THE CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council

Monday, February 26, 2024 at 6:00 P.m. - 9:00 P.m.

3rd Floor - Council Chambers

315 Jespersen Ave

Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3E8

Members Present:

• Mayor Acker
• Councillor Carter (Attended Virtually)
• Councillor Gillett
• Councillor Houston (Attended Virtually)
• Councillor MacDonald
• Councillor Oldham
• Councillor Stevenson

Also in Attendance:

• Dean Screpnek, City Manager
• David Wolanski, General Manager of Community and Protective Services
• Mark Hussey, Acting General Manager of Sustainable Growth and Development Services
• Wendy Boje, General Manager of Strategic and Communication Services and Acting General Manager of Corporate Services
• Anthony Lemphers, Chief Financial Officer
• Carol Bergum, Director of Planning and Development
• Chad Priebe, Director of Protective Services / Fire Chief
• Laura Godin, Manager of Corporate Planning and Reporting
• Mark Puczko, Manager of Planning and Development
• Amanda Doucette, Supervisor of Communications
• Pankaj Nalavde, Senior Planner
• Lindsay O'Mara, City Clerk
• Karie Nothof, Recording Secretary
• Nicole Hitchens, Legislative Advisor

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1.

CALL TO ORDER

Mayor Acker called the meeting to order at 6 p.m. and acknowledged that City Council meets on the traditional land of Treaty 6 territory.

Councillor MacDonald proclaimed February 28, 2024 as Anti-Bullying Day (Pink Shirt Day) and Councillor Gillett proclaimed March 8, 2024 as International Women's Day on behalf of Council.

1.1

Swearing-In Ceremony - Deputy Mayor MacDonald

Councillor Reid MacDonald was sworn in as Deputy Mayor for the period of February 27, 2024 to June 24, 2024. 

2.

AGENDA

• Resolution: RCM-023-24
  Moved by: Councillor Oldham

  THAT the agenda be adopted, as amended.

  The following addition was made to the agenda:

  Addition: Item 12.1 - Councillor Report - Councillor Stevenson - Alberta Winter Games

  Unanimously Carried

3.

CONSENT AGENDA

3.1

Consent Agenda - February 26, 2024

• Resolution: RCM-024-24
  Moved by: Councillor MacDonald

  THAT the recommendations contained in the following reports be approved:

  Item 4.1Minutes - February 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting

  Item 10.2C-1285-23 - Pioneer Lands Area Structure Plan Amendment - Greenbury Neighbourhood - First Reading

  Item 10.3C-1286-23 - Omnibus Area Structure Plans Repealing Bylaws - First Reading

  Item 10.5C-1292-24 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Redistricting - Prescott Stage 10 - First Reading

  Item 10.6C-1302-24 - Operating Expenditures Borrowing Bylaw - First Reading

  Item 10.7C-1303-24 - 2024 Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment - Transit Fees - First Reading

  Item 10.82024 Corporate Plan Borrowing Bylaws - First Readings

  Item 11.4 Amendments to 2023 - 2024 Council Member Appointments to Boards and Committees

  Unanimously Carried

4.

MINUTES

4.1

Minutes - February 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting

The following motion was approved on the Consent Agenda:

• THAT the February 12, 2024 Regular Council Meeting minutes be approved as presented.

5.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

5.1

C-1229-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Easton and Copperhaven Planned Lot Districts - Public Hearing and Second Reading

Pankaj Nalavde

Mayor Acker called the Public Hearing to order at 6:08 p.m. on C-1229-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Easton and Copperhaven Planned Lot Districts.

Pankaj Nalavde, Senior Planner, presented on C-1229-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Easton and Copperhaven Planned Lot Districts.

Jamie Kitlarchuk, Qualico, PJ Pescod, Melcor, and Blaydon Dibben, Select Engineering Consultants, attended to speak to C-1229-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Easton and Copperhaven Planned Lot Districts.

There were no written or other verbal submissions received.

Council thanked everyone for attending and speaking to this Public Hearing. 

Mayor Acker declared the Public Hearing closed at 6:53 p.m.

• Moved by: Councillor Gillett

  THAT second reading be given to C-1229-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Easton and Copperhaven Planned Lot District. 
• Amendment:
  Resolution: RCM-025-24
  Moved by: Councillor Stevenson

  THAT C-1229-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Easton and Copperhaven Planned Lot District be amended to limit the maximum total area of residential land which may be applied for under the Easton Planned Lot District and Copperhaven Planned Lot District to 20% of the residential area, excluding sites intended for Multi-Unit Dwellings.

  Unanimously Carried
• Resolution: RCM-026-24
  Moved by: Councillor Gillett

  THAT second reading be given to C-1229-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Easton and Copperhaven Planned Lot Districts as amended.

  Unanimously Carried

5.2

Removal of Municipal Reserve Designation - 105 Madison Crescent – Public Hearing

Pankaj Nalavde

At 7:02 p.m. Mayor Acker reconvened the Public Hearing originally opened on December 4, 2023.

Pankaj Nalavde, Senior Planner, presented on Removal of Municipal Reserve Designation - 105 Madison Crescent. 

A verbal submission was received when the Public Hearing was originally opened on December 4, 2023. There were no written or other verbal submissions received when the Public Hearing was reconvened.

Mayor Acker declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:18 p.m.

• Resolution: RCM-027-24
  Moved by: Councillor Oldham

  THAT the Municipal Reserve Designation be removed from Lot 19R, Block 2, Plan 772 2050.

  Unanimously Carried

5.3

C-1273-23 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Redistricting - 105 Madison Crescent - Public Hearing, Second and Third Reading

Pankaj Nalavde

Mayor Acker called the Public Hearing to order at 7:10 p.m. on C-1273-23 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - 105 Madison Crescent.

Pankaj Nalavde, Senior Planner, presented on C-1273-23 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - 105 Madison Crescent.

Ron Stropel of Spruce Grove, attended to speak to C-1273-23 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - 105 Madison Crescent.

There were no written or other verbal submissions received.

Council thanked everyone for attending and speaking to this Public Hearing.

Mayor Acker declared the Public Hearing closed at 7:18 p.m.

• Resolution: RCM-028-24
  Moved by: Councillor Stevenson

  THAT second reading be given to C-1273-23 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - 105 Madison Crescent, as amended.

  Unanimously Carried
• Resolution: RCM-029-24
  Moved by: Councillor Gillett

  THAT third reading be given to C-1273-23 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - 105 Madison Crescent.

  Unanimously Carried

6.

PUBLIC INPUT SESSION

There were no statements made or questions asked of Council.

7.

COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS

There were no Council Presentations on the agenda.

8.

DELEGATIONS

There were no Delegations on the agenda.

9.

ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES

There were no Administrative Updates on the agenda.

• Mayor Acker called a recess at 7:22 p.m.

  Mayor Acker reconvened the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

10.

BYLAWS

10.1

C-1277-23 - Elections Bylaw - Third Reading

Lindsay O'Mara

Lindsay O’Mara, City Clerk, presented on C-1277-23 - Elections Bylaw.

Council thanked Lindsay O'Mara for the presentation.

• Resolution: RCM-030-24
  Moved by: Councillor Gillett

  THAT third reading be given to C-1277-23 - Elections Bylaw.

  In Favour (6)	Councillor Houston, Mayor Acker, Councillor Oldham, Councillor Stevenson, Councillor Carter, and Councillor Gillett
  Opposed (1)	Councillor MacDonald

  Carried (6 to 1)

10.2

C-1285-23 - Pioneer Lands Area Structure Plan Amendment - Greenbury Neighbourhood - First Reading

Pankaj Nalavde

The following motion was approved on the Consent Agenda:

• THAT first reading be given to Bylaw C-1285-23 - Pioneer Lands Area Structure Plan Amendment - Greenbury Neighbourhood.

10.3

C-1286-23 - Omnibus Area Structure Plans Repealing Bylaw - First Reading

Carol Bergum

The following motion was approved on the Consent Agenda:

• THAT first reading be given to C-1286-23 - Omnibus Area Structure Plans Repealing Bylaw.

10.4

C-1291-24 - Meridian Housing Foundation Borrowing Bylaw - Second and Third Reading

Anthony Lemphers

Anthony Lemphers, Chief Financial Officer, presented on C-1291-24 - Meridian Housing Foundation Borrowing Bylaw.

Council thanked Anthony Lemphers for the presentation.

• Resolution: RCM-031-24
  Moved by: Councillor Oldham

  THAT second reading be given to C-1291-24 - Meridian Housing Foundation Borrowing Bylaw.

  Unanimously Carried
• Resolution: RCM-032-24
  Moved by: Councillor Houston

  THAT third reading be given to C-1291-24 - Meridian Housing Foundation Borrowing Bylaw.

  Unanimously Carried
• Resolution: RCM-033-24
  Moved by: Councillor Gillett

  THAT the 2024 Operating Budget be amended to include debt servicing costs of $230,000.

  Unanimously Carried

10.5

C-1292-24 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Redistricting - Prescott Stage 10 - First Reading

Pankaj Nalavde

The following motion was approved on the Consent Agenda:

• THAT first reading be given to C-1292-24 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Prescott Stage 10.

10.6

C-1302-24 - Operating Expenditures Borrowing Bylaw - First Reading

Anthony Lemphers

The following motion was approved on the Consent Agenda:

• THAT first reading be given to C-1302-24 - Operating Expenditures Borrowing Bylaw.

10.7

C-1303-24 - 2024 Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment - Transit Fees - All Three Readings

Anthony Lemphers

Anthony Lemphers, Chief Financial Officer, presented on C-1303-24 - 2024 Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment.

Council thanked Anthony Lemphers for the presentation.

The following motion was approved on the Consent Agenda:

• THAT first reading be given to C-1303-24 - 2024 Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment.
• Resolution: RCM-034-24
  Moved by: Councillor Stevenson

  THAT second reading be given to C-1303-24 - 2024 Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment.

  Unanimously Carried
• Resolution: RCM-035-24
  Moved by: Councillor MacDonald

  THAT unanimous consent be given to proceed with third reading for C-1303-24 - 2024 Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment.

  Unanimously Carried
• Resolution: RCM-036-24
  Moved by: Councillor Carter

  THAT third reading be given to C-1303-24 - 2024 Fees and Charges Bylaw Amendment.

  Unanimously Carried

10.8

2024 Corporate Plan Borrowing Bylaws - First Readings

Anthony Lemphers

The following motions were approved on the Consent Agenda:

• THAT first reading be given to C-1304-24 - Solar Installation Protective Services Borrowing Bylaw.
• THAT first reading be given to C-1305-24 - City Hall Renovation 2024-2025 Borrowing Bylaw.
• THAT first reading be given to C-1306-24 - 2024 Stormwater Management Facility Rehabilitation - Harvest Ridge Borrowing Bylaw.
• THAT first reading be given to C-1307-24 - 2024 Support to City Centre Water Infrastructure - Mohr Avenue Borrowing Bylaw.
• THAT first reading be given to C-1308-24 - 2024 Storm Sewer Rehabilitation - 49 Diamond Avenue Borrowing Bylaw.

11.

BUSINESS ITEMS

11.1

Annexation Proposal and Notice of Proposed Annexation

Carol Bergum

Carol Bergum, Director of Planning and Development, presented on Annexation Proposal and Notice of Proposed Annexation.

Council thanked Carol Bergum for the presentation.

• Resolution: RCM-037-24
  Moved by: Councillor Houston

  THAT the City of Spruce Grove provide written notice of its proposed annexation of the lands in “Schedule A" and “Schedule B” of the Notice of Proposed Annexation pursuant to Section 116 of the Municipal Government Act.

  Unanimously Carried

11.2

Updated 2022 - 2025 Strategic Plan

Wendy Boje

Laura Godin, Manager of Corporate Planning and Reporting presented on the updated 2022 - 2025 Strategic Plan.

Council thanked Laura Godin for the presentation.

• Resolution: RCM-038-24
  Moved by: Councillor MacDonald

  THAT the updated 2022 - 2025 Strategic Plan be approved.

  Unanimously Carried

11.3

2023 Carry Forward Requests

Anthony Lemphers

Anthony Lemphers, Chief Financial Officer presented on the 2023 Carry Forward Requests.

Council thanked Anthony Lemphers for the presentation.

• Resolution: RCM-039-24
  Moved by: Councillor Oldham

  THAT the 2023 Operating Carry Forward Requests of $1,336,608 as detailed in Attachment 1, be approved.

  Unanimously Carried
• Resolution: RCM-040-24
  Moved by: Councillor Gillett

  THAT the 2024 Operating Budget be amended by the approved Operating Carry Forward Request of $1,336,608.

  Unanimously Carried
• Resolution: RCM-041-24
  Moved by: Councillor Stevenson

  THAT the 2023 Capital Carry Forward Requests of $26,145,953 as detailed in Attachment 2, be approved.

  Unanimously Carried
• Resolution: RCM-042-24
  Moved by: Councillor MacDonald

  THAT the 2024 Capital Budget be amended by the approved Capital Carry Forward request of $26,145,953.

  Unanimously Carried

11.4

Amendment to 2023 - 2024 Council Member Appointments to Boards and Committees

Lindsay O'Mara

The following motion was approved on the Consent Agenda:

• THAT the Council member appointments to the External and Internal Boards and Committees for 2023 - 2024 be approved, as amended.

12.

COUNCILLOR REPORTS

12.1

Councillor Report - Councillor Stevenson - Alberta Winter Games

Councillor Stevenson provided an update on the Alberta Winter Games hosted in Grande Prairie. She thanked Grande Prairie Council, organizers, and volunteers for a well run winter games,  acknowledged the 16 athletes who competed representing the City of Spruce Grove and congratulated the following athletes that accomplished a top 5 finish, John Colney (Judo), Carter Duffy (Alpine Skiing), Sadie Settle (Ringette), Christian Shymko (Freestyle Skiing), Julian Southworth (Judo), and Jordyn Tousignant (Biathlon).

13.

INFORMATION ITEMS

13.1

Various Boards and Committee Meeting Minutes and Reports - February 26, 2024

The minutes from ARROW Utilities and Youth Advisory Committee were provided to Council for review.

14.

NOTICES OF MOTION

There were no Notices of Motion provided.

15.

CLOSED SESSION

• Resolution: RCM-043-24
  Moved by: Councillor Oldham

  THAT Council go into Closed Session at 8:44 p.m. under the following sections of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act: 

  Item 15.1  Board Appointments - 2024 Assessment Review Board

  Section 17; Disclosure Harmful to Personal Privacy

  Unanimously Carried

15.1

Board Appointments - 2024 Assessment Review Board

Anthony Lemphers

The following persons were also in Closed Session to provide information or administrative support for item 15.1 Board Appointments - 2024 Assessment Review Board: 

Dean Screpnek, Wendy Boje, Anthony Lemphers and Lindsay O'Mara.

15.2

Return to Open Session - February 26, 2024

• Resolution: RCM-044-24
  Moved by: Councillor Stevenson

  THAT Council move out of Closed Session at 8:52 p.m.

  Unanimously Carried

16.

BUSINESS ARISING FROM CLOSED SESSION

16.1

Board Appointments - 2024 Assessment Review Board

• Resolution: RCM-045-24
  Moved by: Councillor Stevenson

  THAT Sheryl Exley and Denis Meier be appointed as members of the Assessment Review Board for a one-year term ending February 28, 2025.

  Unanimously Carried

17.

ADJOURNMENT

• Resolution: RCM-046-24
  Moved by: Councillor Gillett

  THAT the Regular Council meeting adjourn at 8:55 p.m.

  Unanimously Carried