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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPost-Meeting Agenda Package - CoW_Apr16_2024 (1)COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE POST-MEETING AGENDA Tuesday, April 16, 2024, 8:30 a.m. 1600 2nd Street NE Three Hills, AB T0M 2A0 https://www.youtube.com/@kneehillcounty48 Pages 1.Call to Order 1.1 Approval of Agenda 1.2 Approval of Minutes 1.2.1 Approval of the February 20, 2024 COW Meeting Minutes 2 2.New Business 2.1 Vegetation Cutting Request and Service Level Review 6 2.2 Enterprise Vehicle Leasing 20 2.3 Delegation- Alberta Utilities Commission 28 Time: 10:00 a.m. Presenters: Richard Goldberger, Kim MacNab and Riley Georgsen 3.Closed Session 3.1 Third Party Business (Section 16- FOIP) 4.Adjournment 1 Committee of the Whole Minutes February 20, 2024, 8:30 a.m. 1600 2nd Street NE Three Hills, AB T0M 2A0 Council Present: Faye McGhee, Councillor Debbie Penner, Councillor Jerry Wittstock, Deputy Reeve Carrie Fobes, Councillor Laura Lee Machell-Cunningham, Councillor Wade Christie, Councillor Kenneth King, Reeve Staff Present: Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Mike Ziehr, Director of Infrastructure Kevin Gannon, Director of Community Services Theresa Cochran, Director of Corporate Services Debra Grosfield, Manager of Protective Services John McKiernan, Manager of Environmental Services Barb Hazelton, Manager of Planning and Development Fallon Sherlock, Manager of Parks and Agricultural Service Board Jenna Kester, Economic Development Intern Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Services Coordinator _____________________________________________________________________ 1. Call to Order Deputy Reeve Wittstock called the meeting to order at 8:30 a.m. 1.1 Approval of Agenda Additions to the Agenda: Under Closed Session 3.1 Privileged Information (FOIP- Section 27) Resolution: CW079 Moved by: Councillor Christie That the Committee of the Whole approve the agenda as amended. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Page 2 of 37 February 20, 2024 2 1.2 Approval of Minutes 1.2.1 Approval of the January 16, 2024, COW Meeting Minutes Resolution: CW080 Moved by: Reeve King That the Committee of the Whole approves the adoption of the minutes of the January 16, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting, as presented. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 2. New Business 2.1 Hamlet of Huxley Wastewater Moved by: Councillor Penner That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Council investigate the cost in a condition assessment of each septic tank and a septic pump out service for the Hamlet of Huxley. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 2.2 Huxley Streetlighting Upgrade Resolution: CW081 Moved by: Councillor McGhee That the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to approve the funding and installation of two new streetlights in the Hamlet of Huxley as per the details included in the discussion report and to be funded from the Operating Budget. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 2.3 Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan The Chair called for a recess at 9:46 a.m. and called the meeting back to order at 10:02 a.m. with all previously mentioned members present. The Chair called for a recess at 11:56 a.m. and return back at 12:05 p.m. At 11:58 a.m., the Reeve announced an extension of the recess for a lunch break, with proceedings set to resume at 12:45 p.m. The Chair called the meeting back to order at 12:46 p.m. with all previously mentioned members present. Page 3 of 37 February 20, 2024 3 Moved by: Councillor McGhee That the Committee of the Whole recommends to Council to direct administration to bring options for the Horseshoe Canyon Map Sign prior to season opening. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Moved by: Councillor Fobes That the Committee of the Whole defer further conversation on a revised Horseshoe Canyon Master Plan to the April 16th, 2024, Committee of the Whole meeting. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 2.4 Unsightly Premises Process and Bylaw Follow Up The Chair called for a recess at 2:27 p.m. and called the meeting back to order at 2:36 p.m. with all previously mentioned members present. Moved by: Councillor Cunningham That the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to request Administration to bring forward recommendations for Unsightly Premises Bylaw which include rural and hamlets, which also includes bench marking. CARRIED 3. Closed Session Moved by: Councillor Fobes That this meeting goes into closed session at 3:30 p.m. for the following reason(s):  Privileged Information (FOIP- Section 27)  Advice from Officials (FOIP-Section 24) CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY Moved by: Reeve King That Council return to open meeting at 4:13 p.m. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 4:13 p.m. - meeting recessed to allow return of public. 4:13 p.m. - meeting resumed. Page 4 of 37 February 20, 2024 4 4. Adjournment The meeting adjourned at 4:15 p.m. Kenneth King, Deputy Reeve Mike Haugen, CAO Page 5 of 37 Committee of the Whole Discussion Report Page 1 of 4 Version: 2023-01 Subject: Vegetation Cutting Request and Service Level Review Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Prepared By: Fallon Sherlock, Manager of Parks & Ag Services Presented By: Fallon Sherlock, Manager of Parks & Ag Services RECOMMENDATION: That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Administration brings forward to Council four updated service level agreements as it pertains to the cemeteries in Table 1 of this report for consideration. That the Committee of the Whole recommend that Council consider a service level increase for vegetation cutting at Community Centers located within hamlets in Kneehill County. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: (Check all that apply) ☒ ☐ ☒ ☐ ☒ High Quality Infrastructure Economic Resilience Quality of Life Effective Leadership Level of Service RELEVANT LEGISLATION: Provincial (cite)- Cemetery Act Council Bylaw/Policy (cite)- Nuisance and Unsightly Premises Bylaw 1630 BACKGROUND/PROPOSAL: In February 2024, the Wimborne Community Center reached out to Administration to discuss the possibility of hiring Kneehill County Parks Services for vegetation cutting (mowing and weed whipping) around the community center and the ball diamond. Since the Department does not currently offer this service, Administration wanted to take this opportunity to discuss the potential service options for Council's consideration. At present, Kneehill County Parks Services is responsible for vegetation cutting at forty-eight (48) locations, which include parks, cemeteries, county utility sites, county buildings, and county-owned land in the four hamlets of Wimborne, Huxley, Torrington, and Swalwell. The Department has a team of four (4) mowing staff members who manage the vegetation at these sites using a rotational and priority-based approach. The prioritization of a location can depend on various factors, such as the occurrence of specific events like funerals or community gatherings. Additionally, not all sites are serviced in every rotation due to differences in vegetation growth rates. Administration would also like to bring to light that some private lands are included in the above- mentioned rotations, which include four (4) Cemeteries (Lutheran, Lumni, Rempher, and Meehan Catholic) as well as the Huxley Community Center and Curling Rink. The four cemeteries currently pay an annual fee of $200 each, which, based on the information we have collected, has remained unchanged since it was established in 1987 through a Council Motion and subsequent letters to the groups owning the sites. Per the original information provided to Council and located in letters to the Cemetery ownership groups in 1987 the original fee was implemented to cover the service delivery of only vegetation cutting as the County does not obtain any revenue from plot sales. Although notes indicating verbal agreement by three Cemeteries and one letter of agreement by another Cemetery, there are no formalized service agreements for the four cemeteries or any other non-county Page 6 of 37 Committee of the Whole Discussion Report Page 2 of 4 Version: 2023-01 owned properties. Comments relayed in Council minutes from 1991 one church indicated that they were concerned about the burden of fees on their budget. Administration at this time has not approached the Cemetery ownership groups to discuss a potential increase to the rates or the addition of formal agreements as Administration wanted to discuss this item prior with Council prior to any conversations taking place. The vegetation cutting in the area around the Huxley Community Center and Curling Rink has been a part of the mowing route for many years. The only Council correspondence found was in a 2011 Council motion to complete the mowing of the Ball Diamond and surrounding area. This space is currently owned by Kneehill County and staff currently mow the area around the ball diamond while the interior operations are managed by the Huxley Community Association. In July 2019 a request from the Swalwell Community Association was brought forward to Council to mow the area around the Swalwell Hall. This request was denied through Council motion. DISCUSSION/OPTIONS/BENEFITS/DISADVANTAGES/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Cost Comparisons We have not been able to locate any direct comparators as not many offer the service in the rural area as a permanent business. Those we have heard of are individuals and are shared via word of mouth. Current County Program Costs The current vegetation cutting program costs are calculated out to approximately $355.60 per hour for 4 staff, mowers and whippers as well as $2.30/km for transportation. This is for the current vegetation cutting program completion of 48 sites on a 3.5 to 4 week rotation. Private Cemeteries The current revenue for private cemeteries is $200 each, annually. Table 1: Private Cemetery Cost Breakdown Location Cuttable Acres Avg Cutting Time Cost per Cut* Avg. Times Cut per season** Estimated Total cost per season Lutheran 1.34ac 2hr $798 4 $3,194 Lumni 2.2ac 1.75hr $705 4 $2,820 Rempher 0.5ac 0.45hr $275 4 $1,100 Meehan (Catholic) 2.34ac 2hr $780 5 $3,901 Estimated total cost per year $11,015 Current revenue received each year $800 Current Subsidized amount $10,215 Option 1: Keep Private Cemetery rates the same, see costs above. Option 2: Increase the rate to $200/cut Revenue $3,400 Subsidized amount $7,615 Option 3: Increase rate to $300/hour Revenue $1,860 Subsidized amount $9,155 Option 4: Increase rate to $400/year Revenue $1,600 Subsidized amount $ 9,415 *Determined by labour, equipment and mileage **number of cuts determined by vegetation growth Page 7 of 37 Committee of the Whole Discussion Report Page 3 of 4 Version: 2023-01 Increasing mowing rates would allow the municipality to recover more of the costs associated with providing this service by reducing the subsidized amount. Alternatively in c omments relayed in Council minutes from 1991 one church indicated that they were concerned about the burden of fees on their budget. Official service agreements should be implemented for any work done on non-county owned sites to mitigate legal and financial liabilities and clarify the expected levels of service for both parties. Community Centers Table 2: Community Center Cost Estimate Breakdown Location Cuttable Acres Estimated Time (hr) Cost per cut* Annual cost for 4 cuts Huxley Hall/ Curling Rink (currently taking place at no charge) 0.85ac 1hr $595 $2,380 Wimborne Hall & Ball Diamond (Requested) 2.35ac 2hr $900 $3,600 Torrington Hall 0.4ac 0.45hr $335 $1,340 Swalwell Hall 1.0ac 1hr $457 $1,828 Estimated total cost per year $9,148 Option 5: Subsidize the full cost Cost $9,148 Option 6: Set rate at $300/hour for 4 cuts Revenue $3,200.00 Subsidized amount $5,948 Option 7: Set rate at $600/year for 4 cuts Revenue $2,400 Subsidized amount $6,748 Option 8: Decline Vegetation Cutting at any Community Centers *Determined by labour, equipment, and mileage The Community Centers listed in Table 2 are located in hamlets that are already part of the existing cutting rotation and could be integrated with a lesser impact to the overall program, extending the cutting rotation period by about a week, depending on the rate of vegetation growth or special event requests. There are 5 other local Community Centers (see attached list of community centers) that are not within the current mowing locations that could bring forward similar requests but were not included in the Table 2 options as extending beyond the current mowing locations may require additional resources and increased service costs. Options for service delivery models could include:  an agreed upon minimum number of cuts per year at a specified amount with additional cuts at an increased cost.  cutting by request as it fits into the program schedule and availability without a guarantee of reaction time. Page 8 of 37 Committee of the Whole Discussion Report Page 4 of 4 Version: 2023-01 The addition of the Hamlet Community Centers to the cutting program would contribute to the continued care and maintenance of the communities these centers are a part of. This service is often a difficult item for volunteer groups to source, especially locating individuals with proper equipment, time, and adequate insurance coverage to complete this role in a public space. Alternatively, this would be an increased service level to the Parks department that would have to be clearly defined through policy and an adjustment to the Master Rate Bylaw. Should additional requests come from other community centers located outside the Hamlets or other private cemeteries in the County additional considerations would have to take place. Administration Recommendations:  Entering into signed service agreements clarifying rates and service level specifications for any non-county owned site where vegetation cutting takes place.  Selecting Option 1 of Table 1 and Adjusting Private Cemetery mowing to $200 per cut for a more balanced revenue/ subsidy.  Selecting Option 6 in Table 2 and offering the 4 Community Centers within the Hamlets the option to enter into service agreements with the County for $300 per hour for vegetation cutting. FINANCIAL & STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: Financial: The potential financial impact is detailed in Tables 1 and 2 of this report and/or may also include other potential costs, depending on alternate options discussed that have not been detailed in this report. The options and financial impacts will be brought back to Council for consideration at a future regular Council meeting. Staffing: With the existing staff and resources, the addition of the four Hamlet Community Centers would extend the cutting rotation to approximately 4 to 4.5 weeks depending on vegetation growth. Should Council want to take on the Community Center Mowing while retaining or decreasing the length of the cutting rotation then additional resources would need to be needed and could be determined. ATTACHMENTS: Current Vegetation Maintenance Maps of Hamlets Hamlet Community Center Maps, Lists of All Community Centers and Cemeteries in Kneehill County APPROVAL(S): Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Approved- ☒ Page 9 of 37 Wimborne Kneehill County Wimborne Community Center Hamlet Community Center Maps Page 10 of 37 Huxley Kneehill County Kneehill County Huxley Community Association Page 11 of 37 Torrington Kneehill County Page 12 of 37 Swalwell Swalwell Community Association Page 13 of 37 Name Location Orkney Community Hall 215079 HWY 837 Mt Vernon Community Hall 310057 RGE RD 231 Three Hills Rural Community Hall 240078 HWY 582 Sunnyslope Community Hall 260062 HWY 582 Crossroads Hall NW-22-34-25-W4 Hesketh Community Hall 20 MAIN ST HESKETH Huxley Community Hall 225 MAIN ST HUXLEY Swalwell Community Hall 214 MAIN ST SWALWELL Wimborne Community Hall 109 FIRST ST S WIMBORNE Silver Willows Seniors Society 113 CENTRE ST TORRINGTON Torrington Community Hall 202 SECOND AVE N TORRINGTON COMMUNITY CENTERS IN KNEEHILL COUNTY Page 14 of 37 CEMETERIES IN KNEEHILL COUNTY Name/ Owner Location County Involvement Homeland/Dunphy KNEEHILL COUNTY-NW-14-29-21-4 292044 RGE RD 211A Own and Maintain Swalwell KNEEHILL COUNTY-SW-34-29-24-4 295037 RGE RD 243 Own and Maintain Sarcee Butte KNEEHILL COUNTY-SW-11-31-22-4 311012 RGE RD 221 Own and Maintain Manor KNEEHILL COUNTY-NW-32-31-22-4 315079 RGE RD 225 Own and Maintain Mt. Davis KNEEHILL COUNTY-SW-30-31-24-4 314035 RGE RD 250 Own and Maintain Maerz KNEEHILL COUNTY-NW-35-31-25-4 251079 HWY 583 Own and Maintain Meehan KNEEHILL COUNTY-SE-8-33-23-4 331002A RGE RD 234 Own and Maintain Torrington East KNEEHILL COUNTY-SW-2-33-26-4 330007 HWY 805 Own and Maintain Torrington West KNEEHILL COUNTY-SW-4-33-26-4 263074 HWY 27 Own and Maintain Wimborne KNEEHILL COUNTY-SW-26-33-26-4 334039A HWY 805 Own and Maintain Gaetz KNEEHILL COUNTY-NE-12-33-27-4 331041 RGE RD 271 Own and Maintain Huxley KNEEHILL COUNTY-SW-17-34-23-4 401 RAILWAY AVE Own and Maintain ARTHURVALE KNEEHILL COUNTY 345064 RGE RD 250 Own and Maintain ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH - LUMNI 321001 RGE RD 222 Mow TORR. TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH– REMPHER 322043 RGE RD 261 Mow TROCHU CEMETERY- ST. ANNS CATHOLIC 331002B RGE RD 234 Mow TROCHU ST.JOHNS LUTHERAN CEMETERY 334046A HWY 21 Mow CARBON BAPTIST CHURCH 231082 TWP RD 284 None CARBON BAPTIST CHURCH 234002 TWP RD 284 None HUTTERIAN BRETHREN CHURCH BRITESTONE 285045 RGE RD 234 None VILLAGE OF CARBON 293079 RGE RD 232 None R.C. BISHOP DIOCISE OF CALGARY(PT.CARBON 293077 RGE RD 232 None VILLAGE OF ACME 294002 RGE RD 260 None CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST - LINDEN 303081 RGE RD 253 None EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN ZION 322001 RGE RD 260 None HUTTERIAN BRETHREN CHURCH VALLEYVIEW 322009 RGE RD 264 None HUTTERIAN BRETHREN CHURCH HUXLEY 344055 RGE RD 225 None Page 15 of 37 2nd ST. 3r d A V E . Legend Road Mowing Weed Whipping Hazard (culverts) Torrington Page 16 of 37 See Wimborne Cemetery Legend Road Mowing Area Weed Whip WIMBORNE Page 17 of 37 HUXLEY To Snow Pile To Huxley Cemetery Legend Road Mowing Area To Water Reservoir Page 18 of 37 SWALWELL Legend Road Mowing Area Weed Whip Page 19 of 37 Committee of the Whole Discussion Report Page 1 of 2 Version: 2023-01 Subject: Enterprise Vehicle Leasing Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Prepared By: Mike Ziehr, Director of Infrastructure Presented By: Mike Ziehr, Director of Infrastructure RECOMMENDATION: That the Committee of the Whole receive the update on the Enterprise vehicle leasing program as information. 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: Administration is constantly reviewing the County’s internal programs to gauge efficiencies that are possible with new advancements in technology, regulatory changes , and other developments. Municipal vehicle leasing programs have been in existence for many years. Historically Kneehill County has reviewed these programs and determined that the restrictions placed on vehicle modifications and usage as well as projected costs have deemed these programs not to be a practical option. Recent changes to the structure of these programs have provided a reasonable opportunity to participate in the program with limited risk to the municipality. DISCUSSION/OPTIONS/BENEFITS/DISADVANTAGES/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Enterprise Fleet Management is an approved supplier in the RMA Canoe procurement group. Enterprise currently provides fleet management services to over 25 municipalities in Alberta. As primary focus of the Enterprise program is to evaluate usage of the vehicles and determine the highest return on investment for the vehicles. Enterprise has a large network of dealers as well as a significant market presence which helps both in the sourcing of vehicles as well as disposal of these units. Obtaining the highest value at disposal is beneficial to both parties and as such great attention is placed on monitoring market conditions and usage. Administration has entered into a pilot program with Enterprise to supply the County with 6 - ½ ton pickups, corresponding with the approved capital equipment plan replacements for 2024. These vehicles will be outfitted with monitoring systems that will track location, vehicle usage, kilometres and scheduled maintenance programs. Page 20 of 37 Committee of the Whole Discussion Report Page 2 of 2 Version: 2023-01 This data will be monitored by both the County and Enterprise, and recommendations on vehicle replacement or alternating units within the fleet will help the County utilize these units to their fullest potential. The County will also be analyzing the cost comparisons on the Enterprise model against recently purchased County units to determine the value of the program. FINANCIAL & STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: The program will be managed by the Infrastructure and Corporate Services departments. The leasing program will be funded through the approved 2024 budget. ATTACHMENTS: Enterprise Fleet Management presentation APPROVAL(S): Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Approved- ☒ Page 21 of 37 Enterprise Fleet for County Government Page 22 of 37 © 2024 Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY LOCAL OFFICES Enterprise Advantage CLIENT STRATEGY MANAGERS 54 OVER 600k REAL -TIME FLEET TOOLS LOCAL OFFICES 11,000+ EFM CUSTOMERS Investment - Grade Page 23 of 37 Cities Counties Special Districts Other Schools 27 Government partners in Alberta “Because of the cost savings we have seen through our partnership with Enterprise Fleet Management, both in the overall cost of the vehicles as well as fuel and maintenance costs, I would without hesitation recommend Enterprise Fleet Management to any company operating a fleet of vehicles.” –Teresa Gratrix, Chief Administrative Officer, Camrose County References Page 24 of 37 Comprehensive offering, so you can focus on your objectives Customized to best fit the needs of your business. ACQUISITION FINANCING / CREDIT LINES LICENSE, TITLE AND REGISTRATION AFTERMARKET VEHICLE CUSTOMIZATION MAINTENANCE PROGRAMSFUEL PROGRAMS ACCIDENT / RISK MANAGEMENT TELEMATICS DRIVER SAFETY VEHICLE RESALE Page 25 of 37 Robust Reporting and Technology © 2024 Enterprise Fleet Management, Inc.CONFIDENTIAL AND PROPRIETARY Fleet Management Platform and Mobile App COMPREHENSIVE FLEET LIST ORDER STATUS UPDATES MAINTENANCE INSIGHTS OPERATOR INSIGHTS FUEL SPEND Page 26 of 37 Effective Vehicle Lifecycle C O S T Determining the right time to replace vehicles TIME OPTIMAL TIME TO REPLACE DEPRECIATION FUEL MAINTENANCE CURRENT REPLACEENT Page 27 of 37 Committee of the Whole Discussion Report Page 1 of 1 Version: 2023-01 Subject: Delegation- Alberta Utilities Commission Meeting Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2024 Prepared By: Carolyn Van der Kuil, Legislative Services Coordinator Presented By: Mike Haugen, CAO RECOMMENDATION: That the Committee of the Whole recommend to Council to receive for information the Alberta Utilities Commission presentation. STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT: (Check all that apply) ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☒ High Quality Infrastructure Economic Resilience Quality of Life Effective Leadership Level of Service RELEVANT LEGISLATION: Provincial (cite)- Start typing here Council Bylaw/Policy (cite)- Start typing here BACKGROUND/PROPOSAL: The Alberta Utilities Commission is scheduled to present at today’s meeting at 10:00 a.m. DISCUSSION/OPTIONS/BENEFITS/DISADVANTAGES/OTHER CONSIDERATIONS: Administration extended an invitation to the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) to attend Council as a delegation, in accordance with Council’s resolution from February 13, 2024. This resolution directed Administration to request presentations from the NRCB, Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC), and an expert on the Alberta electrical grid to provide insights into processes, set backs, and other pertinent information relevant to municipalities. Richard Goldberger, Kim McNab, and Riley Georgsen will be presenting virtually on behalf of the Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) today at 10:00 a.m. FINANCIAL & STAFFING IMPLICATIONS: There are no financial or staffing implications if Council approves the recommended motion. ATTACHMENTS: N/A APPROVAL(S): Mike Haugen, Chief Administrative Officer Approved- ☒ Page 28 of 37 Current renewables applications – common legal and policy issues April 16, 2024 Presenters and the materials in this presentation do not speak on behalf of AUC Commission members. Commission members’ views are expressed on the public record through AUC decisions. Richard Goldberger, Advisor, External Affairs and Communications Kim Macnab, Executive Director, Facilities Page 29 of 37 Our mission •The AUC is a trusted leader that delivers innovative and efficient regulatory solutions for Alberta. •As Alberta’s independent utilities regulator, the AUC is granted authority through the Alberta Utilities Commission Act and other pieces of legislation to make decisions in the public interest to protect social, economic and environmental interests of Alberta. 2Page 30 of 37 3 Conduct evidence- based regulatory reviews in a fair and open process to consider what is in the public interest. Balance the requirement to ensure safe and reliable service at just and reasonable rates. Regulate investor- owned natural gas, electric and water utilities and certain municipally owned electric utilities. Ensure electric facilities are built, operated and decommissioned in an efficient and environmentally responsible way. Provide regulatory oversight of the wholesale electricity market and retail gas and electricity markets in Alberta. What we do Page 31 of 37 Organizational overview and responsibilities Commission members •Appointed by government to consider and make decisions about regulatory applications in an independent review process. •The Commission is comprised of no more than nine members, including the chair and vice- chair(s). Staff members •Hired to provide expertise to support the decision-making process and overall day-to-day operations. •Divisions include: •Chief Executive, Corporate Services, External Affairs and Communications, Facilities, Law, Market Oversight and Enforcement, and Rates. Presenters and the materials in this presentation do not speak on behalf of AUC Commission members. Commission members’ views are expressed on the public record through AUC decisions.Page 32 of 37 Module A takeaways and GOA announcement 5 Municipalities •Municipalities will be automatically given right to participate in AUC hearings and now eligible to request cost recovery for participation. •AUC undertaking a review of Rule 007 related to municipal submission requirements. Agricultural lands •AUC taking a new lens for agriculture. •Renewable generation developments no longer permitted on Class 1 and 2 lands unless proponent can demonstrate ability for both crops and/or livestock to coexist with the project. •AUC to introduce requirements for proponents to provide soil field verification earlier in the application process. Reclamation •Developers will be responsible for reclamation costs via bond or security. •Reclamation costs will either be provided directly to the Alberta government or may be negotiated with landowners if sufficient evidence. Viewscapes •AUC to enhance existing visual impact assessment requirements within Rule 007 to include more structured methodology within the application review process. •Consider buffer zones of minimum 35 km around protected areas and other “pristine viewscapes” designated by the province. Crown lands •General support for enabling power plant development on Crown land, as long as key concerns are addressed through the review and approval processes. •Any development of renewable development on Crown lands will be on a case-by-case basis in the future. Page 33 of 37 6 Municipal participation rights will be automatically granted and municipalities will be eligible to request cost recovery for participation. •Municipalities will automatically be granted full participation rights in AUC proceedings considering electricity generation projects proposed within their municipality. •AUC recognizes that municipalities have significant expertise in land-use planning and that increased municipal participation in the its process will promote enhanced consideration of municipal views. •AUC will review its costs recovery regime for facilities proceedings (which includes power plants) and develop rules that enable cost recovery eligibility for participating municipalities. AUC commitments from inquiry - municipalities Page 34 of 37 7 AUC Rule 007 review related to municipal submission requirements and clarify consultation requirements. •AUC undertaking a review of Rule 007, including interim information requirements related to municipal plans and land-use planning documents, to identify any gaps or supplemental information that will assist the AUC in its public interest determination. This includes: •Consideration of whether municipal concurrence letter or municipal land-use planning checklist template should be a mandatory information requirement. •AUC review of IRs and PIP guidelines for changes to ensure that a proponent’s obligations regarding notification and consultation with municipalities and landowners in general are clear. •Opportunities for further clarity around its consultation requirements may promote greater resolution of municipal and landowner concerns outside of the formal regulatory process, resulting in a more efficient application review. AUC commitments from inquiry - municipalities Page 35 of 37 8 •Municipal involvement in AUC proceedings is encouraged, appreciated and valued and leads to better, more informed decisions that are in the best interests of both applicants and local communities. •Municipal input: •Provides valuable insight into the potential impacts of proposed utility projects. •Helps to identify potential risks and mitigation strategies. •Ensures that local perspectives are heard, understood and considered when decisions are made on the development of utility and power plant infrastructure. •Ensures that any proposed projects comply with provincial laws, the AUC’s rules, and its application requirements. Municipalities and the AUC review process Page 36 of 37 Thank you www.auc.ab.ca info@auc.ab.ca Page 37 of 37