HomeMy WebLinkAbout2003-04-14 Annual General Meeting (Annual General) MinutesCounty of Newell No. 4
Minutes of the 50th Annual Meeting
April 14, 2003
The 50th Annual Meeting of the County of Newell No. 4 was held at the Cassils
Community Hall on Monday, April 14, 2003 commencing at 7:00 p.m.
Members Present Reeve
W. Daniels
Councillors
V. Fabian
G. Musgrove
C. Vermeeren
J. Harbinson
E. Moss
M. Loewen
A. Eckert
A. Pickett
A.S.B. Fieldman
S. Wylie
Supt. of P.W.
E. Somerville
Assessor
J. Dell
Planner
T. Henry
Administrator,
A. Martens
Nineteen ratepayers were in attendance for the 501h Annual Meeting of the County of
Newell No. 4.
1. Election of Chairman
The Administrator called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and called for nominations
for the position of Chairman. Councillor Loewen nominated R. Peltzer. Moved by
Councillor Eckert that nominations cease. Carried.
R. Peltzer was declared Chairman and assumed the Chair.
2. Election of Secretary
Nominations were opened for the position of Secretary. Councillor Vermeeren
nominated A. Martens. Moved by Councillor Moss that nominations cease. Carried.
A. Martens was declared Secretary.
3. Adoption of Agenda
Moved by Councillor Musgrove that the Agenda be adopted as presented. Carried.
4. Reading & Approval of Minutes of the 49th Annual Meeting
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Minutes of the 49th Annual Meeting held May 1, 2002 were read by the Secretary.
Moved by Councillor Musgrove that we adopt these minutes as presented. Carried.
A question was asked regarding the effectiveness of the Coyote Control Program.
Agricultural Fieldman, Steve Wylie, stated that though the program is working well,
the coyote numbers are still very high but are down to some degree.
5. Business from Minutes
1. Regional Water System
The County Administrator up -dated the assembly on the progress of the Regional
Water System.
6. Reeve's Report
Reeve Daniels presented the Reeve's Report. Moved by Reeve Daniels that we
adopt this report. Carried.
1. Discussion & Questions
There were no questions.
7. Agricultural Service Board Chairman's Report
The Agricultural Service Board Chairman, Councillor Loewen, presented this report.
Moved by Councillor Loewen that we adopt this report. Carried.
1. Discussion & Questions
Harold Brauer asked whether or not other municipalities were doing anything
+ �y regarding thepilkweed problem as it is not just a problem in the County of Newell J ►J Agricultural FieUWn, Steve Wylie, replied that some municipalities do have a
program but that others do not. Mr. Brauer then noted that we may be wasting
money if our neighbours are not doing anything.
Rudy Peltzer asked why the use of strychnine would no longer be allowed. It was
explained that the use of strychnine was approved for a three-year period which was
coming to an end. Agricultural Fieldman, Steve Wylie, also noted that they are trying
to lobby for an extension of this use and asking what other viable options are
available. He stated that the Federal Government is proposing an option to control
Richardson Ground Squirrels which should be coming out soon.
i 8. Municipal Committee Chairman's Report
The Municipal Committee Chairman, Councillor Harbinson, presented this report.
Moved by Councillor Harbinson that we adopt this report. Carried.
1. Discussion & Questions
Jacquie Murray asked why rocks are used on the roads instead of gravel.
Superintendent of Public Works, Earl Somerville, noted that 1 1/2" gravel is used for
the repair of frost boils and that we have had favourable results with firming up these
frost boils. After the 1 1/2" gravel is placed, 3/4" gravel will then be placed on top of
that.
Councillor Eckert asked that, if we only did 1 mile of new construction, what was the
County of Newell equipment used for. Superintendent of Public Works, Earl
Somerville, stated that the total up -grade and reconstruction of roads in the County,
which is not considered new construction, equalled 22.6 miles.
Shelly Swenson asked why we did not start at either end of the One Tree Road in the
reconstruction and paving of that road. Superintendent of Public Works, Earl
Somerville, explained that we were uncertain as to the location of the Secondary
Highway 542 and F2ead intersection and that we wanted to maximize our
grant funding dollars. 7"«4 sC n ==i — /-�I
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9. Assessor's Report
County Assessor, John Dell, presented this report. Moved by J. Dell that we adopt
this report. Carried.
1. Discussion & Questions
Questions were asked about the number of wells and well packages in 2002 and
whether or not there was any idea of what the activity would be for 2003. Assessor,
John Dell, noted that there has been a lot of activity and Superintendent of Public
i Works, Earl Somerville, stated that there has been over 300 approvals per month.
Reeve Daniels noted that we had a consultant review the linear assessments in the
County of Newell. Assessor, John Dell, explained this review process and found that
there were some discrepancies from what we had on our assessments, based on the
AEUB records, which resulted in approximately an additional $18,000.00 taxes to the
County of Newell.
10. New Business
1. County of Newell 50`h Anniversary
Councillor Musgrove informed those in attendance of the plans for the County of
Newell's 50" Anniversary celebration to be held August 22nd at the Silver Sage
Community Corral. The celebration will include a float that will be placed in parades,
a children's program, a dunk tank, a dance that will showcase local entertainment,
a beer garden and a free dinner that will include participation from neighbouring
municipalities. Councillor Harbinson noted that there will also be a power point
presentation that will run every hour and that one of the original Councillors, Ralph
Arrison, has been invited to attend.
2. Economic Development/Land Use By-law/Municipal Development Plan
Public Meetings' Summary
Planner, Tammy Henry, presented a power point presentation summarizing the
Economic Development/Land Use By-law/Municipal Development Plan Public
Meetings held by the County of Newell. The presentation was followed by several
questions. Councillor Loewen noted that we are still accepting public input into our
Municipal Development Plan and Land Use By-lawand reminded everyonethat there
will be a public hearing on these documents before they are adopted.
A major concern was that there was no Right -to -Farm Legislation either in our
documents or in the Provincial legislation. It was noted that the Province
unsuccessfully has tried on otheroccasions to institute Right -to -Farm Legislation and
that it has been shown in other jurisdictions that Right -to -Farm legislation does not
stand up to Court challenges. It was suggested that the County continue to lobby the
Provincial Government for Right -to -Farm Legislation. Councillor Loewen stated that
ratepayers and their neighbours could also, individually, lobby their MLA's for such
legislation.
It was suggested that there is an opportunity in the County for Confined Feeding
Operations that should be pursued. It was also noted that AOPA, the legislation
pertaining to Confined Feeding Operations, is currently under review.
3. 10 -Year Pin Recipients
Councillor Harbinson presented Reeve Daniels and Councillor Loewen with 10 -year
pins recognizing their 10 years of service as Councillors.
4. Dogs in County
Harold Brauer brought up concerns regarding dogs in the County and suggested that
Council seriously consider establishing a Dog Control By-law. Moved by Harold
Brauer that the County of Newell pursue a Dog Control By-law. Carried.
5. Dust Control
Concerns with dust control on the Antelope Creek Road and other roads were noted.
Superintendent of Public Works, Earl Somerville, explained the County's 2/3 - 1/3
Dust Control Program and stated that, if road counts were high enough, individuals
or groups of individuals could make presentations to Council to see if the County
would provide the dust control at the County's expense.
6. Secondary Highway 539 - Deer Warnina Signaae
It was suggested that more pressure be placed on Volker Stevin to install larger Deer
Warning Signs on Secondary Highway 539.
7. Landfill Sites
A question asking if any changes are planned for the Gem Landfill Site was
presented. Reeve Daniels said there are no plans at the present time but noted that
the Landfill Authority is the authority that deals with these issues and suggested that
a letter be sent to the County or the Landfill Authority requesting that a ramp and
container be installed at Gem.
11. Adjourn
Moved by Harold Brauer that the meeting adjourn at 9:00 p.m. Carried
CHAIRMAN
SECRETARY