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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-19 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL June 19, 2025 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, June 19, 2025 commencing at 10:18 a.m. Notice was posted at the front entrance advising the public of the meeting. MEMBERS PRESENT: COUNCILLORS: STAFF: OTHERS IN ATTENDANCE 1. A. Doerksen, Reeve D. Short A. Skanderup L. Kopp H.Johnson G. Skriver K. Christman E. Unruh A. Philpott N.Johnson M. Fenske, Chief Administrative Officer L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services S. Luchies, Newell Regional Fire Chief C. Cochrane, Newell Regional Deputy Fire Chief T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services M. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor G. Tiffin, Manager of Planning, Development, and Engineering C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin B. Van Ee, Rosemary Agricultural Society L. Wiebe, Rosemary Agricultural Society B. Hall, Rosemary Agricultural Society J. Seely, STARS 1 County Ratepayer CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:18 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. Regular Councii June 19, 2025 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (June 5, 2025) C-201/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that the June 5, 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-202/25 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. 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2100-25 Fire The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item, outlining proposed amendments related to burn barrels. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Director of Corporate Services and the Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions from Council. A brochure from Alberta Forestry & Parks on safe burning barrel practices was provided for information. C-203/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Bylaw 2100-25, 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 FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 8.2 Bylaw 2101-25 Newell Regional Emergency Management Partnership The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information regarding insurance coverage required by all partners. Page 2 of 10 Regular Council June 19, 2025 C-204/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR NEIL JOHNSON that Bylaw 2101-25, being a bylaw for the purpose of establishing a Regional Emergency Advisory Committee, Agency, and Planning and Coordinating Group that includes the County of Newell, the Town of Bassano, the Village of Duchess, the Village of Rosemary, and the City of Brooks, be given FIRST reading. MOTION CARRIED 10. AGRICULTURAL BUSINESS 10.1 ASB Update The Director of Agricultural Services presented an update on the recent activities of the Agricultural Services Department. Highlights included information regarding an initiative with the Foothills Forage & Grazing Association, a recent Weed School session in Rolling Hills, century farm signs, and roadside mowing and spraying updates. The Director of Agricultural Services indicated that more nominations are needed for this year's Rural Beautification Awards. He a/so provided an update on the Crop Diversification Centre South revitalization project. ARRIVED AT MEETING J. Seely arrived at 10:45 a.m. The Director of Agricultural Services responded to questions regarding spraying for Volker Stevin. Discussion followed regarding interest in the Crop Diversification Centre South by contacts made during the /nventures conference. ARRIVED AT MEETING B. Van Ee, B. Hall, and L. Wiebe arrived at 10:52 a.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 Road Closure - Approval to Proceed (Cassils - Centre Street & a Laneway) The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item and outlined the process which will involve closing and selling a portion of Centre Street and a laneway in Cassils at market value to the adjacent landowner. She indicated the portions of closed road allowances to be consolidated with two adjacent parcels. A closure by resolution does not require a public hearing but adjacent landowners will be notified regarding the proposed closure. The Planning & Development Supervisor indicated the previous Council approved the closure and sa/e of this road allowance, but the applicant chose not to proceed at that time. Council was given the opportunity to ask quesfions. The Planning & Development Supervisor responded to questions regarding the sa/e, indicating that the sa/e to the applicant must be at fair market value and she did not recommend an open sa/e due to access considerations. If the applicant is Page 3 of 10 Regular Council June 19, 2025 opposed to purchasing the c/osed road allowance, it could be kept open or closed and leased to the applicant. ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Luchies and C. Cochrane arrived at 11:06 a.m. The Planning & Development Supervisor provided further information on the road closure by resolution process and responded to further questions from Council. C-205/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that Council APPROVES proceeding with the application for closing to public travel and SELLING Centre Street and the laneway in Cassils to the adjacent landowners. MOTION CARRIED RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:10 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:14 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 Funding Request - Rosemary Agricultural Society The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item. It was noted that while the funding application submitted was for 50% of an estimated $18,000 project cost, the County's policy provided for up to 70% of funding for minor projects under $50, 000 which increases the potential allocation under the policy to $12, 600. 8. Hall provided a history of the Rosemary Rec Plex, and an overview of the quotes received for the project. L. Wiebe provided information regarding the hockey program. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. 8. Hall responded to questions regarding the quotes. The Communications Officer provided information regarding RecCONNECT, indicating that she would forward the information to the Rosemary Agricultural Society. Council asked Administration to review the funding request application form. C-206/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Council approves an allocation of 70% of project costs up to $12,600 towards the rebuild of the Rosemary arena ice plant compressor under the County's Recreation Facility Improvement Funding policy. Further discussion followed. The Director of Corporate Services responded to further questions from Council. The Chief Administrative Officer provided additional information, indicating that a recreation funding agreement is in place between the County, the Village of Rosemary, and the Rosemary Agricu/tural Society. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-206/25 — MOTION CARRIED Page 4 of 10 Regular Council June 19, 2025 LEFT THE MEETING B. Van Ee, B. Hall, and L. Wiebe left the meeting at 11:34 a.m. C-207/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that we move into Public Hearings at 11:35 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Proposed Removal of Municipal Reserve (MR Status) — Lot 23 MR, Block 1, Plan 8410810 Bow City (SW 13-17-17-W4) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:35 a.m. Reeve A. Doerksen did not review the procedures that would be followed for the hearing as there were no new persons in attendance. The Director of Corporate Services stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to discuss the removal of Municipal Reserve designation from the parcel described as Lot 23 MR, Block 1, Plan 8410810 Bow City in SW 13-17-17-W4. No written submissions were received in response to the advertising or circulation. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed disposal of Municipal Reserve. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. C-208/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:38 a.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson, M. Jackson, and 1 County Ratepayer left the meeting at 11:38 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS — continued 9.2 Update — STARS J. Seely provided an overview of funding and fundraising efforts. She displayed a map showing the levels of municipal support throughout Alberta and northeastern British Columbia, indicating that 95% of Alberta municipalities are partners. She provided an overview of missions flown throughout the County of Newell since 2010 and information regarding medical supplies on board, which now includes new hemorrhage control medication. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. Council thanked STARS for the service provided and asked if there was an opportunity to tour the STARS facilities. J. Seely provided information regarding an open house at the Calgary base on July 8, 2025. Page 5 of 10 Regular Council June 19, 2025 LEFT THE MEETING J. Seely, S. Luchies, and C. Cochrane left the meeting at 11:55 a.m. LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 11:56 a.m. and RECONVENED at 12:42 p.m. 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS - continued 7.1 Proposed Removal of Municipal Reserve (MR Status) — Lot 23 MR, Block 1, Plan 8410810 Bow City (SW 13-17-17-W4) — continued C-209/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the Municipal Reserve designation be removed from Lot 23 MR, Block 1, Plan 8410810 Bow City in SW 13-17-17-W4. MOTION CARRIED 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS — continued 10.2 2025 ASB Resolution Report Card The Director of Agricultural Services reviewed the ASB resolution responses with Council and responded to questions. C-210/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council Accepts the report card recommendations from the ASB Provincial Committee. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING T. Green left the meeting at 1:03 p.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.1 Terms of Reference Review - Joint Services & Brooks Newell Region Economic Development The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item. The concept presented to the Joint Services Committee is for the establishment of one Intermunicipal Affairs Committee (/AC) consisting of all municipal Councillors in the region. This committee would meet three times per year and creates opportunities to build relationships and share costs associated with Council orientation. The IAC would also be a good forum for de/egations that currently visit municipal Council meetings individually. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that the funding contribution is to be determined, but a potential source would be a percentage of Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) operating funding allocation. The Joint Services Committee would continue until the 2025 Municipal Election and lAC would begin Page 6 of 10 Regular Council June 19, 2025 immediately after the 2025 Municipal Election with a Councillor orientation session. The Chief Administrative Officer provided information on proposed changes to the Economic Development function. lAC would develop the regional economic development strategy at the beginning of a Council term which would be implemented by CAOs through an intermunicipal agreement led by the Brooks Newell Region Economic Development team. Subcommittees could be established for special projects if additional governance is required. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions. The Officer indicated that direction will be required as to Development budget would be allocated, but it should be plan that communicates the desired outcome. Chief Administrative how the Economic tied to the strategic C-211/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council confirms its support, in principle, for: (a) the preparation of a Terms of Reference for an Intermunicipal Affairs Committee to replace the existing Joint Services Committee, and (b) the Chief Administrative Economic Development intermunicipal agreement Officers' recommendation that Brooks Newell Region services be delivered by the City of Brooks under an and further, that Council directs Administration to collaborate with partner municipalities to bring the draft Terms of Reference and service agreement back for Council's consideration. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions regarding funding for IAC, indicating that both Brooks and Rosemary Councils have approved the concept in principle. Currently, Brooks and the County of Newell have budget lines for Council orientations that could be combined and allocated towards IAC. Discussion followed. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions regarding Economic Development funding, indicating that there is an opportunity for shared services agreements for smaller partners similar to the way Municipal Enforcement services are provided. A portion of LGFF allocations will fund both the IAC and Economic Development. Further discussion followed. Reeve A. Doerksen called the question. VOTE ON MOTION C-211/25 - MOTION CARRIED The Chief Administrative Officer outlined the next steps in the process, indicating that the CAOs will work on more details and a draft will be presented to the Joint Services Committee in September. 11.2 Requests for Functions of Council There were no requests for functions of Council to discuss at this meeting. Page 7 of 10 Regular Council June 19, 2025 12. COMMITTEE REPORTS 12.1 Brooks Region Tourism Association Councillor A. Skanderup reported that there is a meeting scheduled for today and that she would remind them that the pathway is not yet open and the Bassano Rodeo has been rescheduled to July 4-6, 2025. 12.2 County of Newell Library Board Councillor L. Kopp reported that the County of Newell Library Board discussed revising their plan of service which must be completed by 2026. 12.3 Shortgrass Library System Councillor L. Kopp reported that the Shortgrass Library System board is developing policies forArtificial Intelligence and Systems Security. 12.4 Newell Recycling Association Councillor L. Kopp provided information regarding Alberta's Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program for residential recycling programs to be implemented by Newell Recycling. Newell Recycling is now accepting all washed and clean plastics numbered 1-7. 12.5 Grasslands Regional FCSS Councillor H. Johnson reported that Grasslands Regional FCSS allocated funding for Rosemary Canada Day and the Youth Summer Kickoff programs. There is still microgrant funding available for programs. 12.6 Joint Services Committee Councillor K. Christman reported that there is a new veterinarian at the Newell Vet Clinic looking for rental housing. The Joint Services Committee agreed to provide a letter of support to the Prairie Rose Hospice Palliative Care Society. Councillor K. Christman provided information on a presentation by Dr. Currin on the state of health care in our region. Counci/lor G. Skriver provided additional information, indicating that funding for women's health and pediatrics is crucial. Other items discussed included the Red Bull Outliers event returning September 5-6, 2025, and allocation of New Grow funding. 12.7 Palliser Economic Partnership Councillor H. Johnson provided information regarding the new Palliser Economic Partnership Board. Key initiatives include the Rural Infrastructure readiness project and A/berta Agrifood export readiness. Page 8 of 10 Regular Council June 19, 2025 12.8 Inventures Conference (May 21-23, 2025) A written report was submitted by the attendees Reeve A. Doerksen, Councillor G. Skriver, and Councillor N. Johnson. The attendees made some good connections and identified economic opportunities regarding data centres. Reeve A. Doerksen provided additional information regarding some organizations that are interested in visiting the Crop Diversification Centre South. 12.9 Cypress Farm & Ranch Show Councillor L. Kopp reported that she attended this event and provided details on some of the education sessions. 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS 13.1 Appointment of Financial Reviewer - County of Newell Library Board The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-212/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Council APPROVES the appointment of Krista Payne for the purpose of reviewing the accounts of the County of Newell Municipal Library Board. MOTION CARRIED 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 Brooks RCMP Report (May 2025) 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. Page 9 of 10 Regular Council June 19, 2025 16. IN CAMERA C-213/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ELLEN UNRUH that we move in camera at 2:01 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations — Access to Information Act Section 26. MOTION CARRIED C-214/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move out of camera at 2:29 p.m. MOTION CARRIED 17. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:29 p.m. Signed this 1(��day of V , 2025 � R eve �� �._ County Administrator Page 10 of 10