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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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,2014
County/Administrator