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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2022.02.14 Council Package adopted COUNCIL MEETING AGENDA 1600-2nd Street NE Three Hills, AB T0M 2A0 February 14, 2023 8:30 a.m. CALL MEETING TO ORDER Pages 1.0 Agenda 1-2 1.1 Additions to the Agenda 1.2 Adoption of the Agenda 2.0 Approval of Minutes 2.1 Regular Council Meeting Minutes of January 24, 2023 3-7 3.0 Appointments (Public Hearings & Delegations) 3.1 Three Hills RCMP, Sgt. Jamie Day@ 8:35 a.m. 8-13 4.0 Infrastructure- Roads/Bridges/Water/Wastewater/Environment No Report 5.0 Community Services 5.1 Planning No Report 5.2 Agricultural Service Board & Parks 5.2.1 Council Appointment of ASB as SCA Appeal Board 14-16 5.3 Protective Services 5.3.1 Fire Engine Purchase 17-21 5.4 Economic Development No Report 6.0 Corporate Services 6.1 2023 Operating and Capital Budget Presentation (Phase 1) 22- 7.0 New and Unfinished Business 7.1 Kneehill Area Community Discovery Nights 2023 7.2 Joint Advocacy for Improved Solar Farm Governance 8.0 Disposition of Delegation & Public Hearing Business 8.1 Three Hills RCMP 9.0 Council and Committee Reports 9.1 Community Futures Wildrose 9.2 Councillor McGhee Division 1 Report 1 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted February 14, 2023 Council Meeting Agenda Page 2 of 2 10.0 Council Follow-up Action List 11.0 Closed Session 11.1 Third Party Business Interest (Section 16- FOIP) 11.2 Intergovernmental Relations (Section 21- FOIP) 12.0 Motions from Closed Session 2 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 1 ________ Initials MINUTES OF THE JANUARY 24, 2023 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, Councillor Division No. 3 Jerry Wittstock, Reeve Division No. 4 Carrie Fobes, Councillor Division No. 5 Laura Lee Machell-Cunningham, Councillor Division No. 6 Wade Christie, Councillor Division No. 7 Kenneth King, Deputy Reeve ABSENT: Division No. 2 Debbie Penner, Councillor ALSO PRESENT: Chief Administrative Officer Mike Haugen Director of Infrastructure Mike Ziehr Director of Community Services Kevin Gannon Protective Services Manager Debra Grosfield ASB & Parks Manager Shelby Sherwick Tax Clerk Caroline Siverson Environmental Services Manager John McKiernan Manager of Planning and Development Barb Hazelton Recording Secretary Carolyn Van der Kuil CALL TO ORDER Reeve Wittstock in the Chair Reeve Wittstock called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. AGENDA 1.0 Agenda 1.1 Additions to the Agenda Additions under New Business 7.2 Community Grant Application- Trochu Ag Society Additions under Council and Committee Reports 9.2 Trochu Housing 9.3 2023 ASB Convention ADOPTION OF AGENDA 1.2 Adoption of Agenda 16/23 Councillor Christie moved approval of the agenda as amended. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 3 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted COUNCIL MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 2 _________ Initials MINUTES 2.0 Minutes 2.1 Regular Council Meeting Minutes of January 10, 2023 17/23 Councillor McGhee moved approval of the January 10, 2023, Council Meeting minutes as presented. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY INFRASTRUCTURE 4.0 Infrastructure- Roads/Bridges/Water/Wastewater/Environment 4.1 Kneehill County Transfer Sites - Overview 18/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council receive the presentation for information as presented. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY COMMUNITY SERVICES 5.0 Community Services PLANNING 5.1 Planning 5.1.1 Starland County/Kneehill County Intermunicipal Development Plan 19/23 Councillor Fobes moved that Council provide second reading to Bylaw 1869, Starland County & Kneehill County Intermunicipal Development Plan. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 20/23 Councillor McGhee moved that Council provide third reading to Bylaw 1869, Starland County & Kneehill County Intermunicipal Development Plan. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY AG SERVICES 5.2 Agricultural Service Board and Parks 5.2.1 2023 BMO Stampede Farm Family Award 21/23 Councillor Christie moved that Council nominate Lemay Agribusiness Ltd. (Mike & Suzanne Lemay) to receive the 2023 BMO Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award as recommended by the Agricultural Service Board, as well as approves attendance to the event for Deputy Reeve King as the County Representative. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY PROTECT SERV 5.3 Protective Services 5.3.1 Appointment of Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief of Torrington Fire 22/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council appoints Jason Michielsen as Torrington Fire Chief and Derek Benedict as Torrington Deputy Fire Chief for a two-year term to January 31, 2025. Should either of these 4 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted COUNCIL MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 3 _________ Initials members leave the department, their position will be deemed vacant immediately. CARRIED The Chair called for a recess at 9:25 a.m. and called the meeting back to order at 9:51 a.m. with all previously mentioned Council members present. CORPORATE SERV 6.0 Corporate Services 6.1 Overview of Oil and Gas Tax Arrears 23/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council receive for information the Oil and Gas Tax Arrears report. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 6.2 Tax Cancellation – Trident Exploration 24/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that the amount of $4,913,262.83 be expensed and cancelled on Rolls 29253332100, 29260310700, 29260341600, 29261010800, 29261041600, 29261410700, 29261420300, 30251410110, 30251910700, 30251931200, 31222510100, 32220642100, 32223541000, 32231020410, 32231510800, 32232320600, 32232731300, 32233420400, 32233631400, 32233641000, 33220310800, 33221710800, 33221831100, 33221910700, 33222910700, 33231310100, 33232410800, 33233010100, 34213231300, 34213240900, 34222431300, 40000410000 as this is amount is no longer collectible. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 6.3 Tax Cancellation 25/23 Councillor McGhee moved that Council approve to cancel the taxes on Roll 30211533000 & 50000000022 in the amount of $1,340.38. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY NEW BUSINESS 7.0 New and Unfinished Business 7.1 Renewable Energy – Information and Lobby Efforts 26/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council direct Administration to prepare an information package for landowners considering or affected by renewable energy development. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY The Chair called for a recess at 11:17 a.m. and called the meeting back to order at 11:40 a.m. with all previously mentioned Council members present. 5 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted COUNCIL MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 4 _________ Initials 7.2 Community Grant Application – Trochu Ag Society 27/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council provide funding to the Trochu Ag Society, through the Community Grant program, in the amount of $17,500.00. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY COUNCIL REPORTS 9.0 Council and Committee Reports 9.1 Community Futures Wildrose- Loan Portfolio Report was provided. 9.2 Trochu Housing Corporation- A verbal report was provided by Deputy Reeve King. 9.3 2023 ASB Conference- A verbal report was provided by Councillor Christie. 28/23 Councillor Christie moved that Council receive the Council and Committee reports for information, as presented. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY COUNCIL ACT LIST 10.0 Council Follow-Up Action List 29/23 Councillor McGhee moved that Council receive for information the Council Follow-Up Action List as presented. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY CLOSED SESSION 11.0 Closed Session 30/23 Councillor Christie moved that Council convene in Closed Session to discuss Personnel pursuant to Section 17 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act, at 12:06 p.m. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Councillor Christie left the meeting at 1:11 p.m. and returned at 1:40 p.m. 31/23 Councillor Cunningham moved that Council return to open meeting at 1:53 p.m. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 1:53 p.m. – meeting recessed to allow return of public. 1:55 p.m. - meeting resumed. 12.0 Motions from Closed Session 6 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted COUNCIL MINUTES OF JANUARY 24, 2023 5 _________ Initials 32/23 Councillor McGhee moved that Council authorize the hiring of a fourth Community Peace Officer Level 1 position. CARRIED ADJOURNMENT Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 1:57 p.m. ________________________ Jerry Wittstock Reeve _______________________ Mike Haugen CAO 7 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Delegation Request Form Please submit completed form to carolyn.vanderkuil@kneehillcounty.com This personal information is being collected under the authority of Section (c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used in scheduling you as a delegation before Council. If you have any questions about the collection of this information, please contact the FOIP Coordinator at 403-443-5541. Regular Council Meeting Date & Time: GUIDELINES • Presentations are not to exceed 15 minutes, including questions, unless permitted by Council. • The Delegation Request Form and related documents will become part of the public record and will be released/published in the agenda and minutes and will be made available to the pubic in a variety of methods. • Persons interested in requesting a presentation to Kneehill County Council must supply all pertinent information including handouts, PowerPoint Presentations no later than 4:00 p.m. on the Wednesday prior to the scheduled Tuesday meeting. If your material is not published in the agenda, bring ten (10) copies with you to the meeting. Note: distributed documents will become part of the public record. • The County’s Council meetings are video recorded and live-streamed on the County’s website. Please submit completed form to carolyn.vanderkuil@kneehillcounty.com PRESENTER DETAILS Name: (Person Making presentation) Company or Group Represented: Contact Number: Email: Mailing Address: MEETING DETAILS Please Note: Regular Council Meetings are held the second and fourth Tuesday of every month unless otherwise posted. Please see Kneehill County Website or contact Administration for more information. 8 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Delegation Request Form Please submit completed form to carolyn.vanderkuil@kneehillcounty.com This personal information is being collected under the authority of Section (c) of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and will be used in scheduling you as a delegation before Council. If you have any questions about the collection of this information, please contact the FOIP Coordinator at 403-443-5541. PRESENTATION TOPIC Will the presentation require PowerPoint facilities? Yes  No  The topic of the discussion is (be specific, provide details, and attach additional information, if required so that all necessary details may be considered.): PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION ☐ Information Only ☐ Request Action/Support ☐ Request Funds ☐ Other Desired Resolution (What is the decision you are asking to make?) • Have you included all attachments? • Does your summary contain all pertinent information? • Have you provided enough information to enable Council to make an informed decision? • Have you reviewed your presentation to ensure that it will fit within the specified timelines? 9 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 1 of 2 2023-01-24 Sergeant Jamie Day Detachment Commander NCO i/c Three Hills, Alberta Dear Reeve Wittstock, Please find attached the quarterly Community Policing Report that serves to provide a quarterly snapshot of the human resources, financial data and crime statistics for the Three Hills RCMP Detachment spanning the October 1st to December 31st, 2022 reporting period. This report is a key tool to address any questions or concerns you may have, as part of our continued commitment to engage with your leadership team and the constituents you represent. As we embark on 2023, the top priority for the Alberta RCMP remains the safety and security of all Albertans. Thus, this letter and attached appendixes will provide for you an update on our Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) upgrades in our Operational Communications Centers (OCC). The Alberta RCMP OCC Program provides response to police emergencies and routine calls for service to approximately 1.3 million citizens of Alberta, including 22 First Nations communities. The OCC provides police dispatch and call-taking services supporting 117 RCMP detachments and several contracted and/or integrated units. Our call-taking services also serve as a Secondary Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for Alberta’s 9-1-1 system. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has mandated the replacement of the current Enhanced 9-1-1 service in Canada with NG911. This change will enhance public safety communications in an increasingly wireless society and will fundamentally change 9-1-1 and emergency services operations as it exists today. The evolution of NG911 future improvements are anticipated to include: • 9-1-1 Real-time Text (RTT) by Spring 2024. • Further location improvements including the potential addition of azimuth to enhance coordinates, vehicle telematics, and building schematics. • The potential to communicate with 911 operators via video call. As early adopters of this transition to NG911, the Alberta RCMP’s lead in modernizing public safety communications demonstrates our commitment to the safety and security of all Albertans. 10 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 2 of 2 As a further update, we are also getting the process underway for multi-year financial plans for MPSA and PPSA contracts. If you are policed under a MPSA, I will be working directly with you to craft the multi-year financial plan for your community. If you are policed under the Provincial Police Service (communities under 5,000), the Alberta RCMP will be working directly with the Province of Alberta to develop the multi-year financial plan. The attached reporting along with your valued feedback will help ensure we are meeting your community needs on an ongoing basis. As the Chief of Police for your community, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Sincerely, Sergeant Jamie Day Detachment Commander NCO i/c Three Hills Detachment 11 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Alberta RCMP OCC Program RCMP Emergency 9-1-1 Alberta RCMP Operational Communications Centre Page 1 of 2 A. Who we are…. The Alberta RCMP has two 9-1-1 call taking centres located in Edmonton and Red Deer. Each centre employs 75 highly trained 9-1-1 call taker / dispatchers, responding to police emergency and routine calls. Employees working in RCMP Emergency Communications has successfully completed a mandatory national certification program consisting of 320 hours of facilitator led classroom and another 700 hours of on-the-job training with a Field Coach. B. What we do…. The RCMP Provincial Operational Communications Centres (OCC) are the secondary answering point for approximately 1.3 million Albertans, and dispatching 117 RCMP detachments/units. In 2021, we received and processed 236,669 9-1-1 and 361,271 complaint (routine/non- emergency) calls, which equates to about 1,600 calls per day. Approximately 60% of these calls will result in the creation of a police file which will be dispatched to a front-line police officer. Call takers are tasked with asking numerous questions to ensure an appropriate response. These questions will focus on your/the incident location (exact address expedites the process), what is occurring and who is involved. You can expect questions regarding weapons, alcohol and drugs, to ensure everyone’s safety. And don’t worry, often while we are continuing to ask questions, we have already dispatched a police officer who is enroute. C. How it happens…. When you call 9-1-1, you can expect the first response to be “9-1-1 what is your emergency?”, followed by “what is your exact location?”. At this point dependant upon your response, you may be transferred to the correct emergency service provider (i.e. Police, Fire or Ambulance). You will then be asked a 2nd time for your exact location. The more specific you are, will expedite our ability to generate a file for dispatch. The call taker is generating an electronic file ….. D. How you can help…. 1. Know your location. A specific address is always best. 2. Be patient and respond to the questions asked. There is no delay in emergency service response but we must ensure the most appropriate personnel, equipment are enroute to you and make sure everyone is safe. 12 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Alberta RCMP OCC Program RCMP Emergency 9-1-1 Alberta RCMP Operational Communications Centre Page 2 of 2 E. What’s next…. The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunication Commission (CRTC) is the Government of Canada body that regulates telephone and cellular service companies. These companies create networks that make it possible to connect 9-1-1 calls to call centres. These centres then dispatch emergency responders, such as police, firefighters and paramedics. On March 7, 2019, the CRTC directed that all telecommunication service providers and incumbent local exchange carriers (phone, cable & wireless services) must evolve their current networks to provide Internet Protocol-based capabilities by 2025. The new and improved platform is known as Next Generation 9-1-1 or NG9-1-1. NG9-1-1 networks and services will allow Canadians access to new, improved and innovative emergency services. The design and related interconnection arrangement of NG9-1-1 networks are secure, reliable, resilient and cost-effective for stakeholders. F. How will NG9-1-1 changes impact me…. The Next Generation 9-1-1 network and related communications technology will provide emergency service providers with new opportunities to keep the public and field responders safer, while also giving 9-1-1 Emergency Dispatch Centres tools to make them more effective and efficient within their communities. Some of the improvements that will assist in providing improved and safer service delivery will include, better location accuracy (three-dimensional mapping showing which floor of a high rise etc.); improved crash data (vehicle telematics etc.); real-time video and picture sharing; text with 9-1-1 for the deaf and hard of hearing community; new services such as language assistance/translation services; downlinks to smartphone applications (i.e. medical records etc.); and improved coordinated responses and information sharing amongst emergency service providers. G. To find out more…. To find out more about Next Generation 9-1-1, you can visit the CRTC website. To find out more about RCMP 9-1-1 Call Taking/Dispatch jobs, please visit our website. 13 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 14 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 5.2.1 Page 1 of 2 Version: 2022-02 Subject: Council Appointment of ASB as SCA Appeal Board Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 15, 2022 Prepared By: Shelby Sherwick, Manager of Agricultural Services and Parks Presented By: Shelby Sherwick, Manager of Agricultural Services and Parks RECOMMENDED MOTION: That Council appoints the Agricultural Service Board as the Soil Conservation Act Appeal Board, per Section 14(a) of the Soil Conservation Act. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: (Check all that apply) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ ☐ High Quality Infrastructure Economic Resilience Quality of Life Effective Leadership Level of Service RELEVANT LEGISLATION: Provincial – Soil Conservation Act, Section 14 (a)(b)(c)(d) Composition of appeal Committee 14 An appeal committee shall consist of (a) In the case of a municipal district, the Board, or, if there is no Board, at the discretion of the council, (i) the council (ii) at least 3 members of the council appointed by a resolution of the council Soil Conservation Notice Regulation Council Policy - BACKGROUND/PROPOSAL: There are a number of provincial enactments under which the Kneehill County Agricultural Service Board appoints officers for carrying out these acts as legislated, including the Soil Conservation Act. In addition to appointing soil conservation officers, there is a notice and appeal process outlined in the Soil Conservation Notice Regulation for which an Appeal Board is required. Approximately every 5 years, Kneehill County ASB participates in regular field visits conducted by Provincial Agricultural Specialists as part of engagement with ASBs and an opportunity to observe the programs utilizing provincial grant funding at the local level, and also to showcase different programs by ASBs. 15 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 5.2.1 Page 2 of 2 Version: 2022-02 DISCUSSION/OPTIONS/BENEFITS/DISADVANTAGES/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: As part of the 2022 Provincial Field Visit, one of the Recommendations included in the Field Visit Report was that it was noted that there was no previous documentation pertaining to the appointment by Council of a Soil Conservation Act Appeal Board, so it was recommended that Kneehill County Council appoint the Agricultural Service Board as the Soil Conservation Appeal Board per Section 14.(a) of the provincial Soil Conservation Act. FINANCIAL & STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: N/A RECOMMENDED ENGAGEMENT: Directive Decision (Information Sharing, One-Way Communication Tools: Public Notification Other: ATTACHMENTS: N/A COUNCIL OPTIONS: 1. That Council appoints the Agricultural Service Board as the Soil Conservation Act Appeal Board, per Section 14 (a) of the Provincial Soil Conservation Act 2. That Council receives as information FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS: Should any appeals come forward under the Soil Conservation Act, the Kneehill County Agricultural Service Board will serve as the SCA Appeal Board. APPROVAL(S): Kevin Gannon, Director of Community Services Approved- ☒ Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Approved- ☒ 16 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 5.3.1 Page 1 of 5 Version: 2022-02 Subject: Fire Engine Purchase Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Prepared By: Debra Grosfield, Protective Services Manager Presented By: Kevin Gannon, Director Community Services RECOMMENDED MOTION: That Council approve the increase in funding for the Three Hills Engine Replacement, for a total cost of $993,352.80, to be funded from the Capital Equipment Reserve. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: (Check all that apply) ☒ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ High Quality Infrastructure Economic Resilience Quality of Life Effective Leadership Level of Service RELEVANT LEGISLATION: Provincial (cite)- NA Council Bylaw/Policy (cite)- Memorandum of Understanding Agreement with the Town of Three Hills to jointly purchase one engine replacement for the Town (30% funding) and County (70% funding). BACKGROUND/PROPOSAL: Council made a motion in November to move forward with multiple Capital Equipment Plan purchases, including the Engine for the Three Hills fire district. A Memorandum of Understanding for the purchase was signed identifying the ownership split between the Town (30% funding) and County (70% funding). With the quotes now in, all options are above the $790,000 that was budgeted. DISCUSSION/OPTIONS/BENEFITS/DISADVANTAGES/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Kneehill County and Three Hills have mutually agreed that the proposed new engine is expected to be the replacement for the two aging units, reducing the fleet with a cost savings of approximately $1,000,000. Kneehill County’s engine was placed in service in 2003 and the second engine (Three Hills engine) has been in service since 1998. Our fire apparatus equipment replacement strategy is based on the National Fire Protection Association Standards (NFPA) which recommends that “apparatus more than 15 years old that have been properly maintained and are still in serviceable condition be placed in reserve status; Apparatus that were not manufactured to the applicable NFPA fire apparatus standard or that are over 25 years old should be replaced.” It is not our recommendation that the 2003 Kneehill County engine be placed in reserve. Currently the other engine located in Three Hills has already supported the community for 25 years and is expected to be in service for an additional 5 years with the extension approval from NFPA. Reliability of our equipment is an essential part of the fire service teams ability to provide essential fire protection to the community. As the age of equipment increases, and is stretched beyond the recommended standards for 17 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 5.3.1 Page 2 of 5 Version: 2022-02 replacement, its reliability can diminish placing risk to the fire services ability to provide the required level of service to the community. Having two (2) engines within the same fire district that are at the end of their recommended lifecycle increases the risk of being able to provide services to our municipality. Managing the potential risk and following our current replacement plan which aligns with NFPA standards we have moved forward in acquiring quotes for the replacement of the two units in Three Hills and replacing it with one (1) new engine. Once the new engine is received the two aging engines will be decommissioned and will be disposed of as per the respective municipal policies. QUOTES In an attempt to keep fire engines similar/standardized throughout the County, we have put out the request for quotes for a Top Mount Engine, similar to the 2020 engines ($575,000 in 2019). Through our purchasing process, we have received three options for purchasing: 1. Avenger, Custom Top Mount - $1,100,000 plus 10 % County project contingency a. Total cost $1,200,000 2. Pierce, Top Mount - $1,101,233 plus 10 % County project contingency a. Total cost $1,211,356.30 3. Rosenbauer - $903,048 plus 10 % County project contingency a. Total cost $993,352.80 b. Rosenbauer has advised if one of their current chassis is still available upon awarding the contract a $30,000 project savings could be available at a project cost of $873,048 plus 10 % County project contingency i. Total cost $960,352.80 Administration is recommending awarding the contract to Rosenbauer. If Council approves the increase in funding the breakdown of costs between Three Hills and Kneehill County will be: Kneehill County Three Hills Total Cost $663,346.96 $330,005.84 $993,352.80 NOTE: The full project cost will be incurred by Kneehill County, and then we will receive 30% re- imbursement from the Town of Three Hills plus $32,000 for the requested upgrade of a light tower. Three Hills Administration has confirmed that they have an approved budget for the increased cost. INCREASE JUSTIFICATION The unit cost has increased $328,048.80 which is a 57% increase over a three (3) year period for the same engine. As per Statistics Canada “Prices for products manufactured in Canada, as measured by the Industrial Product Price Index (IPPI), rose 2.7% month over month in May and were up 16.4% compared with May 2020. Prices of raw materials purchased by manufacturers operating in Canada, as measured by the Raw 18 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 5.3.1 Page 3 of 5 Version: 2022-02 Materials Price Index (RMPI), increased 3.2% on a monthly basis in May and were up 40.1% year over year” * Stats Canada https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210630/cg-b001-png-eng.htm 19 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 5.3.1 Page 4 of 5 Version: 2022-02 An increase cost in raw material and an increase in production cost has been determined as the reasoning for the increase. We have also been informed to expect another 3% cost increase if any additional orders are placed after March 1st. Risk of not approving the replacement may include but not limited to: • Decrease in Fire level of service • Increase in maintenance cost and equipment downtime • Stats suggest a significant increasing trend in costs year after year compounding the financial cost of the required replacement • Potentially reducing recruitment and retention of fire fighters • Potential increase cost in insurance Stakeholder review has included: Kneehill County The Town of Three Hills CAO CAO Director of Community Services Director of Community Services Director of Corporate Services Fire Chief Manager of Protective Services Fire Chief FINANCIAL & STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: In 2023, a 10% deposit will be needed - $100,000 In 2024, chassis payment will be needed - $250,000 In 2025, final payment will be needed – $643,352.80 Please note that Kneehill County covers the initial cost of the engine as per the above payment schedule. Once the engine is received, we will then invoice the Town of Three Hills for re-imbursement for their portion of the engine cost. RECOMMENDED ENGAGEMENT: Directive Decision (Information Sharing, One-Way Communication Tools: Individual Notification Other: ATTACHMENTS: NA 20 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 5.3.1 Page 5 of 5 Version: 2022-02 COUNCIL OPTIONS: 1. That Council approves the increase in funding for the Three Hills Engine Replacement, totaling $993,352.80. 2. That Council recommends administration provide more information at a future meeting, including other options for truck purchasing. FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS: Purchasing of engine. APPROVAL(S): Kevin Gannon, Director of Community Services Approved- ☒ Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Approved- ☒ 21 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 1 Budget Setting the Stage 22 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Budget 2023 Schedule Budget Adoption March 14th Response to Questions & Information Requests February 28th Budget Book & Budget Deliberation February 21st Setting the Stage & New Projects February 14th 2 23 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Agenda Environmental Scan Assessment/Taxation Fiscal Conditions and Comparators Provincial and Economic Pressures Project Introductions 3 24 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 4 Environmental Scan SOCIAL & CULTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMIC 25 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Environmental ScanSocial & Cultural •Population is aging but youth not significantly declining •Volunteers are aging, and in some areas declining, and municipal units are seen as the default funder •Public expectations are increasing Cycle times for services Need for traditional service delivery but high demand for self service Enhanced communication & participation Options for services 5 26 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Environmental Scan Environmental •Regulatory and environmental compliance and regulations are more complex and expensive •Greater Awareness •Conservation •Recycling •Health & Well Being 6 27 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 7 Environmental ScanEconomic More positive outlook for oil and gas sector Assessment is declining due to aging linear assets Uncertainty surrounding provincial policy decisions and impact on municipal sector Inflation in excess of “normal” levels Supply chain issues –IT equipment/parts, fleet equipment availability and some other supplies 28 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 8 Environmental ScanEconomic •Non controllable costs continue to be pressures in the budget (fuel, electricity, insurance, road materials) •Our tax burden is competitive •Aging infrastructure –balancing act •Municipalities are more focused on investment attraction and retention •Multi-year impacts resulting from provincial policies and further downloading will continue 29 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 9 Assessment/Taxation ASSESSMENT DRIVERS WELL DRILLING ACTIVITY ASSESSMENT TRENDS 30 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted What Drives Assessment Change •Growth –New homes, improvements, wells, business and pipelines •Housing –Market Demand •Farmland –Regulated (Provincial Government Policy) •Non-Residential •Business –Various Factors •DIP/Linear –Age of asset, asset characteristics (material type, capacity, etc.), depreciation factors (set by provincial policy), assessment modifiers (set by province) 10 31 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Number of New Wells 2000-2022 81 121 113 233 481 790 727 534 587 280 374 126 79 93 67 28 11 61 39 30 5 10 44 0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 11 Between 2022 and 2024 “New” wells and pipelines will not pay taxes. County will only start seeing tax revenues on those new assets in 2025. 32 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 12 Assessment by Property Class 2015 –2022 $0 $1 $2 $3 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 Non-Residential 1,273,826,850 1,272,799,590 1,307,253,950 1,475,472,990 1,427,257,020 1,457,529,320 1,649,056,630 1,775,430,030 Residential 542,795,920 516,047,340 509,879,860 484,700,050 467,346,145 452,589,480 457,733,000 521,710,560 Farmland 151,702,440 151,703,550 151,693,610 151,741,980 151,738,715 151,784,120 151,794,360 151,806,420 Bi l l i o n s Farmland Residential Non-Residential 33 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 13 Fiscal Condition and Comparators MEASURES OF FINANCIAL CONDITION LONG -TERM FINANCIAL FORECAST MUNICIPAL COMPARATORS MUNICIPAL ASSETS 34 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 14 Measures of Financial Condition •Competitive tax rates •Stable and adequate reserve balances Stabilization reserves Replacement reserves Capital investment reserves •Predictable and reasonable tax and user fee increases •Debt levels are manageable and reasonable •Maintenance of service standards •Asset replacement and maintenance not deferred 35 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 15 Long Term Financial Forecast •Long term (10+ years) of capital and operating needs incorporating: Council's priorities Master plans Infrastructure renewal requirements Growth requirements •Forecast of: Capital driven operating costs Reserve & Debt levels Assessment base Resulting tax or user rate requirements •Foundational Strategies: Forecasting Improvement Asset Management Maturity Reserve Strategy 36 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 16 Who Gets What Share of the Property Taxes County 81% Province 19% County 56% Province 44% County 81% Province 19% All property taxes: Residential: Non-Residential: 37 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted How Do We Compare? 17 3.30 4.83 2.95 4.54 4.18 2.86 5.31 5.63 4.27 3.42 4.22 Kneehill Lethbridge Mountain View Beaver Red Deer Cypress Starland Flagstaff Newell Wheatland Average 2022 Residential Tax Rates (Counties) 38 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 18 under 2.5 (7) 10% 2.6 to 5.0 (44) 67% 5.1 to 7.5 (13) 20% over 7.5 (2) 3% Residential Tax Rate Distribution 2022 (MD/Counties) Kneehill Rate = 3.30 Average Rate = 4.37 39 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted How Do We Compare? 19 11.07 25.23 8.32 17.68 9.44 4.80 13.88 18.13 7.57 12.77 13.09 Kneehill Lethbridge Mountain View Beaver Red Deer Cypress Starland Flagstaff Newell Wheatland Average 2022 Farmland Tax Rates (Counties) 40 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 20 Under 5.0 (14) 22% 5.1 to 10.0 (16) 25% 10.1 to 15 (20) 31% Over 15.1 (14) 22% Farmland Tax Rate Distribution 2022 (MD/Counties) Kneehill Rate = 11.07 Average Rate = 10.82 41 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted How Do We Compare? 21 16.13 9.00 10.50 18.40 12.45 7.13 20.22 17.70 9.04 8.62 12.56 Kneehill Lethbridge Mountain View Beaver Red Deer Cypress Starland Flagstaff Newell Wheatland Average 2022 Non-Residential Tax Rates (Counties) 42 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 22 Under 7.0 (5) 7% 7.1 to 14.0 (27) 41% 14.1 to 21.0 (27) 41% Over 21 (7) 11% Non-Residential Tax Rate Distribution 2022 (MD/Counties) Kneehill Rate = 16.13 Average Rate = 14.13 43 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 23 Non-Residential vs. Residential 4.89 1.86 3.56 4.06 2.98 2.50 3.81 3.14 2.12 2.52 3.51 0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 2022 Tax Rate Ratio Kneehill Ratio = 4.89 Range = 1.66 to 11.25 44 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 24 Breakout of Asset Classifications Total Original Cost $223.6 Million Land/Improvements, $5.1, 3% Buildings, $20.8, 9% Machinery/Equipment, $11.3, 5% Vehicles, $10.2, 4% Bridges/Culverts, $29.4, 13% Roads, $89.1, 40% Wastewater, $1.7, 1%Water, $55.2 25% 45 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 25 $ Millions Original Cost – Tangible Capital Assets $180.7 $183.0 $193.7 $194.6 $196.4 $208.8 $216.8 $223.6 $160 $170 $180 $190 $200 $210 $220 $230 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 46 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 57.8%56.6%57.5%56.1%54.1%53.3%53.7%52.9% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 26 Percentage of Assets Remaining Based on Original Costs The County's average annual amortization is approximately $6.1 million 47 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 27 History of Outstanding Taxes and Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 0 2000000 4000000 6000000 8000000 10000000 12000000 14000000 2022 Estimated 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 Outstanding Taxes Allowance for Doubtful Accounts 48 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 28 History of Tax Write-Offs $0 $1,000,000 $2,000,000 $3,000,000 $4,000,000 $5,000,000 $6,000,000 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 The tax write-offs in 2022 were fully funded, apart from accrued penalties in 2022. The 2023 budget has funding of $500,000 for tax allowances or write-offs. 49 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 29 Unrestricted Surplus/Reserves Reserves are a key tool in the development of any municipality’s long-term financial plan. There are numerous purposes and objectives that reserves are intended to assist with such as: •Provide funding for rehabilitation of assets which are currently being consumed and depreciated (Capital). •Avoid spikes in the capital expenditure program and lessen the reliance on long- term borrowing. •Provide financial flexibility and ensure adequate cash flows (Working funds) •Provide for future liabilities incurred but not funded (Sick leave, environmental) •Provide stability for tax rate changes (Contingency). 50 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 30 Unrestricted Surplus/Reserves Services provided by the municipality Age and condition of infrastructure (roads, water, buildings, equipment, vehicles) Economic conditions Reserve policies and targets Tax levy contributions to the capital program The level of reserves required will vary by municipality for a number of reasons: 51 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 31 Reserves/ TCA/ Debt -2021 County Reserves Millions Original Cost TCA Millions % of TCA Remaining Reserves % of TCA % of Debt Limit Used Kneehill $49.6 $223.6 53%22%47% Lethbridge $37.9 $401.3 30%9%38% Mountain View $71.8 $529.2 30%13%24% Beaver $31.9 $116.9 38%27%10% Red Deer $35.0 $1,286.2 47%2%25% Starland $7.9 $111.5 52%7%17% Cypress $97.8 $365.6 41%26%15% Flagstaff $40.2 $185.5 46%21%2% Wheatland $47.3 $656.9 35%7%7% Newell $110.4 $286.8 67%38%6% 52 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 32 Tax Levy Contribution to: Capital, Reserves and Projects Historical Funding Level 11.2 9.0 8.2 8.0 8.9 8.1 7.3 7.8 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Proposed Mi l l i o n s 53 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 33 Provincial and Economic Pressures 54 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 34 Multi-Year Budget Pressures 55 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 35 Roots of the Municipal Infrastructure Deficit •Structural imbalance of the sharing of revenues collected by the Federal (42%), Provincial (50%) and Municipal (8%) levels •Municipal revenues limited to regressive and slow growing property tax: Collecting only 8 cents of every tax dollar paid by average household Building or maintaining over 60% of core infrastructure (roads, bridges, recreation & parks, water and wastewater systems) in addition to providing many other services •Chronic municipal funding crunch. Results were generally: cutting service levels, deferring maintenance and rehabilitation, increasing taxes or drawing down reserves in most municipal units •County has “held its own” but will need to address the future 56 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 36 Project Introductions OPERATING PROJECTS CAPITAL PROJECTS 57 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 37 Operating Projects Type Project Name 2023 Cost Recommended Funding Source One-Time Strategic Initiatives $200,000 Reserve One-Time Automation and Control Systems Master Plan (SCADA)$25,000 Reserve One-Time Facilities Maintenance Master Plan $120,000 Reserve One-Time Huxley Wastewater Assessment $25,000 Reserve One-Time Peace Officer Tracking Software $30,000 Reserve One-Time Fire Tracking Software $35,000 Reserve One-Time Pavement Condition Assessment Report $60,000 Reserve One-Time Gravel Inventory Replacement Strategy $25,000 Reserve One-Time Wimborne Fluoride Reduction Study $12,000 Reserve One-Time IT Master Plan $100,000 Reserve Ongoing Offset of lost MSI funding contribution $600,000 Operating Ongoing Roadway Line Painting $30,000 Operating TOTAL 2023 Cost $1,262,000 58 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 38 Capital Projects Project Name Type 2023 Cost Future Capital Costs Annual Operating Budget Impact Recommended Funding Source Capital Equipment Plan Purchases Maintenance of existing asset $4,500,000 --CEP Reserve (Pre-approved) Gorr Road ACP Overlay Maintenance of existing asset $3,200,000 --MSI (Pre-approved) BF 13477 (SW 18-33-23-4)Replace with improved asset $50,000 $525,000 -Reserve BF 75910 (NW 2-32-24-4)Replace with improved asset $500,000 $25,000 -Reserve BF 78559 (NW 8-31-25-4)Replace with improved asset $500,000 $25,00 -Reserve Torrington Lagoon Rehabilitation Replace with improved asset $12,000 $180,000 -Reserve Advance Diagnostic Scan Tool Replace existing asset $14,000 -($2,000)Reserve IT Plan Purchases Replace existing asset $96,500 --Reserve 1234YF Air Conditioning Machine New Asset $14,000 --Reserve CPO Truck to Torrington Fire Utility New Asset $15,000 --Reserve 59 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 39 Capital Projects Cont’d Project Name Type 2023 Cost Future Capital Costs Annual Operating Budget Impact Recommended Funding Source Traffic Speed Signs New Asset $14,000 --Reserve Three Hills Local Facilities Projects Maintenance of existing asset $263,000 --Reserve Transportation Facilities Projects Maintenance of existing asset $489,000 --Reserve Airport Road Sealcoat Maintenance of existing asset $100,000 --Reserve PBI Road Sealcoat Maintenance of existing asset $120,000 --Reserve Gravel Road Reconstruction Maintenance of existing asset $200,000 $3,400,000 -Reserve TOTAL 2023 Cost $10,087,500 $4,155,000 ($2,000) 60 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 7.1 Page 1 of 2 Version: 2022-02 Subject: Kneehill Area Community Discovery Nights 2023 Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Services Coordinator Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION: That Council receive for information the Three Hills Community Discovery Night Report. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: (Check all that apply) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ High Quality Infrastructure Economic Resilience Quality of Life Effective Leadership Level of Service RELEVANT LEGISLATION: Provincial (cite)- N/A Council Bylaw/Policy (cite)- N/A BACKGROUND/PROPOSAL: An invitation has been received to attend the FCSS Three Hills Community Discovery Night. Attendance to this event would be part of Council’s Base Rate. Therefore this Request for Decision is for Information Purposes only and for Council to inform Administration on who will be attending. DISCUSSION/OPTIONS/BENEFITS/DISADVANTAGES/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: The scheduled dates for the events are as follows: FINANCIAL & STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: Kneehill County Peace Officers will also be in attendance and will have Kneehill County swag to give away. Attendance for Council has been budgeted through the 2023 Operating Budget Base Rate. 61 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 7.1 Page 2 of 2 Version: 2022-02 RECOMMENDED ENGAGEMENT: Directive Decision (Information Sharing, One-Way Communication Tools: Individual Notification Other: ATTACHMENTS: Kneehill Regional FCSS Request Letter COUNCIL OPTIONS: 1. That Council receive for information. 2. That Council direct administration to provide further information. FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS: Administration will RSVP and reserve a table. APPROVAL(S): Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Approved- ☒ 62 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 779 2nd St NE, Box 400 Three Hills, AB T0M 2A0 Tel: (403) 443-3800 Email: angie@krfcss.com February 1, 2023 RE: Kneehill Area Community Discovery Nights 2023 Kneehill Regional Family and Community Support Services would like to invite your organization to participate in Carbon, Acme and Linden Community Discovery Nights scheduled for March 2023. The purpose of Community Discovery Night is to provide residents with information about resources and programs available to them. If your organization will be attending, we ask that you prepare a display and provide personnel for your table. Tables are provided, but organizations are responsible for their own table coverings. Please specify any additional needs at the time of registration (power, table location, etc.). The doors will be open 30 minutes in advance for you to set up your display. Details for each evening is as follows: Location: Linden Cultural Center (215 1st St. SE) Date: Thursday, March 2, 2023 Event Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm Location: Acme Community Hall (139 Allison St.) Date: Tuesday, March 7, 2023 Event Time: 6:30 – 8:00 pm Location: Carbon Community Hall (718 Glengarry St.) Date: Thursday, March 9, 2023 Event Time: 5:30 – 7:00 pm RSVP deadline: Please RSVP with which evening(s) you would like to attend by Friday, February 24th at 4:00 pm You must RSVP for a table. To register, please contact Angie Stewart at 403-443-3800 or angie@krfcss.com. Sincerely, Angie Stewart Kneehill Regional FCSS Program Assistant 63 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 7.2 Page 1 of 3 Version: 2022-02 Subject: Joint Advocacy for Improved Solar Farm Governance Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Prepared By: Mike Haugen, CAO Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION: That Council continue lobby efforts regarding renewable energy regulations through the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: (Check all that apply) ☐ ☒ ☒ ☐ ☐ High Quality Infrastructure Economic Resilience Quality of Life Effective Leadership Level of Service RELEVANT LEGISLATION: Provincial (cite)- Municipal Government Act Sec 619 (in part) NRCB, ERCB, AER, AEUB or AUC authorizations (1) A licence, permit, approval or other authorization granted by the NRCB, ERCB, AER, AEUB or AUC prevails, in accordance with this section, over any statutory plan, land use bylaw, subdivision decision or development decision by a subdivision authority, development authority, subdivision and development appeal board, or the Land and Property Rights Tribunal or any other authorization under this Part. (2) When an application is received by a municipality for a statutory plan amendment, land use bylaw amendment, subdivision approval, development permit or other authorization under this Part and the application is consistent with a licence, permit, approval or other authorization granted by the NRCB, ERCB, AER, AEUB or AUC, the municipality must approve the application to the extent that it complies with the licence, permit, approval or other authorization granted under subsection (1). (3) An approval of a statutory plan amendment or land use bylaw amendment under subsection (2) (a) must be granted within 90 days after the application or a longer time agreed on by the applicant and the municipality, and (b) is not subject to the requirements of section 692 unless, in the opinion of the municipality, the statutory plan amendment or land use bylaw amendment relates to matters not included in the licence, permit, approval or other authorization granted by the NRCB, ERCB, AER, AEUB or AUC. Council Bylaw/Policy (cite)- Start typing here 64 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 7.2 Page 2 of 3 Version: 2022-02 BACKGROUND/PROPOSAL: A letter of request dated December 15th, 2022 from Rocky View County is attached. Rocky View County is seeking to gather municipalities to take part in a joint advocacy campaign to make changes to the Provincial framework governing renewable energy projects. Specifically, Rocky View County is seeking a framework that would include broader municipal input into siting considerations and protection from potential end of life liabilities associated with reclamation. The effort would be undertaken through contracting of a third party – a lobbyist. This item was previously tabled by Council so that further information could be obtained. DISCUSSION/OPTIONS/BENEFITS/DISADVANTAGES/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: The intent of the request is consistent with conversations/concerns that Council has previously held, though Administration is seeking confirmation that these concerns are in fact consistent. Council will need to determine if contracting an external lobbyist will form a beneficial approach to addressing any concerns that Kneehill County may have. At the time of writing Rocky View County has indicated that participating municipalities include: Rocky View County, Cypress County, and MD of Willow Creek. At the current time Ponoka County, Starland County and M.D. of Taber have indicated that they will not be participating. Rocky View County has suggested that if fewer than 5 or 6 municipalities participate there may not be enough resources for the project to move forward. Provincial Information Administration has been in contact with Alberta Environment and has been informed that while the Province does require reclamation to an equivalent land capacity, there is no security being collected. RMA Information Administration can also report that RMA has met with the AUC on a staff to staff level. During discussion the AUC stated that renewable energy projects are in the public good. RMA put forward that food security is also in the public good and needs to be considered as part of the review process. The RMA has also indicated that the AUC may be present at the upcoming RMA Spring Convention. This is not confirmed but is in discussion. RMA currently has an active resolution (7-20F) calling on the GOA to amend section 619 to require agencies to consider municipal plans when approving projects. The government response does not indicate any plans to consider amending the section. In addition to resolution 7-20F (also included below), there are other relevant resolutions currently being actioned by the RMA: 21-22F: Loss of Agricultural Land to Renewable Energy Projects THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta request the Government of Alberta to work collaboratively on policy that will find a balance between the development of renewable energy and protection of valuable agriculture lands. 65 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 7.2 Page 3 of 3 Version: 2022-02 6-22S: Responsiveness of Service Delivery by Quasi-independent Agencies in Alberta THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta request that the Government of Alberta review the continued use of unelected, quasi-independent agencies for the administration and delivery of essential public services, with the results of the review published for public examination. 7-20F: Amendments to Municipal Government Act Section 619 THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta urge the Government of Alberta to amend Section 619 of the Municipal Government Act to clearly state that the Natural Resources Conservation Board, the Energy Resources Conservation Board, the Alberta Energy Regulator, the Alberta Energy and Utilities Board or the Alberta Utilities Commission must consider municipal statutory land use planning related to the protection of productive agricultural lands when making decisions on licenses, permits, approvals and other authorizations under their jurisdiction. 11-19F: Requirement for Municipal Authority Input on Energy Resource Development Projects (Expired) THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta request that the Government of Alberta directs the Alberta Energy Regulator to incorporate municipal authorities’ input into the energy resource development project and change of use approval process. FINANCIAL & STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: The request is for a contribution of $10,000. Should Council approve of this direction, Administration will include the required funds in the 2023 proposed budget. RECOMMENDED ENGAGEMENT: Choose an item. Tools: Public Notification Other: ATTACHMENTS: December 15th, 2022 Letter from Rocky View County regarding Joint Advocacy for Improved Solar Farm Governance COUNCIL OPTIONS: 1. Council may opt to join Rocky View County in a joint advocacy effort. 2. Council may opt to pursue advocacy efforts through the Rural Municipalities of Alberta. 3. Council may opt to not pursue this effort. FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS: Administration will inform Rocky View County of Council’s decision. Administration will include funding in the 2023 budget if required. APPROVAL(S): Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Approved- ☒ 66 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 67 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 68 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 69 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 70 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 8.1 Page 1 of 1 Version: 2022-02 Subject: RCMP Reporting on Council’s Priorities, Public Safety Update Meeting Date: Wednesday, February 15, 2023 Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Services Coordinator Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION: That Council move to accept the RCMP presentation for information, as presented. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: (Check all that apply) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ High Quality Infrastructure Economic Resilience Quality of Life Effective Leadership Level of Service RELEVANT LEGISLATION: Provincial (cite)- N/A Council Bylaw/Policy (cite)- N/A BACKGROUND/PROPOSAL: The Three Hills RCMP were a delegation to Council earlier this meeting. DISCUSSION/OPTIONS/BENEFITS/DISADVANTAGES/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: As part of their accountability to our community, RCMP are providing Council with reporting on statistics, community engagement, and community priorities. FINANCIAL & STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: N/A RECOMMENDED ENGAGEMENT: Directive Decision (Information Sharing, One-Way Communication Tools: Individual Notification Other: ATTACHMENTS: N/A COUNCIL OPTIONS: 1. Approve the recommendation as presented. 2. Amend the recommendation as presented. 3. Administration to come back with other options. FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS: Continued partnership and collaboration with detachments on reporting to Council. APPROVAL(S): Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Approved- ☒ 71 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 9.0 Page 1 of 1 Version: 2022-02 Subject: Council & Committee Reports Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Services Coordinator Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION: That Council accepts for information the Council & Committee Report, as presented. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: (Check all that apply) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ ☒ High Quality Infrastructure Economic Resilience Quality of Life Effective Leadership Level of Service RELEVANT LEGISLATION: Provincial (cite)- N/A Council Bylaw/Policy (cite)- N/A BACKGROUND/PROPOSAL: The purpose of the Council and Committee Reports is to provide each member with the opportunity to bring forward any matter of general interest to Council or the County. DISCUSSION/OPTIONS/BENEFITS/DISADVANTAGES/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Council reports will be included on the agenda when requested by Council and reports may be either in writing, or verbally, or a combination of both. FINANCIAL & STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: The recommended motion does not have any financial implication. RECOMMENDED ENGAGEMENT: Directive Decision (Information Sharing, One-Way Communication Tools: Individual Notification Other: ATTACHMENTS: Council & Committee Reports COUNCIL OPTIONS: 1. That Council accepts the Council and Committee Report. FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS: N/A APPROVAL(S): Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Approved- ☒ 72 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 73 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 74 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 75 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 76 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 77 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 78 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 79 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 80 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 81 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 82 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan ©2022 Government of Alberta | Published: December 2022 | ISBN 978-1-4601-5577-6 This publication is issued under the Open Government Licence – Alberta (https://open.alberta.ca/licence). Please note that the terms of this licence do not apply to any third-party materials included in this publication.83 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 3 Contents Minister’s message ..........................................................................................................................................4 Rural Alberta economic highlights .................................................................................................................5 The need for a rural economic development plan .........................................................................................6 The Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan (EDRAP) ........................................................................7 Defining rural in the Alberta context .................................................................................................................8 Shared rural vision ............................................................................................................................................8 Guiding principles .............................................................................................................................................8 Strategic actions/directions ............................................................................................................................9 ·Ongoing supporting initiatives .........................................................................................................................9 ·Strategic direction 1 - Economic development-enabling infrastructure ..........................................................10 ·Strategic direction 2 - Rural business supports and entrepreneurship ...........................................................11 ·Strategic direction 3 - Support for labour force and skills development .........................................................12 ·Strategic direction 4 - Marketing and promoting rural tourism ........................................................................13 ·Strategic direction 5 - Rural economic development capacity building ..........................................................14 Ongoing collaboration and reporting ............................................................................................................15 84 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 4 Minister’s message Rural Alberta will help lead Alberta’s economic growth. Supporting sustainable growth and diversification in our rural economy remains a top priority for Alberta’s government. We are listening to rural Albertans, and have gathered their perspectives to help support rural economic development. We heard clearly from rural Albertans that rural challenges are unique and need different approaches than what works for their urban neighbours. Government has developed the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan based on the insights gained from our engagement with targeted rural stakeholders. This plan includes key strategies and measurable actions to ensure rural Albertans have economic opportunities where they live. Recent government actions around broadband, healthcare and infrastructure investment demonstrate government’s commitment to rural communities. And we’ll keep this momentum going through the strategic directions and actions outlined in the Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan. Alberta’s government will continue to support our province’s economic growth and create jobs by ensuring rural Alberta businesses and employers have access to the tools and resources they need to be successful. Nate Horner Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation 85 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 5 Rural communities produce about 30 per cent of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), with 220,000 rural businesses representing nearly 17 per cent of Canada’s employers. Rural Alberta accounts for 18 per cent of the provincial population and is home to 41 per cent of the public and private investment in the province and 26 per cent of the provincial GDP. $279,525,229 - Revenue of Indigenous tourism operators in Alberta in 2021, the second highest provincial total in Canada. Since 2016, there has been a 2.7 per cent decline in the rural Alberta population. More than 30,000 Albertans working for small- and medium-sized businesses rely on the forestry industry for their livelihoods, including shop owners, restaurants, local hardware suppliers, environmental consultants, and many more. Forestry companies are committed to supporting the local communities they operate in by prioritizing buying from local small and medium-sized businesses located close to industry site operations, spending about $2.5 billion over the past five years with local suppliers. Alberta’s forest companies provide well-paying jobs and meaningful work, with an average annual compensation of about $62,317 to those under 25 – higher than average for Canadians working elsewhere in the forest industry. The sector supports 31,573 jobs in the province, including the direct employment of 16,565 people. The sector is also an important part of Alberta’s supply chain and contributes to employment through indirect jobs, with the transportation industry most impacted by upstream employment, accounting for 1,378 jobs. Rural Alberta economic highlights Alberta’s provincial parks generate more than $1 billion in economic activity, and contribute more than 9,000 jobs through direct and indirect employment at more than 740 sites across the province, the vast majority of these in rural areas. Alberta anticipates $3.75 billion in renewable sector investment by 2023, creating 4,500 jobs. Limited access to communications infrastructure makes attracting new business to rural Alberta a challenge. Small businesses account for 98 per cent of all businesses in Alberta, representing an important segment of the rural economy. 18 projects, worth $321.9 million, were supported with $124.1 million in funding from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure stream. These projects are estimated to have created 1,801 direct jobs for rural Albertans. There are 133 active capital maintenance and renewal projects in rural Alberta communities. Alberta has invested about $78 million to fund these projects, creating more than 440 jobs. There are 21 active capital projects (health, school, post-secondary institution) in rural Alberta communities. Alberta has invested about $510 million to fund these projects, creating about 2,800 construction-related jobs. 86 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 6 With a focus on Alberta’s economic growth, it is more important than ever that rural communities are strong, vibrant and inclusive places to call home. When rural communities succeed, all of Alberta is made stronger. However, areas of Alberta located away from major centres or with small populations have difficulty taking advantage of economic opportunities. They require a supportive economic development environment that enables capacity building within their communities, so they have the skills and knowledge to take advantage of regional economic opportunities and increase business retention, expansion and attraction. The need for a rural economic development plan Over the past year, the Government of Alberta has refocused its rural economic development efforts, demonstrating a commitment to Alberta’s rural communities and acknowledging the positive impact they have on the province’s economy. The appointment of a minister responsible for rural economic development led to a series of engagement sessions with rural stakeholders and Indigenous communities to gather their perspectives on the successes, challenges and opportunities for rural economic development. Rural Alberta is made up of different landscapes and communities including Indigenous Peoples. Each community has unique characteristics that contribute to its economic well-being and the province’s prosperity. In the past decade, many Alberta towns, villages and rural areas have experienced population decline, while cities and urban municipalities continue to grow. Further, the extended downturn in the resource sector, supply chain issues and other world events have, in many cases, negatively affected the economies of rural communities. Alberta’s economy is evolving and modern rural economies extend beyond agricultural production and primary resources. New industries and opportunities are emerging alongside traditional economic drivers. Rural Alberta deserves a strong plan for economic development that reflects innovation, diversification and sustainable long-term growth. 87 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 7 Developing a rural economic development plan started with a series of engagement sessions with rural stakeholders and Indigenous communities from across the province over the fall of 2021 and into the spring and early summer of 2022. The Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan (EDRAP) In June and July 2022, six hybrid engagement sessions brought participants back together for more in-depth conversations on specific topics. In total, 168 participants gave feedback through this round of conversations, either online or in person. The sessions presented key aspects of the draft EDRAP for information, further discussion and the opportunity to provide additional input into plan development. Three information sessions were also conducted with the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, Alberta Municipalities and Economic Developers Alberta. The engagement sessions confirmed that rural economic development requires unique considerations to address rural challenges and opportunities. Issues of growth and sustainability in rural and Indigenous communities are not necessarily the same as those found in urban centres. Supporting business growth and retention and increasing investment requires a concerted effort to improve efficiencies, provide community services which enable economic development, attract labour and investment and support tourism infrastructure. The conversations that informed the EDRAP development were wide-ranging and covered topics of concern related to rural economic development and community services such as access to health care, education and other services. It is important to note that the EDRAP is not a plan for community development. Instead, the EDRAP focusses on strategies for sustainable economic development which emphasize regional collaboration and enhancing economic development capacity. Communities that work together can more optimally pool resources to pursue common issues and opportunities. Regional collaboration enables communities and other stakeholders to work together to achieve more strategic outcomes. Participating in a regional partnership mitigates a rural community’s “grow on your own” challenge and maximizes the benefits of a collective experience. The purpose of these engagements was to: •Gather the rural perspective on economic development challenges and opportunities in the participant’s communities and regions. •Connect rural stakeholders and Indigenous groups to new and existing economic development programs being offered by the Government of Alberta. •Solicit ideas to inform sector strategies and future actions that will ensure rural Albertans are able to benefit fully from Alberta’s economic growth. •Obtain insights on rural issues that will be shared throughout government. The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation (AGI) hosted 17 virtual engagement sessions with more than 370 rural Alberta stakeholders, receiving 3,500 comments. An online survey was conducted concurrently and received an additional 919 responses. Government met with key stakeholders from the rural economic development field, from multiple regions and economic sectors, all with an interest in the success of rural Alberta. The engagement sessions were attended by municipal leaders, business owners, community-based economic development organizations, chambers of commerce and Indigenous communities. Data received from the sessions and the online survey was analyzed and used to develop the EDRAP vision, guiding principles and strategic directions. These were refined and validated through phase two targeted engagement with the same stakeholders. 88 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 8 Defining rural in the Alberta context Defining rural is difficult. It is sometimes defined by population size, density, or distance to other communities and services. However, in the context of economic development, rural refers to a community’s capacity to sustain itself and grow, the quality of life for residents and the industries that contribute to its economy. During the engagement sessions, participants suggested the most common characteristics of rural communities include: • a population of less than 20,000 people, • limited geographic proximity to population centres over 25,000 that could provide employment and services, • communities may be remote or have in them, or around them, a significant amount of nature, natural resources, agricultural land and wilderness areas, and • a workforce largely focused on primary economic activity, including oil and gas, agriculture and forestry. While not all of the characteristics listed apply to every rural and Indigenous community, many rural Albertans will see aspects of themselves and their communities represented. Shared rural vision Successful rural economic development requires the participation and dedication of community members, civil society organizations, communities, the private sector, regional alliances and multiple levels of government all working collaboratively towards common goals. During the phase one rural economic development engagement sessions (fall of 2021), rural Albertans and Indigenous community members outlined their vision for rural Alberta, which was further refined and validated with participants during the phase two engagement sessions: Vision statement Alberta’s rural community is resilient, innovative and prosperous, providing sustainable economic opportunities for individuals, families, businesses and visitors. THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL ALBERTA PLAN (EDRAP) Guiding principles Implementing the EDRAP will require a set of guiding principles to shape and inform the development of implementation plans, future policies, initiatives and programs. Through the targeted engagement sessions, these guiding principles have been developed, refined and validated: Community- led Community input and participation in programs and services to focus on building economic development capacity. Achievable Establishing clear linkages between action items and available resources. Flexible Considering new and emerging industries and opportunities while continuing to build on existing foundational industries. Collaborative Fostering a collaborative ecosystem across all levels of government, including Indigenous communities and rural stakeholders. Inclusive Building inclusive approaches for all rural and Indigenous communities’ capacity, resources and geography. 89 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 9 Strategic actions/directions Based on feedback collated from the engagement sessions, several themes readily emerged to support rural economic development and prosperity in Alberta: critical infrastructure, red tape reduction, workforce strategies, rural investment attraction, rural tourism and rural business supports. Analysis of the feedback received from phase one engagement, informed by national and international jurisdictional scans that examined rural economic development best practices, led to five strategic directions that were validated by rural stakeholders through phase two engagements, including economic development enabling infrastructure, rural business supports, support for labour force and skills development, marketing rural and promoting rural tourism, and rural economic development capacity building. Red tape reduction is a well-established core government action adopted in December 2019. Under the Red Tape Reduction Act, all government policy and program development must incorporate red tape reduction, which is already integrated into the EDRAP. Throughout the engagement sessions, rural stakeholders and Indigenous communities continuously stressed the importance of collaboration as essential to the success of EDRAP actions. THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN RURAL ALBERTA PLAN (EDRAP) Consequently, collaboration was established as a guiding principle of the EDRAP. The significant impact of rural communities on our province’s economy means that getting it right is essential. As part of the Alberta government’s focus on rural economic development, a number of significant actions in Budget 2022 address key challenges facing rural Albertans and Indigenous communities, and are well underway. Notably, many of these touch on concerns raised by rural stakeholders during phase one engagement in the fall of 2021. The EDRAP sets out an action plan for a five-year commitment. Initiatives are designed to support capacity building in the key areas of entrepreneurship, skills development, small business supports, marketing rural and Indigenous communities and promoting tourism and rural economic development interconnectivity at the regional level. The intent of the EDRAP strategic directions and the corresponding actions are to compliment the extensive work already underway and to enhance economic development capacity, support to small businesses and entrepreneurship, advance rural tourism initiatives and to build the workforce to take on economic development projects. ONGOING SUPPORTING INITIATIVES The Alberta Broadband Strategy 2022 Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation Investment and Growth Fund (rural stream) Alberta Health Services Nursing Initiatives Forest Jobs Action Plan Energy Savings For Business (Emissions Reduction Alberta) The Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program Climate Resilience Capacity Building Program Alberta Advantage Immigration Strategy Rural Health Professions Action Plan Aboriginal Business Investment Fund University of Calgary Veterinary Medicine program expansion Travel Alberta’s rural tourism initiatives Results Driven Agriculture Research Film and Television Tax Credit Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs Irrigation Infrastructure Investment Building Forward: Alberta’s 20-Year Strategic Capital Plan Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act Business Corporations Amendment Act Alberta Investment Attraction Act Alberta’s Recovery Plan The Rural Education Supplement and Integrated Doctor Experience (RESIDE) program First Nations Regional Drinking Water Tie-in Project Workforce Partnerships Grants The Innovation Employment Grant THRIVE Canada Accelerator Employment Partnerships Program Stronger Foundations affordable housing strategy 90 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 10 Strategic direction 1 Economic development-enabling infrastructure Identify and improve economic development-enabling infrastructure to support investment and growth in rural Alberta. Power, water, telecommunications and transportation networks are vital to residents and businesses to attract new investments. The government has taken initiative to support the development of economic development-enabling infrastructure. Supporting initiatives • $5.8 billion committed over three years to support infrastructure projects in cities, towns and smaller communities. • Almost $933 million invested in irrigation infrastructure in partnership with 10 irrigation districts to expand and modernize Alberta’s irrigation infrastructure. • Budget 2022 makes reliable, affordable, high-speed internet a reality across the province through a $390 million investment over the next four years in the Alberta Broadband Strategy with matching federal funds dollar-for-dollar, which will unlock a total of $780 million in public sector funding. • $100 million committed to provide reliable access to clean drinking water to 14 Indigenous communities through the First Nations Regional Drinking Water Tie-in Project. • Alberta is spending $31.5 million over the next year on transportation infrastructure for rural and smaller urban municipalities as part of a $103.4 million investment over three years under the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program. • The Building Forward: Alberta’s 20-Year Strategic Capital Plan takes a province-wide view to help government navigate its way through the challenges and opportunities facing our province over the next two decades, ensuring we will have the right infrastructure in place to support Alberta’s future. • Through the Municipal Sustainability Initiative, government continues to make a significant investment in local infrastructure priorities. From 2021 to 2023, an average of $722 million is being allocated to municipalities and Métis Settlements, a significant proportion of which will go to rural communities. Local governments determine which local infrastructure projects will be funded, based on local priorities. New actions 1. Ensure all of Alberta has broadband service availability by 2026 and supports are in place to provide digital literacy training. 2. Build on work to further develop transportation corridors to maximize economic development opportunities. 3. In 2024, the Municipal Sustainability Initiative will be replaced by the Local Government Fiscal Framework, which will provide permanent, predictable funding for a wide range of infrastructure. 91 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 11 Strategic direction 2 Rural business supports and entrepreneurship Advance entrepreneurship capacity and a culture of innovation across rural Alberta. The remoteness of rural communities can pose challenges to access supports for entrepreneurship and small business. Supporting initiatives •Alberta Advantage Immigration Program’s Rural Renewal and Rural Entrepreneur Streams are a flexible new strategy to attract and support skilled newcomers with global skills and talent to help diversify the economy and create jobs. •The THRIVE Canada Accelerator supports early-stage startups whose technologies help drive towards a more efficient, sustainable, and secure agriculture future. •Supporting value-added forest product manufacturing in partnership with WoodWorks, an organization focused on growing the use of Alberta wood products in Alberta and beyond. •Through the Investment Growth Fund’s rural stream, $5 million has been approved for three years, starting in 2022/23, to support a rural investment attraction. •Over five years, Alberta contributed more than $406 million toward agriculture operations and value-added businesses through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. •The Forest Jobs Action Plan includes awarding timber rights to companies across northern Alberta through a request for proposal process that requires specific benefits to local rural communities, including Indigenous communities. •Results Driven Agriculture Research promotes economic development through research and innovation. Its mandate is to target strategic investments in producer-led agriculture research to power the competitiveness, profitability, productivity and sustainability of agriculture in Alberta. •The Labour Market Partnerships grant program supports labour market research, workforce strategy development and local hiring events. New actions 1.Establish new targets and update the Alberta Agri-Food Investment and Growth Strategy. 2.Support rural entrepreneurship training and leadership development in rural Alberta through collaboration with key partners. 3.Leverage changes to the Rural Utilities Act, enabling rural electrification associations to capitalize on rural economic development opportunities through innovation and business development. 92 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 12 Strategic direction 3 Support for labour force and skills development Enable skills development in rural communities to enhance workforce capacity today and for the future. The rural labour force is declining as the population ages, and younger Albertans often leave to settle in urban centres. With a declining workforce and population, supporting community services such as health, education and businesses becomes more challenging. Supporting initiatives • Alberta’s government is investing $55 million over three years so that Albertans have more access to affordable housing. • Alberta 2030: Building Skills for Jobs Strategy is a 10-year strategy for post-secondary education in Alberta that will transform the adult learning system to focus on providing the high-quality education, skills and training needed for Alberta’s future. • The Rural Health Professions Action Plan will help ensure that all Albertans can access high-quality care through initiatives that support rural health education, rural health workforce recognition and the attraction and retention of rural health professionals. • The Employment Partnerships Program provides funding for Indigenous skills and employment training programs that connect Indigenous Peoples to meaningful employment opportunities. • Government is supporting forestry labour development via grants to Work Wild, an industry supported organization focused on promoting forestry to young Albertans. • Training for Work programs help Albertans gain skills to find work, improve their employment situation and increase their ability to cope with changing labour market conditions. The program has invested $25.9 million in more than 55 urban and rural communities across Alberta. New actions 1. Leverage Alberta’s library system to support knowledge transfer and skills development. 2. Improve awareness of agriculture and agri-food related careers and support to attract and retain workers in rural Alberta. 93 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 13 Strategic direction 4 Marketing and promoting rural tourism Enhance rural Alberta’s reputation and capacity as a diverse tourism destination. Alberta’s rural economy has traditionally focused on primary agriculture and natural resource industries. In recent years, small business, tourism, manufacturing, renewable energy and value-added processing have all become increasingly important to the rural economy. Tourism has significant potential through natural assets found in rural Alberta, and realizing that potential requires developing new products and experiences that meets the needs of visitors. A thriving tourism industry helps attract and retain talent that supports other industries. Supporting initiatives • The Film and Television Tax Credit offers a refundable Alberta tax credit certificate on eligible Alberta production and labour costs to corporations that produce films, television series and other eligible screen-based productions in the province. • Travel Alberta’s destination marketing promotes rural Alberta and Indigenous communities. • Alberta Open Farm Days is an incubator for agri-tourism and rural sustainability. New actions 1. Support Alberta’s rural visitor economy to ensure rural and Indigenous communities are strong and vibrant with opportunities for employment and economic diversification. 94 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 14 Strategic direction 5 Rural economic development capacity building Enhance rural economic development through regional and targeted capacity building. Collaboration and cooperation at a regional scale leverages collective resources and economic development opportunities. Supporting initiatives • The Alberta Agri-Food Investment and Growth Strategy set targets to attract $1.4 billion in investment by 2024 and create 2,000 jobs in the agri-food sector. • Government earmarked $59 million to expand the Veterinary Medicine Program at the University of Calgary. • The Aboriginal Business Investment Fund can partially or completely fund capital costs for Indigenous community-owned economic development projects. • The Alberta Indigenous Opportunities Corporation was established in 2019 to facilitate investment by Indigenous groups in natural resources, agriculture, telecommunications and transportation projects. • Continued collaboration with and investment in Regional Economic Development Alliances, Applied Research Associations and Agricultural Service Boards. New actions 1. Invest Alberta will partner with local economic development agencies to drive increased foreign direct investment to rural Alberta. 2. Continued collaboration with and investment in Regional Economic Development Alliances. 3. Work with all partners to further develop capacity building and mentorship programming targeted to rural and Indigenous community needs, and develop a regional policy approach to rural economic development capacity building. 4. Develop a one-stop Alberta.ca webpage to highlight programming for rural economic development initiatives. 95 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan 15 Implementation of the EDRAP will require a collaborative approach both within the Government of Alberta and between governments, rural economic development leaders and Indigenous communities to identify key opportunities to enhance current programs and services, advocate for new programs that will address key challenges, and reduce duplication. The government will ensure cross-ministry collaboration on rural economic development through a senior-level committee. There are also opportunities to collaborate with the Government of Canada on rural economic development projects and initiatives for rural and Indigenous communities. Ongoing collaboration and reporting The Alberta government will collect data and narrative from rural economic development key stakeholders, including other government ministries, to develop annual progress reports starting in 2023, an interim report in 2025 and a final impact report in 2028. Highlights will be publicly available on Alberta.ca, and reporting also provides opportunities to adjust or refine plan actions as required. 96 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted open.alberta.ca/publications/economic-development-in-rural-alberta-plan 97 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Faye McGhee Division 1 Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) A link to the newspaper article was sent by email to all board members: https://calgaryherald.com/business/twenty-municipalities-organizations-form-partnership-to- call-for-better-rail-service Kneehill Regional Partnership Steering Committee February 8, 2023 Hosted an information session called “Privacy Do's and Don'ts for Elected Officials” facilitated by Lorne I. Randa from BrownLee Barristers & Solicitors -Very well attended. Councilors from each of the municipalities a well as staff from a few. -Excellent information on the legal responsibilities and risks associated with being a councillor. Marigold Library Meeting Date: January 28, 2023 Virtual -The board approved the 2023 budget as drafted. Accolades to the staff of Marigold who worked to get a more agreeable rate from TRAC, (The Regional Automation Consortium). -TRAC is the partnership of Marigold Library System, Northern Lights Library System, Peace Library System and Yellowhead Regional Library. TRAC is a Society established in the late 1990s to cost share and support a library management software system. Library cardholders can search and borrow items from a combined catalogue of 180 libraries with a collection of over three million books, DVDs and other material. -Website and Social Media Statistics as of October 31, 2022 Website: marigold.ab.ca - Total Visits: 3341 (previous month: 3435), average monthly visits in 2021: 3138 Website: braggcreeklibrary.ca – Total Visits: 61 (previous month: 59) Facebook Likes: 580 (previous month: 576) Instagram followers: 771 (previous month: 774) Twitter followers: 728 (previous month: 725) YouTube subscribers: 180 (previous month: 178) -New eResources: 1. DigitalLearn is a Public Library Association’s website that provides digital literacy support and training. It includes a collection of self-directed tutorials to help users increase their digital literacy. 98 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted 2. FamilySearch is a history and genealogy resource that includes billions of birth, marriage, death, census, land, and court records from more than 130 countries. They add over 300 million free genealogical records and images online yearly from all over the world, and they manager the famous Family History Library in Salt Lake City. -The Ministry of Agriculture & Irrigation published a new Economic Development in Rural Alberta Plan in December. The plan sets out a 5-year commitment that guides rural economic growth, reflecting on innovation, diversification, and sustainable, long-term economic development. The report states a new action to “Leverage Alberta’s library system to support knowledge transfer and skills development.” (Page 12, Action https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/b3cb4a52-e3fb-4aeb-a69f-0d32a5a14eec/resource/b4342f56- 6762-4fdb-85c0-2856ae599d77/download/agi-economic-development-in-rural-alberta-plan.pdf -The Ministries of Agriculture & Irrigation and Municipal Affairs have partnered to offer public library boards serving populations of 20,000 or less one-time project funding to build capacity and skills for work, learning, and digital literacy. -In October, the seven regional library systems submitted a joint letter requesting an increase in library funding to Minister Rebecca Schulz. Public Library Services Branch currently uses 2016 Municipal Affairs population to issue grants. Increased funding is urgently needed to sustain operations in our seven library systems that serve 270 libraries in Alberta. We see the need for increased funding at our member libraries as buyer power is impacted by inflation and some are seeing significant jumps in population. Northern Lights Director James MacDonald and Peace Director Louisa Robison were interviewed for this in a CBC article: https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/edmonton/alberta-s-rural-library-systems-plead-for-more- provincial-funds-as-inflation-erodes-budgets-1.6644808 Anyone looking to advocate for the importance of libraries please see the attached resources: Provincial Advocacy Handout and Provincial Advocacy Guide. 1Provincial Advocacy Handout.pdf 25 Provincial Advocacy Guide_Jan 1 99 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted REQUEST FOR DECISION AGENDA ITEM # 10.0 Page 1 of 1 Version: 2022-02 Subject: Council Follow-up Action List Meeting Date: Tuesday, February 14, 2023 Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Services Coordinator Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO RECOMMENDED MOTION: That Council receive for information the Council Follow-up Action List as presented. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: (Check all that apply) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ ☒ High Quality Infrastructure Economic Resilience Quality of Life Effective Leadership Level of Service RELEVANT LEGISLATION: Provincial (cite)- N/A Council Bylaw/Policy (cite)- N/A BACKGROUND/PROPOSAL: To request Council’s acceptance of the Council Follow-Up Action List. DISCUSSION/OPTIONS/BENEFITS/DISADVANTAGES/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: 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 & STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: The recommended motion does not have any financial implication. RECOMMENDED ENGAGEMENT: Directive Decision (Information Sharing, One-Way Communication Tools: Individual Notification Other: ATTACHMENTS: Council Follow up Action List COUNCIL OPTIONS: 1. To receive the report regarding the Council Follow-up Action List for information 2. Council provide further direction or required changes/amendments FOLLOW-UP ACTIONS: N/A APPROVAL(S): Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Approved- ☒ 100 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Meeting Date Motion #Description/Motion Action Required Assigned To Due Date Status 23-Mar-21 139/21 Councillor Penner moved that Council direct administration to cancel the current agreement with R&D Pilot Truck Ltd for the hauling of gravel to the Hiller Stockpile and enter into an agreement to sell the remainder of gravel located at the Delia pit at a cost recovery. COMPLETED Mike Ziehr Payment for the remainder of the gravel purchase has been received from R&D Pilot Truck and the ownership of the gravel has transferred. 20-Jul-21 288/21 Councillor King moved that Council direct administration that once the County has the financial background regarding the Three Hills East Water Delivery Options, that the County then complete a public engagement with the residents. Christine Anderson Meeting has been set for March 8, 2023 in the Encana Room at Three Hills Arena. Invitations have been mailed out. 22-Mar-22 97/22 AUMA Energy Audit- Deputy Reeve King moved that Council request Administration to provide additional information for the proposed projects as presented. Mike Haugen/Director of Community Services It is anticipated that this will be done as part of budget discussions. 15-Nov-22 397/22 Councillor Penner moved that Council continue the Horseshoe Canyon facility fee (formerly called the parking fee) program for 2023.Shelby Sherwick Planning for 2023 season in progress 15-Nov-22 416/22 Councillor Fobes moved that Council directs Administration to continue with the Horseshoe Canyon Branding Pilot Program. Shelby Sherwick Planning for 2023 season in progress 13-Dec-22 435/22 Councillor King Request a meeting with the Minister of Transportation at the Rural Municipalities Conference to discuss this bridge. Mike Haugen We are starting to receive invites for the RMA Convention and will respond accordingly when received. 10-Jan-23 9/23 Councillor Cunningham moved that Council table the Joint Advocacy for Improved Solar Farm Governance agenda item until the first meeting in February to provide further information. On the February 14 Agenda. 10-Jan-23 14/23 Councillor Cunningham moved that Council request a meeting with the Minister of Municipal Affairs at the upcoming RMA Convention, to discuss concerns about siting of renewable energy developments and end of life concerns. COMPLETED Mike Haugen In Progress 24-Jan-23 18/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council receive the presentation for information as presented.COMPLETED 24-Jan-23 19-20/23 Councillor Fobes moved that Council provide second reading to Bylaw 1869, Starland County & Kneehill County Intermunicipal Development Plan.COMPLETED 24-Jan-23 20/23 Councillor McGhee moved that Council provide third reading to Bylaw 1869, Starland County & Kneehill County Intermunicipal Development Plan.COMPLETED 24-Jan-23 21/23 Councillor Christie moved that Council nominate Lemay Agribusiness Ltd. (Mike & Suzanne Lemay) to receive the 2023 BMO Calgary Stampede Farm Family Award as recommended by the Agricultural Service Board, as well as approves attendance to the event for Deputy Reeve King as the County Representative.COMPLETE Shelby Sherwick Completed nomination form sent on January 24th, received by Calgary Stampede 24-Jan-23 22/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council appoints Jason Michielsen as Torrington Fire Chief and Derek Benedict as Torrington Deputy Fire Chief for a two-year term to January 31, 2025. Should either of these members leave the department, their position will be deemed vacant immediately. COMPLETED 24-Jan-23 23/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council receive for information the Oil and Gas Tax Arrears report.COMPLETED Council Action Items 101 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted Meeting Date Motion #Description/Motion Action Required Assigned To Due Date Status Council Action Items 24-Jan-23 24/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that the amount of $4,913,262.83 be expensed and cancelled on Rolls 29253332100, 29260310700, 29260341600, 29261010800, 29261041600, 29261410700, 29261420300, 30251410110, 30251910700, 30251931200, 31222510100, 32220642100, 32223541000, 32231020410, 32231510800, 32232320600, 32232731300, 32233420400, 32233631400, 32233641000, 33220310800, 33221710800, 33221831100, 33221910700, 33222910700, 33231310100, 33232410800, 33233010100, 34213231300, 34213240900, 34222431300, 40000410000 as this is amount is no longer collectible.COMPLETED 24-Jan-23 25/23 Councillor McGhee moved that Council approve to cancel the taxes on Roll 30211533000 & 50000000022 in the amount of $1,340.38.COMPLETED 24-Jan-23 26/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council direct Administration to prepare an information package for landowners considering or affected by renewable energy development. 24-Jan-23 27/23 Deputy Reeve King moved that Council provide funding to the Trochu Ag Society, through the Community Grant program, in the amount of $17,500.00. COMPLETED 24-Jan-23 32/33 Councillor McGhee moved that Council authorize the hiring of a fourth Community Peace Officer Level 1 position. COMPLETED 102 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted AMENDMENT SUMMARY Council Meeting Date: February 14, 2023 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: Deletion: 3.1- Delegation- Three Hills RCMP, Sgt. Jamie Day 8.1- Three Hills RCMP Package: No additions were made to the package 103 2023.02.14 Council Package Adopted