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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-08-07 Council (Regular) MinutesCOUNTY OF NEWELL MINUTES OF REGULAR COUNCIL August 7, 2025 The regular Council Meeting of the County of Newell was held in the County Office and livestreamed to the public on Thursday, August 7, 2025 commencing at 10:47 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. Jackson, Planning and Development Supervisor M. Harbicht, Director of Municipal Services T. Green, Director of Agricultural Services L. Johnson, Director of Corporate Services S. Biette, Corporate Services Supervisor C. Siakaluk, Communications Officer (Moderator) A. Nielsen, Executive Assistant OTHERS IN S. Stanway, Brooks Bulletin ATTENDANCE: K. Steinley, Newell Regional Services Corporation G. and H. Hammergren Family C.O. Johnson and Sons Family Niznik Farms Family 2 County of Newell Ratepayers CALL TO ORDER Reeve A. Doerksen called the meeting to order at 10:47 a.m. 2. EXCUSED FROM MEETING All members were in attendance at this meeting. 3. ADOPTION OF MINUTES 3.1 Minutes - Council (July 24, 2025) C-245125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that the July 24, 2025 Council Meeting minutes be adopted as presented. MOTION CARRIED Regular Council August 7, 2025 4. CALL FOR POST AGENDA ITEMS Reeve A. Doerksen called for post agenda items. 5. ADOPTION OF AGENDA C-246/25 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. Two County Ratepayers were in attendance. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS 11.1 Appointment to Regional Assessment Review Board Clerk Pool The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-247/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that Council appoints Shannon Biette (County of Newell), Liezel Apaez (City of Brooks) and Bailee Boulet (City of Brooks) to the Regional Assessment Review Board Clerk Pool, each of whom is qualified to serve as Clerk of the Regional Assessment Review Board on an as needed basis. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING S. Biette arrived at 10:50 a.m. C-248/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that Council approves the appointments of members to the Assessment Review Board Pool as follows: • Gwen Vickers (Term expires April 7, 2028) • Daphne Anstey-Martin (Term expires March 8, 2026) • Chris Dingwall (Term expires February 6, 2026) • Kevin Bridges (Term expires March 2, 2026) MOTION CARRIED C-249/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council appoints Daphne Anstey- Martin as chairperson of the Regional Assessment Review Board. MOTION CARRIED 11.2 2025 Tax Sale by Public Auction The Corporate Services Supervisor provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Page 2 of 9 Regular Council August 7, 2025 C-250125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that the 2025 Tax Sale by Public Auction be held on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at 10:00 a.m. in the County of Newell Building with cash or certified cheque only terms, and that the reserve bids for the 2025 Tax Sale properties be set as recommended by Administration. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING S. Biette left the meeting at 10:52 a.m. 11.3 Funding Request - Regional Enhancement Reserve (City of Brooks) The Director of Corporate Services provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. C-251/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that the request from the City of Brooks for the installation of new lockers at the JBS Canada Centre be APPROVED in the amount of $213,000 with funding from the Regional Enhancement Reserve. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 10:53 a.m. 11.4 Terms of Reference - Intermunicipal Affairs Committee The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item including an overview of the key points. Discussion followed regarding voting members and stating that a designate would be permitted to vote if the Chief Elected Official or appointed Council member is unable to attend a meeting. The Chief Administrative Officer provided clarification on delegations which could present to the Intermunicipal Affairs Committee rather than to each municipal Council. Annual updates could be provided from organizations that were created to serve the region, such as Newell Regional Services Corporation and the Newell Regional Solid Waste Management Authority. C-252/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR GREG SKRIVER that Council endorses the updated Terms of Reference for the Intermunicipal Affairs Committee, to take effect following the 2025 municipal elections, and direct Administration to work with partner municipalities to coordinate the formal adoption. MOTION CARRIED 11.5 Brooks Newell Region Economic Development Services Agreement The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. Council suggested including agriculture in the values section of Appendix A. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to questions regarding accountability, indicating that the Intermunicipal Affairs Committee (IAC) would set the key measures for economic development. Further, the IAC will receive updates on the economic Page 3 of 9 Regular Council August 7, 2025 development work plan and be asked to provide feedback. The Chief Administrative Officer responded to further questions from Council. C-253/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council endorses in principle the Brooks Newell Region Economic Development Services Agreement and direct Administration to proceed with finalization and execution in collaboration with the partner municipalities, with the Agreement taking effect January 1, 2026. MOTION CARRIED 12. MUNICIPAL SERVICES BUSINESS 12.1 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 boil water advisory at Lake Newell Resort July 31 - August 2, 2025 and the hydrant flushing process. LEFT THE MEETING K. Steinley left the meeting at 11:21 a.m. 12.2 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 dust abatement and road conditions. C-254/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that the Director of Municipal Services Report and the Utilities - NRSC Report for July 2025 be APPROVED as presented. MOTION CARRIED C-255/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN that we move into Public Hearings at 11:31 a.m. MOTION CARRIED 7. PUBLIC HEARINGS 7.1 Bylaw 2103-25 - 25 LUA 003 (Plan Scandia 4111 EA, Block 2, Lot 7 and Plan Scandia 4111 EZ, Block 2, Lots 8-12 - B-HAM to R-HAM) Reeve A. Doerksen called the Public Hearing to order at 11:32 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 Planning & Development Supervisor stated that the intent of the Public Hearing is to hear representations on Bylaw 2103-25. The intent of this bylaw is to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by rezoning Lot 7, Block 2, Plan Scandia Page 4 of 9 Regular Council August 7, 2025 4111EA and Lots 8, 9, 10, 11, & 12, Block 2, Plan Scandia 4111EZ within the Hamlet of Scandia from Business, Hamlet (B-HAM) District to Residential, Hamlet (R-HAM) District. The Planning & Development Supervisor provided background information on this item indicating that a copy of the document had been circulated to adjacent landowners and to a list of affected agencies. No responses have been received from adjacent landowners. None of the affected agencies have indicated any objections. There were no persons in attendance speaking either in favor of or in opposition to the proposed bylaw. Council was given the opportunity to ask questions C-256/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that we move out of Public Hearings at 11:34 a.m. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING M. Jackson left the meeting at 11:34 a.m. 8. BYLAWS 8.1 Bylaw 2103-25 - 25 LUA 003 (Plan Scandia 4111 EA, Block 2, Lot 7 and Plan Scandia 4111 EZ, Block 2, Lots 8-12 - B-HAM to R-HAM) C-257125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR ADENA SKANDERUP that Bylaw 2103-25, being a bylaw to amend Land Use Bylaw 2016-21 by redesignating lots known as Plan Scandia 4111 EA, Block 2, Lot 7 and Plan Scandia 4111 EZ, Block 2, Lots 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 from Business, Hamlet (B-HAM) District to Residential, Hamlet (R-HAM) District, be given SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED C-258/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR AMANDA PHILPOTT that Bylaw 2103-25 be given THIRD and FINAL reading. MOTION CARRIED ARRIVED AT MEETING L. Johnson returned at 11:35 a.m. 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. Page 5 of 9 Regular Council August 7, 2025 C-259/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR KELLY CHRISTMAN 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 SECOND reading. MOTION CARRIED LEFT THE MEETING L. Johnson left the meeting at 11:36 a.m. 10. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BUSINESS 10.1 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. RECESS Council RECESSED at 11:42 a.m. and RECONVENED at 11:50 a.m. LEFT THE MEETING Two County of Newell Ratepayers left the meeting at 11:42 a.m. 9. DELEGATIONS 9.1 100 Year Farm Family Awards Reeve A. Doerksen provided opening remarks and welcomed the 100 Year Farm Awards recipients to the Council meeting. The Director of Agricultural Services provided background information on this item. 100 Year Farm Awards were presented to the following: • G+H Hammergren (Wayne Hammergren) • C.O. Johnson & Sons (Blaine and Holly and Warren Johnson) • Niznik Farms (Jack and Donna, George and Joan, Bruce and Jodi, Brad and Kristin Niznik) • Anderson Family Farm (Stephen and Kim Anderson - not in attendance). A representative from each of the families in attendance provided background information on their family and a history of their farm. LEFT THE MEETING The 100 Year Farm Awards recipients left the meeting at 12:10 p.m. Page 6 of 9 Regular Council August 7, 2025 LUNCH Council RECESSED for lunch at 12:10 p.m. and RECONVENED at 1:00 p.m. 11. ADMINISTRATIVE BUSINESS — continued 11.6 Policy Review- POL-011-25 Councillor's Compensation & Expenses The Chief Administrative Officer provided background information on this item including an overview of the proposed changes to the policy. Discussion followed regarding increasing the monthly basic honorarium and whether regular Council meetings should be included in that amount. ARRIVED AT MEETING One County of Newell Ratepayer returned at 1:09 p.m. The Chief Administrative Officer provided an overview of the recommendations made by the Councillor Compensation Advisory Committee. Further discussion followed. C-260/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that Council approve Policy POL-011-25, Councillor's Compensation & Expenses, as presented, to take effect on the date of the 2025 Organizational Meeting, with the current policy remaining in effect until that time. MOTION CARRIED 11.7 Alberta Municipalities Convention (November 12-14, 2025) The Executive Assistant provided background information on this item and responded to questions from Council. Discussion followed. C-261/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that the Committee of the Whole/Interim Budget Review meeting be rescheduled for Wednesday, November 26, 2025 to accommodate the attendance of two (2) delegates at the Alberta Municipalities Convention on November 12-14, 2025). MOTION CARRIED 11.8 Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Fall 2025 Convention (November 17-20, 2025) 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 Agriculture & Irrigation - Crop Diversification Centre South update Minister of Transportation - road building initiatives, SH873. This item will be brought to a future Council meeting for further discussion. Page 7 of 9 Regular Council August 7, 2025 11.9 Requests for Functions of Council 11.9.1 Bassano Fire Hall Grand Opening (August 9, 2025) C-262125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that any Councillor be permitted to attend the Bassano Fire Hall Grand Opening on August 9, 2025 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 13. POST AGENDA ITEMS There were no post agenda items to discuss at this meeting. 14. INFORMATION ITEMS 14.1 Strategic Priorities Chart This item was accepted as information. 14.2 Safe Communities Report This item was accepted as information. 14.3 2025 Q2 Financial Information Package This item was accepted as information. 15. QUESTION PERIOD A question period was held. The moderator indicated that there were no questions from the public. D. Stabbler provided a history of the Rolling Hills sewer system, indicating that the Rolling Hills residents had chosen not to proceed with proposed changes several years ago due to high costs. He referenced an article in the July 30, 2025 issue of the Brooks Bulletin and expressed concerns that no recent information regarding proposed underground infrastructure upgrades had been provided to residents of Rolling Hills. The Chief Administrative Officer indicated that Council requested further discussion as part of the budget planning process, which will involve revisiting plans and exploring potential grant funding sources. The Rolling Hills Hamlet Advisory Board will be included in communications as details become available. Council provided assurances that Rolling Hills residents would be involved in future decisions regarding underground infrastructure upgrades. Page 8 of 9 Regular Council August 7, 2025 16. IN CAMERA C-263125 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR LYNETTE KOPP that we move in camera at 1:48 p.m. to discuss the following matters: • Intergovernmental Relations - Access to Information Act Section 26. MOTION CARRIED C-264/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR DAN SHORT that we move out of camera at 2:09 p.m. MOTION CARRIED C-265/25 MOVED BY COUNCILLOR HOLLY JOHNSON that any Councillor be permitted to attend the online information session "Managing Agricultural Plastic Waste Through a Regulatory Approach" on August 13, 2025 as a function of Council. MOTION CARRIED 17. ADJOURN Being that the agenda matters have been concluded, the meeting adjourned at 2:09 p.m. Signed this IL day of ���2be a/ , 2025 Reeve County Administrator Page 9 of 9