HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021.03.09 Council Meeting Package adopted
COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA
1600-2nd Street NE
Three Hills, AB
T0M 2A0
March 9, 2021
8:30 a.m.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
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 23, 2021
3.0 Appointments
No Appointments Scheduled
4.0 Transportation
4.1 2020 Road Program Overview
5.0 Community Services
5.1 Planning
No Report
5.2 Water/Wastewater/Environment
No Report
5.3 Agricultural Service Board & Parks
No Report
5.4 Protective Services
No Report
6.0 Corporate Services
6.1 Bylaw 1833- Borrowing Guarantee
6.2 Tax Cancellation- Industrial Accounts
6.3 2021 Public Auction Tax Sale Date
7.0 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
7.1 Council Compensation and Expense Remuneration
March 9, 2021 Council Meeting Agenda
Page 2 of 2
8.0 New Business
8.1 Policy Review - Rescission
8.2 Council Appointees Reimbursement Policy
8.3 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Spring Resolutions
8.4 Motion to Support 988 Crisis Hotline
9.0 Disposition of Delegation & Public Hearing Business
No Delegation or Public Hearing Scheduled
10.0 Council and Committee Reports
10.1 Drumheller Solid Waste Ltd.
10.2 Community Futures Wildrose
11.0 Council Follow-up Action List
12.0 Closed Session
12.1 Third Party Business Interest (FOIP Section 16 & 25)
13.0 Motions from Closed Session
1
________
Initials
MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 23, 2021 REGULAR MEETING
OF THE COUNCIL OF KNEEHILL COUNTY HELD AT THE KNEEHILL COUNTY
OFFICE, 1600- 2ND STREET NE, THREE HILLS, ALBERTA
PRESENT:
Division No. 1 Faye McGhee, Deputy Reeve
Division No. 2 Debbie Penner, Councillor
Division No. 3 Jerry Wittstock, Reeve
Division No. 4 Glen Keiver, Councillor
Division No. 5 Jim Hugo, Councillor (Video Conf)
Division No. 6 Wade Christie, Councillor
Division No. 7 Kenneth King, Councillor
ALSO PRESENT:
Chief Administrative Officer Mike Haugen
Director Community Services Laurie Watt
Director Corporate Services Bill McKennan
Director of Transportation Brad Buchert
ASB & Parks Manager Shelby Sherwick
Financial Planning Coordinator Marika Von Mirbach
Manager of Planning and Development Barb Hazelton
Recording Secretary Carolyn Van der Kuil
Communications Officer Christine Anderson
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
8.9 CN Rail and Grain Corp
Additions under Council and Committee Reports
10.3 Kneehill Regional Partnership
ADOPTION OF
AGENDA
1.2 Adoption of Agenda
70/21 Councillor Christie moved approval of the agenda as amended.
CARRIED
COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2021
2
_________
Initials
MINUTES 2.0 Minutes
2.1 Regular Council Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2021
71/21 Councillor King moved approval of the February 9, 2021 Council
Meeting minutes as presented.
CARRIED
APPOINTMENTS 3.0 Appointments
3.1 Delegation- Don Ferguson @ 8:35 a.m.
Don Ferguson requested from Council to provide access to his property
located at SW 19-29-22-W4 and NW 18-29-22-W4.
COMMUNITY
SERVICES
5.0 Community Services
PLANNING 5.1Planning
5.1.1 Bylaw 1832- Redesignation, SW 35-33-26 W4 Plan 5899 GW
from Hamlet General District to Agriculture District
72/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved first reading of proposed Bylaw 1832
for the purpose of amending Land Use Bylaw 1808 by redesignating a
portion of SW 35-33-26 W4 Plan 5899 GW from the Hamlet General
District to the Agriculture District.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
73/21 Councillor Christie moved that Council schedule the Public Hearing, as
per Section 230 & 692 of the Municipal Government Act, to be held on
March 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
ASB & PARKS 5.3 Agricultural Service Board and Parks
5.3.1 Tolman West Campground
74/21 Councillor King moved that Council moves to withdraw interest in
assuming operation of Tolman West Campground.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
75/21 Councillor Christie moved that Council approves that Starland County
be permitted to operate Tolman West Campground within the
boundary of Kneehill County and making sure if they withdraw
Kneehill County is notified.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
CORPORATE SERV 6.0 Corporate Services
6.1 Fiscal Update
76/21 Councillor King moved that the Fiscal Update report be received for
information, as presented.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2021
3
_________
Initials
The Chair called for a recess at 9:53 a.m. and called the meeting back
to order at 10:00 a.m. with all previously mentioned members present
except Councillor Hugo.
Councillor Hugo arrived at 10:08 a.m.
APPOINTMENTS 3.0 Appointments Cont’d
3.2 Bylaw #1829- Municipal Development Plan @ 10:00 a.m.
77/21 Councillor King moved that the Public Hearing for Bylaw #1829 be
opened at 10:03a.m.
CARRIED
Person(s) who presented: Barb Hazelton, Planning and
Development Manager
Person(s) who spoke in favour: None
Person(s) who spoke in opposition: None
Additional Written Comments: NRCB
Village of Carbon
TC Energy
ATCO Gas and Pipelines
Person(s) who spoke in rebuttal: None
78/21 Councillor Christie moved that the Public Hearing for Bylaw #1829 be
closed at 10:29 a.m.
CARRIED
CORPORATE SERV 6.0 Corporate Services
6.2 2020 Project Status Report
79/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council approve the budget
amendments for Capital Projects which are over-spent by funding these
from the projects that were under-spent and which had the same
original funding source as detailed in Appendix A – Capital Projects.
CARRIED
80/21 Councillor Christie moved that Council approve $20,000 in carry-
forward funding for the RR24 project funded through the Roads
Reserve.
CARRIED
81/21 Councillor Penner moved that Council approve $25,000 in carry-
forward funding for the Churchill project funded through the Water
Service Area Reserve.
CARRIED
COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2021
4
_________
Initials
82/21 Councillor King moved that Council approve $25,000 in carry-forward
funding for the Wimborne Environmental project funded through the
Environmental Reserve.
CARRIED
83/21 Councillor King moved that Council approve funds in the amount of
$2,051,916 relating to completed projects which are currently in the
Transitional Reserve be transferred to the Roads Reserve.
CARRIED
84/21 Councillor Christie moved that Council approve the carry-forward
projects and funding sources as detailed in Appendix B – 2020 Carry
Forward Projects.
CARRIED
85/21 Councillor Keiver moved that Council approve the budget amendments
for Capital Equipment Plan purchases which are over-spent by funding
these from the projects that were under-spent as detailed in Appendix C
– Capital Equipment Plan Projects.
CARRIED
86/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council approve the carry-forward
CEP project, funded through the Capital Equipment Plan Reserve as
detailed in Appendix C.
CARRIED
87/21 Councillor Keiver moved that the 2020 Project Status Report be
received for information.
CARRIED
6.3 2020 Preliminary Operating Budget Results
The Chair tabled this agenda item to hear delegation at 10:54 a.m.
APPOINTMENTS 3.0 Appointments Cont’d
3.3 Delegation- Three Hills & Beiseker RCMP
Sgt. Jamie Day and Cpl. Leif Svendsen from the Three Hills and
Beiseker detachments provided Council an update on the rural crime
statistics in the area and the Annual Performance Plan Consultation.
The Chair called for a recess at 11:15 a.m. and called the meeting back
to order at 11:20 a.m. with all previously mentioned members present.
COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2021
5
_________
Initials
CORPORATE SERV 6.0 Corporate Services
6.3 2020 Preliminary Operating Budget Results Cont’d
The Chair removed this agenda item from the table.
88/21 Councillor Christie moved that Council approve an additional
contribution of $78,001 to the Water Service Area Reserve.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
89/21 Councillor King moved that Council approve a draw from the Revenue
Stabilization Reserve in the amount of $1,425,000 to fund the
allowance for uncollectable property taxes.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
90/21 Councillor Penner moved that Council approve an additional
contribution of $59,863 to the Capital Equipment Plan Reserve.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
91/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council approve a contribution to
the Parks Reserve in the amount of $80,000 from the operating surplus
to provide contingency funding for the Road Spraying program.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
92/21 Councillor Keiver moved that Council approve a reduction of $30,000
for the Horseshoe Canyon Capital Project to fund the Horseshoe
Canyon focus group, and that $18,000 be funded as a carry-forward
operating project funded from the Parks Reserve.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
93/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council approve the remaining
balance of the 2020 Operating Budget Surplus be allocated to the
Revenue Stabilization Reserve.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
94/21 Councillor Christie moved that Council approve a contribution of
$240,000 to the Revenue Stabilization Reserve to fund carry-forward
initiatives as detailed in Appendix B.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
95/21 Councillor Penner moved that the 2020 Preliminary Operating Budget
Results report be received for information.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2021
6
_________
Initials
6.4 2021 Operating and Capital Budget Approval
The Chair called for a recess at 12:16 p.m. and called the meeting back
to order at 1:10 p.m. with all previously mentioned members present.
96/21 Councillor King moved that the 2021 Operating Budget in the amount
of $29,947,902 as detailed in Appendix A be approved.
Councillor Hugo requested a recorded vote:
In Favour:
Reeve Wittstock, Deputy Reeve McGhee, Councillor Keiver,
Councillor King, Councillor Penner, Councillor Christie
Opposed:
Councillor Hugo
CARRIED
97/21 Councillor Keiver moved that the transfers from reserves and
contributions to reserves as detailed in Appendix B be approved.
CARRIED
98/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that the 2021 Capital Budget and
funding sources in the amount of $12,870,182 as detailed in Appendix
E be approved.
CARRIED
99/21 Councillor Christie moved that the 2021 Operating and Capital Budget
Approval Report be received for information.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Councillor Hugo left the meeting at 1:40 p.m.
BUSINESS ARISING 7.0 Business Arising from Previous Minutes
7.1 Council Compensation and Expense Remuneration
100/21 Councillor King moved to table this agenda item until later in the
meeting.
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS 8.0 New Business
8.1 Policy #3-27, Council Correspondence
101/21 Councillor Christie moved that Council approve Policy #3-27, Council
Correspondence, as presented.
CARRIED
COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2021
7
_________
Initials
8.2 Policy #11-1, Handling Public Concerns
102/21 Councillor Penner moved that Council approve Policy #11-1, Handling
Public Concerns, as presented.
CARRIED
8.3 Kneehill 4-H District Request
103/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council approve sponsorship in the
amount of $800.00 to the Kneehill 4-H District to help with the cost
associated with the 2021 District Show/Sale.
CARRIED
Councillor Hugo returned to the meeting at 1:58 p.m.
8.4 David Price Induction into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of
Fame
104/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council direct administration to
invite David Price to a future Council meeting, to formally congratulate
Mr. Price on his achievement of being inducted into the Alberta
Agriculture Hall of Fame and to create an article in the next Ratepayer
Newsletter acknowledging this accomplishment.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
BUSINESS ARISING 7.0 Business Arising from Previous Minutes Cont’d
7.1 Council Compensation and Expense Remuneration
105/21 Councillor King moved to remove this agenda item from the table.
CARRIED
106/21 Councillor King moved that Council direct administration to bring back
the Council Compensation and Expense Reimbursement Policy for
ratification to the next Council Meeting.
CARRIED
NEW BUSINESS 8.0 New Business Cont’d
8.5 TELUS Letter of Support Request
107/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council direct administration to
provide a letter of support for TELUS regarding their application to the
Universal Broadband Fund.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
8.6 Board Member Appointment to the Trochu Housing
Corporation
108/21 Councillor Penner moved that Council move to appoint Councillor
King to the Trochu Housing Corporation Committee and Councillor
Christie as alternate.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2021
8
_________
Initials
8.7 Newspaper Delivery Program
109/21 Councillor Penner moved that Council continue the Capital Newspaper
Delivery Program for 2021, and that staff be directed to develop a pay
for service program to begin in 2022 offered to ratepayers who do not
get the Three Hills Capital in the mail.
CARRIED
8.8 New Council Orientation
110/21 Councillor King moved that Council provide feedback to the Kneehill
Regional Partnership that our preference would be to have a smaller
regional orientation for member municipalities.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
8.9 CN Rail and Grain Corp
111/21 Councillor Penner moved that Council direct administration to create a
letter to the CN Rail and Grain Corporation in regards to train
placement at the Grain Terminal located next to Huxley.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
DISPOSITION OF
DELEGATION
BUSINESS
9.0 Disposition of Delegation Business & Public Hearing Business
9.1 Don Ferguson Request
112/21 Councillor Keiver moved that Council receive for information and
encourage Mr. Ferguson to work privately with the landowner for
easement.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
9.2 Bylaw 1829 Municipal Development Plan
113/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved second reading of proposed Bylaw 1829
for the purpose of adopting the Municipal Development Plan as
amended.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
114/21 Councillor Christie moved third reading of proposed Bylaw 1829.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COUNCIL MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 23, 2021
9
_________
Initials
9.3 Three Hills & Beiseker RCMP
115/21 Councillor King moved that Council receive for information the Three
Hills and Beiseker RCMP report and provide the Three Hills
detachment a list of Council’s community priorities as follows:
Rural Crime Prevention
Presence in rural communities
Road safety
Reports on how many active on-duty staff members are at each
detachment
Working Coope ratively with Kneehill County Protective
Services Department
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
COUNCIL REPORTS 10.0 Council and Committee Reports
10.1 Community Futures Wildrose- Minutes were provided from the
January 7th, 2021 meeting.
10.2 Kneehill Regional Doctor Recruitment and Retention
Committee- Minutes were provided from the February 10th,
Organizational meeting and Regular meeting.
10.3 Kneehill Regional Partnership- Deputy Reeve McGhee provided
a verbal report on the meeting she attended on Feb 17th, 2021.
116/21 Councillor King moved that Council receive the Council and
Committee reports as presented.
CARRIED
COUNCIL ACT LIST 11.0 Council Follow-Up Action List
117/21 Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council receive for information the
Council Follow-Up Action List as presented.
CARRIED
ADJOURNMENT Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 3:24 p.m.
________________________
Jerry Wittstock
Reeve
_______________________
Mike Haugen
CAO
REQUEST FOR DECISION
AGENDA ITEM #
4.1
Page 1 of 1
Version: 2020-02
Subject: 2020 Road Program Overview
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Prepared By: Kylie Van der Kuil, Transportation Assistant
Presented By: Brad Buchert, Director of Transportation
Link to Strat Plan: Level of Service
Recommended
Motion:
That Council receive the 2020 Road Program Overview presentation for
information.
Background/
Proposal
Transportation will provide a presentation to Council showing work completed in the
County for 2020.
Discussion/
Options/
Benefits/
Disadvantages:
Financial
Implications:
None
Council Options:
1. Receive presentation for information.
Recommended
Engagement:
☒ Directive Decision (Information Sharing-One way communication)
Goal: To educate and inform citizens
Tools: ☐ Individual Notification or ☒ Public Notification ☐ Consultative Decision (Consulting the Public – Two way communication)
Goal: To seek feedback, test ideas, develop concepts and collaborative solutions
Tools: ☐ Public Hearing ☐ Open House ☐ Focus Group ☐ Other- ☐ Collaborative Decision (Active Participation- Share or delegate decision making)
Goal: To share or delegate decision making
Tools: ☐ Participatory Decision Making ☐ Inter-Municipal Agreement ☐ Other-
Attachments:
PowerPoint Presentation
Follow-up
Actions:
Director Approval:
Brad Buchert, Director of Operations
CAO Approval:
Laurie Watt, Acting Chief Administrative
Officer
2020
Road
Program
Overview
2020 Division One Overview
Description Number Notes
Approaches Installed 3
Cross/Line Culverts Replaced 8
Drainage/Ditching 4 RR 23-1,RR21-1,TR 29-2A,
RR21-1A
Washouts 2 RR 23-1-Waterline exposed
RR21-2-Culvert washout into coulee
Dirt Trail Projects
Dust Control Applications 4 Calcium
Road Maintenance Projects 2 TR 28-2 (x2)slide repairs
Hamlet Projects
Bridge Minor Maintenance
Projects
1 RR 21-3 bridge deck replacement
Bridge Replacement Projects 3 TR 29-2A culvert
RR 20-5 abutment replacement.
TR 31-0 culvert liner
Road Re-build Projects
Other Projects 1 Purchased Redland building for
grader shed and future stockpile site.
Description Hrs Notes
Grader Div One 1,532
Grader Div Two 1,618
Grader Div Four 1,464
Grader Div Five 1,579
2020 Division Two Overview
Description Number Notes
Approaches Installed 9
Cross/Line Culverts Replaced 6
Drainage/Ditching 2 RR 24-3 -RR 24-2
Washouts
Dirt Trail Projects 3 RR 24-2 RR 24-3 RR 24-1
Dust Control Applications 9 Calcium and one Spec
Road Maintenance Projects
Hamlet Projects 1 Swalwell tree assessment
Bridge Minor Maintenance
Projects
1 TR 33-0-bridge deck
replacement
Bridge Replacement Projects 1 RR 25-2 bridge replacement
Road Re-build Projects 1 Road re-build 24-5 2 miles
Description Hrs Notes
Grader Div Two 1618
Grader Div Four 1464
Grader Div Five 1579
Grader Div Six 1471
2020 Division Three Overview
Description Number Notes
Approaches Installed
Cross/Line Culverts Replaced 2 RR 26-0 RR 27-0
Drainage/Ditching 2
Washouts
Dirt Trail Projects 2
Dust Control Applications 14 Calcium
Road Maintenance Projects
Hamlet Projects
Bridge Minor Maintenance
Projects
3 TR 27-0 abutment issues
TR 33-0 abutment issues
RR 26-2 girder repairs
Bridge Replacement Projects
Road Re-build Projects
Grader Division Hrs Notes
Grader Div Three 1606
Grader Div Seven 1488
2020 Division Four Overview
Description Number Notes
Approaches Installed 1
Cross/Line Culverts Replaced 4
Drainage/Ditching 1 RR 25-2
Washouts 1 RR 25-1 waterline washout
Dirt Trail Projects 3 RR 25-4 RR 25-3 RR 25-5
Dust Control Applications 4 Calcium
Road Maintenance Projects
Hamlet Projects 1 Sunnyslope tree assessment
Bridge Minor Maintenance
Projects
1 TR 31-0 bridge deck replacement
Bridge Replacement Projects
Road Re-build Projects
Other Projects 1 Torrington gravel pit extraction
Description Hrs Notes
Grader Div Six 1471
Grader Div Seven 1488
2020 Division Five Overview
Description Number Notes
Approaches Installed 2
Cross/Line Culverts Replaced 13
Drainage/Ditching 6 RR 23-2 (x3)RR 23-4 TR 31-3A
Washouts 1 TR 32-3
Dirt Trail Projects 3 RR 23-2 RR 24-2 TR 31-3A
Dust Control Applications 18 Calcium
Road Maintenance Projects 1 RR 23-4 pavement patches
Hamlet Projects
Bridge Minor Maintenance
Projects
1 RR 22-5 abutment repair
Bridge Replacement Projects
Road Re-build Projects 1 mile Road re-build 24-4,2 miles.
Description Hrs Notes
Grader Div Five 1579
Grader Div Six 1471
Grader Div Ten 1467
2020 Division Six Overview
Description Number Notes
Approaches Installed 1
Cross/Line Culverts Replaced 9
Drainage/Ditching 3 TR 27-1 (x2)TR 27-0
Washouts 1 RR 25-0
Dirt Trail Projects
Dust Control Applications 6 Calcium
Road Maintenance Projects 1 RR 25-1 patching/asphalt
Hamlet Projects 1 Wimborne gas reclamation
Bridge Minor Maintenance
Projects
1 TR 34-0 abutment repair
Bridge Replacement Projects 2 TR 33-4 (x2)bridge replacements
Road Re-build Projects
Description Hrs Notes
Grader Div Eight 1525 Contract Grader
Grader Div Nine 1440
2020 Division Seven Overview
Description Number Notes
Approaches Installed 5
Cross/Line Culverts Replaced 19
Drainage/Ditching 6 RR 24-2 RR 24-0 RR 23-1
RR 24-1 TR 33-4 RR 22-5
Washouts 1 Twp 34-5
Dirt Trail Projects 1 RR 24-4
Dust Control Applications 9 Calcium
Road Maintenance Projects 2 RR 23-1 slide repair
TR 34-4 asphalt patching
Hamlet Projects 2 Huxley Hamlet tree assessment
Ditching
Bridge Minor Maintenance
Projects
3 TR 33-0 abutment repairs
TR 34-4 abutment repairs
RR 23-3 abutment repairs
Bridge Replacement Projects
Road Re-build Projects
Description Hrs Notes
Grader Div Nine 1440
Grader Div Ten 1467
In 2020
approximately
123,000 tonnes
of gravel were
applied to the
roads.
The four shop staff are
responsible for the
maintenance and repairs
for over 215 assets within
various departments of
the County such as, Utility,
Environmental Services
Transportation,
Emergency Services,
Agriculture and Parks.
Kneehill County has
overall 1900km Of gravel
roads, 82km of paved
roadways, 500 km of dirt
trails, and various streets
within the five Hamlets to
maintain with these
assets.
REQUEST FOR DECISION
AGENDA ITEM #
6.1
Page 1 of 1
Version: 2020-02
Subject: Bylaw 1833- Borrowing Guarantee
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Prepared By: Bill McKennan, Director of Corporate Services
Presented By: Laurie Watt, Acting CAO
Link to Strat Plan: Providing Good Governance
Recommended
Motion:
That Bylaw 1833 receive first reading, that being a bylaw to authorize the guarantee
of a loan by the Town of Trochu.
Background/
Proposal
Pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, Section 266, Council may only
guarantee the repayment of a loan between a lender and a non-profit organizations
or one of its controlled corporations if the guarantee is authorized by bylaw.
Discussion/
Options/
Benefits/
Disadvantages:
Council at its meeting held on February 9, 2021 approved supporting the
development of the Trochu Seniors Supportive Living Facility Project in the Town of
Trochu. The attached bylaw sets out the legislative requirements to move this item
forward based on Council direction.
Once Council has approved first reading of the bylaw administration will undertake
the necessary public advertising of the bylaw.
Financial
Implications:
The loan guarantee bylaw is conditional upon the Town of Trochu entering an
agreement to the satisfaction of Kneehill County. All of the conditions included in
the motion of approval on February 9, 2021 by Council will be incorporated into this
agreement.
Council Options:
1. Undertake first reading of the bylaw.
2. Accept as information
Recommended
Engagement: ☒ Directive Decision (Information Sharing-One way communication)
Goal: To educate and inform citizens
Tools: ☐ Individual Notification or ☒ Public Notification ☐ Consultative Decision (Consulting the Public – Two way communication)
Goal: To seek feedback, test ideas, develop concepts and collaborative solutions
Tools: ☐ Public Hearing ☐ Open House ☐ Focus Group ☐ Other- ☐ Collaborative Decision (Active Participation- Share or delegate decision making)
Goal: To share or delegate decision making
Tools: ☐ Participatory Decision Making ☐ Inter-Municipal Agreement ☐ Other-
Attachments:
Follow-up
Actions:
Public advertising of the bylaw.
Bill McKennan
Director Approval:
Bill McKennan, Director of Corporate Services
CAO Approval:
Laurie Watt, Acting Chief Administrative
Officer
BYLAW NO 1833
LOAN GUARANTEE TO TOWN OF TROCHU
A BYLAW OF KNEEHILL COUNTY, IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA, TO AUTHORIZE THE
GUARANTEE OF A LOAN BY THE TOWN OF TROCHU
WHEREAS Section 266 of the Municipal Government Act, R.S.A. 2000, Chapter M-26 and amendments
thereto, provides that a Council may issue a Bylaw that authorizes the County to guarantee a loan;
WHEREAS the Council of Kneehill County has determined that supporting the development of the Trochu
Seniors Supportive Living Facility Project in the Town of Trochu (the “Project”) is beneficial to the
municipality;
WHEREAS, to support the development of the Project, the Town of Trochu proposes to borrow up to
$20,000,000.00, and has asked Kneehill County to guarantee repayment of such loan;
WHEREAS in compliance with Section 268 of the Municipal Government Act the amount of the proposed
loan guarantee does not cause Kneehill County to exceed its debt limit, and the County is prepared to
provide such guarantee, subject to the terms and conditions set out herein; and
NOW THEREFORE the council of Kneehill County, duly assembled enacts, as follows:
1. The Municipal Council of Kneehill County is hereby empowered and authorized to provide a loan
guarantee for the Town of Trochu in the amount not to exceed TWENTY MILLION
($20,000,000.00) DOLLARS, based on a loan with an interest rate not to exceed 4.0%, to be repaid
in full by The Town of Trochu.
2. The County will utilize cash reserves or funds raised through taxation to honor the payments of
the loan should the Town of Trochu become unable to meet the terms of the loan.
3. Provision of the guarantee authorized by this Bylaw shall be conditional upon the Town of Trochu
entering into an agreement to the satisfaction of Kneehill County.
This bylaw shall come into force and have effect on the date of third and final reading.
READ a first time on this 9th day of March, 2021.
READ a second time on this Xth day of X, 2021.
READ a third time and final time of this Xth day of X, 2021.
Chief Administrative Officer Reeve
Mike Haugen Jerry Wittstock
REQUEST FOR DECISION
AGENDA ITEM #
6.2
Page 1 of 2
Version: 2020-02
Subject: TAX CANCELLATION – INDUSTRIAL ACCOUNTS
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Prepared By: Caroline Siverson, Property Tax Officer
Presented By: Bill McKennan, Director of Corporate Services
Link to Strat Plan: Improving Fiscal Sustainability
Recommended
Motion:
That the amount of $9,451.37 in property taxes be expensed and cancelled on rolls
32222331300 & 34231420400.
That administration submit an application under the Provincial Education
Requisition Credit (PERC) for the uncollectable Education Requisition and the
uncollectable Designated Industrial Property Requisition on these Oil & Gas
Properties.
That administration is also directed to void any 2021 penalties currently attached to
these rolls.
Background/
Proposal
The ability for the municipality to collect on tax arrears relating to industrial and
linear tax accounts has become extremely difficult based on decisions of the
Courts. The Virginia Hills decision regarding the validity of linear tax arrears has
made it impossible for municipalities to collect any amounts owing. The Redwater
decision has also affected the oil & gas sector due to the expectations of any
monies left from a bankruptcy be paid first to the AER for reclamation purposes.
Municipal collections are no longer a priority as legislation provided for in the past
due to these decisions.
Discussion/
Options/
Benefits/
Disadvantages:
The accounts in this RFD are for two wells purchased from Trident Exploration. The
Court Order approving the purchase indicated that the new owners were
responsible for the 2020 levies as pro-rated from the purchase date. These monies
have been paid. The balance is required to be cancelled.
The amount of 2021 penalties to be reversed is approximately $411.74. By
reversing these amounts in the 2021 general ledger, we are not artificially showing
revenue that will not be collected.
Administration will apply for the Provincial Education and Designated Industrial
Property Requisitions in the next round (Jan 2022) if this is still available to us.
Financial
Implications:
In anticipation of this situation, the County operating budget for 2021 provided for a
$1,100,000 cancellation budget.
REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM #
6.2
Page 2 of 2
Version: 2020-01
The voided 2021 penalties will reduce the revenues indicated to date against the
2021 budget for tax penalties that are being over-inflated by booking revenues that
will not be received by the municipality.
Council Options:
1. Cancel the outstanding taxes and void the current year penalties as
recommended.
2. Accept as information
Recommended
Engagement:
☒ Directive Decision (Information Sharing-One way communication)
Goal: To educate and inform citizens
Tools: ☐ Individual Notification or ☒ Public Notification ☐ Consultative Decision (Consulting the Public – Two way communication)
Goal: To seek feedback, test ideas, develop concepts and collaborative solutions
Tools: ☐ Public Hearing ☐ Open House ☐ Focus Group ☐ Other- ☐ Collaborative Decision (Active Participation- Share or delegate decision making)
Goal: To share or delegate decision making
Tools: ☐ Participatory Decision Making ☐ Inter-Municipal Agreement ☐ Other-
Attachments:
Follow-up
Actions:
Process cancellations; application to PERC
Bill McKennan
Director Approval:
Bill McKennan, Director of Corporate Services
CAO Approval:
Laurie Watt, Acting Chief Administrative
Officer
REQUEST FOR DECISION
AGENDA ITEM #
6.3
Page 1 of 1
Version: 2020-02
Subject: 2021 Public Auction Tax Sale Date
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Prepared By: Caroline Siverson, Property Tax Officer
Presented By: Bill McKennan, Director of Corporate Services
Link to Strat Plan: Providing Good Governance
Recommended
Motion:
That the 2021 Tax Sale Public Auction be held on Thursday, May 27, 2021 at 2pm
in the County Administration Office.
Background/
Proposal
Pursuant to the Municipal Government Act, Section 418, Council must set a date for
public auction for all properties with more than 2 years of tax arrears.
Discussion/
Options/
Benefits/
Disadvantages:
Advertising requirements must be met to ensure legislative compliance.
Reserve bids will be set at a future meeting for those parcels that remain on the tax
arrears list.
Financial
Implications:
Council Options:
1. To set the public auction tax sale date
2. Accept as information
Recommended
Engagement:
☒ Directive Decision (Information Sharing-One way communication)
Goal: To educate and inform citizens
Tools: ☐ Individual Notification or ☒ Public Notification ☐ Consultative Decision (Consulting the Public – Two way communication)
Goal: To seek feedback, test ideas, develop concepts and collaborative solutions
Tools: ☐ Public Hearing ☐ Open House ☐ Focus Group ☐ Other- ☐ Collaborative Decision (Active Participation- Share or delegate decision making)
Goal: To share or delegate decision making
Tools: ☐ Participatory Decision Making ☐ Inter-Municipal Agreement ☐ Other-
Attachments:
Follow-up
Actions:
Advertising in Alberta Gazette, Three Hills Capital and our website
Notification to property owners
Bill McKennan
Director Approval:
Bill McKennan, Director of Corporate Services
CAO Approval:
Laurie Watt, Acting Chief Administrative
Officer
REQUEST FOR DECISION
AGENDA ITEM #
7.1
Page 1 of 2
Version: 2020-02
Subject: Council Compensation and Expense Remuneration
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Services Coordinator
Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO
Link to Strat Plan: Level of Service
Recommended
Motion:
That Council approve Policy #3-1, Council Compensation and Expense
Remuneration, as presented with the amended salary and per diem rates to come
in effect for the March 2021 timesheet and expense report.
Background/
Proposal
Council reviewed Kneehill County’s numerous Council compensation and expense
reimbursement policies at the January 26th, 2021 Council meeting and reviewed the
draft policy at the February 23rd, 2021 Council meeting. At this meeting Council
made the following motion:
That Council direct administration to bring back the Council Compensation
and Expense Reimbursement Policy for ratification to the next Council
meeting.
Discussion/
Options/
Benefits/
Disadvantages:
Administration combined the 13 policies into one overarching policy.
The policies include:
Also included next to the policy name is the section number where the information
from the old policy is transferred to in the new policy.
Policy 3-8, Automatically Approved Attendance (#4)
Policy 3-19, Reimbursement- Per Diem and Salary (#2-9, 11, 12)
Policy 3-19-1, Reimbursement- Mileage (#19, 20, 28)
Policy 3-19-2, Reimbursement- Meals (#21, 22, 23)
Policy 3-6, Convention Attendance/Overnight Allowance/Partner Program (#24, 29,
30, 31)
Policy 3-9, Electronic Devices (#32-36)
Policy 3-18, Communications Allowance (#37)
Policy 3-5, Committee Pay Differential (#15)
Policy 3-4, Committee Member/Alternate Attending Meetings (#10, 16)
Policy 3-15, Overnight Expenses (#25,26)
Policy 3-20, Group Health Plan and AD&D Insurance Coverage (#41-46)
Policy 3-14-1, Meetings- With Ratepayers (#38-40)
Policy 3-24, Promotional Clothing and Goods Program (#47-49)
Policy 3-19-3, Rental of Vehicles- This did not get put into new policy as Councillors
should not be renting vehicles.
Financial
Implications:
Council remuneration amounts and expenses are included in the annual operating
budget. As the Council compensation is proposed to be less, it is not anticipated an
amendment to the budget will be required with the intent of being effective in March.
Council Options:
1. Council adopt the proposed Council Compensation and Expense
Reimbursement Policy.
2. Refer decision on the proposed policy for further revision.
REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM #
7.1
Page 2 of 2
Version: 2020-02
Recommended
Engagement: ☒ Directive Decision (Information Sharing-One way communication)
Goal: To educate and inform citizens
Tools: ☐ Individual Notification or ☒ Public Notification ☐ Consultative Decision (Consulting the Public – Two way communication)
Goal: To seek feedback, test ideas, develop concepts and collaborative solutions
Tools: ☐ Public Hearing ☐ Open House ☐ Focus Group ☐ Other- ☐ Collaborative Decision (Active Participation- Share or delegate decision making)
Goal: To share or delegate decision making
Tools: ☐ Participatory Decision Making ☐ Inter-Municipal Agreement ☐ Other-
Attachments:
“New” Draft Policy 3-1, Council Compensation and Expense Reimbursement.
Policy 3-8, Automatically Approved Attendance
Policy 3-19, Reimbursement- Per Diem and Salary
Policy 3-19-1, Reimbursement- Mileage
Policy 3-19-2, Reimbursement- Meals
Policy 3-6, Convention Attendance/Overnight Allowance/Partner Program
Policy 3-9, Electronic Devices
Policy 3-18, Communications Allowance
Policy 3-5, Committee Pay Differential
Policy 3-4, Committee Member/Alternate Attending Meetings
Policy 3-15, Overnight Expenses
Policy 3-20, Group Health Plan and AD&D Insurance Coverage
Policy 3-14-1, Meetings- With Ratepayers
Policy 3-24, Promotional Clothing and Goods Program
Policy 3-19-3, Rental of Vehicles
Follow-up
Actions:
CAO Approval:
Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
COUNCIL POLICIES 3-1 1 of 7
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Council Compensation and Expense
Reimbursement
39T39T 39T39T
Purpose:
The purpose of this policy is to establish salary and expense reimbursement for the Councillors of Kneehill
County.
Policy Procedure:
Base Rate
1. “Base Rate” means the monthly rate paid to Councillors for attendance at the following:
• Meetings with residents and Community Groups (include open houses and public meetings.)
• Informal meetings with the CAO, staff and Councillors
• Preparation for Council and Committee meetings.
• Work within the divisions with residents and businesses.
• Attendance at meetings and social functions as dignitaries representing the County. (eg.
Remembrance Day ceremonies, parades, Christmas Parties, farewell parties, photo ops)
2. Elected Officials shall receive a basic salary per month, as detailed under “Monthly Salary” in Part 1 of
Schedule A, for activities as described above.
3. The base rate will be modified each year as needed based on any organizational market adjustments
included in the County’s approved budget.
Per Diems
4. “Per Diem” means the daily rate paid to Councillors for attendance at approved meetings as follows:
• Regular Council meetings, Special Council meetings, Committee of the Whole meetings and
Organizational meetings
• All internal committee meetings of the County
• All external Committee or Commission meetings of the County for which no other per diem is
paid.
• Conferences/Conventions
The fall and spring RMA Conventions
The Agricultural Service Board Convention (Councillor Representatives of the ASB)
The Agricultural Service Board Summer Tour (Councillor Representatives of the ASB)
The Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference
The Annual Alberta Urban Municipalities Conference (Reeve or Designate)
• RMA District Meetings including:
The fall and spring Central Zone Director meetings. (Reeve or Designate)
• Meetings with other municipalities
• Meetings with other government agencies
• Training sessions including:
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
COUNCIL POLICIES 3-1 2 of 7
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Council Compensation and Expense
Reimbursement
39T39T 39T39T
Elected Official Education Programs
Annual Brownlee Law Seminar
Annual RMRF Law Seminar
• Attendance as an alternate at a Committee or Commission meeting.
• All other meetings approved by Council.
5. Councillors shall be eligible to claim a per diem amount as detailed under “Per Diem” in Part 2 of
Schedule A, for time spent attending meetings and/or functions identified above.
6. Councillors will be compensated at full day per diem or half day per diem subject to the following
qualifications, inclusive of travel time:
a. Meeting(s) 0-4 hours- half day per diem,
b. Meeting(s) 4-8 hours- full day per diem
c. Meetings(s) 8 + hours- Total claim may not exceed one full day per diem
7. If a Councillor is a Chair of a Committee meeting, then that meeting may be considered to be a full day
for that Councillor.
8. It is the responsibility of the Councillor to ensure a motion of Council for the Councillor’s attendance is
made prior to the Councillor claiming it on their monthly expense report.
9. In cases where Reeve/Councillors have been appointed to a special committee/board where
meetings are held outside of County boundaries (i.e. RMA Committees), a resolution of
Council is required to confirm such appointment. Once Council approval has been
provided, the Reeve/Councillor is entitled to collect a per diem amount for attendance at
these out-of-County committee/board meetings.
10. If the Reeve attends or participates in a meeting in an ex officio capacity, the Reeve will be considered
in serving as an appointed committee member and is eligible to claim a per diem for attending the
meeting.
11. The Per Diem Rate will be modified each year as needed based on any organizational market
adjustments included in the County’s approved budget.
Time Sheets/Expense Reports
12. All Councillors shall submit a monthly timesheet and expense report for reimbursement by the fourth
business day of the following month.
13. In the event that timesheets are not received by the fourth business day of the following month, only
the honorarium and the communications allowance will be processed and any outstanding
compensation will be added to the next month’s compensation.
14. To provide for transparency, the Councillor Expense Sheets will be displayed on the Kneehill County
Website.
Boards, Commission or Committees
15. In the event that a Councillor shall receive any remuneration from another board, commission or
committee for the Councillor’s duly authorized attendance, on behalf of the County at a meeting of
said board, commission or committee, the Councillor shall pay to the County said remuneration before
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
COUNCIL POLICIES 3-1 3 of 7
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Council Compensation and Expense
Reimbursement
39T39T 39T39T
accepting any remuneration, allowance or expenses from the County. If remuneration by the external
entity is less than the County policy, the difference will be paid to match County policy.
16. It is the Committee Member’s duty to call an Alternate Committee Member to attend a Committee
meeting if the regular Committee Member cannot attend. A Committee Member may also invite an
alternate member to attend a Committee meeting, as an observer only (non-voting), should the
Committee Member deem it necessary for the alternate member to attend the meeting.
17. As per the Municipal Government Act, Section 154 (2), the Reeve is a member of all Council
Committees and all bodies to which Council has the right to appoint members under the Act, unless
the Council provides otherwise.
Reeve allowance for attending ad hoc meetings
18. There may be times where the Reeve’s attendance is requested by a Minister, RMA president, or other
top officials, and the meeting date is before the next Council meeting to get prior approval. In these
circumstances the Reeve is authorized to attend and receive a per-diem for his attendance.
Mileage
19. Mileage will be paid to Councillors while they are on County Business.
20. Mileage rates are set annually using the rate determined by Canada Revenue Agency.
Meals
21. Where a Councillor is required to travel on approved County business, the Councillor may claim:
a. a meal allowance identified under “Meal Allowance” in Part 4 of Schedule A; or
b. the actual cost of the meal (including gratuity and GST) with the submission of a receipt.
22. Kneehill County will not provide reimbursement for alcoholic beverages.
23. The meal for a spouse or significant other shall only be paid for by the County as part of a larger
business group.
Travel Remuneration
24. An overnight allowance of $30.00 per night will be provided to Council members for the actual nights
spent away from home while they are required to travel on County business.
25. Hotel Accommodation Expenses incurred by Members of Council while on County business shall be
reimbursed with a submission of a receipt.
26. Councillors who choose private accommodations instead of commercial accommodation
are eligible to be reimbursed $100.00 per night with no receipts required.
27. Other travel expenses (parking, taxis, etc.) will require a receipt in order to be reimbursed.
28. When flying to a conference is less expensive than driving, the County will reimburse the Councillor for
the average cost of the flight, mileage to and from the Calgary International Airport, airport parking
fees, and taxi or bus costs from the airport to the venue or to the destination hotel. No additional
allowance will be paid for the additional meals or overnight accommodations due to any increase in
travel time resulting from the decision to use a personal vehicle.
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
COUNCIL POLICIES 3-1 4 of 7
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Council Compensation and Expense
Reimbursement
39T39T 39T39T
Councillor Partners Program and Allowance
29. An overnight allowance of $30.00 per night can be claimed by all Councillors who bring their significant
others to conference.
30. Kneehill County will pay for the Partners’ Programs attended during the RMA Conference, the
Agricultural Service Board Summer Tour and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
Conference.
31. Kneehill County will cover the cost for spouse’s airfare expense to FCM.
Communications
Electronic Devices
32. An electronic device can be defined as, but not limited to, laptop computer, tablet or any other device
as approved by the CAO.
33. All Councillors at the beginning of the Council term, are provided with an electronic device of their
choosing to the maximum of two thousand dollars.
34. The electronic device is expected to:
a. Be compatible with all Kneehill County Software
b. Open Email
c. Web-based collaboration (eg. Go to Meeting)
d. Open Word Files
e. Open PDF files
35. At the end of the Council term, a Councillor may maintain ownership of his/her electronic
device.
36. If the electronic device supplied by Kneehill County malfunctions and is need of repair during the
Council term, a Councillor can contact the CAO to arrange service. Maintenance is limited to County
supplied devices only.
Allowance
37. Councillors are eligible to receive a communication allowance, as detailed under “Communications
Allowance” in Part 5 of Schedule A, for items which may include but are not limited to:
f. Cellular phone
g. Internet connection
h. Long distance calls
i. Communication facility costs.
Divisional Meeting Allowance
38. An allowance for each Divisional Councillor will be set during the budget deliberations, as detailed
under “Divisional Meeting Allowance” in Part 6 of Schedule A, for each Councillor to host one
Divisional Meeting per year.
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
COUNCIL POLICIES 3-1 5 of 7
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Council Compensation and Expense
Reimbursement
39T39T 39T39T
39. In order for the Divisional meeting expenses to be covered by the County, the meeting needs to be
advertised and promoted as per Kneehill County’s Advertising Bylaw.
40. The Divisional Councillor must complete a report to Council after the event.
Benefits
Group Health Insurance
41. Kneehill County Councillors will be covered, through a special insurance classification, under the
Kneehill County’s group health coverage. The cost of these premiums will be 100% covered by Kneehill
County.
42. The Group Health Coverage categories include the following:
• Resilience Services (Employee Assistance Program)
• Extended Health Care
• Dental Care
• Health Spending Account of $750 per Councillor per calendar year
43. Should the Councillor no longer qualify under the current group health plan, due to age restriction, an
alternative private plan with similar coverage, available through Kneehill County’s current carrier will
be provided.
Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Disability Insurance
44. Councillors will also be covered for a 24-hour Accidental Death and Dismemberment and disability
insurance policy through the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties, as follows:
• $100,000 AD&D insurance
• $300 weekly Accident Indemnity
• $15,000 Accidental Medical
• $5,000 Dental Accident
45. The cost of these premiums will be 100% covered by Kneehill County. There is no age limitation to this
policy.
46. The premium associated with Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Disability Insurance is a taxable
benefit to the Councillor.
Promotional Clothing
47. As Council is elected for a four-year term, each Councillor may at any time during this term receive up
to $600.00 of County merchandise. During their term a pro-rated amount will be available for any
Councillor that is elected through by-election.
48. Should the cost of the clothing or goods be greater than the maximum County donation, then the
Councillor will be required to reimburse the difference prior to the merchandise being delivered.
49. As this is Kneehill County promotional material, should no merchandise be purchased or selected, no
other items or cash equivalent will be distributed to any Councillor.
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
COUNCIL POLICIES 3-1 6 of 7
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Council Compensation and Expense
Reimbursement
39T39T 39T39T
Jerry Wittstock,
Reeve
Mike Haugen,
CAO
Approved:
Review Date: Date four years from last approval date
Schedule “A”
Part 1- Monthly Salary
Council shall receive the following monthly honorarium as follows:
Monthly Salary
Reeve $2,800.00
Deputy Reeve $2,400.00
Councillor $2,100.00
Part 2- Per Diem
Per Diem Rates for all members of Council are as follows:
Per Diem Rate
Full Day $325.00
Half Day $162.50
Part 3- Mileage
Mileage rates for all members of Council are as follows:
Mileage
CRA Rate
Part 4- Meal Allowance
Meal allowance without receipt for all members of Council are as follows:
Meal Allowance
Breakfast $15.00
Lunch $15.00
Dinner $25.00
Part 5- Communications Allowance
Council shall receive the following Communication allowance:
Communications Allowance $200.00 per month
Part 6- Divisional Meeting Allowance
The following allowance for each Councillor to host a Divisional meeting will be included in the draft budget
each year:
Divisional Meeting Allowance $500.00 per Councillor
REQUEST FOR DECISION
AGENDA ITEM #
8.1
Page 1 of 2
Version: 2020-02
Subject: Policy Review - Rescission
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Services Coordinator
Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO
Link to Strat Plan: Level of Service
Recommended
Motion:
That the following policies be rescinded:
Policy 3-8, Automatically Approved Attendance
Policy 3-19, Reimbursement- Per Diem and Salary
Policy 3-19-1, Reimbursement- Mileage
Policy 3-19-2, Reimbursement- Meals
Policy 3-6, Convention Attendance/Overnight Allowance/Partner Program
Policy 3-9, Electronic Devices
Policy 3-18, Communications Allowance
Policy 3-5, Committee Pay Differential
Policy 3-4, Committee Member/Alternate Attending Meetings
Policy 3-15, Overnight Expenses
Policy 3-20, Group Health Plan and AD&D Insurance Coverage
Policy 3-14-1, Meetings- With Ratepayers
Policy 3-24, Promotional Clothing and Goods Program
Policy 3-19-3, Rental Vehicles
Background/
Proposal
Council approved Policy #3-1, Council Compensation and Expense Remuneration
earlier in today’s meeting.
Discussion/
Options/
Benefits/
Disadvantages:
Policy #3-1, Council Compensation and Expense Remuneration combined 13
policies into one overarching policy. The following policies are no long required as
they part of Policy #3-1.
The following policies to be considered for rescission are as follows:
Policy 3-8, Automatically Approved Attendance
Policy 3-19, Reimbursement- Per Diem and Salary
Policy 3-19-1, Reimbursement- Mileage
Policy 3-19-2, Reimbursement- Meals
Policy 3-6, Convention Attendance/Overnight Allowance/Partner Program
Policy 3-9, Electronic Devices
Policy 3-18, Communications Allowance
Policy 3-5, Committee Pay Differential
Policy 3-4, Committee Member/Alternate Attending Meetings
Policy 3-15, Overnight Expenses
Policy 3-20, Group Health Plan and AD&D Insurance Coverage
Policy 3-14-1, Meetings- With Ratepayers
Policy 3-24, Promotional Clothing and Goods Program
Policy 3-19-3, Rental of Vehicles
Financial
Implications:
No financial implication with deleting these policies.
Council Options:
1. Approve the rescission of the policies as noted within this report.
2. Refer decision for additional information.
REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM #
8.1
Page 2 of 2
Version: 2020-02
Recommended
Engagement: ☒ Directive Decision (Information Sharing-One way communication)
Goal: To educate and inform citizens
Tools: ☐ Individual Notification or ☒ Public Notification ☐ Consultative Decision (Consulting the Public – Two way communication)
Goal: To seek feedback, test ideas, develop concepts and collaborative solutions
Tools: ☐ Public Hearing ☐ Open House ☐ Focus Group ☐ Other- ☐ Collaborative Decision (Active Participation- Share or delegate decision making)
Goal: To share or delegate decision making
Tools: ☐ Participatory Decision Making ☐ Inter-Municipal Agreement ☐ Other-
Attachments:
Policy 3-8, Automatically Approved Attendance
Policy 3-19, Reimbursement- Per Diem and Salary
Policy 3-19-1, Reimbursement- Mileage
Policy 3-19-2, Reimbursement- Meals
Policy 3-6, Convention Attendance/Overnight Allowance/Partner Program
Policy 3-9, Electronic Devices
Policy 3-18, Communications Allowance
Policy 3-5, Committee Pay Differential
Policy 3-4, Committee Member/Alternate Attending Meetings
Policy 3-15, Overnight Expenses
Policy 3-20, Group Health Plan and AD&D Insurance Coverage
Policy 3-14-1, Meetings- With Ratepayers
Policy 3-24, Promotional Clothing and Goods Program
Policy 3-19-3, Rental of Vehicles
Follow-up
Actions:
CAO Approval:
Laurie Watt, Acting Chief Administrative
Officer
REQUEST FOR DECISION
AGENDA ITEM #
8.2
Page 1 of 2
Version: 2020-02
Subject: Council Appointees Reimbursement Policy
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Services Coordinator
Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO
Link to Strat Plan: Level of Service
Recommended
Motion:
That Council approve policy #3-19-3, Council Appointees Reimbursement Policy as
presented, and to amend the policy number to Policy #3-3.
Background/
Proposal
Council approved Policy #3-1, Council Compensation and Expense Remuneration
earlier in today’s meeting.
Discussion/
Options/
Benefits/
Disadvantages:
The Council Compensation and Expense Remuneration Policy combined 13
policies into one overarching policy. As a result of these policies being combined,
the Council Appointees policy needed to be amended to include how members will
be reimbursement for mileage, meals and convention allowance.
Administration also amended the statement pertaining to the annual per diem
adjustment so it coincides with Council’s Compensation and Expense
Remuneration policy.
Administration also requests that the number to this policy be changed from Policy
#3-19-3 to Policy #3-3. With the rescission of the policies made earlier at today’s
meeting the numbering sequence in this policy does not coincide with the others.
Financial
Implications:
Council Appointees remuneration amounts and expenses are included in the annual
operating budget. As there is no amended to the per diem amount, it is not
anticipated an amendment to the budget will be required.
Council Options:
1. Council adopt the proposed Council Appointees Reimbursement Policy
2. Refer decision on the proposed policy for further revision
Recommended
Engagement:
☒ Directive Decision (Information Sharing-One way communication)
Goal: To educate and inform citizens
Tools: ☐ Individual Notification or ☒ Public Notification ☐ Consultative Decision (Consulting the Public – Two way communication)
Goal: To seek feedback, test ideas, develop concepts and collaborative solutions
Tools: ☐ Public Hearing ☐ Open House ☐ Focus Group ☐ Other- ☐ Collaborative Decision (Active Participation- Share or delegate decision making)
Goal: To share or delegate decision making
Tools: ☐ Participatory Decision Making ☐ Inter-Municipal Agreement ☐ Other-
Attachments:
Old Policy #3-19-3, Council Appointees Reimbursement Policy
New Policy #3-19-3, Council Appointees Reimbursement Policy
Policy #3-19-1, Reimbursement Mileage
Policy #3-19-2, Reimbursement Meals
Policy #3-6, Convention Attendance
REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM #
8.2
Page 2 of 2
Version: 2020-02
Follow-up
Actions:
CAO Approval:
Laurie Watt, Acting Chief Administrative
Officer
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
Council Policies 3-3 1 of 2
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Council Appointees Reimbursement March 9, 2021 128/2020
Purpose:
To provide direction regarding rates of pay and per diem allowance for Council appointees, including ratepayer
members of the Agricultural Service Board, Deputy Returning Officer, Poll Clerks, Members at Large for the
Municipal Planning Commission, and the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board or any other Member at
Large appointed by Council.
Policy Guidelines/Procedures:
1.0 Per Diem Allowance
The per diem allowance for Council appointees that are listed above under “Purpose” shall be:
The Per Diem Rate will be modified each year as needed based on any organizational market adjustments
included in the County’s approved budget.
2.0 Mileage
Council appointees will be reimbursed for their mileage using the rate determined by the Canada Revenue
Agency.
3.0 Meals
Meal reimbursement is applicable to Council appointees only when on Kneehill County business.
Alcoholic beverages shall not be charged nor will they be reimbursed.
Council appointees who do not have, or choose not to have, an actual meal receipt, meal reimbursement will
be at the rate of $15.00 for breakfast, $15.00 for lunch, and $25.00 for supper. The meal for a spouse or
significant other shall only be paid for by Kneehill County as part of a larger business group.
Reimbursement for meals is not provided to Council appointees, participating in meetings by use of a
communications facility.
4.0 Convention Allowance
Council appointees will receive an additional Overnight Allowance of $30.00 per night for the actual nights
spent at the convention, conference, seminar or workshop.
An additional $30.00 per night can be claimed by appointed Council appointees who bring their spouse or
significant other to convention.
Kneehill County will pay for the Partners’ Programs attended at the Agricultural Service Board Summer Tour.
Per Diem Rates
Full Day $ 292.85
Half Day $ 146.43
POLICY
Section Policy No. Page
Council Policies 3-3 2 of 2
Policy Title Date: Motion No.
Council Appointees Reimbursement March 9, 2021 128/2020
Jerry Wittstock,
Reeve
Mike Haugen,
CAO
Original: June 22, 2004
Amended: March 24, 2015
Amended: January 14, 2020 11/2020
Approved: March 9, 2021 128/2020
Review Date: March 9, 2025
REQUEST FOR DECISION
AGENDA ITEM #
8.3
Page 1 of 1
Version: 2020-01
Subject: Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Spring Resolutions
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Service Coordinator
Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO
Link to Strat Plan: Providing Good Governance
Recommended
Motion:
That Council receives for information the 2021 Rural Municipalities of Alberta
Spring Resolutions Listing.
Background/
Proposal
The Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) advocates on behalf of rural
municipalities in meeting with government and ensures that provincial 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 RMA
Spring 2021 Convention are attached for Council’s review and consideration.
Financial
Implications:
Council’s decision will have no impact on the budget.
Council Options:
1. Receive for information
2. Request more information
Recommended
Engagement: ☒ Directive Decision (Information Sharing-One way communication)
Goal: To educate and inform citizens
Tools: ☐ Individual Notification or ☒ Public Notification
☐ Consultative Decision (Consulting the Public – Two way communication)
Goal: To seek feedback, test ideas, develop concepts and collaborative solutions
Tools: ☐ Public Hearing ☐ Open House ☐ Focus Group ☐ Other-
☐ Collaborative Decision (Active Participation- Share or delegate decision making)
Goal: To share or delegate decision making
Tools: ☐ Participatory Decision Making ☐ Inter-Municipal Agreement ☐ Other-
Attachments: RMA Spring 2021 Resolutions
Follow-up
Actions:
CAO Approval:
Laurie Watt, Acting Chief Administrative
Officer
RMA Spring 2021 Submitted Resolutions
1) Call to Order
2) Acceptance of Order Paper
3) Resolution Session
1-21S Alberta Energy Regulator Directive 006 - Licensee Liability Rating (LLR) Program and
License Transfer Process (Woodlands County)
2-21S Police Act Review (Lethbridge County)
3-21S Personal Cannabis Production for Medical Use (Wheatland County)
4-21S Agriculture Service Board Provincial Committee Funding (Brazeau County)
5-21S Preservation of Water Quality and Access to Water by Albertans (MD of Ranchland)
6-21S National Flood Insurance Strategy and Community Resiliency Advocacy (Regional
Municipality of Wood Buffalo)
4) Vote on Emergent Resolutions
5) Closing of Resolution Session
Resolution 1-21S
Alberta Energy Regulator Directive 006 – Licensee Liability Rating (LLR) Program
and License Transfer Process
Woodlands County
Simple Majority Required
Endorsed by District 3 (Pembina River)
WHEREAS municipalities in Alberta are dependent on property tax revenues to provide essential municipal
services; and
WHEREAS the ability of a municipality to recover property tax arrears for non-titled land is affected by
provincial acts and regulations; and
WHEREAS the current legislation has limited options without liabilities for municipalities to recover tax
arrears owed from oil and gas companies; and
WHEREAS Alberta Energy has established the Alberta Energy Regulator (AER), whose mandate is to
ensures the safe, efficient, orderly, and environmentally responsible development of oil, oil sands, natural
gas, and coal resources over their entire life cycle; and
WHEREAS the AER set out directives that contain requirements and processes that energy companies
operating in Alberta must follow; and
WHEREAS Directive 006 – Licensee Liability Rating (LLR) Program and License Transfer Process uses a
formula to determine whether a company has sufficient financial resources to purchase assets from another
company;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate to the Alberta
Energy Regulator to amend Directive 006 to include as a condition of transfer of all oil, oil sands,
natural gas, and coal resource assets from one company to another that mu nicipal property tax
arrears be paid in full.
Member Background
Attached is a copy of a letter from an oil and gas company that proposed a tax arrears settlement. The
company has been operating in the municipality for a number of years and has not paid their municipal
taxes for the last four years. Recently the company applied through the AER for 12 facility and 149 well
license transfers from a bankrupted oil and gas company, that also owed three years in tax arrears.
The same company has also made offers to pay landowner lease agreements at a reduced rate for the new
acquired assets.
Several resolutions relating to unpaid property taxes by the oil and gas industry have been recently
endorsed by RMA membership, and advocated on by RMA, with no resulting action on the issue from the
Government of Alberta.
Woodlands County is asking the RMA and its members to continue to advocate to the Alberta Energy
Regulator to change Directive 006 to require full disclosure of oil and gas company financial situations,
including unpaid property taxes, and not just a formula as currently defined in Directive 006.
The current formula measures the assets of an eligible producer licensee based on the sum of its cash flow
derived from oil and gas production reported to Petrinex from wells for which it is the licensee calculated in
accordance with section 1, and the cash flow derived from midstream activity from wells or facilities for
which it is the licensee calculated in accordance with section 3.
....,.,.-_ , - · · ·- · - -
November 16, 2020
WOODLANDS COUNTY
PO BOX 60
WHITECOURT, ALBERTA
T7S 1N3
Attention: Reeve and Council
Re: Outstanding Tax Balance and Current Assessment Totals
Honourable Reeve and Council,
V'Vi..)CQ!.-1\!'·H).$ COUNT
: .... .... - .... .
is writing to the elected members of the Woodlands County Council to acknowledge our current and
outstanding corporate tax balance and to make a payment proposal.
As Council is aware, the current global economic and health emergencies are creating significant challenges both
personally and corporately. Our industry faces tremendous pressure to stay viable through this down-turn as increasing
tax burdens, operational costs , and Covid based disruptions combine with depressed pricing environments to make 2020
a challenge like none experi enced previously in this Province.
s committed to addressing our financial obligations in a meaningful way. We plan on being an active
corporate partner in your area, and through direct employment of many third-party contractors in your area we are
providing employment which generates economic activity in the community .
Our proposal is to make a one-time payment of $81,001.71, and for Council to consider our current account with
Woodlands County to be up to date and paid in full. This amount represents 60% of the current and outstanding balance,
excluding any penal ties which we request be waived at this time.
Thank you for your time and consideration in this matter. If you wish to discuss further, please feel free to contact me .
Sincerely,
Chief Operating
Email:
Plea s e acknowledge acceptance of this offer by having a designated representative execute on behalf of the Woodlands
County
SIGNATURE : - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
NAME :
TITLE:
•
RMA Background
6-19F: Municipal Recourse for Solvent Companies Choosing Not to Pay Taxes
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate that the
Government of Alberta direct the Alberta Energy Regulator to add unpaid municipal taxes to the
grounds for which a company may be denied a licence to operate in Alberta.
Click here to view the full resolution.
Resolution 2-21S
Police Act Review
Lethbridge County
Simple Majority Required
Endorsed by District 1 (Foothills-Little Bow)
WHEREAS the Government of Alberta approved a new police funding model which requires urban
municipalities with populations less than 5,000 and all rural municipalities to pay a portion of provincial
policing costs; and
WHEREAS under the new police funding model, affected municipalities will contribute 10% of policing costs
in 2020, 15% in 2021, 20% in 2022, 30% in 2023 and 30% in 2024; and
WHEREAS provincial policing costs represent a significant portion of the affected municipalities’ annual
operating budgets; and
WHEREAS for municipalities that have not borne provincial policing funding model costs in the past, these
additional costs will be a significant budget line item in 2021 and beyond; and
WHEREAS like any municipal contracted service, municipalities require accurate and detailed information
from the service provider to ensure that their taxpayer dollars are being used in the most cost-effective
manner; and
WHEREAS the increased costs of police funding, combined with other challenges currently facing
municipalities, could have serious implications across the province and potentially threaten the viability of
some municipalities; and
WHEREAS in 2020, the Government of Alberta undertook a review of the Police Act that involved little
direct consultation with municipalities; and
WHEREAS changes to the Police Act could have further financial and service level impacts on
municipalities;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta request the Government of
Alberta to undertake further and direct consultation with rural municipalities on the proposed Police
Act changes and the future of policing in Alberta.
Member Background
Lethbridge County, like other rural municipalities across the province, is concerned with the Government
of Alberta’s decision to require rural municipalities to contribute significantly to policing costs with no
indication that service levels will improve or local input into policing will increase. At the December 17,
2020 Lethbridge County Council meeting, Council discussed the Government of Alberta’s review of the
Police Act. Consequently, the following motion was adopted by Council:
That a letter be sent to the RMA indicating Lethbridge County recommends that an RMA
resolution requesting greater consultation with rural municipalities on propos ed Police Act
changes be adopted and sent to the Minister of Justice and Solicitor General, prior to any
changes being made.
RMA Background
1-20F: Police Funding Model Freeze
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) advoc ate to the
Government of Alberta to freeze municipal contributions under the police funding model at no
greater than 10% of the total policing costs under the Provincial Police Services Agreement (PPSA)
until a corporate review of the PPSA and the overall organizational structure, efficiency and
effectiveness of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) policing service has been completed
and the review made available to all municipalities in Alberta; and
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that RMA advocate to the Government of Alberta that all monies
collected from the police funding model remain in the Rural Municipalities of Alberta district from
which they were collected.
Click here to view the full resolution.
2-19F: Government of Alberta’s Police Costing Test Model
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta urge the Government of
Alberta to engage in further consultation with municipalities on the police costing test model to
examine options to meet the Government of Alberta’s goal of reducing policing costs without
negatively impacting policing service delivery or municipal financial viability.
Click here to view the full resolution.
Resolution 3-21S
Personal Cannabis Production for Medical Use
Wheatland County
Simple Majority Required
Endorsed by District 2 (Central)
WHEREAS the Government of Canada is responsible for setting strict requirements for producers who
cultivate and process cannabis, and for setting industry -wide rules and standards; and
WHEREAS provinces and territories are responsible for developing, implementing, maintaining, and
enforcing systems to oversee the distribution and sale of cannabis; and
WHEREAS under the provincial Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, Alberta municipalities are empowered
to make rules that are directly linked to their jurisdictions including establishing land use bylaw regulations
on where cannabis can be commercially grown, produced, and sold, as well as where cannabis can be
consumed; and
WHEREAS the regulation of personal cannabis production for recreation and medical use is currently ill -
defined; and
WHEREAS municipalities recognize that there are reasonable medical reasons for cultivation and
consumption of cannabis; and
WHEREAS established municipal policies and land use regulations related to cannabis are directed
towards commercial cannabis production and sales and are not applicable to personal cannabis production;
and
WHEREAS under a license approved by Health Canada, one can cultivate up to 485 cannabis plants at
home to treat their medical needs without the requirement to notify local authorities; and
WHEREAS the federal Cannabis Regulations permit a registered person to register a designated producer
to produce medical cannabis on their behalf; and
WHEREAS four registered producers may operate in the same location, potentially resulting in 1940 plants
grown in one location; and
WHEREAS the application and approval process related to producing cannabis for medical purposes does
not require confirmation that all municipal requirements have been met; and
WHEREAS there is significant municipal concern with ensuring compliance with municipal bylaws,
regulations, and safety code requirements as personal cannabis production increases on residential
properties; and
WHEREAS the health and environmental risks as sociated with indoor cultivation and processing of
cannabis cannot be addressed or mitigated if the producer fails to notify municipal authorities or fails to
obtain the appropriate permits; and
WHEREAS the lack of regularity clarity related to notification requirements for medical cannabis
consumption contributes to health, safety, and nuisance concerns for residents of municipal jurisdictions;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta collaborate with the
Federation of Canadian Municipalities to advocate to Health Canada that confirmation of municipal
compliance for personal medical cannabis production facilities be required for existing license
holders, and prior to approval for all future license applicants.
Member Background
In November of 2020, Wheatland County Council directed administration to draft a letter and White Paper
to distribute to the federal and provincial elected officials representing the Wheatland County area, including
the following:
• Honourable Martin Shields, Member of Parliament, Bow River
• Honourable Jason Kenney, Premier of Alberta
• Honourable Minister of Municipal Affairs, Tracy Allard
• MLA Nathan Cooper – Olds – Didsbury – Three Hills
• MLA Leele Aheer – Chestermere – Strathmore
• MLA Angela Pitt – Airdrie – East
• MLA Joseph Schow – Carston – Siksika
The purpose of the study was to investigate the current realities that (specifically) Wheatland County and
rural municipalities are experiencing in relation to the cultivation of cannabis for medical purposes. Rural
municipalities are concerned with ensuring compliance with municipal bylaws, regulations, and safety code
requirements related to the increase of personal cannabis production. The health, safety, and
environmental risks associated with indoor cultivation and processing of cannabis cannot be addressed or
mitigated if the producer fails to notify municipal authorities or fails to obtain the appropriate permits. There
are no requirements under the Personal Medical Use of Cannabis license; up to 485 plants can be cultivated
for personal medical use without the requirement to notify local authorities . Options to obtain compliance
for personal cannabis production operations are limited and would require the cooperation of Health
Canada to include confirmation that municipal requirements have been met prior to issuing a license.
APPENDIX A – WHITE PAPER
WHITE PAPER: PERSONAL CANNABIS PRODUCTION FOR MEDICAL PURPOSES
1.0 Introduction
Since the enactment of the Cannabis Act in October 2018, legislation around the regulation of personal
cannabis production has been ill-defined. From this, health, safety, and nuisance concerns for the residents
of Wheatland County (the County) have arisen. Like many other municipalities, the County established
policies and land use regulations in response to the legalization of cannabis, however these policies are
directed towards commercial cannabis production and sales and are not applicable to cannabis production
at home.
Under Medical Use of Cannabis (Personal Use), individuals can apply and register to produce and possess
a limited amount of cannabis for their own medical purposes. Under this license, one can cultivate up to
485 cannabis plants at home to treat their medical needs without the requirement to notify local authorities.
The license holder is expected to meet local bylaws, regulations, and safety code requirements (municipal
requirements), but the application and approval process does not r equire confirmation that all municipal
requirements have been met. Without the requirement for an applicant or license holder to confirm that all
municipal requirements have been met, these home growing operations are able to circumvent building
and safety code requirements which may lead to health and safety concerns.
License holders may be reluctant to notify local authorities for personal and/or privacy reasons; however,
from an approval’s perspective, there is no reason to circumvent the requirement to obtain approvals related
to development or safety codes permits. If an applicant applied to construct an accessory building, the
development permit and subsequent building permit would be issued without asking what it would be used
for. Obtaining development, building, electrical permits for example means they have met municipal
requirements; therefore, meeting the provisions of the Health Canada license.
This report reviews the issues and concerns that have arisen regarding cannabis grown for personal use
since its legalization in October 2018. The report discusses the County's inability to ensure these properties
comply with municipal requirements, including regulating neighbourhood disputes over nuisance issues.
2.0 Background
The Cannabis Act came into effect on October 17, 2018, creating a legal and regulatory framework for
controlling the production, distribution, sale, and possession of cannabis in Canada. Implementation of the
Cannabis Act is a shared responsibility between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments.
The Federal government's responsibilities are to set strict requirements for producers who cultivate and
process cannabis, and to set industry -wide rules and standards. Provinces and territories are responsible
for developing, implementing, maintaining, and enforcing systems to oversee the distribution and sale of
cannabis. Municipalities are empowered to make rules that are directly linked to their jurisdictions. These
types of things include establishing land use bylaw regulat ions on where cannabis can be commercially
grown, produced, and sold, as well as where cannabis can be consumed. There is some overlap between
provincial and municipal responsibilities.
Prior to the legalization of cannabis, enforcement issues related to t he illegal production and sale of
cannabis was the responsibility of the local police and the RCMP with municipal authority limited to passing
bylaws (e.g. nuisance issues such as odours, public behaviour, etc.) to address community impacts. With
the legalization of cannabis, enforcement of cannabis related issues is still the responsibility of the local
police and RCMP with municipal authority consisting of inspection and compliance with provincial building
codes and municipal bylaws.
It is difficult to ascertain the number of legal personal cannabis production operations that are located within
the County and whether they have all the proper permits in place. Many of these license holders may not
have notified the County about their license but may have obtained the appropriate permits. They are not
required to disclose the reason for the necessary improvements to an accessory building or to their home.
2.1 Growing Cannabis at Home
The Cannabis Act permits adults to cultivate up to four (4) cannabis plants per household (not per person).
If a private resident is growing more than the restricted four (4) plants that are allowed for and does not
have a production license issued by Health Canada, it becomes an offence under the Cannabis Act.
Investigation and enforcement of the Cannabis Act is the responsibility of the RCMP and will be investigated
by way of a formal complaint.
Under Accessing Cannabis for Medical Purposes, an adult can apply to Health Canada to produce their
own cannabis for medical purposes. If a license is granted, an individual can cultivate a limited quantity of
cannabis at home to treat their medical needs. The number of plants permitted is determined by entering
the number of grams prescribed daily into a calculator tool which then determines the number of plants (up
to 485 plants) that a person can grow on their property. This license does not include selling cannabis.
3.0 Discussion
The County can establish policies and land use bylaw regulations for personal cultivation of cannabis bu t
is limited in its ability to enforce these regulations. Since individuals authorized to produce cannabis for
their own medical use do not have to notify local authorities, there is no way for a municipality to know how
many of these personal cultivation operations exist and to ensure compliance with safety code
requirements. There are limited enforcement tools to control home cultivation or processing, which
increases overall environmental health and safety risks associated with these operations. Some of the
concerns that have been raised are outlined below.
3.1 Safety Concerns
Individuals with a license to grow cannabis in their home for medical purposes are expected to abide by the
relevant building and fire code requirements, as well as public health an d residential tenancy regulations;
however, they are not required to notify local authorities that they have been granted a license to grow
cannabis. While some license holders may obtain the appropriate permits for cultivating cannabis on their
property (without specifying what the improvements are for), there are others that may make changes to
their property to accommodate cannabis cultivation without acquiring permits, which may compromise their
health and safety.
Some of the safety issues or concerns associated with personal cannabis production are outlined below.
3.1.1 Electrical and Fire Hazards
Changes and/or upgrades to a home to accommodate personal cannabis production may require an
electrical, gas, or building permit depending on the work to be completed. Permits are reviewed for
compliance with the Alberta Building Code and then inspected by a Safety Codes Officer when the work is
completed to ensure that it was properly installed or constructed.
For example, indoor cannabis production may requ ire high wattage lights to enhance plant growth and the
license holder may install or make changes to their electrical system without applying for an electrical
permit. Without review and inspection to ensure that the upgrade or changes meet Alberta Buildi ng Code
requirements and properly installed, it raises concerns that the changes/upgrades could trigger a large fire.
Another safety concern is the use of generators or “burners” that are powered by propane or natural gas to
enhance plant growth and increase plant yield. These generators produce carbon monoxide, which can
negatively accumulate within the home depending on the home’s ventilation system leading to carbon
monoxide poisoning. The presence of pressurized carbon dioxide cylinders and propane powe red carbon
dioxide generators, increases the level of carbon dioxide within the growing room displacing oxygen,
leading to asphyxiation. Also, if the propane cylinders and the tubing used have any leaks, this increases
the risk of an explosion.
Another hazardous practice utilized by growers is to vent furnaces or water heater exhaust fumes directly
into the growing (plant) room to increase carbon dioxide, which also enhances plant growth. This releases
carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide into the room, which could lead to carbon dioxide
poisoning. If exposed to fire, these metal cylinders could cause a boiling liquid expanding vapor explosion
(due to cylinder fatigue and container failure).
Since license holders do not have to notify local authorities about their license to produce or provide
confirmation to Health Canada that they have met all provincial and municipal requirements for the
operation, they can proceed growing cannabis without obtaining any permits. This impedes the ability for
municipalities to ensure compliance and reduce the safety and environmental risks associated with home
cannabis production.
3.1.2 Environmental and Health Hazards
Environmental health issues are associated with personal cannabis production due to poor indo or air quality
when plants are grown within the home. If proper ventilation of HVAC systems is not installed to address
the increased moisture from the plants along with the moisture from other household sources, mould and
mildew will occur. Mould and mildew in the home are associated with respiratory infections, asthma, upper
respiratory tract symptoms, etc. Remediating mould and mildew in a home can be costly.
Another environmental health issue associated with personal cannabis production is the indoor use of
chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides, or fungicides. Each of these chemicals create health hazards if
absorbed into the skin or inhaled. Health Canada does provide some general guidance for the use of
chemicals used for growing cannabis in the home; however, it is insufficient regarding controlling pests,
diseases, or fungi on cannabis plants.
If cannabis products are not processed and disposed of prope rly, children, pets, or unaware adults may
inadvertently consume cannabis with detrimental effects. There is little guidance from the federal
government on what is considered an acceptable method of destroying cannabis. Health Canada
recommends the “Kitty Litter Method” which provides guidance to persons producing cannabis for their own
medical purposes. It recommends rendering cannabis unfit for use or consumption by blending the
cannabis with water and mixing it with cat litter (for odour control) before disposing of it. The destroyed
cannabis can be placed in the garbage and sent to the landfill.
3.2 Nuisance Issues
Municipalities have previously approached issues associated with cannabis and cannabis production
through nuisance bylaws. However, there are limited tools to enforce compliance through nuisance bylaws.
Complaints most frequently received by the County associated with cannabis production is regarding the
pungent odour emitted from cannabis plants. When the County receives a complaint about the odour and
suspicion of an illegal cannabis cultivation or production operation, County staff will investigate the
complaint by confirming whether the property has any development permit in place for the growing of
commercial cannabis. If there is no development permit, the County will contact the RCMP to determine if
an investigation is being conducted, or to advise them of the situation.
If the occupant/owner has a license to grow cannabis for personal medical purposes, the County’s only
option to address the nuisance complaint is let the license owner know about the complaint and work
towards a voluntary solution to resolve the issue.
3.3 Planning Issues
Under the Cannabis Act, municipal governments can address planning matters related to cannabis and
associated businesses by establishing bylaws to regulate location, density, setbacks, etc. but are limited in
the ability to regulate and enforce bylaws for personal medical production operations. The County’s Land
Use Bylaw requires a development permit for a cannabis production facility, which addresses cultivation,
processing, labelling and packaging, testing, destroying, storing or transporting cannabis, but the County
does not have the authority to ask for a development permit for the growing of cannabis for personal medical
use.
If the County pursues bylaws to regulate or consider prohibiting personal cannabis cultivation within a
private residence, the ability to enforce these bylaws would be hindered due to the current licensing
process. The license holder does not need to provide confirmation that all municipal bylaws have been met
when applying for a license or notify the municipality that they have received a license. So, once the license
has been issued, cannabis production can proceed. It then becomes the responsibility of the license holder
to abide by municipal bylaws or provincial safety codes .
3.3 Health Canada Notification of Issued Licenses
Under Medical Use of Cannabis (Personal Use), an individual authorized to produce cannabis for their own
medical use is not required to notify local authorities. They are informed as part of the application process
that they must comply with municipal laws, including bylaws dealing with electrical and fire safety. If permits
were required and not obtained prior to cannabis cultivation, compliance would occur only if a complaint
were received and work had been undertaken without the appropriate permits.
Health Canada does not readily share information on the number of licenses issued for personal me dical
production or where they are located with municipalities due to privacy reasons. Without information on
the number of personal cannabis licenses issued within the municipality or a requirement from Health
Cannabis on municipal compliance, the County cannot effectively address the social, health, and safety
risks associated with cannabis production in a residence.
4.0 Summary
The County is concerned with ensuring compliance with municipal bylaws, regulations, and safety code
requirements as personal cannabis production increases on residential properties. The health and
environmental risks associated with indoor cultivation and processing of cannabis cannot be addressed or
mitigated if the producer fails to notify the County or fails to obtain the appr opriate permits. Options to obtain
compliance for personal cannabis production operations are limited and would require the cooperation of
Health Canada to include confirmation that municipal requirements have been met prior to issuing a license.
The County could also undertake an educational campaign on the County’s website informing license
holders that they are to abide by applicable municipal bylaws and safety code permits. Information should
be provided to advise license holders that they do not need to disclose why the upgrades or improvements
are being done and that the County’s goal is to ensure that installation is done properly.
As this issue is not unique to Wheatland County, it may be beneficial to initiate dialogue with other
municipalities to identify common concerns and ideas for working together to find a solution to address
personal cannabis production with the provincial government.
References
1. Government of Canada. Information for Municipalities – Medical Use of Cannabis [Internet]. August 19,
2016. Available from: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-
medication/cannabis/information-municipalities.html.
2. Government of Canada. Calculator for the production of a limited amount of cannabis for medical
purposes [Internet]. January 16, 2018. Available from: https://health.canada.ca/en/health-
canada/services/drug-health-products/buying-using-drug-health-products-safely/cannabis-medical-
purposes/accessing-cannabis-medical-purposes/production-cannabis-medical-
purposes/calculator.html.
3. Eykelbosh, Angela and Leela Steiner (March 2018). Growing at Home: Health and Safety Concerns for
Personal Cannabis Cultivation. National Collaborating Centre for Environmental Health.
4. Jelinek, Chris. Fires at Indoor Marijuana Grows [Internet]. June 1, 2017. Available from:
https://www.firehouse.com/home/article/12318245/indoor-marijuana-grows-hazards-recognition-
response-considerations.
5. Government of Canada. Information bulletin: safety and security considerations when producing
cannabis for your own medical purposes [Internet]. August 11, 2016. Available from:
https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-medication/cannabis/information-
municipalities.html.
RMA Background
RMA has no active resolutions directly related to this issue.
Resolution 4-21S
Agriculture Service Board Provincial Committee Funding
Brazeau County
Simple Majority Required
Endorsed by District 3 (Pembina River)
WHEREAS the Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee has experienced changes necessitating
sustainable funding; and
WHEREAS increased advocacy is necessary in the current political and economic climate; and
WHEREAS advocacy for agriculture and forestry across the province will be very individualistic;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta ur ge the Government of
Alberta to ensure adequate and sustainable funding for the Agricultural Service Board Provincial
Committee.
Member Background
Brazeau County Council and the Brazeau County Agricultural Services Board are in support of a lobbying
entity for Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs). The Government of Alberta is currently downloading multiple
service and costs to municipalities. With the downloading of police costs, assessment model changes and
current economic climates, further downloading is untenable. The provincial ASB program was reviewed
by the Government of Alberta and resulting provincial reductions to ASB funding are being passed on to
municipalities to subsidize.
ASB funding is also being reduced. Brazeau County’s funding is listed below:
On a yearly basis from 2017 – 2019, Brazeau County received:
• $168,359 in legislative funding
• $15,000 in environmental funding
• $183,359 total per year for three years
On a yearly basis from 2020 – 2024 Brazeau County expects to receive:
• $123,907 in legislative funding
• $0 in resource management funding
• $123,907 total per year for five years
Attached: Letter from Corey Beck, Chair Provincial ASB Committee
2
December 8, 2020
Agricultural Service Board of Alberta
SENT VIA EMAIL: Agricultural Service Board Chairs
Dear Agricultural Service Boards:
RE: Sustainable Funding for the Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee
As you may be aware, the Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee has experienced a
number of recent changes that has exemplified the necessity for a sustainable funding model to
be identified. As such, I am writing to you today to engage Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs) to
consider the proposal for the Committee’s operational funding to be funded directly by
municipalities. The Committee’s members individual expenses will still be funded by the
members individual municipality. It is my hope that the following information can provide you
the history of the Committee, value that the Committee brings to your local producers and the
Agricultural industry in it’s entirety, and outline of our proposal to secure a sustainable funding
model that will allow the Committee to continue to work for your municipality.
The Provincial ASB Program underwent an extensive review in 2004 with a recommendation to
establish a committee to meet with the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry (AF) on an annual
basis to review the responses to the resolutions brought forward at the annual ASB Provincial
Conference and discuss other matters of concern to ASBs. As a result, the Agricultural Service
Board (ASB) Provincial Committee was formed in 2005. The 2019 results of the ASB Grant
Program Review further echoed the need for advocacy of issues affecting ASBs and agriculture.
The Committee had been meeting at least annually with the Minister since 2005 and is now in
a position of trying to re-establish it’s role as a valuable resource to AF regarding matters
impacting agriculture. To do so, the Committee has undertaken an initiative to identify
proactive ways to fulfill their role and purpose. As per the current Term of Reference:
The purpose of the ASB Provincial Committee is to achieve a collective voice for
Agricultural Service Boards across Alberta that would facilitate and represent both the
diversity and commonalities of ASBs. Through this collective voice, additional objectives
can be achieved such as: better information and stronger communication back to ASBs
about current issues and government policy direction and a regional representative
voice that AF may call upon for input during policy or program review and development.
Classification: Protected A
PO Bag 100, Didsbury, Alberta, T0M 0W0
Some of these recent initiatives of the Committee were the introduction of new tools and
strategies to accomplish the Committee’s objectives including the development of the
agriculturalserviceboards.com website, creation of position statements and increased
participation at meetings to increase advocacy efforts. These are outlined in more detail for
your information below.
With the recent changes to the Government of Alberta websites, much of the Agricultural
Service Board documents were removed and content lost. The ASB Provincial Committee
created a website to house documents and has been using this platform to highlight current
issues and meetings with government agencies. The website also hosts the various agricultural
policies from ASBs in Alberta and minutes from the ASB Provincial Committee meetings.v. It is
the intent of the Committee to ensure this website becomes a valuable tool for A SBs.
Position Statements are a tool used by Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) to communicate a
position on a topic utilizing resolutions to create an opinion and raise awareness on the issue.
To maintain consistency, the ASB Provincial Committee has begun drafting position statements
that includes the resolutions as the background on the issue but also includes current
government policy and emerging issues to ensure they remain relevant. The intent of adopting
these other tools is to create another mechanism to advocate issues brought forward through
resolutions. Position statements can be used in Minister meeting, press releases and tools for
municipalities for advocacy.
The adoption of virtual meetings has increased the frequency of the ASB Provincial Committee
meetings and decreased their costs. Historically the ASB committee has relied on administrative
support from ASB program staff, however, realignment in the Ministry of Agriculture has
eroded that support. In 2016 the ASB program secured a grant to pay for a part time Executive
Assistant position. The Committee relies on the Executive Assistant for meetings, resolutions
responses, develop/administer the website and are an integral part of the success and
sustainability of the Committee.
Considering the current state of realignment in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, with
the reduction in the ASB program staff and cuts to the ASB Grant funding calls into question the
likelihood of securing future funding. Historically, funds for the Committee have been raised
through the revenue generated from the Provincial ASB Committee and the Executive Assistant
has been funded through a grant from the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry, which will expire
March 2022.
Classification: Protected A
PO Bag 100, Didsbury, Alberta, T0M 0W0
Taking into consideration the increased role of advocacy, necessity to engage multiple
ministries through the resolution process, the current political and economic climate and the
continued support for ASB Provincial Committee activities, the Committee is looking at options
outside of what traditionally would have come from the Ministry. The Committee will still
pursue Grant funding but feels that securing an alternative source of funds would be prudent to
ensure long term sustainability of the Committee and ability to continue with t he mandate
established by its members. As such, a proposal to collect a nominal flat fee from each ASB with
the Provincial Conference registration will be tabled at the Provincial Conference for the
membership to vote.
Proposed for consideration is the following tiered funding proposal:
Year Amount per ASB Total Funds Raised
2022 $ 375.00 $ 25,875.00
2023* $ 500.00 $ 34,500.00
2024* $ 600.00 $ 41,400.00
2025* $ 600.00 $ 41,400.00
*Funding requirements would be adjusted pending successful 2022 grant application
The funding secured for the Executive Assistant and ASB Provincial Committee is administered
through the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen (AAAF). It is proposed that fees would
be collected by AAAF. The amendments to the Provincial Rules of Procedure are being
proposed to allow for the collection of fees and to annually set the fees a year prior to their
collection. It is my hope that the above information provides an overview of the challenges
faced by the Committee and the value that it continues to provide to ASB’s across the Province.
I am available to provide clarity on any of the information provided above and hope to have
your support for a predictable, sustainable funding model for the Provincial ASB Committee to
allow our continued efforts into the future.
Sincerely,
Corey Beck
Classification: Protected A
PO Bag 100, Didsbury, Alberta, T0M 0W0
Chair, Provincial ASB Committee
Website: www.agriculturalserviceboards.com
CC: Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen
RMA Background
RMA has no active resolutions directly related to this issue.
Resolution 5-21S
Preservation of Water Quality and Access to Water by Albertans
MD of Ranchland
Simple Majority Required
Endorsed by District 1 (Foothills-Little Bow)
WHEREAS the headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River Basin found within the eastern slopes of the
Rocky Mountains are the source of water for a significant number of Alberta and Saskatchewan industries
and residents; and
WHEREAS water is a limited resource that all Albertans rely on and requires careful management; and
WHEREAS downstream users, both rural and urban, depend on an ample supply of hi gh-quality water to
sustain their communities and livelihoods; and
WHEREAS specific water allocation commitments have been made to agriculture producers, residential
users, municipalities and industry; and
WHEREAS in the past, the process for the allocation of water has been implemented in an orderly manner
with opportunity for meaningful input from Albertans; and
WHEREAS some industrial uses consume large quantities of water and are unable to restore the quality of
that water before it is returned to the system; and
WHEREAS the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan 2014-2024 cites the creation of the South
Saskatchewan Region Surface Water Quality Management Framework as a proactive and dynamic
management approach that assures water quality and a collaborative approach to water quality
management; and
WHEREAS the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan 2014-2024 states that “collaboration and shared
stewardship will be essential to achieving responsible management [of the Headwaters].”; and
WHEREAS the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan 2014-2024 clearly states under “Section 4: Water” that
“shared stewardship is essential. The Province will continue to work with municipalities and other
stakeholders to…encourage protection of water resources and responsible development.”;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta request the Government of
Alberta to take proactive measures to ensure that the headwaters of the South Saskatchewan River
Basin are managed to maintain water recharge capabilitie s, to sustain high water quality and to
provide access to sufficient water supplies for a large number of Albertans.
Member Background
The Government of Alberta has historically relied on an open and transparent consultation process when
dealing with events that could have huge impacts on water quality and access to water by Albertans.
Recently the Government of Alberta has arbitrarily circumvented normal public consultation processes in
favour of the development of a single industry at the expense of other industries, the aquatic environment
and the citizens of Alberta. By doing so, the quality and access to water quantities could be put at serious
risk.
In addition, the Government of Alberta has initiated actions to dismantle water allocation orders duly put in
place to ensure that Albertans have a fair access to water to serve agriculture producers, residential users,
municipalities and industry.
Furthermore, this issue was in part brought to the attention of the Government of Alberta in 2003 by RMA
Resolution ER3-03F. The then-Minister of Environment was urged to ensure that the upper reaches,
headwaters and source areas of the South Saskatchewan River were included in the South Saskatchewan
River Basin Water Management Project with special focus being given to many of the issues raised in this
proposed resolution, including broad public consultation.
RMA Background
19-19F: Water Security in Southern Alberta
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate that the
Government of Alberta address water security issues in southern Alberta by constructing additional
water storage in southern Alberta for the purpose of buffering flood events and to retain water
during periods of shortage.
Click here to view the full resolution.
Resolution 6-21S
National Flood Insurance Strategy and Community Resiliency Advocacy
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
Simple Majority Required
Endorsed by District 4 (Northern)
WHEREAS the Government of Canada has created a National Task Force on Flood Insurance and
Relocation (the “Task Force”), including representation from the federal, provincial, and territorial
governments and the insurance industry; and
WHEREAS Indigenous Services Canada will work with First Nations partners on a dedicated Steering
Committee on First Nations Home Flood Insurance Needs to examine the unique context on reserves; and
WHEREAS the Task Force will consider options to protect homeowners who are at high risk of flooding and
do not have adequate insurance protection and examine the viability of a low-cost national flood insurance
program, among other goals; and
WHEREAS flooding is the most common and costly natural disaster in Canada, causing over one billion
dollars in direct damage to residential property and impacting thousands of Canadians every year; and
WHEREAS according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada, in 2019 only 39 percent of residential property
owners had access to overland flood insurance; and
WHEREAS many of the property owners unable to access flood insurance (affordable or otherwise) have
properties located in high-risk flood areas;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate for the
Government of Alberta to participate in and contribute to the work of the National Task Force on
Flood Insurance and Relocation;
FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that the Government of Alberta’s participation on the National Task
Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation focus on advocating for the development of a national
high-risk residential flood insurance program and sustainable, long-term funding for provinces,
Indigenous communities and municipalities for flood mitigation programs, projects and initiatives
that increase overall community resiliency.
Member Background
Government of Canada Creates Task Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation
From: Public Safety Canada news release (November 23, 2020)
“The cost of climate change is undeniable. Flooding continues to be the most frequent and costly natural
disaster in Canada. Water damage goes beyond the destruction of property; it also places an emotional toll
on individuals as their homes are destroyed and families are displaced. Each year, too many Canadians,
including Indigenous communities, are exposed to the worst effects of climate change. To help people get
ready for climate risks and realities, the Government of Canada is taking action to create a more resilient
and sustainable approach to floods in Canada.
Today, the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, the Honourable Bill Blair, and the
Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, announced the
creation of an interdisciplinary Task Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation. As a first step in cre ating a
National High Risk Residential Flood Insurance Program, the Task Force will look at options to protect
homeowners who are at high risk of flooding and don’t have adequate insurance protection, and examine
the viability of a low-cost national flood insurance program. The Task Force will also consider options for
potential relocation for residents of areas at the highest risk of recurrent flooding.
The Task Force will be composed of representatives from federal, provincial and territorial governments
and the insurance industry. At the same time, Indigenous Services Canada will work with First Nations
partners on a dedicated Steering Committee on First Nations Home Flood Insurance Needs to examine the
unique context on reserves.
The Government of Canada is also committed to ensuring that broad Indigenous perspectives are included
in flood risk management in Canada. The Task Force and Steering Committee will share information with
one another, and work closely together to engage with various partners, i ncluding with First Nations off-
reserve, Inuit, and Métis communities and organizations. Both entities will begin their work by January 2021
and will report on their findings by Spring 2022.
We will continue to help people whose jobs and livelihoods are a ffected when disasters strike and help
people and communities deal with the realities of increased climate -related risks and disasters and
ultimately, increase the country’s resiliency to natural disasters. To further support communities in
effectively managing, mitigating, preparing, and responding to all sorts of hazardous events, including
flooding, Public Safety Canada will also be undertaking a review of the Disaster Financial Assistance
arrangements, in order to assess and improve the sustainability of this program.
Further, as committed in the July 2020 Economic Update, the National Disaster Mitigation Program will be
extended through to 2022, to cost-share flood mitigation projects with provinces and territories. A call for
proposals will soon be launched to continue this important work.”
Quick facts
• Flooding is the most common and costly occurring natural hazard in Canada, causing over one
billion dollars in direct damage to households, property and infrastructure and affecting thousands
of Canadians each year.
• As announced in the Speech from the Throne, the Government of Canada is investing in reducing
the impact of climate-related disasters, like floods and wildfires, to make communities safer and
more resilient.
• The Task Force on Flood Insurance and Relocation is tasked with examining a national residential
flood insurance program for homeowners living in areas of high-risk flooding and measures for a
national action plan to assist high-risk homeowners with potential relocation to safer areas.
• In the event of a large-scale natural disaster, the Government of Canada provides financial
assistance for recovery to provincial and territorial governments through Disaster Financial
Assistance Arrangements (DFAA). In order to assess the sustainability of the DFAA, Public Safety
Canada is undertaking a review of its terms and conditions.
• According to an estimate by the Insurance Bureau of Canada, approximately 39 per cent of
homeowners had access in 2019 to overland flood insurance. While the availabilit y of flood
insurance in Canada has grown since the insurance industry introduced it in 2015, it is mostly
homes in low and medium risk areas that have been insured against flood damages. Homeowners
in high-risk flood areas cannot access flood insurance bec ause the high costs make it challenging
for the industry to offer insurance at an affordable rate for homeowners.
• According to Canadian Voices on Flood Risk 2020, a report by Partners for Action, only 6% of
respondents knew that they live in a designated flood risk area.
RMA Background
16-20F: Federal and Provincial Disaster Support
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta advocate to the
Government of Alberta for continued Disaster Recovery Program funding to support community
reslience and enable the relocation of affected property owners where re-construction is impractical
or inadvisable.
Click here to view the full resolution.
REQUEST FOR DECISION
AGENDA ITEM #
8.4
Page 1 of 2
Version: 2020-02
Subject: Motion to Support 988 Crisis Hotline
Meeting Date: Tuesday, July 21, 2020
Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Services Coordinator
Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO
Link to Strat Plan: Level of Service
Recommended
Motion:
WHEREAS the Federal government has passed a motion to adopt 988, a National
three-digit suicide and crisis hotline;
AND WHEREAS the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for
suicide prevention services by 200 per cent;
AND WHEREAS existing suicide prevention hotlines require the user to remember
a 10-digit number and go through directories or be placed on hold;
AND WHEREAS in 2O22 the United States will have in place a national 988 crisis
hotline;
AND WHEREAS Kneehill County Council recognizes that it is a significant and
important initiative to ensure critical barriers are removed to those in a crisis and
seeking help;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Kneehill County Council endorses
this 988 crisis line initiative;
and that Staff be directed to send a letter indicating such support to the local MP,
MLA, Federal Minister of Health, the CRTC to indicate our support.
Background/
Proposal
Administration received a request from Damien C. Kurek, Member of Parliament for
Battle River Crowfoot, for Council to pass a motion to endorse the proposed 988
crisis line.
Discussion/
Options/
Benefits/
Disadvantages:
Damien Kurek reports in his request that the past year has been a challenging year
and the mental health implications have been severe. Mental health is a serious
issue and needs to be talked about more than just on awareness days. Although
there are supports available they are not widely known, and they need to be. In
addition, they need to be accessible to everyone, not only to people in major cities
and would like to see a national suicide prevention hotline established that
consolidates all suicide crisis numbers into one easy to remember three-digit (988)
hotline that is accessible to all Canadians.
Financial
Implications:
No financial implications to the County.
Council Options:
1. Council direct administration to supply a letter of support
2. Council receive the request for information
REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM #
8.4
Page 2 of 2
Version: 2020-02
Recommended
Engagement: ☒ Directive Decision (Information Sharing-One way communication)
Goal: To educate and inform citizens
Tools: ☐ Individual Notification or ☒ Public Notification ☐ Consultative Decision (Consulting the Public – Two way communication)
Goal: To seek feedback, test ideas, develop concepts and collaborative solutions
Tools: ☐ Public Hearing ☐ Open House ☐ Focus Group ☐ Other- ☐ Collaborative Decision (Active Participation- Share or delegate decision making)
Goal: To share or delegate decision making
Tools: ☐ Participatory Decision Making ☐ Inter-Municipal Agreement ☐ Other-
Attachments:
Damien C. Kurek, MP, request letter
Follow-up
Actions:
CAO Approval:
Laurie Watt, Acting Chief Administrative
Officer
From:Mike Haugen
To:Carolyn Van der Kuil
Subject:FW: Motion to Support 988 Crisis Hotline
Date:Wednesday, February 24, 2021 9:44:34 AM
Attachments:image001.jpg
image002.png
image003.png
image004.png
image005.png
image006.png
image007.png
image008.png
Carolyn,
Can you please do up an item on this for the next Council Meeting. “That Council provide a letter of support for the
implementation of a national suicide prevention hotline”
Thank you,
Mike Haugen
Chief Administrative Officer
Kneehill County
403-443-5541
mike.haugen@kneehillcounty.com
www.kneehillcounty.com
Box 400 , Three Hills Alberta, T0M 2A0
From: James, Jessika (Kurek, Damien - MP) [mailto:jessika.james.702@parl.gc.ca]
Sent: February 16, 2021 12:24 PM
To: Mike Haugen <Mike.Haugen@kneehillcounty.com>
Subject: Motion to Support 988 Crisis Hotline
February 16th, 2021
To Mr. Mike Haugen via email: cao@kneehillcounty.com
Dear Mr. Haugen,
Over the past year, I have heard about the challenges with maintaining strong mental health and the devastatingconsequences of that on people, families, and communities. Mental health is a serious issue that needs to be talkedabout more than just on awareness days.
Although there are some supports available, they are not widely known, and they need to be. In addition, they needto be accessible to everyone, not only to people in major cities.
While there have been significant steps taken in the past few years, it is not enough, and more needs to be donestill.
On December 11th, 2020, the House of Commons passed a motion introduced by Conservative MP Todd Doherty,
through unanimous consent, to bring a national 3-digit suicide prevention hotline line to Canada.
That, given that the alarming rate of suicide in Canada constitutes a national health crisis,
the House call on the government to take immediate action, in collaboration with our
provinces, to establish a national suicide prevention hotline that consolidates all suicide
crisis numbers into one easy to remember three-digit (988) hot‐ line that is accessible to all
Canadians.
I’m asking that all municipalities across Battle River – Crowfoot consider passing a motion similar to the one
below. In order to make 988 a reality, we must continue to put pressure on the government and the Canadian
Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC).
Personally, you can also support the cause by signing our electronic petition at:
https://petitions.ourcommons.ca/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-2772
The past year has been a challenging year and the mental health implications have been severe. As local leaders,
and especially during this period of difficulty, our constituents are looking for leadership. This is one small step we
can all take.
Please feel free to reach out if we can assist you in any way.
Sincerely,
Damien C. Kurek, MP
Battle River - Crowfoot
4945 50 St Camrose AB T4V 1P9
Tel. : 800-665-4358
Text: 403-575-5625
@dckurek
Subscribe to my E-Newsletter!
damien.kurek@parl.gc.ca
Draft motion:
Support for 988 Crisis Line
WHEREAS the Federal government has passed a motion to adopt 988, a National three-digit suicide
and crisis hotline;
AND WHEREAS the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has increased the demand for suicide prevention
services by 200 per cent;
AND WHEREAS existing suicide prevention hotlines require the user to remember a 10-digit
number and go through directories or be placed on hold;
AND WHEREAS in 2O22 the United States will have in place a national 988 crisis hotline;
AND WHEREAS Kneehill County Council recognizes that it is a significant and important initiative to ensure
critical barriers are removed to those in a crisis and seeking help;
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT Kneehill County Council endorses this 988 crisis line initiative;
and that Staff be directed to send a letter indicating such support to the local MP, MLA, Federal Minister of Health,
the CRTC and local area municipalities to indicate our support.
REQUEST FOR DECISION
AGENDA ITEM #
11.0
Page 1 of 1
Version: 2020-01
Subject: Council Follow-up Action List
Meeting Date: Tuesday, March 9, 2021
Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO
Link to Strat Plan: Level of Service
Recommended
Motion:
That Council receive for information the Council Follow-up Action List as presented.
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.
Financial
Implications:
N/A
Council Options:
1. Receive the report regarding the Council Follow-up Action List for information.
2. Council provide further direction or required changes/amendments.
Recommended
Engagement: ☒ Directive Decision (Information Sharing-One way communication)
Goal: To educate and inform citizens
Tools: ☒ Individual Notification or ☒ Public Notification
☐ Consultative Decision (Consulting the Public – Two way communication)
Goal: To seek feedback, test ideas, develop concepts and collaborative solutions
Tools: ☐ Public Hearing ☐ Open House ☐ Focus Group ☐ Other-
☐ Collaborative Decision (Active Participation- Share or delegate decision making)
Goal: To share or delegate decision making
Tools: ☐ Participatory Decision Making ☐ Inter-Municipal Agreement ☐ Other-
Attachments:
March 9, 2021 Council Follow-Up Action List
Follow-up
Actions:
Update Action List and provide updated Council Follow-Up Action List at the next
Council meeting.
CAO Approval:
Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer
Meeting Date Motion #Description/Motion
Action Required Assigned To Due Date Status
14-Jan-20 27/20
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council authorize the
funds realized from the sale of surplus equipment located on
the property located at SE 15-28-22 W4M be transferred to
the Building Reserve.Laurie Watt
Obtaining quotes on
removing the leg from the
bins
24-Mar-20 169/2020
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council direct
administration to bring back the Procedural Bylaw for revision
immediately following the conclusion of the COVID-19 event.Carolyn Van der Kuil
On hold until COVID-19 is
over
23-Jun-20 280/2020
Councillor King moved that Council directs Administration to
actively pursue further details on a partnership opportunity
with the Province for Bleriot Ferry Campground and Tolman
West Campground.COMPLETED Laurie Watt
Update coming to Feb
23/21 Council meeting.
21-Jul-20 302/2020
Councillor Christie moved that Council move first reading of
Bylaw 1823 to pursue the road closure and consolidation of a
portion of Township Road 28-4, which is an undeveloped road
allowance adjacent to the south end of Horseshoe Canyon
(more specifically the SW-27-28-21-W4), and road plan 834 LK
into descriptive plan 091 0342, Block 1, Lot 2.Barb Hazelton
Waiting for Minister
Approval; In Progress
08-Sep-20 353/2020
Councillor King moved to suspend the pay parking and the
day use washroom facility projects at Horseshoe Canyon, and
directs administration to work with the focus group to identify
gaps that private industry may not be able to fill.Laurie Watt
Pay Parking pilot project
will proceed in during
2021 season opening.
Focus Group will bring a
report to the April COW
Meeting.
13-Oct-20 395/2020
Councillor Penner moved that Council direct Administration to
engage with the residents within the defined area east of
Three Hills to gauge the interest in a municipal water supply
system.John McKiernan
Working with
Communications to
release the engagement
survey for early March
27-Oct-20 479/2020
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council direct
Administration to take the necessary steps to transfer Lot:
1ER Block 2 Plan: 8210253 to the Province. Mike Haugen
AB Transportation has
been notified. Waiting
reply!
08-Dec-20 524/2020
Councillor Penner moved to schedule the Public Hearing for
Bylaw 1829, as per Section 692 of the Municipal Government
Act, on February 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.COMPLETED Barb Hazelton
On the Council agenda for
February23, 2020
26-Jan-21 37/21 Councillor King moved that Council direct administration to
prepare draft policies governing Council remuneration.Carolyn Van der Kuil
Draft policy on March 9th
Agenda
09-Feb-21 50/21
Councillor King moved that Council direct Administration to
explore with the Orkney Water Co-op a plan for Kneehill
County to assume ownership and operation of the system.John McKiernan
Meeting occurred Feb 24.
A draft proposal is in
progress.
09-Feb-21 53/21
09-Feb-21 59/21
Councillor Penner moved that Council direct Administration to
review the ICF Fire Agreements to ensure whether a
clarification/MOU is needed with all contracted municipalities
in regards to the communications system.Mike Haugen
Advisory letter being
drafted to CAOs regarding
the scope of the project.
Does not impact any
terms of the current fire
agreement.
23-Feb-21 72/21
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved first reading of proposed
Bylaw 1832 for the purpose of amending Land Use Bylaw
1808 by redesignating a portion of SW 35-33-26 W4 Plan 5899
GW from the Hamlet General District to the Agriculture
District.COMPLETED
Council Action Items
Councillor King moved that Kneehill County commit to
proceed with the appropriate legislative steps prescribed in
the MGA of Alberta that will allow for the implementation of
the bylaw(s) required to be able to provide financial backing,
in the form of Security, to the Town of Trochu for the
borrowing of up to $20 Million, for a period of time not to
exceed four (4) years.
The understanding is that the provided Security, if
appropriate bylaws are passed, will support the Town of
Trochu in obtaining interim (bridge) project financing during
the construction of the Trochu Senior’s Supportive Living
Facility.
The following conditions apply:
The Town of Trochu and Kneehill County must meet all
legislated requirements with respect to borrowing and
extending debt limits and provision of the Security.
Capital grant funding of $19 Million must be approved.
Trochu Housing Corporation is required to validate sales of a
minimum of 90% of the 24 Life Lease Units prior to the
commencement of construction.
The Security provided by Kneehill County will be available for
four (4) years from the date the Town of Trochu and Kneehill
County sign the necessary intermunicipal agreements.
The Town of Trochu shall be responsible for any costs
incurred by Kneehill County associated with the development,
implementation and maintenance of the Security.
Guarantee by the Town of Trochu and Trochu Housing
Corporation that no other financial or material commitments
beyond the Security to be requested of Kneehill County.
Meeting Date Motion #Description/Motion
Action Required Assigned To Due Date Status
Council Action Items
23-Feb-21 73/21
Councillor Christie moved that Council schedule the Public
Hearing, as per Section 230 & 692 of the Municipal
Government Act, to be held on March 23, 2021 at 10:00 a.m.
On the March 23rd
Agenda
23-Feb-21 74/21
Councillor King moved that Council moves to withdraw
interest in assuming operation of Tolman West Campground.COMPLETED
23-Feb-21 75/21
Councillor Christie moved that Council approves that Starland
County be permitted to operate Tolman West Campground
within the boundary of Kneehill County and making sure if
they withdraw Kneehill County is notified.COMPLETED Laurie Watt
23-Feb-21 76/21 Councillor King moved that the Fiscal Update report be
received for information, as presented.COMPLETED
23-Feb-21 79/21
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council approve the
budget amendments for Capital Projects which are over-spent
by funding these from the projects that were under-spent and
which had the same original funding source as detailed in
Appendix A – Capital Projects.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 80/21
Councillor Christie moved that Council approve $20,000 in
carry-forward funding for the RR24 project funded through
the Roads Reserve. COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 81/21
Councillor Penner moved that Council approve $25,000 in
carry-forward funding for the Churchill project funded
through the Water Service Area Reserve.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 82/21
Councillor King moved that Council approve $25,000 in carry-
forward funding for the Wimborne Environmental project
funded through the Environmental Reserve.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 83/21
Councillor King moved that Council approve funds in the
amount of $2,051,916 relating to completed projects which
are currently in the Transitional Reserve be transferred to the
Roads Reserve. COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 84/21
Councillor Christie moved that Council approve the carry-
forward projects and funding sources as detailed in Appendix
B – 2020 Carry Forward Projects.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 85/21
Councillor Keiver moved that Council approve the budget
amendments for Capital Equipment Plan purchases which are
over-spent by funding these from the projects that were
under-spent as detailed in Appendix C – Capital Equipment
Plan Projects.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 86/21
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council approve the carry-
forward CEP project, funded through the Capital Equipment
Plan Reserve as detailed in Appendix C.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 87/21 Councillor Keiver moved that the 2020 Project Status Report
be received for information.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 88/21
Councillor Christie moved that Council approve an additional
contribution of $78,001 to the Water Service Area Reserve.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 89/21
Councillor King moved that Council approve a draw from the
Revenue Stabilization Reserve in the amount of $1,425,000 to
fund the allowance for uncollectable property taxes.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 90/21
Councillor Penner moved that Council approve an additional
contribution of $59,863 to the Capital Equipment Plan
Reserve.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 91/21
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council approve a
contribution to the Parks Reserve in the amount of $80,000
from the operating surplus to provide contingency funding for
the Road Spraying program.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 92/21
Councillor Keiver moved that Council approve a reduction of
$30,000 for the Horseshoe Canyon Capital Project to fund the
Horseshoe Canyon focus group, and that $18,000 be funded
as a carry-forward operating project funded from the Parks
Reserve.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 93/21
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council approve the
remaining balance of the 2020 Operating Budget Surplus be
allocated to the Revenue Stabilization Reserve.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 94/21
Councillor Christie moved that Council approve a contribution
of $240,000 to the Revenue Stabilization Reserve to fund
carry-forward initiatives as detailed in Appendix B. COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 95/21
Councillor Penner moved that the 2020 Preliminary Operating
Budget Results report be received for information.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
Meeting Date Motion #Description/Motion
Action Required Assigned To Due Date Status
Council Action Items
23-Feb-21 96/21
Councillor King moved that the 2021 Operating Budget in the
amount of $29,947,902 as detailed in Appendix A be
approved.
Councillor Hugo requested a recorded vote
In Favour:
Reeve Wittstock, Deputy Reeve McGhee, Councillor Keiver,
Councillor King, Councillor Penner, Councillor Christie
Opposed:
Councillor Hugo COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 97/21
Councillor Keiver moved that the transfers from reserves and
contributions to reserves as detailed in Appendix B be
approved. COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 98/21
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that the 2021 Capital Budget
and funding sources in the amount of $12,870,182 as detailed
in Appendix E be approved.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 99/21
Councillor Christie moved that the 2021 Operating and Capital
Budget Approval Report be received for information.COMPLETED Marika Von Mirbach
23-Feb-21 101/21 Councillor Christie moved that Council approve Policy #3-27,
Council Correspondence, as presented.COMPLETED
23-Feb-21 102/21 Councillor Penner moved that Council approve Policy #11-1,
Handling Public Concerns, as presented.COMPLETED
23-Feb-21 103/21
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council approve
sponsorship in the amount of $800.00 to the Kneehill 4-H
District to help with the cost associated with the 2021 District
Show/Sale.COMPLETED
23-Feb-21 104/21
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council direct
administration to invite David Price to a future Council
meeting, to formally congratulate Mr. Price on his
achievement of being inducted into the Alberta Agriculture
Hall of Fame and to create an article in the next Ratepayer
Newsletter acknowledging this accomplishment.Carolyn Van der Kuil
Mr. Price will be at the
April 13th, 2021 meeting
at 11:00 a.m.
23-Feb-21 106/21
Councillor King moved that Council direct administration to
bring back the Council Compensation and Expense
Reimbursement Policy for ratification to the next Council
Meeting.Carolyn Van der Kuil On the March 9th Agenda
23-Feb-21 107/21
Deputy Reeve McGhee moved that Council direct
administration to provide a letter of support for TELUS
regarding their application to the Universal Broadband Fund.COMPLETED
23-Feb-21 108/21
Councillor Penner moved that Council move to appoint
Councillor King to the Trochu Housing Corporation Committee
and Councillor Christie as alternate.COMPLETED
23-Feb-21 109/21
Councillor Penner moved that Council continue the Capital
Newspaper Delivery Program for 2021, and that staff be
directed to develop a pay for service program to begin in 2022
offered to ratepayers who do not get the Three Hills Capital in
the mail. Christine Anderson
23-Feb-21 110/21
Councillor King moved that Council provide feedback to the
Kneehill Regional Partnership that our preference would be to
have a smaller regional orientation for member
municipalities. Mike Haugen
23-Feb-21 111/21
Councillor Penner moved that Council direct administration to
create a letter to the CN Rail and Grain Corporation in regards
to train placement at the Grain Terminal located next to
Huxley.COMPLETED
23-Feb-21 112/21
Councillor Keiver moved that Council receive for information
and encourage Mr. Ferguson to work privately with the
landowner for easement.COMPLETED
23-Feb-21 113
&114/21
Second and Third reading was provided to Bylaw 1829 for the
purpose of adopting the Municipal Development Plan as
amended.COMPLETED
23-Feb-21 115/21
Councillor King moved that Council receive for information
the Three Hills and Beiseker RCMP report and provide the
Three Hills detachment a list of Council’s community priorities
as follows:
• Rural Crime Prevention
• Presence in rural communities
• Road safety
• Reports on how many active on-duty staff members are at
each detachment
• Working Cooperatively with Kneehill County Protective
Services Department COMPLETED
AMENDMENT SUMMARY
Council Meeting Date: March 9, 2021
Purpose:
The purpose of the Amendment Summary is to explain the differences from the original package that
was presented at the Council meeting compared to the amended version.
Agenda:
Additions under Council and Committee Reports
10.1 Drumheller Solid Waste Association
10.2 Community Futures Wildrose
Package:
No additions were added to package