HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-01-16 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
January 16, 2025
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public on Thursday, January 16, 2025 commencing at 10:25 a.m.
Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting.
MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS: D. Short
A. Skanderup
L. Kopp
H.Johnson
G. Skriver
K. Christman
E. Unruh
A. Philpott
N.Johnson
STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer
M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor
G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering
T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations
T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services
C. Woods, Project Coordinator - CDC South Revitalization
S. Biette, Corporate Services Supervisor
R. Fernell, Director of Information and Technology
C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator)
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:25 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (December 19, 2024)
C-01/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the December 19, 2024 Council
Meeting minutes be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
RegularCouncil
January 16, 2025
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-02/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the agenda be adopted as
presented.
MOTION CARRIED
6. QUESTION PERIOD/NOTICE OF MOTION
A question period and notice of motion was held. No County Ratepayers were in
attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public.
7. BYLAWS
7.1 Bylaw 2087-25 Water & Sewer
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council. He indicated that the proposed bylaw
reflects the guidelines included in the Eastern lrrigation District's bylaw. The
Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information, indicating that
discussion during the Committee of the Whole meeting did not result in support
for applying penalties. The Director of Municipal Services requested that the
bylaw be given first reading as amended, noting some grammatical errors that
would be corrected prior to second reading.
C-03/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2087-25, being a bylaw for the
regulation of the water works and sanitary sewer works systems throughout the County
of Newell, be given FIRST reading as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
7.2 Bylaw 2088-25 Bassano Airport (N 20-21-18-W4 - B-RUR & S-PPS to DC)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council regarding the provisions for
use of the hangars as well as other permitted and discretionary uses that could
be considered if compatible with an airport.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
K. Steinley arrived at 10:36 a.m.
The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to further questions from
Council.
C-04/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2088-25, being a bylaw to
amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating portions of N 20-21-18-W4 at the
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January 16, 2025
Bassano Airport from B-RUR Business - Rural District and S-PPS Special - Parks &
Public Service to DC Direct Control District, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
10.1 Utilities - NRSC Report
K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview
of the highlights. He provided information regarding two leaks in Rolling Hills and
one in Millicent that had been discovered since the writing of the report.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
G. Tiffin and T. Schroeder arrived at 10:39 a.m.
K. Steinley responded to questions from Council.
LEFT THE MEETING
K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:41 a.m.
10.2 Director of Municipal Services Report
The Director of Municipal Services presented his report to Council, giving an
overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
C-05/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the Director of Municipal Services
Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for December 2024 be APPROVED as presented
MOTION CARRIED
10.3 Policy Review - POL-053-25 Use of County Roads/Road Allowances
The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering provided background
information on this item. He summarized the significant changes incorporated
into the policy and explained the provisions that had been included for uses of
both undeveloped and developed road allowances. The policy allows for road
licenses to be issued to an adjacent landowner for uses that do not include
physical infrastructure such as grazing. The Manager of Planning, Development
& Engineering recommended the following amendments:
Road licenses can be issued to landowners that are not directly adjacent
to the road allowance being used, article A.2 should read "Road closures
shall be applied for by an adjacent landowner. "
add the ability to forward the application to Council for review if written
responses are received against a proposed Encroachment in articles
3.1.8.8, and 3.2.B.5 which should read "Upon consideration of any written
responses, the CAO or designate will make a determination on whether to
grant the County's consent to the Encroachment (Use) at their own
discretion. If written opposition is received from adjacent landowners or
utility companies, the CAO or designate shall forward the application,
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January 16, 2025
along with all relevant documentation and responses, to Council for their
consideration and decision" as well as 3.2.A.5, which should read "Upon
consideration of any written responses, the CAO or designate will make a
determination on whether to grant the County's consent to the
Encroachment (Structure) at their own discretion. lf written opposition is
received from adjacent landowners or utility companies, the CAO or
designate shall forward the application, along with all relevant
documentation and responses, to Council for their consideration and
decision. "
• remove article C.6(a) as renewals are invoiced under the Schedule of
Fees bylaw
• article C.6(b) becomes C.6(a) and should read " Should the /ease
agreement be cancelled, steps must be taken to return the Road
Allowance to its original condition by the Applicant.
• article C.6(c) becomes C.6(b) and should read "All encroachments on the
undeveloped road a/lowance must be moved by the Applicant prior to
their cancellation of the Road Allowance Lease. If encroachments are not
removed, an Order may be issued by the County. "
• Article C. 6(d) becomes C.6(c) and should read "Should the Lessee cease
to be the owner of the adjacent lands, the lease agreement or the Road
License Agreement will be assigned to the new owner of the lands upon
the County receiving written notice from either the Lessee or the new
owner of the transfer of ownership of the adjacent lands."
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Manager of Planning,
Development & Engineering provided additional information on road licenses and
when they would be issued. For instance, a road license would be issued while a
road allowance proceeds through the closure and lease process which can take
up to two years. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that Council would
determine the fee for road licenses in an updated Schedule of Fees Bylaw.
C-06/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Policy POL-053-25 (Use of
County Roads/Road Allowances) be adopted as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
G. Tiffin and M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:01 a.m.
10.4 TenderAward - 2025 Plow/Gravel Truck Replacement
The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
T. Green and C. Woods arrived at 11:04 a.m.
S. Biette arrived at 11:05 a.m.
The Manager of Operations responded to further questions from Council.
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C-07/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council awards the purchase of a
Plow/Gravel Truck to Viking Cives Ltd. for $506,110.00.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht and T. Schroeder left the meeting at 11:05 a.m.
8. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
8.1 Introduction - Projects Coordinator - CDC South Revitalization
The Director of Agricultural Services introduced C. Woods, Projects Coordinator -
CDC South Revitalization to Council. C. Woods provided background
information on herself.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
R. Fernell arrived at 11:08 a.m.
The Director of Agricultural Services provided an update on the Crop
Diversification South Revitalization initiative. Severa/ organizations have
expressed interest in using the greenhouse and property. Access agreements
will be established.
LEFT THE MEETING
C. Woods left the meeting at 11:15 a.m.
8.2 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (January 2025)
The Director of Agricultural Services presented the Agricultural Fieldman's Report
to Council. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of
Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding the tree workshop being
planned for March 25, 2025 and coyote control.
C-08/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the Agricultural Fieldman's
Report for January 2025 be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
8.3 2025 ASB Conference Resolutions
The Director of Agricultural Services presented the resolutions being brought
forward at the 2025 Provincial Agricultural Services Board Conference. Council
decided to vote on the resolutions in the following manner.�
1-25 Drought and Livestock Agri-Stability — Yes
2-25 Landowners' Rights for Renewable Energy Projects — Yes
3-25 Protection of C/ass 3 Soils in Alberta From Renewab/e Development — No
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January 16, 2025
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor N. Johnson left the meeting at 11:35 a.m.
4-25 Weed Control in Drainage Canals (Registered Drainage Ditches) — Yes
5-25 Central Contact for the Weed Control and Agricultura/ Pest Acts — No
6-25 Rural Veterinary Student Support - Yes, but should include all ofAlberta
7-25 Roadkill Carcass Disposal — Yes
8-25 Coyotes Eligible for Compensation — No
9-25 Non-Matching Funding ForAgKnow— Yes
10-25 Farm Family Awards — Yes
11-25 Agriculture Education Funding - More information required
12-25 Charitable Gaming Policies Handbook - More information required
13-25 Resolution Lobbying Inclusion — No
C-09/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Councillor L. Kopp and
Councillor A. Skanderup be the designated voters during the Resolution session at the
2025 ASB Conference.
MOTION CARRIED
8.4 Additional Spending Request - Grounds Maintenance Equipment
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-10/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council approves additional
spending for Agricultural Services to purchase one additional Wide Area Mower and one
additional Industrial Ride on Mower in 2025 with funding from the Vehicles, Machinery
and Equipment fund.
Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional
information, indicating that agreements will be established for use of the
equipment at the CDC South facilities, but the existing equipment is aged.
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor K. Christman left the meeting at 12:11 p.m.
VOTE ON MOTION C-10/25 — MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 12:12 p.m.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
9.1 Provincial Education & Designated Industrial Requisition Credits
(PERC & DIRC)
The Corporate Se►vices Supervisor provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
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January 16, 2025
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor K. Christman returned at 12:13 p.m.
C-11/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council writes off the 2024 property
taxes in arrears in the amount of $15,501.15 from tax rolls 5377500, 8004900, 5052000,
8000006540, 8000006477, 5126000, 8000005643, 6101500, 6108000, 6110000,
6115000, 6338210, 8000022895, 5294000, 5320100, 5320500, 2310091613, 5596000,
592600 writing off the tax arrears in Appendix A and that an application be made for
these properties to the PERC & DIRC programs.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Biette left the meeting at 12:13 p.m.
9.2 Policy Review - POL-054-25 GIS Data Management
The Director of Information & Technology provided background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council.
C-12/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Policy POL-054-25 (GIS Data
Management) be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
R. Fernell left the meeting at 12:15 p.m.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:15 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
Councillor N. Johnson returned at 1:00 p.m.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
9.3 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Member Visit
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. Council
indicated that June 6, 2025 should be avoided as that is rodeo week.
C-13/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council directs Administration to
provide the RMA with the 2025 regular meeting dates and invite them for a longer
familiarization meeting (2-3 hours).
MOTION CARRIED
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January 16, 2025
9.4 Rural Municipalities ofAlberta (RMA) 2025 Spring Convention
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. The Executive Assistant was directed to
arrange meetings with the following:
• Minister of Transportation & Economic Corridors - Highway 1/Highway 36
overpass; JBS Access Road, SH873 widening; provide information on
County truck route
• Minister of Environment & Protected Areas - Water Act engagement,
WaterAct review
9.5 Request for Letter of Support - Brooks Housing Society
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-14/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the County of Newell provides a letter
to the Brooks Housing Society, signed by the Reeve, in support of their efforts to develop
additional affordable rental housing units.
MOTION CARRIED
10. COMMITTEE REPORTS
10.1 City of Brooks Recreation & Parks Board
Councillor G. Skriver reported that the City has put forth an amended policy
regarding grants for recreation facility user groups.
10.2 Palliser Economic Partnership
Councillor H. Johnson reported that the Village of Acme is the newest member of
the Palliser Economic Partnership. Reeve A. Doerksen will be aftending the
Alberta trade mission to FOODEX Japan 2025. The Local to Global conference
will be rescheduled to accommodate Alberta Government Ministers'
schedules. Updates on infrastructure and rural housing were also provided.
10.3 Safe Communities Committee
Councillor G. Skriver reported that the Safe Communities Committee received
ticket revenue statistics from the City of Brooks. The Chief Administrative Officer
provided information regarding the County's municipal enforcement ticket
revenue from 2024 to Council.
10.4 Grasslands Regional FCSS
Councillor H. Johnson reported that Grass/ands Regional FCSS is accepting
nominations for Citizen of the Year and Junior Citizen of the Year. She provided
an update on plans to change the format of the ga/a in the future.
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January 16, 2025
10.5 Southern Alberta Energy from Waste Association
Councillor N. Johnson reported that
Authority has rejoined SAEWA. H
withdrawn and provided an update
project.
9.
ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
9.6 Requests for Functions of Council
Newe/l Regional
e indicated that
on the County's
Solid Waste Management
�ome other landfills have
energy-from-waste facility
9.6.1 MLA H. Sweet - Conversation on Agriculture & the Alberta Economy
(February 6, 2025)
C-15/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that up to two (2) Councillors be permitted
to attend "Conversation on Agriculture and the Alberta Economy in Calgary, AB on
February 6, 2025 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
9.6.2 HALO Air Ambulance "A New Chapter Takes Flight"
(February 11, 2025)
C-16/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor H. Johnson and
Councillor A. Philpott be permitted to attend the HALO Air Ambulance "A New Chapter
Takes Flight" event in Medicine Hat, AB on February 11, 2025 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
9.6.3 Refocusing Health Care in Alberta Engagement Session
(January 24, 2025)
C-17/25
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that any Councillor be permitted to attend
the Refocusing Health Care in Alberta Engagement Session in Brooks, AB on January
24, 2025 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
9.6.4 School Advisory Councils "Let's Talk Rural Schools"
(January 16, 2025)
C-18/25
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend
School Advisory Councils "Let's Talk Rural Schools" in Tilley, AB on January 16, 2025 as
a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
9.6.5 Committee of the Whole Meeting (January 27, 2025)
C-19/25
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the January 27, 2025 Committee of
the Whole meeting be CANCELLED.
MOTION CARRIED
12.
POST AGENDA ITEMS
There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting.
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13. INFORMATION ITEMS
13.1 Payment Registers
This item was accepted as information.
13.2 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
13.3 Bassano RCMP Monthly Mountie Memo (December 2024)
This item was accepted as information.
14. QUESTION PERIOD
A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator
indicated that there were no questions from the public.
15. IN CAMERA
C-20/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that we move in camera at 1:30 p.m. to
discuss the following matters:
• Intergovernmental Relations - FOIPAct Section 21.
MOTION CARRIED
C-21/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move out of camera at 2:50 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
16. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:50 p.m.
Signed this ��day of ���� , 2025
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