Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2014-07-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL July 10, 2014 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office on Thursday, July 10, 2014 commencing at 10:52 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 G. Scott, Planner - ORRSC K. Martin, Manager of Fire & Emergency Services M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corporation T. Riles, Royal Canadian Legion Brooks #63 L. Elishen, Royal Canadian Legion Brooks #63 M. Holand, Royal Canadian Legion Brooks #63 10 County Ratepayers in attendance 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 10:52 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (June 19, 2014) The following changes were made to the June 19, 2014 Council Meeting minutes: Regular Council July 10, 2014 Page 4 - Item 6.1 - The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that staff members do not need to declare pecuniary interest. The line should read "K. Stephenson left the meeting at 11:44 a.m." C-226/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that the June 19, 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-227/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that the agenda be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 7. BYLAWS 7.2 Bylaw 1801-14 -14 LUA 002 (NE 23-16-16-W4 - A to HR) The County Planner provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The applicants were present to respond to questions from Council. The County Planner responded to questions regarding changes to the hamlet boundary that will be required if this rezoning application is approved. C-228/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 1801-14, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 0.064 acres (0.026 hectares) in NE 23-16-16-W4 from A - Agricultural District to HR - Hamlet Residential District, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 01 LEFT THE MEETING 2 County Ratepayers left the meeting at 10:57 a.m. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.2 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. LEFT THE MEETING R. Havinga and Councillor A.M. Philipsen left the meeting at 11:05 a.m. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council July 10, 2014 —� 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS J 9.1 Change in Fire Guardians for Division 9 (Gem Fire Department) The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-229114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that Gem Fire Chief Dwayne Klassen be appointed as a Fire Guardian for Division 9 (Gem Fire) within the County of Newell. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor A.M. Philipsen returned at 11:06 a.m. 9.2 Creation of a False Alarm Bylaw The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services provided background information on this item, including an overview of the false alarm calls received by the divisional fire departments and the Brooks and Bassano RCMP Detachments. He suggested that, if a bylaw were to be put in place, it would be based on fees for service rather than penalties. The Manager of Fire & Emergency Services responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed regarding the number of actual abusers of the system. Council provided direction to continue to monitor the number of false alarm calls responded to by the Fire Departments and RCMP and revisit in the future, if necessary. LEFT THE MEETING K. Martin left the meeting at 11:18 a.m. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS - CONTINUED 10.1 Director of Municipal Services Report The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions from Council regarding the calcium application process and grading. C-230114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for June 2014 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING 8 County Ratepayers arrived at 11:30 a.m. i Page 3 of 10 jo Regular Council July 10, 2014 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS C-231114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:30 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 6.1 Bylaw 1799-14 -14 LUA 001 (SE 18-19-15-W4 - A to SLA) Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 11:30 a.m. Reeve M. Douglass reviewed the procedures that would be followed for the hearing. The County Planner stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1799-14. The intent of this bylaw is to 44& amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by rezoning approximately 3.04 acres (1.23 hectares) in SE 18-19-15-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. A written response in opposition to the application was distributed to Council. There were no persons in attendance speaking in favor of the proposed bylaw. \ C. Harbinson expressed concerns with adding another subdivision, as there are already issues with water diversion and dogs harassing the cattle. Councillor T Fyfe indicated that the landowners she has spoken to have expressed concerns with the increasing number of residential parcels which are affecting agricultural operations. C. Harbinson indicated that there are a number of vacant, undeveloped residential parcels in the area. LEFT THE MEETING Councillor L. Juss left the meeting at 11:40 a.m. C. Harbinson responded to questions from Council regarding the existing subdivisions. Councillor B. de Jong asked for specific examples of the compliance issues alluded to by C. Harbinson on the existing subdivisions. C. Harbinson suggested that the developer should be responsible for fencing off the parcels and providing irrigation water. Councillor W. Hammergren asked about subdivision rules and the County Planner replied that the Land Use Bylaw allows for the subdivision of one parcel from each quarter of land zoned Agricultural District, for a total of two parcels per quarter section. If the landowner wishes to subdivide further, the land must be \ i Page 4 of 10 -- Regular Council July 10, 2014 - rezoned. He noted that decisions made must be based on information gathered during the public hearing. LEFT THE MEETING 1 County Ratepayer left the meeting at 11:50 a.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor L. Juss returned at 11:53 a.m. The Manager of Planning & Development displayed a map showing the location of the subdivision. The County Planner indicated that the canal was owned by the Eastern Irrigation District. J. Snyders expressed concerns with the potential for a large subdivision with multiple residential parcels. The County Planner indicated that the application is for one additional parcel to the existing three parcels. The parcel being subdivided is the one where the residence is located. The County Planner outlined the process that would be followed if additional residences were to be built, which includes further rezoning and an Area Structure Plan. M. Giles asked about the subdivision process. The County Planner replied that, if Council approves the rezoning application, the subdivision application will be presented to the Municipal Planning Commission for decision. LEFT THE MEETING 7 County Ratepayers left the meeting at 12:02 p.m. 6.2 Bylaw 1802-14 - Road Closure & SALE Reeve M. Douglass called the Public Hearing to order at 12:02 p.m. Reeve M. Douglass did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Manager of Planning & Development stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 1802-14. The intent of this bylaw is to close and SELL the portions of Road Plan 1349BA in Millicent described as Leveson Avenue, St. Clair Street, Gower Avenue, Sutheriand Street, and Erskine Street. The Manager of Planning & Development provided background information on this item, indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to all adjacent landowners as well as a list of affected agencies. No responses were received from adjacent landowners. ATCO Gas, AltaLink, and Fortis have responded with no objections and Talus has not yet responded. The Manager of Planning & Development displayed a map, indicating there is a third landowner Page 5 of 10 Regular Council July 10, 2014 who has expressed interest in closing and purchasing some of the adjacent road allowance. This will be prepared as a separate bylaw. 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 Manager of Planning & Development responded to questions from Council regarding the Public Hearing process. Written submissions are included in the agenda package or distributed at the meeting and ratepayers are welcome to express their concerns in person during the Public Hearing. C-232114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that we move out of Public Hearings at 12:08 p.m. MOTION CARRIED LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:08 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING T. Riles, L. Elishen, and M. Holand arrived at 1:00 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Funding Request - Brooks Legion T. Riles indicated that there is a need for an additional community hall in Brooks and requested funding from the County to complete renovations to a room in the Brooks Legion building that could be used for this purpose. The total cost of the project will be approximately $30,000.00. T. Riles indicated that they had approached both the City of Brooks and the Government of Alberta for funding contributions. He indicated that various local groups already use their facilities for events and functions for free. A secondary hall would generate revenue for the Legion. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Reeve M. Douglass indicated that this funding request would be discussed at the next meeting of the Joint Services Committee. Councillor A.M. Philipsen asked if the request had been submitted to the Division 5 & 10 Recreation Board. The Director of Corporate Services replied that the Division 5 & 10 Recreation Board met earlier in the year and allocated the 2014 funds. The request from the Brooks Legion had been submitted to the Division 6 Recreation Board and was deemed ineligible for funding from that area. T. Riles responded to questions from Council regarding the Brooks Legion facilities, staff, and available services. He provided the 2013 financial statements. Councillor C. Amulung asked if funding was available in the 2014 budget and the Director of Corporate Services indicated that a budget adjustment would be required. T. Riles indicated that I Page 6 of 10 Regular Council July 10, 2014 they were hoping to complete the project in September in advance of the holiday j season. Discussion followed and it was suggested that other divisional recreation boards or service clubs may have funding available. LEFT THE MEETING T. Riles, L. Elishen, and M. Holand left the meeting at 1:25 p.m. Discussion continued. The Director of Corporate Services will investigate potential funding sources and report back to Council. This item will be discussed further during the August 5, 2014 Joint Services Committee meeting. BYLAWS - CONTINUED 7.1 Bylaw 1799-14 -14 LUA 001 (SE 18-19-15-W4 - A to SLA) Discussion followed regarding visiting the site and it was noted that, while *440 Council was not required to provide 2nd and 3rd readings to Bylaw 1799-14 during this meeting, they must make the final decision based &R*on information gathered at the Public Hearing. Councillor T. Fyfe indicated that the ratepayers who were in attendance at the Public Hearing are opposed to further subdivision of that land as it is interfering with agricultural operations. Councillor B. de Jong indicated that the land being rezoned was not prime agricultural land. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. V-233/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that second reading on Bylaw 1799-14 be deferred to the July 24, 2014 Council Meeting. MOTION DEFEATED C-234/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that Bylaw 1799-14, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 1755-12 by redesignating approximately 3.04 acres (1.23 hectares) in SE 18-19-15-W4 from A - Agricultural District to SLA - Single Lot Agricultural District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-235/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1799-14 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION DEFEATED 7.3 Bylaw 1802-14 - Road Closure & SALE The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-236/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR WAYNE HAMMERGREN that Bylaw 1802-14, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and creating title to and disposing of portions of a public highway in Millicent, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED Page 7 of 10 Regular Council July 10, 2014 7.4 Bylaw 1803-14 - Schedule of Fees The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-237/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR TRACY FYFE that Bylaw 1803-14, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a schedule of fees, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED C-238/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that Bylaw 1803-14 be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-239/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that consent be given for Bylaw 1803-14 to receive third reading this 10th day of July, 2014. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY C-240114 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LIONEL JUSS that Bylaw 1803-14 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS - CONTINUED 9.3 Canada Post Service Levels for Smaller Communities & County Hamlets r � The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item - and responded to questions from Council. Councillor C. Amulung indicated that it was important to be aware of service levels in rural areas and differences in service that exist between post offices owned by Canada Post and those that exist in private businesses. He suggested inviting a Canada Post representative to a future Council meeting and gathering feedback from residents. Councillor K Christman indicated that a topic for discussion could be the replacement plan for the open air mailboxes. Discussion followed regarding gathering ratepayer opinions about the frequency of mail delivery and post office box locations. Administration was directed to arrange a delegation from Canada Post at a future Council meeting. 9.4 Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Services Partnership Agreement The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. An amendment to the agreement is required to remove representation from the Village of Tilley. R. Juska has requested the removal of the clause that requires all decisions to be approved unanimously, which could prevent a variety of issues from proceeding. The Director of Corporate Services responded to questions from Council, indicating that the other partners must also be in agreement before the amendments can be made. Councillor L. Juss provided further background information. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council July 10, 2014 \41/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ANNE MARIE PHILIPSEN that a letter be written to the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority indicating that the County of Newell is in favor of amending the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority agreement. MOTION CARRIED 9.5 Request to Waive Tax Penalties The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-242/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council DECLINES the request to cancel the tax penalties in the amount of $651.46 applied to Roll Numbers 0000444406 and 0000444407. MOTION CARRIED 9.6 Cheques for Payment C-243/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR BRIAN DE JONG that cheque 178444 in the amount of $15,625,000.00, cheque 178445 in the amount of $15,625,000.00, and cheque 178525 in the amount of $445,859.91 be APPROVED. MOTION CARRIED l 9.7 Payment Register L=244/14 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR CLARENCE AMULUNG that the Payment Register be accepted. MOTION CARRIED 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Mini Bus Monthly Report (June 2014) This item was accepted as information. 13. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION A question period and notice of motion was held. Discussion followed and Council agreed that Reeve M. Douglass would invite the new president of the Medicine Hat College to an upcoming Council meeting. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council July 10, 2014 14. IN CAMERA There were no in camera items to discuss at this meeting. 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:25 p.m. Signed this 1 day of 12014 Reev C u A ministrator Page 10 of 10