HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-03-20 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
March 20, 2025
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public on Thursday, March 20, 2025 commencing at 10:13 a.m.
Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting.
MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS: L. Kopp
H.Johnson
G. Skriver
K. Christman
E. Unruh
A. Philpott
ABSENT: D. Short
A. Skanderup
N. Johnson
STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer
T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services
M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
T. Schroeder, Manager of Operations
G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering Services
R. Ayotte, Engineering Supervisor
C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator)
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE:
1. CALL TO ORDER
2
C-97/25
3.
C-98/25
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:13 a.m.
EXCUSED FROM MEETING
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor D. Short, Councillor
A. Skanderup, and Councillor N. Johnson be excused from the meeting.
MOTION CARRIED
ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (March 6, 2025)
MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Council Meeting minutes be
adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
Regular Council
March 20, 2025
4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS
Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items.
5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA
C-99/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT 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 2093-25 Traffic
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item,
indicating that public feedback received regarding the proposed changes was
positive. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
C-100/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2093-25, being a bylaw for the
purpose of controlling and providing regulations and penalties pertaining to highways,
roadways, streets, sidewalks, and pathways for the orderly and safe movement of
vehicular and pedestrian traffic and for the parking of vehicles on the said highways,
roadways and streets, be given SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-101125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2093-25 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht left the meeting at 10:16 a.m.
7.2 Bylaw 2096-25 Special Tax - Eastern Irrigation District
The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-102/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2096-25, being a bylaw for
the purpose of imposing a special tax on lots within subdivisions that are receiving
waterworks from the Eastern Irrigation District, be given FIRST reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-103125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2096-25 be given SECOND
reading.
MOTION CARRIED
Page 2 of 9
Regular Council
March 20. 2025
C-104/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that consent be given for Bylaw 2096-25
to receive third reading this 20th day of March, 2025.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C-105/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Bylaw 2096-25 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
7.3 Bylaw 2097-25 Special Tax - Rolling Hills Irrigation
The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-106/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2097-25, being a bylaw for
the purpose of imposing a special tax on lots within the Hamlet of Rolling Hills that are
serviced by the Rolling Hills Communal Raw Water Irrigation System, be given FIRST
reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-107/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Bylaw 2097-25 be given
SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-108/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that consent be given for Bylaw
2097-25 to receive third reading this 20th day of March, 2025.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
C-109/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Bylaw 2097-25 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
7.4 Bylaw 2098-25 Special Tax - Scandia Irrigation
The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-110/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Bylaw 2098-25, being a bylaw for
the purpose of imposing a special tax on lots within the Hamlet of Scandia that are
serviced by the Scandia Communal Raw Water Irrigation System, be given FIRST
reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-111/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Bylaw 2098-25 be given
SECOND reading.
MOTION CARRIED
C-112/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that consent be given for Bylaw 2098-25 to
receive third reading this 20th day of March, 2025.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Page 3 of 9
Regular Council
March 20. 2025
C-113/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Bylaw 2098-25 be given THIRD and
FINAL reading.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Biette left the meeting at 10:20 a.m.
9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
9.1 Agricultural Fieldman's Report (March 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 about tree planting initiatives, the
Crop Diversification Centre South, and Environmental Farm Plans.
C-114/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Agricultural Fieldman's Report
for March 2025 be accepted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 10:34 a.m.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
10.1 Appointment of Fire Guardians
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-115/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the following individuals be appointed
as Fire Guardians:
All Divisions — Stewart Luchies
Rolling Hills — Bill Dickinson
Tilley — Robin Daniels
Patricia — Ray Torkelson
Duchess — Gregory Witt
Scandia — Ryan Slenders
Brooks Rural — Kevin Swanson
Bassano — Cory Cochrane
Rosemary —Anton van Bavel
Gem — Dwayne Klassen
Bow City — John Ketchmark
and further that the Finance Clerk, the Payroll & Utility Clerk, the Executive Assistant, the
Planning & Development Administrative Assistant, the Fire & Disaster Services
Administrative Assistant, the Municipal Services Administrative Assistant, the General
Administrative Assistant, the Information & Technology Administrative Assistant, the
Accounting Clerk, the Projects Assistant, and the Corporate Services Supervisor be
appointed as Fire Guardians for the issuance of Fire Permits only.
MOTION CARRIED
Page 4 of 9
Regular Council
March 20, 2025
10.2 Policy Review
10.2.1 POL-064-25 Recognition of Volunteer Service
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-116/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that Policy POL-064-25 Recognition of
Volunteer Service be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
10.2.2 POL-065-25 Staff Relations Committee
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-117/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Policy POL-065-25 Staff
Relations Committee be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
10.2.3 POL-066-25 Responding to Service Requests & Feedback
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed
regarding nuisance and unsightly property service requests. The Chief
Administrative Officer indicated that the names of those submitting the
requests are not released to the unsightly property owner according to the
provisions of the Freedom of Information & Protection of Privacy Act, and
that a statement to that effect could be added to the Nuisance and
Unsightly Property Service Requests section of the policy.
C-118/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Policy POL-066-25 Responding to
Service Requests & Feedback be adopted as amended.
MOTION CARRIED
10.2.4 POL-067-25 Public Participation & Communication
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-119/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Policy POL-067-25 Public
Participation & Communication be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
10.2.5 POL-068-25 Marketing & Promotional Items
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative
Page 5 of 9
Regular Council
March 20, 2025
Officer responded to further questions, indicating that individual
departments have budget line items for promotional items.
C-120/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Policy POL-068-25 Marketing &
Promotional Items be adopted as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
10.3 FCM Conference 2025 - Select Alternate Delegate
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. The Executive
Assistant will forward the information to all Council and an alternate will be
selected.
C-121/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that an alternate delegate be selected to
attend the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Conference in Ottawa, ON in place of
Councillor A. Philpott.
MOTION CARRIED
10.4 Requests for Functions of Council
There were no functions of Council to discuss at this meeting.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht and T. Schroeder arrived at 10:50 a.m.
11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
11.1 Policy Review - POL-039-25 Rental Equipment
The Manager of Operations provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-122/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Policy POL-039-25 Rental Equipment
be adopted as presented; further, that Policy 2013-PPW-011 Use of Equipment be
rescinded.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
T Schroeder left the meeting at 10:52 a.m.
RECESS
Council RECESSED at 10:52 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:03 a.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
G. Tiffin and R. Ayotte arrived at 11:03 a.m.
Page 6 of 9
Regular Council
March 20, 2025
8. DELEGATIONS
8.1 Introduction - Engineering Supervisor
The Manager of Planning, Development & Engineering Services introduced
R. Ayotte, Engineering Supervisor, to Council.
LEFT THE MEETING
R. Ayotte left the meeting at 11:07 a.m.
12. COMMITTEE REPORTS
12.1 Grasslands Regional FCSS
Councillor H. Johnson provided information regarding the Citizen and Junior
Citizen of the Year Gala that will be held on May 16, 2025 at the Heritage
Inn. She also reported on a recent strategic planning session.
12.2 Joint Services Committee
Councillor K. Christman reported on grant funding opportunities available through
the Community Foundation of Southeast Alberta. Rural Health Professions
Action Plan (RhPAP) is holding several free online seminars. The Peavey Mart
commercial space will be available. An update on the Joint Services Committee
terms of reference was given.
12.3 Recreation Board - Division 3
Councillor L. Kopp reported that the Patricia Agricultural Society has taken over
grant funding distribution. An ad will be published in the Brooks Bulletin next
week calling for recreation funding applications.
12.4 Recycling Council of Alberta - Explore Circularity Day
Councillor L. Kopp provided an overview of the event, indicating that R. Juska
participated in a debate regarding energy from waste facilities. She provided
information on the circular economy concept, the goal of which is zero waste.
12.5 Newell Recycling Association
Councillor L. Kopp reported that the Newell Recycling Association's Annual
General Meeting will be on March 26, 2025 at 7:00 p.m. She responded to
questions regarding recycling issues with the community trailers, indicating that
they are not intended for commercial recycling.
Page 7 of 9
Regular Council
March 20, 2025
12.6 Trade Mission to Japan
Reeve A. Doerksen provided information to Council regarding the organizers and
delegates who participated in the recent trade mission to Japan. Palliser
Economic Partnership will be preparing a formal report. He provided additional
information, indicating that there are opportunities in Japan for local producers
and the Palliser Economic Partnership can assist them with marketing. Reeve
A. Doerksen responded to questions from Council.
12.7 Recreation Board - Division 4
Councillor H. Johnson reported that annual funding has been allocated to the
three community halls and the EID Historical Park. High insurance costs remain
an issue.
12.8 RMA Spring 2025 Convention
Reeve A. Doerksen provided information regarding an announcement to changes
to the process for reporting bad actors in the oil and gas industry. The Chief
Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the amount of taxes in
arrears from the oil and gas industry as of March 2025. Councillor H. Johnson
reported that the resolution "Opposition to the Canadian Net -Zero Emissions
Accountability Act" was passed. Members of Council had the opportunity to meet
with the Minister of Environment & Protected Areas, the Minister of
Transportation, and the Minister of Immigration & Multiculturalism.
12.9 Tilley Community Centre Annual General Meeting
Councillor A. Skanderup submitted a written report.
12.10 Tilley & District Recreation Board
Councillor A. Skanderup submitted a written report.
12.11 Brooks Region Tourism Association
Councillor A. Skanderup submitted a written report.
13. POST AGENDA ITEMS
There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting.
Page 8 of 9
Regular Council
March 20, 2025
14. INFORMATION ITEMS
14.1 Payment Registers
This item was accepted as information.
14.2 Strategic Priorities Chart
This item was accepted as information.
14.3 2024 Q4 Financial Information Package
The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. This item
was accepted as information.
14.4 Letter from Alberta Public Safety & Emergency Services - Police Funding
Model 2024-2026
This item was accepted as information.
15. QUESTION PERIOD
A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator
indicated that there were no questions from the public.
16. IN CAMERA
C-123/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 11:39 a.m. to
discuss the following matters:
• JBS Access Road -Advice from Officials, FOIP Act Section 24.
MOTION CARRIED
C-124/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move out of camera at 12:24 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
17. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 12:24 p.m.
Signed this /0day of -61 , 2025
/;' I
l4e6Ve_6%r_P_
County Administrator
Page 9 of 9
