following individuals be appointed as Fire Guardians: All Divisions — Keith Martin Rolling Hills — Bill Dickinson Tilley — Patrick Fabian Patricia — Mark Martin and Ray Torkelson Duchess — Gregory Witt Scandia — Trevor Sandau Brooks Rural — Kevin Swanson Bassano — Cory Cochrane 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 (Planning), the Administrative Assistant (Fire & Safety), the Executive Operations Administrative Assistant, the Records Management Clerk, and the IT Administrative Assistant be appointed as Fire Guardians for the issuance of Fire Permits only. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 13 Regular Council January 23, 2014 c. Community Facility Lease Agreements The Director of Corporate Services presented background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C -31/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the lease agreements with the Tilley Community Centre Association, Tilley Curling Club, Tilley Ball Association, Division Three Ag. Society, and Gem Community Centre be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED d. Request for Letter of Support - Placement of a Historical Monument The Director of Corporate Services presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C -32/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. HAMMERGREN that a letter be written in support of Vulcan County's application to have a historical marker placed at the Bow City site. MOTION CARRIED e. Request for Donation - Brooks & District Seniors Outreach Society Annual Valentine's Ball & Auction Council was presented with background information on this item. Discussion followed regarding drafting a donations policy. This item was accepted as information. f. County /EID Joint Meeting (February 6, 2014) - Agenda Items Council discussed topics for the upcoming County /EID Joint Meeting, including the County /EID Drainage project, Highway 873 paving, the lease /sale of grasslands to be developed into cultivated acres, Crawling Valley and Kinbrook Island parks. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Hal ht and G. Tiffin arrived at 1:28 p.m. Page 8 of 13 Regular Council January 23, 2014 g. County Newsletter Review (January/February 2014) Council reviewed the proposed newsletter for January /February 2014 and suggested amendments. h. Councillor Payment Sheets (December 2013) C -33/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the December 2013 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED i. Cheques for Payment The Chief Administrative Officer and the Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. C -34/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that cheque 177211 in the amount of $554,973.14 and cheque 177212 in the amount of $1,017,571.57 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS a. Tender Award - Calcium The Manager of Technical Services presented background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C -35/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Council awards the contract for supply and application of calcium chloride to Kor -Tech for the three year period at the submitted rates; these services will be funded through the 2014 approved operating budget and subsequent operating budgets for 2015 and 2016. MOTION CARRIED b. Policy Review - Municipal Services The Director of Municipal Services presented background information on this item and gave an overview of the proposed amendments for each policy. Page 9 of 13 i Regular Council January 23, 2014 The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. C -36/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR K. CHRISTMAN that the following policies be adopted as presented: 2014 -PPW -007 Texas Gates 2014 -PPW -008 Sale of Equipment by Employees to County 2014 -PPW -032 Shop — Use of County Shop 2014 -PPW -033 Signs 2014 -PPW -035 Road Approaches 2014 -PPW -039 Community Identification 2014 -PPW -044 Road & Pipeline Crossings 2014 -PPW -060 Drainage - County /EID Joint Projects further, that Policy 2012 -PPW -043 (Drainage) be RESCINDED. MOTION CARRIED c. AAMDC Call for Input: Local Road Bridge Program Changes The Director of Municipal Services presented background information on this item and requested that Councillors provide feedback to him. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 2:06 p.m. 11. COMMITTEE REPORTS a. Crime Stoppers Board Councillor A.M. Philipsen provided details regarding the Community Consultation Session. C -37/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that any Councillor be permitted to attend the RCMP Community Consultation Session at the Heritage Inn in Brooks, AB on February 27, 2014 at the Heritage Inn as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED b. Rural Crime Watch Councillor A.M. Philipsen reported that information on Rural Crime Watch membership packages will be available in the newsletter. Page 10 of 13 Regular Council January 23, 2014 c. Mayors' & Reeves' Association of Southeast Alberta Councillor B. de Jong indicated that he attended this meeting on behalf of Reeve M. Douglass. Items discussed included the elk issue at Suffield, the resolution for transfer payments, a proposal to shut down a large grazing area in southeastern Alberta in the County of Forty Mile in order to protect the sage grouse, and pursuing meetings with provincial cabinet ministers. d. Newell Regional Economic Development Initiative (NREDI) Councillor E. Unruh provided this report to Council, indicating that MLA J. Hale had spoken at the meeting regarding the oil and gas industry and abandoned wells. There has been progress regarding the pipeline from British Columbia. Councillor E. Unruh responded to questions from Council. e. Newell Regional Services Corporation (NRSC) Councillor C. Amulung and the Chief Administrative Officer provided updates on the Newell Regional Services Commission and responded to questions from Council. f. Red Deer River Municipal Users Group g. Councillor W. Hammergren reported that he had attended the Annual General Meeting on January 16, 2014 and topics for discussion included water rates and ensuring recommendations from engineered studies are carried out. Shortgrass Library System Councillor K. Christman reported that she has attended a few meetings of the Shortgrass Library System and is a member of the Programs, Services & Advocacy Committee. She provided an overview of the Shortgrass Library System. Councillor K. Christman also provided details for the Southern Alberta Library Conference. C -38/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Councillor K. Christman be permitted to attend the Southern Alberta Library Conference on March 7 -8, 2014 in Lethbridge, AB as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED Page 11 of 13 Regular Council January 23, 2014 h. Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association Reeve M. Douglass reported to Council on the recent meeting of the Foothills Little Bow Municipal Association. i. Reeve's Report Reeve M. Douglass indicated that she would be attending the funeral of former City of Brooks Mayor D. Weisbeck on January 24, 2014 as a representative of the County of Newell. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 2:32 p.m. 12. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Canadian Badlands AGM & Conference Councillor A.M. Philipsen indicated that she had forwarded details fpf the speakers at the conference to Council. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 2:38 p.m. C -39/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR G. SIMPSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Canadian Badlands Tourism Development Conference and Annual General Meeting on March 25 -27, 2014 in Lethbridge, AB as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 13. INFORMATION ITEMS a. Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. Page 12 of 13 M i Regular Council January 23, 2014 14. QUESTION PERIOD /NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Councillor B. de Jong requested discussion on a future Council Meeting agenda regarding potential changes to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) in preparation for the review sessions scheduled at the end of March. The Chief Administrative Officer requested a list of specific areas so that staff can prepare for the discussion with Council. 15. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. 16. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:48 p.m. Signed this U day of / /ice Page 13 of 13 ,2014 County/Administrator