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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2018-03-13 Council Package KNEEHILL COUNTY REGULAR COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, March 13, 2018 8:30 a.m. Kneehill County Council Chambers 1600- 2ND Street NE Three Hills, Alberta 1.0 Agenda 1.1 Additions to the Agenda 1.2 Adoption of the Agenda 2.0 Approval of Minutes 2.1 Regular Council Meeting Minutes of February 27, 2018 3.0 Delegations No Delegations Scheduled 4.0 Public Hearings No Public Hearings Scheduled 5.0 Municipal Services 5.1 Transportation 5.1.1 Verbal Report on Recent Snow Event 5.2 Water/Wastewater/Environment No Report 5.3 Planning 5.3.1 Bylaw 1757-Land Use Bylaw Amendment from Agriculture District to Agriculture Business District 5.4 Agricultural Service Board & Parks No Report 5.5 Protective Services 5.5.1 Appointment of Fire Chief & Deputy Fire Chief of Torrington Fire 6.0 Corporate Services No Report 7.0 Business Arising from Previous Minutes No Report 8.0 New Business 8.1 AAMDC Spring Resolutions 8.2 Policy 18-4, Coffee with Council 8.3 Policy 18-1, Communications Policy 8.4 Aerial Photo Joint Project 8.5 Strategic Priorities Chart 1 2018.03.13 Regular Council Meeting Agenda March 13, 2018 Page | 2 9.0 Disposition of Delegation Business 10.0 Council and Committee Reports 10.1 Community Futures Wildrose 10.2 Canadian Badlands Ltd. 11.0 Council Follow-up Action List 12.0 In Camera 12.1 13.0 Motions from In Camera Adjournment 2 2018.03.13 1 ________ Initials MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 27, 2018 REGULAR MEETING OF THE COUNCIL OF KNEEHILL COUNTY AT THE KNEEHILL COUNTY OFFICE, 1600- 2ND STREET NE, THREE HILLS, ALBERTA. PRESENT: Division No. 1 Faye McGhee, Councillor Division No. 2 Debbie Penner, Councillor Division No. 3 Jerry Wittstock, Reeve Division No. 4 Glen Keiver, Councillor Division No. 5 Jim Hugo, Councillor Division No. 6 Wade Christie, Councillor Division No. 7 Kenneth King, Deputy Reeve ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: Chief Administrative Officer Al Hoggan Director Municipal Services Laurie Watt Director Corporate Services Mike Morton Protective Services Manager & Communications Officer Debra Grosfield Environmental Services Manager John McKiernan Manager of Planning and Development Barb Hazelton Manager of Financial Services Will Wolfe Recording Secretary Carolyn Van der Kuil CALL TO ORDER Reeve Wittstock in the Chair Reeve Wittstock called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. AGENDA 1.0 Agenda 1.1 Additions to the Agenda Additions under New Business 8.1 Canadian Badlands Request Additions under In-Camera 11.1 Land 11.2 Labour ADOPTION OF AGENDA 1.2 Adoption of Agenda 57/18 Councillor Penner moved approval of the agenda as amended. CARRIED 3 2018.03.13 COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2018 2 _________ Initials MINUTES 2.0 Minutes 2.1 Regular Council Meeting Minutes of February 13, 2018 58/18 Councillor Christie moved approval of the February 13, 2018 Council Meeting minutes as presented. CARRIED CORPORATE SERV 5.0 Corporate Services 5.1 Bank Reconciliation-November and December 2017 59/18 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council receives for information the November and December 2017 Bank Reconciliation. CARRIED 5.2 Policy #16-12, County Credit, Debit and Fuel Cards 60/18 Councillor Christie moved to approve County Credit, Debit, and Fuel Cards Policy #16-12 as presented. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 5.3 Reserve Reallocation 61/18 Deputy Reeve King moved to table the Reserve Allocation agenda item until the April 17, 2018 Committee of the Whole meeting. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 5.4 Policy #16-2, Accounts Receivable Collection Process 62/18 Councillor Keiver moved to approve as presented Policy #16-2, Accounts Receivable Collection Process. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 5.5 User Fee Review 63/18 Deputy Reeve King moved to receive the User Fee Review Report as information. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY The Chair called for a recess at 9:08 a.m. and called the meeting back to order at 9:21 a.m. with all previously mentioned Council members present. Bowen Clausen was not present when the meeting reconvened. MUNICIPAL SERVICES 6.0 Municipal Services 6.2 Water/Wastewater/Environment 6.2.1 Churchill Water System 64/18 Councillor McGhee moved that Council postpone further discussion on the Churchill Water System until the Thursday, April 5, 2018 Committee of the Whole meeting. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 4 2018.03.13 COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2018 3 _________ Initials PROTECTIVE SERV 6.5 Protective Services 6.5.1 Peace Officer Rural Crime Deterrent Initiative Proposal 65/18 Councillor McGhee moved to direct Administration to add an additional Level 2 Community Peace Officer for the Kneehill County Rural Crime Deterrent Initiative and to amend the 2018 Operating and Capital Budget. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 66/18 Councillor McGhee moved to defer the discussion on the 2nd Community Peace Officer until the 2019 budget deliberations. CARRIED The Chair called for a recess at 10:33 a.m. and called the meeting back to order at 10:49 a.m. with all previously mentioned members present. 6.5.2 Kneehill County Rural Fire Strategy-Fire Chief Proposal 67/18 Councillor King moved to add a Fire Chief to the Organizational Chart, and fund the position by collapsing the Economic Development Budget and transferring the funds to the appropriate budget line items. CARRIED NEW BUSINESS 8.0 New Business 8.1 Canadian Badlands Request 68/18 Councillor McGhee moved to donate $1500.00 to the Canadian Badlands Tourism Development Conference with funds to come from the transfer to individuals/organizations account. CARRIED COUNCIL REPORTS 10.0 Council and Committee Reports 10.1 Drumheller RCMP Statistics 69/18 Councillor Penner moved that Council receive the Council and Committee reports as presented. CARRIED COUNCIL ACT LIST 11.0 Council Follow-Up Action List 70/18 Councillor Keiver moved that Council receive the February 13, 2018 Council Follow-Up Action List as presented for information. CARRIED 5 2018.03.13 COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27, 2018 4 _________ Initials IN-CAMERA 12.0 In-Camera 71/18 Councillor McGhee moved that Council go into closed session to discuss legal and labour matters pursuant to sections 20 & 17 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act at 11:15 a.m. CARRIED The In-Camera session recessed from 12:33 p.m. to 1:14 p.m. 72/18 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council return to open meeting at 1:28 p.m. CARRIED 1:28 p.m. - meeting recessed to allow return of public. 1:29 p.m. - meeting resumed. MOTIONS FROM IN- CAMERA 13.0 Motions from In-Camera 73/18 Councillor McGhee moved that Kneehill County Council direct administration to proceed with the labour matter held In-camera. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 74/18 Deputy Reeve King moved that Kneehill County Council direct Reeve Wittstock to contact Mayor Kletke and Mayor Nash in regards to the labour matter held In-Camera. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY ADJOURNMENT Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 1:32 p.m. ________________________ Jerry Wittstock Reeve _______________________ Al Hoggan CAO 6 2018.03.13 Document Last Updated April 15, 2014    REQUEST FOR DECISION   Agenda Item #  5.3.1    SUBJECT:    Land Use Bylaw - Amendment from Agriculture District to Agriculture Business District   MEETING DATE:    2017-03-13   PRESENTED BY:    Barb Hazelton, Manager Planning & Development   BACKGROUND/  PROPOSAL    Ross & Ray Benedict as well as Stephanie & Micha Fakner have applied to redesignate a 23 +/- acre portion of the NE 3-034-26-W4 from Agriculture District to Agriculture Business District.   DISCUSSION/  OPTIONS/  BENEFITS/  DISADVANTAGES:    The subject parcel is located directly south west of the Wimborne gas plant, and is bound by Highway 805 on the east. The purpose of the application is to subdivide out a 23 acre +/- parcel for the purpose of a commercial arena. Under the current Land Use Bylaw 1718, redesignation is required to subdivide a larger parcel for a specific agricultural business. This parcel currently has an outdoor arena area, a couple smaller hay fields as well as a stand of trees. If the subdivision is approved, this parcel will incorporate both hay fields and the outdoor arena area. The commercial riding arena is considered a discretionary use in the Agriculture Business District.  $800 cost for redesignation for the Developer 7 2018.03.13 REQUEST FOR DECISION   Agenda Item # 5.3.1 2 | Page  COSTS/SOURCE OF  FUNDING:      ENGAGEMENT:    Prior to the Public Hearing, notifications will be sent to all adjacent landowners, and notice will be posted in the Three Hills Capital and on our website.   LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN:    1.0 Safe & Viable Communities – Enable growth possibilities through Land Use Bylaw   ATTACHMENTS:    Site Plan Proposed Bylaw 1757   RECOMMENDED ACTION:    1. Council move first reading of proposed Bylaw 1757 for the purpose of amending the Land Use Bylaw 1718 by redesignating a portion of the NE 3-034-26-W4 from the Agriculture District to Agriculture Business District. 2. Council move to schedule the Public Hearing, as per Section 606 of the Municipal Government Act, to be held on April 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.   COUNCIL OPTIONS:  A. Council move first reading of proposed Bylaw 1757 B. Council move to schedule the Public Hearing for April 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. for the purposes of amending the Land Use Bylaw for rezoning a portion of the NE 3-034-26-W4 from Agriculture District to Agriculture Business District. C. Council move to schedule the Public Hearing for an alternate date. D. Council request more information prior to proceeding to first reading. MOTION:    1. Council move first reading of proposed Bylaw 1757 for the purpose of amending the Land Use Bylaw 1718 by redesignating a portion of the NE 3-034-26-W4 from the Agriculture District to Agriculture Business District. 2. Council move to schedule the Public Hearing, as per Section 606 of the Municipal Government Act, to be held on April 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.             Prepared By: Barb Hazelton Approved By: Laurie Watt Reviewed By: Al Hoggan Senior Planning & Development Officer Director of Municipal Services Chief Administrative Officer   8 2018.03.13       BYLAW NO. 1757  REDESIGNATION FROM AGRICULTURE DISTRICT   TO AGRICULTURE BUSINESS DISTRICT    BEING A BYLAW OF THE COUNCIL OF KNEEHILL COUNTY, IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, TO AMEND  LAND USE BYLAW NO. 1718  WHEREAS, pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, Chapter M‐26, Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000,  as amended, a Municipal Council has authority to govern and to pass bylaws respecting the municipality;  and  WHEREAS, it is deemed necessary and expedient to amend Bylaw No. 1718 in the manner hereinafter.  NOW THEREFORE, the Council of Kneehill County, in the Province of Alberta, duly assembled, and  under the powers conferred upon it by the Municipal Government Act, RSA 2000, Chapter M‐26,  and amendment thereto, enacts as follows:  1. THAT in PART XIV‐ LAND USE MAPS, the relevant 23 +/‐ acres of NE 3 ‐034‐26 W4 shown  on the sketch below are to be redesignated from A‐ Agricultural District to AB‐  Agriculture Business District.      2. EFFECTIVE DATE    (1) This bylaw comes into effect upon third reading.    READ a first time on this 13 day of March, 2018.  READ a second time on this XX day of April, 2018.  READ a third time and final time of this XX day of April, 2018.    9 2018.03.13   Bylaw No. 1757, Agriculture District to  Agriculture Business District Bylaw Page 2 of 2     Reeve   Jerry Wittstock  Date Bylaw Signed   Chief Administrative Officer   Al Hoggan      10 2018.03.13 Document Last Updated March 3, 2015    REQUEST FOR DECISION   Agenda Item #  5.5.1    SUBJECT:    Appointment of Fire Chief & Deputy Fire Chief of Torrington Fire   MEETING DATE:    2018-03-13 PRESENTED BY:    Debra Grosfield, Manager of Protective Services, Communications BACKGROUND/  PROPOSAL    As per Bylaw 1712, Kneehill County Council must appoint the Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief for our District Fire Department (Torrington). DISCUSSION/  OPTIONS/  BENEFITS/  DISADVANTAGES:    The recommendation from the CAO for Fire Chief is Doug Fretz and for Deputy Fire Chief is Jason Michielsen. COSTS/SOURCE OF  FUNDING:    N/A   ENGAGEMENT:    Consultative: Discussion within Protective Services Department, Torrington Fire Informative: FMC committee and all other Fire Departments in area, as well as shared information with Kneehill County staff LINK TO STRATEGIC  PLAN:    Safe and Viable Communities ATTACHMENTS:    N/A   RECOMMENDED  ACTION:  That Kneehill County Council appoints Doug Fretz as Fire Chief and Jason Michielsen as Deputy Fire Chief of Torrington Fire Department until March 1, 2020. Should this member leave the department, their position will be deemed vacant immediately.   COUNCIL OPTIONS:  1. Appoint Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief as recommended 2. Appoint Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief as amended 3. Administration research other options for Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief of Torrington Hall. MOTION:    That Kneehill County Council appoints Doug Fretz as Fire Chief and Jason Michielsen as Deputy Fire Chief of Torrington Fire Department until March 1, 2020. Should this member leave the department, their position will be deemed vacant immediately.        Prepared By: Debra Grosfield Approved By: Laurie Watt Reviewed By: Al Hoggan Manager of Protective Services and Communications Officer Director of Municipal Services Chief Administrative Officer   11 2018.03.13 Document Last Updated April 15, 2014    REQUEST FOR DECISION   Agenda Item #  8.1    SUBJECT:    AAMDC Spring Resolutions   MEETING DATE:    2018-03-13   PRESENTED BY:    Al Hoggan, CAO   BACKGROUND/  PROPOSAL    The AAMDC represents rural municipalities in meeting with government and ensures that provincial and federal decision-makers, as well as industry and other relevant stakeholders, understand and incorporate the best interests of rural Alberta in their policies.   DISCUSSION/  OPTIONS/  BENEFITS/  DISADVANTAGES:    The resolutions that will be presented during the resolutions session at the AAMDC Spring 2018 Convention are attached for Council to review.   COSTS/SOURCE OF  FUNDING:    N/A   ENGAGEMENT:    N/A   LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN:    N/A   ATTACHMENTS:    2018 AAMDC Spring Resolutions   RECOMMENDED ACTION:    That Council receive as information.   COUNCIL OPTIONS:  1. Receive as Information 2. Propose amendments to resolutions to AAMDC MOTION:    That Council receive the 2018 AAMDC Spring Resolutions Report as information.             Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil Approved By: Al Hoggan Reviewed By: Al Hoggan Executive Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Chief Administrative Officer   12 2018.03.13 Spring 2018 Submitted Resolutions 1) Call to Order 2) Acceptance of Order Paper 3) Resolution Session 1-18S Request for Implementation of the 2018 Assessment Year Modifier for Well and Pipeline Assessments (MD of Willow Creek) 2-18S Combatting Rural Crime (Lacombe County) 3-18S Increase Crown Prosecutor Staffing Levels for Rural Municipalities (County of St. Paul) 4-18S Support for Continuation of Grant Funding for Agricultural Initiatives Program (Lac Ste. Anne County) 5-18S Provincial Government Consultation and Communication Protocol with Municipalities (County of Grande Prairie) 6-18S Wind Energy Regulations Required at Provincial Level (County of Paintearth) 7-18S Standards for Buildings Contaminated by Fentanyl and Carfentanil (Sturgeon County) 8-18S Amendments Required for Provincial Recycling Regulations (Strathcona County) 9-18S Exemption of Seniors Housing from Requirement to Pay Carbon Levy (Beaver County) 10-18S Tenure Extension Requirements for Unconventional Development (MD of Greenview) 11-18S Recycling of Solar Panels (MD of Foothills) 12-18S Victim Services Units Funding (Northern Sunrise County) 4) Vote on Emergent Resolutions (if needed) 5) Closing of Resolution Session 13 2018.03.13 Resolution 1-18S Request for Implementation of the 2018 Assessment Year Modifier for Well and Pipeline Assessments MD of Willow Creek Simple Majority Required Endorsed by District 1 (Foothills-Little Bow) WHEREAS Section 292(2) (a) of the Municipal Government Act states: “Each assessment must reflect the valuation standard set out in the regulations for linear property”; and WHEREAS the Minister of Municipal Affairs had decided not to implement the adjustment to the assessment year modifier (AYM) reflecting increases for well assessments and for pipeline asses sment in 2018 stating no reason other than that the Government of Alberta intends to conduct a rate review sometime in the future; and WHEREAS this unprecedented action will result in lost revenue for many rural municipalities, create an unfair and unequitable shift in taxation to other assessment classes and result in significant increases to mill rates, for no apparent reason; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties lobby the Government of Alberta to im mediately implement the 2018 assessment year modifier to well and pipeline assessments as identified in the draft calculation. Member Background It has been brought to the attention of the Council of the Municipal District of Willow Creek No. 26 that the Minister of Municipal Affairs is not going to implement the adjustment to the AYM, which reflects increases for well and pipeline assessment as recommended by the Linear Property Assessment Unit within the Assessment Services Branch of Alberta Municipal Affairs. The increase in the AYM is based on the recommendations of provincially hired consultants who applied changes based on the ‘ad volarem’ system which is founded on the philosophy that the more value there is in a specific property, the more the property owner is able to pay. Property assessments are adjusted yearly to reflect increases or decreases in market value, or as in the case of industrial and linear properties, changes in estimated cost to construct or build a specific property. It has been a long standing principle that in times of economic downturn, when the cost of construction and materials drop, the assessment reflects the trend by applying a reduced AYM. In times of economic recovery, which was reflected in the adjustment determined by the consultants, the AYM increase is applied. The principle of our fair and equitable assessment system is being destroyed. The Minister’s decision to not implement the AYM showing the increase in value will result in shifting the tax burden to resid ential and commercial ratepayers. There is a case to be made that this action will unfairly undermine the integrity of the provincial assessment system. AAMDC Background The AAMDC has no active resolutions directly related to this issue. 14 2018.03.13 Resolution 2-18S Combatting Rural Crime Lacombe County Simple Majority Required Endorsed by District 2 (Central) WHEREAS there has been a proliferation of crime in rural Alberta over the past several years; and WHEREAS citizens of rural Alberta are extremely concerned for their personal safety due to escalating levels and severity of property crime; and WHEREAS the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) and other police services lack the required resources to respond to and investigate reported rural crimes; and WHEREAS Alberta’s overburdened court system results in charges laid against perpetrators of rural crime being dismissed; and WHEREAS residents and businesses of rural Alberta are becoming increasingly frustrated with the shortcomings of our criminal justice system; THEREFORE, BE lT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) request that the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta develop and implement strategies and initiatives to prevent and combat rural crime, and punish those convicted of committing rural crime in a manner that will maximize deterrence; FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the AAMDC request the Government of Canada to continue with its review of the criminal justice system and sentencing reforms in a way that gets repeat offenders off the street for longer periods of time. Member Background Rural crime is on the rise in Alberta. This statement is supported by the crime statistics that are kept by every major police agency in the province. The reasons for this increase are suspected to be a downturn in our economy and the increased use of illegal drugs. The reality is that every rural resident has either had a crime committed against them or their property or can refer to a neighbour that has experienced it. What used to be a rare occurrence is now commonplace in rural areas. While vulnerable individuals are being targeted by criminals - who have identified flaws both in the criminal justice system and in the capacity of police departments to respond to - they are unable to defend themselves without the risk of facing heavier penalties for protecting their home and families. Law-abiding residents have their hands tied. Lacombe/Wetaskiwin Member of Parliament, Blaine Calkins recently hosted a series of town hal l meetings with residents to discuss rural crime. All of these meetings were fully attended and participants voiced deep concern about both the frequency and increasing severity of rural crime. The full proceedings of these meetings will be presented to Pa rliament in the future, but the sheer number of attendees and the common themes in the views expressed all pointed to a serious problem with rural crime. Residents are taking steps that are offered to them. This is evidenced by the resurgence of Rural Cri me Watch organizations and Citizens on Patrol groups in most communities as a possible way for residents to deal with this problem. ln addition, many rural municipalities have implemented programs like Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) to assist their residents. These actions by citizens are not likely to have much of an effect unless the criminal justice system in Canada takes this problem seriously and deals with offenders in a much more serious and meaningful way. Conversations with police agencies indicate that repeat offenders are committing much of this crime and they are increasingly becoming more concerned with the ability of the system to keep these offenders incarcerated. 15 2018.03.13 Rural Albertans need the other levels of government to stop letting increasingly dangerous and violent offenders off with a "slap on the wrist''. Harsher penalties are needed, especially for criminals who have been proven, repeat offenders, while also giving them the tools they need to reform and rehabilitate from addictions that leads them to this lifestyle. ln addition, the Government of Canada needs to give property owners the ability to protect their home, their families, and their assets in a suitable manner, without the risk of receiving a prison sentence for assault (while the criminal gets away with little or no punishment at all). Regardless of the reasons for this increase in rural crime, the fact remains that many rural residents do not feel safe in their homes as a result. This is an unacceptable situation in Canada, and we call for both the governments of Alberta and Canada to address this problem. ln 2017, the Government of Canada announced that it was undertaking a broad examination of Canada's criminal justice system to ensure that it is just, compassionate and fair, while promoting a safe, peaceful and prosperous Canadian society. Together with our MPs, MLAs, AAMDC, police officers, and fellow municipalities we can make our voices heard and take every opportunity to lead to a true change of the judicial system that protects the victims while penalizing (and reforming) the criminals. AAMDC Background The AAMDC has no active resolutions directly related to this issue. 16 2018.03.13 Resolution 3-18S Increase Crown Prosecutor Staffing Levels for Rural Municipalities County of St. Paul Simple Majority Required Endorsed by District 5 (Edmonton East) WHEREAS Albertans are concerned with the escalating levels of rural crime as evidenced by many media reports over the past few years; and WHEREAS the Supreme Court of Canada’s 2016 decision in R v Jordan puts hard timelines in place to resolve cases: eighteen (18) months for provincial court matters and thirty (30) months for Superior Court (in Alberta, the Court of Queen’s Bench) to uphold an accused person’s Charte r right to trial without unreasonable delays; and WHEREAS hundreds of court cases across Alberta have been stayed over the past two years because of a lack of resources in the provincial prosecution service; and WHEREAS thousands of court cases across Alberta could be at risk of being dismissed for violating new time guidelines set out in the Jordan decision; and WHEREAS Alberta’s chief justice has ruled police officers do not have the authority to act on behalf of the Crown at bail hearings; and WHEREAS the current prosecutor staffing levels are not sufficient to manage the demands of the numbers of cases on the current docket; and WHEREAS Crown prosecutors in rural municipalities are overworked and understaffed and require additional support to effectively carry out their duties; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) encourage the Government of Alberta to increase Crown prosecutor staffing levels as well as relevant administrative staff for rural communities and collaborate with rural communities to ensure that court cases are being sufficiently prosecuted in a timely manner. Member Background Alberta Justice lawyers, employed as Crown prosecutors, are responsible for prosecutions under some federal statutes, such as the Criminal Code, and under provincial statutes. In a typical case, the prosecutor's responsibilities include determining appropriate charges, discussions with defence counsel, preparing witnesses for court, examination and cross -examination of witnesses and presenting arguments respecting conviction and sentence. More than 100 cases have been stayed in Alberta since December 2016 because of a lack of resources in the provincial prosecution service, according to the Alberta Crown Attorneys' Association. Moreover, there has been tremendous anecdotal evidence in rural communities that crown prosecutors are unable to carry out their duties due to a dearth of resources. While the Government of Alberta has announced the hiring of 50 new cr own prosecutors and 30 support staff to help mitigate against the current backlogs in the court system, it is imperative that rural communities are endowed with the resources necessary to address rural crime; increased staffing levels in the major cities will not be sufficient to address the challenges presented by rural crime in Alberta. AAMDC Background The AAMDC has no active resolutions directly related to this issue. 17 2018.03.13 Resolution 4-18S Support for Continuation of Grant Funding for Agricultural Initiatives Program Lac Ste. Anne County Simple Majority Required Endorsed by District 3 (Pembina River) WHEREAS Alberta agricultural societies operate various facilities including rural community arenas/hockey rinks, curling rinks, ball diamonds, community ha lls, agricultural facilities, etc.; and WHEREAS Alberta agricultural societies plan and deliver various community special events and activities; and WHEREAS Alberta agricultural societies utilize provincial grant funding to finance facility operations, enhancements and community events; and WHEREAS the Government of Alberta has notified a local agricultural society that the Agricultural Initiatives Program grant has been discontinued; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) advocate to the Government of Alberta to re-instate or replace the Agriculture Initiatives Program funding for local agricultural societies. Member Background Little is known or has been communicated about the Agricultural Initiatives Program that has recently been discontinued. A local agricultural society has received written notice that the funding was cancelled, and further, no replacement grant program announced. The ability for agricultural societies to provide much-needed community infrastructure has been hampered by the decision of the Government of Alberta, with no communication or engagement with the agricultural societies, or the rural municipalities that have these societies within their boundaries. Letter from Alberta Agriculture and Forestry is attached. 18 2018.03.13 AAMDC Background The AAMDC has no active resolutions directly related to this issue. 19 2018.03.13 Resolution 5-18S Provincial Government Consultation and Communication Protocol with Municipalities County of Grande Prairie Simple Majority Required Endorsed by District 4 (Northern) WHEREAS municipalities have a responsibility for the provision of good government, the provision of services, facilities, or other things that in the opinion of council, are necessary or desira ble for the municipality and to develop and maintain safe and viable communities as per the Municipal Government Act RSA 2000 c. M-26; and WHEREAS the municipal/provincial relationship is vital to ensure that such good government and services can effectively be provided; and WHEREAS the challenges of effective consultation and communication between municipal and provincial government are evident and are impeding municipal government from effectively fulfilling its' duties and calls into question the province’s commitment to working with municipal elected officials to their fullest capabilities; and WHEREAS a municipality is a creature of the province with a limited amount of natural person powers given to it by the Municipal Government Act; and WHEREAS the province is required by that same legislation to provide municipalities with clear and concise direction, which would require direct interaction; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties appeal to the Government of Alberta to establish and maintain a uniform consultation and communication protocol with municipal elected officials which is applicable to all provincial bodies; FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that through this consultation and communication protocol, t he Government of Alberta recognizes and acknowledges the legislated significance of municipal elected officials, and that the Government of Alberta engage municipalities openly and transparently to provide input and feedback on the consultation and communi cation protocol from inception through to implementation. Member Background Alberta municipal elected officials are concerned and challenged with the absence of direct communication and difficulty utilizing or having access to limited channels to arrange meetings with provincial elected officials. Examples of this are vast and province wide. For example, the County of Grande Prairie had requested a meeting with Minister Miranda, Minister of Culture and Tourism on August 22, 2017. Various emails have gone back and forth with the Minister's office but as of January 31, 2018 no meeting has yet been scheduled or explanation for delay provided. In addition, due to the difficulties encountered to schedule appointments or converse with provincial elected officials, municipalities are not sufficiently consulted on various issues that directly affect the residents of Alberta under the direct care of locally elected officials. Municipalities expected to participate in the implementation of provincial programs and/or initiatives are hampered with a lack of information or inconsistent information. Municipal elected officials cannot therefore make an educated and informed response. An example of this is the Intermunicipal Collaborative Framework legislation. Various questions surround the transportation component, which still have not been addressed, and municipalities have received conflicting direction from provincial staff on how to proceed and how transportation is defined. Specifically, does "transportation" mean just public transit or all transportation infrastructure and maintenance? Municipalities are invited to comment on various topics at the same time as the public when it appears a plan is already in place or being developed. This process is not a consultation process but rather an exercise in informing the public and municipalities. 20 2018.03.13 Provincial elected officials visiting municipalities or regions are not consistently informing municipalities of the visit. When the municipality learns about the visit after the provincial elected official has arrived, local elected officials lose the opportunity to share information and develop relationships with the provincial elected official. In late 2017, Alberta Health Minister Hoffman visited the Grande Prairie area and th e County of Grande Prairie did not learn of the visit until after it had concluded and the Minister had left the region. AAMDC Background The AAMDC has no active resolutions directly related to this issue. 21 2018.03.13 Resolution 6-18S Wind Energy Regulations Required at Provincial Level County of Paintearth Simple Majority Required Endorsed by District 2 (Central) WHEREAS the recent increase in wind energy developments throughout Alberta has illuminated the need for a provincially standardized set of regulations f or the land development concerns faced by rural municipalities and rural land owners; and WHEREAS rural municipalities are and will continue to be the most impacted jurisdictions where these developments will occur; and WHEREAS the lack of standard regulations has made landowners skeptical and distrusting of wind energy developers due to future requirements for remediation and reclamation of wind energy developments; and WHEREAS rural municipalities are faced with a lack of consistency in regulations over the assessment, taxation, and legal ramifications of various wind energy development issues both current and future; and WHEREAS the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has proven to be an effective approval and oversight regulatory agency for Alberta’s oil an d gas (energy) industry for decades and is supported by existing and competent staff, policies and recognition by both landowners and industry, with processes and responsibilities negating the need to create additional bureaucracy; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) request the Government of Alberta to undertake the creation of a Renewable Energy Division within the AER to approve, regulate, and enforce the responsible development, reclamation, and assessment of renewable energy projects in the Province of Alberta; FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that renewable energy projects formally proceeding into the review and approval stage of the above-noted Renewable Energy Division are to be corporately approved and construction ready projects, not speculative or conditional in any way; FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the AAMDC request the Goverment of Alberta to set up and enforce the collection of monetary funds towards the implementation of an Orphan Turbine Fund to oversee potential future reclamation of abandoned turbine sites. Member Background 1) This Renewable Energy Division should be tasked with the following: a) Receipt and review of proposed renewable energy projects taking into account any or additional requirements in the same manner of existing AER applications and regulations. b) Approval and oversight/enforcement of regulations for renewables projects being developed. c) Development of a proper assessment and taxation system for the leases and improvem ents. d) Completion of amendments and updates as required to any other provincial legislation needing amendment such as the Municipal Government Act (MGA), etc. The oil and gas industry in Alberta has evolved over decades to where many in the indust ry revere the AER as both an effective approving agency and watchdog to ensure Alberta maintains the highest level of environmental sustainability of oil and gas industry projects in the modern industrialized world. The placement of energy converting turbines delivering electricity to a substation could be looked upon as no different than oil producing pump-jacks pipelining oil to a battery or tank farm. The current lack of regulations of large scale renewable wind energy collection systems in Alberta ha s led to a dysfunctional system where landowners, municipalities, and project developers are constantly faced with uncertainty in getting projects off the planning table and onto the ground for construction. Compounded by a lack of congruency between municipal jurisdictions where there could exist 30 different sets of land use regulations among 30 rural municipalities, it lends additional confusion to applications for joint border projects. Further complicating the matter are the hierarchical levels of authority as outlined in the MGA s. 619 whereby a provincial agency such as the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) may over rule an MD or county bylaw, or impose bylaws upon jurisdictions that 22 2018.03.13 resist or decline such projects, and unfairly place the responsibi lity to oppose or challenge such projects at the local municipal or land owner level. Also, landowners in Alberta have had generally positive relationships with the oil and gas industry personnel, including trained and certified land agents. There is an evident level of distrust and miscommunication with renewables agents crossing all over the province purporting surface wind lease rights for speculative projects. Conflicts are frequent between neighbours, developers and the rural municipalities. Expanding the AER existing standards for surface leases and processes for completion to renewable energy projects would be seamless and cost effective. However, land rights issues are a different matter as renewables are purely a surface rights project, to which land owners control. 2) Having the Renewable Energy Division hear “construction ready” proposals: Currently the AUC is bogged down with many “speculative” proposals for wind and solar energy projects, not yet having received provincial funding approvals under the current government’s program for subsidy funding. This has meant HEAVY administrative review work done both at the AUC and at the municipal permitting levels for projects that may never see the light of day. One recent AUC hearing in Red Deer from November 21-23, 2017 for a project in the County of Paintearth may reach over $100,000 in expenses bore by the taxpayers for a project with no provincial funding approval which may not even be constructed. As per the utility industry and provincial “nee d” there is a large difference between private oil and gas industry and projects approved moving forward. This needs to be taken into account for efficiency and accountability of expensing public funds only towards relevant reviews. The AER would be able to work co-operatively with the AUC to the extent of seeing applications after they have cleared prior regulatory and funding approvals. 3) Renewable Energy Division tasks and areas of responsibility: Having the AER assume responsibility for renewable energy project reviews approvals would also be relatively streamlined and lend more credibility to the process by all parties involved, namely municipalities, landowners, and project proponents. The existing approval process in the AER for oil and gas projects would lend itself well to the renewables industry in providing common and well-known construction and operating guidelines, as well as governing interactions with landowners and rural municipalities. All the same requirements that the AER have in place for oil and gas approvals shall apply such as: i) Landowner consultations, approvals and compensation factors ii) Notification of projects to affected neighbouring landowners and municipalities where projects are to be located iii) Development of any required amendments to the Surface Rights Act, as differentiating renewable energy developers’ rights to access lands from mineral rights developers’ rights to access lands iv) Retain the requirements for the Alberta Electric System Operator (AESO) and AU C approvals as to the evaluation of worthiness and provincial need of proposed projects v) Develop a standardized set of land use regulations that include: - setback distances from roads, residences, property lines, water bodies and other environmentally sensitive areas - land types to be used for projects on both private and Crown lands - currently existing environmental requirements for the AUC approval - concurrence with/approval from municipality on road use impacts vi) Requirement of an extensive public process allowing for input from developers, land owners, and municipalities, may be in conjunction with or part of an expanded AUC process vii) Municipalities may retain the right to opt out of allowing surface wind collection projects within their boundaries where: - new transmission facilities are required by the project which may significantly impact current land use and values - natural landscapes and farming practises are deemed incompatible - wind projects would pose significant interference with existing industries, agricultural operations, or residential densities and developments in the rural areas viii) Developers to have and maintain minimum standards and practises of emergency response plans in place for the life of the projects the same as currently licensed AER facilities 23 2018.03.13 ix) Other items and requirements of the AER process for oil and gas that are applicable and desirable to the renewables industry not identified above Currently turbine lease and access road preparations are not covered by provincial environmental standards, leaving the responsibility to the municipalities and landowners to enforce proper soil stripping conservation practises. Having competent staff already in place for oil and gas applications and qualified contractors which regularly meet or exceed provincial standards will reduce conflict in many areas at an efficient cost to the taxpayers at both the local and provincial levels. The regulations and processes already established by the AER in matters r elated to assessment, taxation, and reclamation are similarly desired by many parties in the renewables arena. Currently landowners, and to an extent municipalities, are exposed to costs in the event of default that is not relevant to much of the oil and gas industry. The legal relationship between land owners and leasers leave the landowners exposed under the current lack of regulations. Reclamation would be a non-issue with the creation of an Orphan Turbine Fund in the same manner that the oil and gas industry operates under with participation in the Orphan Well Association, and would go a long way to easing landowners’ fears that 20 years in future they could be tasked with unreclaimed concrete pedestals sticking out of their fields. Reclamation should follow a similar standard of AER site reclamation with requirements to one metre below surface. This would require a monetary contribution per turbine to be set aside into the fund upon construction to be used in the event of project failure or developer insolvency that allows for the AER or municipality to access and remediate abandoned sites. Also, the existence of quasi-judicial agencies and tribunals such as the Surface Rights Board also lend assistance to the notion that this renewables industry would be best served within the purview of the AER. However, there needs to be clarification to the rights of both parties, as currently landowners can outright reject turbines as opposed to the mineral exploration developers’ projects. Having an established body oversee disputes with clear ground rules in advance is highly desirable. Having a set of provincial regulations that appear to be commonly well accepted within the oil and gas industry for years would lend credibility to the AER organization in having the same level of commonly accepted renewables regulations and go a long way in reducing conflict with neighbours, municipalities and rural communities. AAMDC Background The AAMDC has no active resolution directly related to this issue. 24 2018.03.13 Resolution 7-18S Standards for Buildings Contaminated by Fentanyl and Carfentanil Sturgeon County Simple Majority Required Endorsed by District 3 (Pembina River) WHEREAS fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid pain medication; and WHEREAS carfentanil is a highly potent analogue of fentanyl; and WHEREAS fentanyl and its analogues pose significant hazard, potentially fatal, to persons who come into contact with minuscule amounts via inhalation, ingestion or skin contact; and WHEREAS there is rapid rise in illegal production and consumption of fentanyl and carfentanil; and WHEREAS the products are often produced in buildings not designed for this activity, which increases risks of contamination and building damage; and WHEREAS buildings that house fentanyl labs pose complex challenges for cleaning and remediation; and WHEREAS municipalites are being asked to inspect and certify that fentanyl contaminated dwellings are safe for habitation; and WHEREAS no standard is established to define or guide this certification; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties request the Government of Alberta to establish defined standards and consistent regulated approaches for inspecting buildings contaminated by fentanyl or carfentanil. Member Background Sturgeon County remains committed to working with the Government of Alberta to maintain safe communities. The presence and exposure of drug labs has created some public safety concerns regarding several issues, including their presence in communities with children, remediation, and the danger of third- party exposure. Currently there is no clear jurisdiction, protocol or standards to determine that a remediated building is safe for employees, residents or human habitation. Since no standards exist, remediation efforts have been put on hold. As more drug labs are exposed, we believe this experience is or will likely become common amongst other counties and municipal districts across Alberta. Therefore, the intent of this resolution is to advocate for the development of standards and consistent regulated approaches to ensure that properties contaminated by fentanyl, carfentanil, or other toxic substances are remediated and meet the requirements to be declared safe for entry and habitation. AAMDC Background The AAMDC has no active resolutions directly related to this issue. 25 2018.03.13 Resolution 8-18S Amendments Required for Provincial Recycling Regulations Strathcona County Simple Majority Required Individual Resolution WHEREAS in 2013, Alberta Environment and Parks completed an extensive consultation on the development of a new recycling regulation that would include the necessary regulatory amendments to existing programs to ensure long term sustainability; and WHEREAS the result of the consultation was a proposed Designated Materials Recycling Regulation for decision makers’ review that included several changes to Alberta’s existing regulatory framework for recycling materials; and WHEREAS the proposed changes were intended to: ▪ streamline Alberta's regulatory framework, while reducing solid waste; ▪ provide options to shift end-of-life management responsibilities from taxpayers to producers and consumers; ▪ consolidate Alberta's existing recycling regulations under one regulation – the Designated Materials Recycling Regulation; ▪ remove specified maximum environmental fees from regulation while still ensuring consumer protection from excessive fees; ▪ expand the electronics program to include small appliances, audio/visual equipment, telecommunications equipment and power tools; and ▪ expand the used oil materials recycling program to include automotive anti -freeze/coolant containers and diesel exhaust fluid containers; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Coun ties (AAMDC) advocate to the Government of Alberta to make the changes outlined under the 2013 proposed Designated Materials Recycling Regulation. Member Background Alberta has a number of successful recycling stewardship programs, including the following : ▪ Beverage Container Recycling Program (1972) ▪ Hazardous Waste Legislation (1985) ▪ Tire Recycling Program (1994) ▪ Used Oil Materials Recycling program (1997) ▪ Electronics Recycling Program (2004) ▪ Paint and Paint Containers Recycling Program (2007) Despite the success of these programs, Alberta has the highest per capita waste disposal rate of any province in Canada. In the past, the Government of Alberta had set a goal to reduce the provincial per capita waste disposal rate to 500 kg per person per year b y 2010. This goal has not been achieved, nor has the Government of Alberta set new targets or programs to assist municipalities in achieving higher diversion rates from landfills. In 2014, the per capita disposal rate for Alberta was 981 kg per person (Stats Canada), with a provincial diversion rate of only 16%. In 2013, the City of Red Deer put forward a resolution for regulatory changes. In 2014, the government response indicated that the Province was considering several changes and would engage municipa lities when the Province determined its next steps. As of today, the Government of Alberta has yet to take any of the needed steps to resolve this issue. This issue affects all municipalities in Alberta that provide collection points for materials covered under the province’s programs. With the exception of the beverage container recycling program, municipalities across Alberta are the collection point for these programs, and thus are the connection between the Province’s regulations and Alberta residents. 26 2018.03.13 Through the recycling fees that are collected at point of purchase for all of these materials, these programs were originally intended to fully fund collection, transportation and recycling. These fees are set in regulation, making it difficult for the stewardship organizations to adjust their programs based on economic fluctuations. As a result, municipalities are left to subsidize these programs in their local communities. Some economic, environmental and social impacts include: ▪ municipalities subsidizing the paint program by about 40-60%; ▪ challenges for municipalities to secure reliable collection services for the tire program; ▪ areas of the province where oil collection has been discontinued leaving Albertans without an option for environmentally safe disposal; and ▪ the continued expectation from Albertans that their municipality will provide diversion services in their community despite difficult circumstances. Expansion of the existing provincial recycling programs would also assist with was te diversion. For example, many municipalities are already recycling, at their own cost, additional electronic items (i.e. microwaves, power tools, entertainment equipment, etc.) and antifreeze containers that are not part of the province’s current lists. Provincial programs are being strained financially, adding extra stress on municipalities. It is the right time for the Province to make these regulatory amendments, which would represent an important first step in enhancing Alberta’s waste reduction record. AAMDC Background The AAMDC has no active resolutions directly related to this issue. 27 2018.03.13 Resolution 9-18S Exemption of Seniors Housing from Requirement to Pay Carbon Levy Beaver County Simple Majority Required Individual Resolution WHEREAS the Government of Alberta (under the Climate Leadership Implementation Act, Bill 20/2016 [Chapter C-16.9]) has introduced a provincial carbon levy as of January 1, 2017 to reduce the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions in Alberta; and WHEREAS the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) and its members support initiatives to reduce the carbon footprint and greenhouse gas emissions and want to be part of the solution; and WHEREAS regulated housing providers that provide publicly supported housing, independent living, supportive living, designated supportive living and rent regulated accommodation are charged the carbon levy; and WHEREAS housing management bodies (HMBs) provide housing services to thousands of Albertans and most AAMDC members are also members of an HMB (e.g. seniors’ housing foundations); and WHEREAS the carbon levy rebate goes to low and middle income individuals and families in regulated housing who do not pay the utility bills and have no ability to utilize the rebate to reduce the carbon footprint in a congregate setting, which is the intent of the levy; and WHEREAS the Government of Alberta has introduced provincial carbon incentives to businesses and communities to physically reduce their energy consumption through energy efficiency initiatives; and WHEREAS the provincial carbon incentives to businesses and communities do not begin to address the requirements needed to reduce the carbon footprint of the aging infrastructure in this housing segment; and WHEREAS the regulated housing providers have no resources to change or enhance the current infrastructure, or to change the behavior of their residents, to make the necessary reductions that will sufficiently reduce greenhouse gas emissions; and WHEREAS the carbon levy will increase operating and capital expenses for HMBs, impacting the quality of accommodation and accommodation services for Albertans residing in their buildings; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMDC) urge the Government of Alberta to exempt housing management bodies from the provincial carbon levy; FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the AAMDC advocate to Alberta Seniors and Housing for additional capital funds to be accessed by housing management bodies to install more efficient infrastructure and reduce greenhouse gas emissions in regulated housing facilities. Member Background Housing management bodies (HMB’s) provide housing services to thousands of Albertans and most AAMDC members are also members of an HMB (e.g. seniors’ housing foundations). HMBs will face increased direct costs in utilities and fuel as well as indirect increases for food, equipment and supplies, and contracted services as a result of the levy. However, the ability of HMB’s to recapture any portion of these increased costs is restricted by current government directive. The self-contained apartment portfolio, which many HMBs manage on behalf of the Government of Alberta, has rigid regulations in place to accommodate the low income seniors who reside in these suites. The rent is fixed at 30% of the income on line 150 of the resident's Notice of Assessment. While electricity costs may be charged over and above the rental fee to a maximum of $50 per month, no further fees for other utility costs are allowable. The Government of Alberta also requires HMBs to recapture at least 80% of the building's electricity costs. Anticipated increases in electricity distribution fees may push some HMBs below the mandated recoverable 28 2018.03.13 amount of 80%. Further, increases in natural gas will need to be absorbed without any means of recovery, as these costs are included in the rental fee. Residents of these self-contained units, however, will be receiving carbon levy rebates as determined by their taxable income, which falls well below the $47,500 income threshold for the carbon levy rebat e. They are essentially receiving a rebate for costs they are not incurring. While we understand that the Government of Alberta is protecting vulnerable citizens through this legislated energy transition, our concern is that some of those funds are being directed to individuals who are not bearing the additional costs, rather than to the HMBs who are going to see the increases. AAMDC Background 1:17S: Carbon Levy Exemption of Natural Gas and Propane for All Food Production Uses THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties appeal to the Government of Alberta to provide carbon levy exemption certificates for the use of natural gas and propane for all food production uses. DEVELOPMENTS: Though it is positive that the Government of Alberta has indicated in its response that multiple ministries and the Alberta Climate Change Office are exploring alternative solutions to address concerns regarding the carbon levy that have been identified by the AAMDC, there is no indication that exemption certificates will be issued as requested in this resolution. The AAMDC’s Climate Change Advisory Committee recognized the benefit that Alberta’s agricultural lands serves as a carbon sink, and supports the need for continued advocac y for an exemption from the carbon levy on natural gas and propane used for food production. Due to the lack of commitment by the Government of Alberta in moving this forward, this resolution has been assigned a status of Intent Not Met. The AAMDC will continue to work with the government and monitor any resulting develops related to this issue. 2-16F: Exemption of Municipalities from Carbon Levy THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties request the Government of Alberta to exempt all municipalities in Alberta from the carbon levy. DEVELOPMENTS: The Government of Alberta response indicates that municipalities will not be provided an exemption from the carbon levy. Although the AAMDC appreciates the Government of Alberta’s willingness to collaborate with municipalities to ensure that programs provided through Energy Efficiency Alberta and other bodies provide benefits to municipalities, there is still a concern that imposing the levy on municipalities will force an increase in municipal taxes and fees to maintain levels of service. The AAMDC’s Climate Change Advisory Committee supported the need for a municipal exemption from the carbon levy, and as such, this resolution is assigned a status of Intent Not M et. 6-16F: Carbon Levy Exemption on Natural Gas and Propane Used for Agricultural Operations THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties request that the Government of Alberta amend the Climate Leadership Implementation Act to exempt farming operations from the carbon levy on natural gas and propane. DEVELOPMENTS: The Government of Alberta response indicates that natural gas and propane used for agricultural purposes will not be exempted from carbon levy payments. The AAMDC appreciates the exemptions applied to marked gasoline and diesel for agricultural use, as well as other current and future tools implemented by the Government of Alberta to assist agriculture producers in balancing energy efficiency with operational viability. However, as the response does not indicate a willingness to meet the intent of the resolution, this resolution is assigned a status of Intent Not Met. The AAMDC’s Climate Change Advisory Committee explored the impacts of the carbon levy on the agriculture industry and identified the need for continued advocacy for an exemption from the carbon levy on natural gas and propane used for food production. Advocacy on this issue will continue. 29 2018.03.13 Resolution 10-18S Tenure Extension Requirements for Unconventional Development MD of Greenview Simple Majority Required Endorsed by District 4 (Northern) WHEREAS the Mines and Minerals Act and associated regulations are the authority for administration and regulatory procedure regarding tenure and tenure extension; and WHEREAS the draft Water Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas is an update of the Water Conservation and Allocation Policy for Oilfield Injection (2006) and places a greater emphasis on the use of alternative water sources such as industrial or municipal wastewater and impaired quality ground water, and is extended to oil sands mining, conventional enhanced recovery, and hydraulic fracturing water use; and WHEREAS the Alberta Energy Regulator initiated a multi-stakeholder panel in the Area-Based Regulation Pilot Project in the M.D of Greenview, which examined the draft Water Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas and presented 23 consensus recommendations for improving the use of alternate sources of water and supporting the implementation of the policy; and WHEREAS the draft Caribou Range Plan requires industry to engage in integrated land management to reduce the environmental impacts and fragmentation of landscape through regional access plans, multi - use corridors, and phased restoration to in the protection of caribou and restoration of caribou habitat; and WHEREAS the federal Species at Risk Act will require similar actions to protect and restore other threatened and endangered species across the province; and WHEREAS the current tenure process encourages the fracturing of the landscape and reduces orderly development of energy resources as industry is focused on planning activities around maintaining tenure; and WHEREAS industry and municipalities support actions to reduce ecological footprint and environmental impacts, and seek to protect endangered species in Alberta through compliance with provincial and federal legislation and regulation, while maintaining and enhancing economic prosperity; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties AAMDC requests the Government of Alberta review and examine tenure extension requirements for unconventional resource development, removing the need for industry to plan activities around securing tenure, and thereby allowing more orderly development and reduced impact on the environment. Member Background Tenure Tenure systems enable companies to explore for, and develop Alberta’s resources, such as petroleum and natural gas. Alberta’s Crown petroleum and natural gas rights are issued in the form of licenses or leases through a competitive bid system. The tenure ends when an agreement holder can no longer prove it is capable of producing resources in paying quantities, is lost through rental or royalty payment default, or by voluntary surrender. When tenure holders wish to extend their tenure, they are required to engage in a process called “holding the land.” With conventional resources, wells are required to demonstrate reasonable reserves in the area where an extension is sought. This process was developed to prevent companies from holding and not developing their leases. When applied to unconventional resource development, such as hydraulic fracturing or horizontal drilling, the target for tenure extension is a well-defined geological formation, such as the Duvernay or Montney. Companies are required to drill wells away from current development in order to hold the lease to land where it is already known that the resource exists creating isolated patches of development. Therefore, the current tenure extension process does not allow for orderly development creating non -optimal disturbance on the landscape and adds significant costs to operators. The additional drilling, roads, 30 2018.03.13 pipelines and infrastructure required to extend tenure increases industry’s overall footprint and further fragments the landscape. Issue The discussion about tenure extension emerged as a supplementary issue in the Area -Based Regulation (ARB) Pilot Project in the M.D of Greenview. The ARB approach was initiated by the Alberta Energy Regulator to make geographically-specific rules and practices that consider the unique environment, energy resources, and communities of targeted areas in collaboration with the people that live, work and recreate in those locations. The pilot project involved a multi-stakeholder panel which developed recommendations specific to water use by the energy sector within the M.D of Greenview. The panel involved representatives from municipalities, environmental organizations, industry, and Indigenous and Metis groups. The panel presented 23 recommendations aimed at improving the use of alternative sources of water and supporting implementation of the draft Water Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas. During the panel, there was discussion of the current energy tenure system. The current effects of the requirements for extending tenure holdings was seen by panel members to hamper the ability to implement the draft Water Conservation Policy for Upstream Oil and Gas. This issue was outside the panel’s scope as defined in their terms of reference, but the panel felt that altering tenure extension requirements would help achieve environmental and economic outcomes across the province. The Government of Alberta is in the process of receiving feedback on the draft Caribou Range Plan, which will be followed by a number of plans under the federal Species at Risk Act for the protection of threatened or endangered species across the province. These plans have a number of significant potential impacts on municipalities and industry throughout Alberta. In its current form, the range plan would require industry to engage in integrated land management, including best practices to reduce their ecological footprint through regional access plans, multi-use corridors, and phased restoration. Alterations to tenure extension will allow industry to comply with changes to regulations and reduce their environmental footprint, reduce costs to operators, and maintain industry prosperity. Recommendation Changes to tenure extension requirements would reduce the need for industry to plan activities around maintaining tenure. Particularly, but not limited to, unconventional development, these changes would allow for more orderly development, reducing environmental impacts and fragmenting of the landscape. These changes are required as soon as possible as there are a number of tenure expirations occurring in 2019 and 2020. There are a number of benefits to changing tenure ex tension requirements. There is potential for acceleration of provincial revenue streams as production from wells would be in focused development areas, rather than if wells were drilled to secure tenure away from the existing development. More orderly development would allow for improved water management, especially reduced impacts on aquatic ecosystems through improved water recycle and reuse planning. It also allows for reduced land fragmentation through focused development. Changes to tenure extension would also encourage operators to increase the use of alternative water resources in unconventional resources development. AAMDC Background The AAMDC has no active resolutions directly related to this issue. 31 2018.03.13 Resolution 11-18S Recycling of Solar Panels MD of Foothills Simple Majority Required Endorsed by District 1 (Foothills-Little Bow) WHEREAS the Government of Alberta has deemed it to be in the best interests of its citizens to create recycling programs for items such as tires, plastic containers, electronics, etc. and WHEREAS solar panels are now reaching a point where replacement is required; and WHEREAS the materials and elements used in the construction of solar panels can be hazardous or could be recycled but at a significant cost; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties request that the Government of Alberta expand existing recycling programs to include solar panels (photovoltaic modules). Member Background It appears that the State of Washington is taking the lead regarding the issue and has passed the Solar Incentives Job Bill (ESSB 5939) of which Section 12 states the following: The legislature finds that a convenient, safe, and environmentally sound system for the recycling of photovoltaic modules, minimization of hazardous waste, and recovery of commercially valuable materials must be established. The legislature further finds that the responsibility for this system must be shared among all stakeholders, with manufacturers financing the take back and recycling system. The industry in Alberta is nowhere near as mature as the one in Washington, but it would be prudent to create a program early on and not when significant costs would have to be borne by the taxpayer. AAMDC Background 7-15F: Agriculture Plastics Recycling THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties request that Alberta Environment and Parks develop a recycling program to provide for the collection and recycling of agricultural plastics in Alberta. DEVELOPMENTS: The AAMDC believes that a coordinated, province-wide approach to end of life management for agriculture plastics is the most effective means of limiting the amount of agriculture plastics that end up in landfills. Currently, some rural municipalities have provided recycling options for this material, but due to its large size and limited recycling options, these programs are beyond the capacity of most municipalities. The AAMDC has been collaborating with other municipal associations, AAMDC members, and with the Recycling Council of Alberta to explore options used in other provinces and will continue to identify opportunities for advocacy alignment. In recent months, the AAMDC has made progress with Alberta Environment and Park s and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry in emphasizing the need for an agriculture plastics program and anticipates that discussions will continue moving in a positive direction. Until a coordinated recycling program is developed, this resolution is assign ed a status of Intent Not Met. The AAMDC will continue to work with other stakeholders and advocate for the formation of a program to enable the recycling of agriculture plastics. 32 2018.03.13 Resolution 12-18S Victim Services Units Funding Northern Sunrise County Simple Majority Required Endorsed by District 4 (Northern) WHEREAS the Report of the Auditor General of Alberta, dated February 2016, provides information regarding the lack of a plan to appropriately and productively use the growing accumulated surplus of the Victims of Crime Fund to best meet the needs of Albertans as intended by the Victims of Crime Act and; WHEREAS provincial victim services units are established to provide support programs for individuals who have suffered as a result of violent crim es; and WHEREAS victim services units must request additional funding from the rural municipalities in their borders to subsidize the amount received from the Government of Alberta; and WHEREAS volunteers, while widely used and appreciated, are not able t o provide the level and scope of service that victims need at all times of the day or night; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties lobby the Government of Alberta to use the monies from the Victims of C rime Fund to adequately fund provincial victim services units so they can provide the staffing levels required to assist victims of crime. Member Background Victims services units annually request funding from municipalities to subsidize the inadequate f unding they have received from the Government of Alberta. The funding received does not adequately supply the services that are needed in Northern Sunrise County, as well as other rural municipalities. Municipal funding is provided out of necessity, as the municipalities do not want to see the services lost to the region. See following excerpts from the Report of the Auditor General of Alberta / February 2016 Justice and Solicitor General – Victims of Crime Fund – Systems to Manage Sustainability and Assess Results SUMMARY Victims of crime come from all walks of life and socio-economic groups. Crime victims are not only from vulnerable populations, they live in every neighbourhood and can be any age, gender or ethnicity. The Victims of Crime Fund (VOCF} provides funding for financial benefits paid to eligible victims of violent crime for physical and/or emotional injuries suffered. It also provides grant funding primarily to police based Victim Services Units (VSUs} and specialized community-based assistance programs, to deliver programs that benefit victims during their involvement with the criminal justice process, as legislated under the Victims of Crime Act. OVERALL CONCLUSION The department and VOCF program have adequate systems and processes to manage the day- to-day administration of the fund. However, the department is not completing the necessary strategic planning, analysis and reporting to establish desired results, and the resources necessary to achieve those results. There is also no plan how to appropriately and productively use the fund's growing accumulated surplus to best meet the needs of Albertans as intended by the Act. The government's and department's current budget process treats the fund like any other generally funded program even though it is self- financing and has its own independent funding source. Business and budgeting practices are potentially restricting operating decisions intended to better serve victims of crime. WHAT WE FOUND The department has not completed the necessary analysis and forecasting of the financial resources required to achieve the desired results set out in the Victims of Crime Act. The department cannot presently answer the question: Are the resources currently available adequate 33 2018.03.13 and being used appropriately to deliver the desired result of accessible, appropriate and timely services to victims in accordance with the legislation? The fund is growing at a rate faster than payments to victims are being made. The government's and department 's current budget process, which is applied to the fund, is not designed to assess or consider its unique funding source, the changing needs of victims or increased fine surcharge revenue inflows. Because of this disconnect, and with revenue trending higher, the fund's accumulated surplus continues to grow and these excess funds are sitting unused, without the department having a clear plan for intended future use. Underlying this is the lack of an achievable, budgeted and approved plan to guide the priorities and direction of the fund. VOCF program management has drafted planning documents to set the priorities and guide the direction of the fund. The documents outline how the program can become more accessible, appropriate and timely, and be more responsive to victims' needs. Additional funding would be required to fully implement these objectives. However, the program does not have the ability to access the surplus funds to maintain and expand services to victims without approval from the department. WHAT NEEDS TO BE DONE The department needs to develop a plan that: • clearly identifies what the actual current needs of the victim of crime population are and are forecasted to be • identifies gaps in service • shows how much funding will be required to meet these needs and what the impact on Albertans will be if it is not made available • can be monitored and measured for success, with the results publicly reported The department also needs to determine an appropriate and productive use of the VOCF's accumulated surplus, which is supported by a proper financial analysis, as a necessary starting point to facilitate discussion with the Department of Treasury Board and Finance to show the impact current budgetary and business policies have on potential uses of the fund's surplus and victims of crime. WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT TO ALBERTANS The Victims of Crime Act creates the VOCF to provide financial benefits and fund support programs for individuals who have suffered as a result of violent crim e. Victims of domestic violence, families of homicide victims, children who have been sexually abused and the elderly who have been physically harmed, are among the Albertans who receive benefits from the fund and support as their cases proceed through the judicial process. If the fund is not managed appropriately, there is a risk that victims of crime will not receive the assistance and financial benefits to which they are entitled under the law. Also, programs for victims of crime that are run by police-based VSUs and community organizations may not receive sufficient grant funding to deliver on the intent set out in the Victims of Crime Act. FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS Having a current strategy for the fund is important because demographics, populat ion trends and demands on the fund can change, and they have changed over the 13 years since the crime consultation report was issued. For example, the fund provides grant funding to a number of police- based VSUs that are located across the province. When the original report was produced in 2002, there were only a few VSUs operating within several police jurisdictions, but as of 2014 -2015 the number of VSUs receiving funding grew to 76. Recommendation 6: Determine Best Use of Victims of Crime Fund Accumulated Surplus We recommend that the Department of Justice and Solicitor General, supported by sufficient analysis, determine an appropriate use of the Victims of Crime Fund accumulated surplus. Criteria: the standards for our audit 34 2018.03.13 Funding should be available to provide financial benefits and services to eligible victims of crime. There should be processes to: • ensure that sufficient funding is available to meet anticipated long-term obligations (Crimes Compensation Board and Severe Injury liability) • assess the level of net assets that should be maintained for sustaining the fund • determine if a reserve fund should be retained and, if so, of what magnitude USE OF FUND SECTION 10 The minister may, in accordance with this Act and the regulations, make payments from the fund (a) for grants relating to programs that benefit victims of crime; (a.01) without limiting the generality of clause (a), for grants relating to programs that provide counselling to children who are victims of sexual exploitation or other criminal offences causing physical or mental harm; (a.1) for programs that benefit victims of crime; (b) for costs incurred by the Committee and the Review Board in carrying out their duties under this Act; (c) for remuneration and expenses payable to the members of the Committee and the Review Board; (d) for financial benefits payable pursuant to sections 13, 15 and 19(2); (d.1) for death benefits payable pursuant to section 13.01; (e) to pay the costs of administering this Act. RSA 2000 cV-3 s10;2001 c15 s5;2006 c23 s81; 2011 c15 s9; 2013 cC-12.5 s22 AAMDC Background The AAMDC has no active resolutions directly related to this issue. 35 2018.03.13 Document Last Updated February 3, 2016    REQUEST FOR DECISION   Agenda Item #  8.2    SUBJECT:    Policy 18-4, Coffee with Council (New)   MEETING DATE:    2018-03-13   PRESENTED BY:    Deb Grosfield, Communications   BACKGROUND/  PROPOSAL    Following the Coffee with Council meeting in January, Council made a motion for Administration to create a policy for this initiative.   DISCUSSION/  OPTIONS/  BENEFITS/  DISADVANTAGES:    Policy includes guidelines for scheduling, attendance, content items, reporting and administrative procedures. COSTS/SOURCE OF  FUNDING:  Internal costs of program only.   COMMUNICATIONS:    Brochure, Advertisements to be created in regards to this specific initiative to clearly communicate to ratepayers the intent, Customer Service training.   LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN:    Communications   ATTACHMENTS:    Policy 18-4, Sample Communications Plan   RECOMMENDED ACTION:    That Kneehill County Council approve Policy 18-4 as presented.   COUNCIL OPTIONS:  1. Approve Policy 18-4 as presented 2. Amend Policy 18-4 3. Administration to research other options, changes to Policy 18-4 MOTION:    That Council approve Policy 18-4 Coffee with Council as presented.           Prepared By: Debra Grosfield Approved By: Al Hoggan Reviewed By: Al Hoggan Manager of Protective Services and Communications Officer Chief Administrative Officer Chief Administrative Officer   36 2018.03.13     POLICY Section Policy No. Page COUNCIL POLICIES 18‐4 1 of 2    Policy Title Date: Resolution  No.  COFFEE WITH COUNCIL FEBRUARY 13, 2018     Purpose:  To outline the procedures for intent, content, attendance, and scheduling of appointments for the Coffee with  Council meetings.   Coffee with Council meetings are intended as a method to communicate with local divisional ratepayers  matters of budgets, policy, bylaws, long term planning, and any other matter that are not specifically  delegated to a process or a procedure.    Policy Guidelines:  Scheduling  1. Coffee with Council meetings shall be scheduled through Administration, specifically the Kneehill  County Customer Service Representatives.  2. All Coffee with Council meetings will be scheduled with the Reeve, preferably the week or Monday  prior to the Council meeting date. This will allow the Reeve and/or Councillor in attendance to  prepare a report for Council regarding the content and attendance at the Coffee with Council with  meeting, and to present that report at the subsequent Regular Council meeting. Appendix “A”  attached to this policy indicates dates of the Coffee with Council meetings from January 1 through  to December 31.  3. All Coffee with Councillor meetings must be scheduled with the Reeve and/or Councillor no later  than 14 days prior to the proposed Coffee with Council meeting.  4. Should the Reeve or Divisional Councillor not be able to attend, then the Reeve or the Councillor  may select another Councillor to attend in their place.  5. The Coffee with Council meetings shall be scheduled for 30 minutes in length.    Attendance  1. The Reeve is automatically invited to all Coffee with Council Meetings.  2. The Divisional Councillor may be invited to attend at the Rate payers request.  3. A maximum of the Reeve and the Divisional Councillor, or invited alternate Councillor, will attend  Coffee with Council meetings.  4. A maximum of 2 Rate payers (does not apply to immediate family members who may attend) may  attend the Coffee with Council meetings. Any group larger than 2 ratepayers (excluding family  members) must arrange to meet with Council as a whole, through the delegation process, at a  Regular Council meeting.     37 2018.03.13    POLICY Section Policy No. Page COUNCIL POLICIES 18‐4 2 of 2    Policy Title Date: Resolution  No.  COFFEE WITH COUNCIL FEBRUARY 13, 2018     Content  1. In reference to the Councillor Code of Conduct Bylaw no discussion of matters before the Municipal  Planning Commission, Subdivision and Appeal Board, or Assessment Review Board will be discussed at  the Coffee with Council meetings. Administration will confirm with the Rate‐payer the content of the  discussion prior to scheduling the meeting.  2. No discussion of matters that have a public process will be discussed at the Coffee with Council  meetings, such as matters potentially before a Public Hearing, or other public processes that allow the  Rate‐payer an opportunity to present their opinion.  3. No discussion of any legal matter or potential legal matter will allowed.    Reporting  1. The Reeve and/or Councillor in attendance will prepare a written report for the subsequent Regular  Council meeting and will present their report at the appropriate time during the regular Council  meeting.    Administration  1. The Chief Administrative Officer may, at the Reeve’s and/or Councillor’s request attend the meeting.  2. Administration, at the request of the Reeve and/or Councillor will provide as much background  material as necessary to allow the Reeve and/or Councillor to be well informed of the matter(s) to be  discussed.        Jerry Wittstock  Reeve  Al Hoggan  CAO    Approved:  February 13, 2018  Original: February 13, 2018  38 2018.03.13 Document Last Updated February 3, 2016    REQUEST FOR DECISION   Agenda Item #  8.3    SUBJECT:    Communications Policy 18-1 (Review)   MEETING DATE:    2018-03-13   PRESENTED BY:    Deb Grosfield, Communications & Protective Services   BACKGROUND/  PROPOSAL    As part of a regular policy review rotation, Communications Policy 18-1 is attached for review with recommended changes, additions.   DISCUSSION/  OPTIONS/  BENEFITS/  DISADVANTAGES:    Changes suggested include:  the purpose should include Kneehill County as a whole, not just employees.  As part of communications, we need to abide by all legislative requirements, not just FOIP  The communications department has been established since the creation of this policy, added throughout.  Coordinated communications added as we may be able to communicate more effectively in some situations as partners (including in emergencies) COSTS/SOURCE OF  FUNDING:  Internal costs of program only.   COMMUNICATIONS:    On website for public, internally throughout the organization.   LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN:    Communications   ATTACHMENTS:    Policy 18-1   RECOMMENDED ACTION:  That Kneehill County Council approve Policy 18-1 as presented.   COUNCIL OPTIONS:  1. Approve Policy 18-1 as presented 2. Amend Policy 18-1 3. Administration to research other options, changes to Policy 18-1 MOTION: That Council approve Policy 18-1 Communications as presented.           Prepared By: Debra Grosfield Approved By: Al Hoggan Reviewed By: Al Hoggan Manager of Protective Services and Communications Officer Chief Administrative Officer Chief Administrative Officer   39 2018.03.13 REQUEST FOR DECISION   Agenda Item # X.X 2 | Page    40 2018.03.13     POLICY Section Policy No. Page Communications 18‐1 1 of 3    Policy Title Date: Resolution  No.  Communications March 13, 2018     Purpose:   The purpose of this policy is to ensure that communications at Kneehill County are well coordinated,  effectively managed and responsive to the information needs of our citizens. in accordance with the Freedom  of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.  Communicating with citizens, co‐workers, government partners,  agencies and other interested parties is a key function of municipal government.  This policy serves as a guide  for all employees. This policy is designed to ensure all officials and employees of the County understand the  guidelines for external communication on behalf of the County.    It is the policy of Kneehill County to:   Provide the public with timely, accurate, clear, objective and complete information about the  County’s priorities, policies, programs, services and initiatives.   Employ a variety of ways and means to communicate, and provide information in the most  appropriate format to accommodate diverse needs.   Ensure Kneehill County is identified in a clear and consistent way in all communications ranging from  signage, voice, mail, print, advertising and the Internet.   Where possible, collaborate communication activities with other government partners, agencies, and  industry, in an effort to provide more effective, timely and efficient information to the public.   Use public funds responsibly to obtain maximum value in all communication activities.    Procedures Guidelines:  Kneehill County aims for effective and efficient communications.  The following is provided as guidance in  certain areas.    1. Informing and Serving Citizens – The County is committed to providing the public with information about  priorities, policies, programs, services and initiatives.  In doing this, the County will strive to ensure trained and  knowledgeable staff provide information to the public, in a timely, courteous, fair and efficient manner,  respecting privacy and individual rights.  Information requests or inquiries from the public will be responded to  promptly within the parameters of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.    2. Listening to Citizens – Effective citizen communications must address the needs and interests of our  community. The County is committed to consultation and ensures opportunities for citizens to provide  feedback and input.  All communication will include information on how to access or who to contact for  further assistance.  With the guidance of the Communications Department, Kneehill County Departments will  be encouraged to explore ways to collect public input such as informal meetings, information sessions,  surveys, and regular interactions with stakeholders.    3. Communicating Clearly – Kneehill County is committed to ensuring the public has ease of access and  understanding of information.  Information will be clear, relevant, accurate, easy to understand and useful.    41 2018.03.13    POLICY Section Policy No. Page Communications 18‐1 2 of 3    Policy Title Date: Resolution  No.  Communications March 13, 2018        4. Meeting Diverse Audience Needs – Kneehill County will ensure equitable access to information intended for  the general public in its publications and public meetings, and be sensitive to those who require other means  of communication.      5. Clearly Identifying Kneehill County – Clear and consistent corporate identity will help the public in recognizing  and accessing programs and services.  The Kneehill County logo will appear on all publications and information  presented from the organization, with the support of the Communications Department.    6. Delivering Collaborative and Coordinated Communications – Kneehill County supports that communication is a  shared responsibility that is often coordinated within and across various departments.  Departments are  expected to integrate communication priorities into their annual planning processes.  Communication plans  will be a key component included in the development of all proposals for major projects and initiatives  recommended by a department.  Departments will work collaboratively to develop communication plans in  areas or projects of mutual and overlapping interests, with the support of the Communications Department.   Departments will share materials and information on key programs, decisions and events with other  departments to maintain awareness and support corporate messages.        7. Communicating with County Employees – As part of keeping County employees current on programs and  services, when new information is communicated to the public, every attempt will be made to inform  employees before or at the same time as the information is shared with the public.  Directors are expected to  communicate with their employees openly and frequently.  The Communications Department will work  collaboratively with all Directors to support internal communications and will strive to develop mechanisms  and tools to enhance this interaction.    8. Making Information Available Electronically – Kneehill County supports the use of electronic communications,  and views the various tools as a means to build and sustain effective communication internally and externally.    To ensure alignment with all communication activities, website content will be provided to the  Communications Department for review before being published.  This will ensure standardization and a  common look and feel throughout the website.    9. Communicating Through the Media ‐ Kneehill County will work in a proactive manner with media to promote  public awareness and understanding of news events.  The CAO or designate will work with the  Communications Department to coordinate announcements utilizing tools such as interviews, news  conferences, background or technical briefings, and news releases.    10. Spokespeople – The Reeve or, in his absence, the Deputy Reeve be appointed as the official spokesperson for  Kneehill County.  Upon authority of Council, the CAO may also be appointed official spokesperson for Kneehill  County.  Spokespeople will be supported in this role by the Communications Department and the CAO or  designate.  At all times, spokespersons will respect privacy rights, security needs, matters before the courts,  administrative policy and Council confidentiality.    42 2018.03.13    POLICY Section Policy No. Page Communications 18‐1 3 of 3    Policy Title Date: Resolution  No.  Communications March 13, 2018        11. Advertising – Kneehill County will advertise to inform the public about policies, program, services, dangers or  risks to public health, safety or the environment, as well as an individual’s rights or responsibilities.   Departments wishing to advertise will consult with the Communications Department to coordinate the  approved message to certain outlets.    12. Communicating Emergencies – Kneehill County recognizes that effective communication is key in time of crisis  or emergency.  Kneehill County is committed to communicating information that will protect the health, safety  and security and property of their citizens.  In the confines of the Kneehill Emergency Management Plan, the  Information Officer,  The Kneehill County Emergency Management Team will strive to ensure citizens receive  accurate, timely and relevant information to prevent, mitigate, respond to or recover from an emergency.    13. Coordinating Communications – The County shall coordinate communications activities with neighbouring  jurisdictions, industry and other partners, where possible, in an effort to communicate more effectively and  efficiency with the public.     14. Comply with Legislation – The County will ensure all strategic communications plans and activities comply with  existing municipal, provincial and federal laws and regulations.    15. New Technology – Kneehill County will continue to assess advances in new technology to ensure the County’s  ability to connect with employees, citizens, and other partners is efficient and practical. Advancement in  technology should serve to:  a. enhance public access to information, programs and services,  b. achieve efficiencies in the preparation, accessibility and dissemination of information, while preserving  its availability to the public,  c. foster interactive communications with citizens and facilitate public consultation in the development  and delivery of policies, programs and services.      Al Hoggan  CAO  Jerry Wittstock  Reeve      Approved: October 8, 2013   Review Date: October 2016  43 2018.03.13 Document Last Updated February 27, 2018    REQUEST FOR DECISION   Agenda Item #  8.4    SUBJECT:    Aerial Photo Joint Project MEETING DATE:    2018-03-13 PRESENTED BY: Will Nyman, Information Services Supervisor   BACKGROUND/  PROPOSAL    Tarin Resource Services will be flying certain areas of Central Alberta for aerial photography. They are currently planning on flying Stettler County, Red Deer County and Mountain View County. They have approached Kneehill County to join. Kneehill County had ortho-photos taken in 2014 and they are scheduled to be taken again in 2019.   DISCUSSION/  OPTIONS/  BENEFITS/  DISADVANTAGES:    Options - Join other Counties in project - Don’t Join Benefits - Significant cost savings in getting othro-photos flown as a group of Counties rather than on our own next year. - Photos will be up to date for mapping and planning needs - Will not need to be updated till 2023   COSTS/SOURCE OF  FUNDING:  Total cost for the project is $58,061 with the money to be taken from the IT reserve. The IT reserve currently has $70,000 for Ortho Photos to be flown in 2019.   ENGAGEMENT:  N/A   LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN:  Think, Act Regionally   ATTACHMENTS:  N/A RECOMMENDED ACTION:    Council agrees to partner with Red Deer County, Mountain View County and Stettler County to have ortho-photos completed in 2018, with monies to come from the IT reserve. COUNCIL OPTIONS: 1. Partner with other Counties 2. Receive for Information. MOTION: That Council approves the completion of the ortho-photos in 2018, partnering with Red Deer, Mountain View and Stettler Counties, with funds to come from the IT Reserve.          Prepared By: Will Nyman Approved By: Al Hoggan Reviewed By: Al Hoggan Information Services Supervisor Chief Administrative Officer Chief Administrative Officer   44 2018.03.13 Document Last Updated February 27, 2018    REQUEST FOR DECISION   Agenda Item #  8.5    SUBJECT:    Strategic Priorities Chart MEETING DATE:    2018-03-13 PRESENTED BY: Al Hoggan, CAO   BACKGROUND/  PROPOSAL    As a result of our February 2018 Strategic Planning Session, Council’s priorities and operational strategies were summed up into the Strategic Planning Chart.   DISCUSSION/  OPTIONS/  BENEFITS/  DISADVANTAGES:    The Strategic Priorities Chart should be reviewed regularly as a reminder of the organization’s capacity to make adjustments, change priorities and celebrate achievements. The changes recommended are in red and items completed have a strike- through the text.   COSTS/SOURCE OF  FUNDING:  N/A   ENGAGEMENT:      LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN:    N/A   ATTACHMENTS:    Strategic Priorities Chart RECOMMENDED ACTION:    Approve the Strategic Priorities Chart as presented. COUNCIL OPTIONS: 1. Approve the Strategic Priorities Chart as presented. 2. Amend the Strategic Priorities Chart. 3. Receive as information. MOTION: That Council approve the March 13, 2018 Strategic Priorities Chart as presented.        Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil Approved By: Al Hoggan Reviewed By: Al Hoggan Executive Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Chief Administrative Officer   45 2018.03.13 STRATEGIC PRIORITIES CHART March 2018 CORPORATE PRIORITIES (Council/CAO)  NOW TIMELINE  1. CHURCHILL WATER LINE: Council Direction Feb. April 5, 2018 COW Meeting  2. 2018 BUDGET: Scenarios  April  3. RURAL FIRE STRATEGY: Position Proposal  March  4. COMMUNITY PEACE OFFICER: Position Proposal  March  3.  USER FEE REVIEW: Targeted Services Feb. April 17, 2018 COW Meeting  4.  INTER‐MUN. COLLABORATION FRAMEWORKS June  5.  ECONOMIC DEVLOPMENT STRATEGY April  NEXT   INTER‐MUN. COLLABORATION FRAMEWORKS   ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY   TOURISM & RECREATION MASTER PLAN:  Review   INTER‐MUNICIPAL DEVELOPMENT PLANS (IDP)  HAMLET STRATEGY   ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN   LONG TERM FINANCIAL PLAN    ADVOCACY   Three Hills Water   GFL: Aerator Evaluation   Regional Partnership Forum   Trochu Senior Housing   Doctor Recruitment & Retention: Support    LATER  ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN   LONG TERM FINANCIAL PLAN   MDP/LUB: Review    INDUSTRIAL AREA: Zoning   THREE HILLS EAST WATER: Options   INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCING STRATEGY   HUMAN RESOURCE POLICY   RURAL FIRE SERVICE STRATEGY   COMMUNITY STANDARDS BYLAW: Update   YOUTH SPONSORSHIP: Policy Review  OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES (CAO/STAFF)  CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER  1. CPO: Position Proposal – Mar.  2. ICF Program: Approach – Mar.  3. ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY: ToR – Apr.   YOUTH SPONSORSHIP: Policy Review    Regional Partnership Forum  CORPORATE 1. 2018 BUDGET: Scenarios – April   2. HUMAN RESOURCE POLICY: Update – Mar.  3. USER FEE REVIEW: Targeted Services – Mar.   LONG TERM FINANCIAL PLAN   ASSET MANAGEMENT PLAN  PROTECTIVE SERVICES   1. RURAL FIRE STRATEGY: Position Proposal – Mar.  2. COMMUNITY STANDARDS BYLAW: Update  3. OH & S: Legislative Compliance ‐ May   RURAL FIRE SERVICE STRATEGY     PLANNING 1. IDP: Completion – May  2. MDP/LUB: Review ‐ June  3. INDUSTRIAL AREA: Zoning – June    HAMLET STRATEGY      46 2018.03.13 TRANSPORTATION & ENVIRONMENT 1. CHURCHILL WATER LINE: Council Direction – Feb.  2.  HAMLET STRATEGY – Sept.  3. SOLID WASTE STRAEGY – Sept.    THREE HILLS EAST WATER: Options    AGRICULTURE & PARKS  1. TOURISM & RECREATION MASTER PLAN: Review –  Apr.  2. HORSESHOE CANYON ENHANCEMENTS – Aug.        CODES: BOLD CAPITALS = NOW Priorities; CAPITALS = NEXT Priorities; Italics = Advocacy; Regular Title Case = Operational Strategies   47 2018.03.13 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Directors of CF Wild Rose, February 1, 2018 Page 1 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING OF THE DIRECTORS OF COMMUNITY FUTURES WILD ROSE HELD FEBRUARY 1, 2018 @ 7:00 P.M. AT THE CF WILD ROSE OFFICE, STRATHMORE, ALBERTA PRESENT REPRESENTING Vanessa Van Der Meer Chair - Linden Corey Fisher Vice-Chair - Hussar Tari Cockx Secretary Treasurer - Strathmore Bruce McLeod Representative - Acme Lynn MacWilliam Director – Bassano Karen Ursu Director – Beiseker Bryan Peever Director - Carbon Wade Christie Director – Kneehill County Joe Pedersen Director – Standard Cheryl Lumley Director – Trochu Amber Link Director – Wheatland County Lucy Ann Daubert Director – Acme Dalia Cheschire Director - Rockyford Tim Shearlaw Director – Three Hills Ron Cox Manager Wendy Gerbrandt CED Coordinator David Petrovich Business Analyst ABSENT Pat Grabo Business Analyst Frank Friesen Director – Irricana Ritesh Narayan Director - Chestermere 1. CALL TO ORDER The regular meeting of the Community Futures Wild Rose was called to order by Vanessa Van Der Meer at 7:00 p.m. 2. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Additions 6 (m) South Region Meeting – March 5 to 9 potential dates 6 (n) Community Futures National Conference – Winnipeg June 5th to 8th 6 (o) Junior Achievement Southern Alberta – World of Choices 01-02-18 Joe Pedersen moved approval of the agenda as amended. CARRIED 48 2018.03.13 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Directors of CF Wild Rose, February 1, 2018 Page 2 3. MINUTES a) Regular Meeting Minutes – January 4, 2018 02-02-18 Tim Shearlaw moved approval of the Regular Meeting Minutes of January 4, 2018 as amended. CARRIED 4. REPORTS a) Financial Variance Report – December 2017 03-02-18 Amber Link moved approval of the December 2017 financial variance reports CARRIED 5. OLD BUSINESS a) LMP “Fabricating Workforce Grant” – Phase 2 update David reported that they have received the grant from the Provincial LMP program and are in the process of signing the paperwork. We will be forming a committee for phase 2 of this project in the near future. We are planning to wrap-up the project in July. 04-02-18 Joe Pedersen moved to approve the engagement of the Factor 5 Group to complete this initiative at a cost of $41,700 plus GST with an advance of (25%) $10,425 plus GST to initiate the project. CARRIED b) Strategic Planning Session – February 15, 2018 – Karen Blewett Wendy provided details for the session. The planning session will be held at the Strathmore Co-op Community Room (100 Edgefield Mews) from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. There was confirmation of 10 board members who will be there. There were no meal restrictions reported. A light supper and refreshments will be provided. c) Shelley Cuthbertson – WD attendance at SP session Ron reported that Shelley Cuthbertson will be unable to attend this strategic planning session as originally planned. 49 2018.03.13 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Directors of CF Wild Rose, February 1, 2018 Page 3 d) Monthly Report with Arrears David reported that one loan in the amount of $25,000 remains in arrears and that 12 loans in the amount of roughly $600,000 have been advanced with another two or three potential loans in the works. e) Committees of the Board – Scheduled meetings TBD Wendy reported that committees of the board will want to begin organizational committee meetings after the strategic planning session. Wendy will provide an updated committee list with contact information. f) Train the Trainer – CFNA sponsored David commented on the exceptional two- day training session. Participants learned how to be effective and engaging facilitators/trainers/presenters as opposed to learning the content of the modules and presenting them. This was very effective and beneficial. To become certified, the office attends the session, signs the memorandum of understanding and presents a training plan. Once all criteria are met, the CFWR office will be certified to deliver the 20 training modules. g) Current Codes of Conduct & Ethics Wendy reported that all have signed the code of conduct except for Dalia and Ritesh. Dalia provided a signed copy of the Code of Conduct at the meeting. h) CRP Broadband Update David reported that CRP (Calgary Regional Partnership) is disbanding in three months, so the Broadband project led by them may not proceed unless another organization with the necessary resources takes the lead. i) 2017 Wage and Human Capital Survey Ron discussed the survey and noted minor revisions that were circulated 05-02-18 Dalia Cheshire moved approval to distribute the survey to Directors CARRIED j) Wheatland County Economic Development Initiative Wendy provided an update on the initiative. The final marketing piece has not yet been received by the committee and will be distributed upon receipt. The first of a three-part series will be held on April 16, 2018 in Rosebud with Colin Sprake, an international speaker, mentor and author presenting. 50 2018.03.13 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Directors of CF Wild Rose, February 1, 2018 Page 4 6. NEW BUSINESS a) 2018/2019 Operations Plan to Western Diversification David reported the 2018/19 Operations Plan was circulated to the board and requires a motion to approve. 06-02-18 Corey Fischer moved to accept the 2018/19 Operations Plan. CARRIED b) 2018/2019 Operation Plan Budget Wendy reported the 2018/19 Operations Plan Budget was circulated to the board and requires a motion to approve. Ron added the budget is comparable to previous years. 07-02-18 Wade Christie moved to accept the 2018/19 Operation Plan Budget. CARRIED c) 2018/2019 Board Approved Interest Transfer $48,000 from Regular Investment Fund David reported a motion is required to approve the interest transfer of $48,000 from the regular investment fund to the operating fund as allowed by WD if the CF is classified as a performing CF (3 year contract and meets minimum performance standards) 08-02-18 Cheryl Lumley moved to approve the interest transfer of $48,000 from the regular investment fund to the Operating Fund. CARRIED d) CFLIP Ron provided an update on the transfer of $432,202 to CFLIP. This coupled with the amount deposited in 2014 ($1,300,000) is equal to the original seed capital received by Community Futures Wild Rose. The organization can currently meet loan demand from the accumulated interest earned ($4,500,000) and significant operational reserves. The funds deposited in the CFLIP program are available to be withdrawn as required. e) Strategic Planning Session – Resource Information and Preparation Wendy provided an update on the agenda and package sent to everyone from Karen Blewett. This document will provide individuals with an opportunity to make notes 51 2018.03.13 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Directors of CF Wild Rose, February 1, 2018 Page 5 and considerations for the planning session ahead of time. Reference can be made to the operations plan and priorities established by WD to assist at the planning session. Wendy also communicated the current Vision and Mission statements of Community Futures Wild Rose so that Directors can determine if these are still applicable or need revision during the Strategic Planning session. Vision: “Full Employment in Thriving Communities” Mission: “Promote, assist and retain economic development and employment activities and activities within the region”. Ron provided additional information from his discussion with Karen. For those who wish to provide feedback anonymously, they can do so on the document ahead of time and submit to Karen. This is also beneficial for those who may want to express ideas but may not feel comfortable in an open discussion environment. f) BDC Small Business Loan Competition David reported that BDC has opened a new online application portal to streamline the application process on unsecured loans up to $100,000 g) WD Compliance Review February 20 - 22 Ron reported that the WD Compliance Review is scheduled to occur on February 20 to 22nd 2018 and will be conducted by PWC (Price Waterhouse Cooper) h) CF Network of Alberta Update Lynn MacWilliam provided an update from the CFNA on the following items: • CF Panwest is moving to Manitoba as of March 1, 2018. (from CFNA) • The CFNA received a presentation from the CFLIP Manager as to very strong performance of the fund in the past year • The line of credit was cancelled, which will amount to a savings of $5,000 annually. • IBIS – CF’s can renew IBIS membership for $250 Canadian. • The CFNA is increasing advocacy efforts and marketing of the program in the province. i) 2018 CF Symposium and Conference – Drumheller October 3-5, 2018 Lynn reported the conference will be held in October, as dates were not available in late September. More details will be shared to the Board as they are received. 52 2018.03.13 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Directors of CF Wild Rose, February 1, 2018 Page 6 j) Status of Funding Renewal Discussions and Petition Ron reported on the national CF program efforts to date to access more funding from Canada’s Regional Development Agencies and the Federal Government. The CF networks from each of the national regions is pushing this initiative. k) Community Futures Leadership Institute – Board Development Ron reported that Board Development Training is available via webinar or direct presentation by a Certified Board Development Trainer. l) Attendance at Board Meetings Discussions pertaining to the attendance of board meetings on a regular basis took place. The organization’s Articles of Association states “The position of Director shall forthwith be vacated upon the holder thereof: a) Being absent for (3) three consecutive regular meetings of the Board unless the Board concludes that there was adequate reason for such absences” As the newly appointed Director (November 2017) has never attended any of the (4) four regular meetings held since his appointment, the Board must act by notifying the City of Chestermere and requesting an alternate appointment to the CF Wild Rose Board to serve as a participating Director of the organization. 09-02-18 Corey Fisher moved the Chair send a letter to the City of Chestermere requesting the City Council appoint a replacement to fill the position of Director on the Community Futures Wild Rose Board of Directors. CARRIED m) South Regional Meeting – March 2018 Ron reported he received a request from Sean Blewett at Entre-Corp to host a South Regional Meeting of Chairs (or Board member) and Managers at the CFWR office in early March 2018. Ron will circulate confirmation of the date when received. n) National CF Conference Ron reported the national conference of nationwide Community Futures organizations will be held in Winnipeg, June 5 – 8, 2018. o) Junior Achievement World of Choices Wendy reported a request was received from Junior Achievement of Southern Alberta for the World of Choices event in Strathmore and Drumheller. Previous years, CFWR contributed $600 to the Strathmore Event and $200 to the Drumheller event. This year they are requesting $500 to Strathmore and an open 53 2018.03.13 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Directors of CF Wild Rose, February 1, 2018 Page 7 request to the Drumheller event. Wendy reported JA should also request a sponsorship from CF Big Country Directly. Ron suggested a contribution be given to Drumheller in support of students from Three Hills, Linden, Acme and Carbon. 10-02-18 Bryan Peever moved to contribute $500 to the Strathmore World of Choices event and $200 to the Drumheller World of Choices event. CARRIED 7. DATE AND LOCATION OF NEXT MEETING Strategic Planning Session – February 15, 2018 (Strathmore Co-op – 100 Edgefield Mews – Corner of Highway #1 and George Freeman Trail – traffic lights at east end of Town) Board Meeting – March 1, 2018. The decision as to the next meeting date (March 1, 2018) will be determined at the Strategic Planning session or at the call of the Chair 8. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m. Signed Chairman Signed Vice Chairman 54 2018.03.13 55 2018.03.13 56 2018.03.13 57 2018.03.13 58 2018.03.13 59 2018.03.13 Document Last Updated April 15, 2014    REQUEST FOR DECISION   Agenda Item #  11.0    SUBJECT:    Council Follow-Up Action List   MEETING DATE:    2018-03-13   PRESENTED BY:    Al Hoggan, CAO   BACKGROUND/  PROPOSAL    To request Council’s acceptance of the Council Follow-Up Action List.   DISCUSSION/  OPTIONS/  BENEFITS/  DISADVANTAGES:    Please find attached the Council Follow-Up Action List. The Council Follow- up Action list is a list of items from Council meetings that require follow-up. This document is regularly updated after each Council meeting.   COSTS/SOURCE OF  FUNDING:    N/A   COMMUNICATIONS:    N/A   LINK TO STRATEGIC PLAN:    N/A   ATTACHMENTS:    March 13, 2018 Council Follow-Up Action List   RECOMMENDED ACTION:    Receive as information.     COUNCIL OPTIONS:  1. Receive as information 2. Council provide further direction or required changes/amendments. MOTION:    That Council receive for information the March 13, 2018 Council Follow-Up Action List as presented.              Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil Approved By: Al Hoggan Reviewed By: Al Hoggan Executive Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Chief Administrative Officer    60 2018.03.13 Meeting Date Motion #Description/Motion Action Required Assigned To Due Date Status 23-Jan-18 27-18 Councillor McGhee moved that Council direct Administration to draft a letter, signed by the Reeve, to the Minister of Municipal Affairs regarding the Assessment Year Modifiers for Wells and Pipeline Assessments.COMPLETED 23-Jan-18 32-18 Councillor McGhee moved that Council direct Administration to create a draft Communications policy to better define the parameters of the Coffee with Council meetings, and to present it at the last Council meeting in February.COMPLETED In Progress 27-Feb-18 59-18 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council receives for information the November and December 2017 Bank Reconciliation.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 60-18 Councillor Christie moved to approve County Credit, Debit, and Fuel Cards Policy #16-12 as presented.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 61-18 Deputy Reeve King moved to table the Reserve Allocation agenda item until the April 17, 2018 Committee of the Whole meeting.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 62-18 Councillor Keiver moved to approve as presented Policy #16- 2, Accounts Receivable Collection Process.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 63-18 Deputy Reeve King moved to receive the User Fee Review Report as information.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 64-18 Councillor McGhee moved that Council postpone further discussion on the Churchill Water System until the Thursday, April 5, 2018 Committee of the Whole meeting.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 65-18 Councillor McGhee moved to direct Administration to add an additional Level 2 Community Peace Officer for the Kneehill County Rural Crime Deterrent Initiative and to amend the 2018 Operating and Capital Budget.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 66-18 Councillor McGhee moved to defer the discussion on the 2nd Community Peace Officer until the 2019 budget deliberations.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 67-18 Councillor King moved to add a Fire Chief to the Organizational Chart, and fund the position by collapsing the Economic Development Budget and transferring the funds to the appropriate budget line items.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 68-18 Councillor McGhee moved to donate $1500.00 to the Canadian Badlands Tourism Development Conference with funds to come from the transfer to individuals/organizations account.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 73-18 Councillor McGhee moved that Kneehill County Council direct administration to proceed with the labour matter held In- camera.COMPLETED 27-Feb-18 74-18 Deputy Reeve King moved that Kneehill County Council direct Reeve Wittstock to contact Mayor Kletke and Mayor Nash in regards to the labour matter held In-Camera.COMPLETED Council Action Items 61 2018.03.13