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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-02-06 Council (Regular) Minutes COUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF Regular Council February 6, 2014 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, February 6, 2014 commencing at 10:20 a.m. MEMBERS M. Douglass, Reeve PRESENT: 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 G. Scott, County Planner- ORRSC T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations M. Fenske, Manager of Finance S. Christensen, Manager of Corporate Safety Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: M. Dumont, Brooks & County Chronicle 1 County Ratepayer 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:20 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Council February 6,2014 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES a. Minutes - Council (January 23, 2014) The following changes were made to the January 23, 2014 Council Meeting minutes: Page 12 - Item 12(a) - should read "...forwarded details of the speakers at the conference to Council." C-40/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the January 23, 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-41/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that the agenda be adopted as amended. MOTION CARRIED 6. BYLAWS a. Bylaw 1780-13 - Inter Municipal Development Plan (Duchess) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-42/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Bylaw 1780-13, being a bylaw to adopt a statutory land use plan that provides a framework and guidelines for dealing with future subdivision and development of lands within the designated inter municipal plan boundary and promotes the ongoing cooperation, consultation, and coordination between the County of Newell and the Village of Duchess, be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING A. Wickert and G. Scott left the meeting at 10:26 a.m. Page 2 of 11 Regular Council February 6,2014 b. Bylaw 1789-14 -Schedule of Fees H. Hafso, a County Ratepayer in attendance, expressed concerns with the increased utility rates and the ability of smaller hamlets to recover adequate operation costs. She noted that more than just hamlet residents benefit from the hamlet facilities. H. Hafso asked when meter readings would commence and the Director of Corporate Services replied that the first invoice in March 2014 will reflect metered consumption in January and February. H. Hafso asked how often the Schedule of Fees bylaw is reviewed and the Director of Corporate Services outlined the budget process which results in an annual review of the Schedule of Fees bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the County of Newell Water Project system users would be tracked separately from the hamlet water systems. He provided an overview of the expenses and the differences between the base rate and the consumption rate, indicating that the cost to provide water and sewer service continues to increase but the County's systems are new and should be efficient. Director of Corporate Services provided background information regarding calcium rates and public feedback regarding the utility rates. The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on calcium rates, indicating that there will be an increase in 2014. Discussion followed regarding the cost sharing philosophy where the landowner pays 1/3 of the cost and the County pays 2/3 of the cost. Continuing with this practice will result in a slight increase for both sides. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. C-43/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1789-14 be amended as follows: Residential Calcium Application Rates - $1.37/meter up to 300 meters. Applications in excess of 300 meters will be charged the full cost rate, which is based on the prior year application cost. For 2013, the full cost rate is $4.10/meter. Non Residential Application Rates - $4.10/meter. MOTION CARRIED The Director of Corporate Services asked if Council wanted to proceed with a differential fee applied to base water and sewer rates for residential and non residential uses. The Director of Corporate Services and Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding the base rate for non residential sewer services, and it was suggested that this should be the same as the residential rate. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. Page 3 of 11 Regular Council February 6,2014 C-44/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that the Non Residential Rate for 0 Sanitary Sewer Charge be the same as the Residential Rate, which is $21.00/month. MOTION CARRIED C-45/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR C. AMULUNG that Bylaw 1789-14, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given THIRD and FINAL reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING 1 County Ratepayer left the meeting at 11:19 a.m. c. Bylaw 1790-14 - Private Signs The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Councillor C. Amulung asked why a separate bylaw was necessary, as the Land Use Bylaw has several requirements for signs. The Director of Municipal Services replied that the Land Use Bylaw contains no information regarding fines or penalties for people in contravention of the bylaw. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor and the Director of Municipal Services responded to further questions from Council. The Director of Corporate services indicated that this bylaw relates to signs being placed within the road right of way; all signs on private property are dealt with under the land use bylaw. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen left the meeting at 11:36 a.m. The Director of Corporate Services suggested an amendment to Bylaw 1790-14 by ending article 7 as follows "...adhering to the conditions of the Land Use Bylaw." LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 11:38 a.m. C-46/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR T. FYFE that Bylaw 1790-14, being a bylaw for the purpose of governing the placement of private signs within County road right-of- ways, be given FIRST reading as amended. MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 11 Regular Council February 6,2014 0-47/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Bylaw 1790-14 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen returned at 11:39 a.m. C-48/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that consent be given for Bylaw 1790-14 to receive third reading this 6th day of February, 2014. MOTION DEFEATED LEFT THE MEETING J. Nesbitt and M. Harbicht left the meeting at 11:40 a.m. 7. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS a. ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 11:44 a.m. The Director of Agricultural Services provided an update on the preparations for the ASB Summer Tour 2014 and responded to questions from Council. b. Policy Review - 2014-PAG-029 (Rural Beautification Awards) The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-49/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Policy 2014-PAG-029 (Rural Beautification Awards) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED c. Policy Review -2014-PAG-033 (Clubroot - Inspection & Control) The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and an explanation of the proposed control measures. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions r regarding enforcing the crop Page 5of11 Regular Council February 6,2014 rotation cycle and testing for clubroot Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during the meeting. LUNCH Council RECESSED For lunch at 12:09 p.m. and RECONVENED At 1:01 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Christensen arrived at 1:00 p.m. 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS b. Corporate Safety - Council's Statement of Commitment and Health & Safety Policy The Manager of Corporate Safety Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-50/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR K. CHRISTMAN that Council's Statement of Commitment and the Health & Safety Policy be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED The Manager of Corporate Safety Services provided Council with information regarding the upcoming external audit required in order for the County to maintain its Certificate of Recognition. The Manager of Corporate Safety Services responded to questions from Council. LEFT THE MEETING S. Christensen left the meeting at 1:20 p.m. 7. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS - CONTINUED c. Policy Review -2014-PAG-033 (Clubroot - Inspection & Control) - continued The Director of Agricultural Services provided information on some recent clubroot issues and what would be involved with issuing a pest notice. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council regarding the sanitization of rental equipment to prevent the spread of crop diseases. He indicated that education is a key factor and, in the past, they f\i\\\j have hosted information sessions, mailed out information, and published newsletter articles on the subject Discussion followed and the Director of 0 Agricultural Services responded g po ded to further questions from Council. Page 6 of 11 Regular Council February 6,2014 C C-51/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Policy 2014-PAG-033 be adopted as presented. Discussion followed regarding equipment disinfection practices and enforcement of the policy. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to further questions from Council. C-52/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that Motion C-51/14 be TABLED. MOTION CARRIED d. Policy Review -Agricultural Services Policies The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item, giving an overview of the changes made to each policy. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding the mowing policy and farming operations that go right to the edge of the road allowance. The Director of Agricultural Services and Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council. C-53/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that Policy 2012-PAG-012 (Rental Agreement - Responsibility for Damages) be RESCINDED; further, that the following policies be adopted as presented: • 2014-PAG-010 (Private Weed Control) • 2014-PAG-020 (Weed Control - Roadside) • 2014-PAG-023 (Bacterial Ringrot - Inspection & Control) • 2014-PAG-025 (Grass Seeding) • 2014-PAG-026 (Mowing) • 2014-PAG-033 (100 Year Farm Awards). MOTION CARRIED 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED a. Policy Review -2014-PAD-055 (Tangible Capital Assets) The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer provided the history of the Tangible Capital Assets project. The Manager of Finance provided an overview of the changes made to the policy. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-54/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Policy 2014-PAD-055 (Tangible Capital Assets) be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 11 Regular Council February 6,2014 LEFT THE MEETING T. Green and M. Fenske left the meeting at 2:18 p.m. c. Cenovus Energy - Community Leadership Program & Community Collaboration Strategies The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and suggested that each Councillor provide the names of a few community-minded individuals in their division to participate in the preliminary exercise on March 31. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. The Executive Assistant will compile the names and contact information for the organizers to send the invitations. C-55/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR K. CHRISTMAN that the County of Newell agrees to participate as one of the two selected areas in Alberta for the 2014 Cenovus Community Leadership Program. MOTION CARRIED d. AAMDC Spring 2014 Convention Council was presented with background information on this item. C-56/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR A.M. PHILIPSEN that Councillor C. Amulung and Councillor G. Simpson be permitted to attend the Elected Officials Education Program: Municipal Finance course on March 17, 2014 in Edmonton, AB as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED e. Council Representatives on Bassano Intermunicipal Development Plan Committee The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-57/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR K. CHRISTMAN that we appoint Reeve M. Douglass, Councillor K. Christman, and Councillor E. Unruh to the Inter- Municipal Development Plan Committee (Bassano). MOTION CARRIED f. Payment Register The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council. Page 8 of 11 Regular Council February 6,2014 C-58/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 9. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS a. Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 2:49 p.m. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 2:55 p.m. The Director of Municipal Services and the Manager of Operations responded to questions regarding snow removal and anti-icing. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the Drainage Partnership between the County and the Eastern Irrigation District, water meters, and the Alberta Transportation consultation sessions. C-59/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR L. JUSS that the Director of Municipal Services Report for January 2014 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED b. Utilities - NRSC Report There was no Utilities - NRSC Report presented. c. County of Newell Evaluating Anti-Icing This item was accepted as information. r Page 9 of 11 Regular Council February 6,2014 8. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS -CONTINUED a. AAMDC Spring 2014 Convention - continued Discussion followed and Council directed the Executive Assistant to arrange meetings with the Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Minister of Health during the AAMDC Spring 2014 Convention. LEFT THE MEETING M. Harbicht and T. Schroeder left the meeting at 3:18 p.m. 10. POST AGENDA ITEMS a. Functions of Council Discussion followed regarding events to be considered a function of Council. C-60/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. HAMMERGREN that Councillor L. Juss be permitted to attend the Alberta Recycling Spring Seminar in High River, AB on February 26-28, 2014 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED C-61/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR B. DE JONG that two Councillors be permitted to attend the Mussel Threat Workshop in Chestermere, AB on February 10, 2014 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED C-62/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR W. HAMMERGREN that Reeve M. Douglass, Councillor C. Amulung, and Councillor K. Christman be permitted to attend the Alberta Transportation consultation session in Bassano, AB on February 7, 2014 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 11. INFORMATION ITEMS a. 4-H Centennial Commemorative Stamp This item was accepted as information. 12. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Page 10 of 11 Regular Council February 6,2014 C 13. IN CAMERA C-63/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR K. CHRISTMAN that we move in camera at 3:44 p.m. to discuss a land and legal issue. MOTION CARRIED C-64/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR E. UNRUH that we move out of camera at 5:00 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 14. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 5:00 p.m. Signed this -2-6 day of .�_e- -u , 2014 /._. ' -e e • CoU . dministrator C Page 11 of 11