Regular County Council Meeting March 10, 2020 - 9:30 AM County Administration Office

PRESENT: Reeve Larry Armfelt; County Councillors Dwayne Rawson, Dennis Willcott, Doris Splane, Christi Bilsky, Kevin Haines, Penny Stewart, Travais Johnson and Warren Griffin; Director of Corporate Services Amber Oko; Communications Coordinator Karl Kopan; County Manager Ryan Maier; and Recording Secretary Leah Blair.

Members of the Public Herb Voaklander, Mike Cottrell, Wayne Brehaut, Jean Brehaut, Eric Holt, Helmut Roeben and Kelly Chamzuk.

CALL TO ORDER: Reeve Armfelt called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m.

APPROVAL OF AGENDA: March 10, 2020, Regular County Council Meeting

Resolution Moved by Councillor Haines to approve the agenda with the following CC 20-200 additions:

• 5.8 - Grassland Library • 7.18 - Chamber of Commerce AGM • 7.19 - Water Wells Motion Carried.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 27, 2020, Regular County Council Meeting

Resolution Moved by Councillor Griffin to approve the minutes of the February CC 20-201 27, 2020, Regular County Council meeting as presented. Motion Carried.

February 27, 2020, Public Hearing (Bylaw 006-2020)

Resolution Moved by Councillor Splane to approve the minutes of the February CC 20-202 27, 2020, Public Hearing for Bylaw 006-2020, as presented. Motion Carried.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: Fire Guardian Appointment (Feb 26th ASB Mtg)

Resolution Moved by Councillor Willcott to appoint Sheldon Schoepp as a Fire CC 20-203 Guardian for Athabasca County. Motion Carried.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

Regular County Council Meeting Athabasca County March 10, 2020 - 9:30 AM County Administration Office

Wandering River Fire Chief Appointment (Feb 26th ASB Mtg)

Resolution Moved by Councillor Stewart to appoint Gary Cromwell as a Fire CC 20-204 Chief of the Wandering River Fire Department. Motion Carried.

Director of Corporate Services Brian Pysyk entered the meeting at 9:34 a.m.

Policy 3408 (Feb 27th CC Mtg)

Resolution Moved by Councillor Splane to defer Policy 3408 - Pavement, CC 20-205 Calcium Chloride and Road Surfacing to the March 26, 2020, Regular County Council meeting. Motion Carried.

2020 Budget (Feb 27th CC Mtg)

Discussion ensued between all those present regarding the 2020 Capital and Operating Budget.

Councillor Willcott requested a recorded vote.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Splane to modify the budget to include a 1% CC 20-206 Cost of Living Allowance for all staff and approve the 2020 Operating and Capital Budget as modified. Motion Carried.

For - 5 (Councillors Splane, Rawson, Stewart, Johnson, Armfelt) Opposed - 4 (Councillors Willcott, Haines, Bilsky, Griffin)

Mr. Pysyk left the meeting at 9:53 a.m., and did not return.

FCM Conference (Feb 27th CC Mtg)

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson to accept the Federation of Canadian CC 20-207 Municipalities 2020 Conference report as information. Motion Carried.

Director of Infrastructure Services Norm De Wet entered the meeting at 9:54 a.m.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

Page 2 of 15 Regular County Council Meeting Athabasca County March 10, 2020 - 9:30 AM County Administration Office

DELEGATIONS/ PRESENTATIONS: Crestwynd Exploration Ltd. (Dan Hermary) - 10:00 a.m.

Crestwynd Exploration Ltd. President and CEO Dan Hermary and Vice President Jesse Griffith joined the meeting at 9:55 a.m., to request an extension of Range Road 215 and create a new access onto Township Road 634.

Reeve Armfelt welcomed them to the meeting and introductions were made.

The following is a brief summary of the information provided:

• Crestwynd is a private oil and gas company • 2019 activities, 2020 plan and overview • Milestones and Strategy (2018 to 2023) • Well design, wells and leased land within Athabasca County • Currently utilizing 5 miles of County roadways

Reeve Armfelt thanked them for attending the meeting and they left at 10:22 a.m.

Reeve Armfelt declared a brief recess at 10:22 a.m. Mr. De Wet left the meeting at this time. The meeting was reconvened at 10:27 a.m.

Mike Cottrell - 10:30 a.m.

Mr. Mike Cottrell began his presentation at 10:28 a.m., voicing his concerns regarding the Duvernay Sand Project proposed by Athabasca Minerals Inc.

Reeve Armfelt welcomed him to the meeting and introductions were made.

The following is a brief summary of the information provided:

• Athabasca Minerals silica operations and effects • Concerns for health, noise, etc. • Initiate changes to classification of silica sand • Believes silica operations be classified as Heavy Industrial

Reeve Armfelt thanked him for his presentation.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

Page 3 of 15 Regular County Council Meeting Athabasca County March 10, 2020 - 9:30 AM County Administration Office

BUSINESS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES: Athabasca Library (Feb 27th CC Mtg)

Resolution Moved by Councillor Griffin to respond to the Town of Athabasca CC 20-208 Library Board advising them of the pending transfer of land ownership. Motion Carried.

Gina Payzant (Feb 27th CC Mtg)

Resolution Moved by Councillor Willcott to authorize a contribution for the CC 20-209 George Ryga event scheduled on May 30, 2020, to a maximum of $500, with the funds to come from the Private Grants line within the 2020 Budget. Motion Carried.

Grassland Library

Reeve Armfelt requested clarification as to who would be attending the Grassland School Public Open House scheduled on March 11, 2020, at 6:30 p.m.

MANAGERS REPORT: County Manager's Report

Resolution Moved by Councillor Bilsky to accept the County Manager's Report CC 20-210 for the month of February as information. Motion Carried.

DELEGATIONS/ PRESENTATIONS: Magnificent River Rats Festival Society - 11:00 a.m.

Members of the Rats Festival Society Heather Stocking and Pam Ilomin joined the meeting at 11:01 a.m., to give an update on the 2020 Festival and to request continued financial support.

Reeve Armfelt welcomed them to the meeting and introductions were made.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

Page 4 of 15 Regular County Council Meeting Athabasca County March 10, 2020 - 9:30 AM County Administration Office

The following is a brief summary of the information provided:

• Operates as a non-profit organization • Artists, activities, family entertainment and venue setup • Community partnerships, fundraising activities and promotions • Showcases during the year

Reeve Armfelt thanked them for attending the meeting and they left at 11:11 a.m.

NEW BUSINESS: Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks

Discussion ensued between all those present regarding the Intermunicipal Collaboration Frameworks with , , County and the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Splane to approve the draft Intermunicipal CC 20-211 Collaboration Framework between Thorhild County and Athabasca County. Motion Carried.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Rawson to approve the draft Intermunicipal CC 20-212 Collaboration Framework between Lac La Biche County and Athabasca County. Motion Carried.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Stewart to defer the draft Intermunicipal CC 20-213 Collaboration Framework between Westlock County and Athabasca County to the March 26, 2020, Regular County Council meeting. Motion Carried.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson to approve the draft Intermunicipal CC 20-214 Collaboration Framework between the Municipal District of Lesser Slave River and Athabasca County. Motion Carried.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

Page 5 of 15 Regular County Council Meeting Athabasca County March 10, 2020 - 9:30 AM County Administration Office

Ministerial Extension

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson that the Council of Athabasca County, CC 20-215 having successfully worked towards greater intermunicipal collaboration and having made progress on the preparation of an Intermunicipal Development Plan, direct Administration to request an extension be granted by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, to September 30, 2020, for the completion of an Intermunicipal Development Plan with the Summer Villages of South Baptiste and West Baptiste. The extension is being requested to enable the County and Summer Villages to complete the pubic engagement component of the project over the summer months when Summer Village residents are in the community to ensure transparency and fairness in the engagement process.

Further, that Council direct Administration to send notice to the Summer Villages of South Baptiste and West Baptiste, informing them of Athabasca County’s motion, and requesting that the Summer Villages pass a motion to the same effect, and send notice of said motion to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Motion Carried.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Rawson that the Council of Athabasca County, CC 20-216 having successfully worked towards greater intermunicipal collaboration and having made progress on the preparation of an Intermunicipal Development Plan, direct Administration to request an extension be granted by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, to September 30, 2020, for the completion of an Intermunicipal Development Plan with the Summer Villages of Island Lake and Island Lake South. The extension is being requested to enable the County and Summer Villages to complete the pubic engagement component of the project over the summer months when Summer Village residents are in the community to ensure transparency and fairness in the engagement process.

Further, that Council direct Administration to send notice to the Summer Villages of Island Lake and Island Lake South, informing them of Athabasca County’s motion, and requesting that the Summer Villages pass a motion to the same effect, and send notice of said motion to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Motion Carried.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

Page 6 of 15 Regular County Council Meeting Athabasca County March 10, 2020 - 9:30 AM County Administration Office

Resolution Moved by Councillor Splane that the Council of Athabasca County, CC 20-217 having successfully worked towards greater intermunicipal collaboration and having made progress on the preparation of an Intermunicipal Development Plan, direct Administration to request an extension be granted by the Minister of Municipal Affairs, to September 30, 2020, for the completion of an Intermunicipal Development Plan with the Summer Village of Bondiss. The extension is being requested to enable the County and Summer Village to complete the pubic engagement component of the project over the summer months when Summer Village residents are in the community to ensure transparency and fairness in the engagement process.

Further, that Council direct Administration to send notice to the Summer Village of Bondiss, informing them of Athabasca County’s motion, and requesting that the Summer Village pass a motion to the same effect, and send notice of said motion to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Motion Carried.

Bylaw 010-2020 Road Allowance Licensing Application

Resolution Moved by Councillor Haines that Bylaw 010-2020 (Road Allowance CC 20-218 Licensing Application) be given First Reading as presented. Motion Carried.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Griffin to direct Administration to schedule and CC 20-219 advertise a Public Hearing for Bylaw 010-2020, on March 26, 2020, at 9:30 a.m. Motion Carried.

Reeve Armfelt declared a recess at 11:40 a.m. The meeting was reconvened at 12:13 p.m.

Placement of Fiber Communications Facilities

Resolution Moved by Councillor Willcott to approve the fiber optic cable CC 20-220 installation as proposed and to direct Administration to enter into a Municipal Road Crossing Agreement with Buried Glass Inc. Motion Carried.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

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Alberta Transportation - Discussion Topics

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson to discuss the following items with CC 20-221 Transportation Regional Director Michael Botros at the March 26, 2020, regular County Council meeting:

• Colinton highway widening • Highway 55 • Resource Road funding • Inconsistencies of services • Highway 663 heavy truck traffic • Athabasca Bridge • Maintenance allocation and funding - mowing/weed control • Heavy truck traffic impact in Colinton from sand mine • University intersection • FRD590001 Motion Carried.

Boyle School Playground

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson to respond to the Boyle School Parent CC 20-222 Advisory Group that Athabasca County will only consider an in-kind contribution to the playground project at this time. Motion Carried.

Parkview Community Hall

Resolution Moved by Councillor Haines that Administration gather further CC 20-223 information on Parkview Community Club Hall and bring this item back to a future regular County Council meeting. Motion Carried.

Athabasca River Runners

Resolution Moved by Councillor Bilsky to recommend to the Tourism and CC 20-224 Economic Development Committee that the Athabasca River Runners present at a future Tourism and Economic Development Committee meeting. Motion Carried.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

Page 8 of 15 Regular County Council Meeting Athabasca County March 10, 2020 - 9:30 AM County Administration Office

DELEGATIONS/ PRESENTATIONS: Daron Rude - 1:00 p.m.

Mr. Daron Rude joined the meeting at 12:50 p.m., to request that Council consider a bylaw amendment to add a Discretionary Use to Agricultural District.

Reeve Armfelt welcomed him to the meeting and introductions were made.

The following is a brief summary of the information provided:

• Expand his business to produce cannabis • Districting for cannabis production and distribution • All activities will be confined to a building on the property • Process, guidelines, setbacks and securities

Reeve Armfelt thanked him for attending the meeting and he left at 1:08 p.m.

NEW BUSINESS: Mayors' & Reeves' Meeting

Resolution Moved by Councillor Griffin to accept the Mayors' and Reeves' CC 20-225 meeting correspondence as information. Motion Carried.

Alberta Airports Management Association Seminar

Resolution Moved by Councillor Stewart to authorize Councillors Bilsky and CC 20-226 Rawson to attend the Alberta Airports Management Association 2020 Seminar scheduled from June 10 to 11, 2020, in . Motion Carried.

Sturgeon County - FCM Reception

Resolution Moved by Councillor Splane to forward a letter to CC 20-227 supporting their initiative. Motion Carried.

Mr. De Wet entered the meeting at 1:13 p.m.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

Page 9 of 15 Regular County Council Meeting Athabasca County March 10, 2020 - 9:30 AM County Administration Office

RCMP - Questions (Verbal - Reeve Armfelt)

Reeve Armfelt reviewed the questions that he would like to discuss with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Mr. Kopan left the meeting at 1:17 p.m. Mr. Kopan returned to the meeting at 1:19 p.m.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Willcott to authorize Administration to forward CC 20-228 the questions to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as agreed upon. Motion Carried.

RMA Discussion (Verbal - Reeve Armfelt)

It was noted that discussions took place under Item 7.9 - Sturgeon County - FCM Reception.

Mr. Maier left the meeting at 1:23 p.m. Mr. Maier returned to the meeting at 1:25 p.m.

Crestwynd Exploration (Item 4.1)

Director of Planning and Development Shirley Moerman entered the meeting at 1:26 p.m.

Mr. De Wet clarified some concerns regarding the request from Crestwynd Exploration Ltd., and discussion ensued between all those present.

Councillor Splane left the meeting at 1:37 p.m. Councillor Splane returned to the meeting at 1:39 p.m.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson to authorize Administration to enter CC 20-229 into an agreement, including security with Crestwynd Exploration Ltd., to expand Range Road 215 to a key local road standard at their cost, with the County to contribute gravel to the project at a cost not to exceed $16,000.00. Motion Carried.

Mr. De Wet left the meeting at 1:44 p.m., and did not return.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

Page 10 of 15 Regular County Council Meeting Athabasca County March 10, 2020 - 9:30 AM County Administration Office

Mike Cottrell (Item 4.2)

Discussion ensued between all those present regarding the concerns brought forward by Mike Cottrell and the proposed development by Athabasca Minerals Inc.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Willcott to accept the delegation concerns as CC 20-230 information. Motion Carried.

Athabasca River Rats Festival Society (Item 4.3)

Resolution Moved by Councillor Bilsky to accept the Athabasca River Rats CC 20-231 Festival Society presentation as information. Motion Carried.

Daron Rude (Item 4.4)

Mrs. Moerman answered many questions that Council had regarding Mr. Rude's presentation.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Rawson that Administration contact Municipal CC 20-232 Planning Services and gather further information. Motion Carried.

Reeve Armfelt declared a brief recess 2:12 p.m. Mrs. Moerman left the meeting at this time and did not return. The meeting was reconvened at 2:20 p.m.

Chamber of Commerce AGM

Resolution Moved by Councillor Splane to authorize Reeve Armfelt to attend the CC 20-233 Chamber of Commerce Annual General Meeting scheduled on March 11, 2020. Motion Carried.

Water Wells

Reeve Armfelt gave a brief report to all those present on the Water Well session he attended.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson to accept the water well verbal report CC 20-234 as information. Motion Carried.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

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PUBLIC WORKS: 2020 Construction Projects

Resolution Moved by Councillor Rawson to approve the updated 2020 CC 20-235 construction projects. Motion Carried.

INFORMATION: TED Report

Resolution Moved by Councillor Griffin to accept the Tourism and Economic CC 20-236 Development Officer's report as information. Motion Carried.

Village of Boyle - TED Member at Large

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson to accept the update regarding the CC 20-237 Village of Boyle Tourism and Economic Development Member at Large as information. Motion Carried.

Pembina Zone Meeting

Resolution Moved by Councillor Willcott to accept the correspondence regarding CC 20-238 the Pembina River District Zone No. 3 meeting scheduled on April 20, 2020, as information. Motion Carried.

Minister of Municipal Affairs - 2020 Budget

Resolution Moved by Councillor Willcott to accept the 2020 Budget CC 20-239 correspondence from Municipals Affairs as information. Motion Carried.

Grant - 2019/2020 Fire Services Training Program

Resolution Moved by Councillor Griffin to accept the update regarding the CC 20-240 2019/2020 Fire Services Training Program as information. Motion Carried.

Police Funding

Resolution Moved by Councillor Splane to accept the police funding update as CC 20-241 information. Motion Carried.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

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Alberta Parks - Closures

Councillor Johnson expressed his concerns regarding the Alberta Parks partial/full site closures and discussion ensued between all those present.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Splane to authorize Councillor Johnson to meet CC 20-242 with Assistant Deputy Minister of Tourism and Economic Development Michelle Evans to investigate an emergent resolution. Motion Carried. For - 8 Opposed - 1

CNRL Appeal Update

Resolution Moved by Councillor Willcott to accept the Canadian Natural CC 20-243 Resources Limited appeal update as information. Motion Carried.

Lobbying Government Effectively Seminar

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson to accept the Lobby Government CC 20-244 Effectively seminar correspondence as information. Motion Carried.

Throne Speech (Verbal - Councillor Stewart)

Councillor Stewart gave a brief update on the Throne Speech she attended on February 25, 2020.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Bilsky to accept the verbal report regarding the CC 20-245 Throne Speech as information. Motion Carried.

Calendars (March & April)

Council reviewed the Councillor Meeting Calendars for March and April and it was agreed that Administration would amend the calendars as discussed.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

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REPORTS: Reeve's Report

Resolution Moved by Councillor Griffin to accept the Reeve's report as CC 20-246 information. Motion Carried.

REPORTS FROM COMMITTEES OF COUNCIL: Athabasca Airport Committee

Councillor Bilsky reported that the next meeting is scheduled on April 2, 2020.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson to accept the Report from the CC 20-247 Committee of Council as information. Motion Carried.

REPORTS FROM OTHER COMMITTEES: Aspen Regional Water Services Commission

Councillor Haines reported that they had water leak near Boyle and had further discussion regarding water for the Athabasca Minerals proposed development. It was noted that their Annual General Meeting is scheduled on April 7, 2020.

Athabasca Regional Multiplex Society Board

Councillor Johnson reported that they reviewed their catering services and pool deficiencies.

Blue Heron Vocational Training Center

Councillor Bilsky reported that they will be purchasing a new house and are working on a workplace violence and harassment policy.

Boyle Public Library Board

Councillor Splane reported that their Annual General Meeting is scheduled on April 21, 2020.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

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Community Education Committee (N. Lakes College)

Reeve Armfelt reported that they are planning a retirement event for President and CEO Ann Everatt.

County Library Board

Councillor Johnson reported that they are in the process of transferring access to the Library Trustee's website.

Family & Community Support Services

Councillor Stewart reported that they received a report outlining the number of people accessing programming and may need to look at the funding structure in more detail moving forward.

Northern Lights Library System

Councillor Griffin reported that received their annual financial statements and will be purchasing a van funded by reserves.

Resolution Moved by Councillor Johnson to accept the Reports from Other CC 20-248 Committees as information. Motion Carried.

ADJOURNMENT: The meeting was adjourned at 3:14 p.m.

REEVE COUNTY MANAGER

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