HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-05-08 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL
MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL
May 8, 2025
The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and
livestreamed to the public on Thursday, May 8, 2025 commencing at 10:42 a.m.
Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting.
MEMBERS A. Doerksen, Reeve
PRESENT:
COUNCILLORS: D. Short (via Microsoft Teams)
A. Skanderup
L. Kopp
H. Johnson
G. Skriver
K. Christman
E. Unruh
A. Philpott
N. Johnson
STAFF: M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer
S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief
C. Cochrane, Newell Regional Deputy Fire Chief
M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services
J. Nesbitt, Municipal Enforcement Supervisor
R. Nesbitt, Personnel and Safety Services Officer
T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services
M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor
C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator)
A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant
OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin
ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation
M. Iwaasa, Economic Development Officer - Brooks Newell Region
L. Bryant, Brooks Newell Region
D. Hanson, Brooks Newell Region
2 Members of the Public
1. CALL TO ORDER
Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:42 a.m.
2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING
All members were in attendance at this meeting.
MA
Regular Council
May 8, 2025
3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES
3.1 Minutes - Council (April 24, 2025)
C-162/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the April 24, 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-163/25 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.
11. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS
11.1 Utilities - NRSC Report
K. Steinley presented The Utilities - NRSC Report to Council, giving an overview
of the highlights.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
S. Luchies and C. Cochrane arrived at 10:47 a.m.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. K. Steinley responded to
questions regarding Lake Newell Resort Lift Station upgrades.
LEFT THE MEETING
K. Steinley left the meeting at 10:48 a.m.
11.2 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. The Director of Municipal Services responded to questions regarding
the crack sealing program.
IN
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ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Iwaasa, L. Bryant, and D. Hanson arrived at 10:58 a.m.
The Director of Municipal Services provided information regarding the street
sweeping program, indicating that signs will be posted in the communities a few
days before the street sweeping is to begin.
C-164/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that the Director of Municipal Services
Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for April 2025 be APPROVED as presented.
MOTION CARRIED
11.3 Request for Proclamation - National Public Works Week (May 18-24, 2025)
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-165/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Council hereby proclaims May 18-24,
2025 as "National Public Works Week" in the County of Newell.
MOTION CARRIED
11.4 School Zone Speeding
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council. He provided information regarding the
costs of the two types of units, indicating that the speed spy devices are smaller
and easier to move than the electronic speed signs. Discussion followed.
C-166/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that County Municipal Enforcement
deploy the speed detection devices to gather traffic data to inform enforcement activities
now that this concern from Gem School Council has been received, then conduct
enforcement activities determined necessary according to the data collected, and report
back to County Council the findings as part of the 2026 budget planning process.
MOTION CARRIED
8. DELEGATIONS
8.1 Introduction - Deputy Fire Chief
The Newell Regional Fire Chief introduced C. Cochrane, Newell Regional Deputy
Fire Chief, to Council. C. Cochrane provided background information on himself.
7. BYLAWS
7.1 Bylaw 2089-25 Fire
The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
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C-167/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2089-25, being a bylaw for
the prevention or extinguishing of fires, for the safety, health and welfare of people and
the protection of people and property from injury or destruction by fire, be given THIRD
and FINAL reading.
Discussion followed and Council expressed concerns with prohibiting burn
barrels in all hamlets. The Newell Regional Fire Chief provided additional
information, indicating that burn barrels are typically used for burning household
refuse, differentiating them from burn piles for leaves and recreational fire
pits. The Chief Administrative Officer suggested that decisions on burn barrels
could be based on the density of the development. Discussion followed. The
Newell Regional Fire Chief responded to questions regarding the duration of Fire
Permits, which are currently issued for two (2) week periods. Further discussion
occurred.
Reeve A. Doerksen called the question.
VOTE ON MOTION C-167125 — MOTION DEFEATED
LEFT THE MEETING
S. Luchies and C. Cochrane left the meeting at 11:35 a.m.
8. DELEGATIONS — continued
8.2 Brooks Newell Region Economic Development Update
M. /waasa introduced Brooks Newell Region summer students L. Bryant and
D. Hanson. M. /waasa provided an overview of the core areas of Brooks Newell
Region Economic Development, which include the promotion of key industries,
business attraction and retention, supporting emergent sectors, and fostering
partnerships.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
J. Nesbitt, R. Nesbitt, F. Nesbitt, J. Nesbitt, M. Harbicht, T. Schroeder, G. Tiffin, and J. Porfoun
arrived at 11:40 a.m.
M. /waasa provided information on various initiatives, including farm succession
planning workshops, workforce development, and tourism marketing. He
provided additional information regarding a tourism initiative involving the Brooks
Aqueduct. M. /waasa provided a demonstration of the Alberta Site Selector tool
(https:Hregionaldashboard.alberta.ca/AboutSiteSelector/) that can be used to find
and evaluate properties for business development. M. /waasa responded to
questions from Council.
Further discussion on this item was postponed until later during this meeting.
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8.3 Recognition of Service - Municipal Enforcement Supervisor
The Director of Municipal Services reported that J. Nesbitt would be retiring from
his position as Municipal Enforcement Supervisor in June 2025 and provided
some history and highlights of his 35-year career, 13 of which were at the County
of Newell. The Municipal Enforcement Supervisor thanked Council and the
Director of Municipal Services for many years of cooperation and support.
J. Nesbitt's family members, R. Nesbitt, J. Nesbitt, and F. Nesbitt, were in
attendance.
LEFT THE MEETING
Councillor D. Short, J. Nesbitt, R. Nesbitt, F. Nesbitt, J. Nesbitt, M. Harbicht, T. Schroeder,
G. Tiffin, J. Porfoun, L. Bryant, and D. Hanson left the meeting at 12:02 p.m.
LUNCH
Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:02 p.m. and RECONVENED at 12:49 p.m.
8. DELEGATIONS — continued
8.2 Brooks Newell Region Economic Development Update — continued
M. lwaasa continued with information on collaborations between Brooks Newell
Region Economic Development, Palliser Economic Partnership, and the
Southeast Alberta Chamber of Commerce. He provided an update on residential
development in Brooks. A new strategic plan for Brooks Newell Region will be
drafted in 2025 with guidance from the Joint Services Committee. Upcoming
major projects include the Brooks Newell Hydrogen Hub, Alberta Site Selector,
and exploring opportunities associated with data centers.
Council was given the opportunity to ask questions.
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Iwaasa left the meeting at 1:15 p.m.
ARRIVED AT MEETING
T. Green arrived at 1:17 p.m.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS
10.1 Road Closure -Approval to Proceed
(Ptn. of Road Plan 430BM in NW 5-22-14-W4)
The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on
this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. The
Planning & Development Supervisor suggested that this could be a land swap if
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the landowner provides alternate access and accepts responsibility for costs
associated with the process.
C-168125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we proceed with the process for
closing and SELLING the portion of road plan 430BM in NW 5-22-14-W4 with the
condition that an alternative route, as approved by Municipal Services, is provided and
all costs associated with the road closure and new road dedication is borne by the
applicant.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Jackson left the meeting at 1:27 p.m.
9. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS
9.1 ASB Update
The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities
of the Agricultural Services Department. Council was given the opportunity to
ask questions. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions
regarding downy brome, the coyote control incentive program, and hamlet
mowing.
9.2 Rural Beautification Awards -Assign Council Judge
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-169/26 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Councillor H. Johnson be the
Council judge for the Rural Beautification Awards Program and that the judging day(s)
be considered a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
12. POST AGENDA ITEMS
12.1 Engagement Opportunity - Potential Changes to the Wild Boar Industry
The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this
item and responded to questions from Council.
C-170/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council directs Administration to
consider the actions of other jurisdictions and reflect the position taken in the response
submitted to the Government of Alberta as the County's position on potential changes to
the Wild Boar Industry.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
T. Green left the meeting at 1:44 p.m.
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ARRIVED AT MEETING
M. Harbicht returned at 1:44 p.m.
12.2 Regional Enhancement Reserve Funding Allocation Request - City of
Brooks - Onboarding City into Regional Emergency Partnership
The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-171/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council approve additional
spending of $60,000 from the Regional Enhancement Fund in support of the City of
Brooks request to fund the onboarding and integration costs of joining the Newell
Regional Emergency Partnership.
MOTION CARRIED
12.3 CPKC Tracks & Structures —Additional Scope of Work
(MP96.74 Bassano at 11th Street/Rge Rd 184)
The Director of Municipal Services provided background information on this item
and responded to questions from Council.
C-172/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council approves one-time funding of
$29,700.00 (50% of the estimated $59,400.00) for railway crossing improvements to
MP96.74, funded from the Infrastructure Fund.
MOTION CARRIED
LEFT THE MEETING
M. Harbicht left the meeting at 1:49 p.m.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued
10.2 Bassano Pro Rodeo Pancake Breakfast (June 21, 2025)
The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and
responded to questions from Council.
C-173125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Council accepts the invitation
from the Town of Bassano to participate in the Bassano Pro Rodeo Pancake Breakfast
being held on June 21, 2025; further, that the County of Newell agrees to cover 50% of
the costs.
MOTION CARRIED
10.3 Councillor Payment Sheets (March 2025)
C-174125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that the March 2025 Councillor
Payment Sheets be accepted with the amendments recommended by the Councillor
Compensation Review Committee.
MOTION CARRIED
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10.4 Requests for Functions of Council
10.4.1 Brooks & District Community Fund - Community Grant Presentation
(May 30, 2025)
This item was accepted as information.
10.4.2 Inventures Canada (May 21 - 23, 2026)
Reeve A. Doerksen provided background information on this
item. Discussion followed.
C-176/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Reeve A. Doerksen, Councillor
G. Skriver, and Councillor N. Johnson be permitted to attend Inventures Canada in
Calgary, AB on May 21-23, 2025 as a function of Council.
MOTION CARRIED
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 Mountie Memo (April 2025)
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-176/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move in camera at 1:56 p.m.
to discuss the following matters:
• Intergovernmental Relations - FOIP Act Section 21.
MOTION CARRIED
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C-177/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that we move out of camera at
2:40 p.m.
MOTION CARRIED
16. ADJOURN
Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:40 p.m.
Signed this _a day of�, , 2025
U
Ree e
County Administrator
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