THE CITY OF SPRUCE GROVE

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of Council

-
3rd Floor - Council Chambers
315 Jespersen Ave
Spruce Grove, AB T7X 3E8
Members Present:
  • Mayor Acker
  • Councillor Carter
  • Councillor Gillett
  • Councillor Houston (attended virtually)
  • Councillor MacDonald
  • Councillor Oldham
  • Councillor Stevenson
Also in Attendance:
  • Dean Screpnek, City Manager
  • Corey Levasseur, General Manager of Planning and Infrastructure
  • David Wolanski, General Manager of Community and Protective Services
  • Wendy Boje, General Manager of Corporate Services
  • Anthony Lemphers, Chief Financial Officer
  • Dave Walker, Director of Economic and Business Development
  • Deborah Comfort, Director of Recreation and Culture
  • Amanda Doucette, Supervisor of Communications
  • Danielle Peyton, Manager of Social Planning - Community Social Development
  • David Towle, Senior Municipal Planner
  • Karla Daniels, Economic Development Specialist - Industrial
  • Lorne Adamitz, Inspector, Community Peace Officer, Assistant Deputy Chief
  • Lindsay O'Mara, City Clerk
  • Karie Nothof, Recording Secretary

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 June 2023, as National Indigenous History Month.

Councillor Carter proclaimed June 2023, as Pride Month.

Mayor Acker proclaimed June 5-11, 2023, as Senior's Week.

2.
AGENDA

  

THAT the agenda be adopted, as amended.

The following change was made to the agenda:

Move Item 11.2 - Unsheltered Recommendations to immediately follow the Public Input Session, as Item 6.1.

  • Resolution:RCM-097-23
    Moved by:Councillor Carter

    THAT the agenda be adopted, as amended.

    Unanimously Carried

3.
CONSENT AGENDA

  

3.1
Consent Agenda - May 23, 2023

  
  • Resolution:RCM-098-23
    Moved by:Councillor Oldham

    THAT the recommendation contained in the following report be approved:

    Item 4.1Minutes - May 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and May 15, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting.

    Unanimously Carried

4.
MINUTES

  

4.1
Minutes - May 8, 2023 Regular Council Meeting and May 15, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee Meeting

  

The following motion was approved on the consent agenda:

  • THAT the May 8, 2023 Regular Council meeting and the May 15, 2023 Governance and Priorities Committee meeting be approved as presented.

5.
PUBLIC HEARINGS

  

5.1
C-1230-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Redistricting - Tonewood Stage 11 - Public Hearing and Second Reading
David Towle

  

Mayor Acker called the Public Hearing to order at 6:10 p.m. on C-1230-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Redistricting - Tonewood Stage 11.

David Towle, Senior Municipal Planner, presented on C-1230-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Redistricting - Tonewood Stage 11.

There were no written or verbal submissions received.

Mayor Acker declared the Public Hearing closed at 6:20 p.m.

  • Resolution:RCM-099-23
    Moved by:Councillor MacDonald

    THAT second reading be given to C-1230-22 - Land Use Bylaw Amendment - Tonewood Stage 11.

    Unanimously Carried

6.
PUBLIC INPUT SESSION

  

Norman Kaiser of Spruce Grove was present to make a statement regarding the two access routes from the Harvest Ridge, Copperhaven, and Spruce Ridge neighbourhoods during an emergency and inquired about a timeline of when another access route will be constructed.  

Mayor Acker provided that future conversations will be considered during Council's Capital Planning.

Norm Sanders of Spruce Grove was present to make a statement regarding the natural forest areas in Spruce Grove needing attention to mitigate fire hazards.

Mayor Acker provided that Council has taken note, approaches need to be looked at, and information brought back to Council for consideration moving forward.

Cathy Marji of Spruce Grove, was present to share support for the unsheltered population and the importance of the brick and mortar Community Hub location.

Mayor Acker provided that Council will have a discussion during the next item on the agenda and Council is committed to finding solutions and working with partners.

The City Clerk read email submissions regarding the Community Hub on behalf of:

Todd Daynes, Penny Rieland, Deanne Ethier, Adrienne Maskalyk, Kelly Brisebois and L Cripps.

Mayor Acker provided that there are expectations to be followed at the Community Hub and addressed the temporary location of the Community Hub.

David Wolanski, General Manager of Community and Protective Services, provided that drug use is not allowed at the Community Hub and that several communities have a facility such as the Community Hub within residential areas, and that the City is working with them to seek lessons learned.

The City Clerk read an email submission regarding the Community Hub on behalf of Jennifer Belfour.

David Wolanski, General Manager of Community and Protective Services, provided that loitering and trespassing will be looked at pertaining to any problems that may arise. 

The City Clerk read an email submission regarding the Community Hub on behalf Gerry and Karen Dargatz.

Mayor Acker provided that the questions asked in the email submission will be answered during the Unsheltered Recommendations presentation that is upcoming on the agenda.

The City Clerk read an email submission regarding the Community Hub on behalf of Sylvie Marie.

Mayor Acker thanked Todd Daynes, Penny Rieland, Deanne Ethier, Adrienne Maskalyk, Kelly Brisebois, L Cripps, Jennifer Belfour, Gerry and Karen Dargatz, and Sylvie Marie for sending in the email submissions.

6.1
Unsheltered Recommendations

  

David Wolanski, General Manager of Community and Protective Services, and Danielle Peyton, Acting Manager of Social Planning - Community Social Development, presented on the Unsheltered Recommendations.

Corporal Zanbak, Parkland RCMP, and Lorne Adamitz, Inspector, Community Peace Officer, Assistant Deputy Chief, attended to answer questions of Council.

Council thanked David Wolanski, Danielle Peyton, Corporal Zanbak and Lorne Adamitz for the presentation.

  • Resolution:RCM-100-23
    Moved by:Councillor Gillett

    THAT the recommendations included in the May 23, 2023 Homelessness Recommendations Report outlined as follows be approved:

    • The City continue its partnership with the Late Night Café to offer winter shelter relief.
    • Transition the Community Hub from a permanent, physical location to a mobile outreach model of service.
    • Significantly increase the pursuit of a partner, location, and funding for a permanent supportive housing facility. 
    Unanimously Carried
  • Resolution:RCM-101-23
    Moved by:Councillor Stevenson

    THAT the mobile outreach program be approved with an annual budget of $177,000 ending March 31, 2026.

    Unanimously Carried

  • Mayor Acker called a recess at 8:39 p.m.

    Mayor Acker reconvened the meeting at 8:49 p.m.

7.
COUNCIL PRESENTATIONS

  

There were no Council Presentations on the agenda.

8.
DELEGATIONS

  

8.1
Public Delegation – Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball Club
Deborah Comfort

  

Deb Comfort, Director of Recreation and Culture, introduced Gloria Wipf and Garand Jones of the Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball Club.

Gloria Wipf, President, and Garand Jones, Past President, provided a presentation on the Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball Club.

Council thanked Gloria Wipf and Garand Jones for the presentation. 

  • Resolution:RCM-102-23
    Moved by:Councillor Oldham

    THAT Council support the Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball Club’s project for $400,000 and that Parkland Pickleheads Pickleball Club be provided a letter of support for the Community Facility Enhancement Grant application, indicating the value of the project to the City’s residents.

    Unanimously Carried

  • Mayor Acker moved Business Item 11.1 2023-28 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan to Item 8.2.

8.2
2023-28 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan

  

Karla Daniels, Economic Development Specialist - Industrial, Paul Blais, Managing Director, Deloitte LLP, and the following from the Economic Development Advisory Committee: Anthony Worbeck, Industrial Sector Representative, Bruce Mullet, Commercial Sector Representative, and Kelly John Rose, Greater Parkland Regional Chamber Representative, presented on the 2023-28 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan.

Council thanked Karla Daniels, Paul Blais, Anthony Worbeck, Bruce Mullet, and Kelly John Rose for the presentation.

  • Resolution:RCM-103-23
    Moved by:Councillor MacDonald

    THAT the 2023-28 Economic Development Strategy and Action Plan be approved as presented.

    Unanimously Carried

9.
ADMINISTRATIVE UPDATES

  

9.1
Wildfires Update

  

David Wolanski, General Manager of Community and Protective Services, provided a Wildfires Update.

Council thanked David Wolanski for the update.

  • Resolution:RCM-104-23
    Moved by:Councillor Oldham

    THAT the May 23, 2023 Regular Council meeting be extended past 11 p.m.

    Unanimously Carried

9.2
2022 Annual Report
Dean Screpnek

  

Dean Screpnek, City Manager, presented on the 2022 Annual Report.

Council thanked Dean Screpnek for the update.

10.
BYLAWS

  

10.1
C-1261-23 - Traffic Bylaw Amendment - e-Scooters - Second and Third Reading
Dave Walker

  

Dave Walker, Director of Economic and Business Development, and Karla Daniels, Economic Development Specialist - Industrial, presented on C-1261-23 - Traffic Bylaw Amendment - e-Scooters.

Council thanked Dave Walker and Karla Daniels for the presentation. 

  • Resolution:RCM-105-23
    Moved by:Councillor Stevenson

    THAT second reading be given to C-1261-23 - Traffic Bylaw Amendment - Electric and Motorized Scooters.

    Unanimously Carried
  • Resolution:RCM-106-23
    Moved by:Councillor MacDonald

    THAT third reading be given to C-1261-23 - Traffic Bylaw Amendment - Electric and Motorized Scooters.

    Unanimously Carried
  • Resolution:RCM-107-23
    Moved by:Councillor Stevenson

    THAT the implementation of a pilot shared e-Scooter program within the City of Spruce Grove as per the Micromobility Systems Supply Agreement with Bird Canada Inc. be approved.

    In Favour (5)Councillor Houston, Mayor Acker, Councillor Oldham, Councillor Stevenson, and Councillor MacDonald
    Opposed (2)Councillor Carter, and Councillor Gillett
    Carried (5 to 2)

11.
BUSINESS ITEMS

  

11.1
Alberta Municipalities Resolution Submission - Enhanced Funding for Rent Assistance
Wendy Boje

  

Wendy Boje, General Manager of Corporate Services, presented on the Alberta Municipalities Resolution Submission - Enhanced Funding for Rent Assistance.

Council thanked Wendy Boje for the presentation.

  • Resolution:RCM-108-23
    Moved by:Councillor Gillett

    THAT the City of Spruce Grove act as a seconder for a resolution to be considered by Alberta Municipalities at the 2023 annual convention regarding enhanced funding for the Rent Assistance and Temporary Rent Assistance benefits.

    Unanimously Carried

12.
COUNCILLOR REPORTS

  

12.1
Councillor MacDonald - Parkland RCMP 150 Years Celebration

  

Councillor MacDonald provided that the Parkland RCMP Detachment will be hosting an event to celebrate 150 years on Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

12.2
Councillor Houston - Meridian Housing Foundation and Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission Updates

  

Councillor Houston provided the following updates:

  • The Meridian Housing Foundation awarded a contract for the Class B estimate for the design work that is necessary to move forward with the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) financing. 
  • The Alberta Capital Region Wastewater Commission awarded a contract to start design work for a Train 4 Wastewater Treatment Upgrade. 

12.3
Councillor Stevenson - Regional Women's Caucus

  

Councillor Stevenson shared that the City of Spruce Grove, the Town of Stony Plain, and Parkland County hosted the Regional Women's Caucus on May 11, 2023.

13.
INFORMATION ITEMS

  

13.1
Various Boards and Committee Meeting Minutes and Reports - May 23, 2023

  

The minutes from the Tri Municipal Leisure Facility Corporation Board and the Community Road Safety Advisory Committee were provided to Council for review.

14.
NOTICES OF MOTION

  

There were no Notices of Motion provided.

15.
CLOSED SESSION

  
  • Resolution:RCM-109-23
    Moved by:Councillor Oldham

    THAT Council go into Closed Session at 11:05 p.m. under the following sections of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act: 

    Item 15.1 Awards of Excellence Nominations 2023

    Section 24; Advice from officials

    Item 15.2 Development Matter

    Section 16; Disclosure harmful to business interests of a third party

    Item 15.3 Committee Matter

    Section 17; Disclosure harmful to personal privacy

    Unanimously Carried

15.1
Awards of Excellence Nominations 2023
Amanda Doucette

 

The following persons were also in Closed Session to provide information or administrative support for item 15.1 Awards of Excellence Nominations 2023:

Dean Screpnek, Corey Levasseur, Wendy Boje, Dave Walker and Amanda Doucette

15.2
Development Matter
Dave Walker

 

The following persons were also in Closed Session to provide information or administrative support for item 15.2 Development Matter:

Dean Screpnek, Corey Levasseur, Wendy Boje, Dave Walker and Amanda Doucette

15.3
Committee Matter
Wendy Boje

 

The following persons were also in Closed Session to provide information or administrative support for item 15.3 Committee Matter:

Dean Screpnek, Corey Levasseur, Wendy Boje, Dave Walker, Amanda Doucette, and Lindsay O'Mara

15.4
Return to Open Session - May 23, 2023

 
  • Resolution:RCM-110-23
    Moved by:Councillor Stevenson

    THAT Council return to Open Session at 11:38 p.m.

    Unanimously Carried

16.
BUSINESS ARISING FROM CLOSED SESSION

  

16.1
Awards of Excellence Nominations 2023

  
  • Resolution:RCM-111-23
    Moved by:Councillor Oldham

    THAT the recommendation of the 2023 Awards of Excellence City Council sub-committee be approved as presented.

    Unanimously Carried

16.2
Development Matter

  
  • Resolution:RCM-112-23
    Moved by:Councillor Stevenson

    THAT the recommendation made by Administration in Closed Session be approved as presented.

    Unanimously Carried

17.
ADJOURNMENT

  
  • Resolution:RCM-113-23
    Moved by:Councillor Gillett

    THAT the Regular Meeting adjourn at 11:42 p.m.

    Unanimously Carried
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