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Home My WebLink About2025-04-10 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL April 10, 2025 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, April 10, 2025 commencing at 10:43 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 G. Skriver K. Christman E. Unruh A. Philpott N. Johnson (arrived at 12:53 p.m.) ABSENT: H. Johnson STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services S. Hanson, Controller S. Biette, Corporate Services Supervisor L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development and Engineering J. Porfoun, Municipal Services Administrative Assistant A. Schmidt, General Administrative Assistant C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation D. Adamson, Avail LLP 1 Member of the Public 1. CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:43 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING C-125/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Councillor H. Johnson and Councillor N. Johnson be excused from the meeting. MOTION CARRIED W Regular Council April 10, 2025 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (March 20, 2025) C-126/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the March 20, 2025 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-127/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the agenda be adopted as amended. 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. 10. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 Utilities — NRSC Report K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview of the highlights. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley responded to questions regarding the hydrant flushing process and the potential impact that an aquatic invasive species infestation could have on the water intake at Lake Newell Resort. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:52 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. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Hanson and D. Adamson arrived at 10:54 a.m. 1 member of the public arrived at 10:58 a.m. The Director of Municipal Services continued. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding the County of Newell Water Project and the dust abatement application Page 2 of 9 Regular Council April 10, 2025 process. He indicated that he would forward information regarding an organization that could help with a ratepayer's stray cat issue. C-128/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for March 2025 be APPROVED as presented MOTION CARRIED 10.3 Policy Review The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. 10.3.1 POL-069-25 Drainage — County/Ell) Joint Projects C-129/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Policy POL-069-25 Drainage — County/EID Joint Projects be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED 10.3.2 POL-070-25 Farm Field Drainage C-130/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Policy POL-070-25 Farm Field Drainage be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson arrived at 11:06 a.m. 8. DELEGATIONS 8.1 Presentation of Audited Financial Statements - Avail CPA D. Adamson presented Council with the 2024 Year End Financial Statements, including an explanation and an overview of the highlights. He provided an overview of. significant changes in revenues and expenses. D. Adamson provided a summary of accumulated surplus, assets, and the County's debt limits. He also gave a summary of the Indicators of Financial Position and how the County compares to other municipalities of a similar size. D. Adamson reviewed the Post Audit Letter and gave a brief overview of some upcoming changes to accounting standards. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. D. Adamson responded to questions regarding potential areas of financial vulnerability, indicating that there is nothing unique to the County of Newell that stands out. He encouraged staff to continue with risk analysis and mitigation activities. D. Adamson and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding the County's investments. C-131/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the 2024 Year End Financial Statements for the period ending December 31, 2024 be accepted as presented. MOTION CARRIED r Page 3 of 9 Regular Council April 10, 2025 LEFT THE MEETING D. Adamson, S. Hanson, and 1 member of the public left the meeting at 11:33 a.m. 7. BYLAWS 7.1 Bylaw 2089-25 Fire The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided background information on this item including an overview of concerns received from the public regarding fireworks permitting, burn barrels, and resources required at burn sites. ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson arrived at 11:35 a.m. The Newell Regional Fire Chief outlined the changes made to the proposed bylaw as a result of the feedback received. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided additional information regarding the spark screen requirement for recreational fire pits. Council asked whether campground fire pits were compliant, as they have grates but no spark screens. The Newell Regional Fire Chief responded to further questions, indicating that the bylaw provisions are based on federal and provincial standards. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that bylaw enforcement is done as feedback is received. The Newell Regional Fire Chief indicated that, while response to the online survey was low, 66% agreed with the provisions included in Schedule C. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Porfoun and A. Schmidt arrived at 11:49 a.m. Discussion continued regarding whether to allow burn barrels in non -growth hamlets and differentiating between family fireworks and commercial fireworks displays. The Newell Regional Fire Chief indicated that Schedule C includes minimum separation distances for fireworks and acknowledged that permits may not be necessary for small fireworks displays, but Fire Chiefs should be informed of when large fireworks displays will be set off. The Director of Corporate Services indicated that further revisions would be made to articles 7.3 (burn barrels) 7.4 (fireworks), the requirement for a retention screen for recreational fire pits in Schedule A, and the parts of Schedule C that focus on fireworks, burning after dark, and requirements for water. This item will be brought back to a future Council meeting for further discussion. LEFT THE MEETING S. Luchies and L. Johnson left the meeting at 12:03 p.m. Page 4 of 9 Regular Council April 10, 2025 7.2 Bylaw 2092-25 Road Closure & LEASE (E 31-17-17-W4) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-132/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Bylaw 2092-25, being a bylaw for the purpose of closing to public travel and LEASING that portion of roads adjacent to E 31-17-17-W4, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-133/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2092-25 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 12:06 p.m. 8. DELEGATIONS — continued 8.2 Introduction - General Administrative Assistant The Municipal Services Administrative Assistant introduced A. Schmidt, General Administrative Assistant, to Council. A. Schmidt provided background information on herself. LEFT THE MEETING J. Porfoun and A. Schmidt left the meeting at 12:09 p.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:09 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:53 p.m. ARRIVED AT MEETING Councillor N. Johnson, S. Biette, and G. Tiffin arrived at 12:53 p.m. 9. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 9.1 Approval of 2025 Final Budget The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and summarized the changes included since the Interim Budget approval. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding potential revenue and opportunities to reduce expenses at the Crop Diversification Centre (CDC) South. Regular financial updates on CDC South will be provided to Council. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council April 10, 2025 ARRIVED AT MEETING M. Jackson returned at 1:07 p.m. Discussion followed regarding Transfers to Organizations. C-134/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the 2025 Final Budget be approved as presented. MOTION CARRIED 9.2 Sale of Municipal Reserve Parcel - 23 MR Bow City The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item. She outlined the procedure that would be followed if Council approves proceeding with selling a portion of the Municipal Reserve land, which would include removing the Municipal Reserve designation and subdivision. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Discussion followed regarding obtaining a land appraisal. ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson returned at 1:17 p.m. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions regarding the requirement for subdivision and indicated on the map which parcels could be sold. She provided additional information on the Municipal Reserve parcel, indicating that it has not been maintained regularly, and outlined the steps involved with tendering the land for sale. C-135/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council directs Administration to initiate the process for removing the Municipal Reserve Designation on Lot 23 MR in the Hamlet of Bow City and proceed with a tender for sale of the land. Further discussion followed. The Planning & Development Supervisor indicated the location of the Municipal and Environmental Reserve parcels on the map. She responded to questions regarding who would be responsible for costs associated with subdivision. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-135/25 — MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson and G. Tiffin left the meeting at 1:27 p.m. 9.3 Support for the Upgrade of SH873 from City of Brooks South Boundary to Kinbrook Island Park Access Road (PR103) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. Reeve A. Doerksen provided additional information. Reeve A. Doerksen Page 6 of 9 Regular Council April 10, 2025 and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding a recent Government of Alberta announcement regarding the JBS Access Road. C-136/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council endorses a request that the widening and paving overlay of SH873 south of the City of Brooks through to Park Road 103 be included as the top priority on the list of Alberta Transportation highway projects within the County. MOTION CARRIED 9.4 Councillor Payment Sheets (February 2025) C-137/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the February 2025 Councillor Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor Compensation Review Committee. MOTION CARRIED 9.5 Requests for Functions of Council 9.5.1 Canada Day in Rosemary (July 1, 2025) Discussion followed. This item was accepted as information 9.5.2 McHappy Day (May 8, 2025) Discussion followed. This item was accepted as information. 7. BYLAWS — continued 7.3 Bylaw 2099-25 Tax Rates (1st Reading) The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information regarding tax rates as compared to previous years. C-138/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2099-25, being a bylaw to authorize the rates of taxation for various purposes in the year 2025, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette and L. Johnson left the meeting at 1:40 p.m. 11. POST AGENDA ITEMS 11.1 Letter of Support - Implementing Boat Dip Tank Technology - Invasive Species Prevention The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 11 Page 7 of 9 Regular Council April 10, 2025 C-139/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that the County of Newell provides a letter, signed by the Reeve, encouraging the Province to implement boat dip tank technology as a proactive measure to prevent the introduction and spread of aquatic invasive species. MOTION CARRIED 11.2 Federation of Canadian Municipalities - Election to Board of Directors Councillor K. Christman provided background information on this item and requested Council's support for running for a position on the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Board of Directors. Discussion followed. Councillor K. Christman responded to questions from Council regarding the time commitment required, expenses, and the length of the term. C-140/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that WHEREAS the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) represents the interests of member municipalities on policy and program matters that fall within federal jurisdiction; and WHEREAS FCM's Board of Directors is comprised of elected municipal officials from all regions and sizes of communities to form a broad base of support and provide FCM with the united voice required to carry the municipal message to the federal government; and WHEREAS FCM's Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in conjunction with the Annual Conference and Trade Show, May 29 to June 1, 2025, followed by the election of FCM's Board of Directors; BE IT RESOLVED that Council of the County of Newell endorse Councillor Kelly Christman to stand for election on FCM's Board of Directors, for the period starting in June 2025 and ending June 2026; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Council assumes all costs associated with Councillor Kelly Christman attending FCM's Board of Directors meetings. MOTION CARRIED 12. INFORMATION ITEMS 12.1 Payment Registers This item was accepted as information. 12.2 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 12.3 Bassano RCMP - Monthly Reports 13. QUESTION PERIOD A question period was held. No County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. / Page 8 of 9 Regular Council April 10, 2025 14. IN CAMERA C-141/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 1:59 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Disclosure Harmful to Personal Privacy - FOIP Act Section 17. MOTION CARRIED C-142/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that we move out of camera at 2:39 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 15. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:39 p.m. Signed this day of A . 2025 County Administrator Page 9 of 9