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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-05-04 Annual General Meeting (Annual General) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL NO. 4 MINUTES OF ANNUAL MEETING MAY 4, 2009 The 2008 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held at the Heritage Inn on Monday, May 4, 2009 commencing at 7:05 p.m. MEMBERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT: M. Douglass, Reeve K. Stephenson, Administrator R. Andrews L. Johnson, Assistant Administrator I. Schroeder M. Harbicht, Superintendent of Public Works H. Wutzke M. Kreke, Municipal Intern S. Evans T. Green, Agricultural Fieldman A. Eastman R. Miller, GIS Analyst A.M. Philipsen R. Berkeley, Grader Operator, Div. 1 W. Daniels R. Arsenault, Grader Operator, Div. 3 J. Harbinson R. Havinga, Newell Regional Services Corp. B. de Jong A. Clapton, Executive Assistant OTHERS PRESENT: S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin M. Metcalf, Brooks Bulletin R. Kiedrowski, Brooks & County Chronicle M. Fitzgerald, 0-13 Fox Radio J. Petri, Q-13 Fox Radio 18 Ratepayers 18 ratepayers and media were in attendance for the 2008 Annual Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4. Reeve M. Douglass called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. 1. Welcome & Introductions The Reeve welcomed everyone to the meeting and introduced the Councillors, staff, and ratepayers seated at each of the tables. 2. Approval of the Minutes of the 2007 Annual Meetin_4 MOVED BY Art Eckert that the 2007 Annual Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 3. Group Discussion A group discussion was held between the members of Council, staff, and ratepayers at each table. The topics included. • Reserve fund allocations • Paving projects for 2009 Annual General Meeting 2008 • Municipal addressing • Calcium program • Lake Newell Resort • Regional Water System • 10 Year Paving Plan • Financial Statements • Roadside cutting • New County facilities • 4 -way Stop north of Rosemary 4. Presentation of 2008 Year End Audited Financial Statements The Chief Administrative Officer presented the 2008 Year End Audited Financial Statements and gave an overview of the major changes. Assets have increased with the largest being due to increased cash and investments as well as capital assets. Liabilities, equities, and reserve balances have also increased, and accounts payable and expenditures have decreased. The Chief Administrative Officer explained the Regional Enhancement Reserve, which was created to be a funding source for community projects that would encourage sustainability and growth, and gave an overview of the allocation for each community and division. He also gave an overview of the major reserves and expenditures, including paving and regional water. A summary of the 2009 budget was presented, with the major changes from the 2008 budget indicated. The Chief Administrative Officer provided details on the changes involving the road networks and regional water. An application has been submitted under the Building Capital Fund for upgrades to the hamlet sewage lagoons. The Chief Administrative Officer also presented information regarding the plan to build new County facilities in 2011. The reasons for this include the need for more space, current shortfalls in the electrical and mechanical systems, and the desire to have all County departments operating out of a single location for improved productivity and efficiency. He noted that grant funding was being investigated to ensure there was no impact on the ratepayers. A committee will be established to determine the size and features of the facilities, and they are currently looking at land south of the new arena as a potential location. 5. Question & Answer Period Reeve M. Douglass opened the floor for general discussion. C. Amulung questioned what additional services the County is providing that has resulted in new staff requiring more space. The Chief Administrative Officer 2 Annual General Meeting 2008 replied that there have not been many new positions created, but they are looking towards the future, which may include shared services and an expansion - - of the corporate safety and information technology departments. There is also a need for more staff in the planning, development, and financial departments. C. Amulung asked if the plans would continue if the County was unable to sell the current facilities. Reeve M. Douglass replied that work on the new facilities probably could not proceed without the funds that would come from the sale of the current County buildings. C. Amulung inquired about the County accessing provincial and federal infrastructure funding. The Chief Administrative Officer replied that the Grant Administrator, a shared position with the City of Brooks, has been responsible for investigating and submitting applications for grant funding. C. Vermeeren expressed concerns with the calcium program and how the roads are graded. He suggested that an anonymous survey of the grader operators be conducted. He also indicated that there were issues with snow removal this winter, where gravel was scraped into the ditch. Reeve M. Douglass replied that the grader operators would be attending a training program within the next few weeks. J. Pokorney expressed concerns regarding the dangerous situation created with irrigation on the roads. Reeve M. Douglass replied that complaints are received every year regarding this, and the Community Peace Officers are responsible for enforcing the bylaws and levying fines. She encouraged ratepayers to report these offenses. R. Arsenault noted that grader operators also report instances of irrigation on the roads. A. Peltzer thanked the County for their work in making the turning lanes larger. 6. Adiourn Reeve M. Douglass adjourned the meeting at 8:10 p.m. CHAIRMAN S TARY